Why Starting Renovations Now Means Homeowners Will Sleigh the Holiday Season in Style

The calendar still says summer, but the store shelves say otherwise. Spiral notebooks are stacked sky-high, skeletons are sneaking into displays and fall is closer than most of us are ready to admit. While others are clinging to pool floats and barbecue tongs, savvy homeowners are already looking ahead — way ahead. For those hoping their homes sparkle brighter than holiday lights come December, it’s time to trade in flip-flops for fixture planning.

The Early Bird Gets the Builder

Home renovations are like fruitcake: they take time, planning and a dash of courage. A kitchen remodel can easily stretch across multiple months — even when timelines are smooth sailing. Waiting until cooler weather hits often means competing for schedules and scrambling for selections.

“Holiday hosting is a luxury experience, and it begins with thoughtful planning,” says Caroline Danielson, Senior Director – Showrooms. “We always advise our clients: If a home needs to be holiday ready, start now. ​ The most common regret we hear? Waiting too long. Begin early, and the bird will be basted in a brand-new double oven — surrounded by a space that’s as effortless as it is elegant.”

Avoid the Holiday Hustle

Contractors' schedules fill up faster than a Black Friday cart. Waiting until fall to begin a renovation often results in hosting Thanksgiving in a construction zone. Starting small to mid-size projects in late summer helps homeowners beat the rush — and the stress.

Early starters also benefit from more flexibility — no scrambling to make selections between back-to-back meetings and a ‘spontaneous’ trip that somehow overlaps with hosting duties for Friendsgiving.

“Timelines tighten quickly as the year winds down,” Danielson adds. “Starting now gives homeowners the space to be intentional — to find the right statement lighting, the ideal appliance suite and those perfect finishing touches that transform a space into something unforgettable.”

This rise in design-forward planning reflects a larger industry shift. Homeowners are increasingly treating renovation projects as long-term lifestyle investments. That means choosing products that offer both high performance and style — whether it’s a panel-ready fridge that disappears into custom cabinetry or a faucet finish that ties the whole room together.

From Planning to Punch List: A Back-Timer for the Holidays

To stay ahead of the holiday rush, a clear renovation timeline can make all the difference:

• August – September: Finalize design selections, submit orders, receive deliveries and schedule installations.
• October – November: Complete walkthroughs and finishing touches.
• December: Celebrate — with no drywall dust in sight.

The Showroom as a Strategic Partner

Successful projects hinge on collaboration. From navigating lead times to curating cohesive product assortments, showrooms now serve as essential strategic partners, not just suppliers.

“By getting involved on the front end, helping guide early decisions and set expectations, we build the confidence that carries through the rest of the project,” Danielson says. “So, when it’s time to select finishes like integrated refrigeration, matte-black fixtures or sculptural lighting, homeowners feel ready to make bold, intentional choices — without second-guessing or last-minute pressure.”

Unwrap Renovation Plans Now

Just as Santa checks his list twice, now is the time for homeowners to double-check renovation timelines. Projects started in the summer are far more likely to be completed before the holiday season begins — leaving plenty of time for celebration in a refreshed, fully functional space.