Balancing Family Values and Design Choices: How Cobelis Reflects the Art of Compromise in Home Renovation
Every business has a story, but the tale behind Cobelis is particularly close to my heart. Named after my three wonderful children—Cooper, Bonnie, and Ellis—Cobelis reflects the essence of family, love, and, most importantly, the art of compromise.
A Name Born from Love
When I was brainstorming a name for my business, I wanted something that represented not just my work but also my family. After all, home design and renovation are deeply personal. I thought about the values I wanted to instill in my children and how those values translate into my work. That’s when it struck me: naming my business after them would be the perfect tribute.
However, the decision was not as straightforward as it seems. Each child’s name carries its own significance, and I wanted to honor them all while creating a unique brand. This balancing act of inclusion and individuality is where the magic—and the humor—of Cobelis comes into play.
Bonnie’s Discontent: A Comic Element
Let’s talk about Bonnie for a moment. She’s hilariously “disgusted” that only the letter ‘B’ from her name made it into Cobelis. This playful disappointment is a delightful reflection of the compromises we make as parents. You can’t always make everyone happy, no matter how hard you try. Similarly, in home renovation, it’s rare to achieve perfection for everyone in the family.
When renovating a home, you often find yourself caught between what you want, what you need, and what fits within your budget. Just as I had to choose which letters to include in Cobelis, homeowners must decide which features to prioritise in their spaces. It’s a balancing act that mirrors everyday family life.
Compromise: The Heart of Home Renovation
The essence of Cobelis isn’t just about a name; it’s about the journey of making compromises in both parenting and home design.
- Understanding Needs vs. Wants: Much like deciding what to include in the name Cobelis, homeowners face the challenge of distinguishing between desires and necessities. You might dream of a grand kitchen but must consider whether it fits within your budget or the overall layout of your home.
- Inclusive Design: Just as I had to balance my children’s names to create a brand, creating a home means considering the needs and preferences of all family members. It’s about crafting a space that reflects everyone’s lifestyle, even if it means leaving some desires behind.
- Informed Decisions: Compromise in renovation isn’t about settling; it’s about making informed choices that benefit the entire family. Each decision, whether big or small, should be a step towards creating a harmonious living environment that everyone can enjoy.
The Bigger Picture
Cobelis stands as a reminder that, much like in family life, there will always be moments of compromise in the renovation process. It’s not about pleasing everyone at every turn; it’s about making thoughtful decisions that enhance the lives of all who inhabit the home.
Let’s Chat at the Connacht Selfbuild, Extend + Renovate Home Show
If this story resonates with you, and you’re curious about how I approach home design and renovation, I invite you to join me at the Connacht Self Build, Renovate, and Extend Show. I will be speaking at this year Selfbuild, Extend + Renovate Connacht Show on ‘Discover The Secret Way to Saving 33% on Your Renovation Budget’.
You can also find me at the Advice Hub, where I’ll be available for one-on-one guidance on your renovation project. I’d love to meet you and chat about how we can bring your vision to life! Click here to collect your complimentary tickets for the show.
PS. Can’t make it to the show? No problem! Book a free clarity call with me instead. We’ll talk through your current ideas, identify potential pitfalls, and evaluate your current situation and resources, and outline the next steps to bring your vision to life. You can click here to arrange a time to have a chat about how my design process can help you with your renovation project.
Why Homeowners Are Facing Disappointment with their Architect—and What Can You Learn to Avoid the Same Heartbreak.
At a recent summer fair at my children’s school, I had the pleasure of meeting Aileen, who stopped by my stall to chat. It was a delightful encounter, but sadly, it wasn’t the first time I had heard the overwhelming frustrations that often accompany home renovation projects. Many of my clients have shared similar feelings of anxiety and disappointment, recounting their struggles with architects who didn’t listen to their needs or respect their budgets. Aileen’s journey is a powerful reminder of how essential it is to find the right partner in the design process—someone who understands not just the logistics, but the emotional weight that comes with making a house a home. Her story of transformation speaks volumes about the importance of trust and communication in creating spaces that truly serve families.
Hi Eleanor,
I have been reflecting on the buildup to working with you on our reconfiguration project. I had seen your stall at a school fair, engaged with you, and got such a lovely sense from you. You offered advice that day and were not pushy. At that point, I was so flustered, frustrated, upset, and to be very honest, my husband and I were broken. When I met you, I went home and told my husband about our meeting and spoke of ‘my gut feeling’ telling me that you were the person. We were already working with an architect and had spent thousands on plans, so we felt we had to continue, even though my gut was screaming no. We were having a horrendous experience, and it was in the middle of this that I happened upon you at the school fair.
We initially engaged an architect recommended by a builder, but as time went on, it became clear that we had lovely pictures, but they were never going to become our home. Our budget was ignored, and had planning been approved, we wouldn’t have been able to fund the build. I did all the chasing, months went by, and I saw the architects’ lovely Instagram projects, which felt like a slap in the face. We finally chose to walk away, broken and at a loss of a lot of money.
When I phoned you, Eleanor, I was desperate. I had been following you on Instagram, and you took a call from a complete stranger. You listened to me offload for a full hour. I was in a state, speaking in a rushed tone, voicing my absolute frustration. You remained calm, reassured me to take time, and helped me see what we truly wanted.
We took a pause because I didn’t know if I could go through it all again, losing more money and hope. When we spoke, you really made me think about whether I was committed. You helped us face our fears, and we felt you understood the weight of what this project had become for us—something that no longer brought joy.
From the first visit, you impressed us by showing up with homework already done. You had contacted the council and confirmed we were never getting planning to begin with. You were firm and clear about what was possible, but you also respected our budget, constantly reassuring us that we were within it. I’m still tense about it, but your detailed costings and contingency plans give us confidence. Unlike our previous experience, you’ve communicated consistently with us and never left us wondering.
The first time you presented us with two design options, I cried. It was the first time we felt a glimmer of hope. We began to believe that staying in our home in this beautiful location might actually be possible. We hadn’t been able to imagine ourselves in our home before, but through your drawings, that began to change. You saw where clutter gathers, understood the workings of family life, and designed for our needs—not for awards. We don’t want a showhouse; we want a home.
You planned into the future, allowing us to easily adapt the space as our daughters grow. We love the simplicity, the focus on comfort, and the ‘plain and no fuss’ aesthetic you listened to us about. You’ve explained your decisions clearly, and we’ve grown to trust the process.
We now look forward to our meetings with you. Your prompt replies to our questions and your reassurances make us feel like we have a real partner. You’ve given us hope. Soon, we will be able to invite friends over for playdates and sleepovers without feeling embarrassed about our home. You’re not just giving us a house; you’re giving us the life we’ve worked so hard for. I’ll forever be grateful for that chance meeting at the school fair.
As the saying goes, “better late than never.”
Does this resonate with you?
Are you Aileen? Do you feel like your architect isn’t truly hearing your needs for your home? Are you ready to reclaim control and reignite your excitement for your renovation project, rather than feeling overwhelmed?
Book a clarity call with me, Eleanor, and take the first step toward transforming your project. During this free call, I’ll introduce you to my Reconfiguration Review, designed to restore your confidence and provide clarity through a transparent process tailored specifically to your family’s needs. Together, we’ll explore how to reconfigure your space, ensuring it works for your lifestyle—without unnecessary extras or inflated budgets.
If you are ready to regain control of your renovation project click here to arrange a time to get your Reconfiguration Review™ started.
