5 Tips for Planning a Renovation Project

Spring is a time of renewal, rejuvenation…. And renovations! Whether you're dreaming of a luxurious new kitchen, a spa-like primary bath, or a full home refresh, one thing is certain: the key to a successful renovation is a solid plan.

At our firm, we believe thoughtful design is more than just beautiful—it’s strategic, personalized, and seamless. If you're considering a renovation this year, here’s our expert guide to planning it the right way from the very beginning.

Step 1: Start with Your "Why"

Start by asking yourself: Why are you renovating? (As we know from Simon Sinek, all purpose begins with this question!) Do you want a larger kitchen with new appliances and more storage, where you can actually enjoy cooking? A pool and outdoor living space for the kids to enjoy? More room for family gatherings and hosting celebrations?

Knowing your "why" helps prioritize decisions and keeps the project aligned with your long-term goals. It also ensures your designer can recommend the best layout, materials, and finishes to support your vision.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget

A renovation budget should reflect more than just materials. It also includes:

Design fees
Labor and contractor costs
Permits and inspections
Furnishings, window treatments and accessories
A contingency (usually 10–20%) for the unexpected

Working with an interior designer from the outset helps you build an honest budget. We also guide clients on where to splurge and where to save.

Step 3: Create a Clear Vision

Pinterest boards and inspiration images are helpful starting points, but your home is one of a kind. We take your style, lifestyle, and space into account to create a design that feels uniquely you—not just a copy of something you've seen.

We encourage clients to create a “Must Have” list, and a “Nice to Have” list so that they can determine the priority of the features that will be included in their project.

For our projects, we have very detailed questionnaires that we walk through with our clients to understand how they live, what they need to store, and what features are important to them in their home. This information is then used to craft our design.

Step 4: Understand the Timeline

Renovations take time, and the timelines on HGTV aren’t real! A kitchen or bath remodel can range from 8 to 16+ weeks, depending on the size and scope.

Things that impact timeline:

Product lead times (especially custom cabinetry and upholstery)
Contractor availability
Permitting and inspections
Scope changes during the process

Also, it's important to get on the calendar sooner than you think, and planning 6-12 months in advance is NOT too early to start. Because of the factors mentioned above, and in order to get your desired timeline, begin planning earlier than you think!

Step 5: You Get So Emotional, Baby

Design is an investment—and a collaborative one. Hiring an experienced interior design team means you gain:

Access to trusted trades and reliable vendors
Thoughtful solutions to unexpected challenges
A space that balances beauty, comfort, and function
A home that is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic

But it's also an intrusion into your daily routines, no matter how great your team is. I tell clients that a renovation is kind of like having a baby:

Phase I: you're super excited about this new project, and you have a million thoughts running through your head about what it's going to become. Creating Pinterest boards and ripping ideas of out magazines, you're in the

Phase II: Things are getting "real" as you talk about the numbers, the timeline, and what this is going to take as you're making all of the preparations.
Phase III: Demo day excitement has worn off and you've in the final stretch after being in construction for awhile. You just want to be done.
Phase IV: Your project is complete, your lovely interior designer has placed the last vase on the shelf, and you're ready to begin enjoying your new home's space.

At least at the end of your project, you don't have to deal with being woken up 3 times a night or colic!

But honestly, from concept to completion, our goal is to make your renovation feel exciting, not overwhelming.

Let’s Build Something Beautiful Together!

If a renovation is on your mind, now is the perfect time to start planning. Whether you're just gathering ideas or are ready to dive in, we’d love to help guide you through the process—from first sketch to final styling.

Reach out to schedule a design consultation—we’re here to make your dream home a reality.