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Finishing What You Started (Even When It Gets Frustrating)

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In part 1 (Wanting to Quit), I shared the messy middle of this cabinet build, the part where the instructions felt overwhelming, the (too many) pieces all looked the same, and I hit that familiar moment of wondering if I should just give up.

woman reading instructions

But this part matters too: what happened next.

Not because everything suddenly got easy, but because I kept going.

This project reminded me that progress usually doesn’t happen in one big breakthrough. It happens one small step at a time.

Picking Back Up (Even When You’d Rather Walk Away)

After taking a break and stepping away for a bit, I came back with fresh eyes.

Feeling stuck like this? Start here.

Projects like this always remind me that creating a home you love doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one small choice at a time, one project, one corner, one room. If you’ve ever second-guessed every decision in a room, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created the Confident Room Method. It’s not about getting it perfect, it’s about finally having a simple plan so you CAN move forward with confidence. Get the Confident Room Method printable guide here.

Confident Room Method cover with interior design flatlay

That helped more than forcing myself through frustration ever would have.

Instead of thinking about the whole cabinet, I focused on the next step in front of me: assembling the drawer.

woman assembling navy pantry cupboard

Sometimes that’s really the difference between quitting and finishing. Just choosing the next step instead of trying to carry the whole project at once.

Assembly: Slower Than Expected, But Worth It

Assembly took patience.

There were a lot of pieces, hardware to sort, instructions to double-check, and plenty of moments where I had to slow down and make sure everything was lined up correctly.

A few things that helped:

  • laying out all pieces first
  • keeping hardware sorted by label
  • hand tightening before fully securing screws
  • checking alignment before moving on

It wasn’t glamorous, but seeing it come together made the whole project finally start to feel real.

Knowing When to Ask for Help

One thing I’ve learned over the years… whether it’s home projects, decorating, or life in general, is that doing things yourself doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone.

I handled the bulk of the cabinet build myself, but for the heavier lifting and final adjustments, I was glad to have an extra set of hands.

That’s not giving up. That’s finishing wisely.

There’s strength in starting something. But there’s also strength in knowing when support makes sense.

adding a knob to a drawer

The Best Part: Seeing It Come Together

There’s always a moment in a project where things finally shift.

The parts that felt random start making sense. The hard work starts to look like something.

That moment happened when the cabinet was fully assembled and in place.

Suddenly, all the frustration from the beginning felt worth it.

navy-pantry-cabinet, brown wingback chair

Just now noticing it needs a wipe down from assembly smudges. lol BUT seriously, I love the deep blue color against the warm wood tones in this room. It adds storage, function, and a finished look without feeling bulky.

A Reminder for More Than Just DIY

This project was a good reminder of something I come back to often:

You don’t have to finish everything all at once.

You just have to keep going.

One drawer. One hinge. One step.

Sometimes the middle feels messy because that’s what building looks like.

And sometimes the most satisfying part is simply proving to yourself that you can stay with something long enough to see it come together.

Cabinet Details + Sources

For anyone considering a similar project:

  • cabinet source: Kitchen Storage Pantry (affiliate link)
  • color/style: Modern, Navy Blue, Gold Hardware
  • total assembly time: It took me about 4 hours total (split into 2 days).
  • tools used: Phillips screwdriver, level
  • size: approx 41″ wide by 68″ tall by 16ish” deep
  • difficulty level: For the most part I found it tedious but overall not too challenging. (Difficult parts mentioned below.)
navy pantry cabinet

Helpful Tips:

• Particle board is not forgiving. I had a few pieces assembled, probably only at around step 1 or 2 and decided to move to a more open area. TIP: Do not shift or attempt to move what is partially built. It will shift, shred the “wood” and screws will pop out. I was able to continue to build but do have to address a weakened damaged area.

No shame in asking for a second set of hands and help:

• Assembly begins upside down and is separated into top and bottom of the unit. It will require 2 people to flip and place top section on top of bottom assembled piece.

• Remember to hold your screwdriver straight. Screws in the drawer slider kept going in at a bit of an angle. However, those specific screws need to be flush so the drawer glides on the slider/track.

• The door hinges are adjustable which is super helpful. It’ll take some small adjustments with the screwdriver to get doors level.

• For this cabinet, all pieces were included. However, on the last door with storage shelves on the door, one section of pilot holes was missing. And one of the metal dowels for the door shelves was 1/2 inch shorter than required. Just keep in mind you may have some minor troubleshooting and fixes to address.

Would I do it again? Yes. Just with snack breaks, lots of patience, and a second person on standby.

How to Finish a DIY Project when you want to quit

Feeling Overwhelmed?

If you’re feeling stuck on where to start in your own space, that’s exactly why I created the Confident Room Method. It’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you make progress without the overwhelm.

woman unsure about room renovation

You can get it here: CONFIDENT ROOM METHOD

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Budget-Friendly Staging Ideas (Featured In Redfin)

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Guess what?! I was recently quoted in a Redfin article sharing tips on how to stage a house on a budget before listing it for sale. If you’re preparing a home for the market, simple budget-friendly staging ideas can make a big difference in how welcoming and spacious a home feels to potential buyers. It made me smile because so many of those ideas are the same simple things I do when styling spaces at home or for design clients.

Staging your home doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, the simplest and most budget-friendly way to stage a house is to declutter, clean thoroughly, and make a few thoughtful updates using what you already have.

In this Redfin article, we’ll show you exactly how to stage a house inexpensively, without hiring a professional or spending thousands on furniture rentals. Whether you’re prepping for an open house in Rocky Mount, NC, or listing your house in Tuckahoe, VA, these budget-friendly tips can help it stand out and sell faster.

How to Stage a House Inexpensively and Quickly: 17 Hacks for a Fast Sale for Less | Redfin

Recently, I actually helped my friend, Shelby (favorite Florida real estate agent), stage a home remotely that she’s currently selling and even pulled together mood boards with simple decor ideas. It was a good reminder that staging doesn’t have to be complicated. For that project I also curated a quick collection of affordable staging pieces to make it easier to source simple decor ideas since it was a blank canvas but often it’s just editing the space and adding a few thoughtful touches. Here are an extra few simple staging tricks I often use when styling a space:

1. Creating a welcoming feeling matters.

While decluttering and simplifying a space is always the first step, I’ve found that creating a warm and inviting feeling is just as important when preparing a home for buyers or guests.

Small touches like a cozy throw blanket on a sofa or chair, a tray on an ottoman, a bit of greenery (even artificial), or soft warm lighting can make a room feel comfortable and like ‘home’. Those little details help people imagine themselves living there, which is exactly what you want when someone walks through the doors or sees photos in a listing. First impressions do matter!

2. Start by editing the room, not buying for it.

Cozy living room with styled tray and pillows showing simple home staging ideas.

Before adding anything new, remove a few items from surfaces and corners. Too many accessories can make a space feel smaller and more cluttered in the listing photos. Pack away excess personal items. Simplifying shelves, coffee tables, and countertops instantly makes a room feel calmer and more spacious.

3. Use what you already have to add warmth.

Styled reading corner with chair, plant and art for cozy home staging inspiration.

You don’t need to rent furniture or buy all new decor. Try pulling pillows, throws, or small accent pieces from other rooms if needed to create a more balanced space. A folded throw blanket, a tray with a candle, or a small stack of books can make a room feel styled without spending a dime.

4. Add something fresh and natural.

Minimal shelf styling with greenery and glassware for simple home staging.

Fresh flowers, greenery, a decorative plate, or even a simple bowl of fruit can bring life to into a room. Natural elements photograph beautifully and make a space feel welcoming and lived-in without looking cluttered.

I use many of these same principles when styling my own home, a short-term-rental or guest space. Small thoughtful details can completely change how a room feels when someone walks in. Staging isn’t just about removing clutter, it’s about creating an environment that feels clean, comfortable, welcoming and easy to picture as home.