Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways1. Goodbyes Are Part of Progress—In Life, Design, and Renovation
2025 brought a series of endings—some funny, some heartfelt, and some unexpected. But each goodbye opened the door to growth, both personally and professionally.
2. Investing in Change Means Navigating the Messy Middle
From kitchen renovations to medical journeys, leveling up doesn’t happen without disruption. Spectrum understands those soft costs and helps clients through them.
3. Design Is Serious Work—But We Don’t Take Ourselves Too Seriously
Whether we’re saying farewell to an old forklift or filming a “Nailed It”-style cocktail challenge, we believe good design includes joy, laughter, and community.
Saying Goodbye, Leveling Up, and Mixing Cocktails
As we wrap up 2025, I’ve found myself reflecting on the many goodbyes this year brought. Some were practical, like my 30-year-old Weber grill and our well-worn forklift. Some were bittersweet, like saying goodbye to a long-time colleague, and yes, even a few internal organs (we’re fine, thanks for asking).
At Spectrum Design Group, we talk a lot about transformation. It’s easy to focus on the beautiful “after” photos, but the truth is: transformation starts with goodbye. And goodbyes are rarely simple.
Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or navigating life’s curveballs, change comes at a cost, and it’s often more than just financial. It can mean disruption, time, risk, grief, or just the loss of something familiar. But in every project, every goodbye, there’s a hidden promise: the opportunity to level up.
Goodbye Old Grill, Hello New Season
The thing about goodbye is that it makes room for something else. Something new. Something better. My old grill served me well—but the new one? It’s a whole new game. (Actual grill marks. Glorious.)
It’s the same with our work. We walk alongside clients who are investing in change, sometimes planned, sometimes unexpected. We help them navigate the in-between—the mess, the uncertainty, the choices—and lead them toward something they couldn’t yet see: the joy that comes on the other side.
From Renovation Dust to Mixed Drinks
Of course, we know life isn’t all about big emotional goodbyes. Sometimes leveling up means shaking things up—literally.
This year, our team decided to put a twist on our annual Holiday Cocktail tradition. Instead of Dawn and Cory walking us through recipes, we went full competition mode. Two teams. Lots of alcohol. No bartenders. Plenty of chaos.
The result? A “Nailed It” style showdown between Team Sleigh’n It and The Merry Makers & Shakers. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it here. It’s the perfect mix of laughter, low-stakes competition, and slightly questionable cocktails.
Because leveling up isn’t always serious. Sometimes it looks like fun, community, and a chance to not take ourselves too seriously. We believe design and life should always have space for both.
Here’s to 2026
As we look back on 2025, we’re grateful for all the goodbyes that made way for hellos. For the new beginnings we got to witness. For the clients who trusted us to walk with them through a major renovation. For the laughter, the lessons, and yes, even the loss.
We’re excited to see what’s ahead—for you, for us, and for the spaces we’ll shape together.
Cheers to leveling up in 2026!
