Start here before you dive into your kitchen reno. It’s easy to get excited about finishes, fixtures, and floorplans—but the first step should always be finding the right kitchen designer. A good designer brings more than style. They help you avoid costly mistakes, make smart layout decisions, and ensure everything functions the way you need it to. They’re your guide through the details you might not even know to think about.
Hiring a kitchen designer might feel like an extra step, but it’s one that can save you time, money, and stress. In this post, we’ll show you exactly why having a designer on your side matters—and how to find someone who’s the right fit for your space, your goals, and your budget. Whether you’re renovating for the first time or planning a major upgrade, these tips will help you get started with confidence.
Why Start Your Kitchen Reno with a Designer?
If you’re planning a kitchen reno, there’s one decision that can set the whole project up for success: hiring a kitchen designer.
You might be thinking, Do I really need one
Fair question. But here’s the thing—when you bring in a designer at the start, everything else gets easier. You get a clearer plan, smarter decisions, fewer regrets, and a finished space that actually works for your life.
Here’s why it’s worth starting with a kitchen designer—and what they bring to the table.
1. They make your kitchen work harder (and smarter)
A kitchen designer sees beyond the pretty pictures. They bring years of functional design expertise to the table, focusing on function—flow, storage, layout—and how to make your kitchen work for real life. You’ll end up with a space that fits the way you cook, gather, clean, and live. That’s something a Pinterest board can’t do on its own.
2. They know what’s out there—and what actually works
Designers keep up with materials, finishes, storage solutions, and layout ideas so you don’t have to. They know what’s trending and what’s timeless. That means fewer rabbit holes for you, and better decisions that balance style, performance, and price.
3. They’ll save you from expensive detours in your kitchen reno
Renovations are full of choices, and the wrong ones can add up fast. Designers help you avoid those costly “oops” moments by planning things in the right order and spotting potential issues early. Their connections with suppliers and trades can also help you save time—and sometimes even money.
4. Your kitchen reno will look like you
This is your home, not a showroom. A kitchen designer works with your style and vision to create something personal, not cookie-cutter. They’ll bring fresh ideas you might not think of—and pull it all together so the end result feels cohesive, comfortable, and totally you.
5. It adds real value to your home
A professionally designed kitchen isn’t just nice to live in—it’s a smart investment. Buyers notice a well-thought-out space. Even if you’re not selling anytime soon, a great kitchen increases your home’s overall value and appeal down the line.
So, should hiring a kitchen designer be your first step?
Yes. Because once you have a clear plan and a pro in your corner, every other decision gets easier. And at Decor, we’re here to help you make the most of your space, your style, and your budget—starting with a design that’s built just for you.
How Do I Choose the Right Kitchen Designer? Start With These Tips
So, you’ve decided to hire a kitchen designer—smart move. But now comes the next question: How do you find the right one for your project?
Not every designer is the right fit for every homeowner. Your kitchen is personal. And the person helping you plan it should be someone you trust, connect with, and feel confident working alongside.
Here’s how to choose the right kitchen designer—one that’s right for you.
1. Make sure they can work in your style
Some designers have a signature look, but others are great at flexing their style to match yours. Check out their past projects. Can you picture any of those kitchens in your home? If their range includes a variety of styles and layouts, that’s a good sign they’ll listen and tailor the design to fit you—not just repeat what they’ve done before.
2. Ask about their kitchen reno experience
Years in the industry aren’t everything, but experience matters. A designer who’s handled all kinds of kitchens has likely seen a few curveballs and knows how to keep things on track. Their past work will also show you what they’re capable of. Are they posting their projects online? Keep an eye out for reviews or testimonials. Ask around your community for recommended designers and showrooms.
3. Notice how well they listen to you
Your first conversation with a designer should feel like a two-way street. Do they ask about how you use your kitchen? What’s working and what’s not? Do they seem curious about your lifestyle, not just your Pinterest board? The best designers start by listening—and then design around you.
Great listeners are often great communicators. Kitchen projects have a lot of moving parts. Your designer is often the one connecting the dots between you, your contractor, suppliers, and the installer. If they’re clear, organized, respectful, and responsive from the start, you’ll feel more confident when decisions start flying.
4. Pay attention to the vibe - trust your gut
This one’s simple but big: Do you feel comfortable with them? You’ll be working closely together, sometimes for weeks or months. You want someone who gets you, respects your budget and goals, and makes the process feel less overwhelming—not more. Trust your gut, if things aren’t vibing, move on.
5. Find a designer that matches your values
The right designer helps you feel clear, confident, and excited about your kitchen renovation. And once you find that person, everything else starts falling into place. Look on the designers website for their mission statement, an about section, and what causes they care about. You can also ask how they give back to their community.
Finding points to connect on with your designer will help make the process easier and ensure you are supporting businesses that align with your values.
Still Have Questions About Starting Your Kitchen Reno?
What if I don’t know my style?
That’s totally fine. A good designer will help you figure it out, not expect you to show up with a completed mood board.
Isn’t hiring a designer just for big renos?
Not at all. Whether you’re reworking the whole layout or just upgrading cabinetry and flow, a designer can help you get more out of your budget. There is a designer out there for you and your project scale.
What if I don’t like their first design?
That’s part of the process. A great designer wants your honest feedback—and will keep refining until it’s right.
Do designers only work with expensive materials?
Nope. The best ones work with your budget and help you make smart choices, whether that’s splurging in one area or saving in another.
How involved do I need to be?
That’s up to you. Some homeowners love every detail, others want to be guided in a hands-free way. A good designer will meet you where you’re at.
Find Decor Cabinets at Revival House in Plymouth, MN. Trust us, they are a great place to start for your kitchen reno. As one of our partners, we can be sure you’ll be in good hands at Revival House!
