Overspending on home design isn’t the stuff that truly makes you happy: what does make you happy is living in a home that has beauty, meaning and love. Add meaning to your home, mix old and new things and get creative with what you have, and you’ll gain something really special in the process.

I’ve done design long enough to know that it’s all about loving what you have, my friend. 

 

 

In order for these concepts to work for you, you need to get a few things right first. You need one, best furniture layout. You need to know what to keep and what to replace. And you need to get creative with your accessory pairings and colors.

Creating a home is a journey, and I know a few routes that will save you time and help you have a lot of fun along the way. 

Finding Your One Best Furniture Layout

Creating the perfect furniture layout is important for the function and flow of your living spaces. But what you likely don’t realize is that your layout is your room’s foundation and when you don’t have things placed solidly, everything else will feel ‘off’. 

Whether you’re working with a cozy apartment or a spacious two-story home, the way you arrange your furniture can dramatically impact how your home looks and flows. 

Start by identifying the focal points of the room, such as a fireplace, a large window with a beautiful view, or a statement piece of furniture. These elements serve as anchors around which you arrange the rest of your pieces.

It’s important to balance aesthetic appeal with practicality; for instance, ensure that seating areas allow for conversation without forcing people to twist uncomfortably.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different configurations. This is how I get my furniture layouts right. I use software but truthfully, I love doing it old school, the way I do it when I do my own homes and how I did it when I had design stores: by trial and error.

Remember that the best layout is one that feels anchored and stable. Like it’s always been there.

Knowing What to Keep and What to Replace

When it comes to refreshing your living spaces, the decision of what to keep and what to replace can be daunting but it’s one of those things that can make or break a home.

The goal is to create a space that reflects your personality and meets your needs, without falling into the trap of unnecessary clutter or disparate styles. Start by assessing what you have in your home. 

Do you see a common element in your architecture and the things you have? Identify something you love and highlight it. Make it part of the overall design scheme.

Ask yourself, does this piece serve a specific function, such as providing scale to a room? Does it bring me joy or hold sentimental value? If the answer is yes, hold onto it for sure.

One practical approach is to categorize your items into three groups: keep, replace, and undecided. For those in the “undecided” pile, give yourself some time to think about their place in your home. I always err on the conservative side, knowing that if a piece is beautiful, has quality or has meaning in our lives, we want to hang onto it.

Sometimes, a piece may not immediately seem to fit, but with a bit of creativity and reimagining, it could find a new purpose or place in your home. This process is not just about aesthetics—it’s also about having your home feel well furnished, even if that means something isn’t your ideal right now. 

Lastly, when you do choose to replace items, aim to invest in pieces that will enhance the things you have, love and wish to keep. Use the pieces you have as the catalyst for a whole new scheme.

Add Meaning by Mixing Old and New

Blending old and new elements in your home decor is a powerful way to create a space that is both timeless and unique.

When you mix vintage and modern pieces, you weave a narrative that combines the best of both worlds: the charm and character of the past with the timeliness of the present.

This approach not only adds depth and interest to your interiors but also allows you to reflect your personality and history in your living space. By retaining pieces from your past, your home will signify a life well lived.

One effective way to mix old and new is to start with a balanced foundation.

I love to use fabrics and fabric furnishings to bridge the gap between different eras of my wood pieces.

Modern accessories like sleek lighting fixtures or minimalist decor items can freshen up a more traditional space and keep it from appearing too staid.

By layering these elements, you create a dynamic and inviting environment where each item has a story to tell. The result is a home that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich with personal meaning and history.

Highlighting the Things You Love the Most

Creating a home that reflects your personal style preference involves calling attention to the items you find most beautiful and meaningful. Whether it’s a piece of art, a unique piece of furniture or a collectible, there are several ways you can visually call attention to them and make them more noticeable.

Place them in prominent spots where they will naturally catch the eye, such as above a mantel, on a feature wall, or as the centerpiece of a table. Use lighting to enhance them. Pair them with things that add visual interest via color, size or texture.

A Home that has Beauty and Meaning

A home that has both beauty and meaning grounds you in so many ways. It acts as a stabilizing factor during times of illness, loss or trauma. It inspires better connection with yourself and loved ones. And it even supports and inspires better self-care.

 

Grab a free download!

 

 

To get started on a home where you feel healthy, happy and connected grab my complimentary design and wellness download, The Wellness Home, 5 Steps to a Beautiful, Restful Home for Women Who Value their Health and Wellness!

It’s the prettiest little book. It’s a quick read with super easy design solutions that help you lead a beautiful, healthier lifestyle at home, plus my 3-to-5 Things Framework that gives you step by step actions to get started and stay on track. 

That’s it for today. Thank you for stopping by!

Shiree’

And if you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, check out my blog post, “Hiring an Interior Designer”.