Having options is fantastic, but not knowing how to sort through them can be stressful. (Photo from my Instagram.)
I’ve had two experiences recently where I personally felt the overwhelm that comes from (design) decision fatigue - the first was when I was trying to source some new rugs for our place online, and the second was when I stumbled upon a massive 4-floor furniture store. Despite being enamored with much of what I saw, I was unable to make any sort of purchasing decision because I was completely overwhelmed with options. It’s something I experience often with clients, because we truly live in a day and age where anything is possible and/or accessible… but being inundated with options is taxing and ultimately unproductive if you’re looking to progress with your design changes and get things done.
The more clear of a plan you can design/envision before you begin sourcing, the quicker the search process will be. (Image is a markup from one of my latest consulting projects.)
Here are a few of my go-to suggestions for quieting the noise and combating decision fatigue…
Even when we whittle down our preferences to a small niche of options, there are still many decisions to make… take these fabric samples for example! (Photo from my Instagram.)
Go in with a plan. This is sometimes easier said than done, but the easiest way to make a painless selection (whether it be paint color, piece of furniture, art, decor, rugs, fabric, bedding, etc.) is to shop with a firm idea in mind. If you’re tweaking an already occupied space or starting fresh, first try planning the layout you want. This allows you to hone in on the exact quantity and type of furnishings you’ll need. Even limiting your shopping list to “1 couch, 2 chairs and an 8x10’ rug” is so much more to work with than “I could fill this space with anything, let’s see what we find”.
The more specific your plan can be, the quicker you’ll be able to source pieces that fit your exact vision. I look to Pinterest, Instagram, books, magazines and even Google images for inspiration to help guide our decision making while in the planning stages. If your shopping list can become “1 white couch, 2 brightly patterned chairs and 1 neutral 8x10’ rug” your time spent sourcing will be infinitely more productive.
Tips for planning include:
Use masking tape to mimic measurements for certain furnishings and/or rugs (literally tape out shapes on the floor/walls)
If testing different paint colors (or wallpaper), sample them directly on the walls to see how they look/feel in your space
Scope out return policies - if you’re close to making a decision and want to go for it, the best option is to always try it out in the space!
Try repurposing things from different spaces to achieve the look you’re going for… For example, if you’re changing up your living room, poach some dining chairs or accent chairs or side tables, etc. from other spaces within your home to gauge how a new set up could feel. Use your creativity to replicate a new look to see how you like the flow.
Try planning one space at a time. When we think in terms of a full concept or how the whole house will piece together it can feel very overwhelming. Isolating one area at a time, planning it out and then going back to analyze cohesiveness among the greater whole is an effective tactic.
Budgeting is also hugely helpful - when you’re looking to stay within a certain price range your options are naturally refined for you.
If specifics aren’t coming to you, at least try to identify some of your general preferences surrounding color, styles (minimalist vs a more densely filled look, etc.), and some textures or materials you like. When in doubt start with what you know you don’t like and go from there :)
Have FUN with this - try to view it as exciting rather than super committal and expensive and scary. Let your creativity run wild!
If you’re struggling to come up with a plan, that’s okay. It’s normal to want to survey some options and see how your creativity is inspired throughout the design journey. In that case, pick a few stores you feel drawn to (or have a curiosity about) and go in very open minded. Don’t attempt to make purchases same day, rather accept that your decision may take a bit longer. Shop, feel inspired, take tons of pictures, then go home and sit with your experience for a few days. Ask yourself how pieces made you feel, what you liked about them and how they will look in your space? Are you able to piece them together with your existing furnishings or come up with a plan that you like based on what you found? If this process helps you gain clarity, try putting together a plan again.
Pinterest is a fantastic hub for inspiration, providing ideas for any size/type/style of space. I seek to categorize my Pinterest boards very clearly to help clients pinpoint inspiration quickly. (View more here.)
Lastly, here’s my favorite predicament… say you have a solid plan in place, but while shopping you come across something you absolutely LOVE, which throws off your entire design. My best advice is to sit with it for a few days - sometimes we can fall hard for things because they feel trendy or inspiring in the moment but in actuality they don’t suit our tastes/aesthetic that well. Avoid impulse spending by putting it on hold or walking away to think about it for a few days. BUT, that said, if you know, you know - so do trust your instincts. If it’s back to the drawing board for how the rest of the design can come together in light of finding this new piece, see how you can leverage some of what you already have in new ways.
And of course - hiring someone you trust to help you through the process is always a good decision! :)
Until next time,
LG