Psst—We just learned about another generous way people are raising money for the Sandy Hook relief fund: several Etsy artists are donating proceeds from their shops this week. It’s a great cause and a wonderful example of how the design community can help in a meaningful way.
We’re finishing up Clara’s handmade Christmas gift and will share photos and details tomorrow, but many of you asked what we would do differently if we were decorating our first house today rather than a few years ago. In an earlier video we mentioned there are always one or two things we’d change when we look back at old photos, and you asked for specifics. So here’s a room-by-room roundup of changes we’d make now—practical, colorful, and designed to make small rooms more useful and inviting.
The Living Room
What we’d change: The living area was underused in that small house (about 1,250 sq ft), so we’d focus on function first. A round, game-friendly coffee table rather than a delicate glass table would have encouraged use for family game nights. We’d also introduce more color—bright sofa and chair cushions, patterned curtains or lampshades, and bolder artwork—to move away from the tone-on-tone neutral look. A padded ottoman that’s always ready to host toys or serve as extra seating makes a space feel lived-in and inviting.
We also put together a moodboard of whole-house ideas that would add color and interest everywhere: colorful fabrics, carved coffee table, bold rugs, playful sconces, larger ottomans, and cheerful pillows. Those kinds of pieces make neutral bones feel more personal and fun.
The Kitchen
What we’d change: We loved the little kitchen, even though it was narrow enough to touch both counters from the center. If it were practical, we’d prefer a window that looks into the backyard for a better outdoor connection, but structural changes like that aren’t always realistic. More achievable updates would be swapping the area rug and paint for something bolder—imagine a colorful striped rug paired with deeper wall tones like chocolate or navy for a dramatic alternate kitchen vibe.
The Nursery
What we’d change: The nursery was cheerful and closer to our current style, so changes would be minor: swapping the rug for a different color or pattern, updating a few accessories, and keeping the bright, happy palette that still feels fresh today. That first nursery is something we still love and miss.
Our Bedroom
What we’d change: The bed sat low, so raising it to create under-bed storage would be a practical move in a tiny room. We’d also update bedding to a fluffy white duvet with patterned pillows, replace plain curtains with patterned fabric to add interest, and trade the jute rug for a plush, shaggy rug for extra comfort and warmth.
Our Bathroom
What we’d change: This room already matched our current aesthetic with color, contrast, and a homemade vanity. To push it further we’d add a printed roman shade for visual interest and swap the mirror or light fixtures for something more playful to create a brighter, more personal bathroom statement.
The Office / Guest Room / Playroom
What we’d change: We were cautious about placing floor-length curtains behind a sofa, but pulling the sofa away from the wall slightly would allow dramatic long curtains hung high and wide, which would visually heighten the small room. We’d replace basic desk chairs with more interesting seating—possibly thrifted and reupholstered—and swap a tiny ottoman for a larger, storage-friendly version to increase function and style.
The Den
What we’d change: Adding a colorful rug and a big piece of artwork above the sofa would have energized this room. We gravitated toward brighter accents—pillows, bowls, and trays—in photos, and if we were decorating again we’d lean fully into that playful, colorful approach. A less traditional desk chair and a bold lampshade would add personality, and hanging a bright scarf or bag on the coat rack would lift the corner visually.
The Laundry Nook
What we’d change: This space was very practical and we still miss it. We’d keep the function—shelving hidden by bamboo blinds and a useful counter—while swapping a few of the leaning art pieces for brighter prints and updating some countertop items to happier accents. And yes, we’d swap the gold doorknob for an oil-rubbed bronze finish in a heartbeat.
The Half Bathroom
What we’d change: We liked the painted stripes and would keep them, but we’d choose more playful sconces, a cooler mirror, and a patterned fabric shade to add charm and personality to the small space.
The Sunroom
What we’d change: We’d choose a larger jute rug to better define seating areas so both daybeds could sit comfortably on it. Brighter floor cushions and patterned pillows would make the space feel more intentional. With a larger rug we might have painted the stenciled floor a chocolate brown to let the textiles shine, and if we were staying longer we would probably repaint the walls bright white to complement the blue ceiling and vivid textiles.
The Patio
What we’d change: More color outdoors—bright planters in lime, teal, or tangerine filled with flowering plants and colorful outdoor cushions—would make the patio feel like an extension of the indoor palette. We’d also add more vibrant plantings around the perimeter for a lively, welcoming yard.
The Basement
What we’d change: The basement remodel was a fun project and we’d repeat most of it. We wouldn’t add extra seating since the space functioned well for storage and work, but we might paint the door a bright color like the front door and add more shelving for paint cans and other supplies as our collection grew.
The Front Yard
What we’d change: Not much—this facade and big green lawn were a favorite. We did replace the worn roof before selling, which boosted curb appeal. If we were rethinking the landscaping now, we’d reduce high-maintenance lawn areas by naturalizing the side and back yards with trees, bushes, and mulch to cut down on mowing and raking over time.
The Front Porch
What we’d change: We’d add planter boxes beneath the front windows to enhance curb appeal and tie the porch planting together—possibly shifting seating to accommodate the planters and create a cozier entry.
The Backyard
What we’d change: We loved the privacy and size but would likely reduce the high-maintenance lawn area by naturalizing part of the yard—adding trees, shrubs, and wild plantings to create a lower-maintenance, wildlife-friendly landscape while keeping open space for kids and pets to play.
There you go: a room-by-room “do-over” of our first house if we were decorating it today. Looking back at past homes often highlights small changes—more color, smarter storage, and bolder textiles—that can make a big difference. Do you find yourself reimagining rooms from your previous homes? Our core tastes remain—wood floors, white cabinets, textured rugs, and cozy accents—but now we’re leaning toward a more colorful, playful approach that makes the house feel like home.