Design Notes
Budget is a keyword that we often use here. The amount of money you feel comfortable spending on a kitchen renovation will determine the scope of work you plan to do for your kitchen remodel. A budget is a plan for how you want to spend your money. It is one of the most essential pieces in the renovation plan and helps guide the project. We get asked multiple questions on this topic, including:
- What is a reasonable budget for a kitchen remodel?
- What is the purpose of the remodel?
- Is a contingency fund necessary in the renovation budget?
- What should be included in the budget?
One of our first goals in a design meeting is to establish a budget for the entire project, including cabinets, flooring, hardware, and fixtures. We realize stress and confusion come with a remodel of any size, which should not be a side effect for you to worry about. Starting with a list of questions before you start is key to the success of your remodel. The budget will set the tone for the entire project and specify the products and layout to show you. In this blog, we will share what a reasonable kitchen renovation budget should include and a general estimate for the total.
How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen?
This is the most basic question, and it can be hard to determine what a good kitchen renovation budget is. Typically, you should budget around $100 to $200 per square foot of the space. The following is a general estimate, but remember that it can change depending on the materials and features you choose for your kitchen renovation.
$25,000 to $125,000 is the general range and includes cabinets, flooring, appliances, hardware, lighting, and other design elements you want in this space. Remember that this number is flexible based on your goals. Adding new light fixtures, countertops, and hardware can give your kitchen a new look for much less. A higher-end budget would be needed if you wanted to redesign your entire kitchen layout and start fresh. Read more details about the cost of a kitchen renovation here. Our experienced designers can assist you in creating a budget that is just the right fit, one of the many benefits of hiring a designer. Read more of the benefits here.
Design Options
One of the first things you need to do when starting a kitchen renovation is to create a detailed list of your goals and priorities for the renovation. It is essential to have this list so that you and your designer can properly allocate the budget to include these items. Things you may want to write down during your budget planning session:
- Appliances: The size and style of appliances usually dictate the budget.
- Tile: This includes backsplash and accent pieces.
- Flooring: Do you want hardwood flooring or tile?
- Fixtures: Hardware, lighting, and faucets fall into this category.
Remember, you can always revise as you go. This is for the initial planning phase, but itis helpful to have a rough idea of what you want to spend on each area of the renovation.
Should I Have A Contingency Fund?
If there is one thing that is certain, it is that there will always be unexpected costs. Even with the best of plans, unforeseen problems can arise during a renovation, so it is best to have a contingency fund in place. Most agree that 5% to 10% of the overall renovation budget should be set aside to cover any such emergencies.
What About Those Fees?
When setting up your initial renovation budget, it is easy to forget about permits, installation, shipping, and taxes. These costs need to be factored into the budget so that you know what will be available to spend on the actual product, such as tile, flooring, and hardware.
What About The Extras?
While everyone enjoys splurging a little, it is wise to consider which ones will give you the most value and benefit you and your family. Some items to consider would be:
- High-end countertops such as granite or quartz
- Extra lights in the kitchen
- hardwood flooring over laminate
- prep zone or additional sink
Talk with your designer about which options are the most important so that they can help you plan out a realistic kitchen renovation budget.
Windows are one of the most essential elements in any home—yet they’re often the most overlooked. Gone are the days when windows served a purely functional role. Today, they do so much more than provide natural light and fresh air—they enhance energy efficiency, connect us to the outdoors, and contribute significantly to a room’s overall design and mood.
Whether open or closed, windows allow us to enjoy nature from the comfort of home. But their impact doesn’t stop there. With the right window treatments, you can transform the feel of a space, improve insulation, increase privacy, and even boost the value of your home.
In this blog, we’ll explore what window treatments are, the various styles available, and how they can bring both beauty and benefits to your living space—for you, your family, and your home.
Walker WoodworkingWithout a doubt, the most significant statement piece in a bathroom is the vanity, as it is usually the first thing the eye sees. Floating vanities have become increasingly popular, particularly with minimalist, clean, and modern aesthetics. This blog will explore what they are, what designs complement floating vanities best, and the benefits this style can bring to your bathroom.
Granite, Quartz, Marble, or Quartzite?
These are the top contenders when it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Each one brings its own strengths, aesthetic appeal, and practical considerations—making the decision both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and unique, one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface that offers a wide range of color options and is prized for its low-maintenance qualities. Marble stands out for its timeless elegance and heat resistance, though it requires more upkeep. Quartzite closely resembles marble in appearance but offers greater durability and easier maintenance.
When making your selection, it’s important to consider factors such as heat and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and of course, budget. Below, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each material to help you determine which surface best suits your lifestyle, design vision, and practical needs.
The kitchen pantry is often one of the most underutilized yet high-potential spaces in the home. While it can easily become a catch-all for clutter, a well-designed pantry is a true hidden gem—capable of transforming the functionality of your kitchen. From storing oversized serving pieces to housing everyday essentials, a thoughtfully planned pantry helps keep countertops clear and mealtime prep more efficient.
Whether you have a compact pull-out pantry, a spacious walk-in, or a dedicated butler’s pantry, innovative organization is key. A well-designed pantry not only maximizes storage but also supports the flow of your kitchen. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite design ideas and practical tips to help you better utilize your pantry space—and maybe even inspire your next kitchen upgrade.
Our showroom’s grand opening was the culmination of two years filled with vision, planning, and hard work—a dream brought to life through dedication and passion. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our second anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we opened our doors and welcomed our very first clients into the space we’ve come to love so much.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones, challenges, and moments that brought us to Uptown Shelby. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of growth, community, and the relationships we’ve built along the way.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design