If you stay in a house 10-20 years, you're going to need to renovate. Many houses in my area of the DFW metroplex were built over 20 years ago and owners are staring down at least a new kitchen or master bath project.  When you're ready to start, you need to prepare for the impact on your day to day life.  With many families having at least 1 person working from home, one question that should be asked is, "Should you move out during renovation?"   Short answer: maybe. Longer answer: it depends on scope, timeline, and your sanity.

Major Renovations:

If the project includes structural changes, rerouting plumbing, or a weeks-long demo, consider a temporary move. Think about whether you’ll have access to a working stove, or bathroom, whether children or pets need a calmer environment, and whether you work from home. Even the best contractors must make noise and dust to do their jobs. The cost of a short-term rental or hotel can be offset by avoiding days of missed work, bedtime meltdowns, and living on takeout. Kitchens and bathrooms are renovation hotspots — they involve plumbing, gas, dust, noise, and the occasional mystery delay. Staying home can save money, but it can also cost you peace of mind, patience, time and aggravation.  If you choose to stay, set up a makeshift kitchen: microwave, hot plate, or toaster oven, a cooler, and clear a “clean zone” where food, medications, and electronics live in a room as far away from the mess as possible.

Minor Updates:

For smaller updates — new built ins, countertops, or painting — staying put is often doable. Inquire about the type of paint being used, and the duration and intensity of the smell it causes.  Water based paints usually allow all but the most sensitive people to manage a day of odor, whereas oil based lacquer paint may require at least an overnight out of the house. Can you manage to work through noise and interruptions, or is your workday full of conference calls that require a quiet background?

Whether you stay or go, communication is key. Ask your contractor about the timeline for dusty phases, noisy work, and when utilities will be offline. Maybe a couple days and nights offsite will work for your family, or maybe a month or more is required for everyone's mental health.  Review your family's needs carefully. 

In short: prioritize safety and sanity. If staying home will make you miserable, it’s worth the splurge to relocate for a few weeks.  In my 23 years of renovation experience, the happiest clients are the ones that chose to relocate out of their home while it was a construction zone. 

Hiring an interior designer isn’t just about finding someone with a beautiful portfolio—it’s about finding a partner who understands your lifestyle, taste, and budget. The right match makes the process enjoyable and the results spectacular. There are loads of wonderful interior decorators here in DFW, so here’s how to evaluate designers before you sign that letter of agreement.

1. Review Their Portfolio—But Look Deeper.

A strong portfolio shows range, but also notice how each project reflects the homeowner’s personality. Do you see a variety of styles, or just one signature look? A designer who can flex to different aesthetics is more likely to tailor the space to you rather than to their own preferences. If you like most of he images on their website, that's a good sign!

2. Ask About Process and Communication.

Great design is as much about collaboration as creativity. During your initial consultation, ask how they present concepts, how often you’ll meet, and what project management tools they use. How much input will you get in the design? If you prefer frequent updates and a clear timeline, make sure their style fits yours.

3. Understand the Fee Structure.

Designers may charge hourly, by square foot, or as a flat fee. Some include purchasing and contractor management, while others provide design plans only. Clarify what’s included so you can compare proposals fairly.

4. Check References.

Reach out to former clients to hear about responsiveness, problem-solving skills, and how the designer handled unexpected challenges. Beautiful photos don’t reveal how smooth—or stressful—the process was.

5. Trust the Chemistry.

You’ll spend months working together, so you should feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. If the conversation flows easily and they listen as much as they talk, you’re on the right track.

Choosing an interior designer is a blend of research and intuition. With careful vetting and a good personal fit, you’ll end up with a space that feels unmistakably yours—and a process you’ll actually enjoy.