If you’re one of the rare people out there who truly doesn’t care about having a home that reflects your personal style, is fairly organized and kept reasonably clean and clutter free, then this post is not for you.
I’m guessing that doesn’t describe you, or you probably wouldn’t have clicked on the post title, so I thought I’d share with you some ideas to overcome procrastination, fear and yes, I’ll say it, just plain laziness!
When we owned our residential cleaning business, I had the opportunity to see the inside of hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of homes. Many were swoon worthy, but many more were not. They were disorganized, depressing spaces and just being inside sucked the energy out of me.
More often than not, the homeowners would apologize for their homes condition. Over the years I heard more excuses than I can count as to why someone’s home was disorganized, why they haven’t decorated and why they haven’t cleaned.
Here’s a sampling of their excuses. Do any sound familiar to you?
- I’ll start decorating/organizing when my kids are out of the house
- I’ll start decorating when I have more money/time/energy
- I’ll start decorating when I can figure out what I want. I hardly know where to begin!
- I’ll start organizing once I’m able to take the time to clean out my closets/drawers/garage, etc.
- I’ll start decorating when I can get my husband on board
- I’m concerned my friends/family won’t approve of how I’ve decorated
- I’m renting and can’t make any changes
- I’ll start decorating/cleaning/organizing when I can get it all done at once
I can understand, and even relate, to many of the excuses I heard. After all, it’s definitely more efficient to take on a large project at one time rather than spread it out over days, weeks, months or years. (Not that I’ve ever done that. 😉 Hello photo organizing?!). But the truth is that there is often never enough time or money to complete several projects at one time.
If we continually put off decorating our home because we ‘don’t have enough time’ or ‘it’s not the right time’, most likely we’ll never get to it and instead of being happy in our spaces, we become frustrated and discontent.
But there’s good news. NONE of these excuses have to get in your way. Just think of them as challenges that can inspire you to be creative.
I’ve put together a list of some of the more common excuses and solutions to overcome them.
I don’t have enough money to decorate my home the way I want
Hands down, this is the most common reason people don’t decorate their homes. Most of us have been there. I know I have, and to a great extent, I’m still there, and yet I’m not one to shy away from diy! I can understand the challenges someone might face if they’re not a crafty or handy person. Yes, there are tons of projects that are over-the-top gorgeous and require few, if any, design skills, but maybe you don’t have your mojo quite there yet. Then what?
Repurposing items is a great way to give your home a new, fresh perspective. You know that trunk at the foot of your bed? How about using it in the family room as a cocktail table? Remember that pretty scarf tucked away in your closet? Use it to drape over your nightstand. Have some mason jars that you don’t know what to do with? Paint them any color you desire and place seasonal flowers, kitchen utensils, bathroom items, etc. in them for a functional, fun solution. Small changes can work wonders. Still stuck? Invite a friend over whose opinions you respect and ask for advice/help. A different perspective and new set of eyes may be just what’s needed.
You’ve heard of clothing swaps? How about furniture swaps? Or maybe you can barter with a crafty friend? Are you a great cook? Maybe you’re tech savvy? Think out of the box and have fun at the same time.
We all know that paint is a budget decorator’s best friend. If I didn’t know that before, I certainly learned it when I FINALLY painted our kitchen wall a few months ago. I don’t know why I waited so long. Actually, I do. Which brings me to reason number 2.
I’m concerned my friends or family won’t like it
No matter how confident we are, when it comes to doing something major with our homes, we want the people we care about (and maybe even the ones we don’t care about) to like/admire/appreciate our efforts. It’s a huge let down when we’ve put a lot of effort into something and no one likes it, right??
But here’s the thing: not everyone is going to have the same taste as you, and that’s ok. Actually, it’s better than ok. Imagine how dull the world would be if we all liked the same things? Decorating is a personal experience, and when we get caught up with trying to impress others the process becomes a let down. You’re the one that has to live with your choices and yes, you’ll make mistakes. But you’ll also learn from them and gain confidence along the way.
A while back there was a VERY popular thread on FB about an RV that was remodeled into one that had light flooring and furniture. You would have thought, based on some of the comments, that the rv owners committed the worst decorating faux paux imaginable! The thread was peppered with comments like…’How stupid to decorate an RV in light colors! It will get so dirty’! ‘It’s so trendy looking. They’ll hate it in a few years.’ I chimed in and said that I wish more manufacturers would design light interiors on RV’s. After all, they’re small and can benefit from lighter colors. Also, we make a habit of taking off our shoes before stepping into our RV (and our home) and unless you have dogs that shed, it won’t get dirty. As suspected, not everyone agreed and that’s fine, citing that it’s not practical, especially with kids. That’s cool. Let them travel/live in a dark, depressing space ;).
Speaking of kids, here’s reason number 3.
I’ll decorate my home when my kids move out.
Hummmmm…
Ok, maybe if you have four boys under the age of 5 I get it, but truly, the fact that you have children is a poor excuse for not having a home you love!
The most important issue for households with kids is storage, storage, storage. Without proper storage solutions in a home with kids (or any home), it will be difficult to maintain a serene, inviting space. Setting it up initially might be daunting, but totally worth it. If they’re old enough, think about turning organizing into a game to get them involved. Use the process as an opportunity to teach them there are those less fortunate and that you’ll be donating the toys they don’t want.
Two of the most important decorating decisions for homes with young children are flooring and upholstery choices. Fortunately, we live in a time when there are tons of durable, affordable and beautiful options out there. If you like to change things up or simply want to be able to easily clean your upholstery, consider slipcovers. I’ve purchased two sofa covers from uglysofa.com for my porch and have been very happy with the quality, and they’re a fraction of what you would normally pay.
So now that we’ve established that children aren’t a hindrance, how about your spouse? Reason number 4…
My spouse has a completely different style than me
This can be tough, particularly if neither party is willing to compromise. But if they are, some lovely, interesting results can happen! We’ve all seen the HGTV shows where the couple has different ideas and in the end, they end up with something they both like (or at least that’s what they say on camera). By working together and possessing a willingness to try something different, you will be surprised with how easily you can mesh your styles.
If all else fails, just remember my motto…if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. :).
I’m renting and not allowed to paint the walls or make any changes.
Yup, this one’s tough. We rented a few years ago and I’ll be honest…I never really put my stamp on it. I knew we would only be there for a year and it was fine. Not great, but fine, so I kind of feel like a hypocrite writing this part of the post, but I think if I was going to rent long term, I would have put my stamp on the rental.
Now, that’s not to say I didn’t incorporate some items into the decor on the rental. I didn’t like the ugly carpet, so I put a large rug over it. We were allowed to put nails in the wall, so I hung some artwork. If that’s not allowed, decorative screens or command hooks can do wonders. There were no window treatments, so I added some that I had sewn up quickly for a pop of color (the kitchen was all white).
(For more ideas on how to decorate a rental, check out this post.)
I’ve got too much ‘stuff’! It’s overwhelming!
Eliminating excess clutter is like trying to lose weight. Don’t think about the fact that you want to lose 20, 30 or even 40 lbs (or more). Think about losing 1 lb this week, then the next, then the next. It’s the same with clutter. If you’ve let things get out of control, just take baby steps.
Remember that ‘photo’ project I mentioned earlier? Well, I had been thinking about it for nearly two years before actually making headway. How did I do it? By simply doing a little at a time. One day I went through a few photos and threw out the ones I no longer wanted. Then I did the same thing the next time, and the next time. Before long, all the photos I didn’t want were gone. Then I got three boxes and labeled them ‘early years’, ‘middle years’ and ‘hurry up because your time is running out’ years and put the appropriate photos in the correct boxes. Then I purchased some nice photo albums and acid free inserts and got to work. It took months, but that’s because I also went weeks without doing anything. The important thing is it got done and I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment!
The take-away on this one is don’t get bogged down by thinking of just the big picture. Think small, act small, and before you know it, you’ll achieve your goal.
I don’t know how to decorate!
You know more than you think! You know what you like. You know the colors you’re drawn to (just look in your closet). You know which styles appeal to you.
If you haven’t already done so, start some boards on Pinterest of styles that you like. You’ll start to see some common threads and you’ll be able to carry those into your own space. I suggest starting specific boards such as ‘living room’, ‘bedrooms’, ‘bathrooms’, etc. If you’d like some inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards for some ideas. Also, if you’d like to see some posts on organizing, including how I organized our bathroom and kitchen, click here.
In other news…
By the time you read this we’ll be out of St. Augustine and on our way to a small town just outside of Hilton Head, an area I’ve never visited, then we’re headed to Ashville, another town we’ve never been to.
We were in St. Augustine for just three days two years ago, which was the first year we started our ‘snowbirding’, and at the time it was chilly and rainy so we didn’t get to see too much and certainly didn’t go to the beach. This time we stayed for 10 days and did a lot more exploring and I have to say my impression of the area has changed from ‘eh’ to ‘quite nice’, (although Venice is still my fav). It seems to have more cloudy/rainy days than southwest Florida, but there are many interesting things to do and see, particularly if you enjoy history.
Till next time, stay warm my friends!
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Thanks for all the good advice Doreen! My house is really “decorated” per se.. but it is stuff arranged how I like it and is comfy and cozy, with little things here and there that I enjoy and love. Probably nothing matches that much, but I do try to keep a color scheme somewhat. I do like the suggestion of just doing a small thing at a time… that’s how I usually get started with rearranged or organizing.. just do one little project, and then I feel more energized and move on to another one. It seems like in late spring, a day will appear bright and shiny and sunny and warm, and then the nesting and sprucing up bug will hit me! So far that hasn’t happened here where I live.. still very gray and cold and not much motivation yet. One of these days though………… glad you are still enjoying your stay in Florida. Happy Weekend.. Marilyn
Al says
I’m definitely guilty of the “when my kid moves out”. I used to decorate however I wanted and have nice things, and then a year and a half ago my (then 13 year old) stepdaughter moved in. I still find it astonishing how she manages to wear things out so quickly. Because of that, I’ve put a temporary stop on decorating with anything new until she moves out. She’ll be off to university in 2.5 years…
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Excellent post Doreen! I never let anything hold me back from decorating. I had lots of fails too but it was still fun. When my kids were little I painted circles and stars on the walls of their rooms. They were so colorful and full of life. Looking back on it now, it was a bit garish but the kids loved it and eventually we painted over it so no harm done. As for repurposing, that is a whole other chapter. There are so many blogs out there and even facebook groups which cater to that. No one has any excuse anymore.
Enjoy your stay at Hilton Head and Ashville!! Lucky you away from the snow!
AnnMarie says
I am in total agreement with all your great points here, because I am on the “decorate now” side of it! I have always decorated how I wanted despite money, kids, pets, husbands…. I even put my fragile stuff out and taught my girls not to touch. Now I teach my grandchildren not to touch and so far so good. For me it is a survival tactic….I have to have a home with things I love, decorated in a way that I am comfortable in. I could not live somewhere without that. Thank goodness my husband likes my style!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Great tips Doreen. I am a firm believer that your home should reflect who you are. If you surround yourself with things you love then your home will feel comfortable to you. After all you live there so you should be comfy with your surroundings RIGHT?!!! This is a great post this morning. Happy Weekend.
Kris
tammy j says
wow! if this doesn’t light a fire under people I don’t know what would! LOL!
this is a great post dearest bean! you’ve covered it all so well!!
I think of it as a hunger for beauty. it’s in one’s very soul.
some just seem to have it. and some just do not.
but oh! I think it makes life so much more wonderful if you do have it!
and by hunger I mean that color and balance and the magic that you want to happen …
however small it might be.
LBJ was never a favorite president of mine although I do know he had many good qualities.
one thing I did love about him was what he said once about his childhood and his beloved mother.
what he said about his little mother has always stayed with me. I can even picture her now in my mind.
they were very poor when he was a young boy living in a tiny old house in the heat and dust of the texas prairie.
he said she always kept it clean. it was a point of pride.
and there was always a starched and pretty cloth on their table. with a little jar of wild flowers on it.
he remembered that about her all those years they had nothing. she managed to still make it home and make it pretty.
that’s what I mean by the hunger for beauty! isn’t that wonderful? xo♥
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
As always, dear Lady, fabulous words of wisdom! I especially love your point about the overwhelming part and using your photo organizing as an example. 😉 I’m still taking that approach with weight loss! 😛
I think it’s so important that folks decorate their homes with things they love. What makes them happy and brings a smile to their face each day. I love our homey home…even though so me people might think I decorate like a Grandma. Lol! I have a love for antique pottery, family photographs, knick knacks, all things nature, and doilies and linens. But they make me so HAPPY!!
Hope you’re enjoying your continued journeys! Enjoy extra sweet sunshine for me and travel safely. xoxo
susan says
A great post, Doreen. I think you should consider writing a full length book about this subject. It would make a perfect gift for a first time home buyer or someone starting out on their own after college. Hmm. Got you thinking, didn’t I.
Enjoy your slow travels up north. And, please, bring the sunshine and warm weather with you. xo
Poppy says
Well discussed, Doreen, from the problems to the solutions. Here’s the thing: I think that some people just don’t care about decorating their home because they have absolutely no interest in it. It’s kinda like the folks that eat simply to fill their stomachs. We might say that those who do get a kick out of styling their spaces are the equivalent to the ‘foodies’ in the gastronomic analogy. For me, it’s a no-brainer: a beautifully decorated home is pure eye candy, and enjoying a delicious meal in that space is the icing on the cake!
Poppy
Melanie says
Great tips! Though I have to say that money does play a factor in a lot of my decorating…for instance, right now we need a headboard for our bed, a new couch, two new area rugs, a nightstand, etc. – all at once! I don’t sweat it though – those things will eventually happen, one at a time. Otherwise, I have always loved decorating my home, even back in the newlywed days when we hardly had any money. One tip I have always used with decorating is that resale shops can be your best friend!
Jane says
Great, great post, Doreen. You really nailed it with doable ideas in answer to some very real questions. I have many of the hesitations you listed but I think its about getting brave and just doing, not overthinking.
Enjoy your travels!!
Jane x
Emily McGriff says
Great tips and encouragement for all of us. I loved St. Augustine and yes, there is a lot to see there. Doreen, you will love the Hilton Head area. Your trip is making me want to take a road trip!
Vickie says
This post comes at just the right time for me! I’ve been stuck with our living room rugs and furniture for far too long and it’s high time to do something about it. I can live with our furniture for a bit longer, but the red rug had to go. I’ve been looking for months, but you know how hard it is to find something online and trust the color will be what you see. I was shopping this weekend and found THE rug…I hope (I have 60 days to decide- hehe). It looks totally different in the room than what I had envisioned, but sometimes that’s a good thing.
As far as worrying what others will think, I don’t like to post anything until I live with it for a while and decide if I like it or not. I don’t want to be swayed by others into choosing something that’s really not me.
Thanks so much for this post, Doreen!
Vicky Hunt says
Great advice for those who are afraid to jump in and just do it! I just posted a picture on Instagram earlier today of my gallery wall and mentioning it might not be everyone’s style but it fits me. I also just realized that you are on IG and am now following you. I’m vickyshappyplace. I have always loved to decorate my home to be a reflection of myself and my family. I enjoy it even more as I get older. I remember growing up and admiring the way my aunt decorated her home. It was always so cozy and inviting and she had 8 sons! She never let that stop her from displaying beautiful antique family heirlooms. I’m sure things were broken on occasion but she always had a welcoming home and still does to this day. She was my inspiration in decorating. My mom& dad were my role models for a clean and organized home. They are both very neat and tidy. Hope you’re doing well and enjoying whatever location you are right now.
Hugs, Vicky
Cecilia says
Haha, I’ve never had trouble decorating just deciding on what style I liked. Great tips! They should really help anyone who is stuck.
Glad you got to enjoy St. Augustine more this time. Enjoy the rest of your time snowbirding. 🙂
Hugs
Karen says
I know what I like but don’t always have the funds to do it all. So what’s a girl to do? Thrift shopping and DIY. I have to be careful how much I do though or it overwhelms my hubby…LOL!! So glad you were able to enjoy St. Augustine, it is a beautiful place 🙂
Kim says
Here, here! I agree with everything you just said. It’s one of the reasons I started blogging…to empower people to just do it. Fill that space with items you love and make yourself at home. As you so eloquently stated, there are plenty of ways to do it, whether you rent or own, have kids or five big dogs. Jump in, make it lovely and enjoy the place you are supposed to love the most! Fabulous post.
handmade by amalia says
A wise and wonderful post, Doreen, feeling at home in your home is well worth working for.
Amalia
xo
Karen says
A wonderful post, Doreen – I think I’ve used every one of those excuses at one time or another. Now that my kids are all grown and I have more time on my hands I’ve taken the plunge and just started doing little things to make me happy. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t, but I am very thrifty, so no big money losses if they don’t work out. You really should write a book with all your great tips! I also wanted to thank you for your sweet and kind comments on the loss of our little pup. I hope you are enjoying your travels to the fullest. Sending hugs xo Karen
Kelly Dotson says
I have never used an excuse to not decorate or organize because I enjoy it so much. It would be like telling me not to breathe. Ha! i grew up with a decorated house and assumed everyone else did too. My mom set the record straight and told me that some people view their home as just some place to hang their hat. Hmmmmm……Sounds kind of boring to me. I don’t think it takes a lot of money to have a clean, organized and pleasing to the eye space. Now to have a show place, maybe it does! Ha! My husband is a retired firefighter and went inside many people’s homes. He used to come home and tell me about some of them. Most of them weren’t very nice and in fact scary he said. It’s amazing to know how some people live. I usually get an idea of what my neighbors house looks inside too when they are selling it and i get to see pics on their listing. Most people have basic furniture and accessories and (as my mom once said) most people don’t know how to decorate correctly. I think she’s right! I think if you really want a pretty home though there is always inspiration to be found to do it if you’re willing to peruse it.
Amy says
I live for decorating, yet I still enjoyed your post, Doreen, but then again, I love all of your posts:). I’m pretty satisfied with how I’ve decorated my home, although I get “stuck” for long periods of time with certain spots. If anything, my problem is, I’ve decorated, it’s done, now let’s re-do it! But, the reality is that I can’t spend the money to change everything just because I’m tired of it. I’m looking forward to hearing about your take on Ashville – we will be driving to FL next winter, and I was thinking that might be one of our stops.
rue says
Hi Doreen 🙂
Great tips! I obviously don’t worry too much about what other people think about my decor lol But I know a lot of people that are worried about what their spouse thinks.
I’m glad you’re having such a great time. I’m really enjoying your posts 🙂
xo,
rue
Grace Scott says
I enjoy looking at your decor.