The 3 Questions I Ask Every Remodel Client

If you’re working with a designer and they don’t ask these three questions… run.

There are a lot of things I ask clients during a remodel discovery call—timing, budget, materials they love, photos they’ve saved, Pinterest boards they’ve curated over the years. But before we ever get into styles or samples, I always start with these three questions. They might not seem like a big deal at first, but they shape the entire project. They help me understand what you really need, not just what looks good on a mood board.

These questions are where the magic happens. Because great design doesn’t start with style—it starts with solving problems.

Let’s dive in.

1. What’s Not Working in Your Current Space?

I always start here. Before we talk about paint colors or countertops, I want to know what’s driving you absolutely nuts about your space right now. Because that frustration? That’s gold. It tells me exactly where your priorities are.

Maybe your kitchen island has no storage. Maybe the pantry is too deep and everything gets lost in the back. Maybe there’s nowhere to sit and chat while someone cooks. Whatever it is, I want to hear it all. Rant away.

This is where you get to vent about your daily annoyances. That drawer that doesn’t open all the way. The countertop that always feels cluttered. The room that no one wants to hang out in. Once I know what’s not working, I can design something that does.

It’s tempting to start with inspiration photos and pretty finishes, but trust me: identifying the pain points first makes your design 10x more functional and livable.

2. How Do You Want the Space to Feel?

This might sound like a fluffy, HGTV-style question, but it’s one of the most important. Because even if a space is beautiful, it won’t feel like yours unless it captures the right vibe.

Some clients want their kitchen to feel calm and clutter-free. Others want cozy and welcoming, with lots of texture and warmth. Some want it to feel luxe and dramatic. There’s no wrong answer, but there is a right answer for you.

This question is where I start translating your values and lifestyle into design decisions. A desire for calm might lead to integrated appliances and hidden storage. Want cozy? Think layered lighting and soft wood tones. Want energy and movement? Let’s play with color, pattern, and contrast.

When you get clear on how you want to feel in the space, we can create a design that delivers that every day.

3. Who Uses the Space Daily—and How?

This is where real life meets real design.

I ask this question because your household’s daily rhythms matter. Are there two adults cooking together every night? Do you have teens who raid the fridge like it’s a contact sport? Do you host game nights, family brunches, or quiet solo mornings with coffee and a book?

Even the pets matter. (I see you, dog bowls and robot vacuums!)

Understanding who uses the space and how often helps me design around your lifestyle, not just your layout. It informs things like:

• Traffic flow

• Seating needs

• Storage solutions

• Appliance placement

• Noise control

• Lighting zones

The goal is to make your space work for you—not just look good in photos. Pinterest can’t tell me your kid always does homework at the island, or that you need a quiet coffee spot before everyone wakes up. But you can. And that’s where the real design decisions start.

Design That Starts with You

Designing a home isn’t just about pretty finishes or trending styles. It’s about creating a space that fits your life, feels like home, and functions in ways that make everyday living easier.

That’s why these three questions are always my starting point. They uncover what really matters—what frustrates you, what you value, how you live. From there, we can layer on the fun stuff: the colors, the fixtures, the finishes that reflect your taste and bring the space to life.

But if you skip the questions? You risk ending up with a remodel that looks nice but doesn’t feel right. That’s not what we’re about here.

So if you’re working with a designer and they don’t ask these three questions? Run.

And if you’re ready to work with someone who does? I’d love to help you design a space that finally works for you.

Let’s make it happen.

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