Remodeling? Here is what you need to know before you start.
There’s something sacred about home. It’s more than four walls — it’s where life happens. It’s where we gather, grow, and make memories that stick with us for years to come. So when the time comes to remodel a space, it’s not just about choosing the right tile or paint color (though that’s part of the fun). It’s about crafting a place that reflects who you are and how you live.
If you’re considering a remodel — whether it’s a full gut job or a room-by-room refresh — here are a few thoughts to help guide you through the process with intention and heart, and with your sanity intact!
1. Start With Purpose
Before anything else, take a moment to dream. Not just about finishes and fixtures, but about how you want to feel in your home. Ask yourself:
What’s working in our current space — and what’s not?
How do we want to live here, as a family, every day?
Will this be our home for a few more years, or for the long haul?
When you remodel with a clear purpose, your design choices become less overwhelming and more meaningful. You're not just choosing countertops — you’re choosing how your family will gather around them for Sunday pancakes and school projects.
2. Set a Realistic Budget (And Then Breathe Room Into It)
Remodels can stretch the budget if you’re not careful. Sit down and get honest about what you can spend — and where you’re willing to make trade-offs.
Build in a buffer. I always recommend setting aside an extra 10–15% for those “just in case” moments. (Because surprises behind old walls are real.)
Prioritize: Invest in things that matter — like a solid layout or quality cabinetry — and save on things you can upgrade later, like hardware or accessories.
Track everything. Even the little things add up.
Remember, the goal isn’t to make it look like a magazine — it’s to make it feel like home.
3. Think About How You Really Live
This is one of the biggest design lessons I’ve learned over the years: beauty matters, but it should never come at the expense of function. Your home should serve your life — not the other way around.
Do you need more storage? Build it in from the start.
Do you cook a lot? Invest in a functional kitchen layout.
Got kids or pets? Go for durable surfaces and washable fabrics.
Good design doesn’t just look good — it works well for you, every single day.
“The best rooms have something to say about the people that live in them.”
4. Choose a Team You Trust
Unless you're doing all the work yourself (which is amazing, by the way), you'll need a team to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a contractor, an interior designer, an architect, or local tradespeople, surround yourself with people who respect your vision and communicate well.
Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
Look for a project manager that you like being around and that is transparent about their process.
Get everything in writing — timelines, scope of work, payment schedules.
When you find people who care as much about your home as you do, it makes all the difference.
5. Mental Health Check: Living Through a Remodel
Let’s be real — living in a construction zone is never glamorous. It's dusty, noisy, and your life will seem a bit chaotic for as long as the project takes.
Tips for staying sane:
Set up a “clean zone” to escape the chaos.
Over-communicate with your project manager. Having open communication and knowing what to expect throughout the project does wonders for easing tension and worry during a remodel.
Celebrate all the wins (first wall painted! backsplash installed!).
Keep the big picture vision in mind — it will be worth it!
6. Stick to a Timeless Foundation
Trends come and go, but your remodel should stand the test of time. That doesn’t mean it has to be neutral or boring — it just means starting with a classic base and layering in personality.
Think subway tile, hardwood floors, and clean lines.
Add warmth through textures and natural materials: woven baskets, linen curtains, handmade pottery.
Personal touches — like family photos, heirlooms, or kids’ artwork are what give a space its soul.
Most importantly, your home should tell your story, not someone else’s.
