I’m thrilled with our new living room couch. It’s the perfect mix of casual and elegant, and completely dog-proof. The linen-look twill slipcover gives the sofa a refined, durable appearance, while the clean lines and plush pillows strike a comfortable balance between style and function. Naturally, it makes the pricier couch in the den—one we bought from Pottery Barn a few months ago—look a little neglected. Couches are funny that way: everyone seems to have a favorite.
What really surprised me is that the new couch cost about $400 less than the Pottery Barn sofa and, to my eye, looks even better. If you’re shopping for a new couch, consider visiting a Rowe retailer (we bought ours from Sofa Design in Richmond) to see the full range. Buying directly from a showroom often means many more fabric options—the pale linen-look twill we chose wasn’t offered at Pottery Barn—plus the ability to choose free complementary throw pillows in fabrics you love. We picked two pillows with a subtle leafy branch motif. The result: better selection, savings, and a sofa that makes coming home feel good.

On a related note, I added a little seasonal sparkle that I’m excited about. The lamps flanking the couch have glass bases with openings at the bottom. I flipped them upside down, tucked in small silver ornaments, covered the openings, and turned them back over. Instant holiday glamour and a simple way to update the room.

I love how the seasonal lamp bases look, and I’m already imagining other fill options for different times of year: seashells for summer, black-and-white photos for a personal touch, wine corks for a cozy vignette, or vintage matchboxes for a bit of charm. It’s a small, inexpensive update that keeps the space fresh and interesting throughout the year.