Dream kitchens are earned—and if you’re mid-renovation (or planning one), this is your friendly reality check. We’ve guided numerous kitchen renovations in Chattanooga, and we’re sharing a few nuggets of wisdom to help you navigate the process and love the result.

1. Rent the Airbnb. Trust us.

Living at home during a kitchen remodel sounds doable until the dust hits. By week two, you’ll be dreaming of quiet mornings and takeout without the chaos. Book the Airbnb. Your future self will thank you.

2. It’s going to get messy.

Dust, noise, drop cloths, and boots everywhere. Cover your floors with ram board or heavy paper to protect what matters.

3. Keep it simple in the kitchen.

You won’t be cooking full meals, so embrace the microwave, air fryer, and recyclable or compostable kitchenware. Make cleanup quick so you can skip the bathtub dishwashing.

4. Embrace snack-style meals.

Sandwiches. Charcuterie boards. Anything that doesn’t need a stovetop. Think picnic, not dinner party.

5. Delays are expected.

Cabinet installs, countertop templates, hardware—something will take longer than expected. Add buffer time to your kitchen renovation timeline. Patience pays off.

6. Give the team room to work.

We know you’re excited, but hovering slows the process. Trust your crew. A lot is happening behind the scenes (and off-site) that you won’t see, but it matters.

7. Something will go wrong.

A wrong delivery. A backordered item. A measurement mishap. Don’t panic—good contractors fix it. That’s why the team you hire makes all the difference.

Kitchen renovations aren’t for the faint of heart—but the end result? 100% worth it. Pack your patience, lean into takeout, and maybe plan a weekend away around demo week.

At Dana Faler Interiors, we’re proud to help homeowners across Chattanooga and beyond navigate kitchen renovations with ease, clarity, and expert care.

Inquire with us to learn more about how we can design a kitchen that’s uniquely, perfectly yours.