As the mornings get cooler and the light shifts, I find myself noticing my home in new ways. The corners I love, the textures under my hands, the spots that feel cozy. Paying attention to these moments this fall makes thinking about a renovation feel easier and more grounded.
Taking some time this fall to notice, collect, and reflect on your space can help make a future renovation in the new year feel smoother and more meaningful.
Notice the Details and Gather Inspiration
Take a slow walk through your home and really notice it. Which corners, chairs, or textures make you pause? The worn wood of a floor, the curves of an old chair, or even your horse’s mane in the morning light. These small, everyday moments can spark ideas for your home.
Try this:
Snap a few photos of spots that feel warm, meaningful, or joyful.
Make a list of the details you notice that bring you happiness.
If you want a little guidance for tuning into these moments, my Cozy Living in Your Century-Old Home guide is full of ideas and inspiration.
Collect Ideas and Start a Vision Board
Once you’ve noticed the details you love, start gathering inspiration. Collect images, textures, or materials that feel right, even small things like a swatch of fabric or a photo of a corner that sparks an idea. Don’t overthink this, just gather the things that speak to you! Over time, these collected pieces help you see a bigger picture for your renovation and shape a vision that feels personal and cohesive.
Try this:
Create a folder or notebook for ideas as you find them.
Group items by room, material, or feeling to see patterns emerge.
For some tools and tips to get started, check out my Interior Design Guide to help shape your vision.
Think About Lifestyle and Family Needs
Consider how the home actually works for you day-to-day: what feels good, what feels off, what could make life easier or more enjoyable. Think about routines, how spaces flow, and where you need more function or comfort.
Try this:
Walk through each space and ask: Does this feel easy to live in?
Make a note of any friction points or spots that could work better.
Think about what you want to keep and what could change to fit your lifestyle.
If you’d like ideas for items that can make a space feel comfortable and functional without a big project, my List of Decor Staples is an easy, helpful resource.
Plan Next Steps
Even just thinking through your ideas now helps you stay organized. Consider the order you want things to happen, which spaces need the most attention, and where you might need extra support. Early planning gives you time to clarify your priorities and make decisions thoughtfully.
Try this:
Make a simple list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
Note any questions or concerns for your designer or contractor.
Sketch a rough outline of how you’d like the project to flow: which rooms or areas you want tackled first, and how the spaces should feel once complete.
Wrapping Up
Slowing down, noticing the details, and thinking about how your home works for you day-to-day can make a renovation feel more purposeful and less stressful. Spending time this fall reflecting, gathering inspiration, and mapping out your ideas is the kind of preparation that pays off when it’s time to make changes.
If you’re thinking about a renovation and want some guidance, let’s chat. When you’re ready, fill out our inquiry form here and we can go over your ideas together.