Since moving in last year we’ve been making small, thoughtful updates to our bedroom. The biggest change planned is replacing the carpet with wood floors, but I love the process of making small adjustments that slowly define a room’s character. Those little changes are what make a space feel lived-in and personal.
So far we’ve added plug-in wall sconces, buffalo check curtains, art, and layered accessories around the furniture we already owned. I enjoy mixing older pieces with new finds—it’s an easy way to keep the room feeling fresh without a full makeover.
Recently I swapped a few lampshades in the house for patterned options to give the rooms a softer, cottage vibe. In the bedroom I updated a lamp with a pleated, soft-blue shade that has a subtle leaf pattern. The original teal shade was fun, but I wanted something gentler for the mood I was creating. The new shade blends beautifully with the botanical bird lamp while still making a pretty, personal statement.
Changing a lampshade is an inexpensive way to update a room’s style. The new pleated shade helps the lamp integrate with its surroundings while still offering a charming focal point. If you prefer bolder contrast, you could choose a brighter shade to make the lamp pop—style choices are personal and there’s no single right approach.
Most items in this bedroom were already in our home, and the wall color (Bunny Gray by Benjamin Moore) was in place when we moved in. Small accessories—textiles, plants, a new shade—help tie everything together and make the room feel finished even while we continue to tweak it.
Don’t be afraid to use what you already own and add a few new pieces to refresh the space. If you like an eclectic cottage aesthetic, things don’t need to match perfectly. The goal is less about identical pieces and more about intentional pairings that create harmony without being overly coordinated.
A few repeated elements can make a room read as cohesive. In our bedroom, the brass on the curtain rods echoes the brass on the lamp base and the frames on the wall and mirror. We have a handful of brass accents on the shelves as well. You don’t need every accessory to be brass, but repeating a color or finish draws the eye and makes the room feel purposeful.
Pulling diverse pieces together becomes more intuitive with practice. Small updates—swapping a shade, adding a plant, changing a textile—can transform a room over time without major expense. This approach lets you refresh a space seasonally or as your tastes evolve without replacing larger furniture items.
If you enjoy chatting about home decor and sharing ideas, we’ll be opening our HomeBody Gathering Place soon for a limited time. It’s a space for discussing decorating tips, styling tricks, and how to make your home feel more like you.
I hope this mood board inspires you to try new pairings in your home—small changes can make a big difference.
Sources:
Gold metal bamboo style wall mirror
Sisal patterned rug
Faux fern
Pink tulips // Coral tulips
Rattan planter basket
Bird art – displayed in gold frames
Buffalo check curtains (chambray color)
Floral chinoiserie lamp
Block print pleated lampshade
Gold framed seascape painting
Navy six-drawer dresser (similar to ours)
Looking for more decorating ideas and practical styling advice? Explore style tips and posts that focus on simple ways to refresh your home and build a space that feels welcoming and authentic.