With the turn of the New Year approaching quickly, many people are setting goals. Whether it’s mapping out big home projects or finally filling in picture frames, most interior design goals don’t make it past the first month.
For qualifying kitchen remodel projects, we’ll include a high-end kitchen countertop appliance free of charge. If you want a few actionable tips, check out how we tackle personal design goals, so you avoid falling back into old habits:
- Don’t set too many goals at once. The thought of a fresh, clean slate excites us. When we think about living differently, we want to make significant changes -- usually more than our budget or schedule allows for, according to Design Success University.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed and giving up, have a realistic expectation of what you’re going to accomplish this year. Begin with the most important projects, and prioritize by size, cost, or longevity.
Once you’ve set one to three goals per month (or whatever allotted time period you chose), estimate time and cost. Focus on completing this list before moving onto the next.
- Understand how you’re going to get there. Unfortunately, most people think about the end goal, but don’t consider how they’re going to get there. It’s a lot of hard work and research, not magic.
While you can hire an interior design company to bring your vision to life from a blank canvas, it’s best if you gather resources to show them what you’d like your home design to look like. Create a step-by-step plan of action by researching materials, printing pictures, and gathering estimates from reputable companies.
Remember: Action creates results. Stop dreaming and start doing.
- Remind yourself of your goals. Pinterest is made for collaging. Remember how we said you should print pictures for ideas? Take these photos and make a vision board that includes price points and a timeline.
Use these pictures to motivate yourself to keep creating and to measure success. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you’re constantly reminded of how great the final product will be.
- Be flexible. Like we mentioned before, life happens -- and that’s fine. It’s great to have a schedule and step-by-step plan for your home design goals, but be flexible with everything to avoid getting frustrated.
Before chalking up your New Year goals as a distant dream, understand that it’s OK to take a break and reschedule a remodeling contractor. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan (or keep saving up) when you can’t afford your first option for tile. - Don’t confuse obstacles with failure. Along the same vein as flexibility, failure can seem like a looming consequence if you don’t complete every home renovation project within the designated timeline or budget.
If you feel overwhelmed, unmotivated, or stressed, give yourself a little breathing room. Take a coffee break, draw inspiration from your favorite book, refocus on your vision board, or take a walk outside. - Stop procrastinating. Long-term goals are the enemy of goal achievement. Many people fall victim to complacency after the first month of goal setting, especially if they set lengthy goals without smaller goals to achieve the larger dream.
Avoid procrastination by revisiting your vision board and staying involved in your project, whether that’s by coordinating with home interior professionals or launching yourself into a mini do-it-yourself project.
- Reward yourself. When you finish repainting your modern living room, treat yourself to a spa day. When you finish construction on a new kitchen island, celebrate with takeout. It’s important to reward yourself for little victories, or you’ll burn out.
When it comes to setting design goals for your home in the New Year, take into account these few tips from MOSS. If you’d like to get a headstart on your vision board, remember to check out our Holiday Head Start program.
Until Jan. 31, enjoy no interest and no payments for 6 months for all qualifying remodeling projects*. Click below for more information:
*Loan amounts valued from $4,000-$45,000 can be deferred for 6 months with no interest. Kitchen remodels must have a $50,000 minimum contract in order to qualify for the free high end countertop appliance. This offer may be combined with other financing options. Loans provided by EnerBank USA on approved credit, for a limited time. Interest waived if repaid according to payment terms. 17.09% fixed APR.
