THE VISION BOARD THAT STARTED IT ALL: CHARACTER SEMI EDITION
We fell in love with this home long before we started renovating it.
It wasn't because it was perfect. Like so many heritage semis, it had a dark, disconnected kitchen, an awkward layout and a few quirky spaces that had seen better days.
But underneath it all was something you can't buy: character.
Beautiful timber windows, decorative ceiling roses, elegant archways and all the charm that comes with a home that's stood the test of time.
Before we touched a thing, we captured that feeling in a vision board. It became our guide for every decision that followed. The vision was simple: historical elegance, timeless warmth and modern ease.
The Vision Behind The ‘CHARACTER SEMI’
Celebrating the home's character
This renovation was never about creating character. The home already had plenty.
Our job was to improve the way the home could be lived in while protecting the features that made it so special. Every decision we made had to respect the home's heritage while making it brighter, more functional and better connected.
A better flow for modern living
The biggest opportunity was at the back of the house.
A new galley kitchen, French doors opening onto the courtyard, a skylight overhead and a cosy dining nook transformed a dark, disconnected space into the heart of the home. We also converted the existing garden office into a flexible home office and retreat, adding functionality without increasing the footprint.
Colour with confidence
Colour featured on our vision board from day one.
We embraced a delicious red wine hue as the hero of the kitchen, balanced by integrated appliance cabinetry painted to blend seamlessly with the ceiling and walls. The result is a kitchen that feels warm, calm and surprisingly spacious, proving that thoughtful use of colour can make even small spaces feel better.
FROM VISION TO REALITY - HOW DID WE GO?
The details matter
The vision board guided every finish, right down to the smallest details.
The diamond-laid bathroom tiles are a nod to the home's heritage, the Carrara by Design rangehood adds timeless character, and the transition from the original timber flooring to the new Embelton European oak was carefully considered so the old and new sit comfortably together.
Why we always start with a vision board
If you’ve ever been halfway through a renovation thinking, “How did we end up here?” - chances are the vision wasn’t clear from the start.
A vision board is much more than a collection of beautiful images. It's a way of creating a clear direction before the decisions begin.
When you know how you want your home to feel, choosing colours, finishes, furniture and styling becomes so much easier because every decision is measured against the same vision.
For our Character Semi, that vision helped us create a home that feels true to its history while being beautifully suited to modern family life.
In our books, it’s non-negotiable to have your vision board nailed before a single nail is hammered. Share it with your builder, show it to your tiler, shout it from the rooftops. It’s the quickest and most effective way to get everyone on the same page and visualise the end result.
Vision Board vs Mood Board (Not the Same Thing)
Hot tip 🔥: A vision board is NOT just a pretty collage.
A mood board shows how you want your home to look.
A vision board captures how you want it to feel.
Our vision boards do both. They’re a visual summary of your goals (aesthetic and emotional), and they guide every single choice that follows.
How We Create Vision Boards (The Three Birds Way)
We start every reno by:
Naming the vision
Sum the whole project up in 3–5 words. Big picture only.Defining the feeling
Calm? Energised? Like you’re on holiday every day? Lock it in.Collecting the inspo
Pinterest, Instagram, screenshots galore - then we pull everything together so the story is clear on one page.
Remember: A vision board isn’t about copying someone else’s home image for image. It’s about being inspired by the things you love: the shapes, the colours, the textures, the design details and, most importantly, the way a space makes you feel. When we create a vision board, including for the Character Semi, we’re not saying “we want this exact room”, we’re saying “we love that scalloped details, the practicality of that super cute garden shed, the confidence of that colour” - and then we put our own spin on it. A great vision board gives you direction without boxing you in, helping you create a home that feels cohesive, intentional and uniquely yours.
This is exactly what we teach inside Reno School, because once your vision is clear, decisions become easier, faster and way less overwhelming.
Why This One Step Can Save Your Reno (and Your Sanity)
A strong vision board helps you:
stay consistent
avoid expensive impulse decisions
communicate clearly with tradies and designers
create a home that actually feels like you
It’s not about being “good at styling”. It’s about clarity.
Want Help Creating Yours?
Whether you’re renovating to live in, renovating to sell, or just tackling one room, learning how to create a proper vision board will change everything.
Inside Reno School, we walk you through:
how to define your vision
how to translate feelings into visuals
and how to use that vision to guide every step of your reno
👉 Come learn exactly how we do it inside Reno School.
Trust us - your future self (and your budget) will thank you 💛
