How to Plan a Renovation Without Losing Your Mind

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | July 23, 2025

From Overwhelmed to Organized

You know your home needs a change. The layout doesn’t flow, the finishes are outdated, and you’ve saved up, dreamed big, and collected every possible inspiration pin on your phone. But now you're frozen.

“Where do I even start?”

That question comes up in almost every first conversation I have with clients. And guess what? You're not behind. You're not doing it wrong. You're just standing at the edge of something big—and like anything important, it's normal to feel overwhelmed.

So let’s walk through the first steps together.

1. Start With Why

Before you think about tile samples or furniture, ask yourself:

Why am I renovating?
What’s not working in my space?
What do I want to feel when I walk in the door?

Your why becomes your anchor. It keeps your decisions focused, your budget purposeful, and your design personal. Whether it’s better flow, more light, or a space that reflects your lifestyle—your goals should guide every step.

2. Make a “Must-Have” vs. “Nice-to-Have” List

This isn’t about sacrificing your dreams—it’s about prioritizing them.
Write down what your space needs to function better (like storage, a second bathroom, or an open kitchen), and then add the things that would make it truly amazing (like heated floors, custom cabinets, or that freestanding tub).

This list will help you—and your designer—build a plan that balances vision and budget.

3. Know Your Budget Range

Notice I didn’t say final number. You don’t need to know the exact cost right now. But having a realistic range helps your designer make smart recommendations and keep things on track.

A good rule of thumb? Build in a 10–15% buffer for unexpected things. Renovations are full of surprises—and that buffer gives you peace of mind.

4. Collect Inspiration—with Purpose

You don’t need 300 pins. What you need is a clear vibe. Look through your saved photos and notice what keeps showing up:

Is it warm wood tones or sleek white finishes?
Do you love soft, earthy tones or bold contrast?
Are you drawn to minimalism or layered textures?

Your inspiration should be a reflection of you, not just what’s trending.

5. Call in a Designer—Early

Here’s where most homeowners get stuck: they try to figure everything out on their own before calling a professional. But bringing a designer in at the beginning saves you time, stress, and costly mistakes.

As a designer, I help you:

Define your vision
Build a clear, achievable plan
Avoid expensive detours
Communicate with trades and suppliers
Make decisions that work together—not just look good individually

You don’t have to do this alone.

You’re Not Behind—You’re Just at the Beginning

Renovating your home is a big step. But the first step isn’t demolition. It’s direction.
And once you have that, the rest falls into place.

Let’s take that step together. Book your complimentary consultation and let’s talk about your goals, your space, and how to make this renovation feel a lot less scary—and a lot more exciting.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studio.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

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