Not everyone can afford to hire a designer to walk them through properly planning and implementing of a renovation 鈥� and even then, they may not choose a designer who sees their vision.
Brookswood's Charlene J. Smith knows and understands that all too well. She's a local renovation expert and interior designer who has penned a clear, practical resource guide for homeowners wanting to plan their own kitchen remodel.
Three years in the making 鈥� from the inception of the idea to the final key stroke that sent it to the printers 鈥� her 313-page book entitled "Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide," hits the streets on Saturday, May 24.
And to mark the launch, Smith is hosting a book signing and answering questions for aspiring renovators at Indigo 91原创 (20015 91原创 Bypass) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to reveal the comprehensive, step-by-step guide designed to help homeowners navigate renovations with clarity and confidence.
"With my book you can apply my process, and the steps to take, to any renovation, but I chose to write specifically about the kitchen because of all the moving parts. There is a lot to get wrong. I wanted to provide an easy-to-understand roadmap with step-by-step instructions to guide people," Smith shared with the 91原创 Advance Times.
It's a budget-conscious guide offering readers clear, actionable advice, and proven planning strategies to avoid common renovation missteps.
鈥淭his book was written to empower homeowners鈥� Whether you're renovating for functionality, resale value, or simply a fresh new look, this book provides concrete guidance for turning inspiration into reality," said Smith, who is quick to acknowledge she was not formally trained but has been guiding homeowners through stylish, budget-conscious renovations for more than 20 years.
"My journey into design began in the early 2000s, when I partnered with a contractor and launched a design and renovation business. Clients would come to us with big ideas but no clear plan, and I naturally stepped into the role of designer 鈥� translating their visions into spaces that worked in real life," she explained.
"I learned on the job and from some very talented contractors, tradespeople, and designers. Years of paying attention and listening, I was able to glean valuable insights, and by asking questions I opened up a treasure trove of knowledge," Smith said.
Smith entered the design world just after she sold her dog grooming business in White Rock, had a baby on her hip, and a marriage she said was decidedly and amicably over.
"I was at a complete loss as to how I was going to take care of myself and my daughter," Smith recalled.
Then a friend advised her to picture what it was that she wanted to do. She was told to figure out what would fulfill her, then picture it, and make it happen.
"I am now just at the 25-year mark of that thought. Lots of twists and turns along the way of course, but exactly in the centre of what I pictured I wanted to be," she said.
"Hundreds of renovations later, I鈥檓 still just as passionate about helping people shape spaces that reflect who they are and how they want to live in the best way possible," she said, noting from 2015 to 2020, she ran a custom cabinet shop on Industrial Avenue in 91原创, collaborating with clients on some one-of-a-kind projects.
"Being in this industry as long as I have, I have always felt that there is a gap between design and construction. What I want my book to do is bridge that gap for people so that they are able to feel confident in this process," the 60-year-old mother and grandmother said, explaining the current stage in her career.
"These days, I focus on guiding homeowners through thoughtful, well-planned updates that don鈥檛 involve starting from scratch or ripping everything out," and she's dedicating a lot of her time to writing 鈥� a second book already in the making.
In fact, "Bathroom Renovation Planning Guide" is in the editing stage, she said, not hinting yet about what will be come after that.
Smith was asked why she wrote about kitchens in her first book.
"Kitchens are where everyone lives. And I absolutely love making them the best they can be for people. They are fun! What is better than having a space that functions so perfectly for you and has great finishes, textures and fabulous lighting. They are the best room in the house. There are so many things that we can do with them 鈥� create cozy sitting areas, fun corners for coffee and libation stations, create zones for multiple users 鈥� if your mind is open," she added.
"Here鈥檚 the thing: You can have a kitchen or bathroom you love without blowing your budget. You can make smart design choices without second-guessing every step. And you don鈥檛 need a degree in design to do it 鈥� you just need the right guidance鈥� My mission is to help you feel empowered and inspired as you transform your home 鈥� one decision at a time," Smith concluded.
"I鈥檓 here to make your renovation feel less overwhelming 鈥� and a lot more exciting."
