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Getting Your Denver Home Ready for the Holidays: A Timeline and Budget Guide for Smart Homeowners

Picture this: It's December 15th, and you're staring at your kitchen wondering why you thought starting a renovation in October was a good idea. Your guests are arriving for holiday dinner in a week, and your contractor is nowhere to be found. Sound familiar? Let's make sure this doesn't happen to you!


As one of Denver's go-to interior designer who's helped countless families create their dream entertaining spaces, I'm sharing the real timeline and budget breakdown you need to get your home holiday-ready without the stress (or the emergency pizza delivery on Christmas Day).


When to Start Holiday Renovations: The Golden Timeline


Here's the tea, Denver friends: if you want to host Thanksgiving dinner in your dream kitchen, you need to start planning in June. Yes, June! I know it sounds crazy when you're thinking about pool parties, but trust me on this one.


Major Renovation Timeline:


  • June-July: Design phase and contractor selection

  • August: Permits and material ordering

  • September-October: Construction phase

  • Early November: Final touches and styling


Quick Updates Timeline:


  • August: Planning and design decisions

  • September: Implementation

  • October: Styling and finishing touches


The reality? Most Denver homeowners call me in September asking about holiday renovations. While we can absolutely make magic happen with styling and quick updates, full renovations need that longer runway to avoid holiday heartbreak.


Renovations That Take the Longest (Plan Accordingly!)


Not all home projects are created equal. Here's what takes the most time in the Denver market:


The Marathon Projects (3-6 months):


Full Kitchen Renovations: Moving plumbing, electrical work, custom cabinetry

Primary Bathroom Overhauls: Especially if you're reconfiguring the layout

Whole Home Renovations: Obviously!

Additions: Sunrooms, expanded dining areas, etc.


The Sprint Projects (2-6 weeks):


Kitchen Updates: New countertops, backsplash, cabinet refinishing

Bathroom Refreshes: New vanity, tile, fixtures (no layout changes)

Flooring: Depending on square footage and material

Paint and Styling: Interior decorating magic!


Pro tip: Denver's construction season runs hot from spring through early fall. Book your contractors early, or you'll be competing with everyone else who had the same "great" last-minute idea.


Beyond Renovations: Holiday Styling That Wows


Not ready for a full renovation? No problem! Sometimes the most impactful changes happen with styling and decorating. This is where my interior decorating services really shine.


Holiday Styling Services Include:

  • Tablescaping: Creating stunning holiday dining experiences

  • Seasonal Decorating: Integrating holiday decor with your existing style

  • Entertaining Layout: Optimizing furniture arrangement for hosting

  • Art and Accessory Curation: Fresh pieces that transition beautifully from holidays to everyday


The goal isn't to transform your home into a winter wonderland catalog shoot. It's about enhancing what you already love while creating that warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes people want to linger over dessert.


Real Talk: Denver Holiday Renovation Budgets


Let's talk numbers, because your Pinterest dreams need to meet your actual boo-jay (budget, darling!). Here's what I typically see in the Denver market:


Full Kitchen Renovation: $75,000 - $150,000+

  • Includes: Custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, countertops, flooring, electrical, plumbing

  • Timeline: 3-5 months

  • Best for: Homes where the kitchen layout doesn't work for your lifestyle


Kitchen Update: $25,000 - $50,000

  • Includes: New countertops, backsplash, cabinet refinishing/hardware, lighting, paint

  • Timeline: 3-6 weeks

  • Best for: Functional kitchens that need a style refresh


Bathroom Update: $15,000 - $35,000

  • Includes: New vanity, tile, fixtures, lighting, paint (no layout changes)

  • Timeline: 2-4 weeks

  • Best for: Powder rooms and guest bathrooms


Professional Styling/Interior Decorating: $3,000 - $15,000

  • Includes: Furniture arrangement, accessories, art curation, holiday styling

  • Timeline: 1-3 weeks

  • Best for: Homes with good bones that need personality and polish

Note: These are Denver market averages. Mountain communities and luxury markets will see higher prices.


The FORM Studio Co Approach: Full Service vs. Styling

Every home and every family is different, which is why I offer both comprehensive interior design services and focused styling support.


Perfect when you're ready to completely transform your space. I handle everything from space planning and construction oversight to final styling. This is ideal for major renovations where you want one person managing the entire vision.


This is my sweet spot for Denver families who love their home's layout but want it to feel more polished and personal–They want it to tell their story while also being functional. I work with what you have, add strategic new pieces, and create styling that reflects your personality. It's amazing what a few hours of professional styling can do!


Making Smart Holiday Decisions


Here's my honest advice: if it's already August and you're dreaming of a completely new kitchen for Thanksgiving, let's focus on what will actually make your holidays better.


Consider styling and decorating if:

  • Your space functions well but lacks personality

  • You want to create better flow for entertaining

  • You're working with a smaller budget

  • You need results in weeks, not months


Go for renovation if:

  • Your kitchen genuinely doesn't work for cooking and entertaining

  • You've been planning this for months (not weeks!)

  • You have a realistic timeline and budget

  • You're okay with potentially celebrating holidays elsewhere this year


Your Next Steps

Ready to make your Denver home holiday-hosting ready? Here's how we can work together:

  1. Book a consultation to discuss your timeline, budget, and goals

  2. Choose your approach: Full renovation, quick updates, or professional styling

  3. Create a realistic timeline that actually works with your holiday plans

  4. Start planning (the earlier, the better!)


Remember, the goal isn't perfection – it's creating a space where you feel confident, comfortable, and excited to welcome the people you love.


Ready to get started? Contact FORM Studio Co today for a consultation. Whether you need full-service interior design or expert styling, I'll help you create a home that's perfectly you – and perfectly ready for the holidays.


Amanda founded FORM Studio Co to help Denver homeowners create spaces that feel authentically them. Specializing in both full-service interior design and interior decorating, FORM Studio Co serves clients throughout the Denver metro area and Colorado's mountain communities.





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