How to Avoid Letting Fear Guide Your Design Decisions

a few tips I've picked up along the way to help you design from a place of confidence rather than fear

One of the biggest mistakes I see in design is when choices are made out of fear, rather than desire. It’s easy to get caught up in the fear of making a mistake or not having enough. I’ve been there, and I know how it can hold you back. So today, I want to share a few tips I’ve picked up along the way to help you steer clear of fear-based design and design from a place of confidence instead (because that’s when the best designs happen).

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Here’s an example of what fear based design looks like…

You're designing your living room and want a cozy sitting area in front of the fireplace. You start imagining every possible scenario that could happen in that room. You think to yourself... what if we have 20 people over, where will everyone sit? This thought might cause you to design a more open space with lots of seating.

In reality you may only have 2-3 people sitting in that space daily. You had originally wanted it to be a cozy space but because fear got in the way, you designed a large living room that serves your fear rather than your desire.

This is a simple example, but one that happens more often than you’d think. If you relate at all to this situation, here are some tips on how to avoid it.

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#1 Avoid a scarcity mindset

A scarcity mindset is the idea that you won’t have enough. What if I don't have enough space or what if my closets aren't big enough or I don't have enough cabinetry in my kitchen, etc. Scarcity mindset often makes people go bigger than what they need.

Avoid decisions that are based on “what if”. Instead think about having a place for what you need and stop there. Careful planning will ensure you have what you need and eliminate unnecessary worry.

#2 Design your space for you and how you live daily

Be careful about designing a house around something that will only be happening 10% of the year. Thinking about the things that you use the most often can help prioritize what is vital, what would be nice to have, and what can be left out of a design.

#3 Be mindful of how you are being influenced

Sure, you want your space to look nice, but gauging what you like based on what’s trending on social media is not always going to be the most rewarding. This goes for friends and family too - I’ve seen many clients go from confident to paralyzed about a decision after talking to a friend or family member about it. At the end of the day you are the expert on what you need and want for your home, and when you couple that with expertise that you have gained through research or from someone you’ve hired, the decisions you make will start to feel “right” and calm your anxieties, not raise them.

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At the end of the day, your space should reflect what truly matters to you and how you live in your home. Our homes are important and where we invest the most money - reward yourself by creating a space that is unique to you and your family’s needs. And remember when it comes to resale values - if something worked for you, odds are it will work for a future buyer, especially if you do it well.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—have you let fear guide some of your decisions, and are there any tips you’d add to the list? Thanks so much for reading, and I can’t wait to hear from you all!