Tips For Overcoming Decor Overwhelm
Decor overwhelm hits all of us at one time or another but fear not. Just stick with me we’ll get you over this self induced hurtle.
What is Decor Overwhelm
It starts with a desire for change. An idea is formed, a few materials are purchased, deconstruction follows, and then it hits… paralyzing, self doubting decor overwhelm. You stand there staring at all the pieces of your project and you suddenly don’t know where to start. Questions start to whirl in your head. Questions like: did I pick the right paint colour? Should I have decided on that particular shape? Did I just approach this all wrong?!
Oh my goodness, what have I done!
Nothing. You have done nothing.
What you have is the the awful feeling of decor overwhelm. It makes you question your sense of style. It has you doubting your carpentry skills, and suddenly you are a puddle of DIY decor doubt. And like a deer in headlights you stop short andthen head for the couch and the TV remote.
Why Does Decor Overwhelm Happen
Decor overwhelm is a real thing, and it happens to the best of us. Whether you’re decorating starting from scratch in a new space or giving our current home a refresh, it’s easy to get caught up in the process. It can end up making you feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. The key is to take things one step at a time. Make sure that you focus on one area or room at a time. That way, you can slowly build up your decor collection and create a space that feels like home. And if you ever find yourself getting overwhelmed by the decorating process, just take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that it’s all worth it in the end.
How To Best Cope With DIY Decor Overwhelm
Decor overwhelm can stop you in your tracks. It has the ability to take what seemed like a fabulous plan and turn it into an upside down nightmare. Decor overwhelm is a nuisance but with a little know how it is a nuisance you can be rid off.
Tip 1: Jumping off point
A jumping off point is a great place to start. Whether you are DIYing an entire room or you are making over a piece of furniture first you need inspiration.
Is this a piece that is fitting into an already decorated room? If so then how can you make it over so that it blends in? When redoing a whole room look for a fabric or art work as your jumping off point.
Tip 2: Trust goes a long way
Trust yourself and your ability. I know this can sometimes be easier said than done but it really is the first step. Even if you have to fake it until you make it approach your DIY projects with confidence. Trust your ability to make this thing happen and you will soon find yourself taking on new and better projects.
Tip 3: Educate yourself
If you aren’t trusting your abilities than it’s time you educate yourself a bit more on the topic. There are tons of fantastic blog posts, videos, tutorials, and books to teach you step by step. So take a little time. Do some research and then armed with your new found knowledge you can proceed with confidence.
Tip 4: Trick to tackle
We’ve all heard the old adage “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Well, this holds true with DIY decor. It helps to remember this in order to avoid the dreaded decor overwhelm.
Whether you are taking on a big projector a smaller project, breaking down the project and approaching the process one step at a time will help you to trust yourself. The care taken will promise great results.
Tip 5: Perfectly Imperfect
Perfection is a dead end. Of course, aim for great but avoid buying into the idea that your DIYs need to be perfectly done. Embrace the tiny flaws because they are all a part of non mass produced, lovingly created DIY decor.
Tip 6: Nothings permanent
Yes, some home decor changes can be a big commitment. Home decor purchases can be expensive and so of course you don’t want to have to redo or repurchase. I get it. Just remember to keep things in perspective. Even with the most careful purchases there are no guarantees. So it helps to remind ourselves that we can likely switch things up again if we need to.
Tip 7: Be adventuress
I love the colour teal and instantly fall in love with anything this colour. My hubby says if dog poop was spray painted teal I would love it. So I am redoing the den in mustard yellow, grey, and a touch of teal. This is completely out of my comfort zone but it is exciting to expand my horizons. Plus, hubby is thrilled with the teal reprieve.
Tip 8: No scardy cats allowed
Try your hand at something you have never tried to do before. Yes, this can be a bit daunting. However, remember that it is extremely rare that a DIY fail can’t be salvaged. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve scored a great deal at the thrift store because someone brought in a DIY fail. Yet, I was able to still see the potential.
Tip 9: Time to tackle
Tackle one room at a time. This is such an easy mistake to make and one that I am guilty of. When it comes to home decor our brains are often going in a million directions. It’s just too much. So tackle things one room at a time. It will be less overwhelming and you will be more likely to completely and carefully finish the project.
BONUS TIP!
Make sure that you get your free access to At Jenny’s Place Master Decor Planning Guide.
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Tip 10: The V.I.P.
V.I.P. – Very Important Projects.
This ties into the last tip. This is also a very personal step. What is most important to one person may not be as important to another. I suggest you sit down and quickly jot out all the decor projects you would like to accomplish. Then list them in order of priority and difficulty. Work from there.
Tip 11: Pinterest can be your best friend
I mean it. If you aren’t on Pinterest yet what are you waiting for?! This is a great visual resource for ideas, tutorials, tips, and hacks. You can learn from those in the know, discover fabulous products, create mood boards and share your ideas to inspire others. It is truly an indispensable tool that every DIYer should think about using.
Tip 12: Tackle one room at a time
I get it. I’ve already shared my current list of DIY decor wishes. I want to be everywhere all at once and it makes for a horrific mess! Then this messy state creates more decor overwhelm and around and around we go. I urge you to take a deep breath and approach decorating room by room. I promise the rest will still be there waiting to be improved on.
Tip 13: Ask for help
I can’t sew. Not even a button. Know your limits but don’t let them stand in your way. Maybe you too need to hire a seamstress. You may have a special piece of furniture that would be best professionally spray painted. Scared to use power tools then maybe have the home hardware store cut down the wood pieces you need. Hire a lamp guy if you aren’t comfortable with wiring.
Yes, in most cases this raises the price a bit. However, if it keeps your projects moving forward and it helps alleviate the decor overwhelm then it’s well worth it.
Tip 14: Start with building smaller skills
And than grow from there. Maybe you’re not ready yet to tackle a full faux brick wall. That’s OK. Try starting out small with some faux pottery, a lamp, or maybe chalk painting a piece of furniture. Start out small and tackle one skill at a time. Eventually you will be redecorating like a pro and you will have learnt so much along the way.
Tip 15: Plan for everything taking twice as you long as you think
If you have ever done a home renovation you are sure to have heard this one before. All renovations take twice as long and will cost twice as much as you think it will. This is often true for decorating as well.
Finding the perfect pieces, choosing the right colour, and creating those gorgeous DIYs all takes time. Even the simplest of DIYs can take longer than expected. This is perfectly normal. So, keep this in mind when you are starting and try to plan accordingly. And, if you find yourself “behind” schedule take a deep breath and remind yourself, “I’m normal.”
Tip 16: Cherish what you already have
When we are redecorating a room it is easy to leave those critical decorator eyes on. Charged with decorating energy you can suddenly see all the things you want to change or improve on. You think to yourself, I could paint that. How would a new bed frame look there? I hate our hand towels. Unsatisfied thoughts whirl around in your head.
Put these thoughts to bed. Cherish what you have. Focus on your current project. Lastly, remind yourself that there will be other opportunities to tackle those other “issues” one at a time.
Tip 17: Go with what you love
Too often we can get caught up in what other’s will think or what is trendy in the moment. We might compare ourselves to other’s decorating style or envy their DIY capabilities. We may feel like we fall short, and then we get a sudden attack of decor overwhelm. Trust in what you love and are attracted to.
DIY decorating is a bit like cooking. If you create it with love than it is sure to turn out just right.
Jenny’s Finishing Thoughts on Decor Overwhelm
Decor overwhelm is a feeling that can be conquered. It doesn’t have to prevent you from tackling projects that will help improve the look of your home. With the tips shared you can get past decor overwhelm and start creating the home of your dreams.
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