Is it just me, or has this winter been never-ending? Snow piles higher than your patience, the cold makes you question leaving the house, and your cozy slippers have become your best friends. Some days, I swear I’ll forget what spring looks like!
But here’s my little secret for surviving (and actually enjoying) these long, chilly months: Design Dreaming.
Design Dreaming is exactly what it sounds like — giving yourself permission to pause, daydream, and imagine your home and garden in all their springtime glory. Maybe it’s a tiny corner that’s begging for a splash of color, a garden bed you’ve been sketching in your head, or that elusive cozy reading nook you’ve been dreaming about. Winter may be dragging on outside, but inside? The possibilities are endless.
I like to grab a cup of coffee, tea (or sometimes wine — no judgment!) and let my imagination wander. Ideas flow faster than the snow melts — colors I love, textures that excite me, little projects I can’t wait to try. Sometimes it’s a vision board, sometimes a scribbled journal, sometimes a folder of photos collected online. There’s no wrong way to do it — if it sparks joy, it’s a win.
And now, I get to take Design Dreaming to a whole new level, because I recently moved to my new home! I’m extra excited to dream big here and put my own mark on this house and yard.
Since this will be my first spring at my new home in Prince Edward Island, I can’t wait to see which perennials and flowers will appear. I do have a few large junipers that I plan to remove, opening up space for more plants and creative ideas.
The yard itself is magical — it backs onto a forest alive with birdsong. I’ve been gathering inspiration on how to attract even more birds to linger and enjoy the space. While cleaning around my shed, I noticed a large wooden post topped with a fabulous birdhouse. This will become a focal point in the center of the backyard, and I’m already dreaming of little additions to encourage more feathered visitors.
Another big Design Dream? Styling my large back deck and wooden entertaining structure. I’m having so much fun imagining the perfect outdoor furniture, figuring out the best layout, and creating inviting spots to dine, relax, and enjoy long summer evenings.
Even just dreaming about these projects has brought a little warmth to these last chilly days. There’s something so satisfying about letting your imagination roam, planning the spaces where life and laughter will unfold. This, my friends, is why Design Dreaming works — it makes the season brighter, even before spring arrives.
Louise and I were chatting recently, and she shared some of her favourite “Design Dreaming” ideas — the kind that help us get through these darker winter days by looking ahead to warmer, brighter seasons.
Right now, Louise is dreaming about transforming her garden shed into a cozy, creative retreat for summer projects. She’s on the hunt for the perfect antique door to add character and charm, while also planning ahead by ordering seeds and imagining new garden and backyard projects.
In the meantime, she’s finding joy in tending to her indoor houseplants — a little reminder that spring is always quietly preparing to arrive.
Sometimes, design dreaming isn’t about big renovations… It’s about small, meaningful ideas that give us something beautiful to look forward to.
So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, curl up, and start your own Design Dream.
Dream a little. Imagine. Collect. Play.
