Interior Expert Reveals the Rooms Worth Splurging on — and Those You Can Style for Less

Homeowners are increasingly investing in renovation and re-decoration projects. Last year, half of Brits (49%) planned to complete house renovation projects, whilst almost two-thirds (60%) planned to decorate and furnish areas of the home.]

As people across the UK plan their home projects for the next year, Steven Dempsey, Style Consultant at Shutterly Fabulous, has revealed the most and least affordable rooms to overhaul completely – helping homeowners make smarter decisions with their savings.

The most expensive rooms:

1. Kitchen

Average Cost: £10,000

“The kitchen is one of the costliest rooms in the home to renovate and redesign, with functionality at the core of the space. You’ll need to factor in appliances, cabinetry, hardware, tiles, and flooring, which can add up to several thousand pounds – especially if you have a large room to work with. A kitchen also needs to be built to a high standard to withstand the wear and tear of daily cooking and cleaning, and premium materials can quickly increase the cost of the redesign. It’s one of the most important rooms in the house and can significantly increase resale value, so investing in a high-quality kitchen is worth your while.”

2. Laundry Room

Average Cost: £7,000

“Despite often being one of the smaller rooms in a home, laundry and utility rooms can cost a pretty penny. Like kitchens, they demand the need for high-quality and durable materials that can cater to frequent footfall. As well as cabinetry, a sink, and flooring, you’ll need appliances to create a functional space that suits your needs – this can quickly increase costs. While laundry rooms aren’t usually an aesthetic area of the home, social media trends have led to an increase in stylish organisation products (such as glass containers and labels) which are changing the way people style their spaces.”

3. Bathroom

Average Cost: £6,000

“Bathrooms are often seen as a place to add a touch of luxury, but achieving that look can quickly become costly, making them one of the most expensive rooms to redecorate. Tiles alone are a major investment, and labour costs can drive expenses even higher. Yet, a well-designed bathroom is also one of the most valuable upgrades you can make to your home. By investing in durable finishes that withstand moisture and heavy use, you create a space that not only feels indulgent but also adds lasting value.”

The most affordable rooms:

1. Living Room

Average Cost: £1,500 – £5,000

“The living room is one of the best spaces to experiment with style and interiors, as it can be relatively affordable to revamp. Once you’ve invested in high-quality basics such as a sofa and coffee table, you can add soft furnishings for a much lower cost – think cushions, throws, wall art, and ornaments. Similarly, repainting or adding wallpaper can be an affordable way to change a colour scheme quickly and revitalise the room. You can also add stylish window treatments for a fairly low cost, whether that’s traditional shutters, roman blinds, or thick curtains.”

2. Bedroom

Average Cost: £1,500 – £4,500

“For many, the bedroom is a sanctuary – a place to unwind and recharge at the end of a long day. It’s often the first space people choose to redecorate in a new home, and with thoughtful planning, it can be transformed on a relatively small budget. The largest investment is usually a high-quality mattress, closely followed by a durable bed frame. From there, finishing touches such as fresh paint, soft furnishings, and carefully chosen décor can infuse the room with personality. Window treatments like shutters or blinds not only provide essential privacy but also add depth and character to the space.”

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