The BEST Home Renovation Decisions, According to Homeowners

No regrets!

Over the years, we’ve heard plenty of renovation regrets. While learning from mistakes is valuable, there’s just as much insight to be gained from the successes that homeowners swear by.

Here are some renovation choices homeowners are truly happy with—ones you might want to keep in mind when planning your own home renovation!

1. Adding smart features to your home

In today’s digital age, smart home technology is a game-changer, making everyday living more convenient and efficient. This was a key decision for Shadee Hizami when renovating his double-storey home in Selangor. Every switch in his house can be controlled through voice commands and a mobile app, in addition to physical buttons, allowing him to turn on or off the switches from anywhere.

“For example, if I want to cool down the house before I get home, I can simply turn on the air conditioning through my app. Even the drapes and blinds have smart features—they automatically close during the day when the sun shines in, helping to keep the house cool,” Shadee shared.

Beyond convenience, his entire home is equipped with motion sensors that automatically switch lights on and off when someone enters or leaves a room. This not only reduces electricity consumption but is also perfect for families with young children who may struggle to reach light switches.

2. Open up your home with a skylight and glass windows (for landed properties)

If you live in a landed home, incorporating skylights and glass windows can be a game-changer. Not only do they enhance natural lighting, but they also reduce electricity usage during the day and elevate your home’s aesthetics. That’s exactly why Suliza, the owner of this double-storey terrace, decided to open up her kitchen, dining, and living areas by installing skylights and glass windows. The result? A once-dark and dull home transformed into a bright, airy, and inviting space.

She also shared how natural light has improved her family’s well-being, boosts their mood and increases energy levels.

“We have a higher quality of life because we receive natural lighting almost every day. Whenever I feel stressed, angry, or in a bad mood, I will look at the greenery and open the windows, which will instantly make me feel more calm and at peace,” says Suliza.

3. Creating separate wet and dry kitchens

If you love cooking, entertaining, and keeping your home clean and organised, having a separate wet and dry kitchens can be a game-changer. For Nadia, the owner of a single-storey bungalow in Kuala Lumpur, this setup has been one of her best renovation decisions.

“Since we’re Malay and love cooking aromatic dishes, the sliding door (that divides the wet and dry kitchens) helps contain cooking smells, preventing them from spreading throughout the house," explains Nadia.

Meanwhile the dry kitchen serves as a welcoming space for guests to gather without exposing them to the mess of the wet kitchen.

4. Designing a home with seamless flow to suit your lifestyle

When renovating your home, consider your daily routine to create a space that enhances convenience and efficiency. Take Liza, the owner of a Moroccan-inspired home, for example. She designed a dedicated laundry room right next to the back entrance, making it convenient to hang freshly washed clothes under the sun. This simple yet thoughtful layout has made laundry days much more seamless for her family.

For young couple Shelly and Zhe Wei, who lead busy lifestyles, convenience was a top priority. Instead of a traditional laundry setup, they chose to install their washing machine and dryer near the bathroom for easy access after taking a bath/shower.

“During previous days, our parents often air-dry our clothes outside the house, which can be a hassle when it rains. Since we have a busy lifestyle, we decided to install a washing machine and dryer neatly tucked into our wardrobe. So we can just throw our dirty clothes immediately after showering, streamlining our routine and making laundry less of a hassle,” shares Shelly.

5. Installing built-ins for safety

Both built-in units and loose furniture have their advantages, but for families with young children, built-ins provide added safety and stability—making them a smart choice. Homeowner Krittapak,
for example, opted for built-in furniture when renovating her condominium. Unlike loose pieces that can shift or tip over easily, built-ins are securely attached to the wall or floor, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and creating a safer environment for her family.

“Since our kids are both young and active, we opted for more built-ins to prevent furniture from toppling over if they climb on it. This minimises the risk of injury and gives us greater peace of mind,” she shares.

6. Choosing a peninsula over an island

A peninsula and a kitchen island both enhance functionality, but depending on your layout and needs, a peninsula can offer several advantages—as homeowner Kenneth Tan discovered when designing his Balinese-inspired home in Kuala Lumpur.

For Kenneth, choosing a peninsula over an island was one of the best design decisions he made due to several reasons. Compared to a standalone island, a peninsula offers more workspace while being more budget-friendly, making it a practical choice. On top of that, a peninsular can act as a natural divider between the kitchen and dining area, guiding the movement in a more predictable and organized way. This makes it easier for guests to navigate from one end of the space to the other. He explains more about his design choices in this reel.

7. Splitting your utility room into zones for different functions

If the home’s layout doesn't quite fit your lifestyle, don’t hesitate to make adjustments that better suit your needs. That’s exactly what Wana did when renovating her 4-bedroom terrace in Selangor. Originally, the house had a utility room/maid’s room next to the kitchen. Since she didn’t need a maid’s room, she demolished the walls and transformed the space into four functional areas: a breakfast nook, coffee station, laundry area, and cat room.

“This area allows me to multitask effortlessly—handling the laundry while dining or enjoying a cup of coffee, keeping an eye on the kids playing outside, and spending quality time with our cat. Given our small family of four, this cosy breakfast nook is also our usual dining spot where we enjoy meals together,” she shares.

8. Hiring an interior designer for your home renovation

Lastly, it goes without saying that hiring an interior designer is a smart investment—ensuring a well-planned, stylish, and functional living space while saving time, money, and stress. For first-time homeowner, Ain, hiring an interior designer wasn’t part of her original plan. However, after her contractor suggested working with one, she decided to give it a try. Looking back, she found it incredibly reassuring to have expert guidance throughout the renovation. The designer’s attention to detail in both planning and execution made the entire process much smoother.

One of the best design decisions came from her laundry area. "At the back of my wet kitchen, there’s a walkway leading to a hidden laundry space. Initially, I wanted a built-in cabinet for the washing machine with open shelves for storage. But my interior designer suggested using a black sliding door to create a ‘hidden’ space, making the area look visually uncluttered. It was a brilliant idea that I never would have thought of!"

Her biggest takeaway? Hiring a professional made all the difference.

“If I were to give advice to other first-time homeowners, I’d strongly recommend working with an interior designer for a hassle-free renovation. It takes the stress off your shoulders because you won’t have to worry about every little detail—you just tell them what you want, and they’ll provide the best options!” she shares.

Make informed decisions for your home renovation

An experienced professional can help you provide valuable guidance, ensuring that your home is renovated efficiently and effectively, without costly errors or oversights that first-time homeowners might overlook.

When you submit your request for free quotes, we will connect you with up to 5 interior designers based on your budget and requirements. Additionally, you'll automatically become a part of the Qanvast Trust Programme, which includes the Qanvast Guarantee. This programme ensures the protection of your renovation deposit, covering amounts up to RM50,000.

Meet interior designers. Get quotes. Based on your requirements, we will recommend you up to 5 firms with the Qanvast Guarantee. Get Free Quotes