This post is in partnership with Serena & Lily
With the holidays approaching, I’m excited to settle into our new home. We’re only a few days away from calling this house our one and only home, and we couldn’t be happier. Moving and downsizing were exhausting, but every bit of effort feels worth it now.
We already love this house and look forward to making it our own. Today I’m sharing a few spaces I haven’t shown yet, plus some charming pieces I recently added from one of my favorite home shops, Serena & Lily.
We bought the house furnished, and the living room already felt cozy, so we’re keeping the existing sofa and chairs for now while we search for the perfect long-term pieces. It’s a relief not to rush every choice. I’ll be bringing in some of my own items and a few new accents to help the rooms reflect our style right away.
I try to balance patience and urgency when designing: patient for big, permanent decisions like a new kitchen, and eager when I know exactly what I want. Both approaches are fine, and the process is part of the journey.
Many pieces we already own, including favorites from Serena & Lily, fit beautifully in this home. That makes settling in much easier. I was excited to discover Serena & Lily’s quick-ship section online, which helped me source a few things that arrived within weeks.
Ordering furniture can be slow these days, so their filter by availability—showing items that deliver in under four weeks—was especially helpful. I placed a few orders and they arrived quickly, which was a big win as we prepare for the season.
We’ve loved several Serena & Lily pieces for years, such as a rattan daybed that I’m excited to have in my new upstairs office. I’m considering getting a second one because it fits the space so well. We also have dipped white and wood stools we’ve used for years and a round rattan mirror that now hangs above our mantel. Their pieces blend easily with our style and existing decor.
The home’s architecture provides a strong foundation, and layering in our art, accessories, and mix of styles will personalize the spaces. It will be fun to watch the rooms evolve.
There are a few design staples I always reach for, and I added several of them to the new house. Investing in timeless, well-made pieces felt right—these items will make the house feel like home now and for years to come.
Pillow Covers:
Pillow covers are an easy way to add comfort and character. They’re simple to swap out and store—mine live folded in a dresser drawer when not in use. The small footprint makes a big impact on the room.
I appreciate Serena & Lily’s pillows for their design details and durability. They stand up to everyday life—dogs and all—and the zippered covers make seasonal changes easy. Some of the pillows I chose were available on quick ship and were on sale as well.
Pillows pictured above include a navy embroidered pillow, a plaid alpaca wool pillow, a white woven lumbar with blue braided trim and tassels, a textured white pillow with fringe, an embroidered starburst pillow, and a subtle plaid with pom-pom corners.
After placing these pillow covers on the built-in bench and furnishings, the first layer of style felt complete—suddenly the house felt more homey. Pattern, color, texture, personality, and quality all help establish a room’s style, and Serena & Lily pieces do that well.
Throw Rugs:
Small rugs can dramatically change a room and are easy to replace or layer. Two favorite spots in this house are the mudroom and the powder room, both located off the kitchen near the garage. They’re compact, functional, and perfect for playful or seasonal touches.
The mudroom already had beautiful built-ins and hooks. Adding pillows, rugs, and accessories transformed the space quickly and affordably—simple swaps can refresh a room instantly.
Items shown include a woven door stop, a blue-and-white patterned rug, a navy basket with raffia tassels, and a geometric alpaca wool pillow.
Whimsical Wallpaper:
Homes with personality are inviting. Powder rooms and hallways are ideal places to add whimsy or elevate a simple palette with playful wallpaper.
I was delighted to find whale-patterned wallpaper already installed in the powder room—it felt like fate. The smiling whale print is cheerful and charming, and the pattern is a quick-ship option, which means it can be ordered and installed in time for the holidays if you want the same look.
I plan to add a new mirror and consider painting or adding wood to the sloped ceiling to highlight that architectural detail even more.
Special Towels:
Small textile details make a room feel considered. I love guest towels with pom-poms or fringe for a fun, finished look. With a powder room back in the house, I stocked a few new guest towels to be ready for visitors over the holidays.
Shown are guest towels, dip-dyed wood stools, a diamond jute mat, whale wallpaper, and a woven waste basket.
Also pictured: a teak step stool and a navy embroidered pillow.
Also pictured: blue taper candles and the round rattan mirror.
Storage, baskets and accessories:
Small details create a lived-in, curated feel. Mix and layer accessories that add texture, pattern, and function. Lidded baskets are especially useful in small spaces—stylish, practical, and perfect for hiding visual clutter like dog toys, throw blankets, or seasonal items.
I also picked up practical items we’ll use year-round: a teak step stool, handwoven coasters, wood whale spreaders, seagrass candle vessels for battery candles, a rope door stop, a small basket tray to corral items, a woven waste basket, and deep blue taper candles for the mantel.
Shown: geometric alpaca wool pillow, dip-dyed wood stool, handwoven coasters, and a blue-and-white lidded basket.
Also pictured: a navy polka dot woven lidded basket.
Also pictured: wood whale spreaders and handwoven coasters.
I look forward to sharing more rooms and ideas as we continue to settle in. Thank you for sharing in our excitement for this next chapter. Check out Serena & Lily’s quick-ship options if you want to pull your home together quickly for 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 colors, two sizes)
Glass and Seagrass Woven Vessel (multiple sizes)
Plaid Blue Alpaca Wool Pillow
Water Hyacinth Woven Tray
Diamond Jute Mat
Blue and White Patterned Rug
Woven Door Stop
Pom Pom Trim Striped Pillow
Handwoven Coasters (two color options)
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 colors)
Woven Waste Basket
Blue and White Guest Towels (set of 3)
Whale Pattern Wallpaper
Wood and White Dip Dyed Leg Stools (two sizes)