Frequently Asked Questions
Airy Kitchens is a full-service interior design and project management firm serving homeowners in Philadelphia and the Main Line. We specialize in creating beautiful, functional spaces through expert project management, custom cabinetry design and installation, and whole-home interior design. Whether you’re renovating a historic home, updating a kitchen, or designing a family-friendly space, our team ensures a smooth, stress-free process. If you don’t see your question answered below, feel free to contact us.
Interior Design & Custom Cabinetry
What interior design services do you offer?
Our interior designers offer full-service home design including:
- Kitchen & bathroom interior design
- Cabinetry & millwork layout & design
- Whole-home interior design & space planning
- Window coverings, custom cushions, furnishings, and wallpaper
- Mudrooms, laundry rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms
Explore our Portfolio and Cabinetry Page.
How does your design process work?
- Initial phone call to discuss project goals and fit
- Consultation at home or showroom
- Questionnaire about preferences, lifestyle, family needs, and aesthetic inspiration
- Multiple layout options to choose from
- 3D renderings of your space
- Storyboards of fixtures, finishes, hardware, and furnishings
- Itemized cost estimate including cabinetry, appliances, and materials
- Dimensioned cabinetry drawings showing organizer placement and installation notes
Learn more on Our Process.
What's the difference between custom and ready-made cabinets?
Custom cabinets are hand-built for your space and offer specialty finishes, furniture-like detailing, and integrated lighting. Ready-made cabinets are pre-sized, factory-made, and offer less flexibility and customization. All cabinet lines offer:
- Kitchen islands with storage & seating
- Pull-out pantry solutions
- Accessible cabinets and organizers for retirees
- Painted and stained wood finishes coordinated with countertops, appliances, and fixtures
- Cabinetry hardware options
Learn more on our Cabinetry Blog.
What areas do you service?
We offer interior design services nationally. Our project management services are offered in the greater Philadelphia area, the Main Line, Montgomery County, and parts of Bucks and Delaware Counties, including:
- Philadelphia rowhomes and suburbs
- Main Line townships and communities
- Montgomery County areas east of Lansdale, Gwynedd, and King of Prussia
- Southern Bucks County areas including Doylestown, Warrington, and Furlong
- Northeast Delaware County including Villanova, Wayne, Radnor, and Haverford
See our Showroom Blog.
What's the difference between an interior designer and a kitchen designer?
Some kitchen and bath companies only design cabinetry, counters, and fixtures. Airy Kitchens specializes in kitchens and bathrooms and we offer full-service interior design. Our designs include furnishings, window coverings, lighting, wallpaper, replacement windows and doors, custom cabinetry and millwork, counters, fixtures, and all materials. We can also design adjacent rooms like bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms.
What custom cabinetry and millwork options do you offer?
We design and install fully custom cabinets, islands, vanities, and built-ins with integrated lighting and organizers. Our millwork services include moldings, stair components, fireplace mantels, and entertainment centers for a cohesive luxury feel.
Project Management & Renovation
What does project management include?
- Construction document creation
- Scheduling & coordination of trades
- Access to our network of contractors, engineers, architects, specialty installers
- Materials ordering & delivery coordination
- Daily updates and photos via Buildertrend app
- Permit and inspection oversight
- Punch list completion
Can I live in my home during construction?
Yes. We implement dust control, safety zones, and scheduling practices to ensure minimal disruption while you continue living in your home.
How do you handle pets during renovations?
Learn how to keep pets safe during your home remodel.
How do you communicate and coordinate with homeowners and allied professionals?
- Single point of contact for all questions: Project Manager
- Regular updates via email, phone, or Buildertrend app
- Routine site meetings with designer and project manager
- Coordination with any existing architects/interior designers and tradespeople
Learn more about our Team.
What is the difference between your project management process and design build?
- Airy Project Management allows us to customize designs for each project and work with the best contractors for your home and your timeline
- Design/Build firms handle both design and construction, so every project is designed and scheduled around a single team that may have limited abilities or availabilities.
Budget, Costs, & Investment
What drives the cost of a renovation?
- Structural engineering (removing bearing walls or building home additions)
- Cabinetry, appliances, and countertops
- Other materials & fixtures
- Custom softgoods like cushions and window coverings
- New furnishings / custom furniture
- Major updates to electrical, plumbing, or HVAC in older homes
Do you offer materials and appliances for all different budgets?
We provide options for a range of budgets. We focus on major renovations with kitchen budgets starting at $100,000 and bathrooms at $50,000.
- We provide detailed cost estimates to help inform budgeting decisions during the design phase.
- Project managers negotiate with contractors and installers to ensure you get fair pricing
How are payments scheduled?
Payments are milestone-based, aligned with project phases to ensure transparency and progress tracking throughout the renovation.
Do projects typically go over budget?
Our detailed design phase helps our projects stay on budget by avoiding decisions and changes during construction. However, it's not unusual to find surprises during construction and we want our clients to have the opportunity to get the most value from their projects even if it means the project budget and timeline need to change.
Older Homes & Historic Properties
How does the Airy Kitchens team approach the design and construction process when renovating historic homes?
- Network of engineers and architects to ensure safe structural changes
- Electrical and plumbing are always new and we inspect for evidence of hazardous conditions
- Cabinetry designed to accommodate uneven floors, ceilings, and walls
- Preserve historic details while modernizing interior layouts
- Designers know how to create historic character and charm
- Network of preservation focused contractors, tradespeople, and specialty installers
Learn more on our Historic Home Blog.
How do you integrate contemporary features and cabinetry in my historic home?
Our philosophy is to create modern spaces that respect historical features. We don't design 'period' kitchens and bathrooms, but we do take inspiration from vintage spaces and recreate them in modern ways.
See an example in our Philly Rowhouse Kitchen.
Do I need permits for renovations?
- Most of our projects do require permits and often a simple EZ Permit is all that's needed
- Airy Kitchens has experience managing renovations of homes on the Philadelphia Historic Register
- With project management, Airy Kitchens provides a full set of construction documents that can be used for permits
Retiree & Accessibility Solutions
How does Airy Kitchens make renovations suitable for retirees and aging-in-place?
- Wide walkways and open layouts
- Pull-out cabinet organizers and easy-to-reach storage
- Ergonomic cabinet pulls and appliances
- Safety-focused lighting and flooring
- Zero-clearance showers
- Non-slip surfaces
- Smart home controls for lighting, fans, HVAC, and window coverings
How can families make kitchens safer and more functional long-term?
We incorporate child-friendly storage, plan high-traffic areas for safety, and design functional islands for multi-generational use, ensuring your kitchen remains practical for years to come.
Getting Started
How do I schedule a consultation?
You can schedule a design consultation by visiting our Contact Page or calling our office directly. We'll guide you through the next steps and discuss your project goals.
What should I expect during the design and renovation process with Airy Kitchens?
- Experienced interior designers knowledgeable about possibilities for all types of homes
- Curated cabinetry and materials selections
- Full service project management and construction advisement
- Knowledgeable team dedicated to exceptional customer service and creating beautiful and durable spaces
Does Airy Kitchens provide full-home interior design and renovation services?
Yes. We offer comprehensive full-home interior design and renovation services for homeowners in Philadelphia and the Main Line, combining luxury aesthetics with functional design solutions.


