often it is suggested to live 'in situ' to develop ideas and how the house works however some simple things that might provide better livability whilst you settle in - change out the lounge curtains for a gentler color. The green is very folsksy and kind of blocks out ideas, a change of light fitting also for a quick update. Maybe in neutral tones for the time being, gold or darker than wall drum light and drapes. The bathroom you showed could have the one blue wall painted out to white to set up a crisp white with blue highlight scheme, with dark blue towels etc.

Thinking about the kitchen, a temporary paint job of white and change of the flooring - the most cost effective to lighten up the room whilst you work out layout.

Looks like a good family house. Congrats.

I don’t think you can renovate your house in three weeks, but as suggested, decorating it may give you a nice update just before you move in.

Paint the bricks of the fireplace and alcove. Perhaps in the same colour you choose for the wall(s).

Also change the flooring as you mentioned yourself.

You could possibly have a kitchen installed (3 weeks being very tight!) but I agree with kazzh, live in it first to get a feel for what is needed and how to improve the place.

Judging by the photos, most of it is perfectly ‘serviceable’.

Thanks guys, this has been helpful

Hi there! I'm working on a new TV series of 'Sarah Beeny's Renovate Don't Relocate' in which Sarah Beeny helps people decide how to utilise the space in their homes and you seem perfect for it. If you're interested in applying, please do email me at chiomah@outlineproductions.co.uk

Aargh here we go again with Sarah Beeny’s spam.

Having a film crew in your house whilst renovating will just add to the stress! Don’t do it!

Lol. But true. 😄

I would whitewash the walls everywhere including the bricks in the lounge. Sling the carpet in lounge and lino in kitchen and replace them with something temporary to make it feel clean and new. Then live in it and enjoy your lovely bundle of joy whilst having time to get to know your house. Good luck!

Thank you once again guys, these tips are helpful

My wife is struggling to live with the kitchen as it is, she just can’t do it! 🙃

Congrats on your new home and impending baby! As others have suggested, I’d advise living in the house for a while before doing any major renovations. Three weeks is very tight and who knows what one might unearth when you start stripping things out!

Left to me I’d get a professional floor-fitter to do all the floors - change downstairs carpet to laminate or engineered wood and replace the kitchen lino with a vinyl roll or LVT. It’s easier to get the floors done before you move in with all your furniture, buy some extra packets of your chosen flooring for future renovations.

I’d also paint all the walls white as Sonia suggested. You can replace old, peeling wallpaper with lining paper and paint it, rather than getting the walls skimmed.

Not sure if this is your first child but you’ll want to take it pretty easy the first few months, don’t give yourself the added stress of major renovations on top of moving and having a newborn! If you’re wife is really set on having the kitchen updated, maybe try a small budget refresh? Worktop vinyl wrap, tile stickers/tile paint, paint or replace the cupboard doors. Little changes that will make the kitchen look more modern.

Good luck

Hi,

Hope you don't mind me getting in touch!

My name is Lucy and I'm working on a new TV series about people renovating their kitchens.

We would love to hear from people in the UK who have ordered/near ordering their kitchen. The show is documentary style, with a well-known presenter who has over 20 years experience in the building trade. I wonder if this may be of interest to you? If so, please pop me an email with a contact number, budget, and brief description of timescale to Lucy.Cooper@PiProductions.tv. Kind regards, Lucy

Aargh, not another one?!

Lucy, please stop spamming!