Before You Renovate: 5 Things a Designer Wants You to Know

If you’re planning a home renovation, whether it’s a simple refresh or a full remodel, it’s easy to feel both excited and overwhelmed. As a designer, I’ve seen firsthand how a little extra planning upfront can save time, money, and stress in the long run.

Before you dive in, here are five things I always share with clients who are getting ready to renovate.

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1. Define Your Vision — Not Just the Look, but the Feel

Scrolling Pinterest is a great place to start, but don’t stop at pinning pretty photos. Think about how you want to live in the space. Do you need more storage? Better flow between rooms? Space to host family or keep kids nearby while cooking?

Getting clear on your lifestyle needs will help guide all your choices, from layout to materials. The most beautiful space in the world won’t feel right if it doesn’t work for your everyday life.

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2. Not Every Trend Is Right for Your Home

Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it will work in your home. What looks great on Instagram might not suit your ceiling height, natural light, or architectural style. Scale and proportion are often overlooked but make a huge difference.

Instead of chasing every trend, aim for timeless elements that will age well. A designer can help adapt inspiration photos to suit your space, without losing the overall feel you’re going for.

Bonus Tip: Trends come fast, renovations don't! What's "hot" now may be over before your project finishes. Stick to what truly resonates with your lifestyle.

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3. It’s Easier (and Cheaper) to Make Changes on Paper

Design regrets can be costly. I recently heard from a homeowner who spent over $10,000 redoing their tile, not because the tile was wrong, but because they didn’t like the direction it was laid. It could have easily been avoided with a 3D rendering before the installation started.

When you can visualize every finish and layout detail beforehand, you catch mistakes before they happen. This makes the entire process smoother and far more cost-effective.

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4. Budget Beyond Just Materials

When setting a renovation budget, most people focus on finishes (such as tile, lighting, and flooring), but the real costs often come from things you can’t see, including labor, demolition, design services, product shipping, permits, and project delays.

Build in a buffer and make room for the unexpected. Keep in mind that a thoughtful design can create a beautiful space with a mix of high and low items. Strategic splurges and budget-friendly choices can go a long way.

Bonus Tip: Create a "nice-to-have" list. If you come under budget, you'll have a plan for how to use any leftover funds wisely, rather than spending on impulse.

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5. Having a Plan Makes the Whole Process More Enjoyable

Renovating is a big project, and without a plan, it can quickly become stressful. When every choice feels reactive, decision fatigue sets in fast. But with a plan in place, you’ll feel more in control and more excited about the results.

Clear visualizations, realistic timelines, and a roadmap of what’s next make the renovation process feel intentional rather than overwhelming.

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A Quick Note from Me

If you’re in the early stages of planning, now is the perfect time to get support. My goal is to help homeowners feel confident and prepared, whether that’s through custom 3D room renderings, floor plans, or one-time design consultations.

You don’t need a full-service design package to make informed decisions, just a clear vision and the right support to bring it to life.

Click here to view all of my design services!