Beating Renovation Fatigue: A Guide to Staying Motivated During Your Home Transformation

Are you tired of your home renovation? Transforming a home, whether a minor update or a major overhaul, is an exciting journey toward your ideal living space. Yet, between the dust, the decision-making, and unexpected issues, “renovation fatigue” can set in. This state of exhaustion, often due to the mental load of constant decision-making and living amidst chaos, is a common challenge. So, let’s talk about the ways we can manage renovation fatigue and keep our spirits up during the process.

What is Renovation Fatigue?

Renovation fatigue goes beyond the physical work of a home update. It’s the mental strain that creeps in when decision-making feels endless, the excitement wanes, and you’re left wondering if the project will ever end. I would say this fatigue is usually most intense around the 75% mark of the renovation, just when you think you’re nearing the finish line, but all of a sudden, the line feels like it moved away from you. This phase can lead to "decision fatigue," where simple choices like picking paint colors or cabinet materials feel overwhelming.

1. Take a Step Back: Embrace Mini Breaks

A common piece of advice, but not always an easy one to follow. Taking even a short break from the project can be invaluable for your mental health and your ability to move forward. If you’re tackling renovations in your Geneva home, consider scheduling a weekend getaway in the mountains or Annecy, to escape the mess and refresh your outlook. Even small breaks—like taking a walk around the lake or meeting friends for coffee—can make a big difference by temporarily clearing your mind of the ongoing project. If it’s summer, go for a swim in the lake, if we’re in the winter, go to the spa.

2 weeks before moving in - I was nowhere near finished sanding the staircases, I think I cried before taking this photo, you can tell by my eyes how tired and demoralized I was, despite my thumbs up.

So I bought myself flowers.

and went for swim the next morning.

For those who can’t get away physically, a “mental break” is just as important. Avoid thinking about the renovation for a day; spend time in dust-free spaces with a good book to reset your perspective. And stay away from your phone and Pinterest boards as much as possible !

2. Break Down Tasks with a Micro-List

One of our to-do lists

One of the biggest causes of renovation fatigue is feeling overwhelmed by large tasks. Simplify your project by breaking it down into micro-tasks. Instead of looking at the entire room, divide it into small actions: painting one wall, choosing fixtures, organizing tools. If there's a huge task that's taking longer than expected, take a break from it, and complete a smaller task instead. Completing small tasks gives a tangible sense of progress and a daily sense of accomplishment and crossing off things often has a way of lifting our spirits up. So cross a couple of small tasks off and go back to the big task when you feel better. In Geneva, our schedules can be busy, having an organized list also helps keep the project manageable. And I would suggest to write it down physically, the motion of crossing things off with a pencil is a relief in itself.

3. Reach Out for Support

The mental load of making every decision can be exhausting. Talking it over with a friend, partner, or even an interior design professional can help lighten the burden. Renovation fatigue can feel especially intense if you’re handling the work alone, so don’t hesitate to enlist support. Many people in Geneva and surrounding France, myself included, understand the pressures of home design and are available to help with both practical advice and emotional support.

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4. Work with Professional, Communicative Contractors

Good communication with your contractors can make a huge difference. The quality of your renovation team impacts not only the final result but your overall experience. If you’re experiencing issues, be open and proactive about discussing them. It’s easier to address minor issues early than to allow them to build up and add stress to the project.

Finding trusted contractors in Geneva can be challenging, but remember that their support is vital to overcoming renovation fatigue. A reliable team can offer creative solutions and help solve issues without adding to your workload.

Hand-drawing helps others visualize exactly what you're talking about

5. Create a Meaningful Vision Board

Beyond design choices, a vision board that represents your lifestyle and reasons for renovating can help remind you of your end goal. Whether you’re redoing a kitchen to spend more time with family, creating a home office to improve work-life balance, or enhancing natural light to boost well-being, keep these benefits in mind to stay motivated.

Inspiration boards on Instagram and Pinterest can help visualize a completed space sure, but adding personal touches—like images of family gatherings or relaxing moments at home—will reinforce why you started this journey in the first place.

My home vision board

6. Invest in Small Comforts During the Process

Living amidst a renovation is tough, especially when essentials like kitchens or bathrooms are out of commission. Find small comforts to add normalcy back into your routine. A portable coffee machine, a favorite throw blanket, or setting up a cozy, dust-free corner can bring relief. Little comforts can make an extended renovation feel more bearable by creating spaces to unwind. My personal favorite is to take care of the outside spaces almost at the start of the reno so that my clients can get a little joy by watching plants grow, and just a nice view as we look out the windows. It may seem trivial when you're in the big demolition phase, but trust me, it's not on the long run.

Two of my favorite luxury items to celebrate - not an ad

7. Celebrate Milestones

Renovation is a journey of progress, so celebrate the milestones along the way. When a major phase, like the completion of electrical work or flooring installation, is done, acknowledge it! Celebrate with a dinner out or a relaxing evening at home, buy flowers, or pop some bubbly. Small celebrations are so, so important to keep your motivation alive, reminding you that each step brings you closer to a beautifully finished space.

Embracing Your Renovation Journey

Renovation fatigue is an all too well, common experience, but with a little forethought and self-care, you can reduce its impact and stay motivated. The process of transforming your Geneva home will have ups and downs, but every decision and ounce of patience contributes to a more personalized, comfortable space. Remember that you started the renovation journey to heighten your mental and emotional well-being, so take care of them during the project! Take breaks, celebrate achievements, and ask for help when you need it.

Do you need help beating renovation fatigue? At Stella Studio, I understand the mental load that comes with a home renovation in Geneva. From guidance on space-planning, design choices to managing decision fatigue, I offer tailor-made solutions to help make your renovation journey a smooth one. Get in touch to explore how we can bring your vision to life, whether it’s a small room refresh or a complete home transformation.

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