Slow Decorating: A Few Thoughtful Updates From the Past Year
This time of year, I tend to spend more time at home, and with that comes the urge to make a few small tweaks and upgrades. Nothing dramatic, just subtle changes that make the space feel a little more finished, a little more comfortable, and in tune with how I actually live. I’ve learned that I enjoy decorating slowly, letting ideas and pieces reveal themselves over time rather than rushing to fill every corner.
When I first completed my home redecoration project almost two years ago, I intentionally left a lot of open space. First, because our small house had been so cluttered for so long, and I needed the emotional breathing room. And because I knew I wanted space to add personal touches as I came across art and objects that spoke to me.
Cordless Lamps: Flexible Lighting Without the Clutter
I still want to keep a clean, uncluttered space, so I’ve moved slowly and intentionally. Last year I made a few updates and additions. I knew I needed more lamps, but one of the challenges of an older house is that electrical outlets are often scarce, and not conveniently placed. So I opted for cordless lamps, and earlier last year replaced the small brass ones on my mantle with these beauties:
I ended up choosing these cordless lamps from Pooky Lighting for the unique color and design. I loved being able to select the base and shade separately, and that the lighting unit pops out for recharging. I’ve linked the style I chose here, if you’d like to take a closer look.
I liked them enough to add another style in the kitchen, where it’s been especially nice to have soft light in the evenings.
A Simple Dinnerware Upgrade
I also decided to take advantage of the year-end sales to replace our old dinnerware. The style no longer suited my decor, and they’d started to chip.
After looking at dozens of options, I landed on the Lenox French Perle Groove dinnerware. I wanted something white but not stark white, and sturdy enough for everyday use. I’ve linked the set I chose here; it’s especially well-priced during the year-end sales. They also coordinate nicely with that footed fruit/serving bowl shown above.
While I was shopping around, I also picked up some fresh dish towels on sale, nothing fancy, just a simple refresh. And while not at all aesthetic, earlier this week I had to replace the sump pump that keeps the yard and driveway from flooding during heavy rains, an unglamorous but very necessary update.
Still on the List
This year, I’m finally going to get serious about window shades for the kitchen and spare bedroom. And I’d love to replace some storage baskets in my bedroom with a dresser or credenza, so will be exploring my options.
None of these updates were urgent, but each one made my home feel a little more comfortable and better suited to how I live. Some were purely aesthetic, others (like a new sump pump) were simply about peace of mind. I’m learning that tending to a home happens in layers, and that it’s okay to move slowly, leaving a few things on the list for another season.
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I have added a pair of cordless lamps at my front entry. They are a great addition where cords would get in the way.
Susan,
Really like the posts on decor. It’s very refreshing. Wishing you a terrific 2026
Happy New Year, Susan. It’s gray and cold here in RI this time of year. I am in the ‘slow changes’ camp as well. I am hoping for post-Christmas sales as I need to rejuvenate my Christmas dishtowels and dishcloths. Several new pillows for the sofas are also in order. Love your lamps!
Wonderful post! Great idea about the dish towels. Seems simple, but I big impact.
Like you, my dish towels needed a refresh. I was excited to find that Garnier Thiebaut (gtlinens.com) was having a sale. Marvelous French towels that last forever. Post holiday spending has begun!
Absolutely lovely decor Susan, and so “you”! Just a thought, if you wanted the lamps to be a bit taller, you could add small lucite risers underneath. I’ve done this with books under lamps as well. Wishing you a very happy new year. Looking forward to your trip posts in 2026.
Hi Marguerite, I love the idea of adding books underneath!
I’m hoping to install some window shades in our home so am very interested in what you will find!
Each season I update my decor from pieces that I have & others collected over the years & inherited. I go through each season & change up my decor & comforters on the beds. It’s nice to have a refresh to brighten up the home. Little changes can make a big difference. Happy New Year!!
You are right. A house needs to be maintained, to be decluttered once in a while and sometimes get some new additions. Your lamps are adorable.
We cleared the cellar space. Very necessary and it feels as if you also cleared your head. Our house decoration us finished I am afraid. Oh no, that is true, we replaced the lamp above the dining table.
Greetje
Susan, these are a great resources (and a wise approach to decorating too.) I like having one or two cordless lamps around for some “insurance” during power outages also. The ones you have found are great, and the lampshades are nice too.
I love French jacquard kitchen towels. The sale price is so reasonable.
Thanks – and wishes for happier days ahead in 2026.
Those lamps are gorgeous and practical at the same time. Going slow for most things is usually a good idea, but especially for your home, since you have to live with these things. I am starting to think about a few tweaks for my own home for the new year and these are good ideas.
Happy New Year Susan! ❤️ your new dishes and sooo you — “French Perle”!!
Very fun to see what you are adding and changing. I love the cordless lamps too. We use one on the back of toilet tank for a nice nightlight. Your choices are very attractive. Thanks for sharing.
What a lovely post and home, thank you for sharing Susan. Cordless lamps..what a good idea!
Happy New Year from Downunder,
Best wishes,
Julie xx
Susan, I love reading your posts and appreciate the home decor options. In fact, I think I’m going to order a pair of cordless lamps for my mantel. Our living room gets dark early (we live in Boston), and some diffused light would be perfect. One book recommendation I think you’d enjoy: Slow Style Home by Zandra Zuraw. It’s all about having a home that provides you with energy and support. It’s practical and approachable, and the photography is gorgeous!
Hi Laura, thanks, and I’ll check out that book.
Thank you for this post. I need more lighting in my foyer when I don’t want to use the overhead light. I have no outlets in the foyer so these will work perfectly. Thank you for all you do!
You’re very welcome! Glad it was helpful.
I love that you bought new dish towels that coordinate! My collection is rather eclectic, as I pick up dish towels when I travel and use them until the bitter end. My oldest one, inherited from my mom is a ‘linen calendar’ from 1971…which makes it 55 years old…they REALLY don’t make them like THAT anymore!! Haha!!I
I love your attitude about home decor and home care. It can be so overwhelming to (try to) do everything at once–plus, you lose that lovely sense of adding and subtracting when you find the right thing, as you described, rather than rushing to fill space. It sounds peaceful and cozy. May the right blinds and credenza/dresser find you this year. Happy 2026 🙂
Love your decorating style. I need a few cordless lamps. Winter in Illinois is dark and cold. Need to spend some time on the Pooky site. Great cordless lamps and swooning over those shades!
Everything looks so pretty! I’ve never rushed to fill space in my home, but I’ve been here for over 30 years now, so I need to do a slow refresh. How long do your cordless lamps keep a charge?
I wanted to tell you that I bought some dark wash trouser jeans from J Crew after you featured them. They have filled the wardrobe gap I didn’t know I had! I have worn them countless times this holiday season. Thanks! Happy New Year!
Hi Tracy, thanks so much! I usually don’t keep lights on for more than a few hours at a time, but the light units are supposed to work for 10 hours on a charge. (They also sell the light units individually, so you can always have a charged one ready.) I’m so glad the trouser jeans are working well for you! It’s always so satisfying to find that “missing piece.”