Designing Within Limits (and Loving the Outcome)

Subscribe for Design Inspiration

3D Design Render by Maria Bowers

We’ve all been there—scrolling Pinterest, flipping through a magazine, or walking through a store thinking, “If only I had more time, more space, more budget...”

But what if the limits you’re facing aren’t holding you back at all? What if they’re helping you build something even better?

Over the years, I’ve learned that decorating within limits—whether it’s a tight budget, a quirky layout, or working with what you already have—isn’t a compromise. It’s a shortcut to clarity, creativity, and rooms that actually feel like you.

Some of the most satisfying design moments in my home (and my clients') didn’t come from having unlimited choices—they came from working with what was real. Let’s be honest—we all have something we’re working around. Maybe your budget only covers a few updates this year, your floor plan doesn’t quite make sense, or you’re renting and can’t make permanent changes. Maybe life is simply full, and you only have tiny windows of time to make decisions. Maybe there’s a piece of furniture you’re hanging onto that doesn’t quite fit, but still matters to you. Whatever the case, these things can feel frustrating—but they’re not the enemy. They’re actually opportunities to get creative, clear, and a little scrappy (in the best way).

It sounds backwards, but working within limits can actually lead to better design. It pushes you to focus on what matters most, helps you uncover your personal style, encourages resourcefulness, and makes your choices more intentional. When you can’t do everything, you often end up doing the right things.

Some of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on had major limitations. One kitchen couldn’t be expanded, but a few thoughtful cabinet and lighting updates gave it a whole new feel. A living room makeover used mostly existing furniture but felt completely refreshed with a new layout, paint, and a few key accents. In my own home, we’ve created spaces I love simply by rethinking what we already have. No dramatic makeovers—just honest adjustments that made things work better.

And the garden? Definitely not ideal conditions here. But the limitations have made the process more intentional, more seasonal, and ultimately more rewarding. I’ve learned to celebrate what thrives, even if the path there isn’t perfect.

Our Garden Space-click to subscribe to my gardening updates!

More choices don’t always mean better results. In fact, too many options can make decisions harder. When you know your boundaries, you make clearer, more confident choices. You design with intention—not just for the photo, but for the way you live. Feeling overwhelmed by choices? My room palettes are curated with real products and cohesive design direction—so you can see how everything works together before making a single decision. Browse the palettes and shop directly or use them as a guide to get started.

Room Palettes for Sale!

Your home doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. It needs to support you.

Try asking yourself: What do I already have that I can build on or shift? What’s one small change that would bring ease or beauty into this space? What’s truly not working—and what’s already working that I may be overlooking? And if you’re feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to get a little outside help—sometimes a fresh perspective is all it takes to bring your space to life.

Designing within limits doesn’t mean giving up on the dream. It means you’re tuning in to what matters, using what you’ve got, and trusting that thoughtful design isn’t about having everything—it’s about working with what’s already right in front of you.

If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Let me know in the comments or reply to this post—what limits have actually helped you design better?

Happy Decorating,