Coffee Break #67
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.
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!)
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.
Megan
11 Comments on “Coffee Break #67”
Yep, I’ve seen all those white Y weave baskets and the accent walls — and loved every one of them. Maybe if those work for you (or anyone) why not? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! I love to see how you use those items in different ways to organize and/or decorate. Trying to tackle those projects that just offer no inspiration is so hard. Usually I do what I’m in the mood to do at that particular time — there’s always cleaning, organizing projects that need attention (just pick one)! I’m anxious to see your next inspiration.
Good for you to recognize the need to take a break. The creative juices will flow again when the time is right for you and your busy life. Taking time to do something completely different is an excellent idea. Hang in there!
Hi Megan, I always enjoy your blog, even when you don’t share anything new! Just looking through your photos is inspiring to me. The pottery class sounds like a good challenge. Might I also suggest taking your family up to Julian for some nice Fall fun and maybe a pie? It’s a beautiful time of year. Thanks for being honest, and just being there.
Hi Megan,
I love the way you re-use things that work. The hardest thing about decorating is to keep what you like and what works without going out to buy all the “new” things that show up on social media.
The picture in the beaded wood frame is exactly what I’m looking for and wondered if you can tell what it is (poster, print, wallpaper, wrapping paper?????)
Thanks.
Thank you for sharing. This makes so much sense. And feels so real.
Keep doing what works for you. Because when you share, it makes me feel better that I haven’t hung curtains in my living room for almost a year, because it just hasn’t felt finished. So there will be a sheet pinned up for a little while longer. And there is nothing wrong with that.
I feel the same way! Let’s blame it on the weather, drink a glass of wine, and think tomorrow will be a better day!
Pottery! I really enjoyed the single class I took in college. I was awful at it but loved every minute. It taught me to be happy with my growth & effort to try new things and not just achieving a perfect end product (which i never even came close too). Creativity is like a muscle, using it lets us perfect that one skill (or muscle so I stay in my metaphor) but training in a different way lets us grow and expand. I’m super excited to see what comes from trying new things and letting ideas simmer!!!
Hi Megan,
I love your writing, and I think this is such a great post.
I’m also an interior designer of 15 years and a my-own-home personal stylist for my whole life.
I’ve been sitting with this exact concept after moving into a new home 4 months ago. I noticed how things that often fuel creativity and that sense of “that’s it” are occurring like a monster chore list to burn through instead of something inspiring and rejuvenating. I have been facing the elusive “If I just get one more thing done from this list, I will feel…” Just as stressed, it turns out 😂
and not actually in a creative flow and not able to appreciate the art and joy of working on my house.
I found that if I don’t practice things from the mindset of patience the trusting that it will all get done, then the very thing I love becomes just about as inspiring as filing state sales tax or getting stuck in traffic! It is hard to wait! And worth it!
Thank you so much, I needed the well articulated reminder to slow down!
I have loved all your decorating ideas and am so impressed with your creativity. I hope to get inspired to try some myself, but so far haven’t. But I am not really a blog follower that much, but find yours so much more relateable.
First of all – thanks for being honest and vulnerable. Creativity ebbs and flows – you can’t force inspiration. I love that you mentioned finding other sources though… I agree the internet keeps showing me the same old things over and over!
Secondly – I’m never bored with you repeating ideas that work. The situation is different, the material or design is different, and there is always a new takeaway to learn. 😊 I think your readers keep staying coming back for YOU so don’t stress being perfect for us!
I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself – most of us decorate in a style we like, then leave it mostly alone for years and years, updating it slowly and incrementally. Just because your lifestyle continually factory-resets your home every few years doesn’t mean that you have to come up with a completely new way of decorating your house each time or else you’re ‘cheating.’ You do a great job of working in your much-loved pieces into a new home layout, as well as crafting a cohesive and authentic style in each home you make.