Rediscovering Home: A Reflective Redecoration of Our First House

Every home tells a story, and as designers, our personal style constantly evolves. It’s often said that hindsight is 20/20, and this rings especially true when looking back at our first home. Years ago, we poured our hearts into decorating our initial 1250 square foot abode, creating spaces that felt like ‘us’ at the time. Now, with more experience, a refined aesthetic, and a growing family, we often find ourselves wondering: what would we do differently if we were decorating that same house today?

Inspired by numerous requests from our community, who, like us, love to reminisce and reimagine, we’re taking a nostalgic, yet forward-thinking, journey through each room of our beloved first house. While we cherished every moment and memory created within its walls, our design philosophy has shifted towards a more vibrant, functional, and deeply personalized approach. So, join us as we envision a complete stylistic refresh, exploring how we’d inject more color, pattern, and innovative functionality into every corner.

The Living Room: From Tone-on-Tone to Dynamic Living

Our original living room, with its subtle cream walls and painted brick fireplace, leaned heavily into a tone-on-tone aesthetic. While pleasant, we quickly realized it lacked the inviting functionality and vibrant personality we now crave. In a smaller house, every square foot counts, and we didn’t utilize this living area as much as we should have. If we were to redecorate today, functionality would be paramount, transforming it into a space that truly serves our lifestyle.

The first major shift would be replacing our delicate glass coffee table, which often felt more like a display surface, with something more robust and versatile. A round coffee table, similar to the Tribal Carved Coffee Table (8) from our mood board, would be ideal. Its solid surface and accessible shape would make it perfect for game nights or a convenient play area for little ones, much like our current padded ottoman. Beyond functionality, we’d inject a significant dose of color and pattern. Imagine sofa and chair cushions adorned with vibrant, happy hues, perhaps using the Ocean Twill Tropic Fabric (1). Patterned curtains, bold lampshades, and brighter, more expressive artwork would replace the subtle palette, transforming the room from understated to utterly engaging.

The Kitchen: A Narrow Space with Big Personality

Our small kitchen, though narrow enough to touch both counters simultaneously, held a special place in our hearts. Its compact efficiency served us well, yet certain aspirations remained. The impractical dream of a window overlooking the backyard would likely remain just that – a dream, given the structural complexities. However, simpler, yet impactful, aesthetic changes would undoubtedly come into play. We’d definitely swap out the area rug and wall color over time to keep the space feeling fresh and dynamic.

Envision a dramatic transformation: a colorful, striped rug, perhaps the Birmingham Red Woven Cotton Rug (14), grounding the space with a playful spirit. This vibrant base would be complemented by dark and moody walls, perhaps a rich chocolate or a deep navy, drawing inspiration from images like this inspiring example. This bold contrast would create an entirely different atmosphere, a fun alternate kitchen universe that felt both sophisticated and energetic.

The Nursery: A Sweet Space, Gently Refined

The nursery, designed a few years later than some of our other rooms, already embodied a brighter, happier aesthetic, aligning much more with our current preferences than the earlier tone-on-tone styles. This room, crafted for Clara, remains a cherished memory, and its core design elements still resonate with us. Therefore, any changes would be more about subtle enhancements rather than a complete overhaul.

Perhaps for a playful twist, we might swap out the rug for something like the Teal & Grey Area Rug (10) from our mood board, adding a fresh burst of color and a modern pattern. Beyond such minor accessory updates, the essence of that sweet first nursery, with its vibrant green walls and blue ceiling, continues to be something we fondly remember and deeply miss.

Our Bedroom: Elevating Comfort and Storage

Our bedroom in the first house was notoriously tiny, making efficient use of space a constant challenge. The bed, originally on the lower side, missed a crucial opportunity for hidden storage. If we were to redesign it today, a primary goal would be to build up the bed frame to incorporate much-needed under-bed storage, a truly functional upgrade for a compact room. This clever solution would help keep clutter at bay and maximize every inch.

Beyond functionality, our aesthetic choices would lean towards a more luxurious and inviting ambiance. We’d likely update the bedding with a plush, fluffy white duvet, creating a serene base, then layer it with a selection of richly patterned pillows (perhaps reminiscent of styles found at Crate and Barrel). The existing tan curtains would be replaced with drapes crafted from a striking patterned fabric, adding visual interest and depth to the window treatment. And while the neutral jute rug served its purpose, an extra luxurious upgrade would be a plush, shaggy rug, like the Metro Ivory Shag Rug (4), bringing unparalleled comfort and texture underfoot, transforming the room into a true sanctuary.

Our Bathroom: Thoughtful Touches for a Modern Aesthetic

This bathroom was one of the later projects in our first house, completed about a year before we moved. As a result, its design already closely aligns with our current aesthetic preferences, featuring colorful walls, a dark mirror for contrast, dark floors, and a charming homemade vanity. The room successfully balances color and contrast, giving it a timeless appeal.

However, if we were living there now, we’d introduce a subtle yet impactful element of pattern and interest: a printed fabric roman shade for the window. Choosing a fabric with a sophisticated print, similar to the one in our current hall bathroom’s window, would elevate the space without overwhelming its existing charm. This detail would add a bespoke touch and a layer of visual texture that complements the room’s established modern aesthetic.

The Office/Guest Bedroom/Playroom: Maximizing Small Spaces with Style

This multifunctional room, serving as an office, guest bedroom, and playroom, presented unique design challenges due to its very small footprint. Our initial hesitation to install floor-length curtains, fearing they’d clash with the sofa, was a missed opportunity. Today, we’d confidently embrace them by slightly pulling the sofa out from the wall, a technique we successfully employed in our living room to allow curtains to hang gracefully behind furniture. Imagine long, dramatic curtains, hung high and wide across both windows, perhaps in a vibrant pattern. This strategic placement would not only add a touch of elegance but also create the illusion of taller, more airy walls, making the tiny room feel significantly more expansive.

As for the desk area, the repurposed World Market table chairs, while functional, lacked a distinctive style. Our reimagined space would feature chairs that blend aesthetics with comfort, perhaps stylish options discovered on Craigslist and then lovingly reupholstered to keep costs down while achieving a high-end look. The small, thimble-ish ottoman would be upgraded to a larger, wider, and more functional storage ottoman, like the one we’d choose for the living room (mood board item 6), offering valuable hidden storage and a more substantial presence in the room.

The Den: A Cozy Retreat with Artistic Flair

The den, initially designed with neutral tones, truly began to awaken with the addition of Clara’s sweet rug. This marked a pivotal shift in our design journey, moving us towards embracing pops of color and playful prints to add interest, departing from the somewhat washed-out look of the old jute rug. Looking back at the original photos, it’s clear we were already trying to introduce bright accents with pillows, decorative bowls, and trays. Today, we’d take that desire for vibrancy much further, making bolder, more intentional choices.

A single, oversized piece of colorful art, such as a meaningful print from 20×200—perhaps a map of NYC, a city where we met and fell in love—would command attention above the entire sofa. This would serve as a powerful focal point, injecting both color and personal narrative into the space. Complementing this, we’d incorporate brighter throw pillows and subtly patterned curtains, which would add texture and visual softness without competing with the statement art piece.

At the desk area, we’d swap out the traditional chair for something more modern and fun, like the Clear Plastic Side Chair (11) from our mood board, adding a contemporary edge. A bold patterned lampshade on the desk would provide another small but impactful dose of personality. To balance the visual weight, we’d hang a bright scarf or a colorful bag on the coat rack, not just for function but as an additional pop of “pretty stuff” that reflects the joy a home should bring. After all, your house should make you smile, right?

The Laundry Nook: Functional & Fabulous

Our laundry nook was surprisingly functional and well-suited to our needs, a space we genuinely miss today. Its clever design allowed us to watch TV from the adjoining living room while doing chores and discreetly stow away less-attractive items on shelves hidden by bamboo blinds. This smart storage solution was a highlight of the space, balancing utility with a clean aesthetic.

Given its success, major structural changes wouldn’t be on the agenda. Instead, we’d focus on subtle yet impactful decorative updates. We’d swap out some of the existing art for pieces featuring more vibrant pops of color, instantly enlivening the back wall. Additionally, we’d curate bolder, happier items for the countertop, transforming functional pieces into decorative accents. And, in a quick, satisfying DIY, that gold doorknob would be given the Oil-Rubbed Bronze (ORB) treatment in a hot minute, seamlessly integrating with our preferred hardware aesthetic.

The Half Bathroom: Stripes, Sconces, and Style

We genuinely loved the subtle striped paint pattern in our half bathroom, a design choice that still resonates with our evolving style. The foundation of this room was strong, prompting us to focus on enhancing key elements rather than redoing the entire scheme. The existing sconces, while functional, could have offered a greater opportunity for personality and design flair.

Today, we’d opt for more playful and stylish sconces, perhaps a design similar to the Stylish Wall Sconce (5) from our mood board, especially given the great discounts often found at local lighting outlets. The mirror would also receive an upgrade; we’d choose a much “cooler” and more distinctive piece, perhaps an ornate mirror (mood board item 15) that we’d been eyeing for years, adding a bold focal point. To further infuse personality, we’d incorporate brighter, more whimsical art and, with a bit of persuasive charm towards John, a patterned fabric roman shade made from the vibrant Ocean Twill Tropic Fabric (1). This pop of print against the crisp white window frame would complete the room’s joyful transformation.

The Sunroom: Grounding and Glamorous

Our sunroom was a bright, inviting space, but if we were to revisit it today, the focus would be on creating a more grounded and cohesive feel. The immediate change would be to introduce a significantly larger rug, perhaps a jute one, several feet wider and longer than the original. This expansive rug would allow both daybeds to sit comfortably upon it, effectively defining and grounding the entire seating area, making the room feel more intentional and complete.

The floor cushions would be reimagined with a vibrant and cheerful fabric, such as Premier Prints Chipper Slub Corn Yellow Fabric (similar to this), instantly injecting more fun and personality. The existing daybeds, previously adorned with mostly tan pillows, would be dressed with lively patterned pillows, like the Twill Suzani Corn Yellow Fabric (13), adding bursts of color. As for the stenciled concrete floor, with a larger jute rug covering much of it, we might be tempted to paint the exposed areas a rich chocolate brown once more. This would allow the colorful textiles and the beautiful outdoor view to become the primary focal points. While we loved the blue ceiling, if we envisioned living there for many more years, we would tackle the laborious task of painting the tan walls a crisp, bright white. This would create a stunning contrast and truly make the colors in the daybeds and other furnishings pop, enhancing the room’s overall freshness and vibrancy.

The Patio: An Oasis of Color and Comfort

Our patio was a lovely outdoor space, but our current design philosophy demands more color and vibrancy, especially in areas meant for relaxation and entertainment. If we were to redesign it today, a key objective would be to transform it into a lively oasis brimming with energetic hues.

Imagine planters in dynamic shades of lime, teal, and even tangerine, overflowing with lush, flowering plants. These colorful vessels would immediately infuse the space with life and personality. We’d also introduce bright outdoor cushions for all the chairs and loungers, perhaps like the Pop Swirl Indoor/Outdoor Pillow (7), enhancing both comfort and visual appeal. Furthermore, we’d strategically plant more colorful flora around the perimeter, creating a rich tapestry of natural beauty that makes the patio an even more inviting and joyful extension of our home.

The Basement: Smart Storage and Playful Accents

The basement upgrade in our first house was a particularly enjoyable and successful project, one that largely aligns with our current approach to functional design. We found its layout and storage solutions highly effective, minimizing the need for drastic changes. While we didn’t frequently use chairs down there, the desk area proved invaluable for organizing and accessing stored items.

For a touch of playful continuity, we would likely paint the door a bright, cheerful red, mirroring the inviting color of our front door. This subtle detail would add a burst of unexpected color and a cohesive design element. Recognizing our ever-growing collection of paint cans, we would definitely plan for additional shelving to accommodate our expanding storage needs, ensuring the space remains organized and efficient for years to come.

The Front Yard: Maximizing Curb Appeal with Natural Beauty

When it comes to the front yard, our initial instincts were largely correct, leading to minimal changes in a hypothetical redecoration. We were quite fond of its cute facade and expansive green lawn, which contributed significantly to its curb appeal. A notable improvement, though not captured in older photographs, was the replacement of our worn, light-colored roof with a new, attractive one a year before we moved—a decision that undoubtedly boosted resale value and overall aesthetic.

However, one significant practical change we’d implement today would be to reduce the amount of lawn requiring mowing and raking. Our first property had a considerably larger grass area compared to our current, more wooded landscape. To achieve this, we’d gradually transform portions of the side and back yards into naturalized, wooded spaces by adding more trees, bushes, and mulch. This eco-friendly approach would not only minimize maintenance but also create a more diverse and tranquil outdoor environment, blending practicality with a love for nature.

The Front Porch: Welcoming Details

Outdoor spaces often present a unique challenge when reflecting on past decor, as their aesthetic feels less subject to the rapid shifts in interior trends. Our front porch, with its classic red door and lush ferns, possessed a timeless charm we still appreciate. However, if given the opportunity to refresh it today, we’d introduce more deliberate decorative elements to enhance its welcoming appeal.

A primary addition would be large, custom-built planter boxes beneath each front window. These would add architectural interest and provide ample space for seasonal flowering plants, creating a burst of color and curb appeal. Implementing these would likely involve a slight rearrangement of the existing rocker and glider, along with other potted planters, to ensure a harmonious and thoughtfully designed entrance.

The Backyard: A Private Oasis, Simplified

Our backyard was a true gem – incredibly private, sweet, and a space we miss dearly. While its natural beauty was undeniable, echoing our desire for the front yard, reducing maintenance would be a key consideration in a contemporary redecoration. We envision naturalizing more of the yard, perhaps reducing the mowed area by half, while still preserving ample space for children’s play and our dog’s enjoyment. This would involve adding more trees, bushes, and other low-maintenance, “no-need-to-mow” plants, fostering a more natural and effortless landscape.

This approach would blend our appreciation for the yard’s inherent charm with a practical desire for less upkeep, creating a beautiful yet manageable private oasis. Despite any imagined changes, the deep affection we hold for that private and sweet lot remains unchanged; its memories are treasured always.

Our Evolving Style: A Journey of Color and Functionality

And there you have it – a comprehensive reflection on how our design style has evolved, leading us to reimagine every corner of our first beloved home. This brain dump reveals a clear trajectory: from a more neutral, tone-on-tone aesthetic to one that embraces abundant color, playful patterns, and enhanced functionality. While certain elements remain timeless, like our love for wood floors, white cabinets, rich textures such as jute and faux sheepskin, dark wood and white furnishings, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and crisp white frames, our current home undeniably showcases a more colorful, playful, and joyful sensibility.

It’s fascinating to observe this evolution firsthand. If you’re curious to see the stark contrast and vibrant transformation, you can click here and scroll down to witness our current home’s brighter, happier disposition. This journey isn’t just about changing decor; it’s about growing into a design language that truly reflects who we are today.

Do you ever find yourself looking at old photos of your past homes, or even earlier iterations of rooms in your current house, and pondering what you’d do differently now? It’s a wonderful exercise in self-reflection and a testament to how our personal spaces continually adapt to our lives and tastes.