This post is in partnership with Serena & Lily
With the holidays approaching, I’ve been looking forward to settling into our new home. We’re only a few days from officially calling this house our only home, and we are so happy to have reached this point. Moving and downsizing have been exhausting, but every bit of effort will be worth it.
We already love this house and can’t wait to make it ours. Today I’m sharing a few rooms I haven’t shown yet and some delightful pieces I ordered from one of my favorite home shops, Serena & Lily. A number of these items are available for quick ship and some are on sale.
Because we bought the house furnished and the living room already felt cozy, we decided to keep the existing sofa and chairs for now while we search for the perfect replacements. It’s a relief not to rush every decision. I will bring in some of my own pieces and a few new accessories to start layering in my style right away.
I don’t want to hurry the process of making a home—designing should be part of the journey. I try to be patient about big, permanent choices like a kitchen remodel, but I’m eager to settle smaller rooms as soon as I know what I want. Both patience and momentum have their place when decorating.
Many items we already own—especially favorites from Serena & Lily—fit beautifully here. That made moving in easier. I was excited to discover Serena & Lily’s quick ship section online. Delivery times can be slow from many retailers these days, but I ordered a few pieces and they arrived in just a few weeks. Their availability filter helps you find items that deliver in under four weeks.
We’ve loved several Serena & Lily pieces for years—from a rattan daybed I’m excited to have in my new upstairs office to dipped wood stools we’ve used for nearly a decade and a round rattan mirror now hanging above our mantel. Their pieces blend with our existing style and create a cohesive look.
The home’s architecture gives a strong starting point; layering art, textiles and accessories will bring our personality into each room. I’m excited to watch these spaces evolve.
There are a few design staples I always reach for, and I’ve added those to our new home. Timeless, well-made pieces feel worth the investment because they make a house feel like home now and for years to come.
Pillow Covers:
Pillow covers are a simple way to add comfort and character. They’re easy to switch and store—ours tuck into a dresser drawer when not in use. They take up little space but make a big visual impact.
I love the style and quality of Serena & Lily pillows. The craftsmanship means I don’t worry when our dogs rest on them; the covers and zippers hold up well. I found several available for quick ship and on sale, which made it easy to update the seating and built-in bench quickly.
Pillows pictured above include embroidered, woven, and textured options with braided trim, tassels and fringe for layered interest.
After arranging the new pillow covers on our bench and furniture, the first layer of our style felt complete. Pattern, color, texture and quality are key elements when establishing a look, and these pieces added instant warmth.
Throw Rugs:
Smaller rugs have big impact and are much easier to change than large area rugs—you can even layer them. Two favorite spots in this house are the mudroom and the powder room, both adjacent to the kitchen and garage. They’re small, functional spaces where rugs, pillows and accessories can add instant style and seasonal flair.
The mudroom already had great built-in architecture. Adding textiles and a few accessories transformed it quickly. Small changes make these practical spaces feel intentional and welcoming.
Accessories shown include woven door stops, patterned rugs, baskets with raffia tassels and alpaca wool pillows for layered texture.
Whimsical Wallpaper:
Adding a playful pattern brings personality to a space. Powder rooms and hallways are perfect for introducing whimsy. This house already had a cheerful whale-patterned wallpaper in the powder room, which felt like destiny—the smiling whales made me fall in love with the space immediately. It’s also available as a quick ship option, so it’s possible to have wallpaper delivered and installed in time for the holidays.
I’m planning to add a new mirror and either paint or install wood on the angled ceiling to highlight the room’s character and draw attention to that lovely pattern.
Special Towels:
Small details make rooms feel special. I love guest towels with pom-poms, fringe or other trim—little accents that elevate a powder room. I picked up new towels for the holidays and look forward to layering them into the space.
Shown above: guest towels, dip-dyed leg stools, jute mats, whimsical wallpaper and woven waste baskets.
Additional details include a teak step stool and embroidered pillows that add color and texture.
Blue taper candles and a round rattan mirror give the mantel a finished look.
Storage, baskets and accessories:
Small functional accessories make a house feel curated. Choose items that add texture, pattern and usefulness. Lidded baskets are perfect for hiding clutter and adding visual interest. They’re great for dog toys, extra throws or seasonal items. I love the details on Serena & Lily baskets and how they work in every room.
Other versatile finds I brought home include a teak step stool, handwoven coasters, wooden spreaders, seagrass candle vessels for battery candles, a rope door stop, a small basket tray to corral items and deep blue taper candles for the mantel. These touches are easy to mix and layer year-round.
Textiles, baskets and small functional pieces help complete each vignette and keep surfaces tidy.
A navy polka dot lidded basket is a playful, practical storage option available in multiple colors.
Wood spreaders and handwoven coasters are small details that add personality to everyday moments.
I can’t wait to share more rooms and ideas from our new home. Thank you for celebrating this new chapter with us. Below I’ve listed the items that inspired these looks—many are available for quick ship so you can pull your home together before the holidays.
Happy home*making!
Sources (scroll thumbnails for details):
Navy embroidered pillow
Pom Pom Corner Subtle Plaid White Pillow
Blue and White Woven Lidded Basket
Teak Step Stool
Round Rattan Mirror (two color and size options)
Glass and Seagrass Woven Vessel (multiple sizes)
Plaid Blue Pillow Alpaca Wool
Water Hyacinth Woven Tray
Diamond Jute Mat
Blue and White Patterned Rug
Woven Door Stop
Pom Pom Trim Striped Pillow
Handwoven Coasters
Blue and White Embroidered Starburst Pillow
Textured White Pillow with Fringe Trim (indoor/outdoor)
Geometric Blue and White Alpaca Wool Pillow
White Woven Lumbar Pillow with Blue Braided Trim and Tassels
Blue and Linen Embroidered Pattern Pillow
Navy Basket with Raffia Tassels
Navy Polka Dot Woven Lidded Basket (also in white)
Wood Whale Spreaders (set of 4)
Whale Serving Set
Blue Taper Candles (set of 10, several color options)
Woven Waste Basket
Blue and White Guest Towels (assorted set of 3)
Whale Pattern Wallpaper
Wood and White Dip Dyed Leg Stools (two sizes)