9 Best Ideas For Decorating And Updating A Tired Room
Updating a tired room is easier than you think with a few simple changes that make a big difference.
Sometimes a room starts to feel a little flat, even when everything in it is perfectly fine. I’ve had this happen more times than I can count in my own home. Nothing was wrong, but something just felt off. Before I ever buy anything new, I take a step back and look at the room with fresh eyes. Most of the time, it doesn’t need a complete redo. It just needs a few thoughtful changes to bring it back to life.
One of the best things I’ve learned over the years is this: a room rarely needs more; it usually needs better. Better placement, better balance, and a clearer sense of what belongs.
In this post, I’m going to walk through exactly how to update a room step by step. These are the same simple ideas I use at Tanglewood when a space starts to feel tired, and they work every time because they focus on what really matters.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money or start from scratch. With a little intention and a few smart changes, you can make any room feel fresh, comfortable, and pulled together again.
You may notice that I used some of the same decor pieces in different rooms and ways throughout this post. That’s very intentional.
I want to show you how easy it is to update a room by simply moving things around and using them in new ways. An arrangement, a basket, or a piece of a vase can look interesting depending on where and how it’s used. This is something I do often in my own home. It keeps things feeling fresh without needing to buy something new, and it’s one of the simplest ways to give a room a whole new look.
How To Update A Room Quickly (Start Here)
If a room feels tired and you want to freshen it up fast, start with these simple steps. These are the exact things I do in my own home before I even think about buying anything new.
- Clear out anything that feels cluttered or out of place
- Rearrange the furniture to improve the flow
- Add one larger piece that gives the room a focal point
- Layer in color and texture with pillows, throws, or a rug
- Bring in a lamp or update your lighting
- Finish with a few meaningful pieces, not too many
I’ve found that just doing two or three of these can completely change how a room looks and feels.
There have been so many times I thought I needed something new, but after moving a chair, removing a few things, and adding a lamp from another room or the basement, the whole room felt better. It’s such a good reminder to work with what you have first.
How To Update A Room Step By Step
When a room feels tired, it’s tempting to start buying new things right away. I’ve done that before, and it rarely gives the result I was hoping for. The real change happens when you take a few simple steps in the right order.
Start With What You Have
Before doing anything else, take a good look at what’s already in the room. Remove anything that feels cluttered, dated, or out of place.
I like to take everything off surfaces like coffee tables and consoles and start fresh. It helps me see the room more clearly and decide what truly belongs.
Most of the time, editing alone makes a room feel lighter and more put-together.
Rearrange Your Furniture
This is one of the most overlooked ways to update a room, and it can make the biggest difference.
Try pulling furniture away from the walls or repositioning pieces to make the room feel more open and inviting. Even moving one chair or turning a rug can change how the whole space works.
There have been times when I’ve rearranged a room and felt like I had brand-new furniture without spending a thing.
Create A Focal Point
Every room needs something that draws your eye and gives the space a sense of purpose. It could be a piece of art, a mirror, a large piece of furniture, or even a styled table. Without a focal point, a room can feel scattered and unfinished.
When I’m not sure what a room needs, I almost always start here.
Add Color And Texture
Once the main pieces are in place, it’s time to soften the room and give it interest.
Add pillows, a throw, a rug, or greenery. These elements bring warmth and help a room feel comfortable and lived in. This is where I like to make small seasonal changes, too. Swapping out a few textiles can make a room feel completely different without much effort.
Update Your Lighting
Lighting has such a big impact on how a room feels.
If a room feels flat or a little dull, try adding a lamp or switching to warmer bulbs. Soft lighting creates a more relaxed and welcoming space.
I almost always add a lamp to a room if it feels unfinished. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a space feel better. Last year, my white buffet felt that way, so I found a pair of beautiful green ginger jar lamps for it and it made a huge difference in the whole room.
Style With Purpose
The final step is adding those finishing pieces that make a room feel personal and complete. Think about books, trays, a candle, or a small arrangement of greenery. Keep it simple and intentional.
I’ve learned that a few well-chosen pieces look so much better than trying to fill every space. When in doubt, I take something away rather than add more.
How To Update A Room On A Budget
Updating a room does not have to cost a lot. In fact, some of the best changes I’ve made in my home didn’t cost anything at all.
When I feel like a room needs a refresh, I almost always start here. It helps me be more thoughtful and creative, and I usually end up loving the result even more.
Shop Your Home First
Before buying anything new, walk through your home and look at what you already have.
A lamp from one room, a basket from another, or even a piece of art you’ve tucked away can feel completely new in a different space. I do this often at Tanglewood, and it still surprises me how much I already have that just needs a new place. The blue-and-white ginger jar above is such an easy accent piece to move from one room to another and decorate in many different ways.
Swap Decor Between Rooms
Moving decor from one room to another is one of the easiest ways to update a space.
Pieces that feel tired in one room can feel fresh somewhere else. This works especially well with pillows, throws, and accessories.
Sometimes all a room needs is a little change to feel new again.
Use Paint In Simple Ways
You don’t need to paint an entire room to make a difference. Try painting a piece of furniture, a frame, or even a small accent piece. A fresh coat of paint can make something old feel like it belongs again.
This is one of my favorite ways to update something I already own rather than replace it.
Change Out Textiles
Textiles have a big impact on how a room looks and feels. Switching pillow covers, adding a throw, or bringing in a new rug can quickly change the look of a room.
I like to keep a few seasonal options on hand so I can make easy changes throughout the year.
Add Something Fresh
There is something about adding a fresh element to a room that makes it feel alive again. It could be flowers, greenery, or even a few clipped branches from the yard.
I use hydrangeas from around our home whenever I can. And when they are not in season, I have a stash of faux ones I use over and over again. Even a small arrangement can brighten a room and make it feel cared for.
Common Mistakes When Updating A Room
When a room doesn’t look the way you hoped, it’s often not about what you need to add. It’s about a few small things that are getting in the way.
I’ve made every one of these mistakes at some point, and learning to spot them has made decorating so much easier.
Adding Too Much At Once
It’s easy to think a room needs more to feel finished. But adding too many things can make it feel cluttered and confusing.
I’ve learned to slow down and make one or two changes at a time. That way, I can see what’s working and what isn’t.
Most of the time, less really does look better.
Ignoring Scale And Proportion
Even beautiful pieces can look off if they don’t fit the space well.
A rug that’s too small or art that feels undersized can make a room feel unfinished. On the other hand, something too large can overwhelm the space.
I always step back and look at the room as a whole. If something feels off, scale is often the reason.
Keeping What No Longer Works
This can be a hard one, especially if you’ve had something for a long time.
But if a piece no longer fits the room, it can hold the whole space back.
I’ve had to let go of things I really liked because they just didn’t work anymore. And every time I did, the room felt better almost immediately.
Skipping A Focal Point
Without a clear focal point, a room can feel scattered. Your eye doesn’t know where to land, and nothing stands out in a good way.
When a room feels unfinished, I almost always look for what could serve as the focal point. Once that’s in place, everything else comes together more easily.
Think – Decide – Do: A Simple Way To Update Any Room
When I feel stuck with a room, I use this simple approach to help me move forward. It keeps me from overthinking and helps me make better decorating decisions.
Think
Take a step back and look at the room as a whole.
Ask yourself what feels off. Is it cluttered, flat, or unfinished? Is there too much going on, or not enough?
I like to stand in the doorway and really study the room. Most of the time, the problem becomes pretty clear when I slow down and look.
Decide
Choose one or two things that will make the biggest difference.
It might be removing extra decor, rearranging furniture, or adding something that gives the room a focal point.
I’ve learned not to try to fix everything at once. A couple of thoughtful changes almost always work better than doing too much.
Do
Take action and start small.
Move the chair, clear the table, bring in a lamp, or add a simple arrangement. Don’t wait until you have everything figured out.
So often, just getting started helps everything else fall into place.
More Decorating Ideas You Will Love
If you enjoyed these ideas, here are a few more posts that will help you keep going and make your home feel even more pulled together.
What To Put On A Coffee Table: Simple Ideas That Always Work
Simple, tried-and-true ideas for styling a coffee table so it looks balanced and inviting without feeling cluttered.
What To Put On A Kitchen Island: Simple Ideas That Are Beautiful And Useful
Easy ways to style your kitchen island so it looks pretty and works for everyday life.
How To Develop Your Decorating Eye: 6 Simple Tips To Get Better At Decorating
Learn how to see your home in a new way and make decorating decisions with more confidence.
7 Simple Decorating Tips For An Uncluttered Looking Home
Practical tips to help your home feel calm, organized, and easy to live in.
Decorating Mistakes And How To Fix Them
Common decorating mistakes and what to do instead, so your home looks more pulled together.
Helpful Answers To Common Decorating Questions
These are the kinds of questions I hear often, and they usually come up when a room just isn’t coming together the way you hoped.
Start by editing what you already have. Remove anything that feels cluttered or out of place, then rearrange your furniture and restyle your surfaces.
I do this often, and it almost always makes a room feel better. Moving a few things and clearing off a table can make a bigger difference than buying something new.
The quickest way is to clear clutter, adjust the furniture, and add something simple like a lamp or greenery.
If I only have a few minutes, I’ll straighten the room, remove a couple of things, and add fresh flowers or branches. It’s amazing how much that can change the look of a space.
Focus on balance and simplicity. Remove anything that feels dated, update textiles like pillows or throws, and make sure the room has a clear focal point.
Sometimes updating a room is more about what you take away than what you add.
Take a step back and really look at it. Most of the time, the room will tell you.
If it feels busy, it may need less. If it feels flat, it may need texture or a focal point.
I’ve learned to trust that first impression. It’s usually right.
Happy decorating, friends,
I love to study some of the high end sources like Serena & Lily, Pottery Barn, etc., and then figure out a way to create a similar look.
Good for you Lyn! Keep developing that eye for good design.
I do this too…Container Store, Pottery Barn, C&B, Department Stores – then I try to recreate using things from Walmart, Target, Hobby Lobby, Kirkland’s, At Home and Home Goods. I had a buyer friend who told me they source a lot of things from the same places…I came to the conclusion that it must be display techniques that make them more appealing. In fact, prices at these higher end stores just seem outrageous to me. Hobby Lobby and At Home have started displaying things in room vignettes so that you can try to imagine them in your space. A lot of times, I see those, then go in search of the item elsewhere in the store! I also use things I already have, just had no idea in how to display them in different ways!
I love looking at Pottery Barn, Serena & Lily catalogs and getting ideas but, then I head to my usual places to buy my items. Sometimes if it’s on sale at those high end places I’ll buy there but really like finding a great deal. I love buying pillow covers from Hobby Lobby or Amazon for lower prices.
Great info! I just love your style. Can you give details on the fern print hanging by the spindle chair? I love it!! Thanks!
Hi Angie, I found these prints locally. I am going to be working with the shop owner so you will be able to buy some of the beautiful things in this store.
Thank you this is great advise, as aLways!!
Hi Debbie, you are so welcome.
I love the knitted pillow in the ‘Cover It’ photo on your slip covered sofa. It matches so well with the rattan/wicker/basket items you use. Is this available to buy anywhere?
I’ve had that pillow cover for almost a decade. It was from Pottery Barn. Sorry, I have not seen it on their site for awhile.
Please share the source of the wicker tray on your coffee table. I have always admired it.
Here you go:https://rstyle.me/+zO-jU2Yh159BrXGt7y99UA The tray is out of stock right now but you can sign up to get a notice when it is back in stock. Hope this helps.
All good tips.I always find it hard to edit and simplify a room, still working on that.Love the touch of green you added with the pillows.
Doreen, be ruthless! You will love the results! I’m cheering for you!
My husband and I are in our early 70’s and still love to have a beautiful home. We have been blessed to have some gorgeous family antiques. Our living room is small and we have decided that we would like to have four comfortable chairs. My question is do you have any idea if a place like Wayfair is a good place to purchase from?? We live in an area where there are few furniture stores and what they carry is either too rustic or too expensive. I would so appreciate any suggestions that you have. Since we seldom have big crowds over we feel like four matching chairs is a good way to go. Thank you so much for any suggestions that you have. You are a favorite blogger of mine and I love your Sunday messages!!! Have a blessed day.
Hi Betsy, online buying is all about reviews and returns. Read the reviews and make sure someone will come and pick up the chairs if you don’t like them. I have gotten several big-ticket items from Wayfair with their “white glove” delivery. I had got an armoire that did not work in our home and the company sent someone to get it. Very easy! Hope this helps.
Yes, Betsy, read the reviews through. I’ve read many a review that reports the upholstered headboards have an off gassing smell, or appear higher in the picture than they are, or fabric is not finished properly, parts missing, etc. I mention headboards because that is what I’ve been searching for but I imagine there can be the same issues with other upholstered pieces. Most are made in China. Also, take note of measurements. The piece you order can be too big for your space or too small.
I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog and how many tips I have incorporated into my updating. My favorite tip is decorating with white or light accessories, curtains, etc. It really gives our home a lift!
Can you please provide a source for the rug with oatmeal background with white and blue accents?
Hi Rebecca, I think you mean my living room rug? It has white and charcoal accents. This rug is 10 times as pretty in real life. It was quite a splurge but I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Hi, Love your style! Please reveal the source for the rug in the High/Low picture and the rug under the dining table in the Update With Paint picture. Thanks so much!
Hi Elizabeth, thank you! You can see this rug here:https://rstyle.me/+-UX8bAV_8h20_no9ILyvTQ
Thank you! You’re the best.
And the source for the rug in the High/Low picture?
This is the most beautiful rug I have ever owned. You can see it here:https://rstyle.me/+HsiXMInJqK-c2O1OPmRoUw
Can you reveal the source of the natural, possibly jute rug in what appears to be the front entrance.
Happy to… here you go:https://rstyle.me/+Dki6foZr-3AqBgUhBXobUg
Yvonne, Can you tell me whats going on with me not being able to view your blog anymore.I get 1 quarter of a page only! There are pop up adds throughout. You close it and more come as if you didn’t close it. google is one big offender! I have now tried other computers, browsers with no luck. It does seem to work on a friends Apple laptop. Can you help me and I can’t be the only one?
I’m sorry you are having trouble viewing StoneGalbe Debbie. I don’t think there are any issues on my end. I just updated my whole blog to make it easier to see posts and navigate the blog. As far as pop-ups, there are no more ads than I’ve always had.
Try using Chrome or other, more updated browsers. I loved IE (more user friendly to me), but most places have discontinued their support and I was experiencing weird things like this on different sites, including StoneGable.
Thank you for your advice in updating a room. I appreciate all of the tips and tricks you offer.
I have been admiring your spindle chairs for quite some time but have not found a reference as to where you got them. May I ask?
Hi Danette, you can see one here:https://rstyle.me/+rL-JR5JiwjcjSZjs-T8afg
Where did that rug ? I Love it!
OOPS! LOL Where did you get that rug?
There is a link at the bottom of the post. But I have it right here so here you go:https://rstyle.me/+KJVggvyFEvt9K4QO3SuaEA
they are on sale now 50% off!
I once had SIX boxes of stuff from when my daughter was in Kindergarten! For my five year younger son, I had ONE. Once they were put away, I never looked at them! I went through each of them and saved maybe 5 art/craft pieces each, put them in a small tote with other mementos (baby bracelet, locks of hair…I threw out the baby teeth and the umbilical cords!) They like looking through them and appreciate that I kept something from their childhood. I guess they’ll get them eventually. Neither one has space for them now. I’ve started one each for the grandkids too.
What is the best natural fabric rug?
Çan I use this type of rug year round? Or is it seasonal?
Thanks for this great post!
I think you might be asking about a jute rug. Yes, you can use them all year round, but not outside. They are a great choice for any room.
Yvonne, I have enjoyed and followed you for years. Need some advice, the web page is now full of advertisement. How do I get rid of it? It is hard to follow what you are saying and showing. Thank You
I know ads are so pesky! Sorry! You can disable them by clicking on the X next to most of them. Like all things running a blog is very expensive. Hope you can enjoy the content and the pictures.
I really love you suggestion and ideas. Thanks . I will bring looking for more ideas
I need to go through and purge my Knick knacks and seasonal decor. Half of them I don’t even use and all they are doing is taking up space.
Great tips for me, thanks for them. I need to refresh a couple of rooms in my home. I have painted furniture before, and it is always so fun to see a piece transformed with paint!
Hi Yvonne. Your blog has helped me understand my decorating style and my home has become a showplace I love! I realized that some decor pieces just won’t work with what I am trying to achieve and they had to go. Recently we painted most of our rooms Simply White and that was a game changer. It really is the perfect color!! Thank you for all you do!
Oh how I needed this! We moved from the foothills of NC to the coast so my style is beginning to change which is hard!
Great post…I have a very close friend that has asked for my help in her family room….I am struggling with how best to help and not offend….she has a lot of things from her mothers decor (she inherited the home) it’s great stuff and was all the rage in the late 90s?…if you have any tips for how to gently suggest she lose A LOT of those treasures…..fake ivy, matching sets of furniture…..etc…I would be so grateful.
Nice article!
I love your comment: Most of the time I keep my big-ticket furniture items very classic but I go a bit more on-trend with accessories.
I’m going to use this and refresh the smaller, in trend accessories every few years as you mention. And I like the fact you say inexpensive. I think many folks feel in order to have a room look ‘good’ it has to have expensive items…but it doesn’t and I like how you tell and show us how to do this. Thank you! HB
So many useful tips! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for these ideas for up dating my rooms. I am going to go through my accessories and eliminate some and save some for later. I also think I will make some changes by painting walls.
I’m seeing those spindle chairs in many homes and instead of adding one that isn’t exactly as I’d like I am waiting to buy the exact one I do like…no more cluttering up with things I just don’t need or isn’t what I wish to have for the long haul. I’m working on the de-cluttering now and reading your advice today has been a huge help! Thank You Yvonne!
My favorite thing to do when updating my decor is to look on Pinterest for inspiration and then start by shopping my home. I have found that I can either remake or refinish an item to make it a beautiful accent in my home. I often like to look in thrift shops or consignment stores to search for new decor without spending a fortune.
Boy I needed this one!
I want to thank you for teaching me so much. I walk into a store my mind is rolling through key words like, dirty colors, texture & stay in your lane. I have a small notebook that I carry in my purse. In it I have put my paint sample, along with lots of notes!!!! Yvonne again with utmost sincerity thanks for being such a wonderful teacher.
Thanks for the great ideas! Decluttering “tchotchkes” can definitely help update and change a room.
A friend just called me to see if I could help with her decor problem – not that I am an expert but the first thing I noticed was her paint colors! It’s so “sad” that I immediately ask if she is willing to paint new colors on her wall because that will brighten up the whole thing. So I am glad to read that your 1st list to update a room is by painting it — glad I gave her a good advise 🙂
Wonderful ideas! I think I knew them, but the pictures of your beautiful home confirms the difference that can be made by applying your principles. I hope I can find a seamstress who can make slipcovers as beautiful as yours.
Love the thoughts you shared! Keep the beauty coming!
I love the idea of slipcovers or reupholster, but I just got a quote for reupholstering 2 chairs. It was almost $5000! Wow. Any ideas on how to trim the cost?
Here’s a good way to think about this- $250.00 a chair for something you love is really a bargain.
Wonderful suggestions for revitalizing a room!
I totally overdecorate! So hard not to when I love so many things! I keep hearing myself say “I wish I had more display space”.
If you look at the homes of designers, they often have this same problem!
Yvonne,
I agree going with one color throughout the house is the way to go. We have a home with cathedral ceilings and the soft white color we used is perfect for us.
Thanks for the tips Yvonne! I am always painting something…picture frames, plant stands, planters, etc. Glad to know that it is one of your tried-and-true methods!
Love your blog. So glad I found you
Great article, very inspiring. We’re in need of a MBR update desperately. Simply finding the right bedding has been a challenge. The FR slipcovered sofa and chair are fading in areas from the sun light and the area rug, well it’s time…. your blog has motivated me to get moving on these updates! Can’t wait to go shopping!!
Love your website! I enjoyed the info on updating a tired room..at your suggestion, I now search rooms..including our barn that holds .many decorative articles..and I love how forgotten items are PERFECT in a new area!
Love love alll your decorating ideas, tips.
Recipes!!! the ones I’ve tried have been delicious!& especially enjoy your scriptures & devotions. Keep writing! Thank you
Love reading your articles very practical great advice thats easy to follow. Your ideas and pictures are inspiring
Thanks
Great tips! Once we reupholstered our couch to a nice ivory fabric, it opened up a whole new way to introducing color and updating our lvgrm. I like changing pops of color with each season with pillow covers. Thank you for your inspiration.
Paint really is a big one!
I really love the curtains on your windows. I’ve searched and searched and cannot find anything that even looks like that I was wondering where you purchased them.
Here you go, Eileen:https://rstyle.me/n/ftam9fb6by7
So many great ideas and suggestions. And you’re right. Some of letting go can be difficult
this is such a well written article. I wish I had read it 6 years ago when downsizing and building our ranch. Its still the article I share with family and friends. Thanks for sharing.
I’m an estate sale shopper. You can always find a good deal that fits your liking. The shades look interesting.
No matter how lovely the home, things start looking tired. Your ideas for a refresh are so welcomed!
I love all of your ideas!! I’m in the process now of updating my house and decluttering perfect timing!
We are updating our whole house due to an about to be walking 9 month old granddaughter. But when the knick knacks come out again, some will stay packed up. I love the simplicity of your home. It calms the mind and sole.
Love the info. Always look forward to a new reveal
I feel as if my great room is very, very tired. I will try to tackle one idea at a time. Great and timely suggestions!
I am ready to put some great idea that you shared to the test! I love creating a space where friends and family feel loved and comfortable.
Thanks for all the good info! It gets my mind working on ways to improve my home!
I getting ready to update my tired guest room with lighter colors. We just painted the whole house and I can’t wait to get started!
This is a great article. I’m reading the article on getting “unstuck” next! Thank you for bringing joy and advice.
I love your website. Makes my day to see how all your patterns and white shades all come together to create this visually beautiful and serene eye candy.
Your blog inspires me! Sometimes I take photos of my home interior and then look at them from your perspective. I know I tend to over clutter because I am always removing stuff after I review my photos. I love live plants. Do you keep live plants in your home? Or do you have a favorite place for a plant to thrive?
Yep, I’m tired of looking at my livingroom pillows. I need to find some new pillow covers and update the style just a bit. Summer indoors should look clean and calm in order to stand the outdoor heat and humidity. Thank you for the advice.
I love all the ideas on how to update our homes on a budget, or using what you have and switching items into different rooms!
I copied your clock make over.
Love it. It was green in my “white” room.
Thank you
I love to look at high end shops and then try to do a similar look for a lower cost.
Gail, that is one of my favorite things to do.
Your blog is always informative and well done! I also love to move my favorite decorative items to different rooms for a new look. Thank you for your inspiration…
I will paint furniture to update a room. We just painted a mirror and two dressers. I like to have faux greenery around the house.
Love your tips on updating and repurposing things you already have on hand. I am going to
use some these ideas and get started updating a bedroom…
Always look forward to your daily post. So many interesting ideas and helpful hints.
Love, love, love your style! If I could ditch everything I have and start over, I would decorate similar to you. I look forward to your posts and your knowledge inspires the way I decorate. Thanks for all the info!
YOu never stop surprising and wowing! always thoughtful …..
Thanks, Valerie!
I love these posts. I need to update some areas with paint. We downsized a lot and got rid of tchotkes and I like a more minimalist look now. I also love using naturals elements.
I read your blog every morning while drinking my coffee. Your suggestions are amazing. Thank you.
Your suggestions were right on! I have a dear friend and she wanted a new look for her great room but only had a tiny bit of money to work with. For under $100 she achieved her goal by adding fun new pillows!
I just love your style but I admit I need just a little more color in my life! I’ve been slowly updating with neutral upholstered pieces but would really like a more colorful rug. Any suggestions?
Good Morning I just have to say I love your Sunday read ……what a beautiful way to start my Sundays ……as you see I am up early…
Thank You
Working on this! Thanks for the guidance and good ideas.
Great ideas and can use right now! Thank you!
Exactly an issue we have now. Bingo, going to Google slipcover upholstery, or do we need another side chair? Thanks for all your fantasic ideas. We enjoy our visits to the Lancaster area. Just back from visitng with family in Myerstown! Beautiful countryside.
Wow! So many helpful, doable tips and advice in “how to update a room”! I got so many ideas that I can implement even on my budget! Thank you for the inspiration and insight!
Thanks for the update article! I do feel “stuck” with some items that need to go, but my husband is very stuck!! He has a hard time giving or throwing away if it is not broken. He is very sentimental!! … any suggestions!? ?
I hear this all the time! We have to gently nudge our husbands into this decade!
These are all great ideas. I recently updated a few of my rooms with new area rugs, and it really makes a difference. I also like to “shop my home “and rearrange decorative items,which always makes the room look fresh and new!
I was ready for this post today. Thank you for the great advise.
Love your ideas always! I need those zebra pillows! Where did you get them?
I found them at One Kings Lane on sale. I don’t see them anymore but they have them in different colors.
Great information and ideas! Thanks for sharing. I love to look for my decoration finds at estate sales, thrift stores and garage sales! I get so excited when I find that item that speaks to me. Of course I also look and Pottery Barn, Lilly etc. just watch for the things I want to go on sale…. I must confess I am a bargain hunter.
We just recently refinished our hardwood flooring. I loved the change so much that I decided to repaint our light grey living room to a warm white SW Greek Villa and it looks like a completely different room. It is truly amazing what a change in paint color does to freshen a room. Thanks for these tips.
Yvonne,
Thank you for the ideas on updating a tired room. I shared one of your posts with a friend this week on choosing the right paint color. Your suggestions are always so helpful. I also liked one of your go-to pants suggestions from Talbots recently and ordered a pair myself. I am waiting for them to be delivered this week. Thanks again for the excellent ideas. You have a lovely home and it is always inspiring.
I like the neutral color pallet. I am working on weeding out what I don’t need and outdated items.
Thinking about reupholstering my couch… any thoughts on affordable fabric and where to buy???
Hi Michaela (love your name), the one thing you don’t want to scrimp on is fabric. Buy a performance or fabric that can clean up easily if you are buying a light color. You will be so so thankful you did!
All practical ideas! I enjoy your weekly blogs and Friday recipes.
I’ve followed you for years and always enjoy and use your decorating tips and ideas.
Love your Wednesday Wishlist!
Love your neutrality in decor. I have changed my sofa and two chairs and are adding pops of color. Many compliments so far. Looking forward to every Wednesday for suggestions. Such a great idea!
Love your neutrality in decor. I have changed my sofa and two chairs and are adding pops of color. Many compliments so far. Looking forward to every Wednesday for suggestions. Such a great idea!
Hopefully implementing your suggestions for some updating in my future! Such doable & great advice! Thanks!
making a list of things to buy to update my bedroom now! Thanks for the info!
Can’t wait to put these tips into action!
I LOVE everything about this post! The zebra hide rug is my favorite!
Excellent advise as always, Thank You.
Before reading this article I over decorated. I thought the more the better right? Wrong! Now my living room is so cozy and comfortable but doesn’t look cluttered!
I love your white buffet. Is that a solid white or is it heavily distressed? It is hard to tell. Is it the Harbor View 11 collection from Liberty Furniture? Could you post the link as to where you purchased it?
The buffet is not distressed it is painted a solid white. Yes, it is the same buffet.
Hi Patsy, I have had these pottery lanterns I use as vases for over a decade. They came from Pottery Barn but they have not been in stock for quite awhile. Sorry!
Thanks for the tips— I’ll definitely use them for my spring refresh! I have sentimental tchotchkes from my mom and mother in law; I’m going to keep only a couple from each. You inspire me!
Thanks so much, Lu! Have fun decorating for spring!
I recently having major foot surgery. After viewing your site, I can’t hardly wait until I can walk again, so I can start working toward trying to make my home look half as beautiful as your home. Reading your post, and viewing your lovely home, makes me want to try and get up and do something to my space and make it is half as beautiful as yours. Can’t wait until warm weather is here and I’m all healed, and got my life back. So I can get to work on my home again..
Thanks for sharing
God bless you in your recovery, Ivory! I’m sure your home will be perfect1
As always, you have search brilliant ideas, and I often try to use them to help make my home at least half as appealing as yours. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ivory,
I’m so happy this post helped you!
Where did you get your living room rug and all your pillows? Tha ks!!! KAY
Hi Kay, You can find the pillows here:https://rstyle.me/+MTmDkH1GDr8OeYB08jr5Sg
and the rug here:https://rstyle.me/+hu3rWsVZtbqK_gl1j73K8w
Hello…
Am I seeing double….I find similar posts on your blog as well as
Ann Sutton…they seem to repeat. Many articles. What’s going on with that?
You are not seeing double, Lurania! What’s going on is every week we have a post called Wednesday Weekly Wishlist. Lory from Designthusiam, Ann from On Sutton Place and me, together post a list of 10 fun, informative things. And all three of us put them on one another’s blogs. Ann and I also have very similar interests so we might write about the same topics. So that’s “whats up with that”.
Hello!
Above you mentioned slipcovers. I have looked at so many, but none have jumped at me. Do you have suggestions of possibilities for a chair? Very traditional chair and ottoman and would love a locate slipcovers for both.
Thanks,
Judy
Hi Judy, I used a neutral duck fabric for our sofa and it has stood the test of time. So easy to take off and wash. I would suggest that you find a professional seamstress to make a slipcover for your chair, if you have not made a slipcover before. Hope this helps.
Who sells slipcovers for sofas? Thank you.
I’d find a seamstress and have them ade for your sofa. I know it might be a splurge, but custom-made slipcovers will look beautiful and last.
Hi Yvonne, I really enjoyed your article. I gleaned some really great ideas about repurposing and shopping with what I already own in my home. I love your style. I like the way you added cool to warm decor. I do this all the time and it really works, especially with gray and beige. I wanted to know where I can purchase the burlap pillow with the pom poms. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad, Teresa! I’ve had the pom pom pillows for 15 years. And it’s my favorite! Here you go:https://rstyle.me/+9vD_8wnSy1HYudwIQRIEIw
Thank you, Yvonne! In my sunroom I recently replaced a deep red shag rug (that I’ve had for way too long) to update the room. And no matter what I did it just wouldn’t look right. No neutral rug worked and the room felt just awful. I actually was thinking about putting the rug back… Until I read your post! I learned I no longer have a focal point since I removed the red rug! So I’ll be experimenting with adding a new focal point in the coming weeks and thank you again!