I enjoy decorating most when it happens on a whim. Planning and shopping for the perfect pieces can work, but I’m more likely to rearrange and reuse what I already own. Even after a move, I try to be resourceful and creative before starting over.
Of course, sometimes a space demands something new. Our current house has different room sizes and layouts compared with the last, so a few new items were necessary. Still, when you slow down and look at what you already have, you can often find fresh ways to make pieces work in new spaces.
When we moved into this house, our bedroom was much smaller than before. Because of the tight layout, we needed a new dresser. I hunted for a vintage piece and tried adapting what we already had, but nothing fit the scale or aesthetic. Eventually I found a dresser I loved for the room, and it felt just right for that spot.
Still, I rarely leave a new purchase in its original place. One weekend I had the idea of moving the dresser into the living room. My husband braced himself — he knows these impulses usually lead to unconventional arrangements and a little chaos while things settle. He also knows there’s no talking me out of it once I say “I have an idea.”
We put sliders under the dresser to make the move easier, and before I’d even had my coffee the dresser had become a living room buffet. It replaced our game table in that spot, and although I liked the table there, the dresser brought the exact look and balance the room needed. We plan to relocate the game table to the lower level where we’re creating a more casual, man-cave style space, so it will have a good home.
Adding the dresser did prompt a small purchase: two botanical prints to complete the new arrangement. They were an inexpensive investment that made a big visual difference. We hung the art this week and I’ll pick up a bit of sticky tack to keep everything perfectly aligned. The living room finally feels like the direction I envisioned — the whim paid off.
Yes, for now a few unmentionables are stashed in the living room. It’s a temporary compromise that we’ll resolve soon. Small inconveniences aside, the room feels refreshed and more intentional.
All in due time.
Sources:
The dresser I chose was purchased new for our bedroom, and I also found a similar option. I used botanical art and a few accessories to complete the living room vignette. Several of the pieces I considered are available in online roundups and shop collections from home decor sources.