Surrendering to Design: Finding Beauty in What Is
We live in a world where inspiration is endless—mood boards, Pinterest saves, and Instagram reels filled with dream homes, perfect renovations, and idealized versions of life. It’s beautiful to dream, but sometimes, the pursuit of perfection keeps us from fully embracing what is already in front of us. What if, instead of longing for the next thing, we surrendered to the beauty of what we have right now?
A Lesson in Letting Go
A client recently hired me for a short consultation to help her create a clear direction for her backyard. We mapped out a plan that felt cohesive, functional, and beautiful. She left the meeting with a solid vision, relieved to have clarity and excited to move forward. But in the following weeks, doubt crept in. She sought opinions from landscapers, nursery employees, friends, and neighbors which I can attest makes for a lot of confusion as those industries offer conflicting information. The more advice she received, the more overwhelmed she became. She lost sleep over decisions we had already made, second-guessed everything, and ended up feeling paralyzed. Finally, we had an honest conversation where she admitted, “I need to let go and trust that this process is the direction it needs to go instead of doing so much work on my own and exhausting my efforts.”
This moment was pivotal. She realized that she had hired me not just for my expertise but to take the stress off her plate. And once she surrendered to that, everything fell into place.
Practical Ways to Surrender in Design
Surrendering to your space doesn’t mean giving up on beauty or creativity. It means learning to see what’s already there, leaning into what works, and releasing the pressure of perfection. Here’s how:
1. Honor What Exists
Instead of wishing your space had more windows, higher ceilings, or a different layout, highlight what is beautiful. Maybe it’s the afternoon light in one corner or the cozy intimacy of a certain nook. Work with what you have instead of fighting against it.
2. Invest in the Present
If you love a piece of art, hang it now. If a certain color makes you happy, use it. Don’t wait until you own your “dream home” to create an environment you love. A rented apartment, a temporary space—these are still places you live today.
3. Let Go of the “One Day” Mentality
Stop waiting for the perfect scenario to enjoy your surroundings. Light the candle, use the nice dishes, and make your home feel special even if it’s not your forever space.
4. Simplify and Curate
Good design isn’t about excess—it’s about intention. Thoughtfully choosing a few well-loved pieces, incorporating soft textures, and bringing in natural elements can transform any space. And most of this can be done without spending a dime.
5. Find Beauty in Imperfection
A home with signs of life—a stack of books by the bed, a candle burned halfway down, a chair that’s softened over time—carries a depth that perfection never will. Let go of the pressure to make everything flawless. Instead, embrace the charm of a well-loved space.
Accessible Design for Everyone
Even if hiring a designer isn’t in the budget, there are ways to bring intention into your space without spending a fortune:
Rearrange what you already have – Move furniture around to create new energy in a room.
Bring in nature – Cut branches from your yard, forage for greenery, or use dried flowers to add warmth.
Declutter with intention – Remove things that no longer serve you to make space for what you truly love.
DIY with heart – A fresh coat of paint, reupholstered cushions, or repurposing items can bring new life into a space.
Focus on light – Open curtains, use mirrors to reflect natural light, and choose warm-toned bulbs to create a cozy ambiance.
At the end of the day, surrendering to your space is about shifting your mindset. Instead of feeling limited by what you don’t have, embrace the beauty in what you do. This practice doesn’t just apply to design—it’s a way of living, of finding peace in the present moment, and of making the most of where you are right now.
