Turn your reno dreams into reality

AFTER RENOVATING: Create a cosy nook for curling up on a rainy day.

When best friends Erin, Bonnie and Lana ditched their corporate careers to start Three Birds Renovations, they were rookie renovators with big ideas. Today, with many incredible house transformations under their tool belt, they're a power trio turning neighbourhood ugly ducklings into swans.

Three Birds Renovations is packed with gorgeous details from their projects, friendly words of encouragement and more than 400 reno tips to help you avoid budget blow-outs, manage trades and timelines, and style without stress. Whether you're starting small or going all-in with a whole-home reno, this is destined to become one of the most useful books you own.

Create a cosy nook

We love finding “dead space” and transforming it from sad and neglected, to useful and fab. Dead space is an empty or unloved area you aren't using for anything, like a space under your stairs or a neglected area in your study or living room. By adding a reading lamp, bench seat or bed, a fresh coat of paint, some cushions and a throw, you can create a snug space for curling up on a rainy day.

Install a fire pit

Portable backyard fire pits bring people together in a “round the camp fire” kind of way and truly allow you to enjoy your outdoor space year round. For one of our renos we constructed a sunken space for a fire pit using herringbone pavers and wraparound bench seating. With this type of design it's important to think about drainage (so that it doesn't end up a swimming pool) and ensure there is enough space for you and the kids to safely sit around it without getting too close. And in the hotter months you can convert it into a sun lounge by replacing the fire pit with a coffee table and umbrella, making this one of the most versatile entertaining spaces in your home.

Let's get illuminated

Lighting really can make a big difference to how your home feels, especially during darker winter months when the sun has waned. There are three main types of lighting to consider: Ambient, task and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting includes everything that brings general light to a room. This could be downlights, pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces and floor lamps. Our tip is to always choose warm white (rather than cool white) globes.

Task lighting is for specific tasks like chopping food in the kitchen or reading in the office. You'll want to be sure you have enough light to comfortably do those tasks.

Accent lighting is where the drama comes in, so you might add a spotlight above a piece of art or lighting in a cabinet to illuminate the decorative objects on display.

If you're not sure where to start, visit your local lighting shop to see different lighting options in action!

Wall candy

There's nothing more boring than a blank space above a sofa. #snoozefest! If you're spending more time inside, you want something nice to look at, so invest in some wall candy. A blank wall is an opportunity to add some interest to your home and tell a story. You might go for a large statement mirror, a bold and bright artwork, or a special item like a juju hat or gorgeous wall hanging.

— Excerpt and photos courtesy of Three Birds Renovations