Don’t quit now: 10 ways to save your design project
Stuck Mid-Reno or Design Project? Here's How to Stay the Course and Actually Finish
So, you’ve started an interior design project. Yay! You’re finally turning those “one day” dreams into real-life moodboards, floorplans, and maybe even demolition dust.
But if you’re here, chances are you’re hitting a bit of a wall — mentally, financially, or creatively. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed by decisions, or second-guessing every choice, or wondering if you should just give up and live with what you've got.
Don’t.
Before you ditch your design plans or half-finished reno, keep reading — I’ve got some honest, practical advice to help you refocus, recommit, and get the space you’ve been dreaming about from day one.
This client has been working from his dining table beacuse it had the best light.
So we gave him a library and office an incorporated his favourite red chair so he could relax as well..
1. Remember Your Why
Take a deep breath and rewind to the beginning. Why did you start this project? What were you hoping to change or improve?
Maybe you wanted more storage. Or better light. Or to finally create a home that actually feels like you.
Now’s a good time to revisit your vision — literally. Pull up that Pinterest board, your designer’s concept pack, or your original inspo images. Stick them on the fridge. Get excited again. Reconnecting with your “why” helps you keep going when the excitement wears off.
My Take Action Tip: Write down three things you’re most excited about in your finished space. Keep it somewhere visible.
2. Don’t Be Shy About Budget Stuff
I know talking about money can feel awkward — but it’s absolutely essential.
If you haven’t already, sit down and work out what you’re really comfortable spending. Then talk it through with your designer. That way they can help you prioritise, find creative workarounds, and make sure your investment goes toward the things that matter most.
My Take Action Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet or budgeting app to track your spending so far and set realistic limits moving forward.
3. Tune Out the Peanut Gallery
Everyone loves to share their opinion when you’re renovating. Your mum doesn’t like navy walls. Your mate thinks you should have gone Hamptons. Your tradie uncle reckons you should’ve tiled it yourself.
Thanks, everyone.
Unless they’re paying for it or living in it, their opinion doesn’t get a vote. Trust your designer. Trust yourself. You’ve made thoughtful choices so far — don’t let random outside noise derail your direction.
My Take Action Tip: Create a “design filter” — only take feedback from people you invited into the process (choose carefully)
4. Details Matter — But You Don’t Have to Sweat Them Alone
It’s easy to get decision fatigue from the sheer volume of choices — door handles, grout colours, curtain rods… it’s a lot. And often it’s the tiniest decisions that end up pulling everything together.
The good news? Your designer has your back. Trust them to sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to. They’ve got the experience to know which details are worth obsessing over (and which ones no one will notice in 6 months).
My Take Action Tip: If you’re losing steam, ask your designer to present you with edited choices (3 options max) so you can make confident, stress-free decisions.
5. Fix What’s Causing the Stall
Sometimes it’s one annoying problem that’s halting progress — a delayed tradie, a backordered item, or a decision you keep avoiding. Fear of having a difficult conversation with someone.
It festers, stalls the entire project, and suddenly nothing moves forward.
My Take Action Tip: Identify the one thing that’s holding everything up. Tackle it first. Even one solved issue can unlock momentum.
6. You Hired a Designer for a Reason — Lean On Them
My Take Action Tip: Schedule a check-in with your designer and bring a list of the things causing you stress. It’ll feel lighter once it’s out of your head.
You didn’t go it alone — you brought in help. A good interior designer isn’t just picking pretty things. They’re solving problems, managing tricky decisions, and keeping the big picture in mind when it feels like everything’s going sideways.
If you’re stuck or feeling unsure, talk to them. Be honest about where you're at. Are you feeling decision fatigue? Concerned about money? Worried things are moving too slowly? They can help you work through it.
7. Stop Panic-Buying. Seriously.
My Take Action Tip: Make a rule: no purchases without cross-checking your design plan. Or, leave the purchasing to your designer.
You’ve probably been tempted to buy a lamp or a rug because “it was on sale” or “it could work.” But scattered impulse buys can mess up the whole design plan — and your budget.
It’s like baking a cake and throwing in random ingredients because they were in the pantry.
It might work. But probably not.
8. Finish What You Started
A half-done project won’t feel like home. Worse, it could end up costing more in the long run — especially if you have to redo rushed jobs or rebuy mismatched furniture later.
If you’ve made it this far, don’t stall out now. Commit to completing the space, even if you need to slow the pace or break it into stages.
My Take Action Tip:Create a project timeline for the final steps (e.g. install, style, photograph, enjoy) and tick off each milestone as you go.
9. Play the Long Game
A well-designed space isn’t just pretty — it works for you.
It fits your routines, reflects your style, and supports the way you live. It should make your daily life easier and more enjoyable, not more complicated.
You’re not just creating a “look,” you’re building a lifestyle that supports and reflects who you are.
Action tip: Take a photo of your space right now — even if it’s unfinished. Then imagine the “after” version. What would need to change to make you proud to share the finished photo? Use that vision to fuel your next steps.
10. The Best Feeling? Zero Regret
The biggest reward for sticking it out? You won’t be left with that “we should have finished it” feeling.
When your project is complete and the styling is just right, there’s this moment where you step back and go: Yes. This is exactly what I wanted.
And that feeling? Worth every decision, every delay, every awkward conversation about budget, and every second of doubt.
Action tip: Take 10 minutes to visualise your daily life in the finished space — your morning coffee spot, the sunny nook you read in, the kitchen where everyone gathers. Let that picture motivate you.
The Bottom Line: Finish What You Started
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed during a big interior design project. But quitting halfway means losing out on the dream you’ve already invested so much into.
So, take a break if you need to. Ask for help. Revisit your vision. Then get back in the game.
Because a finished, beautiful, you-shaped space? That’s what you started this for in the first place.
AND if you started out on your own, it’s never too late to ask for help.
