HOTTEST
It’s that time of year when we all want our living spaces to be cozy, welcoming and comfortable. We want to love our homes. But as you look around your room, do you ever have a nagging feeling that something is “off” but you don’t know exactly what it is? I definitely have! Perhaps you’ve considered getting rid of everything you have so you can start over with new things you love. I’ll admit that thought has crossed my mind a time or two.
Sources: Plaid Arm Chair // Waffle Weave Blanket on back // Jute + Cotton Rug // Round Black Art (my art is birds which is sold out, but this is the same style with butterflies!)
I’m a fan of using what you have when possible and not always buying new things.
But sometimes it’s hard to figure out where to put the furniture you have, or how to combine what you have in a new way or a new room. And how to determine when you just need something new!
Did you know years ago I wrote a book called But Where Do I Put the Couch? with KariAnne Wood from Thistlewood Farms? Seems like I should be an expert on answering that age old question of where a couch should go in a room, but as is often the case with design, the best answer is often found through trial, error and experimentation rather than in a universal set of rules to to follow.
I think we need to give ourselves freedom to try new things, to break the rules and just arrange furniture in a way that is best for the room! This way your room will be better designed for you and make more sense.
Source: Brown Gingham Pillow on Wingback Chair // Jute + Cotton Rug with this rug pad // Blue and White Floral Ginger Jar // Clam Shell (similar) and other sources // No link for those toys on the floor, ha!
I am happy to say I stand by my advice in the book (which is not just about where to put the couch, by the way! It’s so much more than that! It answers 101 actual decorating questions from readers like you! Read all about it here).
But even if we know the rules, break the rules or both, we can still feel stuck. I get stuck, too.
Case in point.
I was so excited when our renovation was nearly complete because I finally got to arrange furniture and get settled. But my enthusiasm soon turned to a slump. I just wasn’t feeling like the living room was coming together.
It wasn’t the backdrops at all. I was grateful for this newly refreshed space and love our paint colors and new flooring. Love the new feel and layout of our main floor. I still planned to get blinds in the living room, and I knew we’d get those soon.
Sources: Wicker Trunk // Jute + Cotton Rug // Leather Sofa Armchair Version (loveseat no longer sold) // Pleated Lampshade // Blue and White Stamped Pillow on Sofa // Dining Room Details
While I was stumped at how to solve the furniture arrangement, a little voice in my head told me to STOP DROP AND ROLL.
Catchy, yes? You’re welcome. A little lesson we all learned in kindergarten.
This time though, there was no fire to put out.
Just a little crisis in my head, but nothing STOP DROP AND ROLL can’t handle!
STOP scrolling for more ideas that just overwhelm or confuse you.
DROP the idea that shopping is the only way to solve problems.
Get out of your head so you can get ROLLING!
Sources: Blue and White Flower Pot // Plaid Arm Chair // Waffle Weave Blanket on back // Jute + Cotton Rug // Lidded Rattan Basket Under Table // Lidded Basket on Right // Round Black Art // Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
Even though I felt stumped — like I already tried every combination or arrangement, I told myself I needed to get up and try again. If I didn’t like it, no problem, I could just move it all right back. If nothing else, it could give me clarity on what it was I needed so I could make a better decision.
It was time to STOP DROP AND ROLL!
I turned on my Fall Puttering Playlist, got my comfy tennies on, and started moving the furniture all around the room. I tried every possibility, even the ones I was pretty sure I wouldn’t love. But you never know until you try!
Several arrangements later…it suddenly clicked! This felt right. Cozy, inviting, and pleasant for conversation. Funny enough, this is the arrangement I tried FIRST! I promptly dismissed it previously because when I tried it before, the dining room was still under construction.
Sources: Wicker Trunk // Jute + Cotton Rug
Here’s another handy tip. Don’t judge a room when it is under construction (or in a mess as the case might be). I can often look past a mess but this time, I made a quick judgement that was incorrect. I thought it was too crowded, but I am so glad I gave the arrangement another chance once the mess was picked up.
There is plenty of room to get around, and the couch there gives each room a cozier feeling! It works! Best of all, I was so happy I was able to use what I already had! All I had to do was try and try again.
Stop drop and roll.
Sources: Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
Once I fell in love with how the room felt with the furniture this way, it gave me ideas of things I had in other rooms that could serve a new purpose in this space. Our ottomans seemed too big and there were just too many legs in the room with four more on an ottoman (although I might try again, or maybe just get a new one someday). But I brought down a basket trunk I had up in the Snug and much to my surprise, it worked just fine in front of the couch!
We love how the room feels now. I’m so glad I didn’t give up!
If you’ve followed along here for awhile, you’ll recognize that many of these pieces are ones I’ve had for years and years and have used in many different ways in several homes!
If you’re not feeling the love for your home, maybe it’s not your home or your furniture!
Maybe you just need to STOP DROP AND ROLL!
Source: Jute + Cotton Rug
Hope this inspires you today! If you try a new arrangement in your home, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @theinspiredroom. In my HomeBody Gathering Place membership group I share in depth on decorating and creating a sanctuary through custom mini-courses and workshops.
Join the waitlist HERE (homebodygatheringplace.com) to join us when we open HomeBody Gathering Place again!
Find more inspiration and encouragement for your home in my books, including Love the Home You Have, The Inspired Room, and Simply Home. Find all my books here.Jute + Cotton Rug – with this rug pad
Plaid Arm Chair
Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
Waffle Weave Blanket on back of chair
Round Black Art (my art is birds which is sold out, but this is the same style with butterflies)
Blue and White Flower Pot
Lidded Rattan Basket Under Table
Lidded Woven Basket by fireplace
Wicker Trunk
Leather Sofa Armchair Version (loveseat no longer sold)
Pleated Lampshade
Blue and White Stamped Pillow on Sofa
Brown Gingham Pillow
Wingback Chair
Blue and White Floral Ginger Jar
Clam Shell (similar) and other sources
Dining Room Details
My Battery Operated Candles
Blue paint color: Beach Glass Benjamin Moore
White paint color: Classic Light Buff Sherwin Williams
Find more sources from my home and more decor I love in my shops! MoreIf you want to create your own signature look, I’ve always recommended mixing and matching pieces you already have with things that are new. That way you are gathering things you really love over time, so your style will always feel fresh and yet unique!
And you don’t have to break the bank to do that. Over the years I’ve bought so many wonderful things I still love for my home from Joss and Main!
Good news, the Joss and Main’s VIP Sale is on now, so it’s the perfect time to refresh your space with pieces that reflect your signature style at the best prices of the year!
We created some lovely mood boards below for you featuring stylish pieces that can update the feeling of any space. Mix and match, use what you love and make your home your own in every season.
The sale is today 4/27-4/28…two days only. Don’t miss out!CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE VIP SALE!
Here are some of my favorite items from the VIP Sale:
Woven shade wall sconce
Wall sconces are a perfect way to add warmth and character to a room! I’m loving these woven shade sconces (can’t you picture them flanking a bed? So pretty!). They would bring style and texture to your space in addition to the warm lighting…two key ingredients for a cozy space!
Patterned Rug
The colors and pattern of this this rug are absolutely gorgeous.
End table
I have little end tables like this all over my house. They’re the perfect perch for a book and cup of coffee or tea next to your coziest reading chair!
Flip Top Storage Coffee Table
How amazing is this storage lift-top coffee table? Love the double duty function for a small space when you’re working from home — and it has amazing reviews.
We designed two room mood boards for inspiration using some of the items that are part of the sale!Click the links and images below for the above source details:
Turn on your JavaScript to view content
Source Links: Slipcovered Square Arm Sofa // Arched Floor Lamp with Shade // Throw Pillow & Insert // Full Length Arched Gold Frame Mirror // Woven Table Lamp // Raffia Woven Seat Wood X Bench Stool // Wood Flip-Top Storage Coffee Table // Round Wood and Metal Accent Table // Rattan Loop Wall Mirror // TV Stand Cabinet // Ceramic 3 Piece Candlestick Set // Concrete Table Lamp with Shade (2 color options) // Black 1 Drawer Nightstand with Gold Hardware
Click the links and images below for the above source details:
Turn on your JavaScript to view content
Source Links: Upholstered Low Profile Platform Bed (my daughter Courtney has this exact same bed with a lower headboard–she loves it!) // Gold Wall Sconce Light with Woven Rattan Shade // Solid Wood Dresser with Wicker Cane Drawers // Navy Blue Solid Wood Nightstand with Shelf and Drawers // Concrete Table Lamp with Shade (2 color options) // Stripe Cotton Lumbar Pillow Cover // Velvet Armchair (multiple color options) // Upholstered Bench (multiple color options) // Square Textured Pouf Ottoman // Oriental Navy Blue Area Rug
Check out everything in Joss & Main’s VIP Sale HERE!CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE VIP SALE More
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here
Decorating and organizing a home takes time, but today I’m here to help simplify the process and save you money with tips for using The Inspired Room Amazon Storefront!
We find many lovely and practical finds for the home on Amazon in each season. Scroll below to see many of our most recent finds, with beautiful fall mood boards and decorating ideas for your home.
But first, let me share three handy but simple tips for finding what you need using The Inspired Room Amazon storefront!1. HOW TO FIND THE INSPIRED ROOM AMAZON STOREFRONT:
You can check out ALL of my Amazon finds here in my storefront with categorized folders that are updated often. By checking out my personally curated Amazon storefront, you will not only know where to begin shopping but I can help you simplify the process of decorating and organizing your home.
You can also type in this URL amazon.com/shop/theinspiredroomshop OR just come to the blog theinspiredroom.net and scroll down a bit until you see my Amazon Storefront banner. Click the banner and you’ll be there!2. WHERE TO FIND THE ITEMS I HAVE IN MY HOME:
This folder of my storefront features things I personally own (or are very similar) from Amazon. I know it can be helpful to see things in real life, so I also try to add photos and videos of these pieces in our home here.3. HOW TO USE MY HANDY AMAZON SHOP SEARCH BAR FEATURE:
Searching through thousands of products feels overwhelming. In addition to using my shop folders to find my favorites, you can use the search bar within my storefront to search for anything specific you’re looking for. The search bar within my shop will automatically pull up my related recommendations (for example: type “basket” and it will give you folders of my ideas, my mood boards, and photos from my home that feature baskets available).
Searching within my storefront is like having me right there to guide you! See the screenshot of my shop page above, simply type in your search term in the box where it says Search all posts. Using my storefront search bar will save you so much time wandering around, or wondering which item to choose, or trying to find what you need! I hope this tip helps! 🙂
FOLLOW MY STOREFRONT!Click the blue follow button on my storefront to stay in the loop of what I share in the future!
Scroll down to enjoy these mood boards featuring some of my latest finds below, I hope these give you inspiration today for your own home!
Click here for the above sources
Click here for the above sources
Click here for above sources
Click here for the above sources
Click here for above sources
Click here for above sourcesClick here for the above sources
Click here for above sources
Click here for above sources
See ALL my latest Amazon finds here in my storefront!
…or head to my Shop page here to find sources from my home and more decor from a variety of online sites!Subscribe to my newsletter to receive home inspiration and encouragement right to your inbox! More
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here
I love to play with various textures, shapes and patterns in a room as they add a lot of interest! The scallop has been having a moment in the design world, but of course it’s a classic shape so don’t be hesitant to bring it into your home. The possibilities are endless for how to incorporate them, these days you’ll find scallops on furniture, accessories, dishes, wallpaper, napkins, lampshades, mirror, trim or backsplashes, fabric and linens and more.
Here are some whimsical scalloped design pieces we found online and some inspiration photos below to show you the fun they add to a space!Sources for above:
Scalloped wall mirror
Scalloped pillow sham (color options and comes as duvet as well)
Rattan scalloped pendant light
Scalloped basket
Scalloped seagrass tapered hand-woven lamp shade
Navy pillow with scallop pattern and tassels
Scalloped teak wood round serving board
Scalloped edge planter
Round scalloped bone picture frame
Scallop woven side table
Scallop wooden plant stand
Brass sconce with scalloped shade (also has a woven shade option, and comes as table lamp)
Wicker weave photo frames with scallop edge (set of 2)
Capiz shell scalloped hurricane
Round marble petal shaped scalloped tray
Framed green artwork with scallop waves
White scalloped bone and wood picture frame
Tall scalloped woven basket (great price!)
Scallop edge jute rug (also has a navy trim color option)
Scallop woven tray
Woven scallop baskets (set of 2)
More inspiration for scallop design:More scallop decor (click images below for details) More
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here
Shopping for new things in a store or online can definitely be fun (especially when you’re excited about fall decorating or making your home cozier for winter!) but I think rearranging what you already have can be just as (if not more) rewarding! Do you agree?
If you’re new to decorating, I’m glad you are here to learn. Today I’ll let you in on my favorite decorating tip…a secret decor strategy you may have always wondered about (and I’ll talk a bit about why I moved my blue lamp to this room!)
Of course, if you’re a seasoned decorator, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. And if you’ve been following me for years, you have watched me decorate this way over and over AND OVER AGAIN! It works and it’s fun, too. You’ve seen me decorate this way over time, through makeovers in a variety of rooms, homes, in all of the seasons.When you are new to decorating, you might wonder (like I did years ago) if you have to buy things all the time in order to love your home. Have you wondered how some people’s styles can look so eclectic and unique, while some look almost identical to a few others you’ve seen?
Or maybe you’ve wondered if people have to redecorate to keep up with certain trends. Perhaps you have noticed how some people seem to pull together in room in a hurry without buying anything new. Maybe you (like I did!) wonder how others were able to afford all of that new furniture or decor!
It might seem like it’s all a mystery, or maybe just an endless cycle of spending a fortune is required to decorate or stay in style.
Sometimes people are able to spend a fortune on all new furniture or seasonal decor. It’s true. That’s one way to do it! But those of you who’ve been collecting their furniture or accessories over time know my style secret. Once you go this direction, it not only saves money but gives you a more unique and collected look that can stand the test of time. This secret offers you the opportunity to refresh your home every season without spending a fortune.My secret decorating tip is to collect pieces you love over time. When you decorate this way, it’s fun to update a room even without buying new things because YOU LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE. When you chose wisely to begin with, your look doesn’t go out of style. You get to go shopping in your own home and quite often you’ll find just the right piece to complete a space or decorate for the new season.
And when you don’t have what you need but you have the funds to add to your collection or you find something special enough to buy, you can do that, too! Every time you add a new piece (or several) to what you’ve have collected over the years, you get a fresh updated new look and can quickly pull your home together in any season.
This is precisely what I’ve been doing in our new home, just like I have repeatedly in every home we’ve lived in. Sure, I might buy a new accessory, a rug, or even furniture if the budget allows and right item is discovered. But I also love when I do NOT have to buy something new. I enjoy mixing and matching and rearranging what I have until the room feels right to me.
If I stumble upon something somewhere that I love (or if what I have just does not work well in a new space), then hooray, I thoroughly enjoy adding the new item.
Source: Reversible Blanket on Back of Sofa
As you can see, I moved my blue glass lamp here from my upstairs office. I loved it upstairs (I love it in every room to be honest!), but I wanted a round lamp in this corner. I felt l like it needed a larger round lamp as a statement piece, but something that wouldn’t block the light from the window.
For a week or two I had a beautiful tiffany style lamp sitting there that we’ve had for several decades (and is apparently back in vogue!). We love it, but after living with it in that spot for awhile, I decided I’d like it better in the other corner. (Even if you’re a seasoned decorator, a lot of times decorating involves moving items around until you love them where they are!) So off I went to shop for something in my home that would work.
Turns out, the blue glass lamp was just right! It’s weighty enough to fill some of the space there, but airy enough to allow light and color from the outside window flows through the glass. I do miss this lamp upstairs, but I only have one so this spot took priority!
I bought that lamp on sale a few years ago for my last living room because it just felt like ME. Remember the blue glass lamp I made myself? I feel like blue glass lamps will always work somewhere in my home. Around the same time as the blue lamp was added, I bought this blue rug and now here they are, paired together again.
Buying new things over time expands your options and updates your current look. Pairing things you have collected over time, or with any new item you choose to get, is what creates your unique STYLE!
Do you like to decorate this way, too?
More Inspiration:
How to Decorate a Fall Mantel (Using What You Have)
Favorite Design Books + Video on Finding Your Style
How to Decorate: The Slow Process to a Style You’ll Love
Traditional and Collected Coastal Style: Get the Look
One Essential Decor Element You Probably Need More of In Your Home
The Secret to Finding Your Style and Feeling More at Home Where You Live
4 Important First Steps to Take When Designing a Room
My Decorating and Homemaking BooksCatch up on more posts in our Fall Nesting Series! More