Kitchen renovations are exciting—the promise of a fresh, functional, and beautiful space can make anyone eager to get started. But let’s be honest: they can also be messy, inconvenient, and sometimes have small surprises.
Here are some super practical tips to help you prepare for the reality of living through a kitchen renovation.
The Dust Will Win
No matter how many plastic barriers go up, how tightly you seal the vents, or how many doors you close—dust will find a way into your home. Kitchens often sit at the heart of the house, so when walls come down and cabinets come out, that fine layer of construction dust seems to travel everywhere.
Pro tip: Change your furnace filter often—during and after the renovation. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they clog up. And keep your small appliances covered, even in other rooms.
Align Your Priorities Before Demo Day
If you’re tackling the renovation with a spouse or partner, talk early about what matters most. Maybe one of you cares most about layout and storage, and the other about finishes and design.
Ask each other: “What’s the most important thing about this kitchen renovation to you?”
Once you both know your priorities, it’s easier to make trade-offs when decisions get tough. Shared expectations = less conflict, more collaboration.
Beware of the “While You’re At It” Trap
It’s easy to say, “While you’re at it, let’s just move that wall,” or “Let’s add pot lights in the dining area.” But in the kitchen, every small change can have a domino effect—especially when plumbing, electrical, or cabinetry is involved.
That said, sometimes it does make sense to upgrade while things are open (like running a gas line or adding outlets). Just go in with eyes wide open—every add-on affects both your budget and your schedule.
Make All Material Selections Before the Dust Flies
Cabinets, countertops, tiles, hardware, lighting, flooring—the kitchen has more material choices than any other room in the home. Decision fatigue is real.
Make your selections before demo day and have as much as possible ordered. This keeps your project moving smoothly and prevents delays that stall progress.
Sticking with your original choices also helps your budget stay on track. Every mid-project change can cause ripple effects in timing and cost.
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
During your renovation, you’ll need a spot to prepare simple meals, make coffee, and wash dishes.
Set up a small temporary kitchen somewhere else in your home—maybe the laundry room, garage, or even outdoors in summer. Include:
- A mini fridge or cooler
- Microwave, toaster oven, or hot plate
- A basic set of dishes and utensils
- A folding table or storage bins for prep and cleanup
Bonus tip: If you have kids, create a small snack station with grab-and-go options to avoid constant “what’s for dinner?” chaos.
Expect Some Disruption—and Plan for It
For a few weeks your kitchen will be a construction zone. You’ll wash dishes in the bathtub, make coffee next to the washing machine, and probably eat more takeout than usual and that’s okay.
Consider stocking up on easy meals, paper plates, and frozen dinners. Or, if possible, plan the renovation during warmer months so outdoor cooking can help fill the gap.
A Few Tips You’ll Be Glad You Heard
- Keep a clutter-free zone. Amidst the renovation chaos, it’s refreshing to have a space that feels calm and untouched. Keep one or two rooms renovation-free.
- Plan mini escapes. When your house starts feeling more like a job site than a home, step away. A family trip to the park, the zoo, or even a coffee shop can make a world of difference. Small outings help everyone recharge and return with a better mindset.
- Have an essential bin. Gather the things you use every day—keys, phone chargers, takeout menus and keep them in a single and reliable spot. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not rummaging through boxes to find them.
- Protect your pets. Construction noise, new people, and strange smells can stress out your furry family members. Create a quiet space away from the action, or consider a sitter during the busiest phases of the renovation.
- Little Prep Goes a Long Way. Knowing what to expect makes a huge difference. With some planning, patience, and flexibility, you’ll get through the dust and disruption and end up with a kitchen that truly works for your lifestyle.
The stress fades, the dishes find their new home, and you’re left with a space built for gathering, cooking, and connection.
