Give Yourself Permission

Permission To Express Yourself

In a world set by schedules, timelines, and rules, we are accustomed to having instructions and being directed. We are always trying to be more efficient, get more done in a set time, and do it better than the last person. A way to do this is by following directions and guidelines from outside sources. Instead, I want you to give yourself permission to break out of the box and express yourself.

Permission To Be Creative

Color and unique decor can quickly transform an otherwise boring room into a fun and exciting room. - the Inspired Decorator — Color and unique decor can quickly transform an otherwise boring room into a fun and exciting room.

When it comes to decorating, many people want there to be rules to follow.

If you like white walls then your style is Minimalist. If you have houseplants then your style is Boho. If you have trinkets then you are Eclectic. They are comfortable being labeled and told how their house should look. Rules feel safe, especially in an area of creativity.

If you think about it, there is likely someone whose sense of style you greatly admire. It could be a famous designer or even your best friend. You’re amazed at how well they can express themselves in their design. You know whose home you’re in when you step through the door because it feels like them. They seem so creative, and amazing solutions seem to come to them naturally.

Just like muscles, your creativity will get better the more you use it. At first, it can feel very difficult to do something daring and different, uncomfortable even. Remember that your home is a safe zone, it’ll forgive you if you make a mess. And sometimes your ideas won’t work out as planned. But the next one will be better, and then the next one, and then the next one, until you trust your creative ideas and feel more comfortable doing things out of the norm simply because it speaks to you.

Permission to Try New Things

See, most people are so out of touch with their creative side that they don’t even know how to get started on the creative path. Some people need to see things logically to express themselves. It’s an area where I ‘m trying to bridge the gap; between following directions and being creative. Yes, there are some decorating guidelines that have been proven again and again to help create an organized and well-designed space, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t play around with ideas too. Personalizing your home means finding what works and doesn’t work for your particular style blend. And that involves trying new things.

Related: Find Your Style.

Maybe the decor and furniture in your home don’t speak to your style at all. Perhaps you don’t even know what styles you like.

That’s okay, everyone starts somewhere.

Here is where you get to start, and discover what you like and don’t like. Think of interior design as a journey to discovering yourself, not just a means to a magazine-worthy dwelling. Make a list of things that you know you do and don’t like. It can contain colors, patterns, metallics, materials, animals, games, activities, etc. Just brain dump onto a piece of paper whatever pops into your head for what you like and don’t like. You may be surprised at what comes up. This is a good starting point for discovering yourself and how to decorate your home to fit you.

You have permission to go completely to the opposite side of the design spectrum if there is a style you are curious about. There’s not really any wrong moves when you are discovering what styles work and don’t work for you. You gain experience from your trial and errors. Plus styles are always evolving and changing, and you will change with them. Then you can keep what you like, and move on from what you don’t like.

Permission to Mix It Up

As you go along on your interior design journey you will likely discover that you don’t fit into a single design style mold. You’re most likely a blend of styles because you like traits from a couple of different styles. That’s great actually! No one else will be your exact combination of design styles. Use this to create a home that feels like your natural environment and oozes your personality to whoever steps through your door.