When homeowners decide it is finally time to renovate, the excitement can quickly be matched with a sense of overwhelm. Budgeting, material choices, and design direction are just the beginning, and that is before demo day even arrives. For Johnson County’s Stacey Neely, co-founder and designer at Design Deux Lynne, the goal is to guide clients through this process with both creativity and practicality and they are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the process with homeowners.
“Consult experienced professionals,” she advises right away. “Get recommendations from family or friends for designers and contractors they have used and had quality experiences and outcomes. Using trusted referrals can truly impact your project experience and final product.” Stacey also encourages homeowners to build a realistic budget, including a 15% cushion for unexpected pivots, and to prepare both the home and their schedules for the disruption. Even the neighbors, she points out, will appreciate a heads-up about “extra noise, extra mess, and extra vehicles on the street.”
Blending the Old with the New
Not every project starts from scratch, and Stacey is passionate about creating harmony when mixing old and new. “To blend a renovation seamlessly with your overall design style, create continuity by repeating color palettes and similar materials,” she says. This approach respects a home’s history while allowing for fresh updates that elevate its character.
Countertops: The Heart of the Kitchen
One of the most common (and daunting) decisions homeowners face is choosing countertops. Stacey notes that considerations should include “aesthetics, budget, durability, and desired level of maintenance.”
She breaks down the pros and cons of today’s most popular materials:
Quartzite: “A timeless natural stone available in a variety of colors and styles. It is heat resistant and durable when sealed periodically,” though often costly.
Quartz: An engineered, non-porous option that is “stain, scratch, and heat resistant,” and available in many styles designed to mimic natural stone.
Marble: “Often considered the most designer and high-end of all the options,” marble is timeless but requires sealing and maintenance to avoid staining or chipping.
Soapstone: On the rise in popularity, soapstone is heat resistant and low-maintenance, though available in fewer color variations.
Other materials like granite, butcher block, concrete, and porcelain each bring their own flair. “There is something for everyone,” Stacey emphasizes, “but it comes down to balancing your lifestyle with your design goals.”
Mixing Metals with Confidence
Beyond stone, Stacey sees clients increasingly eager to experiment with finishes. “Mixing metals is such a great way to accomplish custom and curated spaces,” she explains. The trick is balance: establish a dominant finish and then layer in a secondary one at about a 60/40 ratio. Whether it is cabinet hardware, faucets, or lighting, thoughtful mixing makes the space feel polished rather than mismatched.
Finding Focus in the Options Overload
With endless design inspiration flooding social media, Stacey knows homeowners can get paralyzed by choice. That is where she and her co-founder, Ashley Loganbill, come in. “Together we will create a customized and beautiful design, save you time, stress, and potentially costly mistakes by coordinating and managing your projects efficiently,” Stacey says. Their decade of sourcing and hands-on experience helps narrow the field to options that fit both the client’s vision and their home’s function.
Not every upgrade requires a massive budget. “Paint and flooring are two of the most impactful decisions you will make,” Stacey explains. Flooring sets the foundation of function and style, while paint becomes “the mood-setting layer” that pulls the design together.
Trends to Try (Carefully)
From wallpaper to nature-inspired paint colors, Stacey sees plenty of trends worth exploring, but always with an eye toward longevity. “Integrate trends that are timeless rather than short-lived,” she suggests. Use bold colors or patterns as accents layered with neutral, classic pieces so your home stays sophisticated as styles evolve.
Renovation may feel like a big undertaking, but with expert guidance and thoughtful choices, the process can be both exciting and rewarding. As Stacey reminds us, the goal is always to create spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them. With the right countertops, finishes, and design details, your home can become not just more beautiful, but more functional and welcoming too. “We love what we do,” Stacey says, “and we love helping clients create spaces and homes they love.”