Pause for a moment and think about your front entrance. When you envision it, does it feel extraordinary, welcoming, secure, and perhaps even like a gateway to your home? Is it designed ideally for Canadian weather, allowing you a temporary shelter from the rain, snow or intense sunlight as you are digging through your bag for your keys?

Now, pause again and imagine your feet clicking along a curvy stonework path (no, not yellow brick, but you can still feel as excited as Dorothy) to a covered porch with wooden beam accents. See opportunities for some of the most show-worthy landscaping and even a grand front door that feels like an exclamation point on a remarkable entrance.

Parallel your walkway with a thoughtfully designed and complementary garage door, with a driveway that is durable enough to host the grandkids when they pop by for a game of basketball.

Consider the use of windows and how they work, in doors and on front porches; well-framed to colour-enhance the space and amplify your style choices.Finally, have an alternative outdoor space to retire to at the end of a long day with a front porch that is private, but comfortable, to enjoy a glass of iced tea or wine with a good book and your furry friend at your feet.

For all families the days are full, active, and can be long, but an entrance that was designed and built to welcome you home the way you dream of is only one renovation away.