8 Ways to Embrace a Growth Mindset in the Home
First, lay the foundation…
Time and time again, I meet with new clients who feel unhappy with their spaces, despite all their best efforts. I often hear remarks like,
“I loved this sofa when I found it, but it just feels weird in our house, and I’m not sure why…”
“I keep buying things I like as we pull this space together, but the room never quite feels right…”
“I feel stuck. It’s so overwhelming to decide how to best spend money on this space.”
If you can relate to these feelings, you are not alone — and there is a solution within reach!
Never underestimate the power of a cohesive design plan as a launch-pad and guide for your evolving home!
So many skills are involved with establishing a space that’s complete and cohesive, functions the way it should, and makes you feel the way you want to feel. (There’s a reason why residential interior design exists as a profession, after all!) My hundreds of clients have made one thing clear: With e-design deliverables in hand, pulling together a space you love has never been easier.
With a professional e-design plan as reference, making changes as your space needs to evolve becomes a manageable task. For example, when you suddenly need to upgrade the family sofa, you’ll have a reference for style, color, and dimensions right there with you. Your deliverables will serve as a launch-pad and guide for all of your evolving home needs!
8 Ways to Embrace a Growth Mindset in the Home
Select Certain Furnishings with a “Best for Now” Mentality
Consider purchasing items like bed frames or dining tables that fit your changing needs from local marketplaces or secondhand stores. This can save you money in the short-term, and you might even score a multifunctional piece that lasts for many life stages ahead! Which leads me to #2…Invest in Adaptable Furniture
Consider furnishings that can transition through multiple life stages and accommodate special events. For example, extendable dining tables can be space-saving options for daily life that also allow for hosting large family gatherings on occasion. Modular sofas offer the ability to change your layout and upholstery over time, so you won’t have to ditch your sofa and start from scratch as household needs change.Embrace Multi-Functional Spaces
Consider rooms that can serve more than one purpose, such as a home office that doubles as a guest room (a common project for us here at Shay Gabriel Interior Design!) This might allow your home to take on more than it could otherwise, particularly if you find yourself in tight quarters with a growing family.Choose Flexible Decor Options
Consider decor that can easily be updated, such as large-scale, matted picture frames that allow you to change art prints over time, and throw pillow sets with the ability to change covers. This allows you to simultaneously keep a space cohesive in the long run and easily invite a nice little refresh any time.Designate Kid-Friendly Zones
Consider designating areas of your home to cater to fast-evolving, age-appropriate “proofing” and play. By designating these zones with safety and flexibility in mind, you can easily adapt them as children grow and their skills or interests change. For example, we have a play nook in our dining room that big sister can access freely, but little sister can only access the area when supervised; however, their shared playroom is always accessible, so we’ve proofed the space accordingly.Incorporate Adjustable Storage Solutions
Consider shelving, cabinets, and closets with systems that can be reconfigured or expanded over time. This ensures that as your family’s storage and organizational needs evolve, your home can more easily adapt without a major overhaul.Utilize Customizable Lighting
Consider layered lighting (e.g. ambient, task, overhead) and smart bulbs with adaptive color and brightness in order to transition from vibrant to calming settings. This adaptability ensures every room is perfectly lit for evolving needs, even from one hour to the next! (Nursing momma who suddenly wants that bright light to dim while nap-trapped? I see you! I am you!)Foster Family-Friendly Customization
Consider family-friendly DIY projects or customizations that allow everyone to contribute to making the house a home! For example, you might employ your newest hobby and embroider over a ripped chair seam with a pattern that suits the design concept; or perhaps you add hinges to a gallery frame in order to effortlessly swap out your child’s artwork each week. A growth mindset invites creativity and craftiness!
However you make small changes in your home over time, I hope you’ll have fun along the way! And if you feel overwhelmed? Start with your personalized, designer-curated plan to set the stage for all the little decisions to come.
Let’s Connect!
What might you add to our list of ways to embrace a growth mindset in the home? What has worked well for your evolving space? We welcome you to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments! And don’t forget to connect with us on social.
