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 cosy slippers have officially become your best friends. Some days, I swear I’ll forget what spring even 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 begging for a splash of colour, a garden bed you’ve been sketching in your head, or that comfy reading nook you’ve always meant to create.
Winter may be dragging on outside, but inside? The possibilities are endless.
The ritual of design dreaming
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 — colours I love, textures that excite me, little projects I can’t wait to try.
Sometimes it’s a vision board. Sometimes it’s a scribbled journal. Sometimes it’s a folder of photos collected online. There’s no wrong way to do it — if it sparks joy, it’s a win.
New home, new season of dreaming
This year feels extra special because I recently moved into my new home. I get to design dream on a whole new canvas — and that is such a gift.
Since this will be my first spring here, I can’t wait to see which perennials and flowers make their appearance. There’s something so magical about that first bloom; like a little hello from the garden.
I do have a few large junipers I plan to remove, opening up space for more plants and creative ideas. Sometimes design dreaming is also about letting go — making room for what’s next.
Another big design dream? Styling my large back deck and wooden entertaining structure, which I am calling “The Nest.”
Right now, it’s a little tired. A little forgotten. But the idea of it? Oh, the idea is beautiful. I’m having so much fun imagining the perfect outdoor furniture, experimenting with layout ideas and creating inviting spaces to dine, relax and enjoy long summer evenings. I can already picture the laughter, clinking glasses, the golden light filtering through the trees.
But I’ll be honest — at the moment I’m a bit stumped. I love the structure and the potential, but I’m still figuring out how to use the space in a way that feels natural and inviting. The Nest isn’t meant to be fancy or formal. I imagine it as a place to slow down — a spot to relax.
I would love to hear your ideas on how to use this area. Even I sometimes need some inspiration! You can email me at Sue@decortherapyplus.com.
Just dreaming about these projects brings warmth to these last chilly days. And that, my friends, is why design dreaming works.
How some homeowners are design dreaming
I just love how different we all are when it comes to design dreaming. After chatting with homeowners around the Ottawa area, it’s clear there’s no one right way to do it — and that’s the beauty of it.
Here’s how a few lovely ladies are dreaming their way through winter.
Design dreaming: Louise
Louise is already thinking ahead to summer. She’s dreaming about transforming her garden shed into a cosy, creative space for her warm-weather projects — a little retreat tucked into her backyard. Think comfy chair, potting table, soft lighting, maybe even that perfect antique door she’s currently hunting for.
She’s also ordering seeds (because hope comes in small paper packets, doesn’t it?), planning garden beds and mapping out backyard projects.
And in the meantime? She tends to her indoor houseplants — her own little bit of green therapy while the snow falls outside.
Design dreaming: Cynthia
Cynthia’s design dream style is beautifully organized. She creates a vision board filled with paint chips, magazine clippings, garden inspiration and room ideas. It’s tactile. It’s creative. It’s intentional.
She pairs it with a good old-fashioned to-do list to keep her focused and moving forward. There’s something powerful about seeing your ideas laid out in front of you. It turns dreaming into planning — and planning into doing.
Design dreaming: Laura
Laura’s design dream approach? She celebrates her way there. Decorating for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and, of course, spring gets her in the mood for warmer weather ahead.
Fresh greens, soft pastels, wreaths, florals — she brings the season indoors before it even arrives. For her, decorating isn’t just about the look; it’s about the feeling.
Design dreaming: Gail
Gail definitely has a green thumb, but what I admire most is that she understands gardening isn’t just a summer hobby, it’s a year-round love affair.
She starts her seeds with patience and intention, nurturing tiny sprouts on sunny windowsills, knowing that each one holds the promise of warmer days ahead.
If that weren’t enough, she channels her creativity into making beautiful garden art. Whether it’s repurposing vintage finds, painting whimsical signs or crafting one-of-a-kind pieces to tuck among her flowers, she’s adding personality and charm long before the first tulip appears.
That’s the magic of true design dreaming — not waiting for the season to change, but creating beauty right where you are.
What I love most is that none of these approaches are about perfection. They’re about anticipation. About possibility. About creating little sparks of joy in the middle of winter.
It reminds us that seasons change. It gives us something beautiful to anticipate. It helps us create spaces where life and laughter will unfold.
Spring is coming. And when it does, we’ll be ready.
