9 Best Tips To Help You Update A Tired Room

We all have a room in our home that could use a little bit if updating. But where to start? If updating a room seems overwhelming to you here are 9 best tips to help you update a tired room. These are tried and true tips to help you freshen up a room. Let’s update that tired room! You can do it!

One of the most asked questions here at StoneGable is, ” how do I update my out-of-date rooms”?  I hear you! I think we all want to keep our homes comfortable and attractive and updated. I’ve been on a soft rant lately about the importance of keeping our homes as up-to-date as we are! Here are 9 tried and true to help you update a room.

Going from a wee bit tired or even frumpy to fabulous does not mean gutting everything in a room or your home but it does mean being aware of the “state of our homes” and keeping on top of any changes that need to be made. So, today I’m sharing simple ways to update a room to make it the best it can be.

Change is hard and often time the changes we need to make in a room to give it a fresh and updated look can seem overwhelming. Most of us can’t and don’t want to tackle changes all at once so let’s just agree that decorating is a process!

And it is often a bit of a slow process. So be patient with your room and yourself and be happy with each little improvement!

Here’s what to do when you feel a room could be updated a bit… or a lot!

Two Things To Know

There are two important things you must pay attention to before you begin updating any room in your home. These two things will go a long way to making your room update a success.

You must know your decorating style. Knowing your decorating style is like having a plan. Knowing your decorating style will help you make much better choices!

Everything you put in your room must be funneled through your decorating style. It’s a lot easier to update a room when you know what will and what won’t work!

The second thing to know before you start decorating is your color palette. Not necessarily the colors you are using in the room you want to update but the colors you want your updated room to be! A very important distinction!

Knowing your color palette will help everything in your room work together!

You might like to read, How To Know Your Decorating Style and How To Choose A Color Palette For Your Home.

Update A Room With Paint

I am a huge fan of paint! Your paintbrush is a magical tool to update so many things in your home! Give your walls a fresh coat of paint and update the color! Painting a room is the one thing you can that will update your room the most. You won’t believe the difference!

Here at the Tanglewood house, we chose a soft white, Benjamin Moore Simply White, throughout the house. The open concept style of Tanglewood almost dictated using one color.

And I’m absolutely in love with white walls especially because our home is so open.

Update a tired room with paint will wake it right up!

Upcycle What You Already Have

The clock in the great room is an example of updating something with the magic of paint!

I’m forever extolling the virtues of paint! If you don’t like a tired mirror, paint it! A chipped chair, paint it. A clear vase, paint it! A little paint and a paintbrush are like a magic wand and pixie dust!

I get tons of comments asking me where I got the clock and I’m so thrilled I did not get rid of it but painted it instead.

Here is an old, old post with a tutorial about HOW TO UPSCALE AND UPDATE WITH PAINT. You can see the “before” pictures of the clock too! What a difference!

Learning how to paint things in your home will go a long way to give it a fresh, right-now look! And painting anything in your home is fun!

Update A Room With Fabric

I am the master of furniture disguise! It’s truly transformational to slipcover furniture or reupholsters it!  I’ve slipcovered two sofas and two chairs and I am thrilled with their new look! 

And I’ve reupholstered countless other chairs, a couple benches, and yet a third sofa. Talk about a big update!!!! If any of your soft furnishings are dating your home I say cover them if you don’t want to get something new!!!! 

Find a local seamstress in your area who knows how to slipcover or someone who can reupholster. Make friends with them!!!! I found my fabulous slipcover lady by googling… “slipcoverers in Lancaster Pa”. She is amazing! 

Just a word of caution…

SLIPCOVERED WHITE SOFA

Go for a solid, neutral sofa that will be in style for years! Save patterns and colors for smaller accent decor.

Also, think about having cushions made for furnishings like wooden chairs and benches. One pretty cushion can add lots of new life to a room.

Update a room with fresh, new fabric.

Update A Room With a High/Low Look

One of my favorite looks is what I call high/low. It’s all about mixing higher-end furnishings or high-end-looking designs with less expensive items.

This is such a friendly, pretty, and reasonably priced-way to decorate! Think of the word juxtaposition. It’s the idea of two things being placed together that creates a contrast. And as a decorator, we want the juxtaposition to be very pleasing or interesting to the eye!

The image above is the perfect example of the high/low mix.

The spindle chair was an investment piece almost a decade ago. Because of its classic lines and neutral color, it still looks fresh and updated.

The other splurge in this room was the rug. In a neutral room texture and pattern create interest and when I saw the rug I knew it would work perfectly in my transitional-style living room.

The pillows, lamp, candlesticks, vases, and faux plants were reasonably priced and some were downright cheap!

It’s all about that high/low balance. It’s about beautiful pricey pieces sitting side by side with things I find at Goodwill or on supersale or have had for years and years. And when styled right they look amazing together! This is decorating gold!

Also, work on developing an eye for beautiful things and try finding similar things at bargain prices. This is one of my decorating superpowers and it can be yours too with a little practice.

You might like to read Savvy Ways To Find Budget-Friendly Decor.

Get Rid Of Outdated Decor

Now, for a little bit of tough love!

Please understand that updating a room is a p-r-o-c-e-s-s and should not be done overnight! If you have something that is making your whole room look frumpy there may not be a way to cover, paint, or upcycle it! It might be time to get rid of it!

You may need time to make this decision. Go ahead and think it through. But don’t get “stuck”. So many home decor enthusiasts don’t update their homes because they are stuck!! Stuck is a bad mindset!

Sometimes you just need to move ahead and move on!

If you are someone that tends to get bogged down in the decorating decision process or (horrors of all horrors) gets stuck, you should read What To Do When Your Feel Stuck With Your Decor. This is an excellent post to help you when you feel overwhelmed and are having a hard time moving forward to create a room you love.

And its companion read How To Live With Decor You Don’t Like.

I think these two posts will help you a lot!

Downsize Tchockies

Okay, I know most of us collect things. And they can be very sentimental to us. This is a little hard for me to fully understand as I am not a big collector. But I have loved ones who collect figurines and cars and flamingos and more. And I know these collections add happiness to their lives.

So here is a little gentle tough love, my friend…

There is a point that collections turn into clutter. Sad, but true.

And most collections make our homes look very outdated. Instead of showing off your whole collection why not group 3 or 5 collectibles together and rotate them in and out of a room. Doing this one thing will update a room immediately!

BE BRAVE! Give it a try.

The Urge To Overdecorate

A cousin of too many collectibles is just too much stuff in a room.

We tend to collect furnishings and accent decor and just keep adding it layer upon layer. What would be better in most rooms is beautifully curated furnishing and well-chosen accent pieces.

And this is such an easy fix! Get rid of the things you have accumulated in a room! This will instantly make a room look fresher and more updated.

The Overdecorating Dilemma is a must-read!

Bring One New Thing Into A Room

I am a huge believer in repurposing furnishings. Give furniture or accessories a second life. Think about bringing decor from one part of your home and putting it in a different room.

Even the smallest new, or new items in a room, can make such a big difference updating the whole look of a room.

The little containers of ferns found a new home on the white buffet. Although they are not new they have found a new home! And they look fresh and add a bit of life to the buffet.

Make sure to give this tip a try today!

Update Accents

Updated accessories will raise the trendy cred of a room. Accessories like pillows, trays, accent rugs, plants, architectural pieces, candles, lanterns, and more can add a personal touch of pizzazz to a room!

Most of the time I keep my big-ticket furniture items very classic but I go a bit more on-trend with accessories.

Accessories that update a room will change every few years, so remember to follow these three savvy tips…

  • use what you love
  • buy inexpensive
  • make it yourself

And one other tip that can update a room. Do not let your accent decor sit in the same place for long! Move things around.

Come up with new ideas and ways to use accents in your home!

I do this all the time! One of my favorite pieces of accent decor is a pair of pottery lanterns. They have a pretty cut-out design and because they are white they work with all my decor. These lanterns are often used as a vase (with a waterproof insert) or lantern.

They find their way around many of the rooms in our home.

Find and use pieces of accent decor you can move around your home to give them a fresh look.

Accent Decor Every Home Needs is full of ideas to help you decorate a room you will love!

Can you think of one room in your home you would like to update? Just choose one! Then let’s get busy changing that room. Give it an updated look with these tips.

Posts To Help You Update A Room

HOW TO MAKE A SMALL SPACE LIVE LARGE

7 TIPS FOR MIXING DECOR STYLES

10 DECOR TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK AMAZING

6 BRILLIANT WAYS TO SHOP YOUR HOUSE

With just a few smart changes you can update your tired room! Change a few things today to get motivated and start creating a room you will love to be in.

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145 Comments

  1. I love to study some of the high end sources like Serena & Lily, Pottery Barn, etc., and then figure out a way to create a similar look.

    1. I do this too…Container Store, Pottery Barn, C&B, Department Stores – then I try to recreate using things from Walmart, Target, Hobby Lobby, Kirkland’s, At Home and Home Goods. I had a buyer friend who told me they source a lot of things from the same places…I came to the conclusion that it must be display techniques that make them more appealing. In fact, prices at these higher end stores just seem outrageous to me. Hobby Lobby and At Home have started displaying things in room vignettes so that you can try to imagine them in your space. A lot of times, I see those, then go in search of the item elsewhere in the store! I also use things I already have, just had no idea in how to display them in different ways!

      1. I love looking at Pottery Barn, Serena & Lily catalogs and getting ideas but, then I head to my usual places to buy my items. Sometimes if it’s on sale at those high end places I’ll buy there but really like finding a great deal. I love buying pillow covers from Hobby Lobby or Amazon for lower prices.

  2. Great info! I just love your style. Can you give details on the fern print hanging by the spindle chair? I love it!! Thanks!

    1. Hi Angie, I found these prints locally. I am going to be working with the shop owner so you will be able to buy some of the beautiful things in this store.

  3. Thank you this is great advise, as aLways!!

  4. sharon Kearney says:

    I love the knitted pillow in the ‘Cover It’ photo on your slip covered sofa. It matches so well with the rattan/wicker/basket items you use. Is this available to buy anywhere?

    1. I’ve had that pillow cover for almost a decade. It was from Pottery Barn. Sorry, I have not seen it on their site for awhile.

  5. Please share the source of the wicker tray on your coffee table. I have always admired it.

  6. All good tips.I always find it hard to edit and simplify a room, still working on that.Love the touch of green you added with the pillows.

    1. Doreen, be ruthless! You will love the results! I’m cheering for you!

  7. My husband and I are in our early 70’s and still love to have a beautiful home. We have been blessed to have some gorgeous family antiques. Our living room is small and we have decided that we would like to have four comfortable chairs. My question is do you have any idea if a place like Wayfair is a good place to purchase from?? We live in an area where there are few furniture stores and what they carry is either too rustic or too expensive. I would so appreciate any suggestions that you have. Since we seldom have big crowds over we feel like four matching chairs is a good way to go. Thank you so much for any suggestions that you have. You are a favorite blogger of mine and I love your Sunday messages!!! Have a blessed day.

    1. Hi Betsy, online buying is all about reviews and returns. Read the reviews and make sure someone will come and pick up the chairs if you don’t like them. I have gotten several big-ticket items from Wayfair with their “white glove” delivery. I had got an armoire that did not work in our home and the company sent someone to get it. Very easy! Hope this helps.

    2. Yes, Betsy, read the reviews through. I’ve read many a review that reports the upholstered headboards have an off gassing smell, or appear higher in the picture than they are, or fabric is not finished properly, parts missing, etc. I mention headboards because that is what I’ve been searching for but I imagine there can be the same issues with other upholstered pieces. Most are made in China. Also, take note of measurements. The piece you order can be too big for your space or too small.

  8. Marilynn Vannelli says:

    I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog and how many tips I have incorporated into my updating. My favorite tip is decorating with white or light accessories, curtains, etc. It really gives our home a lift!

  9. Rebecca Lopez says:

    Can you please provide a source for the rug with oatmeal background with white and blue accents?

    1. Hi Rebecca, I think you mean my living room rug? It has white and charcoal accents. This rug is 10 times as pretty in real life. It was quite a splurge but I would do it again in a heartbeat!

  10. Elizabeth says:

    Hi, Love your style! Please reveal the source for the rug in the High/Low picture and the rug under the dining table in the Update With Paint picture. Thanks so much!

    1. Elizabeth says:

      Thank you! You’re the best.
      And the source for the rug in the High/Low picture?

  11. Can you reveal the source of the natural, possibly jute rug in what appears to be the front entrance.

  12. Debbie Jones says:

    Yvonne, Can you tell me whats going on with me not being able to view your blog anymore.I get 1 quarter of a page only! There are pop up adds throughout. You close it and more come as if you didn’t close it. google is one big offender! I have now tried other computers, browsers with no luck. It does seem to work on a friends Apple laptop. Can you help me and I can’t be the only one?

    1. I’m sorry you are having trouble viewing StoneGalbe Debbie. I don’t think there are any issues on my end. I just updated my whole blog to make it easier to see posts and navigate the blog. As far as pop-ups, there are no more ads than I’ve always had.

    2. CarolBinTX says:

      Try using Chrome or other, more updated browsers. I loved IE (more user friendly to me), but most places have discontinued their support and I was experiencing weird things like this on different sites, including StoneGable.

  13. Thank you for your advice in updating a room. I appreciate all of the tips and tricks you offer.
    I have been admiring your spindle chairs for quite some time but have not found a reference as to where you got them. May I ask?

  14. Connie Cote says:

    Where did that rug ? I Love it!

    1. Connie Cote says:

      OOPS! LOL Where did you get that rug?

        1. CarolBinTX says:

          they are on sale now 50% off!

  15. I once had SIX boxes of stuff from when my daughter was in Kindergarten! For my five year younger son, I had ONE. Once they were put away, I never looked at them! I went through each of them and saved maybe 5 art/craft pieces each, put them in a small tote with other mementos (baby bracelet, locks of hair…I threw out the baby teeth and the umbilical cords!) They like looking through them and appreciate that I kept something from their childhood. I guess they’ll get them eventually. Neither one has space for them now. I’ve started one each for the grandkids too.

  16. Nan, Odessa, De says:

    What is the best natural fabric rug?
    Çan I use this type of rug year round? Or is it seasonal?
    Thanks for this great post!

    1. I think you might be asking about a jute rug. Yes, you can use them all year round, but not outside. They are a great choice for any room.

  17. Joyce Kennard says:

    Yvonne, I have enjoyed and followed you for years. Need some advice, the web page is now full of advertisement. How do I get rid of it? It is hard to follow what you are saying and showing. Thank You

    1. I know ads are so pesky! Sorry! You can disable them by clicking on the X next to most of them. Like all things running a blog is very expensive. Hope you can enjoy the content and the pictures.

  18. Georgia Mcneil says:

    I really love you suggestion and ideas. Thanks . I will bring looking for more ideas

  19. I need to go through and purge my Knick knacks and seasonal decor. Half of them I don’t even use and all they are doing is taking up space.

  20. Mary Kaiser says:

    Great tips for me, thanks for them. I need to refresh a couple of rooms in my home. I have painted furniture before, and it is always so fun to see a piece transformed with paint!

  21. Jeanne DiOrio says:

    Hi Yvonne. Your blog has helped me understand my decorating style and my home has become a showplace I love! I realized that some decor pieces just won’t work with what I am trying to achieve and they had to go. Recently we painted most of our rooms Simply White and that was a game changer. It really is the perfect color!! Thank you for all you do!

  22. Terri Herman says:

    Oh how I needed this! We moved from the foothills of NC to the coast so my style is beginning to change which is hard!

  23. Great post…I have a very close friend that has asked for my help in her family room….I am struggling with how best to help and not offend….she has a lot of things from her mothers decor (she inherited the home) it’s great stuff and was all the rage in the late 90s?…if you have any tips for how to gently suggest she lose A LOT of those treasures…..fake ivy, matching sets of furniture…..etc…I would be so grateful.

  24. Heather Brown says:

    I love your comment: Most of the time I keep my big-ticket furniture items very classic but I go a bit more on-trend with accessories.

    I’m going to use this and refresh the smaller, in trend accessories every few years as you mention. And I like the fact you say inexpensive. I think many folks feel in order to have a room look ‘good’ it has to have expensive items…but it doesn’t and I like how you tell and show us how to do this. Thank you! HB

  25. So many useful tips! Thanks for sharing.

  26. Thank you for these ideas for up dating my rooms. I am going to go through my accessories and eliminate some and save some for later. I also think I will make some changes by painting walls.

  27. I’m seeing those spindle chairs in many homes and instead of adding one that isn’t exactly as I’d like I am waiting to buy the exact one I do like…no more cluttering up with things I just don’t need or isn’t what I wish to have for the long haul. I’m working on the de-cluttering now and reading your advice today has been a huge help! Thank You Yvonne!

  28. My favorite thing to do when updating my decor is to look on Pinterest for inspiration and then start by shopping my home. I have found that I can either remake or refinish an item to make it a beautiful accent in my home. I often like to look in thrift shops or consignment stores to search for new decor without spending a fortune.

  29. Stephanie says:

    I want to thank you for teaching me so much. I walk into a store my mind is rolling through key words like, dirty colors, texture & stay in your lane. I have a small notebook that I carry in my purse. In it I have put my paint sample, along with lots of notes!!!! Yvonne again with utmost sincerity thanks for being such a wonderful teacher.

  30. Thanks for the great ideas! Decluttering “tchotchkes” can definitely help update and change a room.

  31. A friend just called me to see if I could help with her decor problem – not that I am an expert but the first thing I noticed was her paint colors! It’s so “sad” that I immediately ask if she is willing to paint new colors on her wall because that will brighten up the whole thing. So I am glad to read that your 1st list to update a room is by painting it — glad I gave her a good advise 🙂

  32. Dianne Glass says:

    Wonderful ideas! I think I knew them, but the pictures of your beautiful home confirms the difference that can be made by applying your principles. I hope I can find a seamstress who can make slipcovers as beautiful as yours.

  33. Love the thoughts you shared! Keep the beauty coming!

  34. I love the idea of slipcovers or reupholster, but I just got a quote for reupholstering 2 chairs. It was almost $5000! Wow. Any ideas on how to trim the cost?

    1. Here’s a good way to think about this- $250.00 a chair for something you love is really a bargain.

  35. Wonderful suggestions for revitalizing a room!

  36. Melanie C says:

    I totally overdecorate! So hard not to when I love so many things! I keep hearing myself say “I wish I had more display space”.

    1. If you look at the homes of designers, they often have this same problem!

  37. Laura Harrie says:

    Yvonne,
    I agree going with one color throughout the house is the way to go. We have a home with cathedral ceilings and the soft white color we used is perfect for us.

  38. Thanks for the tips Yvonne! I am always painting something…picture frames, plant stands, planters, etc. Glad to know that it is one of your tried-and-true methods!

  39. Love your blog. So glad I found you

  40. Great article, very inspiring. We’re in need of a MBR update desperately. Simply finding the right bedding has been a challenge. The FR slipcovered sofa and chair are fading in areas from the sun light and the area rug, well it’s time…. your blog has motivated me to get moving on these updates! Can’t wait to go shopping!!

  41. Love your website! I enjoyed the info on updating a tired room..at your suggestion, I now search rooms..including our barn that holds .many decorative articles..and I love how forgotten items are PERFECT in a new area!

  42. Love love alll your decorating ideas, tips.
    Recipes!!! the ones I’ve tried have been delicious!& especially enjoy your scriptures & devotions. Keep writing! Thank you

  43. Elaine Rousseau says:

    Love reading your articles very practical great advice thats easy to follow. Your ideas and pictures are inspiring
    Thanks

  44. Great tips! Once we reupholstered our couch to a nice ivory fabric, it opened up a whole new way to introducing color and updating our lvgrm. I like changing pops of color with each season with pillow covers. Thank you for your inspiration.

  45. Kari Moers says:

    Paint really is a big one!

  46. Eileen Wilcox says:

    I really love the curtains on your windows. I’ve searched and searched and cannot find anything that even looks like that I was wondering where you purchased them.

  47. So many great ideas and suggestions. And you’re right. Some of letting go can be difficult

  48. this is such a well written article. I wish I had read it 6 years ago when downsizing and building our ranch. Its still the article I share with family and friends. Thanks for sharing.

  49. I’m an estate sale shopper. You can always find a good deal that fits your liking. The shades look interesting.

  50. No matter how lovely the home, things start looking tired. Your ideas for a refresh are so welcomed!

  51. Kelly Ueber says:

    I love all of your ideas!! I’m in the process now of updating my house and decluttering perfect timing!

  52. Amanda Gregory says:

    We are updating our whole house due to an about to be walking 9 month old granddaughter. But when the knick knacks come out again, some will stay packed up. I love the simplicity of your home. It calms the mind and sole.

  53. Love the info. Always look forward to a new reveal

  54. I feel as if my great room is very, very tired. I will try to tackle one idea at a time. Great and timely suggestions!

  55. I am ready to put some great idea that you shared to the test! I love creating a space where friends and family feel loved and comfortable.

  56. Dian Heidler says:

    Thanks for all the good info! It gets my mind working on ways to improve my home!

  57. Gayla Greer says:

    I getting ready to update my tired guest room with lighter colors. We just painted the whole house and I can’t wait to get started!

  58. Melissa Kendall says:

    This is a great article. I’m reading the article on getting “unstuck” next! Thank you for bringing joy and advice.

  59. I love your website. Makes my day to see how all your patterns and white shades all come together to create this visually beautiful and serene eye candy.

  60. Jackie Collins says:

    Your blog inspires me! Sometimes I take photos of my home interior and then look at them from your perspective. I know I tend to over clutter because I am always removing stuff after I review my photos. I love live plants. Do you keep live plants in your home? Or do you have a favorite place for a plant to thrive?

  61. Sue Nordberg says:

    Yep, I’m tired of looking at my livingroom pillows. I need to find some new pillow covers and update the style just a bit. Summer indoors should look clean and calm in order to stand the outdoor heat and humidity. Thank you for the advice.

  62. I love all the ideas on how to update our homes on a budget, or using what you have and switching items into different rooms!

  63. I copied your clock make over.
    Love it. It was green in my “white” room.
    Thank you

  64. Gail Prowant says:

    I love to look at high end shops and then try to do a similar look for a lower cost.

  65. Trish Griffith says:

    Your blog is always informative and well done! I also love to move my favorite decorative items to different rooms for a new look. Thank you for your inspiration…

  66. I will paint furniture to update a room. We just painted a mirror and two dressers. I like to have faux greenery around the house.

  67. Lois Zahradnik says:

    Love your tips on updating and repurposing things you already have on hand. I am going to
    use some these ideas and get started updating a bedroom…

  68. Always look forward to your daily post. So many interesting ideas and helpful hints.

  69. Georgena Gibson says:

    Love, love, love your style! If I could ditch everything I have and start over, I would decorate similar to you. I look forward to your posts and your knowledge inspires the way I decorate. Thanks for all the info!

  70. Valerie Cooper says:

    YOu never stop surprising and wowing! always thoughtful …..

  71. I love these posts. I need to update some areas with paint. We downsized a lot and got rid of tchotkes and I like a more minimalist look now. I also love using naturals elements.

  72. Nedra DuTart says:

    I read your blog every morning while drinking my coffee. Your suggestions are amazing. Thank you.

  73. Your suggestions were right on! I have a dear friend and she wanted a new look for her great room but only had a tiny bit of money to work with. For under $100 she achieved her goal by adding fun new pillows!

  74. I just love your style but I admit I need just a little more color in my life! I’ve been slowly updating with neutral upholstered pieces but would really like a more colorful rug. Any suggestions?

  75. Good Morning I just have to say I love your Sunday read ……what a beautiful way to start my Sundays ……as you see I am up early…

    Thank You

  76. Terri Herman says:

    Working on this! Thanks for the guidance and good ideas.

  77. Great ideas and can use right now! Thank you!

  78. Donna Zoltanski says:

    Exactly an issue we have now. Bingo, going to Google slipcover upholstery, or do we need another side chair? Thanks for all your fantasic ideas. We enjoy our visits to the Lancaster area. Just back from visitng with family in Myerstown! Beautiful countryside.

  79. Wow! So many helpful, doable tips and advice in “how to update a room”! I got so many ideas that I can implement even on my budget! Thank you for the inspiration and insight!

  80. Thanks for the update article! I do feel “stuck” with some items that need to go, but my husband is very stuck!! He has a hard time giving or throwing away if it is not broken. He is very sentimental!! … any suggestions!? ?

    1. I hear this all the time! We have to gently nudge our husbands into this decade!

  81. Cynthia Sirois says:

    These are all great ideas. I recently updated a few of my rooms with new area rugs, and it really makes a difference. I also like to “shop my home “and rearrange decorative items,which always makes the room look fresh and new!

  82. Nancy Robinson says:

    I was ready for this post today. Thank you for the great advise.

  83. Love your ideas always! I need those zebra pillows! Where did you get them?

    1. I found them at One Kings Lane on sale. I don’t see them anymore but they have them in different colors.

  84. Great information and ideas! Thanks for sharing. I love to look for my decoration finds at estate sales, thrift stores and garage sales! I get so excited when I find that item that speaks to me. Of course I also look and Pottery Barn, Lilly etc. just watch for the things I want to go on sale…. I must confess I am a bargain hunter.

  85. Angela Drum says:

    We just recently refinished our hardwood flooring. I loved the change so much that I decided to repaint our light grey living room to a warm white SW Greek Villa and it looks like a completely different room. It is truly amazing what a change in paint color does to freshen a room. Thanks for these tips.

  86. Stephanie says:

    Yvonne,
    Thank you for the ideas on updating a tired room. I shared one of your posts with a friend this week on choosing the right paint color. Your suggestions are always so helpful. I also liked one of your go-to pants suggestions from Talbots recently and ordered a pair myself. I am waiting for them to be delivered this week. Thanks again for the excellent ideas. You have a lovely home and it is always inspiring.

  87. Michelle R. says:

    I like the neutral color pallet. I am working on weeding out what I don’t need and outdated items.

  88. Micaela Brundage says:

    Thinking about reupholstering my couch… any thoughts on affordable fabric and where to buy???

    1. Hi Michaela (love your name), the one thing you don’t want to scrimp on is fabric. Buy a performance or fabric that can clean up easily if you are buying a light color. You will be so so thankful you did!

  89. All practical ideas! I enjoy your weekly blogs and Friday recipes.

  90. Deborah D says:

    I’ve followed you for years and always enjoy and use your decorating tips and ideas.

  91. Love your Wednesday Wishlist!

  92. Love your neutrality in decor. I have changed my sofa and two chairs and are adding pops of color. Many compliments so far. Looking forward to every Wednesday for suggestions. Such a great idea!

  93. Love your neutrality in decor. I have changed my sofa and two chairs and are adding pops of color. Many compliments so far. Looking forward to every Wednesday for suggestions. Such a great idea!

  94. Susan Lambert says:

    Hopefully implementing your suggestions for some updating in my future! Such doable & great advice! Thanks!

  95. Pamela J. Brittain says:

    making a list of things to buy to update my bedroom now! Thanks for the info!

  96. Valerie Bouchard says:

    Can’t wait to put these tips into action!

  97. Erica Freeman says:

    I LOVE everything about this post! The zebra hide rug is my favorite!

  98. Saundra J Simpson says:

    Excellent advise as always, Thank You.

  99. Debbie Sleamon says:

    Before reading this article I over decorated. I thought the more the better right? Wrong! Now my living room is so cozy and comfortable but doesn’t look cluttered!

  100. Diane Vasti says:

    I love your white buffet. Is that a solid white or is it heavily distressed? It is hard to tell. Is it the Harbor View 11 collection from Liberty Furniture? Could you post the link as to where you purchased it?

    1. The buffet is not distressed it is painted a solid white. Yes, it is the same buffet.

  101. Hi Patsy, I have had these pottery lanterns I use as vases for over a decade. They came from Pottery Barn but they have not been in stock for quite awhile. Sorry!

  102. Thanks for the tips— I’ll definitely use them for my spring refresh! I have sentimental tchotchkes from my mom and mother in law; I’m going to keep only a couple from each. You inspire me!

  103. I recently having major foot surgery. After viewing your site, I can’t hardly wait until I can walk again, so I can start working toward trying to make my home look half as beautiful as your home. Reading your post, and viewing your lovely home, makes me want to try and get up and do something to my space and make it is half as beautiful as yours. Can’t wait until warm weather is here and I’m all healed, and got my life back. So I can get to work on my home again..
    Thanks for sharing

    1. God bless you in your recovery, Ivory! I’m sure your home will be perfect1

  104. As always, you have search brilliant ideas, and I often try to use them to help make my home at least half as appealing as yours. Thanks for sharing.

      1. Kay Strait says:

        Where did you get your living room rug and all your pillows? Tha ks!!! KAY

  105. Lurania Santo says:

    Hello…

    Am I seeing double….I find similar posts on your blog as well as
    Ann Sutton…they seem to repeat. Many articles. What’s going on with that?

    1. You are not seeing double, Lurania! What’s going on is every week we have a post called Wednesday Weekly Wishlist. Lory from Designthusiam, Ann from On Sutton Place and me, together post a list of 10 fun, informative things. And all three of us put them on one another’s blogs. Ann and I also have very similar interests so we might write about the same topics. So that’s “whats up with that”.