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If you struggle to create a cohesive vision and are overwhelmed with design inspiration, you’re not alone! We all want our home to be a reflection of who we are, while still creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. After all, home is where we spend most of our time. It’s our safe space, where we hide out when the rest of the word feels unstable. And it’s the only environment we have full control over. 

In my opinion, design is an underrated form of therapy. Design is self expression. Design is evolutionary. Design is healing. 

You see, you don’t have to have a perfectly styled home to love where you live. Properly curating your home is a healing journey. The process is part of your self expression. Don’t rush it, let your creativity flow. Once you accept that ‘making mistakes’ is part of the creative process, you’ll learn to have fun with it. Finding your authentic style and creating a home you love takes time, and a lot of patience. 

Our first renovation didn’t start until we lived here for four years. 

Unfortunately, as a society we continue to be bombarded with the idea that we need to constantly be updating our spaces, keeping up with trends, chasing an aesthetic and switching out the old with the new.

This type of pressure is specifically geared towards creating insecurities. Why? Because the design industry profits off of making us feel like we aren’t good enough. The moment you start trusting your own taste and doing what you want – they don’t make money. Insecurity keeps you spending, confidence keeps you on track. And you can’t build confidence in your design choices if you continue to compare yourself to what you see online.

You see, I’ve always loved farmhouse design. And although most people would argue that this particular style is currently ‘out of style’ you’ll see in the before/after pictures below how my style has evolved but the essence of farmhouse design remains. Even better? The furniture in both photos were found on -Facebook Marketplace and the new flooring is actually affordable peel-and-stick floor tiles. (yes, I confidently put laminate flooring over the orange-toned hardwood because that is the budget-friendly change I wanted to make to honor my personal design style).

Are you ready for the secret? Acceptance.

Accept where you are right now. Look forward to the journey ahead. Stick to your budget and save up for the renovations or special pieces. It’s ok to use the hand-me-down furniture, shop at local thrift stores and browse Facebook Marketplace. I know it sounds cliche but hear me out.

Remember, the overall goal is to create a home that feels like you. The goal ISN’T to create spaces that need constant revision. It’s to purchase items that we refuse to part with, even when the ‘trend’ is over.

Take my kitchen for example: I’ve accepted the outdated parts of my kitchen, the ceiling, the soffit, the old appliances, the laminate countertops… and I’ve chosen to design around the things I know we can’t afford to change right now. (Lighting included). I was able to create something beautiful (over the span of the last 7 years) while sticking to my budget and staying true to my style. We plan on doing a full kitchen remodel one day, (you know, in the next 10 years) but until then, I’m choosing to make the most of what I have. My dining room table and chairs were both Facebook Marketplace finds and although I’d love to purchase my dream dining table, it’s just not happening right now… this set has served us well for the past 5-6 years.

If you truly want to find your authentic style, stop trying to fill the blank spaces in your home because you feel pressured to keep up with what you’re seeing online. If you have to, stop following home decor accounts that are constantly pushing you to buy more and focus on the accounts that promote inspiration over influence.

Building confidence in your design style starts and ends with what YOU like. What works for you and your budget. It’s going to be hit and miss but that’s ok. Use the design ‘rules’ as guidelines but always stay true to yourself.