Lessons in Home Updates

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With spending so much more time at home these days, we've been able to think about the way we're using our space and make some updates for some added function + beauty. Here's what we've learned along the way.

Less is More

One of the things I've been wanting to do for awhile is update this entryway space. It's one of the first places you see when you walk in our home and I'm a firm believer in putting your best foot forward.

The piece we had here before was fine but it's not made of real wood so time + having three little boys were starting to show on it plus, it had started to become one big junk drawer.

After finding and refinishing this vintage desk to use as an entryway piece, I knew these Ja Lolla baskets would keep me in check by providing just the right amount of storage for this space.

Lidded to hide anything I don't want to show but still roomy enough be useful, I can think of about 10 more places in my house I could use these.

One of my favorite things to bring into any space I update is plants so this Dip-Dyed Stool was just begging to be plant stand. I love the warmth the mixing of wood tones with the white legs adds, too.

The last thing I brought in was a new entry rug that compliments the space and brings some added texture.

La Jolla Baskets / Dip-Dyed Stool / South Shore Rug

Make Your Decor do Double Duty

There's nothing I love more when decorating than displaying beautiful things that are also useful and functional. I've been slowly updating our kitchen to just decorate with things that I actually use. Pretty jars for salt pinches, vases and pots for herbs, cookbooks alongside cutting boards and serving pieces. So this round marble platter defintely fit the bill. I mean, it had me at marble + brass.

And because it's right there in sight while I'm cooking and prepping, I use it way more! A quick grab to put together a delicious charcuterie or the perfect tabletop centerpiece for any occasion.

Paired with these pretty napkins, it's an entertaining dream team.

Millerton Round Platter / Priano Napkins

Don't be Afraid to make a Statement

I've been waffling with what to do with this wall in our bedroom for years. Nothing has ever felt right until now. It just took seeing this Acadia Stripe wallpaper to give me the inspiration.

Designed as an extension of our closet with a half board + batten wall with hooks, the wallpaper definitely gave it that finishing touch. I fell in love with the classic ticking stripe pattern with a bit of added charm.

We already had everything we needed for this project - using scrap wood pieces, old hooks from our basement, and the same paint we used on the wall so the only thing we had to buy was wallpaper paste. I've always been a little afraid of the commitment of real wallpaper but this pattern makes just the right amount of statement in our room!

Bringing back in the bench that was already in this space and adding in a fresh dose of texture with a new pillow was the perfect finishing touch.

We even had enough wallpaper left over to line this little thrifted bookshelf for my son's room.

Acadia Stripe Wallpaper / Ashby Pillow Cover

We've been in this home 4 years and have taken our time in making it our own. It's a craftsman style home with lots of cottage-y details like arched doorways and window seats and a big fieldstone fireplace so I love to try to match it's style and charm with anything I do. Home takes time but these little updates are getting us one step closer.