The holiday whirlwind is behind us, and with a new year kicking in, timing is perfect to set some design priorities. Often there is a panic push to finish projects before the holiday season, and afterward a complacent pause sets in.

Winter is frequently a quiet time, and with it may come a false notion of “we’ve got plenty of time”. Fact is, if you want a project completed in spring or early summer, there is no time like the present to get started. In fact, time is wasting, especially if you have big plans for renovations, or a new outdoor living design. Delay in designing could mean that you will will be waiting several weeks or even months to connect with the right resources for your project. Many contractors are booked well in advance.

Setting design priorities often feels like choosing a vacation destination. So many choices… which one is right? You may have already made a decision about your next project. But if not, it may be confusing. Here are some examples to help you get started:

EXTERIOR

Creative landscape design yields beautiful results!

• DESIGN TIP 1 — Outdoor repairs might actually be part of a bigger project. For instance, your existing sidewalk or hardscape is cracked or unsightly? Worse, it may even be a hazard. Before you consider a repair, looking at the big picture might result in a completely different solution.
• DESIGN TIP 2 — Trees and shrubs don’t look as healthy and vigorous as you would like. If your landscape is looking sad, you may be reacting to the absence of leaves on deciduous plants. Of course that is normal, selective pruning stimulates vigorous spring growth.
• DESIGN TIP 3 – Are the long hours of darkness causing you to forget you have a garden? Wouldn’t you like to actually see your garden and move around safely? The winter garden is beautiful too! Highlighting focal points and pathways with exterior lighting brings your garden back to life, even in winter!

INTERIOR

• DESIGN TIP 4 – Your kitchen is tired and you’re thinking about a renovation. Consider your options. If your cabinets are solid wood cabinets and in relatively good condition, painting, new hardware, new countertops, and updated lighting may be just the fresh look your kitchen needs, without a full-blown renovation.
• DESIGN TIP 5 – Your whole house feels blah… Color, colour, color! The right color scheme always makes your spaces sing!
• DESIGN TIP 6 – Functional challenges need a solution. Life brings surprises, and you may need to accommodate some sort of special need or situation, temporarily or permanently. Professional design may be your best friend in this case.

If you have a particular project in mind, lets start a conversation!