Today I want to take you on a flashback journey through how and why our living room has evolved over the last four years.
You might recall that this spring I purchased a new striped couch that I adore and finally settled on chairs, after passing the leather couch to my mom. The new pieces have arrived and I’ve been preparing photos and a post to share the full reveal.
Being intentional, taking your time, and understanding the reasoning behind each design choice—whether you’re using what you already own or buying new—helps create a room you’ll love now and in the years to come.
Before I show the newest phase of this room (coming soon), I thought it would be fun to look back at how it changed over time. I’ll also share a little funny story about something that happened this morning.
Changes aren’t always about making a room “perfect.” They’re about making it work for your family and enjoying it in every season. Slow decorating, shopping your home, and considering a family’s needs have always been part of my design approach. I hope my process offers a useful example because I truly believe it works.
First Year (Fall 2021–Fall 2022)
When we moved in most of the furniture came with the house, which simplified our move and let us conserve energy for when we were ready to make changes. We knew we’d eventually get our own pieces, but we waited until we’d lived here long enough to understand what we really needed and wanted.
Living with the existing furniture gave us time to settle in and observe the room’s lighting, traffic patterns, and how the space felt both for everyday life and when guests were over. Unpacking and adjusting are part of living, and living should inform design choices. When you give yourself time, your home shows you what it actually needs, so you can make better decisions later.
We felt at home from the start and were content with small changes while life moved forward—wedding planning, hosting family, making memories.
Second Year (Fall 2022–Fall 2023)
In the second year we began experimenting more with our style. We shopped our home for pieces that could work and brought in a large rug from our previous house. I found an inexpensive slipcover for the chairs to refresh the look while keeping things comfortable and beachy.
We focused on simple, low-cost changes while exploring ideas for the future. That made the room feel more like us without a major furniture investment. At the same time, we were directing our creativity and funds toward an upcoming renovation that began at the start of 2023, so using what we had was the sensible choice.
Just before Christmas 2022 we decided we preferred a different shape of chair to create more breathing room, especially when we put up a Christmas tree. The simplest way to test a new layout or shape is to try what you already own or use affordable stand-ins. I’m always glad I experiment before committing—living should be part of the design process.
At the start of 2023 we moved forward with our kitchen renovation. The kitchen moved to the back of the house, the dining room shifted to the center, and we added what we call the Tiny Cottage. It was a busy year with changes that affected the living room too: new paint, new flooring, and refreshed trim around openings. By late 2023 the room’s backdrop felt much fresher.
With the renovation complete we had the chance to try a different furniture arrangement. A former kitchen peninsula had dictated where the couch sat; once it was gone, we brought the leather couch downstairs. I hadn’t planned to use the leather loveseat here, but it worked and made the room feel pulled together. The only purchase at that time was a new rug; the blue slipcovered sofa moved upstairs to the Snug. I love making use of what I already own.
We rehung vintage art above the fireplace, brought down a beloved teal ottoman, added bamboo shades, and made the room cozy just in time for the holidays. It truly felt like home.
Third Year (Fall 2023–Fall 2024)
Although we still planned to buy new furniture at some point, we weren’t in a rush. We kept the cozy mood and added a few secondhand finds, like a vintage washstand we use as an end table.
That year brought life’s highs and lows: welcoming two grandbabies and saying goodbye to our beloved dog Jack. In fall 2024 we also added a new puppy, Finnegan, so I’m glad we hadn’t rushed into new upholstery or delicate fabrics.
Real life shapes the most practical and meaningful design decisions, more than any pinned inspiration.
Fourth Year (Fall 2024–Now)
Right after Christmas 2024 I tried the leather sofa in my parents’ Tiny Cottage and my mom loved it. We were happy to share it with her and glad the sofa would continue to be enjoyed. Letting real life guide that decision inspired a fresh direction for our living room, and I was ready for change.
At the start of this year we made furnishing the living room a priority. We thought carefully about how the room had worked and what we wanted going forward. We chose a loveseat with down-filled seat cushions for comfort, but skipped back cushions for a cleaner, more tailored look. Because our dogs like to perch on the back of couches, we opted for removable accent pillows instead of fixed back cushions to avoid excessive wear and maintain a smooth back like we appreciated on the leather couch.
We also selected pet-friendly fabrics to keep upkeep simple while keeping the room inviting and comfortable.
We love the new loveseat—it feels fresh, cozy, and fits the space perfectly. We also ordered chairs, ottomans, and a rug, and everything has now arrived. I’m photographing the new pieces to share the full update soon.
A funny thing happened this morning: on a whim I rearranged the new furniture differently than I had planned, and to my surprise (and my family’s) we all love the new arrangement. If you’ve followed the room’s evolution, you might be surprised too, but this reinforces why I don’t rush decorating or get stuck on a single idea.
I never regret letting real life guide design choices. That’s one reason I appreciate my Room Recipe Method, which outlines essential ingredients and simple formulas to keep decorating aligned with priorities so you can keep loving your home through every season.
Stay tuned for my living room update post soon!