Slow Decorating: How We Turn a House into a Personal Home

Slow decorating, how we make our house a home

Last weekend we celebrated the upcoming arrival of our new granddaughter with friends and family. It was a joyful, special time. Even though I missed everyone when we left, I always appreciate returning to my everyday rhythms and routines. And I couldn’t wait to set up the vintage bamboo cart we brought home.

**Sources:** Patterned Lampshade + Wall Sconce //

The first thing I did when we arrived was run outside to check on the peonies. I cut a few blooms for a small bouquet — it feels good to have flowers to bring inside again. I’ve missed the flower foraging I did in our last garden, and creating a cutting garden is high on my priority list here. Fortunately, deer don’t seem to bother peonies in our neighborhood, so I’m planning to plant more.

**Sources:** Plaid chair // Bamboo shades // Jute and Cotton rug

My mom had been saving a vintage bamboo cart for me — she’s had it in her homes for years but didn’t have room for it at the Tiny Cottage. I was thrilled to bring it here. I’m still deciding how to style it. My mom often used hers for plants and books, which I love, but my dogs tend to nibble on greenery, so I may need to find pet-safe options or use it for decorative items instead. I can’t wait to style the cart and the corner around it.

When she asked a few months ago if I wanted the cart, I said yes — I hadn’t realized she still had it. This is a modest-sized room, so I’m trying to choose furniture and accessories that reflect our taste: interesting and comfortable without feeling crowded. Finding the right balance takes time, and I’ll likely keep rearranging as things evolve.

Each layer we add makes the house feel more like home; the rooms start to tell our stories. That’s how I love to decorate — slowly, thoughtfully, and with pieces that feel collected and meaningful. In a culture that often chases instant, trendy makeovers, I savor this slower approach.

**Sources:** Jute Wrapped Chandelier with Shades // Rattan Serving Cart // Patterned Rug

Bringing the cart inside inspired a little rearranging. I pulled out a couple of navy scalloped trays I’d saved for summer and made a simple centerpiece for the dining table. I almost went to cut hydrangeas but decided to wait until I can photograph them outside when the sun is out this week. Sometimes using what you already own gives the room a fresh feel without much fuss.

I also reconsidered the round table between the two living room chairs. It had felt a bit bulky for the space. I’d planned to buy new chairs but paused after finding a bed on Facebook Marketplace. After moving the table aside, the room felt more open. Instead of a bigger round table I’ll use smaller accent tables for drinks and convenience. We like to keep the doors open in summer for the dogs and for guests, so less furniture in that pathway feels better.

Not sure what to do with the round table, I folded the sides down and placed it behind the sofa for now. I actually like it there — it may serve temporarily or longer when we need extra dining space for family. It keeps things functional and still easy to move around.

A basket that had been beside the bamboo cart found a new place when I stacked it on top of another basket that had landed nearby a few weeks ago — a happy accident. Small changes like these add personality and feel intentional without much effort.

I also don’t love the dark opening of the fireplace when it’s not lit. Since the insert is behind glass and I can’t place items inside, styling the hearth and surrounding area helps the whole space feel more summery and lived-in.

Now the fireplace is flanked by two recent vintage finds: the marble-topped washstand on one side and the bamboo cart on the other. That collected look tells more of our story, which I love. I wrote about the vintage washstand in a previous post.

**Sources:** Scalloped shade lamp (smaller size) // Kitchen sources

Looking toward the kitchen, I made a quick and simple swap: I removed two plates from the wall and hung my blue-and-white bowls instead. The change felt instantly summery and lighter — a small update that made a noticeable difference.

That’s about all I’ve done so far. I’m eager to spend more time outside in the sunshine and to share progress from the yard soon. Are you a slow decorator? Pull up a chair and join us. We’re opening our HomeBody community to begin the new season together, focusing on simple, slow, savored seasonal home rhythms.

I took more photos that day and am sharing them below, followed by a list of room sources.