Winter in Los Angeles isn’t exactly hibernation season, (although this week it certainly is!) but it can be the quiet window where smart homeowners get ahead. While spring often steals the spotlight, setting the groundwork for a great outdoor dinner party, subtly refreshed interiors, or a lush garden can start months earlier. If you want your home feeling 'dialed in' by spring, now's the time to plan, prep, and make a few low-pressure moves that will pay off later. Let's get started.
1. Garden Like a Local (Yes, Even in Winter)
LA’s mild winters are a secret weapon for gardeners. While colder climates are still buried in snow, Southern California homeowners can get a head start on spring blooms with early planting and thoughtful prep. Winter-friendly gardening moves include:
→ Plant bulbs and early bloomers like ranunculus, anemones, and sweet peas
→ Prep soil beds now so spring planting is plug-and-play
→ Prune dormant plants to encourage healthier spring growth
→ Plan irrigation adjustments before warmer weather hits
Think of winter gardening as future-you insurance. A little effort now means fuller beds, earlier blooms, and less scrambling come March.
Photo: Saltair Terrace, Brentwood
2. Use AI to Rethink a Room (or Your Backyard)
Before you knock down a wall or invest in new outdoor furniture, try reimagining your space digitally. AI-powered design tools make it surprisingly easy to visualize changes without committing to anything yet. Homeowners are using AI to:
→ Test different furniture layouts
→ Explore color palettes before repainting
→ Reimagine outdoor entertaining areas
→ Experiment with lighting, textures, and finishes
It’s not about replacing designers — it’s about showing up to spring planning with clarity and purpose. By the time your contractors or landscapers get involved, you’re mood-board ready.
Photo: Glorietta Drive, Sherman Oaks
3. Budget for Spring Before Everyone Else Does
January is an underrated budgeting month for home improvements. Contractors are less booked, material costs can be more predictable, and you’re not competing with the spring rush. Now’s the time to:
→ Outline your spring home priorities
→ Price out projects like landscaping, painting, or outdoor upgrades
→ Decide what’s DIY-friendly vs. worth outsourcing
→ Build in a contingency (because homes love surprises)
Planning early means fewer rushed decisions — and better results once spring arrives.
Photo: Saltair Terrace, Brentwood
4. Plan a “Home Improvement Weekend” (Before It Fills Up)
Not every project needs a full renovation timeline. Some of the most satisfying upgrades happen over a single, well-planned weekend. Easy projects to line up now:
→ Updating hardware or light fixtures
→ Refreshing outdoor seating or planters
→ Painting or wallpapering a single room or accent wall
→ Organizing garage or storage spaces
→ Power washing patios, walkways, or decks
Winter planning turns spring weekends into action — without the overwhelm.
Photo: Mandeville Canyon Road, Brentwood
5. Prep Outdoor Spaces for How You Actually Live
Spring in LA means dinners outside, weekends with friends, and living rooms that spill into the yard. Winter is the ideal time to evaluate how well your outdoor spaces support that lifestyle. Ask yourself:
→ Do we have enough seating for guests?
→ Is the layout functional, or just familiar?
→ Where do people naturally gather?
→ What small changes would make this space easier to use?
Sometimes it’s not about a full redesign — just better flow, smarter lighting, or more intentional furniture placement. By utilizing the LA winter to garden, budget, visualize, and organize, you set yourself up for a spring season that feels effortless.
Photo: Louise Avenue, Encino
