Refreshing Your Living Room for a Vibrant Spring Makeover

After 15 years in our home, I’ve compiled a list of updates I want to make. With our Malibu renovation in progress, I’m focusing on small, strategic changes—what I call “micro” updates instead of a complete redesign.

Our living room had the same furniture, rug, and shelf decor since our last update in 2021. It started to feel a bit outdated. I didn’t want a full makeover, but I was certain that a few thoughtful adjustments could rejuvenate the ambiance.

Over the last month, I tackled some updates that made a significant difference—and honestly, I’m surprised by how transformed the room feels. It shows that even simple changes can result in a home that feels fresh, inspiring, and reflective of your current self.

Keep scrolling to see my updated living room and some tips for your own spring refresh.

Taber Decorative Vase

Imogen Decorative Vase

Kester Bowl

Revamp Your Shelf Styling

With open shelving like mine, it’s easy to settle into a particular arrangement and leave it untouched. However, updating your shelves can instantly invigorate the room, often just by rearranging items you already have. I enjoy pulling pieces from other areas of my house—it’s like “shopping my own home.”

This time, I started with larger items (like a ceramic bowl and a stack of books) and added smaller, meaningful objects. While arranging, consider scale and open space.

Tip: After arranging your shelves, try removing one or two items to see if you prefer the look. A few well-placed items often create a stronger impact than overcrowded shelves.

Artisan Handcrafted Terracotta Vase

Ash Round Poster Frame

Surf Highway, Byron Bay

Reimagine Your Art Display

Previously, we had one large piece of art centered over the fireplace, which felt a bit too predictable. I decided to shake things up with a smaller piece leaned off-center, complemented by a sculptural vase and olive branch on the opposite side of the mantel.

I adored this image of Byron Bay in neutral tones, ordered it as a print, and took it to Framebridge for custom framing. The rounded edges of this ash frame enhance its quality while being more affordable than traditional framing.

Tip: Embrace asymmetry. It adds a casual, organic feel that makes the space appear more modern and lived-in.

Sol Side Table

Surf Shacks

Casa Zuma Daybreak Candle

Atrani Vase

Contour Bowl

Alford Coffee Table

Transform Your Coffee Table Style

A significant change in our living room was this low, lounge-style coffee table that instantly made the space feel more inviting. I layered it with some of my favorite coffee table books, a quick way to add character to the room.

Tip: Coffee table books are excellent decor because they share a part of who you are. Stack a few, then place a small candle or decorative item on top for a design perspective that’s easy to refresh with the seasons.

Rumi Side Table

Banks Accent Chair

Add a Plant for Freshness

Nothing revitalizes a room like a strategically placed indoor plant. Many of you have followed my journey with a black olive tree, and while I loved her presence, I had to acknowledge she wasn't thriving in this corner.

I replaced her with a new indoor tree that has an airy, Asian-inspired vibe, perfectly aligning with the Japandi design throughout our home. I purchased it locally in Austin (The Great Outdoors) but can’t recall its name—anyone know?

Tip: Select plants that suit both your space's lighting and desired aesthetic. (Remember: the larger the plant, the greater the impact.)

Honora Rug

Start Fresh With a New Rug

A straightforward way to transform a space? Begin at the ground level. A new rug can set the room's color tone, add cozy texture, and dramatically change the atmosphere. I opted for a lighter, neutral weave in a large size to anchor the room.

I kept our old rug stored upstairs for seasonal swaps—bringing it out every spring will be a delightful way to create a brighter feel in the space.

Tip: If you crave change without overhauling everything, focus on one key element—like a rug—that sets the stage for the rest of the decor.

Create Comfortable Spaces for Your Lifestyle

This area, while not technically part of the main room, is our cozy media nook adjacent to the living room, and I wanted to show how they connect.

This is where the kids hang out, Henry plays video games, and we enjoy family movie nights. Honestly, I had neglected its design, making it the perfect opportunity to move some items from my living room (the white oak coffee table and decor pieces) to refresh the space without additional purchases.

However, we did need a new couch that reflects my style while being incredibly comfortable. The Luxe Sofa from Homebody was just what this room required. It can shift into “Zero Gravity Wellness Mode” (it secretly reclines) for the ultimate movie-watching comfort.

Luxe Sofa 2-Seat

Rey Wall Art

El Matador Vase

Aliso Natural Coffee Table

Your Ideal Home Is a Feeling

At one of my Vision Board Workshops earlier this year, someone asked, “What if my dream home feels completely unattainable?”

This sparked a discussion I often reflect on. Our dream home isn’t defined by size, cost, or “perfect” decor. It’s about creating a certain feeling. We can start fostering that ambiance right now—one small change at a time.

Here are some reflective prompts we discussed that might inspire you:

• What does your dream home feel like?
• How does it engage your senses—what music plays, what scents fill the air?
• When you wake up in your bed, what emotions arise?
• On your ideal day, how do you spend time at home?

As you ponder these questions, keep in mind: every tiny change—be it a new rug, a reimagined shelf, or a tree stretching towards the ceiling—contributes to a home that nurtures and inspires you, reminding you that the life you’re building is happening right now.