Make decisions based on love, not fear,” I once heard while listening to a book. Apparently, when you do this, your world opens up, and it’s always the right answer. Decision-making is not easy. From grocery shopping to choosing what to wear, the decisions are endless. Many of us subconsciously make easier choices that don’t rock the boat. We even ask others to make choices for us because we’re too exhausted. Who else has asked a server to choose their dinner because the options were overwhelming? We’ve trained ourselves to make decisions based on fear because it’s easier and safe. However, this often leaves us feeling that the choice isn’t quite right.
I’ve always shared the philosophy with my clients to go with what feels right. Usually, your gut choice is the right one. I want them to love it. Typically, I provide clients with two choices that I know will be perfect for the design, and they need to choose the one that resonates with them.
Let’s use the Wisteria House as an example. The main floor design consisted of greens, warm woods, and soft whites. So, when it was time to choose a sectional for the family room, I chose a rich velvety fabric in deep rust to complement the space. While I trust my own instincts, I also need clients to trust theirs.
At first when I presented it, our client was excited, then I saw fear creep in. She recognized it immediately and decided to take some time to sit with the decision. She wanted to make the right one. About a week later, she chose love, went with the rust sectional, and has never regretted it.
If that story doesn’t resonate, maybe this one will.
Have you ever renovated a bathroom and had to choose a tile? The choices are endless, and decision fatigue sets in quickly. White tile alone comes in countless varieties: shiny, matte, natural, patterned—Oh my! Many opt for plain bathroom tile to play it safe, avoiding bold decisions.
Shopping for tile can be mundane, but it’s important to find something you absolutely adore—a tile that says, “Yes, I love you.” I remember tile shopping with a client who finally found her love match at Ciot. She was willing to go over budget for a beautifully intricate accent tile, knowing it would be the perfect touch for her sanctuary.
If you are loving the tile selections above, shop the first look and second look for your next home renovation.
While it seems overwhelming and like the right choice would never be found, it did in the end. So don’t give up when you are in search of the crème de la crème that speaks fully to you and your heart. Feel it, sit with it, and if the choice makes your heart soar, then it’s the right one.
Curating a home takes time. Therefore, never rush a decision just to tick off your box and get it done. You can’t rush the process despite what our minds tell us. I guarantee if you choose based on fear or compliance, you will end up replacing it sooner rather than later. Both a waste of money and hard on the environment. Search with an open heart and explore the unexpected. You never know where you will find love.