If you are renovating and can’t seem to narrow down your choices or make sense of your thoughts, you might be experiencing mental exhaustion. We delve into the how’s of coping with this oh-so-common issue…

From waking up in the morning to going back to sleep, your day is determined by hundreds, if not thousands, of pretty mundane choices – what to wear, what to eat for lunch, which route to take to work, stay in or go out? If that isn’t hard enough, add a kitchen or bathroom renovation project into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an energy-depleting cycle.

It’s why, famously, Steve Jobs wore the same outfit every day – to reduce decision fatigue. But what is it, and can it really be avoided when you’re embarking on a home improvement project? To find out, I sought advice from interior designers and, spoiler alert, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

So, what is decision fatigue?

In essence, it’s when you make so many decisions that the quality of your choices deteriorates, explains Harriette Cayzer, director at luxury residential design practice Taylor & Turner. Laura Parkinson, director at interior design studio Palmer & Stone, agrees. “When you’re fed up with constantly being asked for answers, decision fatigue can creep in, and you ‘let go’ on things that were initially important to you,” she says.

Unsurprisingly, it is a common issue that renovators – and even designers – face. “At the end of the day, when I go home and someone asks me a question, I quite often say ‘I’ve made too many decisions today, I can’t make another one’,” laughs Harriette. “I save a lot of the decision fatigue for my private life but, to avoid it as much as possible, I go with my natural instincts which tend to be better.”

Amy Stoddart, creative director at the eponymous interior design studio, has finished renovating her entire house, including a side kitchen extension, a loft extension and an internal strip out. “It’s taken just under three years – we are exhausted,” she laughs. “As an interior designer, the pressure to design your own house is tenfold, and I was frequently met with decision fatigue.” So, it turns out, you are not alone in this.

Renovations and decision fatigue

If you had to guess, how many decisions do you think one has to make during a kitchen or bathroom renovation? “I almost can’t think because it’s quite overwhelming,” says Harriette, who likes to break down the design process for her clients into seven major categories. “Number one, you’ve got to look at the layout. Then, the hard finishes, appliances or sanitaryware, paint colours, lighting, joinery and, lastly, softer items like blinds and chairs. Within these categories, you’ve probably got between 10 to 20 more decisions. It makes me feel a bit ill thinking about it,” she jokes.

Laura agrees and advises that if you’re finding your renovation overwhelming, you should start with the fixed elements – such as architectural details, joinery, electrical plans, flooring and tiling. “These are the really important decisions that need time and care,” she explains. “Paint colours and furniture can be chosen once the other elements are in place, and can always be changed over time, but the fixed finishes need to be right from the start.”

Decision fatigue is also one of the reasons why people seek the help of interior designers. “One of their jobs is to make sure that every decision made is considered but isn’t made in a rushed way so decision fatigue doesn’t set in,” says Harriette.

However, if you don’t have the budget for a complete design service, some specialists offer virtual or on-site consultations. “This is incredibly helpful if you need a sounding board for your ideas. Together, we can delve into the project’s intricacies, identifying potential challenges and creative opportunities that lie ahead,” says Amy.

Tips for dealing with this issue

If getting extra help isn’t an option, there are other things you can do to tackle decision fatigue. “Have a clear picture of what you’re trying to achieve and keep referencing back to that. This way, you can stay on track with your decisions, and the excitement for the vision coming to life will keep you going throughout the project,” says Laura.

“Moodboarding with physical samples is also helpful, as every new finish, tile or colour can be added into the mix and held up against the previous decisions to ensure they work as a whole,” she continues. “Many people only start looking at samples when their contractor arrives and, by then, your preferred option may be out of stock or be subject to long lead times. Choosing all your finishes in advance helps to minimise the stress and prevent last-minute decision paralysis.”

Stepping away and taking time to clear your head is equally important. “You have to learn not to worry; your creative juices will start to flow again – just give it time,” reassures Amy. “If you’re designing a room and you struggle with a decision, take a few days to reset.”

If anything, know that decision fatigue is real, and you’re not in it alone. Speak to your other half (who’s probably feeling the same), reach out to other renovators on Instagram, and don’t be afraid to hold off on a choice for a while if your head’s not in it. With all this in mind, for now, you can simply go back to worrying about what to have for lunch. Sandwich or salad, salad or sandwich?

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