
How to renovate a holiday home in Mallorca, the first steps.
When it comes to renovating your home, I always start by asking the important questions: Do you need more storage? Is there space for a home gym? Does Johnny need somewhere to do his homework that’s not the dining table? The goal is to identify parts of your property that can be improved to enhance your lifestyle. After all, who doesn’t want a home that’s not only beautiful but also makes life that little bit easier?
Often, there are parts of your holiday home in Mallorca that aren’t being used to their full potential. Maybe there’s a lonely corner of the garden that’s just begging to become an outdoor spa – hot tub, anyone? Or perhaps you’ve got a guest room that’s only seeing action a couple of times a year, but with a little creativity, it could double as an office or workout space. It’s all about thinking outside the box and asking, how can this space work harder for you?
Dream Big – Then We’ll Make It Practical
In the early stages, I always encourage clients to dream big. Go on, let your imagination run wild! If money were no object, what would your home look like? You’d be surprised by how often those big dreams can actually be turned into reality.
For example, you might say, I’d love a home gym, but I don’t have the space. Well, there could be a way to make that happen – whether it’s converting the garage, rethinking a spare room, or even using a bit of roof space. Or maybe you’ve always fancied a bigger kitchen. Perhaps we can knock down a wall or rearrange the layout to give you more room. The key is to start with the dream, then let someone like me, an interior designer who specialises in luxury renovations, figure out how to make it work.
I often find that once I’ve had a walk around a client’s home, their ideas evolve. People get so used to seeing their house a certain way that they don’t think of all the possibilities. That’s where a fresh pair of eyes comes in handy. I can say, why not put the kitchen where the dining room is? or how about flipping the living room to make the most of the light? and suddenly, the space starts to open up in ways you hadn’t imagined.
Be Open to Suggestions – And a Bit of Banter
One of the most important things during a renovation is to stay open to suggestions. When a designer, builder, or architect suggests something a bit different, don’t immediately shoot it down. Sure, you might have lived in your house for 20 years and be very attached to how things are – but sometimes a small change can make a massive difference. And remember, we designers are here to challenge you (and sometimes each other!).
Of course, I’ll always be honest with my clients. If something you want just doesn’t make sense (I’m looking at you, people who want to squeeze a gym, a study, and a wine cellar into a box room), I’ll gently steer you in a more practical direction – but not without having a good laugh along the way!
Budgeting: Let’s Get Real
Ah, the big question: How much will it cost? Now, this is where things get interesting. People are often a little shy when it comes to talking about their budget. I ask, what are you looking to spend? and get a very vague, Oh, around £150,000. But then I’ll say, Well, for £150,000 we can’t quite do everything you’re dreaming of. If I told you it would cost £250,000, could that work? And usually, they’ll respond with, Well, yes, if we get exactly what we want, we could stretch to £250,000. So, you see, the budget isn’t really £150,000, is it?
In the end, people know what they can afford, and it’s my job to help them get the best result within their range. When renovating a holiday home in Mallorca, costs can vary depending on the starting point – and whether we need to knock a few things down before we start building back up! It’s always a good idea to keep a bit of flexibility in the budget because things can change once we dig into the details.






What to Look For in a Designer (Spoiler: Pick Me)
If you’re thinking of hiring an interior designer for your luxury renovation, it’s important to know what to look for. First off, you’ll want someone with experience, a solid portfolio, and client referrals. Local knowledge is a huge plus, especially in Mallorca, where knowing the right suppliers and craftsmen can make a world of difference.
And here’s a pro tip: make sure your designer has a good team. One of the benefits I offer my clients is that I manage all the trades – from electricians to carpenters – which saves you the hassle of dealing with separate contractors. Plus, you won’t need to brush up on your Spanish to explain where the light switches should go! Having a trusted team that works well together can make all the difference in the world.
Communication is Key
I’ve worked with clients who live all over the world, so communication is something I take very seriously. I typically set up a WhatsApp group for every project, where I share photos, videos, and progress updates. This way, clients can see how things are going, even if they’re not physically present. We also use spreadsheets to keep track of milestones, so everyone is on the same page – no nasty surprises, just good old-fashioned organisation.
Red Flags: What to Watch Out For
Now, if you’ve never worked with a designer before, you might wonder what red flags to look out for. For me, it’s a lack of flexibility. If a designer insists that everything has to be done in their style, it’s probably a sign to run for the hills. It’s your home, and it should reflect your tastes. Of course, I’ll always give you my honest opinion – if you want a neon green sofa with leopard print curtains, I’ll kindly suggest another option – but the final decision is always yours.
Another thing to look for is how they communicate. Do they keep you in the loop? Are they transparent with costs and timelines? These are all crucial to ensuring your renovation runs smoothly.
Renovating your holiday home in Mallorca can be a big job, but with the right approach, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to make your home truly your own. Whether you’re dreaming of a new kitchen, a home gym, or just making better use of your space, I’m here to guide you through it. After all, your home should be a reflection of you, and I’m here to help make that happen – with a little bit of fun along the way!

Want to chat? Send me an email to justine@knoxdesign.net