I always encourage my clients to take an active role in the design or redesign of the spaces in their homes. I like it when they come to me with pictures from magazines of things they like or rough ideas sketched out on napkins or scrap paper.

In simple terms, that means you cannot expect a bathroom with custom tile work to be completed in 48 hours, but in broader terms, it means you should consider the investment of that custom tile work against how long you expect to stay in your home.

If you envision being in your home for another 10 to 15 years, then it makes sense to invest in glass tiles or high-end fixtures and custom cabinets for bathroom and kitchen remodels. Moving walls and changing floor layouts can be a wise choice, especially if doing so will accommodate your lifestyle needs today - and in the years to come.

But if you simply want to give your home a fresh look, but are really saving those magazine pages and sketch plans for the "dream home" you hope to move into in five years or so, it probably makes more sense to make simpler design modifications to your existing space.

• Spend less on custom fixtures and cabinets. Home Depot carries a line of Martha Stewart Living cabinetry that is tastefully done but offered at a fraction of the price that custom cabinets might run. If you like a more modern or European look, consider Ikea's cabinetry which provides modular units that can be mixed and matched to fit your specific needs.
• If you want plantation shutters, there are many workable options on the market today that come in pre-measured widths. Save the expense of custom-made shutters, blinds and window treatments for that dream home that awaits you in a few years.
• With careful planning, you can maximize the impact of simple design changes, too. If your kitchen feels boxed in, you may not have to move walls, but perhaps just eliminate some of the upper cabinets and repurpose a closet or nook as a pantry to make up for the lost storage.
• Instead of moving stairs, open up stairways that are enclosed by walls. Doing so can bring more light to the spaces on each side of the stairs and create the impression that the space is bigger and airier.

There are always options. So keep bringing me your pictures and your sketches. We can talk about the details as well as the "big picture" to make sure your design reflects your tastes as well as the plans you have for today - and tomorrow.

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