As the holidays approach, our homes become gathering places. Families return, friends stop by, and suddenly the kitchen and living room transform into the heart of the season. More than anywhere else, it’s the kitchen where conversations spark, food is shared, and memories are made. That’s why fall is such a powerful time to think about remodeling—because whether you’re cooking a big holiday meal or simply hosting coffee with the in-laws, you want your space to feel warm, welcoming, and functional.
What’s Not Working in Your Kitchen?
Every remodel starts with a moment of honesty. Step back and ask yourself what about your current kitchen doesn’t feel right. Maybe the colors are dated and make the space feel cold. Maybe the cabinets are worn, the countertops scratched, or the flooring tired. Or perhaps it’s the flow of the room—you feel cramped when more than one person is in the kitchen, and guests don’t have a natural spot to linger. The first step is noticing those things that make you sigh and think, I wish this looked and worked differently. (And no, duct taping over the problem areas before Thanksgiving doesn’t count as a remodel.)
Why Do You Want the Change?
Once you know the “what,” it’s time to uncover the “why.” The motivation behind a remodel is just as important as the remodel itself. Do you want to feel proud of your space when family visits? Do you want your kitchen to finally feel like the inviting heart of the home instead of a place you’d rather hide? Maybe it’s about efficiency—cooking holiday meals without feeling like the room is working against you.
Or maybe—just maybe—you want your mother-in-law to finally feel something for you other than contempt when she visits for the holidays. (Hey Mary, shout out to my own mother-in-law.) Whatever your reason, keeping the “why” front and center will guide your choices and keep you focused on what matters most.
How Big Should You Go?
Remodels aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some homeowners want a modest refresh—a new coat of paint, updated hardware, better lighting. Others want something more transformative: new cabinets, countertops, and backsplash that make the whole space feel new again. And some are ready for a premier transformation—tearing out the old layout, adding an island, and installing custom finishes from top to bottom. The right scale is the one that fits your vision, your lifestyle, and your budget.
And remember—there’s no shame in aiming for “comfortable and cozy” over “HGTV showroom.” You don’t need imported Italian marble to make your kitchen a place people actually enjoy hanging out.
Balancing Vision and Resources
Every remodel involves choices about where to invest. Maybe you put more resources into high-quality cabinets while saving by refinishing your floors. Maybe you splurge on a stunning countertop but keep fixtures simple. Thinking strategically allows you to stretch your budget without compromising your vision.
And if the full dream kitchen isn’t possible all at once, phasing is your friend. Do the cabinets and backsplash before Thanksgiving, and save the “showstopper” lighting for January. (Your guests won’t notice the pendants missing when they’re too busy eating pie anyway.)
What It Costs — and How Long It Takes
Remodels generally fall into three categories: Basic Refresh, Mid-Range Remodel, and Premier Remodel. Here’s what each one means, with some real-world examples so you can picture the scope—and why the price tags climb as you go up a level.
Basic Refresh
A facelift without major construction. Think paint, fixtures, and small upgrades.
– Picture this: your same cabinets painted a crisp white, new matte black handles, fresh pendant lights over the sink, and a backsplash that makes the whole room pop. It’s still your kitchen, but it feels brighter, cleaner, and updated.
– Small Kitchen (70–100 sq. ft.): $8,000 – $15,000 | 3–7 days
– Medium Kitchen (120–200 sq. ft.): $12,000 – $20,000 | 5–10 days
– Large Kitchen (200+ sq. ft.): $15,000 – $25,000 | 7–12 days
Mid-Range Remodel
The sweet spot—function + style. Usually involves new cabinets (or refacing), countertops, backsplash, and sometimes flooring or appliances.
– Picture this: those tired old cabinets are gone, replaced with clean shaker-style cabinetry. New quartz countertops stretch across fresh backsplash tile, and maybe you’ve upgraded to modern stainless appliances. It feels like a brand-new kitchen even though the layout hasn’t changed.
– Small Kitchen: $18,000 – $30,000 | 10–15 days
– Medium Kitchen: $25,000 – $50,000 | 12–20 days
– Large Kitchen: $40,000 – $75,000 | 15–25 days
Premier Remodel
A full transformation. Walls may move, plumbing and electrical are relocated, and high-end finishes are installed. It’s essentially building a new kitchen inside your home.
– Picture this: a wall comes down to open up the space. A custom island with seating is added. Premium cabinets line the walls, waterfall-edge quartz counters gleam, and upgraded lighting sets the mood. Everything from the layout to the finishes is brand new.
– Small Kitchen: $35,000 – $55,000 | 20–30 days
– Medium Kitchen: $60,000 – $90,000 | 25–35 days
– Large Kitchen: $85,000 – $150,000+ | 30–40 days
These costs and duration reflect active crew time in your home, not drawn-out “calendar months.” If materials are ready and decisions are made up front, most remodels can be completed much faster than the national averages you may see online.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Remodeling your kitchen isn’t just about cabinets, countertops, or square footage. It’s about how you want your home to feel when family and friends gather. By identifying what bothers you, clarifying why it matters, deciding how big you want to go, and aligning your resources, you create a roadmap for a remodel that truly pays off.
Just remember: no matter how stunning your remodel turns out, it still won’t be enough for your mother-in-law. But at least you’ll love it—and that’s what really counts.
(Disclaimer: no mother-in-laws were harmed in the making of this blog.)
Outdoor
August 1, 2025
7:33 am