Decorating the Family Room
Some weeks ago my blog was unexpectedly named one of the top five Best Home Blogs in a contest by Lamps Plus. I was surprised and delighted to be among the winners, and the $500 gift card that came with it made the recognition even sweeter. I’m very grateful to everyone who voted.
One of the purchases I made with the gift card was a compact side table bookshelf for our family room. I appreciate both its style and function — a genuine win in decorating. From the moment I saw it I was drawn to several design features that felt right for the space.
Besides offering useful shelves for books, magazines, accessories, or cozy blankets, the piece has interesting details from every angle. The lighter, natural wood finish adds visual contrast and complements other elements in the room, bringing warmth and character.
As my home’s overall design direction becomes clearer, I’m more intentional about what I buy and display. With major items like the kitchen, paint, and flooring settled in the main areas, it’s easier to make confident choices about finishing touches. (Yes, I’ll share photos of the painted cabinets soon.)
I don’t feel quite as scattered or uncertain about decisions. I still love many styles, but having one home means focusing on what suits this particular space. That clarity helps me choose items that fit cohesively rather than combining random pieces that compete with one another.
With a solid design foundation, it’s easier to identify what a room truly needs — and what it doesn’t. I enjoy editing out items that pull the palette or style in an unintended direction and adding elements that complete the space while increasing its warmth and visual interest.
Being more decisive lets me make bolder choices that feel right for the room, rather than forcing items that don’t belong. I still have moments of indecision, but narrowing the number of choices overall has made decorating more enjoyable and less stressful.
Over time you learn which combinations of color, texture, and form work for you. For this room I’m layering natural textures — varied woods, mixed metals, and soft textiles — and balancing them with a bit of shine from glass accents. I’m inspired by how unique pieces can come together to form an appealing composition.
Above all, my goal is a home that feels comfortable and authentic to our family, not just visually pretty.
I found the seeded glass bottle lamp and shade at Target. I love the translucent green glass and the way its texture and shine contrast with the wood furniture.
Adding layers of texture and interesting details has made the family room more inviting and enjoyable. I already love spending time here and have more ideas to refine the space. I’ll share more views of the room and talk about paint and color choices soon.
Do you feel comfortable and confident decorating your home and understanding your personal style, or are you still refining a direction? Finding a home’s style is a gradual process.
Sources pictured in this room:
Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Polished Gray; Ceiling: Glidden Wood Smoke.
Lamp & lampshade: Target.
Bookshelf: Lamps Plus.
Owl: Michaels Craft.
Plaid blanket: Pottery Barn.
Rug: Overstock.com.
Sofa & slipcover: Pottery Barn (via Craigslist).
Zig zag pillow: West Elm.
Book page art: DIY.
Frame: Michaels Craft.