There are so many things still to do in our current home. Closets that aren’t organized. Walls that aren’t covered. Windows that aren’t dressed. And yet – I can’t seem to get myself to tackle any of it lately.

(See?!? It happens to me too!)

I wish I could say I have no idea what’s going on. But after 20+ years of decorating our homes and 15+ years of sharing those projects all here on the blog, it’s a pretty familiar feeling.

It’s not that I’m lacking motivation or funds or that I’m too tired or too busy (well, I am a bit of both but that’s not quite the issue here). 

Rather, the ideas aren’t coming to me. 

You know…the idea where you say “that’s it” and run out to the store for supplies right away. The idea that you know is just right so it moves to the very top of the list and becomes the next project. The idea that launches you from inaction to action.

Yep. Those are no where to be found lately.

Megan opening the lid of a black and yellow HDX bin

When this happens, I used to just push through. Pretend it’s not happening. Do something instead of nothing. 

But I’ve learned that forcing half baked ideas for the sake of “getting something done” usually leads to regret, wasted money, and do overs.

And I can say this for sure…I AM too tired and too busy for do-overs right now.

A Different Approach

So I’m trying a different approach: I’m not forcing it. I’m waiting. I’m simmering. And I’m actively drumming up inspiration in new and different ways…

(Because at the end of the day…I still can’t live with a blank wall or disorganized closet!)

Megan organizing books on an IKEA Kallax shelf

Getting Offline

The internet is a wealth of ideas. But isn’t it amazing how seemingly different searches can yield the same things over and over again? 

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Instead of falling down the Pinterest and Insta void, I’ve been trying to go more analog lately: books, magazines, catalogs, real life spaces, museums, home tours, window shopping.

This has helped bring some tangible, real life texture back into my life instead of the pixelated, back lit, generic (and sometimes even AI) online images that are somehow all the same. 

Doing Something Different

Lately, I feel like I keep doing the same things over and over in our homes.

Wallpaper feature wall? Check. White y-weave baskets for the closets? Check.

Pretty much everything I’ve come up with lately, I’ve done before. Talk about the definition of a creative rut!

Recently, my friend asked if I wanted to take a pottery class with her. Admittedly, pottery does not rank among those things “I’ve always wanted to try,” nor does it directly relate to home decor inspiration. But it did strike me as a new way to use my brain (and my body, as I’m learning!) 

I’ve only taken one class so far and sure enough, it felt like I was learning a completely different language. But my brain also felt alive and challenged and like I was expanding into untouched areas. (Here’s hoping there are some fresh ideas in those new areas too!)

Brainstorming with Someone Else 

For much of the past 20 years, most of the ideas you see here on the blog simmered out of my brain. Sure – I bounce ideas off Greg or troubleshoot issues with friends every now and then. But the (stupid) pride in me usually demands that I “think for myself.” 

Lately, I’ve had a really good time just bouncing ideas back and forth with other creative and design-minded friends. Not even in an effort to find “the solution” but more as a creative practice to think, explore, suggest, dream, and consider so many possibilities I wouldn’t otherwise. 

Sometimes you have to consider the really crazy ideas to find the “just right” one.

Waiting Isn’t Easy

Over the years, I’ve heard from countless readers who ask how I come up with so many ideas or how I get so much done. But I hope what I’ve shared today helps you see that cultivating a home you love is not a constant stream and it certainly isn’t linear. Sometimes the inspiration is flowing and you can’t seem to get to the next project fast enough, but other times it can feel completely dried up with no progress made at all.

I used to push through the “idealess void” so you all wouldn’t notice. But I’m really not up for “bandaid” or “just because” projects anymore (sorry about that). So I’m taking space and time to let the right ideas develop. I’m trusting they will come along eventually, and I’ll be so much more ready and excited to tackle them when they do. Thanks for waiting alongside me.

See You Soon!
Megan