You Don’t Need New Things: How to Decorate Beautifully with What You Already Have

Have you ever stood in your living room and thought this room needs something, but your budget says differently? If you have, you are not alone! I’ve been there more times than I can count and love a good refresh. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years, your room doesn’t need something new. It just needs a fresh set of eyes.

Next time this happens, and before you head to the store, I want to challenge you to try something first. What if everything you need to make your home beautiful is already at home, just waiting to be seen differently? Today I’m sharing the simple ways I refresh my home without spending a dime, and I think it just might change the way you look at your space.

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Before You Styling Anything, Edit!

This is such an important step and one many of us neglect to do. It truly does make all the difference. Before you move a single thing, grab a laundry basket (Yes, that’s right…a laundry basket) and walk through your room. Pull out anything that looks tired, out of place or something that you just stopped loving. This step doesn’t mean you have to get rid of it, just get it out of the room. What’s left is your starting point and you’ll be amazed at how much lighter your room looks and how intentional it feels. Sometimes less does feel like more!

Shop Your Own Home First

If you’ve been reading here awhile, you know this is something I always do. Whether I’m setting a table, have the itch to purchase something new, I shop my own home first. You’d be amazed how different items look when placed in a new room. A vase tucked away in the basement maybe a fabulous new look on your dining table. Previously used bedding or sheets stashed in your linen closet could be the refresh you’ve been searching for.

I do this every single season before I spend a dime. Nine times out of ten I find things that I forgot I even had. I promise, your home is full of good things and sometimes they just need a new address.

Move the Furniture

To some of you, moving the furniture may sound like a lot of work. But hear me out! Simply changing the layout of a room can make it feel completely new, and it costs nothing but a little effort. Try floating your sofa away from the wall, move a chair from one space to another, or swap the rug from one room into another and see what happens. Sometimes removing just one piece of furniture opens a space up in a way you never expected. I have rearranged rooms more times than I can remember, and it never gets old. A fresh arrangement gives you a whole new perspective!

I moved the chair below, from next to the fireplace in my living room, into our home office. The chair changed from a fireside cozy spot to a functual office accent. It really gave the office a different feel and I love it there. I recently added an oblong pillow from my stash and it now looks new and amazing.

Think About It: What’s one piece in your living room that might love a new life in your bedroom or office?

The Art of a Vignette

I love styling a good vignette and this is where the magic happens, friends! A vignette is simply a small, intentional grouping of objects and it’s one of the easiest ways to make your home feel styled and pulled together. Try a stack of books, some candle holders, or a small plant. Every grouping needs an anchor, something a little taller or larger to ground the whole thing. Work with what you already own and start playing. You’ll be amazed at what you can create!

This vignette from last fall is a favorite of mine because it uses three items I already owned. A cherished family photo of my grand, garden-grown hydrangeas I dried myself, and a simple decorative pumpkin. The principles of height and tecture apply whether it’s spring, summer, or fall.

Your Home Is Already Beautiful!

It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of ‘more’, but I truly believe that the most beautiful homes aren’t filled with the newest trends. There the homes that tell a story with the items you’ve collected. By editing with intention, shopping what you have, and mastering the art of vignette, you’re not just decorating. You’re honoring the life you love with the things you’ve gathered over time.

I’m so grateful you’re here. If you’d like to support the work I do here at Cottage in the Mitten, the best way to do that is by sharing my posts, signing up for my newsletter, or purchasing through my links! It helps me keep the lights on for my little blog and allows me to keep bring you new Mitten Moments and more!

Happy decorating!

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