When You're Stuck With Design Decision Paralysis

Sometimes we have a few clients who have decision paralysis. They’ve engaged us because they’re excited for a space to feel complete and they hope that understanding art options will make design decisions easier. When we present art options to them, they hesitate to pursue any because they want to know how drapes, hardware and accent trim will come together first. Does this sound familiar? Here’s how we recommend getting out of decision paralysis and starting to make progress towards the inspired space you crave.

First: Embrace baby steps.  It is unrealistic to think that you will have every desired element of a room available for purchase at the same moment.  Inevitably, holding off on one piece until full details on another are revealed will result in the first piece being sold, backordered, etc. Building a home works best when you move forward with pieces that you’re drawn to in stages so you can acquire meaningful pieces, reflect on how they feel in the space, and progress accordingly. 

Second: It is generally easier to make some decisions when you’ve already made certain selections; this is because the selections made to date often steer the design direction and accordingly, next steps. For example, if you are struggling to choose a rug, sofa and artwork, you have countless options and combinations.  If you choose a rug, the scale of the sofa and artwork then become more specific and you can filter your search accordingly, making the sourcing process more targeted and manageable.  

Third: There is no right place to start.  Some places on the Internet say that starting with a rug is a great idea. Others say artwork can lead the inspiration for the room. There’s no right answer and the path is different for everyone.  For this reason, we support choosing pieces you are drawn to - a painting, a chaise, some ceramic vases, etc. - and letting those shape the subsequent design choices you make.  

Finally, know that decision making is a time and sanity-saving skill.  We can practice this skill in ways big and small: “Yes I will decide to go to the event and focus my mind on something other than guest list”; “NO, I do not want to purchase this dress so I will not waste time in the dressing room willing it to feel more comfortable”. “Yes, this painting moves me and I want it to have it in my living room even though I’m unsure about precise placement.” When we choose to move forward in one direction in the design process, we are progressing, learning, and clearing space for the next step. 

Keeping these tips in mind will hopefully provide you with the tools needed to progress towards your goal of finishing a room, creating an inspired space, and enjoying the process. And while these decisions may feel paramount, remember that it’s a creative process. Everyone makes mistakes and follows their own path - that’s what makes our ever evolving spaces so beautifully personalized.