Depending on the size of the home, some families may have both a living room and a family room. For others, these terms may be interchangeable. I consider living rooms to be more mature, slightly more formal in nature, whereas family rooms are kid-friendly and casual.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: comfortable seating, appropriate materials, and extra pillows or blankets for snuggly moments. Carefully consider what activities this room must accommodate as well. For example, include a side table and lamp for reading, flexible furniture arrangement for morning yoga or family dance party, and storage for board games/movies/books/etc.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Next on our merry tour of wonderful spaces, the dining room. Often reserved for more formal occasions, I would love to see this room evolve into a functional medley of sorts. For example, large tables work exceptionally well for puzzle making, crafting, homework, gift-wrapping, and more. A word of caution: be tidy and organized - you don’t want this to become the largest catch-all in your home.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: storage for specialty dinnerware/ linens/candlesticks/etc., layers of (dimmable) light can help create the right mood, and be mindful of chair movement and table proportions when selecting an area rug.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Just so we are clear, this post has nothing to do with big hair or magic spells… A Pouf is defined as a “soft round or square seat with no back or sides”. These adorable little buggers are fantastic! and here are several reasons why. Not only are they adorable (as mentioned), but they are versatile too. Poufs can be used for additional seating as well as to rest your feet on. In some applications, you might even use one as a semi-sturdy side table. Poufs can be colorful, textural, and durable as they are generally made out of leather. Still need convincing? Poufs can also be used as storage! That’s right folks, storage. Traditionally, European countrys are slim on storage so they keep their off season clothes in these soft boxes. Love, love, love them.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Believe it or not, I’ve just discovered Etsy. (I know! What is wrong with me?!) Granted I heard about it ages ago, but I never slowed down long enough to peek for myself. Amazing! This is an excellent resource for vintage finds and handcrafted wares. Take a look…

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Since Thanksgiving is just a hop, skip and a jump around the corner, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to look at some lovely dining spaces. Feast your eyes on these beauties! (Get it?! Feast? hahahaha…. silly me).

HGTV does have quite the cast of some very talented people nowadays. My most favorite of all is Emily Hendersen, host of Secrets from a Stylist, and recent winner of HGTV’s DesignStar.

Besides being cute and a bit quirky, I am fascinated by Emily’s approach to interior design as well as the format of her show. Her “Style Diagnostic” and layered approach to personalizing a space certainly helps this design professional to think outside the box. Secrets from a Stylist offers oodles of information - a definite must see.

My MOST favorite episode to date was the Bohemian/Mid-Century living and dining area. This is me, to a T.