When you decide to take on any type of architectural or design project, it will become inevitable that you will be required to make a myriad of decisions. Even if aesthetics don’t play a huge role in your approach, you will still need to determine on which wall your couch should be placed, how many chairs you will need, or if a coffee table is really a necessity.

In my profession, clients tend to be especially attentive to detail, and that interest alone quadruples the number of decisions that will need to be made. So, here’s the conundrum. You approach decision making like Scarlett O’Hara. All decisions can be made tomorrow. But your surroundings are critical to your well-being, and it is time to take on one of the most decision-laden projects that exist, a kitchen renovation.

I bring up this topic because for the last 20 years, I have been assisting my friend Cathy and her husband, Joel, in the design of their new kitchen. Cathy and I were roommates in college, and even though I knew she was a closet procrastinator, I had no idea the extent this trait could have on their renovation.

The first decision, of course, was the layout of the space. Cathy had never liked the location of the refrigerator, but a fireplace and three windows prevented it from being relocated. This dilemma could be solved by increasing the square footage of the space, but that was not in the budget. So the project was put on hold.

Ten years went by. Cathy and Joel wanted to move ahead. The cabinet style was the next decision. Because their home was a neocolonial residence, Cathy wasn’t sure what style cabinetry would be appropriate. My philosophy is that a building’s interior should reflect its architectural style. Cathy felt that “traditional” cabinetry was out of date, but more importantly, her neighbor suggested an ultra modern design. Cathy and Joel were ready to leave on vacation. We’d talk when they returned.

Five years later, I got a call from Cathy saying they were ready to go. She just wasn’t sure about the finish on the cabinets. Of all the 500 photos she downloaded or clipped from magazines, none of them showed a paint color that she liked, and Joel wanted a stained finish, which would certainly clash with the existing walnut floor. And speaking of the floor, her neighbor told her it should be replaced with tile. When I asked why she made that recommendation, Cathy was told it was easier to keep clean. Back to the drawing board.

About two months ago, I got a call from Cathy to say that they had hired a contractor. That was pretty surprising due to the fact that the layout was never finalized, the cabinetry door style had not been selected, and paint or stain was still up in the air. She was wondering which finish would add more to the resale value of their home. The contractor was scheduled to start the next week.

When several weeks went by, I called to see how the renovation was going. I was hoping to hear that the refrigerator was happily staying in its current location; a simple recessed panel door style was selected; they decided to do an interesting blend of both painted and stained cabinetry; and most importantly, they would retain the existing hardwood floor.

If you are ready to tackle a renovation project, do this first: Decide to decide. Don’t survey outside family members. Don’t ask your neighbors for their opinions. Don’t follow trends. Set your budget understanding all the parameters. Make selections on what appeals to you. Select styles that are appropriate for the architectural style of your home. And if you are a victim of analysis paralysis, adhere to the guidance of a professional.

Luckily, the contractor’s last project was running long, because Cathy and Joel discovered that their taste in appliances was too divergent to make selections. They’ll be starting the renovation next fall.

Patricia Cove is Principal of Architectural Interiors and Design in Chestnut Hill, and can be reached through her website patriciacove.com.

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