A sweet reader named Lauren wrote in the other day, and wanted to know this:
“…I love your website and have read for years. How you have turned your love into a thriving legitimate business (you took a big risk) is so inspiring. I was wondering if we could be basic for a moment and let me ask: What are your favorite decor go-tos?”
I love Lauren’s question. It’s been a while since we’ve had a post answering a good question, and I love diving in and breaking them down and discussing all the things. I also believe that the very best spaces have some tried and true ‘basic’ elements that actually come together to make great statements and beautiful functional solutions. So beyond the tile and kitchen renovations and complicated gut-outs, let’s talk about the pieces that make a space feel special. The simple elements. Without further ado, a few of our very favorite decor go-tos that are total game changers.
1. Books
If you know me, then you know that despite paring down and simplifying over the years, I believe you can {and should} hoard books. {That, and craft supplies.} I mean, it’s good to whittle through them and stay organized so that you know what you’re looking at {obligatory disclaimers} but we couldn’t be more thrilled to have a functional bookshelf in our basement for all. the. books. I loved homeschooling because we built a library for our children – I love having options at my children’s fingertips. I love book shopping. I’ve been a book nerd all my life, shamelessly getting lost in a novel until all reality fades away. We can’t wait to share the basement and the final sitting area, because books.
If you want to add a final, meaningful layer to a space, add a book.
It can be a coffee table book full of beautiful photos. The latest and greatest novel you just went shopping for on your bedside table. A vintage book to bring in lots of color on a shelf. Children’s books with punches of color. Books to make a subtle statement with their titles to tell a story about the owner and make great conversation pieces.
Add and stack and alternate and layer.
If you want to add the very best thing, it’s books. {I couldn’t decide if I should put this first or last, because books.}
If you have nothing else, own books. In the middle of the great technology renaissance, it’s still so comforting to hold a good book with a fresh {or old} smell in your hands.
{see: our latest family outing stash}
2. Lights
A few of our clients even said it here, you can transform a space with lights. Truly. They’re a great way to bring in all the character.
We love them.
We believe in them. We think that everyone should take down the proverbial boob light and add one of a kind fixtures that they love.
They’re like earrings to a great outfit. And if done right, add so much more ambience to a space than you can really imagine.
Bring in sconces and chandeliers, canned lights and lamps. Bring in all the beautiful layers with lights. It’s a great place to start.
3. Paint
If you start anywhere, start with paint.
Clearly these aren’t in order, because are you rolling your eyes yet? We can’t tell you how many houses we’ve seen where people don’t want to paint because it will be “too much of a hassle” when they’re walls are the saddest thing in the entire house.
It’s an investment, whether with your own time or money – {We know because we planked and painted the entire second and main levels of our house, ourselves} but it’s worth it.
They just don’t know how amazing color on their walls can be. ;}
Down with the horribly matte builder’s beige. Down with the dark brown circa 2005. Down with the bright red that singed my corneas.
Bring it to life with a fresh layer of paint!
And add it to unexpected places too, like the ceiling.
Bring in bright character and while you’re at it, consider wallpaper. Because you can.
4. Rugs + Pillows
So many times, people leave them off.
But they can create zones in an open space, add a layer of cozy to a hard floor and bring in color and comfort.
Yes, I’m talking about both the pillows and the rugs. Don’t skimp on the these. They can be a wise investment for any space, and there are great options for awesome brands and deals that you may not be considering. It’s not 1996 anymore, and from target to Rugs USA, there are more options than just that super pricey place down the street.
5. Art
It’s like the final piece to add to your walls.
With so many fun options these days, how can you not bring in so much fun to your spaces?
They really personalize the space, from photographs of your favorite people, to art you find meaningful.
It’s totally affordable and easy to bring in DIY options, too. Obviously our very favorite go-to.
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So these are some of our favorites!
We hope this helps give you a great start, on what to add in simple ways for a big impact in your home.
What are some of your favorite decor go-to’s? We’d love to hear!
Pssst – check out more of our spaces from our portfolio, here!
Have an inspired day!
Anna says
These are great! Thank you!!!
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
You do amazing work and I love the different rooms you have shown. You do everything with style!
Theresa says
Love all the ideas in this post but, love the built in cabinets with the sitting area. Swoon.
Thanks for sharing at the inspiration spotlight party @DearCreatives pinned and sharing.
Hilary L Hahn says
Beautiful tips and rooms! I also am a lover of books and I hope to have a little library in our home one-day, perhaps just a wall full of books! I had to pin the children’s room wall art, inspired by Where the Wild Things Are, which we just read at bed time this evening! I especially love all the inspirational quotes around the room.