So, you’re ready to dive into your new chapter, huh? That’s awesome! I’ve seen so many clients get stuck in the interior decision process. It’s like trying to pick a movie on Netflix, and you end up scrolling forever. So, to avoid that, let’s get into the five big design decision roadblocks and how to get past them.
1. The “Cheap and Quick” Trap
Alright, so here’s the deal. We’ve all been there – you move into a new place, and you’re itching to fill it up ASAP. But hold your horses! Buying Wayfair furniture just because it’s available is a rookie mistake; trust me!
Here’s what you should do instead: Take. Your. Time. I know, I know, it’s hard when you’re staring at empty rooms. But seriously, invest in quality pieces that’ll last. Look for natural materials like wood, stone, or marble. It requires a bit more upfront investment, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not replacing everything in a year, or less.
2. The “Perfect Piece” Paralysis
Okay, this one’s a doozy. You know that chair you’ve been eyeing for months? The one that’s juuuust out of your budget? Well, if it goes on sale, for the love of all things design, buy it! I once passed up on this gorgeous Leanne Ford chair from Crate & Barrel because of a tiny imperfection. Big mistake. Huge.
Don’t let the fear of a better option stop you from making decisions. If you’ve been dreaming about something for a while and it fits your style, go for it. You can always clean that white cushion, but you can’t always get that killer deal again.
3. The “Pinterest Perfect” Problem
Alright, confession time. When I first moved into my place, I went full-on “modern bohemian queen.” I’m talking layers, textures, rugs, poufs – the works. And you know what? It felt fake; it wasn’t me. It was like I’d just copy-pasted my Pinterest board into my living room.
Here’s the thing: Don’t feel like you have to stick to one design style. Mix it up! Look at coastal, mid-century modern, vintage – whatever floats your boat. Pick your favorite elements from each and create your own design language. Your home should tell your story, not Instagram’s. Pro Tip: flip through magazines to get your inspiration; you’re more likely to find your style instead of taking on someone else’s.
4. The “One-Stop Shop” Syndrome
Oh boy, this one’s embarrassing. Remember when Studio McGee launched that Target collection? Everyone went a little nuts and their homes ended up looking like a Target showroom.
The fix? Mix and match where you shop. Throw in some vintage pieces, hit up HomeGoods (you know I love that place), and don’t be afraid to mix high-end with low-end. Your home should look curated over time, not like you bought a matching set from one store.
5. The “Decision Overload” Dilemma
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got decision fatigue. Did you know we make about 35,000 decisions a day? That’s wild! Now add designing a bathroom on top of that? Talk about brain overload.
Here’s my secret weapon: Limit yourself to three choices at a time. Keep the one you like, ditch the other two. Rinse and repeat until you find “the one,” but limit yourself to 3 rounds. And once you make a decision, don’t look back. Shiny object syndrome is real, but a good design plan beats it every time.
Remember, not making a decision is a decision too, and it’ll cost you big time. So take a deep breath, trust your gut, and go for it. After all, it’s your house. Who gives a crap what anyone else thinks, right?
Now, how about we start tackling your space? What’s the first room you want to focus on? Start your interior design journey.