UPDATING A ROOM WITH ACCESSORIES

UPDATING A ROO WITH ACCESSORIES- Easy and practically ways to keep your home looking stylish and fresh

Have you ever walked into a room in your home and thought to yourself… This room is looking a little tired? A little dated? I sure have!!!! Is there a room in your home that has lost its luster? Eventually, our once I-just-have-to-have-it home furnishings will become outdated and even a little worse for wear! It’s just a fact of life. Like shoes wearing out and gum losing its flavor! Things don’t last forever… not even home furnishings! You don’t have to makeover an entire room when  a room starts getting a little drab! You just have to know how to update it. What to keep and what to say good-bye to. Let’s talk about updating a room with accessories!

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UPDATING A ROO WITH ACCESSORIES- Easy and practically ways to keep your home looking stylish and fresh

Today is PRACTICALLY SPEAKING. It’s time to talk about home decorating in sensible and straightforward ways!

I think one of the biggest reasons many home decorators get frustrated with their homes is they tend to decorate them and then think they are “done”!  The real truth is… we are never done! We may have found the perfect paint colors and rugs. We may have the most beautiful sofa or side tables but e-v-e-n-t-u-a-l-l-y, if you are blessed to live long enough, styles will change, things wear out and stuff will break down. And many of us are shocked that we don’t love the room that once made us sigh every time we stepped into it! 

UPDATING A ROO WITH ACCESSORIES- Easy and practically ways to keep your home looking stylish and fresh

 

Just think about your wardrobe. Are you wearing the same dress, pants, coats, etc that you did 20 years ago? Most of us would say no! Why? Because styles change, things wear out and stuff will break down! Home decor is no different! 

Everything has a lifecycle. Even things we have in our home! And everything can be made better!

Let’s say you have a great black dress. But it’s not this year’s style. Would you throw it away if it’s still in good shape and looks nice on you? No! But you might add a great new scarf in a trendy pattern to update it. Or pair your dress with a darling just-now booties! Or add a stunning wrap or jean jacket or sweater. 

UPDATING A ROO WITH ACCESSORIES- Easy and practically ways to keep your home looking stylish and fresh

 

We need to be practical and honest and sensible about the homes we live in. If we want to live in the nicest home we can (without getting too crazy about this) we should be changing accessories to update our homes now and then.

I have found the best way to keep a room “fresh” and updated is to buy classic big pieces of furniture, like sofas and chairs and dining tables, that will look in style for years and change up our room with accessories.

UPDATING A ROO WITH ACCESSORIES- Easy and practically ways to keep your home looking stylish and fresh

Oh, I’d love to have that geometric gray and citron yellow chair I’ve been crushing on, but I know that I’d love it for a year or two and then say to myself one day… WHAT WAS I THINKING! Better to buy a classic chair and put a gorgeous gray and citron yellow ikat pillow on it instead! Changing out a pillow makes much more sense than changing out a chair. And it’s much more economical!

We should love our homes and enjoy life in them. We should be grateful for what we have! And we should be creative in making our homes the best they can be! 

But one thing we should not be is “done”! Updating our homes with great accessories is the way to keep them current and stylish!

UPDATING A ROO WITH ACCESSORIES- Easy and practically ways to keep your home looking stylish and fresh

Easy accessories for updating your home…

  • lamps
  • curtains
  • art
  • rugs
  • flowers
  • candles and candleholders
  • throws
  • poufs
  • trinket boxes
  • orbs
  • garden stools
  • dishes (yes, get them out of the kitchen and decorate!)
  • new bedding
  • vases, ginger jars, olive jars
  • baskets
  • books 
  • plants
  • posters

These items can be purchased at a reasonable price or repurposed into something that is one-of-a-kind. You might even have an accessory in one room that would look better and freshen up another!

UPDATING A ROO WITH ACCESSORIES- Easy and practically ways to keep your home looking stylish and fresh

Just one or two trendy or updated accessories make the biggest difference in a room! Like a breath of fresh air!

You might like to follow me on Pinterest and see what I’m finding to pin every day HERE.

UPDATING A ROOM WITH ACCESSORIES- Easy and practically ways to keep your home looking stylish and fresh

 

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165 Comments

  1. Mary Beth Johnson says:

    Always on the outlook for the little touches that make such a difference in a room….just what it needs to POP again!

  2. Marie Fritz says:

    Love, love, love accessories! They brighten up a room and make such conversation pieces. I love all things English and I try to use accessories in different ways – a silver teapot for flowers; a toast rack to hold letters or postcards. Great post!

  3. I just ordered new pillows and valance for my living room yesterday! I was feeling the same about that room! I loved your pictures and validation that we all go through that!

  4. Lisa Cooper says:

    I love looking for inexpensive, small changes that I can make to my decor. You can do so much, with so little.

  5. Anne Marie says:

    Great post – very thought provoking.

  6. Mary Ford says:

    Thanks for the reminder to purchase classic furniture……it’s so tempting to update with trendy pieces. It’s easy and quick but not the best move. Your photos help SO much. I so wish I had your talent!

  7. I love the look of all your rooms! I’ve always purchased classic furniture of the highest quality but now that I’m in my sixties and on a fixed income, styles have changed drastically and I can’t just afford to give my furniture away and buy the painted, lighter colored furniture so in fashion today. I’m always searching for ways to add a new look to my home that complements the traditional, traditional cherry furnishings and antiques, yet adds a young, fresh flair to the room. I always took pride on my decorating sense but do admit that I’m having a very difficult time combining the old with the new without spending a fortune. My problem seems to be that I truly like what I have and I’m told told that my rooms are beautiful, but I still feel hopelessly outdated. Thinking of buying a new lamp to replace a gorgeous Steifel, aged- brass table lamp with something new (and maybe a new end table). I don’t see many lamps featured in magazines or online any longer … (for that matter, an end table on the end of a sofa seems out of fashion now too). Could I get some opinions on this please?

    1. Hi Karen, I’d start with pillows. Also if you love your Steifel lamp, how about a new lamp shade that is a little more modern? There are so so many inexpensive options on line for adding accessories and even things like end tables to freshen up a room. I’ll search the web and come up with some great options and post them in a “get the look” for this post.

      1. I so look forward to reading your suggestions for this decor question. I too am in my 60s and have a houseful of beautiful mahogany furniture. It’s starting to feel dark and heavy although I’m trying to lighten things up with lamps, accessories and neutral linen upholstery. I love my home and the furnishings (very traditional) but need to infuse with newer fresher appeal. Thanks Yvonne for such a great blog. I read it daily for inspiration!! Regards, Cindy Prehn

        1. Hi Cindy & Karen: I’m in my 70’s and am lucky, I guess, in that I never went for a lot of the more formal wood furniture; buying instead a few glass topped tables, and painted pieces. My sofas are classic; I had them re-upholstered two years ago and they still look current.

          You know what I think really helps a room, is an inexpensive piece of abstract art. I’m referring to pieces I see at Home Sense(Home Goods in USA) then you haven’t spent a lot of money! Just one piece of modern art can add that element of surprise and really bring a room into today! Then pick a color in that art, buying cushions/pillows that repeat it or buy a nice bowl or vase or throw.

          Here’s an anology … Back in the 50’s, a woman would NEVER wear a sequinned top with jeans because one was formal and one was casual. Nowadays, it’s done. It’s the unexpected. Likewise, think of a room like that.

    2. Kddomingue says:

      I agree. Don’t buy a new lamp! Just purchase a new shade for it and that should do the trick. I think that it’s delightful that you made such wonderful choices in your furnishings and decor that you’re still in love with them after all these years! Getting rid of them would be on par with dumping a perfectly good husband of 30 years that you love for a newer, younger model just because he’s newer and younger, lol! Just buy the old hub’s a new shirt……and the old lamp a new shade!

  8. Candy J Weiford says:

    The smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

  9. Your suggestions are practical and economical. Start with classic large pieces and update with smaller , trendier pieces. You can also use smaller seasonal pieces to freshen up a room.

  10. I love the idea of a neutral, classic “canvas” of big elements that can be switched around seasonally or periodically with accessories. What held me back for years (besides money!) was perfectionism–fear of making mistakes. Finally I’m learning it’s okay to experiment, and doing so with accessories is the best way to start.

  11. Denise Moraris says:

    I so agree! We have been in our home for 14 years and I have started to update. I love your site keeps me thinking!
    Thanks Denise

  12. Joyce Kennard says:

    Yvonne, I totally agree with what you are saying. When I take something from being hidden in one room to another one and the children come in the comment is “Oh, pretty when did you get that?” Noticed again, lol Sometimes I set up a card table and gather a lot of extras from the cabinets on it and let it sit a day or so, then go shopping. You see everything from a different prospective a couple days later. Have a great day

  13. Omg your home is like a designers paradise. TRULY beautiful.I’ve been following you on your blog for a couple of years. NOW and I love your blog your home is amazingly beautiful. ..I love your displays. And your creativity. Love, love ,love.

  14. Marie in VA says:

    Accessorizing is the hardest part for me- I always feel that my room is too plain or too cluttered. I love your simple neutral palette. Your design ideas get my creative juices going! 🙂

    1. Hi Marie: i THINK it was Coco Chanel who said: put on all your accessories then before you leave the house, start taking off piece by piece. I’m not sure if this is helpful or not but on an end table, I usually only have three accessories but if a piece is large, I may count the lamp as “one” so will only add two more items. It’s very hard to explain. If stack two or three books together with say an unusual rock on top, that still counts as “one piece” because it’s all connected/joined. I then may add a nice bowl or vase. On a coffee table, I may have many items because the table is larger but will “contain” those items on a tray. I then MAY count the tray as ONE item, then add a stack of books as another item outside of the tray then a large hurricane or lantern. That then equals three items to me. I hope this makes sense. In closing, I must say I ALWAYS keep function uppermost in mind because there has to be places on which a guest can place their drink or appetizer plate.

  15. Making a few changes in accessories can make a room look completely different. Interesting post.

  16. Joyce Kennard says:

    Oh Yvonne, guess what is for dinner tonight at our house. StoneGable Slow Cooker Chile, dated Nov. 20, 2011 (On the Menu). Love to go back to your old post. So interesting to look back and see how your style has changed. My inspiration for the day.

  17. Always looking for ways to freshen things up!

  18. I am a fresh flower kinda girl. Easy peasy with fresh flowers/greens from Trader Joe’s. Some bouquets are as little a s$1.99 – totally doable. They can immediate change a droopy room to fresh and happy with a touch of color and fragrance.

  19. Accessories are a must and changing the seasons helps me. I can always bring in some new color or paint something to add color. Your ideas always give me inspiration.

  20. Theresa Palm says:

    Words of wisdom Yvonne! I love your comparison on home decor to fashion. I never thought of it that way. It’s so true!
    I just love to visit local thrift stores and find treasurer’s that I can refinish to make them mine and bring them into this decade?

  21. Pamela Richards says:

    I love all of your ideas. We just moved to our home a year ago and I am starting completely over after 28 years living in the same house. My new style is Transitional Coastal and I am constantly trying to find accessories to make my rooms look classy and not too over the top “beachy”.

  22. Sandra Barnhart says:

    I love to use something I already have in another room saves money and gives it a different look.

  23. Susan Kistler says:

    I’ve always been a strong color person- deep reds, navy blues but it’s been hard to figure out the right combinations! So to tone it down with the big items in neutrals gives me a lot more flexibility and freshness0 only took 54 years and blogs to figure it out! Love your beautiful home!

  24. Marilyn Soto says:

    Thanks for saying youre never done decorating. I feel the same way and looking back at some of my decor “blunders” ___it’s a good thing I wasn’t done . Little changes can keep the room alive and constantly evolving .

  25. I agree that changing up accessories gives a whole new prospective to a room! Thanks for the great ideas!

  26. Very nice post. It’s not in most family budgets to buy new furniture, draperies, rugs, etc. to update or change the decor of the home or even one room. But accessories can help “refresh” any room, and you have done a great job in your gorgeous home.

    1. You are right! But take a look at curtains and rugs again. Some are beautiful and quite reasonable!

  27. So smart to change accessories to freshen rooms!

  28. Mary Pickett says:

    I love accessorizing. I am always changing up.
    You have so many great ideas.

  29. Hi Yvonne..thanks for another Great post…I tend to over accessorize …your blog today helps to keep me editing my decor accessories. I love a cleaner pared down look….you help me to be intentional in every aspect of decorating ! your suggestion for transitional decorating is spot on ………….Smiles…..Anne

    1. I know what you mean about over accessorizing Anne, I am the embellishing queen! I’ve had to edit-edit-edit!

  30. It is always fun to change out accessories to update a room. Even just moving things around makes a difference. You always inspire me !

  31. Kittyluvr says:

    Great post today!! Having just redone my den due to a flood, I am not in the ‘changing seasons” transition for the first time..and it’s so easy following your advice…I am changing seasonal pillow covers, candles in winter fragrances and winter type accessories…my furniture stays the same….now I am applying your advice to the other rooms as well..and my front porch!

    1. Oh, Kitty! I am so sorry about the destruction in your home. God bless you! I hope you have rebuilt and are enjoying decorating!

  32. I’m totally crushing on that pom-pom pillow:) And one of these days I’m going to try to “reproduce” that little chest you have in there! I have always loved that thing:) I’m just trying to figure out if I actually want to adhere fabric to the drawer fronts, or make the paint look like that…one of these days:)

    1. Cindy, make sure you send me an image when you figure out the curlacue chest. You are so so creative!

  33. Linda Lubach says:

    Very timely, I am going for new lampshades today. Thank you!

  34. This post is spot on! Thanks to blogs like yours, I am learning! And getting better at accessorizing, styling, etc. I love the look of layered accessories and the warmth they can convey in a room. I am decorating a blank slate, having been in my new home for less than a year. I completely changed decorating direction with this house and I’m loving the change. Your home is stunning and so inspiring!!

  35. Your home is so beautiful. I really like your color palette. I would love to know where you found your clock. It would be the perfect addition to my home. Faithful follower

  36. Great post, Yvonne. I love your throw pillows especially the one with big Pom poems.

  37. I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who feels the need to regularly change up my decor to keep it fresh. Thanks for all the beautiful new ideas that you share everyday!

  38. love the way you’ve hung your drapes in the dining room! I’m a big “show off your window, let the outside in” kinda girl.
    and from one teacher to another: teacher, teacher pick me!! lol

  39. I am going through deleting and adding bits and pieces right now, it is time consuming as it take time to look/shop However the results always cause me to say ” why did I not do it before ” or what was I thinking ”
    Once again you have read my mind, how do you that ??

    1. Keep practicing! I love to work and rework things! Practice makes you a better decorator!

  40. I love to change out accessories! My gf laughs at me all the time, but it’s what I do! I can’t wait until my sofa and love seat wear out! When I bought it, I was more into Tuscan style, but now I am trying to blend farmhouse into it. It’s very dark and very ornate, so slipcovers won’t work! Working with what I have though….for now!

  41. Love your house. Is there a rule (other than odd number) of what should be on an end table? Mine are very small 13×19. Maybe I need new ones!!

    1. Odd numbers are more pleasing on the eye. But you need to decorate with what works for you! Maybe a lamp and one great item that can stand on its own. How about something architectural.

  42. Love accessorizing,sometimes I’m a bit heavy handed.
    You can shop your own home and find new places for
    old things which makes them seem new again.Also spray
    paint is my friend,gives items new life.Moving from NJ
    to Fl a year ago,I’m trying to use what I have and make
    everything fit and look right,not so easy ! I agree staying
    classic never goes out of style.

  43. Dawne Marie says:

    Lovely! As usual. Loving the Pom Pom pillow. You give me inspiration! Truly appreciate your blog.

  44. Kim Evanston says:

    The 3-tiered end table is a unique and beautiful piece.

    1. I also am admiring that table. Where did you find it?!

    2. Hi Kim and Wendy. Unfortunately, I think this is a one-of-a-kind piece. I found it at a Vintage shop. It didn’t even have a price tag on it and I picked it up to buy it. THANK GOODNESS it was quite reasonable. But sometimes you know a good thing when you see it!

  45. Your home is beautiful and you get me motivated to decorate! I’m in a new house and mixing in the new with the old, not everything fits from one house to the other so new accessories keeps it updated and pretty. I really like the picture above your couch with the white houses, do you mind telling where did it came from?

  46. Once I have my main basics, like couch, end tables,which takes a long time to really make sure this it it, small touches make a world of difference. I don’t want to get overloaded felling cluttered.

  47. Yvonne, thank you for this very timely post! Just this week I mentioned wanting to replace a 12-year old centerpiece with something more current. Hubby said – I thought you liked it – well, yes I DID. It has sentimental value but it’s dated. You also hit home with the Hummels! They are in the China cabinet. What to do, what to do…..

    1. I do find something sorta sad about beautiful collections (like Hummels and other collectibles) that are no longer in style and have greatly devalued. These things find their worth not in how much money we can get for them but how many years we have enjoyed them and how they have enriched our lives. I have an older relative that has extensive collections like hummels and lladro and custom made dolls, etc that none of her children want. What a good lesson! We need to collect what we love but they should never be counted as an “investment” or something that someone else would love too.

      1. My sister and brother in law were huge collectors. She had over 200 dolls, Capodimonte floral pieces, miniature Chinese vases (and way more) and he, tons of cars, a store mannequin, real barbershop chair, jukebox and on and on, it went! Their son can’t even give it away now – no one wants it! It’s just so sad to me as I remember them excitedly showing me their acquisitions each time I visited them.

    2. I hope I don’t offend, Terry, as this is far from my intent, but my advice is to gently and safely pack it away for now and look at ONLY what you like. You have to love what you are surrounded with, otherwise, you get dragged down by these possessions. They start possessing you. I lost well over 50% of my sight when I was 39 and the remaining is precarious and very precious to me. I now only live with, and look at, what brings me pleasure! Go for it! 🙂

  48. Always full of great ideas! Thank you!

  49. Shelby Moyer says:

    Love all of this!

  50. Being on a tight decorating budget, I have a hard time coming up with the extra money to do these updates. My throw pillows were OLD and looking like it, but I knew replacing all of them just wasn’t feasible. I began dropping in at our local thrift store. There are numerous stores that donate brand new throw pillows. I’d been blessed before finding some of these treasures, so I began praying that God would provide once again. A couple of weeks ago I stopped in and found 3 new pillows in the shades that I was hoping for. It cost $7.00 for them. I still needed a couple more pillows, but one of my pillows worked with these, so I did have enough for the sofa, but not the chairs. Early the next week, I felt a desire to stop in again to see if there had been more but perhaps they hadn’t been put out yet due to space constraints. Sure enough, I found two more pillows that tied in perfectly. I was able to buy those for $3.00 because one of them had a flaw. I truly feel that inner voice was from the Holy Spirit. I’m so grateful that God doesn’t think my need for new throw pillows was too minor for Him to provide for me.

  51. I like Joyce K’s idea about putting all the candidates on a table and shop from that. When I change from Fall to winter in 3 weeks, I will do that with both seasonal & nonseasonal doodads. When I put seasonal items away, I cull out the tired, used too many years in a row, etc BEFORE I store.

  52. Great ideas, Yvonne! I, too, love the three-tiered coffee table. Where do you find those?

    1. Hi Alyce, This pretty, unique table came from a Vintage shop. I think someone made it. I’m hoping to see one “on the market someday”!

  53. Kddomingue says:

    Tastes change over the years. In my 20s, I was happy decorating in a country farmhouse floral fashion that morphed over the decades into a much simpler style…….less stuff, less visual clutter, tone on tone patterns instead of busy florals. It’s fun to look back over almost four decades of decorating and study the evolution of my style. Oddly enough, my style in regards to clothing has changed very little. Simple, classic, unfussy lines in solid colors with a little bling and color coming from accessories. Lol! Should have dressed my house the same way I dressed myself and I’d have found my decorating sweet spot a lot sooner!

    1. lol!!!! I think we should all take a look in our closets and see what we are wearing. It gives us such a good glimpse into our home decor style!

  54. Martha Durick says:

    I agree with all these ideas. We have four very distinct seasons here and I find that it is essential not to have wintery accessories in spring etc so I have four sets of throws etc. I can afford this by shopping wisely at charity shops and sales. A hobby I enjoy is finding a bargain!

  55. Mary Chris says:

    great ideas. Can’t wait for the holiday decorating.

  56. I am in the market for a large wall clock too. The one you have looks great! Do you remember where you got yours?
    Your house is beautiful and always looks perfect!

    1. Hi Judy, The clock came from Ballard Designs. Good eye. I think this updated clock really change the look of my entire living room!

      1. Oh Yvonne, I fell in love when I saw your large clock above the fireplace. I searched and found it on Ballards. I just received it the other day ~~ it’s still in the box ~~ I will get it out this wseekend
        and I hope it will fit over my fireplace also, but if not I have another spot in mind.

  57. Valerie Tingley says:

    The living room is the first space you see when you enter our home and it has looked the same for a very LONG time. I recently took your pillow advice and changed things up (and rearranged the furniture). Today, after reading you blog, I will be redoing the accessories! I plan to “shop” the rest of my home first and then go pick up something green and living to finish it off. I can’t wait to see the change!

  58. This past year I’ve developed a passion for milkglass–and other white dishes as well, and I began to collect them from several sources. I have a goodly assortment now with milkglass tucked in amongother complementary pieces on my shelves and other places where I decorate. On the balance, I love its elegant white look! Meanwhile, I’ve tried to balance the mid-century milkglass with more contemporary items: baskets, crocheted throws, seasonal pillows and wreaths, and even a book wreath I made as a DIY project.

    But again, milkglass is mid-century, not contemporary. We had friends over for dinner recently and one of them asked me if my milkglass collection displayed on a small open hutch belonged to my mother–a definite nod to the age of milkglass. My question is, Yvonne, how can I keep my decorating fresh and attractive with mid-century collections? Do I need to hide some of my milkglass away in closed cupboards or is okay to display it as long as I strike a balance with more contemporary items?

    As always, I love your inspiration that keeps me on my decorating toes. The photos of your home are also so enjoyable. Thanks for all you do on this blog.

    1. My girlfriend (whose a fabulous decorator and artist) puts hers on a shelf in the kitchen where she can see and enjoy it everyday. It may get a bit dusty but so what – a soak in some sudsy water then it’s clean again. Sometimes she puts it on a shelf above her kitchen doorway.

    2. Oh no Sydell! Milk glass is gorgeous!And if you love it show it off! You can mix milk glass with small decorative orbs or use burlap books to give some a little height. How about putting a collection of silver spoons in some of them?

      1. Joyce Kennard says:

        Scored here, lol I have milk glass cream and sugar with silver spoons in them on a small china cabinet. Learned from who, Yvonne of course, lol

  59. I agree with you 100%. My problem is I want to change too often! I see something I love, but really don’t need it. Thanks for this helpful information.

  60. So true. I still love my neutral sofa and love seat and changing out pillows makes a big impact. Also newer style lamp shades with the same lamp base I,ve had for along time. Thanks for the great ideas!

  61. Great post Yvonne! I love all your pictures and more and more I am seeing neutral upholstery pieces in magazines and other blogs where the accessories bring the room together. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that because I’m use to pattern on the sofas I use to have as well as my chairs. I am however in the market for new upholstery and I think it’s time to start a picture collage of what I like from your blog and my fav magazines. I’m drawn to have more color and that is the upholstery that pops when I shop…however I am also in my early 60’s (it’s great that so many of us are claiming our age):) and know that I just can’t switch things out like I use to with major purchases. Keep the great ideas coming – LOVE YOUR BLOG.

  62. My problem is that I’ll spot an item in a magazine that I immediately love and before it hits the shelves. Because I love it, I will go to great trouble to locate it. However, due to Pinterest, magazines, etc., about five months down the road, I’m seeing that “rare item” being featured everywhere. 🙁 Then I’m sad (and annoyed too) because what I had was unique and different … and now, it suddenly, is everywhere!!! It’s then become too popular and in everyones’ homes and I no longer like it. The “uniqueness” is gone.

    Does that make sense to other readers? It’s like hunting and finding a very cool dress pattern, buying the fabric, making it then half a year later, that dress is being shown (and worn) everywhere!! I like buying the “unusual” but sadly, it rapidly becomes the “usual”!

    1. GwenCondit says:

      Elaine I think the trick to being “unusual” is in the display. Example, what you surround that unusual couch with and the rug under it. It will make it still very unique to you. In a way it is a compliment to your good taste and ability to spot what others would also like. Too bad you aren’t a buyer for a local furniture/boutique store!!!! You have a gift!!!

    2. I too hate hunting down the perfect item and then later seeing it everywhere I look! But I find a lot of times one can buy original art at shows at about the same price as framed prints or giclee copies. Add some other handcrafted unique items, or make them yourself, and you can update your look in the current style with your own personal twist without looking like everyone else.

  63. Kathy Strawn says:

    I am with Karen………and enjoyed your reply. I have been following you on Pinterest and Facebook and wherever you pop up. I enjoy recycling and end up with accessories in similar pallets but everything seems to work. Love everything on your blogs. Thanks for all of your awesome advice and tips and keep them coming.

  64. Keeps things interesting & refreshing when minor changes are made. After 40 decades of marriage, the only furniture we bought as newly weds & still have is a classic mahogany bedroom set. Everything else has been replaced through out the years as styles changed as well as our tastes in home furnishings. Thanks for sharing “practical” ways for readers to enjoy our homes.

  65. Hi Yvonne, I love all your posts as they are such eye candy and full of ideas! I few years ago I decided to go with a PB white slipcovered sofa and chairs ~~ The best move I have ever made. I can easily change out the seasons or just change colors for fun, by changing out pillows and accessories. I feel like a free spirit knowing I can work any color or pattern in that I want. I have recently changed over a bedroom to all white and can change it up with accessories, pillows or quilts/comforters. I have so enjoyed how you accessorize your accessories with natural materials and with dishes etc. Please keep passing on your wonderful suggestions and ideas! Have an awesome weekend!

  66. Your blog is always a blessing, as are the thoughts of your many readers. They, too, offer insightful decor
    suggestions.

  67. Great advice Yvonne. Several years back we purchased some new larger pieces that would make changing out accessories easier. I love neutral furnishings and walls for this very reason.

  68. Carol Ann says:

    This post is right on! My biggest problem is that I now live with my 94-year old mother in “her” home and she has the same stuff sitting around that she got 30 years ago. And since change is very difficult for an older person, it’s hard for me to make even subtle changes. (Same thing with her clothes, but that’s another story)! LOL

    I do find that shopping in my own home (oops, her home), that I find unusual and unique items to display — so I am very carefully suggesting that her lovely blue and white dishes would look great on display in the kitchen. Letting her know that I love them (and I know she does too) has enabled me to make some changes in the kitchen decor. She is even now thinking that the kitchen needs to be repainted – and idea I suggested a while back — it’s like “planting a seed of though” and then letting it take root in her mind.

    So, my decorating challenge is hoe to help someone see things with a new vision. Any suggestions? Thanks for the wonderful post as usual, Yvonne!

    1. Carol Ann, sounds like you are doing a beautiful job helping your aging mother find beauty in the things she loves! I think you are just amazing and gracious! Hugs to you from StoneGable!

      1. Carol Ann says:

        Thank you… would you believe I got very brave last night after Mother went to bed… I “went shopping around the house” and ended up changing the look of her coffee table (a huge 44×4′ hand carved teak favorite she brought back from Malaysia). She got up this morning and immediately spotted the changes (I just HAD to add some color and height). Guess what??? She loves it!
        Guess I’ll be doing most of my decorating at midnight! LOL

  69. Shelley Anderson says:

    I have to shop my home every 4-6 months or rearrange what’s in a room to give it an uplift. When I do this I also seem to be interested in cleaning that room better to make it look new and fresh again. It gives you new energy in your home. Shelley

  70. I’m always looking for ways to update our rooms. I too have found that pillows or a new lamp shade helps to change the room a lot without spending so much. I am in the process of changing out the curtains and wall décor in our family room and I’m getting really excited to see the finish.

  71. Elizabeth says:

    Great post about how to change things up in your house. My house is always a work in progress, but because I can’t seem to find the right look for my home. I do love your mill-work on your walls and ceiling. Beautiful!!

  72. GwenCondit says:

    I like this post too. Thank you

  73. Lori Lockwood says:

    To keep things moving in my house, I have a friend with a great eye come and shop my house!! What she can do with the pieces I have is amazing

  74. pamela Lepage says:

    Great post and I kinda of do that with the little things like a pillow or new bath towels.
    Big Hugs.

  75. Your room looks so pretty . I love the animal rug…

  76. I have old home which needs much in the way of updating, but until that happens, I’m using your ideas and suggestions to make the interior homey, comfortable, and pretty. I have combined several of your ideas with “farm/antique” style and love it. Keep posting!

  77. Joanne B. says:

    We ARE our own worst enemies! We are constantly inundated with blogs that subconsciously talk us into constantly needing to change our homes up and shake things up! It’s hard to compete with blogs that probably get a lot of free products to work with. It can leave us deflated thinking our own homes don’t stack up. I have found that if I take a photo of my rooms I can really “see” how they look and compare my space to what is on the internet. More times than none I am pleasantly surprised to see that my home looks pretty nice too! Your suggestions are good ones but I think we really do ‘know’ when something is dated and needs to go and be updated but we need to stop and think before we change something we have always loved jus for the sake of change. I really don’t care who thinks my home is on trend or not- I am my own worst critic and if I love it, it stays!

  78. I have trouble being too sentimental and not switching out my accessories. This article has given me inspiration.

  79. I love changing my accessories around and moving things from one room to another. I live near a pottery barn outlet, TJ Maxx and Target. They are my go to stores for new updates. Too bad my husband does not understand my need to update and refresh!!

  80. I agree so much. I love changing items around in different rooms. Changes things up. Also I love the new pillow covers I’m buying a little at a time. You can store these so easily and have a change for all the seasons.

  81. Yvonne,
    Great tips for refreshing our homes… and a great analogy to compare updating houses like updating wardrobes. The Practically Speaking series is an excellent source for good, down-to-earth ideas.

    Judith

  82. I;m not sure change is always needed especially if you start with things you love.

  83. genie steger says:

    Loved all the ideas and comments…..I was challenged when I got remarried 6 years ago and my new husband moved to my house…I wanted him to feel at home and he had handsome traditional caramel leather furniture and a heavy looking teak bar and I had lovely yellow and blue toile furniture and a beloved hutch, well my furniture went on the big red truck to GA to my son’s house…It took me 4 years to figure how to make everything work, the leather although comfortable is heavy looking and the bar had a teak oriental carving that just didn’t go with a small cottage, I knew right away a a very very pale green would be better than the gold walls with the couches, I turned the bar around so the cubbies showed and I made new covers for the pillows with some green and blue paisley and some other green and blue prints and it looks so much better with all my blue and white porcelain lamps etc.

  84. Karen Webster says:

    Such great ideas Yvonne. So pretty, so fresh. Karen

  85. Joan Moore says:

    So very true! Having just downsized from my home of 30 years, I am finding that I need some refreshing new accessories! Thank you for this timely post.

  86. Always love it when you refresh your interiors moving around and/or adding accessories. Love doing that too. I did it so often especially when I was very young and on a tight budget. Made me feel as if I was in a new room!
    Have a great weekend Yvonne!

  87. Thank you for this article! I’m in the process of restyling my home and your suggestions helped a lot!!

  88. Sherry Pelle says:

    I love to accessorize! Like you say it’s very practical and more affordable!! I love all of your tips Yvonne!

  89. Dawn Turner says:

    Love your updates and that you shared how to do it with us! Beautiful touches that lift not only the room but lift us up also. Thank you!

  90. I agree about having classic furniture and changing accessories. I have learned a lot from your blog! Love it!

  91. Thank you for the tips.
    I love the lampshade on your dining room chandelier.

  92. Good morning! Updating with accessories is the way to go!
    I occasionally browse in stores like Home Goods but I prefer
    one of a kind items that I find at consignment shops or antique
    stores. That is where I find unique treasures for my home and
    it’s such a fun adventure!!
    Great post and your home is lovely!

  93. Ann Black says:

    I so agree with this post! I keep telling my husband we cannot look dated and out of style. Your house and environment lend a lot to how you feel in your home. That is your safe place to fall in this world and should make you feel great! Thanks for sharing all of your ideas without breaking the bank.

  94. How nice would it be to “re-do” every 10 years or so. Iam a frustrated designer and get bored with the same old look…now if only my husband was on the same page! I will replace lampshades. Accessories, etc. or just move them around for a new look.
    You have such a marvelous look in your home. Again, thank you for all of your great tips!

  95. Lynne Greenwell says:

    LOVE your style!!! Question….what are the 3 white dishwear type items with little knobs that you have hanging on your wall in one of your photos??

    I’m looking forward to following you on Pinterest ❤️

    1. Hi Lynne, They are tureen lids and chamber pot lids I use as decor.

  96. I adore your decorating style….thanks for all the ideas! Also, love your “I am His” sign in the dining room!!

  97. I love this! I am going to show this to my husband as he thinks I change things up all the time.

  98. Thanks for all your ideas. I enjoy changing my accessories with each season to keep by basic pieces looking fresh.

  99. Debi Day Foley says:

    I am always on the lookout for new accessories to freshen up my rooms. Thank you for all your ideas.

  100. Lanita Anderson says:

    I always love to see how you use accessories in your room decorations – you have such a great eye for detail and I always enjoy seeing your ideas. I have to admit, I’ve “copied” a few, too! 🙂 Thanks for sharing…..

  101. Sherri S.. says:

    Yes…yes and YES! I have been walking into a couple room’s in my home and feeling that they need “refreshing”. So glad for this helpful post!

    Blessings…
    Sherri

  102. Oh, Im never done!
    I still remember when you added the zebra rug. It grounded everything in your room

  103. The “pop” from the black end table is just perfect in my opinion!

  104. I am learning so much from your blog and the comments . Love the “I AM HIS”sign in your dining room, also. Thank you!

  105. I totally agree with you. Updating accessories or even moving things around from one room to another can make a huge difference. I love your style!

  106. I love to change up my accessories. I got some new curtains for my living room and they make such a difference. I enjoy seeing them every time that I walk into that room.

  107. Valerie Tingley says:

    I can’t wait to bring in a few new accessories I got as gifts this Christmas in to my home!

  108. Your rooms are gorgeous. Love what you did, as always, you excellently work.

  109. I need to take you shopping with me!

  110. I wanted to get a different look. I love old and vintage pieces. I think they are so elegant. And I love everything you do. Totally awesome. Thank you for sharing.

  111. I took your advice & changed 2 entire rooms around: the morning room became the dining room and the dining room an expansion of the family room living area ( using the morning room furniture); just to accommodate a large family Christmas gathering– best ideaever! We could all dine together since morning room is next to kitchen eating area — then we had room to all open gifts in the larger combined family room/dining area!

  112. Angela Thompson says:

    My favorite way to change rooms is to change the accessories. I’ve been changing rooms since I was 10 yrs. old. I use different colored placemats in the kitchen and match accessories to their color. I use a lot of greens and as you mentioned, take things from one room and use in another. I love your rug in the dining area, by the way. It helps bring out the other colors.

  113. Hi Yvonne, I love your living room, can you share where you got your tall three tiered stand being used as a side table? Thanks!! Mary

  114. Beautiful. So well done.

  115. I love your blog! Your decorating style is wonderful and gives me so many great ideas! Thank you!!!

  116. The more I read of your blogs, the more I find you are AWESOME! =) Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with your readers!!