Because I’ve been there too, this article shares 6 places to find help when you’re decorating a home on a budget and feel stuck.
A few months ago I took an Enneagram personality test.
I learned that my “6” personality is slow to anger (yes…) and quick to panic (also, very much yes). Decision-making can be a long, drawn-out process for us “sixes.” The analysis said decisions “often require a committee’s opinion.” That made me laugh out loud.
Our personalities play a HUGE part in how we approach homemaking and room makeovers. I think it helps us all to understand our personality tendencies and give ourselves grace in areas that feel hard for us but seem so easy for others.
Over the years I’ve found some tricks for getting past that indecision stage of decorating. In fact, I’ve put together a FREE Room Makeover video course that outlines the simple four-part steps to complete a makeover. (Click HERE if you’d like to try it out.)
Even though I’ve used that formula over and over, there are still times in the process when I find myself completely stuck! Here are some of the resources I turn to for help.
6 Places to Find Help When You Are Decorating a Home on a Budget
1. Facebook Groups
I know this might not be the first place you’d look, but I’ve discovered that some great advice can be found right on Facebook.
Search for home decor groups that let members post questions and pictures. Then the whole group can help with a design dilemma.
Just be prepared for a wild range of answers, most of which won’t come from “professionals” in the decor field.
2. Your local paint store
Depending on where you live and what kind of store it is, some paint stores have a full-time, on-site interior designer. If you’re struggling to choose a paint color, they may be willing to help you free of charge, as long as they aren’t required to leave the store.
Be ready to show them pictures of the space you’re working on, along with your inspiration photos. Keep in mind that advice based on pictures is only a start. You’ll need to try their recommendations in the actual light of your space before you choose.
Related Article: How to Pick Out a Paint Color You’ll Love
3. Home Decor Bloggers’ E-Design Services
Some home decor bloggers have started offering digital design services. Here are just a few examples of what’s available. (I’ve never tried any of these personally, but they all look amazing!)
- Katherine @ Up to Date Interiors – Ask a Decorator, Digital Mood Boards, & E-Decor Packages
- Julie Nichols – Love My Simple Home: Phone Consultations, Style Boards, & Rooms in a Click
- Danielle @ Finding Silver Pennies: E-Design and In-Home Consultations
4. An interior designer
I know. This is stating the obvious, but I’m officially giving you permission to seek professional help! :) Sometimes it’s wise to recognize your DIY limits and invest in some professional help.
Before you hire the first person you hear about, define exactly what you need help with. Maybe you have many pieces figured out and just need help with one piece of the puzzle, like a paint color or a furniture choice. The cost of one piece of professional advice may be much smaller than the cost of a whole design scheme.
I’ll be honest: I’ve never worked with an interior designer on an entire project in my homes. I did get some help with a mood board and my couch choice, and I’m so grateful I did. After a year of indecision, it was time to call for help!
5. A friend (with good decor style)
Don’t forget your friends. Some of them may have a real knack for putting rooms together and would absolutely LOVE helping you choose something.
When I finally chose a couch style, I brought a good friend along to help me pick the fabric.
After all, having over 250 choices was just too much for this Enneagram 6 to process!;)
6. Good Design Books
A friend once told me that if a person didn’t know how to cook, all they needed to do was read a cookbook!
The same can be true of interior design. If you’re truly interested in learning, there are wonderful resource books available. Two of my blogging friends have just written a book that’s hot off the press, and it would be a perfect resource.
“But Where Do I Put the Couch” (affiliate link) answers over 100 questions about interior design and home decor. It is to your home what “The Joy of Cooking” is to your kitchen!
Filled with practical tips and beautiful pictures, it covers ALL the topics, from design styles to choosing rugs and paint colors.
Other books I’ve referred to again and again can be found here in my Amazon Shop under the category “Home Organization & Decor Books.”
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So there you have it. Six sources to turn to when you wave the flag and call SOS in the design process.
I’d love to hear where you struggle when doing a room makeover. Where do you tend to get “stuck” in the process? Please comment below. I’d love to help if I can!
