Where Do I Even Start? A Designer’s Guide to Tackling Your Home Project

One of the questions I hear most often is: “Where do I even start?” Maybe you’ve been saving inspo on Pinterest for years, or you just moved into a new home and every wall feels like a blank canvas. Starting can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to.

Define the feeling firstBefore you choose paint colors or shop for a sofa, ask yourself: how do you want to feel in this space? Calm and cozy? Inspired and energized? Spaces built around feelings always end up more personal — and more functional.

Start small, think bigInstead of trying to redo the entire house in one swoop, pick one room or even one corner to set the tone. A well-styled entryway, a refreshed living room, or even a new reading nook can create momentum.

Function is your foundationI always start with how a space will be used. A living room where kids pile onto the sofa looks different from one designed for hosting cocktail hours. Let function lead the way, then layer in aesthetics.

Bring in inspiration, not imitationPinterest and Instagram are incredible tools, but they’re a starting point — not the end game. Collect what resonates, then step back and ask what feels true to your lifestyle and your story.

When to call in helpSometimes the hardest part is editing. If you feel paralyzed by choices or like nothing is “clicking,” that’s where a designer can come in — not to impose a style, but to help you pull everything together in a way that feels uniquely yours.

Wrap-up:Starting doesn’t have to be scary. Begin with how you want to feel, anchor decisions in function, and take it one step at a time. And if you need someone to help you connect all the dots? That’s where I come in.