The Brolaws Bought a Cottage

The start of a new year usually brings a mix of reflection and ambition. For us, this January feels particularly significant as we look toward the projects ahead and the goals we have set for the coming months. While we spent the last few weeks of December racing to finish renovations for our clients, we are kicking off this year by diving into a project that is a little more personal.

The Nest Project

Dave, Joey, and our other brother-in-law have officially taken the plunge into cottage ownership alongside our spouses. We recently closed on a 1970s retro chalet-style cottage that is, to put it mildly, a time capsule. It has all the classic features you would expect from that era, including some design choices that were best left in the past.

We are currently in the vision phase, looking past the dated finishes to see how we can transform this space into a retreat that reflects our families. While we have the before pictures to prove just how far we have to go, the real work is about to begin. We look forward to sharing the progress, the inevitable surprises that come with a vintage build, and the reality of being our own clients for once.

Here are a few before shots of the cottage:

---

New Year Goals

Whether it is a family cottage or a primary residence, January is the best time to define what you want your home to achieve in the year ahead. We often see homeowners get overwhelmed by the big picture, but success usually comes down to setting clear priorities. This year, our goal is to continue delivering high-end craftsmanship while finding new ways to document the process for you. If you have been sitting on a renovation idea, we encourage you to make this the year you move from the dreaming phase to the planning phase.

---

We appreciate you starting your year with us. Moving into a new project like the cottage is an exciting way to stay sharp and reminded of why we do what we do. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to showing you what the Brolaws crew has in store for 2026.