The Renovation Readiness Guide

What Most People Don’t Know Before They Start

When most people think about renovating, they jump straight to the finishes. Paint colors. Tile. Fixtures. Floor plans.

And while all of those things matter, they don’t matter most.

We believe the most important part of a renovation starts before the plans. It begins with something quieter and often overlooked: presence and intention. A real understanding of how you want to live in your space.

Because a home shouldn’t just look good—it should feel right.

Here are a few things most people don’t realize before diving in.

You can have beautiful lighting, custom millwork, and natural stone throughout—and still feel disconnected from your home.

We always start by asking questions like:

• What do your mornings feel like now?

• What would make them better?

• Where do you naturally gather as a family?

• What part of your home do you avoid, and why?

  
  

The answers often hold more weight than any inspiration photo.

There’s the dust and the delays, sure, but there’s also the vulnerability of reimagining your home. It can bring up unexpected things—stress, nostalgia, identity shifts.

For some, designing a home is as meaningful as planning a wedding. Just like some brides dream about their wedding for years, some people carry a lifelong vision of the home they hope to create.

We believe your home deserves that same care, attention, and reverence.

Being honest about the emotional side of renovating can make the entire experience feel more grounded and supported. We’re here to walk through it with you, one thoughtful step at a time.

You don’t need to have every detail figured out. What you do need is clarity around your values, your lifestyle, and your goals for the space.

Once that’s in place, the design process becomes smoother and more meaningful.

Decisions feel easier because they’re anchored in something deeper than trends.

This is your space. Your story. Your daily rituals. A thoughtful renovation makes room for all of that.

Our role is to listen carefully and design a home that supports the way you want to live—not just what looks good in photos.

Ready to Begin?

To help you start your renovation from a place of clarity and calm, we’ve put together a short Renovation Readiness Guide—right here in this post.

It’s not a checklist. It’s a series of thoughtful prompts designed to help you reconnect with your space, reflect on how you want to live, and begin the process with intention.

Take a few quiet moments with these questions and let them guide you inward before you move forward.

1. How do I want to feel in this space each day? Think beyond style—what’s the emotional atmosphere you’re craving?

2. What parts of my current home support my lifestyle? Which ones don’t? Noticing the contrast can clarify what needs to change.

3. What does my ideal day at home look like? Where do you spend time? What flows well? What slows you down?

4. Are there rituals or habits I want this space to support more deeply? Morning light, quiet dinners, space to create, family time—all of these matter.

5. What values do I want this home to reflect? Comfort? Connection? Creativity? Simplicity? Let these guide your design decisions.

6. What memories, heirlooms, or personal pieces do I want to honour in the new space? Designing with intention also means designing with meaning.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just beginning the conversation with yourself—and your space—is enough.

Let this be your foundation. The rest will follow.

If you’d like support moving forward, we’re always here to guide the process thoughtfully and soulfully.

Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, styling tips, and project reveals.

@degiannidesigns