The Overlooked Strategy to Keep Your Renovation on Track
Renovating your home can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll take on, yet it’s also a significant investment. You work hard for your money, and renovations can quickly drain those savings, especially when costly mistakes or unnecessary additions come into play. I’m here to share a simple, often overlooked secret to saving as much as 33% on your renovation budget—without compromising the design you love.
As a spatial interior designer, my focus is on reimagining your existing spaces. This means analyzing how each room works for you, how it impacts your family’s communication and flow, and whether it enhances your overall lifestyle. When done thoughtfully, reconfiguring a home’s current layout can eliminate the need for a large, expensive extension or, at the very least, reduce the size of the addition. So, before you commit to building out, let’s explore whether your space can work harder for you.
Why Your Design Should Be As Unique As You Are
In my 15 years of design, I’ve come to one essential conclusion: every home should be as unique as its owners. The spaces I design reflect each family’s individual needs and lifestyles, not just aesthetic trends. Whether or not you love the styles in my portfolio isn’t the point—my clients do. They love their homes because we worked together to create spaces that fit their lives and bring them daily joy
If you find yourself unsure of what you want, consider how you want to live in your home. A client once told me that, after returning from a two-week holiday, all they could think about was how much they couldn’t wait to get back to their home. That’s the goal: creating a space that feels like you and that you can’t wait to enjoy every day.
Avoiding the Worst-Case Scenario in Renovation
We’ve all heard of renovations going over budget—let’s say you planned for €200,000 but spent €220,000. Not ideal, right? But that’s not actually the worst-case scenario. The real nightmare is spending €200,000 on the wrong design, only to realize, after six months of living in it, that it doesn’t fit your lifestyle. That’s why I prioritize function just as much as style. By making your design work for your life, you avoid the costly mistake of a beautiful but impractical space.
Real-Life Case: Reconfiguring for a Smaller, Smarter Design
A recent client came to me after working with a design-build firm who recommended an extension that was entirely out of their budget. Feeling embarrassed, they reached out to me with the hope of finding a more affordable option. I analyzed the entire layout, not just the back half of the house where the extension would go. I showed them how resizing the front living room and rethinking the layout could allow for a smaller kitchen extension. This saved them over €45,000 and resulted in a home they are now proud to show off.
Another client came to me with an architect’s design that was beautifully drawn but wildly over budget. By revisiting their needs and considering their whole home, we revised the project from a €350,000 to a €200,000 design that achieved everything they wanted, thanks to thoughtful reconfiguration.
Quality Over Size: The Key to a Lasting Design
When it comes to renovation, you often face a choice between quality and size. Many people want a bigger space but don’t think about how their budget affects the quality of that space. My goal is to ensure you have a home that works for you in a way that feels spacious, even if it doesn’t mean adding square footage. Size for the sake of size can drain your budget; a quality design, however, can enhance your mood, energy, and day-to-day enjoyment.
Finding the Right Designer for You
I may not be the only great choice for a designer in Ireland, but I can help guide you to make the right choice. Look for a designer who listens to your goals, respects your budget, and understands how you live. The best designers won’t just add rooms—they’ll enhance the way you connect with each space in your home.
If you’re ready to see how rethinking your existing space can save you time, money, and stress, Click Here to book a clarity call to have chat. During this call, I’ll walk you through my Reconfiguration Review—a process designed to give you clarity and confidence by focusing on your family’s unique needs. Together, we’ll explore how to reimagine your space so it works beautifully for your lifestyle—without unnecessary costs or oversized budgets.
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.
Most homeowners make the mistake of taking the lead on their design by telling the designer what they want but you don’t have to fly your own plane to get to where you need to be!
There are two ways to achieve a new design for your home:
1. Follow Your Process – The ‘I Think I Know What I Am Doing’ Method where by you tell the designer what you want and then completely panic when you loose confidence in your own decision making when you realise you are not qualified to making these massive decisions.
2. Follow My Process – The Memory Making Making Method™ where by I build your confidence to gain absolute clarity on what is possible with your space and help you to understand where and what you should focus your budget on to ensure you are spending your money wisely.
The problem is most designers who do not have a process either jump into solution mode or allow the homeowner to take the lead on the design because it is easier, it is easier to be the hero! But why then, do you not like what they have done for you when they did what you just asked them to do, after all? Why do you suddenly loose confidence in yourself when it comes to the crush time of making permanent decisions. The reason is, the designer did not allow themselves time to understand you, your family, to understand what is it that you really need. The design of your home is about more than the lines on a page, it is about you, how you are going to use it, how you want to feel in your home, how want your home to make you feel and that simply takes time. When you rush into solution mode you run of the risk of spending your budget on the wrong things ultimately designing a layout that will not work for you and your family.
It is very easy to say what we want but it is my job to understand what is it that you really need.
We don’t always get what we want but it is much more important to get what we need.
Let Me Tell You A Story
Catriona contacted a number of architects and design and build firms who not only over prescribed her a design well beyond her needs but also her budget. She knew she wasn’t happy with the design but she didn’t know what she didn’t like about it or why she didn’t like it, she just had a gut feeling that the whole process was off. Catriona didn’t know at the time but she was in masssive danger of being misdiagnosed the wrong design and very close to her money not being spent very well because no matter what your budget is, you are going to spend it and more so it is massively important that you know you are spending your money in the rights places to suit your family.
Catriona reached out to me after following my instagram account for awhile where I arranged for the first step of my process a Clarity Call to have a chat so I could learn more about your project and thoughts and for Catriona to learn more about how my process can help her and her renovation project.
Why My Process?
With my Memory Making Method™ I see your memories before you have made them. What this means for you is I am able to guide you through your design helping you to visualise how you will use your home from your perspective to suit your family and your lifestyle which will ultimately reduce your project risk of being misdiagnosed the wrong design because by the end of the design process you will be 100% confident that the design I do for you is not just A design but the BEST design option, for you.
My Memory Making Method™
Stage 1: Clarity Call
We schedule a clarity call where it gives you a chance to discuss your project with me, ask questions and gain clarity on any concerns you may have. It also gives me an opportunity to explain my design process and see if you are a suitable fit for each other.
Stage 2: Your Reconfiguration Review™
Your Reconfiguration Review™ is my pre-design diagnosis step. This step will help you gain a clear vision on what can be achieved within your budget and your existing space and to develop a clear understanding and roadmap to a good design that you will have for the rest of your life.
Stage 3: Conceptual Design
I investigate different reconfiguration solutions to make the most of your space to include what you really need and exploring the different design options.
I showcase designs and ideas that won’t work to help you understand and build your confidence on the design that will work best for you. This is why I spend a little more time at the conceptual stage, so mistakes are not made and prevent you from being misdiagnosed the wrong design.
Stage 4: Design Development
After reviewing your concept plans, best design revised to produce final plan with relevant elevations to suit and demo plan. I will plan out the different spaces to provide a detailed layout so you can then use the drawings to obtain a more precise costing from a contractor.
Stage 5: Visualisation
If you want to understand the design so you don’t build the wrong thing and have live to regret it, I recommend that you obtain a 3D visualisation of your home. I can model this space to show you, your home from every angle so you can feel what it’s like to be in it before it is built.
Stage 6: Revision
You have a chance to make alterations and amendments to the final design. You can make a hundreds changes but only one time!
Stage 7: Builder
You send the drawings to builders for costing and selection
Stage 8: Design Assist
I assist you in finalising the permanent fixtures and fitting for your home i.e the kitchen, lighting and flooring.
Here’s What Catriona Had To Say About My Process:
“After being through a number of consultations with various companies, we were still unsatisfied with the solutions being proposed. However, after our consultations with Eleanor and going through the process with her, we have a much clearer understanding of what our needs actually are and what solutions make sense. Eleanor ensured that we really thought about what we wanted and why, and her proposals really make us feel confident that the design is right for us now and into the future as our family grows.”
Are you Catriona?
For homeowners whose thought they had to take the reins in order get the right design for your home but now know that following your process will not get you to where you want to be, I offer my Reconfiguration Review™. In this exercise, I prepare a spatial and behavioral analysis, to evaluate what you need but most importantly why you need it, helping you to gain clarity on where and what you should focus your budget on.
If you want to follow my process to get the BEST design option for you and your family Click Here to arrange a time to get your Reconfiguration Review™ started.
Are You Thinking Of Extending Your Home? STOP! Click Here to read ‘Ireland’s Greatest Renovation Rip Off’ blog before you make a HUGE mistake!
Why most homeowners are overpaying on their renovation and how you can avoid becoming the next renovation fashion victim.
For any homeowners who has been told their renovation budget is “unrealistic” you MUST Read this before you give up hope. Nobody’s trying to take advantage of you, but what an increasing number of homeowners are learning is that you can be getting a much better house for your euro than most people are getting.
There are two types of renovations, one is really expensive and the other is really smart.
1. The Build Renovation where you extend your home to add more footprint which is expensive.
2. The Reconfiguration Renovation where you do not add more space you reconfigure existing space using smart design.
The problem is hardly anyone offers #2 because architects and design & build firms make big money on #1. But in many cases all you need is #2. Now that’s like selling a client a Rollex Oyster, when all they need is an Apple i-watch. Many designers who do not listen end up over prescribing because they design for themselves, their portfolio, to win awards, not their clients. It’s not their fault! I love architects but they are trained to build more space not reconfigure existing space. When you are a hammer everything looks like a nail.
Hi, my name is Eleanor Clarke and while most architects and designers look to build you a new space at a greater expense, I look to reconfigure your existing space to work smarter for you, using smart design because a clever re use of space saves you hundreds of thousands and still gives you what you need. You don’t always need to built space.
What does smart design look like?
Smart Design is about understanding what you really need to help you gain clarity on why and where you should focus your budget.
S – Spatial planning to improve the layout and correct the design fundamentals, flow function, connection and circulation
M – Memory Making Method-my unique design process where I listen and uncover what you really need.
A – Aligning the design with your needs, not overprescribing to blow your budget
R – Reconfiguring within your existing footprint to alter your space not to add
T – Tighter budget, designing smarter not bigger even when everyone else told you must to extend to achieve what you need.
Let me tell you a story
Barbara knew her home didn’t work for her and so she reached out to an architect. The design she was presented with not only didn’t fix her problems and but made them worse, why, because it would have put her into massive debt. She was prescribed an over ambitious design and extension, far beyond Barbara’s needs and budget. Embarrassed, confused and feeling completely deflated she put off doing her renovation for three years not knowing who to turn to. Her life was put on hold, too embarrassed to have family and friends over, to host birthday parties or even to have the odd playdate, she was miserable.
Eventually, Barbara reached out to me and we were able to establish what she could achieve by focusing her budget on improving her existing space, reconfiguring within your existing footprint rather than building an unnecessary extension, saving her thousands and shortening her renovation timeline so she could simply get on with life quicker.
Are you Barbara?
For those whose home does not work for them but don’t know that there’s a more affordable way to get what they need, I offer my Reconfiguration Review™. In this exercise, I prepare a spatial and behavioral analysis, to evaluate what you need but most importantly why you need it, helping you to gain clarity on where and what you should focus your budget on.
The longer you wait, the longer your life is put on hold and the more you will crack up.
This invitation is for homeowners who are being told they will need to spend more money to get what they want but don’t have the budget for a build renovation yet still need a space to suit their family better than the current one does.
Our clients report an average savings of 40% – 55% on their renovation by achieving what they need without building an extension.
If you want to save thousands on your renovation click here to arrange a time to get your Reconfiguration Review™ started.
