Designing your home is one of the most exciting processes you can step into. It’s a chance to shape the spaces where life happens — slow mornings in the kitchen, gatherings with friends, quiet evenings on the sofa. But before the paint colors are chosen and the furniture is delivered, there are a few common missteps that can make the process more stressful (and expensive) than it needs to be.

During a project, one of the most important steps I take with my clients is the electrical walkthrough. This is the moment where we review every outlet, switch, and light placement to ensure the home will function seamlessly for daily life—while fully supporting the overall design vision.

There’s something about the beginning of a new year that invites reflection. How do you live. How your days flow. And whether your home is supporting that rhythm—or quietly working against it. January isn’t about changing everything overnight. It’s about realigning your space so it works better for the life you’re actually living now, not the one you imagined years ago.