To Decorate or Not To Decorate My Planner Spread?

In recent years, we've seen a rise in decorative planner spreads. There are many Plan With Me videos on Youtube and Instagram where people show off their beautiful, intricately decorated planner pages. While this can be fun to watch, it begs the question is it really necessary?

There are two schools of thought when it comes to decorating planner spreads-those who believe that less is more and those who believe that a little bit of decoration can go a long way. Both sides have their merits, but which one do you subscribe to? If you're on the fence, read this article for more information on how to make your planner work for you.

Ala Minimal

If you're someone who likes things to be clean and simple, a more minimalist approach to decorating your planner may be best. You might choose to use washi tape or stickers sparingly, or forego them all together in favour of a more streamlined look. This can help you stay focused on the task at hand and avoid getting overwhelmed by too much visual stimulation.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Heather,@hbellplansit

My tip for decorating is decorate to your taste whether that is simple and minimalist or full of decor sticker with no white spaces. Don’t be afraid to try new looks or to use only pen/highlighters. Do what works for you and your taste - Heather, @hbellplansit

 

Here are some tricks to decorate your planner, ala minimalist.

1. Use Highlighters! I cannot stress this enough. Highlighters are a great way to give a pop of colour and to colour code your tasks. Use neutral or pastel coloured highlighters to give it a soft look.

2. Use same coloured pen throughout the planner spread. This adds uniformity. However, if you need to differentiate from one task to another, you can use highlighters to colour code it (See, I told you highlighters are amazing!)

 

Let's decorate!

 

On the other hand, if you find that a little bit of decoration helps you to feel more motivated and inspired, there's no need to hold back. Adding stickers, washi tape, and other embellishments to your planner can help you to create a space that's both aesthetically pleasing and functional. After all, if you're going to spend time looking at your planner every day, why not make it pretty to look at? 

One popular way to decorate planner pages is by using sticker kits. These kits usually include a variety of stickers that can be used to add colour and interest to any page. They're often designed with specific themes in mind, such as holidays, seasons, or everyday life. Hence, it is much easier to decorate using a sticker kit. Check out our range of sticker kits here.

Here is a beautiful planner spread from Cindy, @mamabearplans using our Bake Shop Sticker Kit 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Cindy, @mamabearplans

My tip is for planner moms. Write down the memories. Just make a random note of something your child has done or something your child has said in your planner and you’ll thank yourself later. Little moments that we’d normally forget will be captured forever. We will always have a planner, and this is one way to make sure you always remember the small things - Cindy, @mamabearplans

 

 

Besides sticker kits, you can also use Deco Kits. Deco Kits are more flexible to decorate with but it does require some planning. I like to create a border look, similar to this amazing spread by Wendy from @wenvers

Photo courtesy of Wendy, @wenvers

My tip for decorating: try not to overthink and just have fun! You only have to look at the spread for one week and then you turn the page. 😊- Wendy, @wenvers

 

Here are some tricks to decorate your planner with stickers;

1. Use sticker kits. If you're unsure on which sticker to use, which sticker matches with which box and so on? Use sticker kits. They're done for you matching boxes, washi and headers

2. Use Baking Paper or Parchment Paper. Wait, what? Did i read that right? Yes you did. Although this trick is not new (credit to @accordingtoali), I prefer to put the parchment paper over my planner paper. As it is translucent, you can still see the lines on your planner paper. Stick your stickers on the parchment paper as though you are decorating your planner. Then, take a picture of it. Next peel off the sticker one by one and start pasting it on your planner with the picture as a guide. 

Remember...

I often see people comparing their planner spreads with others. Comparisons between planner spreads can be unproductive and misleading. When you're looking at someone else's planner, you're seeing their idea of perfect, which may not be achievable or realistic for you. There's no right or wrong way to decorate a planner, so focus on what works best for you and don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Trying to copy someone else's approach is likely to lead to frustration and dissatisfaction, so find what works for you and stick with it.

Ultimately...

The best way to decorate your planner is whichever way works best for you and helps you to stay organized and productive throughout the year. Experiment with different approaches until you find something that feels right, and don't be afraid to change things up if your needs or tastes change over time. 

For more tips and tricks and ideas on decorating your planner spread, check out these amazing spreads and tips by these amazing ladies.

Photo courtesy of Flori, @iamcraftsbypoli

My tip would be this. There is no right or wrong decoration. Your planner your style. You do you. Use all the stickers, washi and write in all colors of pens you like. You are making it for you and not for somebody else. As long as it works for you, that is a win 🥰 - Flori, @iamcraftsbypoli

 

Photo courtesy of Kela from @plans_by_kela

My tip for decorating is if you are not liking your spread at the moment leave it alone and walk away. When you come back to it you may have some new ideas about what you want to do with it and it works out. 😊 - Kela, @plans_by_kela

 

Photo courtesy of Michil from @michil_planner

My tip is to look at Instagram's various planners. Also, sticking a sticker is often incorporated into occupational therapy for mental health, and it is healing for me. Don't think hard, just cut and stick stickers that you like.- Michil, @michil_planner

 

Photo courtesy of Bella from @bellaimaginableplans

My tip would be, don’t compare your weekly spread to everyone else’s, you’ll make yourself crazy! Be as creative as you want to be, only you know what works best for you. - Bella. @bellaimaginableplans

 

Photo courtesy of Louise from @lululovestoplan

My tip for decorating your planner is to do what works best for you. What works for others, doesn't necessarily work for everyone.
Also, when in doubt, it's amazing how the use of washi tape can transform a page. And when in doubt, add florals. - Louise , @lululovestoplan