- January 16, 2026
- Rebecca Staub
There’s something about a new year that makes us look at our homes a little differently. Maybe it’s the quiet after the holidays, the desire for a fresh start, or simply the feeling that this is the year to finally tackle the project you’ve been thinking about.
If a renovation or furnishing project is on your radar for 2026, January is actually one of the best times to start planning. Not ripping out walls — planning. Thoughtful preparation is what separates a smooth, enjoyable project from one that feels rushed, stressful, or unfinished.
Here’s how we recommend approaching a home renovation the right way.
Start With How You Want to Live — Not What You Want to Buy
Before getting caught up in finishes, furniture, or inspiration images, take a step back and think about how you want your home to function.
Ask yourself:
- Where do you feel cramped, cluttered, or disconnected?
- What’s not working right now?
- How do you want your home to support your daily routines?
Great design starts with understanding how a space needs to work — storage, circulation, light, flexibility — and then layering beauty on top of that foundation.
Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need
One of the biggest misconceptions about renovation timelines is assuming everything happens quickly once construction starts. In reality, the most important work happens before the first hammer swings.
Design development, drawings, selections, budgeting, and ordering all take time — and lead times for furniture, lighting, and custom millwork can add up fast.
Starting early allows:
- Better design decisions
- Fewer compromises
- More control over your budget
- A calmer, more enjoyable process overall
If you’re hoping to complete a project this year, planning now helps ensure you’re not rushed later. And please bring your designer in from the start!
Understand the Difference Between Design and Construction
Design and construction go hand in hand, but they are not the same thing.
Design is where the vision, layout, and details are carefully thought through — from space planning and custom built-ins to finishes, lighting, and furnishings. Construction is the execution of that plan.
When the design is fully resolved upfront, construction tends to run more smoothly. Fewer questions. Fewer surprises. Fewer last-minute decisions made under pressure.
Be Realistic About Budget — and Flexible About Priorities
Having a clear investment range early on is incredibly helpful. It allows your designer to guide decisions in a way that aligns with what matters most to you.
That said, flexibility is key. Not every element needs to be fully custom, and not every space requires the same level of investment. A thoughtful design balances splurge moments with smart, intentional choices.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating a home that feels cohesive, functional, and beautifully considered. With each project Beck Haus considers engaging in we send out an investment guide which gives potential clients an idea of what furnishings and finishes will cost for a completed room or rooms so they can have a realistic idea of what the all in number will be for the project.
Work With a Team You Trust
Renovating your home is personal. You’re making decisions that affect how you live every day.
Working with a designer you trust means:
- You don’t have to make every decision alone
- You have a clear plan and professional guidance
- You gain an advocate who sees the big picture and the details
A good design partner helps you navigate options, avoid costly mistakes, and create a space that feels timeless — not trendy.
Looking Ahead
A new year is the perfect time to reset, refine, and reimagine your home. Whether you’re planning a renovation, furnishing a space, or simply starting to gather ideas, thoughtful planning now makes all the difference later.
At Beck Haus, we’re currently filling our 2026 project calendar, and early conversations allow us to guide projects with intention from the very beginning.
If you’ve been thinking “this is the year,” we’d love to help you plan it beautifully.
Reach out to schedule a discovery call and get started.
