The Planning Paradox:
Why Slowing Down Your Design Process Gets You a Better Home
“Can I interest you in a little bit of everything all of the time?” - Bo Burnham
Do you have a hard time pulling the trigger on things you need, let alone want? Put the phone down because it’s actually hurting you.
I’ve been shopping and learning how people create their spaces my entire life, and from what I reckon, you fall into one of these three types of shoppers:
See it, like it, buy it, repeat.
You either have “extra” money or you have a lot of debt. You chase the high and have way too much sh*t.
See it, like it, pass on it, repeat.
You probably have no idea what you like and lack confidence to make decisions so you often leave with nothing.
Hunt it, buy it, repeat.
You know what you want — the size, the color, and the shape. You’ve thought about it meticulously over time. And you know exactly what you like, and don’t like.
Which of these three do you think you are?
If it’s 1 or 2, I’m here for you.
If you’re type 3, please see me in the principal’s office — but only if you’re open to getting in trouble for spilling every single little design “secret” out there and actually helping people unf*ck their spaces. Seriously, send me an email and we can get started.
AI Won’t Save You
Design isn’t a luxury — it’s a life skill. And the knowledge should be free.
Sure, AI can help you with your space — it can give you ideas and even step-by-step plans.
But AI isn’t going to hang your TV, do your dishes, or live in your home. Only you are.
It’s time to punch a limiting belief in the face:
“I don’t know how to do it, so I’m not gonna try.”
Or, “I’ve never tried, and I don’t want it to look stupid.”
I’ve been there. But what’s helped me execute any vision is a combination of practice and education — that’s it.
I took courses that cost thousands of dollars and realized that the recipe for creating a home should not be a secret. It’s way less complicated than we all think, and it’s time we start sharing the knowledge instead of gatekeeping it.
But again, the biggest issue is that ya’ll are trying to rush a masterpiece. You’re not making a sandwich, you’re making a 4 course meal.
Slow Down Plz
Instead of rushing through the process, slow down and enjoy every single step.
I can spot a rushed design a mile away — it looks like a mess instead of cohesion.
If you’ve ever ended up with the wrong couch, the wrong table, or the wrong chair, it’s because you rushed it.
Think like a designer.
A designer wouldn’t start rearranging or buying new things without a plan.
When you slow down and think like a designer, you end up with a space that’s functional and beautiful — and you stay in control of your budget and your timeline.
The Planning Paradox
Slowing down feels like wasting time, but it actually saves you time, money, and regret.
Social media and ads scream BUY, BUY, BUY, and I get it — you want instant results.
But slowing down and creating a plan will save you from pulling your hair out later.
Just like everything in life, you get what you give.
Taking more time upfront (especially if you’re updating and spending gradually) helps you see the big picture.
Can’t afford that couch today? What if you saved for it?
Everyone wants everything right now — and that’s part of why I stepped back from in-person projects.
The process of creating your own environment with your own two hands shouldn’t be robbed from you.
Sure, hire a designer when you’re remodeling or have a windfall —but otherwise, do it your damn self.
Fast Food vs. Home-Cooked Design
Which is better for you?
🍔 A home-cooked meal or fast food?
Which one looks better?
🖼 Sentimental art or a print from Target?
You get my point.
Good things take time, and you — and your environment — are worth every penny.
What Slowing Down Actually Looks Like
Slowing down your design process means:
Not buying anything until you’ve assessed what you already have
Dividing and conquering — choose one room to practice in and grow from there
Saving money, setting goals, and actually enjoying the process
3 Things You Can Do Right Now
Tour your home and choose one room that needs some love.
Assess the space. What do you like about it, and what needs fixing?
Gather inspiration. What colors, shapes, or patterns do you want to bring in?
There’s the way your space looks today — and the way it could look with the right plan and budget.
Your home is your canvas. Create something you love, and it will be priceless.
When You Rush vs. When You Plan
When you rush, you react.
When you plan, you create.
If your home feels overwhelming, tackle one room or small area at a time.
List your top priorities and handle them when you can — freeing up both physical and mental space.
How to Redesign Any Room (Step-by-Step)
If you want to get started right now, here’s how to redesign almost any room:
Define the purpose.
What’s this space for?
If it’s multi-use, do you need separate zones?
Work with your foundation.
Would a rug add personality or warmth?
Would bare floors feel better?
Is the rug too small (or too ugly)?
Place your largest items first.
Think of it like Tetris — get the big pieces in position.
Biggest furniture on the biggest walls almost always works.
Add medium and smaller furniture.
Layer in side tables, shelves, or accent chairs.
Adjust lighting.
Balance natural and artificial light.
Plug in lamps, hang window treatments, and adjust brightness with the seasons.
Add personality and plants.
Accessories are the jewelry of your home — have fun styling walls and surfaces.
✨ Pro tip: Build a mood board using this exact process — you’ll design a full room without spending a dime.
The paradox is simple: the slower you go, the faster you’ll get there.
Because when you plan with intention, you stop second-guessing yourself.
And that’s when the magic happens — your home finally starts to feel like home.
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