So, I know I haven’t shown you many pictures of the progress of our house lately. And, there’s a good reason for that. There is no progress! Between work and life, my house has become the last thing on my priority list and to be honest, it’s a little depressing. My mood is so affected by my environment—is yours? Clutter can make me feel nervous. A project sitting unfinished and untouched for weeks/months makes me agitated. I’m not the only one, right?
When we moved in, my goal was to get the family room finished fast. I painted the bookcases, ordered a new rug and decided on slipcovered chairs.
Since then, not much has happened. Currently, I have an entry housing a dresser with lots of stuff piled on top of it and a light fixture in the floor beside of it that I plan to put up “someday.” My hallway still has three different paint swatches that I put up months ago. And, our family room is full of chaos and blank walls.
I wonder, do designers have something similar to “writer’s block?” I think they must. Tiredness—along with being consumed by client projects—can definitely affect creativity. That’s where I am right now. But, sometimes, you just lose your design “umph” in general.
So, my question is—what do you do when you lose motivation to work on your own house? Take a break? Buy something (small) to inspire you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I feel your pain! I don't know if I'd call it a slump, but like you, my job is keeping me crazy busy right now, and it is definitely not the kind of work that inspires this kind of creativity. I feel antsy not being able to work on all the projects I have planned, but I still try to soak up a few minutes of inspiration when I can. Hopefully, I'll get lots done once I have the time and get over the exhaustion.
ReplyDeleteYou are one busy lady!!!! As far as the slump, I think it is fairly common, think of construction workers, the joke is their house is the last one to be finished because they are busy working on everyone's house they don't have time for their own.
ReplyDeleteMaybe hanging the light or painting the wall will get you motivated again. Or maybe do some Christmas decorating? PS: Love the color of the back of the bookcases, may I ask what color that is? I am incorporating coral colors in my home and that looks so pretty and not too peachy. Thank you for inspiring and being real!
I'm sure your house is much better than you think. I totally understand about being impacted by your environment. I really get annoyed by all of my clutter and chaos!
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you take a mini vacation, or staycation, for a week or so. Just relax and focus on family and home. Cook yummy things and lounge around in you PJ's all day. I bet that will open the creative margin!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
jess
I definitely went through a design "slump" during the renovation of our home last year. The chaos of living in the remodel really affected my mood (that and having a newborn baby...) but anyways, I found that if I just focused on designing one room at a time and beautifying that ONE room then that would lift my spirits. I definitely recommend focusing on a space that you will spend a lot of time in - the master bedroom or your office, something like that. Then just close the door on the rest of the house and enjoy YOUR space.
ReplyDeleteEmily I find that when there is so much swirling around in my brain, it is exhausting and it truly take the, "The WANT_TO!" out of my life. When I get like that I have to regroup and prioritize. It usually is because life is out of balance. Once I re-group I make a logical, doable list and prioritize it, being reasonable with my own energy levels and time constraints. Most of the time, when I am trying to do too much and get off balance it is because I am putting too much on my plate. Regroup, make a reasonable list and chip away. The Holidays are coming up and I know that is starting to come to the forefront of our brains, so it feels a bit overwhelming right now. You will pull it together. All this to answer, YES, we designers always will get a mental block when it comes to our own homes. It is kind of like the cobbler story. hang in there and keep family first and everything else will fall where it will. kathysue
ReplyDeleteWe bought the family farm 2 years ago and have been remodeling this 1950's ranch home ever since. I too know how overwhelming everything can be. I too quickly slapped some paint on the walls and did a quick fix on several rooms to "get by" and make them presentable to friends & family. My house looks fairly presentable and now I can spend time going back and "tweaking" and fine tuning the rooms by adding moldings, some architectural pieces and wainscoting. When I get into a slump I go to the store and buy a ton of design magazines and a few books to re-inspire me once again.
ReplyDeleteYou'll get thru it--ONE DAY AT A TIME!
Hugs,
Natalie
Lots of great suggestions here. And yes, I too have periods of "design slump." What works for me to help stoke that creative fire is to get together with other creative people, (I have a group of friends who "craft" together) visit a new design establishment or venue or go to a museum. I find that looking at the depth of creativity in others helps me get mine going. Hope this inspires!
ReplyDeleteCathy
Emily, we must be in the same boat with our mentality. I posted something very similar yesterday. It was a reflection on what we had done with our house and not all of the things I still wanted to do and was stressing about doing. I'm right there with you, but you know in due time it will all take place. I try to enjoy all of the activities we have going on together, and when I have some down time squeezing in a project or two - even if it's something small. Your bookshelves are beautiful and I'm sure you are enjoying those very much. Keep chipping away at small projects - that's what I'm trying to do. And keep doing the great work that you always do.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to take care of your own house when you have a job and family, even if you are a designer. I would create a plan to do a little at a time. Like, Tuesday, you do X (manageable job here), and so on. Then it won't seem so overwhelming. For example, my closets are a MESS, but I'm tackling one (or part of one) per day.
ReplyDeleteI was the same way a few years ago when we bought our new home, the house was bigger and newer then my old home and it managed to be empty and cluttered at the same time & it made me feel nervous and anxious. I found cleaning and organizing helped and then time...things slowly started to happen. As hard as it is try & enjoy the process,,
ReplyDeleteI am so with you! It doesn't make it any easier that the holidays are coming which means people in your house (or at least mine). I just figure it is better to wait for inspiration than to just finish something for the sake of having it done.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently in a slump right now too. I think it is totally normal - house reno/design fatigue! You are so busy with your regular life and your clients no wonder you are too tired to be constantly updating your own home!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll get your mojo back soon :-)
First off, I want to pinterest the heck out of your bookshelves. A starfish? Why didn't I think of that before? Love it. Second of all, you have about a billion balls in the air right now (and I know one of the top ones is your adorable munchkins), so give yourself lots of grace in that you can only do so much (and so wisely) with 24 hours in your day. The corollary (I can make a powerpoint presentation of this, if you want! ha!) is that we are now in The Busiest Time of the Year - again, grace to you. And finally, have you ever thought of a retreat of sorts to refresh and renew? Praying God's grace, wisdom, and most especially His Holy Spirit to flow through you and meet your needs right now. The beauty you create is a reflection of His glory!
ReplyDeleteI am in another kind of slump right now and I am trying to heed a lovely piece of advice I once received: Time. Distance. Activity.
ReplyDeleteAllow for time to pass.
Put some distance (physical) between you and the situation.
Engage in a totally different activity.
I'll let you know if it works for me...but I hope it spurs you on!
I like to schedule a Goodwill pickup and it gives me a deadline to clear out stuff. I love a day when it's just me at home and I can work without interruptions!
ReplyDeletethanks for the post.. laura
Emily, I feel your pain! have you noticed i still haven't posted about my kitchen remodel? it is because it hasn't been done a year later! ugh! i have been so busy with everyone else's house mine is the last on the list. i took today and clean off all the surfaces of piled up magazines,newspapers, clothes, school books,etc. I am getting ready to go for a run and when i get back, I might go to the library and look at books and mags! i think we need a break mentally and physically....it is hard to turn the brain off when you are working on so many projects. i think sometimes we need a design pow wow with other designers in our own homes and let them treat us like clients....
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a contractor and he loves what he does, but it's usually the last thing he wants to do when he comes home. So, our house is far behind with the upgrades, etc., than where it should be. And when you work full-time it's hard to find the energy to do full-scale projects at home. Just enjoy what you have and know that it will all get done someday, then you'll probably want to start all over! :o)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely buy something to inspire you! I sometimes will plan a house party to push me forward....nothing big but something that will motivate to do what I have been putting off!
ReplyDeleteI think this has probably been said, but when I am feeling not like myself (which manifests itself by my not wanting to decorate ha!) I realize that I need to take some time to regroup. It usually means I need to take a break, clean the house, take a bath, read a book, snuggle my kids. Once that has been done often enough, I get the house love mojo back. You can't keep a good designer like you down! :)
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel! Exhaustion plays a big part, and can take all the creativity away from your mind... I think just some rest and time with shelter mags (or on Pinterest!) will get you back to your amazing self! Your home always looks so beautiful and your readers are always interested in your life! Can't wait to see your latest installation, those pillows looked so gorgeous!
ReplyDeletexo
Kate
I've learned that, for me, a slump means that I haven't really settled on something I love. I take it as a clue that I need to take a break. I spend time looking at pictures, perusing stores, poring over Pinterest, etc.
ReplyDeleteI was stuck on our master bedroom for a long time. I liked lots of things, but loved nothing. I just shelved it for awhile. Then, one day, I saw a picture on Pinterest that rocked my world. It was NOTHING like what I was thinking in terms of style or color, but as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have that room. Now we know exactly where we're going and are ready to start!
I can definitely relate. I have a hard time finishing up my own apartment, because I have too much other stuff going on. When I do decide to go out and buy something, I bring it home and don't do anything with it. My main problem right now is with paint color. I always buy different samples of paint. But it's hard to settle on one... (cheapchicbywhitney.blogspot.com)
ReplyDeleteChaos and clutter makes me grouchy and zaps my energy to be creative. I would put the design projects for your house on hold till after the new year, clear up the clutter and enjoy the holidays with your family! In the big scheme of things does it really matter if it's put on hold for 60 days? It's not worth it to be stressed and overwhelmed this time of year. You'll be recharged and ready to roll the first of the year! :)
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate! I simply started finishing projects I had started OR that I already had the materials for! Finishing up projects, or getting to ones you had just put on the backburner, makes you feel better and I think it helps you move on to the next!
ReplyDeleteTotally feel your pain! When we first moved in to our home three years ago I quickly painted and freshened up the main rooms that people would see. Then the others sat unfinished for nearly the next 3 ughh! We are talking unfinished hardwood floors, old ugly green trim, even 1 room my husband drywalled and never finished for a year. (Oh yeah, my husband is a carpenter..it is true when they say yours is the last house to get done!) This year I had to have back surgery and was home living in the unfinished mess for 2 months. NEVER AGAIN! 3 months later all projects complete, well in this house anyway. We are hoping to move soon and start the next reno which we will not be living in during the remodel. My advice - just start small and you will find the motivation. And for goodness sakes you are one busy lady who takes time to inspire all of us! Thanks for being real:) Carrie
ReplyDeleteI think we can all relate to design slumps! Even as I type this, our apartment has hit a road block in getting the rest of the decorating done. Pictures are leaning on the floor, light fixtures are sitting waiting to be hung and my studio is buried with my guy's office stuff. The longer things go on like this, the less motivated I become and soon stepping over clutter becomes the norm. I need a kick in the pants.
ReplyDeleteI'm a procrastinator... so I work best under pressure and with a deadline.
ReplyDeleteThe holidays are fast approaching. Maybe if you take a few days off and make yourself a goal of finishing the family room or dining room before Thanksgiving.... you'll get motivated.
I 100% can't concentrate when there's clutter all around me--have to have a clean office before I can get any work done! When I'm in a slump I take pictures of my spaces, decide what I like or don't like, and make a list of things that need to be done to remedy the situation. Or else I gather all the random stuff I don't like in a big pile and start picking things out to go in new spaces--often they look brand new in a different environment! :)
ReplyDeleteI just invited three of my most creative friends over for a meeting of the minds round table discussion. We are all bringing examples of our currents obsessions so we can discuss over bottles of wine. I cant wait to get new ideas and input on some old ones. . . .I love feeding off of my friends positive energy . . .plus it's good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteGIRL, I hear you! I have a zillion different projects that are in progress or in my mind, and at any given moment, I have multiple (half-finished) projects all over the house. I have had the semi-painted wall problem you described, and I *finally* got it done (only because I was tired of looking at it!).
ReplyDeleteNow my kitchen is in ruins because I'm repainting the cabinets, but the clutter and mess are about to send me over the edge! I'm teetering on the brink of exhaustion and determination to get it done so I can put things back together again.
Nevermind that whenever I get deep into a project, the rest of the house goes to h*ll in a handbasket...
You're not alone. :-)
Oh girl, this is the story of my life! I'm an interior decorator too and I feel that the finished product in my house must be perfect, (which is totally not true I keep trying to tell myself!!) But, being the perfectionist that I am, this puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself, then I end up not doing anything because of all the "pressure" for perfection. I am trying to break the habit!
ReplyDeleteA deadline helps, like if I know we're having company, maybe the looming Holidays will help you? Best of luck!
PS: I love your blog, I'm on here all the time and need to comment more. :)
Yes, I think anyone creatively minded goes through slumps! Nature always helps/inspires me. Go for a long walk alone. ;)
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteI COMPLETELY know what you mean. I go through phases of super-productivity and then some slumps. Usually to get out of them I find one piece (like you said) that inspires the whole look or an image that really speaks to me and gets me excited about things. I actually did a post TODAY (funny!) about how to really use inspiration to change your home. The post is here,
http://heyhomeslice.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-really-use-inspiration.html
if you're interested. Good luck, I'm sure you'll pull out of it soon!
I love the rug that you used! Where did you find it and do you like the feel of it? I purchased a rug that was not very comfortable on the feet and had to return it! I love your rug! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI settle down with a stack of shelter mags (guilty pleasure) and pull out pages that inspire me. Then I just let it percolate a bit. I think it comes in waves and there's an ebb and flow to inspiration for our own spaces. Most importantly, tackle small things first so you feel like you're making progress. just my 2 cents worth. :)
ReplyDeletexo heidi
You are talking to the queen here. :) Though I vow that "this house" will be different! I think its common, and sort of along the lines of the 'shoemakers son not having the shoes", we take care of everyone first then ourselves last and sometimes are just spent or burnt out and have no mojo left.
ReplyDeleteBest thing I find is to take a short break and try to get reinspired. It generally happens and comes back. Sometimes a small something will trigger an idea, or inspiration but I have found that trying to force it is not a good idea. It takes time and much patience. You know what they say about the best laid plans.....and don't forget part of you unknowingly might also be thinking about the holidays being right arond the corner (yikes) and that is so anxiety provoking on top of everything, I get overwhelmed just typing it!! It will come back, take a breather, and don't force it...it will happen when its meant to, always does:) Look at 2012 as the year that things WILL get done!
Hi Emily!
ReplyDeleteIf there is one thing I have learned after moving to so many homes, it is this - when I try and decorate the whole house just to get it done, I make mistakes. I have definitely 'listened' to my design-slumps and waited before buying and painting for when inspiration strikes. You will be happier with the results and the inspiration will provide just the right motivation you need to get your spaces 'just right'!
You should see my living room - I just called it "the land of misfit furniture" on my blog! Sort of looks like a storage room! I have just not found the right fabric, color combo etc... to inspire me to do anything!
Well, and then there's life - kids, social life, work, etc.....
Hang in there!
xo~Jill
Make yourself a "client" with a deadline and "get er done!" LOL! I get agitated too with unfinished projects so like you, I want them finished as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteBut I would suggest that you take a few days each week for awhile (if possible with your other clients) and work on the areas you feel you have to get done first.
Also, I lived with my really ugly basement laundry room for the entire 25 years we've lived in this house....until I saw a hundred year old house with a nicer one than mine! That did it! I said "If that 'old gal' can have a great laundry room, so can mine!" It was done in about 2 weeks :-)
Take some time for yourself with your own home. Your design slump will come back; you'll be more rested and better for your paying clients too :-)
P.S. I love what you do have done in your home that you've shared with us ;-)
Hi Emily. Boy, do I hear you. I haven't done a thing in my house in over a year, and even then it was far from complete. I design/decorate 40 hours a week. And I have teenagers (which I thought would take less time than young kids, but not the case). I have a pile of projects to do, and when I finally get to them, I delay because I second guess the choice. Why? Because I've seen so many options in the meantime -- the downfall of this business! Sometimes when I just let go f it for a while, something just moves me and I get back to my own house. Don't be hard on yourself. It sounds like family and work are your priorities -- that's worth letting the house sit a while :)
ReplyDeleteYou have a great start. Just remember that you are going to be in this house for years and it doesn't all have to be done or decided on today:) Kinda takes the pressure off, but I totally understand wanting to enjoy your surroundings. You have such innate talent- the inspiration will come - and probably when you least expect it.
ReplyDeleteTry not to put too much pressure on yourself to do EVERYTHING- we all need a break and cannot give 100% to everything.
As for me, Pinterest, shelter mags, and a good run always get my blood pumping and inspired:)
Console yourself by knowing you’re not the first person to face a creative crisis – others have done so before you, and they have some solutions.
ReplyDeleteMichelle loves Owatrol Paint Additive
I notice when I'm in a slump it's usually because I'm trying to do too much. So I stop, reassess the decisions to be made, then formulate a plan. You might be uninspired by the paint chips because maybe they are not quite right. Just give yourself a moment to consider the projects and prioritize. :)
ReplyDeleteI can pull out all the right cards for a client but for myself...not so much. We also just moved to a new house and my husband keeps saying "pretend it's for a client and decide". It'll come!
ReplyDeleteI'm with ya on this one. My house is in total chaos and we have a huge party planned for Dec.3rd. Life and work has taken over and my home has become less of a priority. But as a designer I feel my home is a 'Showroom' and people expect it to be actually designed, stylish, and have some sort of WOW factor (after all that is what we're peddling). At this moment I feel like locking the door and running for the hills.
ReplyDeleteMy only advice is grab a cup of coffee head out to some stores/read some blogs/ buy a few shelter mags and get some inspiration then buckle down and complete 1 project, "baby steps".
Cheers,
Janis
I invite company to come stay overnight - it always gives me the push to finish at least ONE thing.
ReplyDeleteI lived with 23 (really) color samples on my walls for a long time. I had friends want to come stay overnight on their way somewhere - you can bet that the choice was made on color and up on the walls pronto.
I think a when we go through a slump, that's GOD's way to telling us to slow down, prioritize and get back to what makes us happy. Just like you, my surroundings affect my creativity and how much I get accomplished in by business and personal life. To help me get back to center, I create a weekly to-do list, outlining what I want to accomplish each day of the week. Crossing things off my list is such a great feeling and keeps me motiviated to get it all done! P.S. I also surround myself with fresh flowers simply because they make me happy and when I'm happy, I'm more productive.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel. Even since our second baby was born a few months back my motivation is zero and I have fabric swatches taped to my walls in three different rooms in my house! I find watching a move filled with interiors I love always helps to get me motivated. Usually anything by Nancy Meyers for example. Or, looking thru my box of saved pictures/articles from design magazines. And of course there is always Pinterest. :) Inspiration will hit when its ready.
ReplyDeleteOk so I'm not a designer. But I am a major overachiever with an overcommittment problem. This results in tons of (unfinshed) projects and a boatload of guilt (for spending well earned money just to let things sit) and obligation (to get it all done asap). God hads recently taken me on a journey to rid those two things from my relationship with Him and somehow I think it's filtered over into everyday life. So I say... there's a reason you're in a slump, so shut out the feelings of obligation from blogland and spend extra time with your family and friends. Instead of forcing your way out of it simply let it run it's course. In good time, you'll be revived and back in the groove without even realizing it!
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone. My house is always in a state of not quite finished. But once inspiration hits, you will get it all done. Don't stress.. you always seem to work magic!
ReplyDeleteGirl I hear ya!! I say grab of Peppermint cafe mocha- a stack of magazines and hole up for a bit-you need to remove yourself from it all and re-charge your creative juices.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to how you said an unfinished room can make you agitated or clutter makes you nervous. Same here. We all have our slumps - I do think it's similar to writer's block or even just burn out. I tend to give myself permission to take a break and come back once I feel refreshed - could take a day or weeks...
ReplyDeleteI say embrace the slump! It's like sleep. We need it to continue on.
ReplyDeleteCamille
So glad to hear you are normal! We just moved and I hate having things out of sorts and cluttered. I am just ready to be settled. I think it just takes time. I had similar 'writer's block' with our new house. I was full force when we moved in and got burned out after a couple months. I took a few weeks off and just enjoyed my family and now I am feeling motivated again! I am sure you will be back at it before you know it!
ReplyDeletei think we all feel your dilemma. i know i do. i think there is a lot of pressure as a deign blogger to blow people away with your design for every room in your personal home....and that's a lot of pressure! not to mention that pretty things can take lots of time and money...and when wither one is in short demand, that can lead to feeling overwhelmed. we moved into a new rental house about 9 weeks ago, and i am having SUCH a hard time with the weirdly shaped rooms, awkward vaulted ceilings, bland walls that i can't paint and light wood floors. i fee like i am trying to create a runway perfect outfit with the equivalent of "mom" jeans and a baggy sweatshirt!
ReplyDeleteThink of yourself as your own customer! Take a couple less clients/jobs and just focus on getting your house in order before the holidays. And my advice is to not decorate for the holidays. Of course do the tree, but the more fluff you have over the piles in your entryway will just make you more agitated. We've been renovating our house for the past couple years and have 3 young ones of our own so I know what it feels like to be barely keeping your head above water. Take some time off, enjoy your family and your new home and then you'll be refreshed I'm sure and creatively renewed! I find that if I simplify my goals and shorten my to-do list I'm better at what I do and can focus on the important things that really matter.
ReplyDeleteFunny... I've been feeling the EXACT same way. I haven't posted pics of our house on my blog in weeks! I think it's the season... too much to be worried about with school and the holidays. Thanks for being real and sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhen I feel drained, it's because I've been emptied and need to refill. I get frustrated with myself because it's a no brainer when I'm out of milk, it's time to buy more, right?! Why don't I apply that to creativity or motherhood? I have to switch to a different area for a time. So, when I'm busy with clients, my housework naturally falls behind. I get frustrated when this happens because I wanna do it all....The silver lining is when I can get to housework again, I'm ready! I don't like long projects, so switching gears helps me. Sometimes, when business is so good I have to remember, "I can't pray for rain and complain about the mud!"
ReplyDeleteAre you talking about me and my house???LOL I'm just finishing painting the last cabinet door in our bath that we started A YEAR AGO! Paint splotches in the living room for 3 months: yes. Walls with half stripped wallpaper for 6 months: yes. Decor in closets purchased LAST YEAR: yes. Hutch in the entry (to block the door to a gutted bath a YEAR AGO) piled with crap: yes.
ReplyDeleteI have the vision (as I'm sure you do) but since we are complete diy-ers, time and money pose big limitations on us. And I find if I get stopped or delayed in my energy, then the desire goes too, and its hard to get back!
We moved in over a year ago and thought by now the house would be completely painted! The boys rooms are a mess and I'm afraid that they will out grow the themes I've already picked out! My poor hub is so over worked with house projects but we don't feel we can hire someone right now. Yes, I feel dragged down by my surroundings, but actually in the past few weeks have been getting a resurgence of energy. Do what will make you feel better - a few months ago I was so sick of the dark stained trim that I walked around the house with a can of primer and now I have lighter trim on doors and windows - looks bad but its better than all the brown! And I FELT GREAT doing it!!
One dream I have is for us to form local groups and we all help each other by going to work at each person's house and then on to the next. Wouldn't that be nice? I hope you feel better soon and can find your energy! :) Hugs!
I think we moved around the same time and I am just coming out of my slump! Honestly, I thought you probably had your whole house done by now. That makes me feel better! I decided a couple of weeks ago to focus on the foyer. I needed the house to look good when walking in the door - that feeling that you are talking about.. Also, there is so much time after moving that is devoted to putting away, organizing, and figuring out the best flow of everything for the household!
ReplyDeleteI know how u feel! I like to make a massive to do list and just tackle it when its bugging me.... I'm in another spot right now which might be worse for my house... I'm starting not to care about my unfinished projects! Hahah.
ReplyDeleteAh Vell... But really its bad ... I have so man unfinished things i now ignore. Eeksters
Xoxo,
Lauren
Great post, I'm in the same boat. I've made little to no progress on the remaining projects in my home and I've recently accepted it. EMBRACING slow design, I'll get to it when I can and when I want, I'm not going anywhere. But, clutter and lack of organization drives me to distraction as well, so I do try to keep on top of that so I can feel "calm" in my home! (AND, so when everyone asks where something is I can answer immediately!)
ReplyDeleteHang in there! Janell
Whoa 62 comments...everyone must have an opinion about this!!! I say it is about the journey...don't rush it, because then it is done and you want to start changing things. Take your time...look for the perfect things that you will love...a little trend and a little classic. After all, if you rush it, then what?????
ReplyDeleteOh my word! You have this too??! That is sooooo where I am at right now. Um, have been for about a month. But I'm not a designer - at least not officially. Just a wanna-be one and one for my friends houses. :) So I would never have guessed that you go through it too.
ReplyDeleteThen I went out tonight and happened to find some artwork that I love that goes with the new color scheme in my dining room.
Now I am motivated to get the junk out of there so I can finish that room...along with the living room, the bedroom, the entryway...I'm right there with you. ;)
Wish I lived closer, I'd come help. :) Even better, we could help each other. I had a friend several years ago that loved to design, paint, and redecorate as much as I do. We got so much done because we were always feeding off each other and helping each other out. We pulled many late nights b/c we both have children, but we got 'er done! She is no longer around and I am so much slower getting it done by myself.
I love that PB entry too. Am emailing it to a friend right now. She's been asking me to help her with hers for a couple weeks.
Emily, I have found that I can design a space for someone else MUCH easier than I can for myself. I think maybe it's because A. I know I have to live with it and B. I know of so many options and variables in style. So I think I do best just to let my design just evolve over time. Once I have the bare bones, and it sounds like that's where you are, I can visualize the right thing for this space as I see it. I'll know it when I see it sort of thing. I've learned not to get to hung up on one more nail in the wall when I move art around!
ReplyDeleteFor some crazy reason (I'll never be able to explain it) we can put together rooms and spaces for OTHER people all day long and in our sleep in 2 seconds, but when it comes to our OWN space... it take 10 times as long and much more thinking and stress! You're not alone!! I LOVE your house no matter what though!
ReplyDeleteCourtney @ Stylizedesign.com
So many unfinished projects around here it's bordering on pathetic. I am just like you in that clutter and things left undone get to me like no other. I have decided to embrace the slump and know that it will lift at some point. They always do! When I am like this I turn to a great new pair of jeans. Forget the house stuff ;)
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get your slipcovered chairs? Thanks!
ReplyDelete