Design Blocks

Cats seem to know how to get your attention and BLOCK your design progress! This is Noodles, and she loves house plans!

More often than not, the real block comes from within. We spiral into overwhelm and decision fatigue until we’re completely stuck!

How to Get Unstuck and Find Clarity

Have you ever found yourself spinning your wheels with your home design? You want a beautiful, cohesive space with the perfect vibe, but every decision feels overwhelming. You’re dreaming of a laid-back atmosphere, but the options seem endless, and suddenly, you’re stuck. Sound familiar? You’re not alone!

Putting the pieces together!

The good news is that getting unstuck doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple but powerful steps, you can clear the clutter in your mind and design a home you truly love. Let’s break it down.


1. Reconnect with How You Want to Feel

Vibe check! Before you dive into paint colors or furniture choices, ask yourself: How do I want this space to feel? Do you want a laid-back, cozy vibe? Fresh and airy? Sophisticated and elegant? Your home should reflect the mood and atmosphere you want to live in. Let that feeling guide your design decisions. When you design from the feeling first, everything else starts to click.

Peaceful Retreat

Start with the vibe

Want to feel peaceful and calm? Choose soft colors with lower contrast. Select soft rugs, blankets, and layer in a lot of cozy elements to add comfort.

Want to feel outrageous joy and excitement in your space? Choose bright and bold colors and be daring and bold with your choices. Consider peculiar and unexpected elements that delight the senses.

2. Create a Focused Mood Board

Sometimes the best way to get unstuck is to get inspired. But here’s the key: Keep it focused. Instead of endlessly scrolling, curate a mood board with 10–15 images that truly speak to you. Notice patterns in the colors, textures, and styles that repeat. These hints will point you toward your unique vision.

3. Edit Ruthlessly

Design overwhelm often comes from too many options. It’s time to edit. Look at everything you’ve gathered—ideas, samples, Pinterest boards—and remove anything that doesn’t align with your desired feeling. Less is more. The clearer and more streamlined your inspiration, the clearer your final design will become.

To the have the BEST YES, you’ve got to say NO!

Effective editing means being willing to let go of something you love if it doesn’t serve the overall design. Whether it's due to scale, color, style, or simply feeling off, releasing it makes room for the best possible choice.

4. Think About the Entire Space Cohesively

Instead of focusing on just one room or corner, step back and consider how the whole space works together. A cohesive design flows naturally from one area to the next, with complementary colors, textures, and styles. Think about how each room connects and supports the overall feeling you want to create. Visualize the transitions between spaces—when your home tells a unified story, clarity follows.

All the elements in the beach house have a natural, woven, coastal vibe and blend seamlessly from one room to the next.

5. Trust Your Instincts

Analysis paralysis can sneak in when you second-guess yourself. Remember, your home is yours. If something makes you happy, it belongs in your space. Trust your taste. Trust that you know what feels right. Clarity often comes when you stop overthinking and start trusting.

An interior is the natural projection of the soul
— Coco Chanel

6. Get a Fresh Perspective

Sometimes, all you need is a second opinion. A fresh set of eyes—whether it’s a friend who shares your style or a quick consultation with a designer—can help you see what you’re too close to notice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes clarity is just a conversation away.

Need a little help to get unstuck?

I offer 90-minute consultations to tackle your design dilemmas, providing expert guidance to help you move forward with confidence and bring your home vision to life

Book a session with Starla Campbell Home!

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Final Thoughts

Getting unstuck with your design vision isn’t about doing more; it’s about simplifying and trusting the process. Start with the feeling you want, edit down to what truly resonates, and think about your space as a cohesive whole. Before you know it, your vision will come into focus, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a home you absolutely love.

You’ve got this!

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