Psst—We just discovered another great way to support the Sandy Hook relief fund: generous Etsy artists are donating their shop earnings this week to the cause. It’s an inspiring effort.
We’re finishing Clara’s handmade Christmas present and will share lots of photos and details tomorrow, but for now several readers asked what we would do differently if we were decorating our first house now, instead of two to six years ago. In an earlier video we mentioned that old photos always reveal a few things we’d change. So, room by room, here’s what we’d alter in our first house decorating and why.
The Living Room
What we’d change: The living area wasn’t as usable as it could have been in such a small home (about 1,250 square feet). We’d prioritize functional pieces, like a round coffee table that works for games instead of a delicate glass table that ends up full of props. A padded ottoman that clears off quickly for toys or game night would be ideal. We’d also add more color—brighter throw cushions, patterned curtains or lampshades, and bolder artwork to break up the tone-on-tone look.
To get the vibe across we created a moodboard of whole-house ideas we’d introduce now: colorful fabrics, textured rugs, interesting lighting and a mix of vintage and modern seating. These elements would bring warmth and personality throughout the home rather than relying on neutral layers alone.
The Kitchen
What we’d change: We loved our little kitchen despite its narrow layout. One long-standing wish was a window that opened directly to the backyard instead of into the sunroom, but that kind of structural change wasn’t practical. Instead, we’d refresh finishes over time—swap the area rug and consider darker, moody walls like chocolate or navy for contrast, paired with a colorful striped rug for a lively look.
The Nursery
What we’d change: The nursery already felt bright and happy, which matches our current taste better than the neutral living room palette. We might swap accessories like the rug for additional texture or color, but overall the nursery remains one of our favorite rooms from that house.
Our Bedroom
What we’d change: The bed sat low, so raising it to create under-bed storage would have improved function in the tiny room. Over time we’d update bedding to a fluffy white duvet and layered patterned pillows, trade the tan curtains for a printed fabric, and consider a plusher rug for extra comfort and luxury.
Our Bathroom
What we’d change: This room already reflected more of our current aesthetic, with colorful walls, contrast and a homemade vanity. If we were updating it now, we’d add a printed roman shade to introduce pattern and interest while keeping the painted contrast and dark accents that make the space feel modern.
The Office / Guest Bedroom / Playroom
What we’d change: We were hesitant to hang floor-length curtains because a sofa sat in front of the window, but pulling the sofa away from the wall slightly would allow dramatic, tall curtains to make the room feel taller and airier. We’d trade the hand-me-down desk chairs for playful, reupholstered finds and upgrade the ottoman to a larger, storage-friendly piece.
The Den
What we’d change: A colorful rug and accents started to wake up this space, and we’d take that further today—brighter pillows, a large, colorful artwork above the sofa, and subtly patterned curtains would increase visual interest and personality. A less conventional desk chair and a bold lampshade would also make the workspace more fun.
The Laundry Nook
What we’d change: This spot was surprisingly functional and we still miss how the shelves were hidden by bamboo blinds. We’d add small pops of color in the artwork and on the counter, and quickly swap the gold doorknob for an oil-rubbed or darker finish to modernize the hardware.
The Half Bathroom
What we’d change: We loved the striped walls and would update the sconces and mirror for more personality. Adding brighter, playful art and a patterned fabric shade on the window would bring in color and make the small space feel curated and joyful.
The Sunroom
What we’d change: A larger jute rug would better define the space so both daybeds sit comfortably on it. We’d add colorful floor cushions and patterned pillows on the daybeds, and possibly repaint the stenciled floor or return to a darker tone so the textiles and view become the focal points. We loved the blue ceiling, but if we’d stayed longer we might have brightened the walls to crisp white to complement the fabrics.
The Patio
What we’d change: Add more color with vibrant planters and bright outdoor cushions, and plant more flowering shrubs around the perimeter to make the patio feel more festive and inviting.
The Basement
What we’d change: The basement project was a win, so we’d largely repeat what worked. We might skip adding extra seating since we didn’t use chairs much, paint the door a fun color like the front door, and add more shelving to accommodate an expanding paint collection.
The Front Yard
What we’d change: Not much—aside from getting rid of the worn roof earlier. We’d consider reducing the grass area and naturalizing parts of the yard with trees, shrubs and mulched beds to lower maintenance while keeping the private, lawn-like feel we loved.
The Front Porch
What we’d change: We’d build planter boxes beneath the front windows to add seasonal color and soften the facade. That might shift porch furniture placement, but it would enhance curb appeal and character.
The Backyard
What we’d change: We’d reduce the mowing by naturalizing part of the yard—adding trees, bushes and other low-maintenance plantings while keeping enough open space for kids and pets. The lot was private and lovely, so changes would be about making it easier to maintain while preserving its charm.
There it is: a room-by-room rundown of what we’d do differently in our first house if we decorated it today. Looking back at old photos always sparks ideas—some things stay the same, like our love of wood floors and white cabinets, while other choices evolve toward more color, pattern and playful details. Do you revisit photos of past homes and imagine updates? It’s a fun way to see how your style changes over time.