You know us San Franciscans will never get tired of talking about the microclimates in our 7-square-mile city, but the unpredictability of this weather is REAL. Shedding layers in the sun by mid-morning, then by afternoon pulling on a sturdy pair of Blundstones when those onshore winds kick in—it’s something we prepare our wardrobes for. Our bodies even adapt. But what intention do we put into preparing our homes for these shifts?

Since hiring Bee, we’ve had lots of conversations about how I approach the design phase with clients. It hit me that a big part of that conversation is understanding how our clients live—and want to live—seasonally in their homes, not just through weather but also lifestyle changes throughout the year.

Some challenges I’ve seen (maybe you can relate?) are chilly bathroom floors (or toilet seats!) in the mornings, lack of natural light during the foggy months, or realizing how cramped your space feels when all the kids are home for summer break (hello, not enough bathrooms in old San Francisco homes!). By now, you might have a list of your own home’s quirks too.

Seasonal challenges are often out of our control, but we don’t have to let them rule how comfortable we feel. Your home should work for you, no matter the season. I love helping people redesign their spaces to embrace these shifts, however they show up.

It’s not uncommon for clients to come to us in early Fall, focused on that one big family dinner they’re hosting in December, worrying if they’ll have enough space for 25+ people and all the food. But if that’s only a single day out of the year, do you want to redesign your space entirely around it? Or do we want to get creative and consider how your kitchen and dining area will function the rest of the year too?

If you’re curious about how we help clients think through these things, check out this new piece Bee and I put together on our design philosophy.

Cheers to the season!

Hayley and the Team