How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel

How to Plan a St. Paul Kitchen Remodel: A Guide to Getting It Right the First Time

A well-designed kitchen can completely transform how you live in your home. Whether it's hosting family gatherings, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, or tackling dinner on a busy weeknight, your kitchen is a space that deserves thoughtful planning and quality execution.

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel in St. Paul or the surrounding areas, you’re not alone—more and more homeowners in the area are reimagining their kitchens to be both functional and beautiful. But where do you start?

Here are the first five basic steps you need to know to begin planning a kitchen remodel that’s both practical and uniquely yours.

1. Think About How You Use the Space

Before picking out tiles or lighting, it’s important to take a step back and ask: What’s working, and what’s not?

Some questions to consider:

• Do you need more storage?

• Is the kitchen layout functional for cooking and entertaining?

• Are the materials easy to clean and maintain?

• Do you wish you had better lighting or more natural light?

A great remodel starts with solving everyday pain points—not just updating aesthetics.

2. Define Your Style (And Your Why)

Your personal style is the foundation. Whether you're going for minimalist chic or warm traditional, a good remodel brings those ideas to life without sacrificing usability. Lean into the feelings you are hoping to achieve in your kitchen. Do you need something to ease your busy mind? Or perhaps something to enliven your thoughts and get you inspired? Naming the overall feeling you want to embody can help us direct the aesthetic that will best achieve that goal. We work with many clients who want their kitchen to feel cozy, calm, and modern. If that sounds like you, a hygge-inspired design may be worth exploring. This style favor natural materials, soft color palettes, and a sense of calm that can truly change how your home feels.

3. Set a Realistic Budget (and Build in Wiggle Room)

Budgeting is often the least exciting part of remodeling—but one of the most essential. Think of your budget as a roadmap. It helps prioritize where to splurge (like durable countertops or quality cabinetry) and where to save (like choosing open shelving over upper cabinets).

We always recommend setting aside 10–15% for unexpected surprises—because these older St. Paul homes can sometimes come with a few!

4. Work With a Local Team That Gets It

One of the advantages of hiring a St. Paul-based kitchen design and renovation team is local insight. From permitting to sourcing materials that work well in our climate, local pros know what works (and what to avoid).

Plus, they’ve likely worked in homes similar to yours—so they understand the architecture, quirks, and opportunities specific to the neighborhood.

A full-service team can take the pressure off by managing everything from design concepts and renderings to final installation.

5. Don’t Forget the Details

Great kitchens aren’t just about the big stuff—they shine in the details. Soft-close drawers, under-cabinet lighting, built-in recycling, or a hidden coffee station… these small touches can make a major difference in daily life.

During your remodel planning, think about how your kitchen can support your habits and routines. We’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful features can turn a good remodel into a great one.

Thinking About Your Own Kitchen Remodel in St. Paul?

Whether you're just starting to gather ideas or already know what you want, the process begins with a conversation. HyggeHus loves helping homeowners in St. Paul and the surrounding area, design kitchens that feel like home—functional, beautiful, and completely personalized.

📞 Let’s chat about your kitchen remodel and what’s possible. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.