Making Confident Design Choices That Last

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | August 8, 2025

There’s a moment that happens in nearly every renovation:
You’re standing in a tile shop or scrolling through endless faucets online, and the panic sets in.
“What if I choose the wrong one?”

It’s not just about the tile or the faucet - it’s about the fear that a decision you make today will feel like a mistake forever. And that fear? It’s real.

Renovations aren’t just expensive, they’re emotional.
You want your space to reflect you, to feel cohesive, to be timeless but not boring, on-trend but not trendy. And it’s a lot to carry alone.

So let’s take the pressure off and walk through how to make decisions you’ll still love years from now.

1. Understand Your Style (Even if You Don’t Think You Have One)

So many people say, “I don’t have a style,” but that’s never true.
You do, you just might not know how to name it yet.

Here’s a trick I use with my clients:
We look at your saved photos and identify what keeps showing up.

Are you drawn to clean lines or cozy textures?
Warm tones or bold contrast?
Sleek and minimal or layered and lived-in?

It’s not about labeling your taste - it’s about recognizing patterns. Once we understand your visual language, we can translate it into a design that feels intentional and personal.

2. Pick a Lane, But Don’t Marry a Trend

Trends are fun. They help spark inspiration. But they shouldn’t run the show.

The key to timeless design isn’t playing it safe - it’s anchoring your space in a clear, consistent vision.
Choose your foundational style, and let trends come in through things that are easy to update, like paint, decor, or lighting.

Your cabinetry, flooring, and layout? Those should reflect who you are, not just what’s hot on Instagram this month.

3. Create a Mood Board That Works Like a Filter

One of the most valuable tools I use with clients is a project-specific mood board.
It’s not just a collage of pretty photos - it’s a visual compass.
Every decision we make gets run through this filter:

Does it support the overall mood?
Does it repeat a material, tone, or texture we’re already using?
Will it create harmony or distraction?

This keeps the process focused, and helps you feel confident in every “yes.”

4. Don’t Design One Piece at a Time

This is where so many homeowners get stuck.
They fall in love with a single item - a bold tile, a standout sink - and design around it without considering the bigger picture. The result? A space that feels disjointed.

As your designer, I help you zoom out. We look at how all the materials and finishes interact - from flooring to hardware - so your home feels cohesive, not chaotic.

5. Design Support = Decision Relief

Let’s be honest: decision fatigue is real.
A renovation comes with hundreds of micro-decisions, and each one feels like it could be a big deal.

Having a designer means:

You don’t have to second-guess everything
You get curated options that actually work together
You can focus on the exciting parts, without spiraling into stress

And most importantly: if you’re about to make a choice you might regret, I’ll catch it before it happens.

Your Style Deserves to Be Heard, Not Doubted!

Renovating your home should feel inspiring, not paralyzing.
With the right guidance, you can trust your choices, create something personal, and walk into your space knowing: this is exactly right for me.

Let’s bring your style to life, with clarity, intention, and no regrets.
📞 Book a complimentary consultation, and let’s start building a design that feels like home now—and for years to come.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studio.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

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