How to Turn a Board of Ideas Into Your Next Remodeling Plan

There isn’t one moment when you suddenly decide to remodel a room.

Instead, it’s a feeling that creeps in. It starts when you begin to notice how you move through the space…or how there isn’t enough shelving, and it’s ALWAYS cluttered. Maybe there’s that cabinet you can never quite get open, or there are surfaces and corners you can never get properly cleaned.

…Then, somewhere along the way, your ideas start accumulating…and with them, dreams. Wants. Expectations for how the space SHOULD behave.

But then you have all those ideas…without any insightful separation. (This applies to any space, by the way: your primary bath, your bedroom suite, your outdoor living area…the process is always the same.)

Your next step is NOT jumping into budgets, or even calling remodelers or contractors…it’s right here, with this worksheet.

(Jump to the bottom to download right away, or scroll through to see how this works!!)

First: Get Everything to the Surface

First, choose one space. I’ll walk you through a kitchen example, but again, this process applies to any room.

Now, write. Write down ANYTHING you would change about the kitchen. Anything you’d improve…like, what you’ve noticed and loved in someone else’s home, or admired in the showroom…anything you’ve decided is something you’re missing, or something you quietly wish for.

This includes:

• Design features
• Materials
• Lighting
• Electrical set-up
• Plumbing set-up
• Cabinet configuration
• Appliances big and small
• And really, anything else!

Let the list build! Here are some questions your list should answer:

1. How do you want to use this space?
2. What would make it easier to move through?
3. What would make it more enjoyable to stay in?

There’s no benefit in holding back at this stage. The value comes from seeing the full range of what you want.

Second: Sorting

Now start placing each item into one of three categories, just like I’ve outlined on the worksheet. You’ll find that most ideas fall into one of three groups right away:

1. Things the space depends on
2. Things that would improve the experience
3. Things that feel aspirational (but still meaningful)

There’s no need to overthink the placement!! Go with your first instinct for each item.

Third: Take a closer Look

Before moving forward, give yourself a few moments. Review everything. Do you notice things that repeat? Or things that feel a little different now that they’re placed in a category?

Next, bring someone else in. It could be your spouse, or a friend, or your go-to interior designer. (It could be me on a free, 15-minute Zoom call, too!)

If you chose a space you share with others in your home, that adds another layer that far too many homeowners glide over…have each person go through this process, too! Separately first…then, COMPARE.

How to Get the Most Out of This

Here are the tips that consistently make this process more useful. I say that, because I’ve literally helped hundreds of homeowners go through this process…it’s actually one of the first steps in ALL the renovations we do!!

• Be sure to let your list expand fully in step one. The more complete it is, the more accurate your decisions will be later!!
• Use specific language whenever you can, because the more specific, the easier your wants and needs will be to evaluate.
• Think about how you actually use the space day to day. Patterns of use and routines you either HAVE to do or get pleasure from doing are the most important.
• Step away for a day after completing the worksheet, then return with fresh eyes. Distance brings clarity!!
• Pay attention to anything that shows up more than once when you compare your worksheet with others who live in your home.
• Stay open to ideas that feel slightly out of reach! Some of those aspirational items are attainable if the timing is right!!

Once you’ve organized everything for your remodel on this worksheet, you can plan from it.

Download the Worksheet

If you want a resource you can actively use in planning a remodel, this worksheet is exactly what you need!! It’s printable, but you can also fill it out digitally. This resources gives your ideas a place to live…and a way to guide real decisions and next steps.

Remember, you can take your completed worksheet and schedule a virtual call with me to look it over!! Click the image below to download your fillable PDF…

About the author:

Robin Burrill, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDS, CAPS, is an award-winning professional kitchen, bath, and interior designer. Robin and her husband, Robert Mathews, have owned Signature Home Services, Inc. for over three decades, establishing a superior in-house team with a widespread reputation for delivering meticulous design to their many repeat clients.

In 2022, the national publication, Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, named Robin to their Top Innovator list in recognition of her achievements in the field of kitchen and bath design. In 2024, she was named one of the Fall 2024 Market Pros and “tastemakers” by ANDMORE at High Point Market. In 2024 and again in 2025, Fixr identified her as one of the Top Professional Interior Designers for their nationwide audience. At the start of 2025, she then acted as one of Dallas Market’s “Style Eyes” at Lightovation and Total Home & Gift Market.

Over her extensive career, Robin has been quoted in Architectural Digest and Forbes multiple times; her design work has been featured in top national trade publications; and she has been interviewed for Designers Today magazine’s “Profiles in Design” video series, among others. Widely respected for the depth of her knowledge, Robin is a sought after speaker and judge for many design industry events.

In 2023, Robin designed a bench for Charleston Forge, making her foray into product design. Robin currently serves as a volunteer on the board of the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the Interior Design Society.