Puttering has always been one of my favorite pastimes. After a busy season of moving and holiday routines, I finally had a chance to settle a few things in our new home and spend a little unhurried time arranging and refreshing the living room.
Puttering: to occupy yourself in an unhurried, pleasant manner on a number of small tasks or pleasures around the home, while not concentrating on anything in particular.
Some days I want to hide under the covers, but an hour or two of gentle puttering—without expectations except to make things a bit prettier—always restores me. Even small changes can bring more love for your home and a little joy to your day.
For me, puttering is therapeutic because there’s no big end goal. It’s about enjoying the moment and making small improvements with what you already have.
My daughter Courtney visited for a few days and one afternoon we decided to putter together. We started in the living room: moved furniture, shopped the house for pieces I already owned, and brainstormed future ideas.
It felt good to pause, be creative, and connect to our space. In my book A Lovely Life I write about refreshing rooms and celebrating the start of a new season—so that’s exactly what we did. We had the fireplace burning and the door open; it was a cool, bright day and the fire added cozy atmosphere. Setting the mood makes puttering feel like a mini celebration.
(There’s a mood board with some sources and similar items at the bottom of this post.)
We refreshed the mantel and added the twisted taper candles Courtney gave me for Christmas. Small swaps like that immediately change the feel of a space.
We tucked away our winter pillows and realized we didn’t have spring ones we loved for this room—so we ordered a few new options and will share them once they arrive.
To preview a spring look, we wrapped a scarf around the bench seat. I like the idea of seasonal covers for this piece, but a scarf transformed it from dark gray to green quickly and inexpensively.
We’re still enjoying the wall sconce that we hung without hardwiring by using a rechargeable bulb. It softened the corner and made it feel welcoming. Lighting can have a big impact on how a room reads.
Although a future kitchen remodel will prompt a larger refresh in this room, for now we’re enjoying small, personal touches. We added a lamp on a corner table and hung a piece of art—we changed the mood in that corner instantly. If you don’t know where to start, begin with a corner; it’s an easy place to see quick progress.
A few books, a small bird figurine, and fresh flowers—my favorite spring vignette.
Another simple trick I use is draping a blanket across the back of the sofa. It’s an effortless way to update the look and add texture.
We brought an old round basket from the wall in our previous house and placed it on the leather ottoman—reusing what you love in a new way is always satisfying.
A few weeks earlier we rearranged this corner: the tall black bookcase moved elsewhere and a cabinet we already owned took its place. We experimented with a mirror we had on hand, hung it slightly off center, and balanced the vignette with a lamp. It worked beautifully—proof that you don’t always need to buy something new to get the look you want.
Tinkering with what we already owned saved money, brightened the room, and made the view toward the water feel more open.
We also swapped the lamp on the entry table for our favorite rattan-shade lamp. Little changes like that bring cohesion and warmth to the whole space.
While puttering in the living room we got inspired to try something new in the entry—stay tuned for that update. We already moved a mirror and swapped one on the mantel after taking these photos.
The best part of puttering is how it reawakens your creativity for home. You may start small and then keep going—refreshing corners, swapping accessories, and experimenting with what you already own.
Stay tuned for more spring updates from our home. If you’d like to follow along, subscribe to the free newsletter and find more photos and quick updates on social channels.
Sources for above:
Rattan Mirror
Island Whimsy Book
Island Hopping Book
Scalloped Arch Mirror
Twisted Taper Candle Set
Bamboo Brass Candlesticks
White Fringe Pillow
Blue Tassel Pillow
Whitewashed Wood Shutter Cabinet
Ceramic Table Lamp with Rattan Shade
Brass Wall Sconces with Shades
White Artificial Tulips
Blue and White Ceramic Ginger Jar with Lid
Blue and White Chinoiserie Decorative Bowl
Navy Dot Lidded Basket
Chunky Seagrass Round Basket Tray
Leather Ottoman
Blue Patterned Rug (Ruggable)
Woven Rattan and Glass Vessel
Dip Dyed Stool
Navy Blue Patterned Runner (Ruggable)
What are you doing to refresh your home this spring? Share your projects and photos in the community for encouragement, ideas, and inspiration.