Battling the Overwhelm: Creating a Space That Truly Feels Like You
Let's talk about overwhelm. Life is busy in this modern world. Seems we're always on the go, connected to something, looking at this or that. We're going here, we're going there. Go go go!
I don't know about you but sometimes it can get a bit much with all that I've got to do and remember to do and so at times if you're anything like me you end up doing nothing. That's usually when things like doom scrolling and channel hopping happen. For example, as the founder of Sought & Styled, I wear all the hats: creator, maker, marketer, editor, videographer, accountant...you name it. Then there are the ever-changing algorithms and trends. Today it's pictures, tomorrow it's videos, and the day after that a full-blown cinematic masterpiece (oh, and don’t forget the podcast and tap dance while you’re at it). It's a lot and it can be exhausting to keep up with it.
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
The Problem With Too Much Inspiration
This feeling of overwhelm extends beyond work. It can creep into every facet of our lives, even our homes. We're constantly flooded with images of other people's spaces. This home is colorful, that one is minimalist, another is vintage. And don't even get me started on trends which are ever changing like the wind! If you're trying to figure out what to do with your own space, it's easy to get lost in the noise, especially if it's not something that comes naturally to you.
You like this style, then you see that style, and suddenly you're wondering if you should completely change direction. You see a home that's similar to yours, and now you're thinking you need to copy what they've done. Add in pets, kids, lighting limitations, and it's easy to feel completely overwhelmed. You might even consider playing it safe. White walls. Neutral tones. Beige everything. Because at least with neutrals, you can’t really go wrong…right?
Photo by Janay Peters on Unsplash
Your Home, Your Rules
But here's the real question: Is that what you truly want? Is that neutral space really reflecting who you are? Your home should be just that—yours. It should reflect you. And that's the key to creating a space that works. It's about you and you should always come back to you as woowoo as that might sound. I know it can be hard to drown out or unsee all the things that you see online, in magazines or even when you go to your friend's house.
Just because you love wearing colorful clothes doesn't mean you need multicolored walls. And just because you prefer a simple manicure doesn't mean your interiors have to be minimalist.
Photo by Christian Buehner on Unsplash
Start With the Feeling
So before you reach for another sample pot of “greige,” pause for a second. Ask yourself:
- What do I want my home to feel like?
- Do I want calm and minimal, so I can breathe easier?
- Or do I crave bold colour, patterns, and personality that make me feel alive?
Just like with anything else, planning is crucial. Go back to the drawing board. Start with how you want your space to feel. From there, curate your interiors like you would your wardrobe or self-care ritual. Use inspiration from social media and magazines, but filter it through your own lens. What supports your lifestyle? What makes your home work for you? Hopefully with that being said, you'll be able to bypass the overwhelm or at least it won't be so bad.