Renovation Tips from Expert Acadiana Designers
Splurge and budget options for small changes with a big impact
In South Louisiana, home is never just a place to sleep. It is where the boucherie happens, where generations gather around a table that has been passed down for a century, where the porch is as lived-in as the living room. When it comes to renovating those spaces, Acadiana designers say the biggest mistake homeowners make is thinking transformation requires a complete overhaul. In many cases, three focused moves in the right room can change everything.
Meet the Experts
These three designers discuss how to deliver maximum impact and achieve a similar result on a budget.
- Justine Hebert | J Design Interiors | 1126 Coolidge St., Ste. 102, Lafayette | (337) 247-7557 | jdesignla.com
- Kim McLain | Kim McLain Interiors | 1915 W. Congress St., Lafayette | (337) 501-7279 | kimmclaininteriors.com
- Sara Vincent | Sara Vincent Designs | Crowley | (337) 581-7651 | @saravincent_designs
Where to Start
For a homeowner standing in the middle of their home right now trying to decide where to put their energy first — weighing kitchen, bathroom and outdoor against a limited budget — the designers converge on one principle: Start with the room that brings you the most joy every day.
KITCHEN
Of the three renovation zones, the kitchen carries the heaviest symbolic weight in Acadiana. It is the room that defines a home’s social life, and increasingly, designers say clients are rethinking how it looks and flows without starting from scratch.
Justine Hebert, who specializes in residential renovations and teaches interior design at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, says the tension in kitchen renovations almost always comes back to the gap between inspiration and reality. “I find the confusion is what clients see from social media or friends’ homes versus what the space needs,” she says. “I love using Instagram or Pinterest as a reference, however, I find clients tend to be guided by an inspirational photo and miss the opportunity of following a style of architecture and also following their personal preferences.”
Sara Vincent, whose Evangeline kitchen project was featured in Acadiana Profile, puts layout first. “I immediately scan the room for what could be — basically looking at the wall layout, doors and window placement, and start to visualize how functional, yet practical this area can become,” she says. That instinct drives every decision that follows, from whether a wall comes down to where the light falls.
The Formula
Refresh a Kitchen In Three Moves
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Lighting: It’s the jewelry of the room — the element that sets the mood and catches the eye before anything else.
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Cabinets: Whether you’re painting, refacing or replacing fronts, the cabinet story is the bones of the space.
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Hardware: This is the punctuation mark. It’s the smallest change with one of the highest visibility returns.
For budget-conscious refreshes, Vincent keeps it direct: lighting fixtures; hardware; metal finishes — and restraint. “Never over-clutter,” she says. “Allowing fewer pieces with a bigger impact makes the statements,” she says. “And of course, paint colors to complement the remainder of the home that will be left as is.” Her approach to remodeling versus new construction is equally clear-eyed. “My favorite is a remodel because I love being creative with it and the rewarding feeling of the transformation that takes place.”
Kim McLain, who has been designing Lafayette homes for more than 25 years, takes a similarly restrained view when sourcing fresh ideas. “We’re seeing a renewed appreciation for kitchens that feel collected and architectural rather than overly built in or over designed,” she says. “We often prefer incorporating breathing room within the cabinetry layout — avoiding walls completely covered in upper cabinets whenever possible. Introducing open space, windows, shelving or furniture-style elements helps a kitchen feel lighter, more inviting and connected to the rest of the home.”
“We’re drawn to materials and details that will still feel beautiful and relevant years from now.”
– Kim McLain, Kim McLain Interiors
The result McLain describes is a kitchen built to last. “Natural materials, layered textures, warm wood tones, unlacquered metals and stone with movement and character — those elements bring depth and authenticity to a space in a way that feels enduring rather than trend-driven,” she says. “The goal is always to create kitchens that feel elevated, functional and timeless enough to evolve gracefully over time.”
Styled for Every Budget
High-end kitchen upgrades or budget-friendly alternatives to create a beautiful, functional space
The Splurge
Replace cabinet fronts while keeping existing boxes, upgrade to a statement range or custom hood vent and add pendant lighting over an island or peninsula. A zellige or handmade tile backsplash — nodding to the Spanish and French Colonial roots woven throughout Acadiana architecture —brings texture and regionalism to the space. New hardware in unlacquered brass or matte black completes the look. Estimated range: $8,000–$20,000.
The Budget Version
Paint existing cabinets — Benjamin Moore Advance is the designer standard for a durable, factory-smooth finish — and swap hardware for $3 to $5 per knob. Add peel-and-stick backsplash tile (many options now convincingly mimic handmade ceramic), and replace a dated light fixture with a rattan pendant or schoolhouse globe for less than $150. Estimated range: $500–$2,500.
PRIMARY BATH
Of the three renovation zones, the primary bathroom is the one designers say clients approach most emotionally — and where the most expensive mistakes happen. The good news is that targeted upgrades can do more than a full gut if the right elements are chosen.
Hebert’s research-based design philosophy translates directly into bathroom work. “Function of space and mood of the space — think lighting, color, ease of maintenance,” she says. “Bathrooms, especially primary bathrooms, need to feel soothing yet meet the needs for generally two people —and account for kids, too.”
Budget to Boutique
Updating your bathroom with affordable cosmetic changes or elevated, designer-inspired renovations
The Splurge
Convert a standard tub-shower combo to a walk-in wet room or curbless shower, adding large-format tile in a warm travertine or lime-washed finish. Install a freestanding soaking tub if space allows — a nod to the French Creole tradition of leisure. Add a lighted vanity mirror, new plumbing fixtures in a warm metal finish, and wallpaper or Venetian plaster on a single accent wall. Estimated range: $12,000–$30,000.
The Budget Version
Reglaze the existing tub — which can cost between $300 and $500 versus $1,000 or more for a replacement. Swap the vanity light bar for a Hollywood-style or modern sconce pair. Add a statement mirror, refresh grout and hang high-impact wallpaper on one wall only. Estimated range: $600–$2,000.
When prioritizing a bathroom refresh without a full gut, Hebert has a clear framework. “Try to keep the floor and cabinets if you can — that will save cost and time,” she says. “Affordable upgrades include new countertops, decorative sinks and faucets and lighting. Artwork is always a great move if you want to change a space. Visit local galleries or art shows, or even estate sales.”
Vincent puts wallpaper at the top of her budget bathroom list. “Wallpaper can make a room feel completely different,” she says. “Or simply add wall molding and a pretty, soothing paint color. Declutter countertops and tub areas, use pretty trays to accessorize and organize. Add pretty rugs and runners at the vanity and tub areas that can deflect from dated floors.”
Designer Tip
What To Keep, What To Replace
Keep
Existing floors and cabinetry if the budget is tight. Replacing these drives the largest share of bathroom renovation costs.
Replace
Lighting (the single highest-impact upgrade), faucets and countertops (affordable relative to their visual return) and mirrors — all regardless of budget.
On tile selection — one of Vincent’s specialties — she says the most common client mistake is misreading scale and color tone. “Smaller baths can appear larger and more spacious just by carefully considering tile scale, placement and colors,” she says. “In the end, [everything] should complement each other and the overall style of the home. If your home is a nice traditional style, you do not want to use overly modern, contemporary or farmhouse finishes in the bathroom.”
“If I had a midrange budget to upgrade a bathroom, my first move is excellent lighting. Lighting built into mirrors is my go-to. I love a medicine cabinet — concealed storage elevates a bathroom.”
– Justine Hebert, J Design Interiors
Vincent also makes the case for window treatments as a serious design element rather than an afterthought. “I consider window treatments a piece of art,” she says. “They can make a huge impact on the overall finished look and can be a fun addition to tie in the flooring or wallpaper, creating a very unique design.”
OUTDOORS
In most of the country, outdoor spaces are seasonal. In Acadiana, they are year-round — and they carry the full weight of the region’s culture of hospitality. The porch, the patio, the screened gallery — these are not amenities. They are extensions of how people live.
McLain tackles outdoor design with the same deliberate layering she brings to interiors. “Because of our climate, we pay close attention to shade, ventilation and how the space functions throughout different times of day and seasons,” she says. “We approach outdoor spaces with the same thoughtful layering we would use inside a home — incorporating a mix of materials, textures, lighting, greenery and furnishings to create depth and character. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee spot or a large space for hosting family and friends, the goal is always to create an outdoor environment that feels effortless, livable and truly connected to the way our clients want to live.”
DESIGNER TIP
5 Ways to Ready Your Space for Louisiana Living
Fabric: UV-resistant textiles are nonnegotiable. Sunbrella is the industry standard for outdoor upholstery that holds color and resists mold in South Louisiana’s humidity.
Frames: Powder-coated aluminum or solid teak holds up to the climate. Avoid cheap wicker or unsealed wood.
Rugs: Choose drainage-friendly outdoor rugs that won’t trap moisture on wet concrete.
Cushions: For open, uncovered spaces, consider cushion-free furniture or invest in waterproof storage.
Plants: Stick to Zone 9-hardy varieties — bird of paradise, elephant ear, bromeliads and bougainvillea thrive in Acadiana’s heat.
Hebert’s practical experience with Louisiana outdoor living cuts to the durability question quickly. “It’s more about people wanting to buy outdoor furniture with cushions for open spaces,” she says. “It’s a chore to put away and set up cushions depending on the rainy season. When you forget to store cushions and it rains, it takes so long for cushions to dry out to use.”
Her approach to making the interior-exterior transition feel seamless is equally grounded. “Outdoor living arrangements using comfortable furniture is key,” she says. “Adding touches of accessories such as pillows and rugs will help to make the space feel like an extension of the interior. The trick is no glass due to pollen and dust, and also not to over-clutter the area.”
“Down south and surrounding areas are always considering great entertainment options and large family gatherings. The South is very hospitable, [and people] love entertaining.”
– Sara Vincent, Sara Vincent Designs
For Vincent, the distinction between a designed outdoor space and a merely furnished one comes down to intention. “Designed would be a carefully thought-out functional space that will enhance your family’s needs and build out for great entertaining,” she says. “Furnished would be more of basically furnishing the area for gatherings and lounging — using plants and florals to fluff things, pretty pillows, etc.”
Extend Your Living Space
Upgrades made to your patio or backyard can be functional, beautiful and on budget
The Splurge
Add a pergola or shade structure and install an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill station and mini fridge. Lay large-format pavers or stained concrete and add string lighting or lantern-style pendants on a weatherproof exterior fan. Potted subtropical plants complete the bayou-garden aesthetic. Estimated range: $15,000–$40,000.
The Budget Version
Define the space with an outdoor rug ($80–$200), add a freestanding grill ($300–$600) and hang string lights ($30–$60). Paint an existing concrete slab with exterior floor paint ($50–$100) and style with a few large planters. A fresh coat of paint on the exterior door or fence transforms the backdrop instantly. Estimated range: $600–$1,500.
