Decorating the Family Room
SA few weeks ago, The Inspired Room was unexpectedly named one of the top five winners in Lamps Plus’s Best Home Blogs contest. I was surprised and delighted to be included, and the recognition came with a $500 gift card that made the win even sweeter. A big thank you to everyone who voted — I’m truly grateful.
With the gift card I treated my family room to a compact side table that doubles as a bookshelf. I love that it combines style and function. The piece offers useful shelves for books, magazines, accessories or cozy blankets, and its design details are interesting from every angle. The natural wood finish brings warmth and contrast to the room while complementing other elements in the space.
As my home has gradually taken on a clearer design direction, I’m becoming more intentional about what I keep and what I add. Having the basic “shell” of the house in place — paint, flooring and kitchen updates — makes it easier to make confident choices. I’ll be sharing the painted cabinets soon.
I used to feel a bit scattered about what to do next, but now I have a better sense of what fits my home. While I appreciate many styles, I only have one house to decorate, so it helps to have a coherent vision even when the overall look is eclectic.
With that foundation in place, spotting what a room needs — or doesn’t — has become easier. I enjoy removing items that pull the palette in random directions and adding pieces that finish the space while increasing its depth and warmth. Having a clearer direction makes it possible to be bolder and more confident in my choices; the room feels cohesive rather than forced. I still have moments of indecision, but overall there are fewer choices to wrestle with.
Over time you get comfortable with the direction you’re heading and learn what works for your home. For me, that means layering natural textures — interesting woods, mixed metals and soft textiles — balanced with touches of shine from glass pieces. I love arranging unique items so they work together to create a pleasing composition.
The goal is a home that’s both comfortable and authentic for our family, not just pretty to look at.
I found this seeded glass bottle lamp and a simple shade at Target. I love the translucent green glass and the texture it brings, which pairs nicely with the warmth of the wood furniture.
Adding these new layers of texture and thoughtful design elements is making our family room feel inviting and inspiring. I already love spending time here and have more ideas to refine the space. I’ll share more photos and discuss paint and color choices soon.
Do you feel comfortable and confident decorating your home, or are you still narrowing down your style? Finding your decorating direction is a process, and it takes time to discover what truly works for you.
Sources shown in the 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