5 Updates That Gave My Living Room a Fresh New Look for Spring

After living in our home for 15 years, I have a long spiritual list of updates I want to do. However, as Malibu’s renovations are in full swing, I am trying to focus (and budget) on small strategic changes. I’m approaching them as an “micro” update, not a complete overhaul.

Our living room has been living with the same furniture, the same rug and the same shelves styling since our last update in 2021. It was beginning to feel a little old. I wasn’t looking for a major makeover, but I knew that some thoughtful tweaks could shift energy and bring new life to our space.

So over the past month I’ve become strategic about creating some updates that I knew would have a big impact. Honestly, I’m amazed at how different the moods in the room are. Even some simple changes are proof that you can create a home that is fresh, inspiring and reflects where you are Right now.

Scroll to see my refreshed living room and some tips to inspire your own spring refresh.

Refresh your shelf styling

If you have a lot of shelves like me, you can easily settle down on a particular shelves arrangement and never touch them again. However, refreshing the shelves can instantly invigorate the entire room. You can also relocate works that you already own. I like to walk around my house and pull pieces from the other rooms and mix them all together. It is considered “shoping my own home.”

This time I started with a larger anchor piece (such as a ceramic bowl or a stack of books) and then layered it with small, meaningful objects. When you are arranging, think from a scale and negative space perspective.

Tip: Once you have placed the shelves, remove one or two items to see if you like the look. Some thoughtfully placed pieces often have more impact than shelves that feel wrapped.

Rethink how to hang your art

We always had one big piece of art on top of the fireplace. While it was working, I was beginning to feel that it was a bit too standard. So I decided to break the “rules” with a small piece leaning against the wall from the center, Next, I balanced it with a sculptural vase and olive branches on the other side of the mantle.

i am in love This photo of Byron Bay In neutral tones, I ordered a print and brought it to the frame bridge for custom framing. Round corners This ashes frame It really gets high and gives it a sense of high quality (but at a much more affordable price than traditional custom framing).

Tip: Don’t be afraid to play with asymmetry. It brings an organic and easy atmosphere to a more modern and lively space.

Updates the atmosphere of the coffee table

One of the major changes in our living room was this low lounge coffee table that quickly made the room feel more relaxed and attractive. Then I layered some of my favorite coffee table books.

Tip: Coffee table books are my favorite decorative accessory as they tell stories about who you are. Stack two or three and add small candles or decorative objects on top. There is a design POV that is easy to change seasonally right away.

Add new plants to breathe new life into your room

Nothing will revive a room faster than a well-placed indoor plant. Many of you follow my journey through my black olive tree, and although I loved the way she saw the space, after dropping her leaves many times, I had to admit that she wasn’t just happy on this horn.

So we added a new indoor wood with a well-ventilated, Asian feel that perfectly fits the influence of Japandi design across our home. I actually bought it locally in Austin (the great outdoors) and can’t remember the name of this variety. Does anyone know?

Tip: Choose plants that suit both your space’s lighting needs and the atmosphere you are creating. (And remember: the larger the plant, the greater the impact.)

Place a new foundation on a rug

One of the easiest ways to completely change space? Start from scratch. The new rug defines the color palette of your room, brings in a cozy texture, and instantly shifts the mood. This time we had a large size neutral, organic weave, grounding the entire space.

I have an old rug and I roll it upstairs so I can replace it seasonally. Putting out this rug every spring is a very enjoyable way to give your room a light and bright feel.

Tip: If you are craving change but don’t want to exchange everything, focus on one major piece like a rug.

Create a cozy space for how you live

Although this area is not technically part of the same room, we had to show off a cozy media space off the living room.

This is the space where kids hang out, Henry plays video games and builds Lego, and we watch family movies. And to be honest. Designally, I ignored that. So it was the perfect time to breathe new life into the space without having to buy a bunch of new pieces that used to be in my living room (white oak coffee tables and pieces on the shelf).

That said, I really needed a new sofa here, and I felt it was in line with my style and wanted something very comfortable too. Luxurious home body sofa This was exactly what this space needed. You can go to “Zero Gravity Wellness Mode” (i.e. secretly restarting) for the ultimate movie comfort.

Your dream home is a sense

On my own Vision Board Workshop Earlier this year, a woman asked me a question that would stay with me: “What if I feel my dream home is completely out of reach?”

It led to conversations I often think about. Our dream home is not about area, price tags, or “perfect” design. It’s about emotions. And the truth is, we can now start creating that feeling. Small shifts at once.

Here are some journal prompts we explored together. Maybe they will inspire something for you:

• What is your dream home? feel Like?
• How does it speak to your senses? What kind of music is being played, and what kind of fragrance fills the air?
• What do you think when you wake up in your bed?
• On your dream day, how do you spend your time at home?

As you sit on these questions, all the small changes are approaching a home that will nurture you, inspire you, and remind you that the life you are creating is happening now, whether it’s a new rug, a restyled shelf, or a wood that reaches the ceiling.