Interior Design: It’s Not That Serious
How often do we painstakingly deliberate over paint colors? We review paint swatches, order samples, decide and then re-decide in agony trying to select that perfect hue. We want to get it just right. After all, paint is expensive, time consuming and an over-all life disrupter. If you tried painting a wall yourself, then you know just how frustrating painter’s tape can be!!
But what if it didn’t have to be that way? After all, there are people making various design selections everyday day for a living, so it can’t be that bad? Right?
Absolutely!
At the end of the day, it really isn’t all that serious! And that’s exactly the problem. We build up the process in our minds. We labor over our every decision hoping that the outcome looks exactly like the pages from our favorite magazine.
How do you let go, and put the FUN back into design?
First of all, take a deep breath!
It’s just paint and furniture! At the end of the day, it is not a life or death situation (well at least it shouldn’t be!) Overly agonizing about the situation leads to anxiety and that causes you to second guess yourself.
Take some of the pressure off yourself and realize that it’s OK to make a mistake! The worst that can happen is that you have to repaint a wall. Yes, that is additional time. Yes, that is additional money. And yes, wouldn’t it be better to just get it right the first time?! Yes, it would. But you didn’t. And that’s OK. It’s your own space. You can try it again at a later point in time. And until then.. at least you have something to talk about!
Focus on your favorite part of the process
If you love shopping, start there! Dream big. Look for the things you love even if it’s out of your budget. Once you have an overall idea it’s much easier to edit it down. Maybe you love idea searching. Fill your Pintrest board to your heart’s desire. Its about the process. If you can fall in love with the process then the outcome simply becomes another part of the journey. Need help digging a little deeper into the design process visit our post How to Become Your Own Interior Designer.
Make a plan
We get it. Not everyone is a planner. But coming up with your own order of events will make the process feel less overwhelming. You will be able to work the project in to a time that fits in with your schedule. This will immediately eliminate some of the burden. Think of your plan as more of a flowchart or guideline and keep it flexible. Which brings us to our next tip…
Stay Flexible
Ideas can hit at the most unexpected time. Don’t rule them out just because they deviate from your plan. Keep your mindset open to new ideas, plans, arrangements, accessories, etc. The serendipity of the moment keeps the journey lighthearted and fun. Be willing to change your plans. Especially if the change can save you time or money. Staying flexible also helps mitigate disappointments. Maybe that floor lamp that you had your eye on just sold out. Instead of being heartbroken at the loss, look at the gained opportunity to find something even greater! Flexibility is simply a matter of perspective.
Do it for YOU
At every stage in the design journey remember this is your space. This is your moment to bring your vision to life. Fill your space with the things you love and the things that make your family happy. If you are happy in your space, then your guests will be happy as well. Design is an opportunity to make your space more useful and efficient but is also an expression of who you are. And nobody knows you better than yourself!
Yes, you can listen to the opinion of family and friends. We all need someone at times to help bounce around ideas. But at the end of the day, it’s you that is going to be living in the space. If painting your walls neon green will make your heart happy, then do it! (Well ok, maybe you shouldn’t actually do that but we think you get our point! And hey, maybe it could be pretty awesome, if you try it let us know!) Embarking on any project can be overwhelming, but it can also be pretty empowering too!
When all your decisions are made to better yourself and your lifestyle, then you can’t really fail. You are learning and growing and that counts for something! Sometimes it takes just starting something to realize that it isn’t so scary! Once the fear is eliminated then the fun starts to kick in. Keep in mind, that it just not that serious and enjoy the wild ride! Go ahead…try it!
Let us know how your project goes!
And if you get stuck at any point along the way, remember we are just an email away!
Until Next Time!
-D
