A new place to read and nap—these windows are now fully appreciated once the dining room table was swapped out for a soft seating grouping.
As winter’s chill settles in, many of us instinctively turn our attention inward, seeking comfort and coziness within the walls of our homes. With the gusty winds outside, our living spaces become sanctuaries—a place to nest and rejuvenate. Yet, while the urge to refresh one’s surroundings often arises naturally, the prospect of rearranging furniture and décor can feel daunting to some. How do you summon the confidence to reimagine a room that’s long felt settled and familiar?
Rearranging interiors is more than just moving objects around; it’s a creative act that transforms a space’s energy and function. Drawing from personal experience, the process can be playful and even therapeutic. It involves seeing your home not as a static arrangement but as a laboratory for experimentation. Whether inspired by a newly acquired artwork or a forgotten vintage piece tucked away, shifting furniture invites fresh perspectives and invigorates daily living.
For those hesitant to dive in, a good starting point is identifying anchor pieces—those furnishings or objects you feel firmly connected to—and building the room’s layout around them. Don’t fear “productive mistakes,” as they often lead to surprisingly delightful discoveries. This playful process can lead to unexpected moments of delight—those “oh wow” discoveries that reignite your connection with your home. It’s important to remember that confidence grows with experimentation.
I recently had a conversation with a few clients on the sales floor about my nonstop rearranging of furniture and objects in our home. I was advising them to feel confident in their ability to use objects from other parts of their home to change up their spaces.
For me, not merely a byproduct of my slightly ADHD brain, the urge is always to change and try new things in the house. Often, a new piece of art or object is the catalyst for me to start the great rearrange. My home has always been a laboratory of thoughts and ideas, juxtaposing disparate design pieces and objects.
Some people play tennis or golf; I like to experiment in the house. Aside from gardening and exterior capers, I love changing up our interiors with things we already own. My energy to do these things always seems to manifest around 7:00 at night, and after several hours of total moving and disrupting our spaces, I’m either cursing myself for tearing up the house or smiling big at the results.
Some of my design friends start with a cocktail when playing; I prefer to stay solidly sober because of all the stairs in the house. Not one to ask for help, I usually throw my back out because of my late-night capers. I advise having help when moving furniture! Never one to fall into a perfectly curated, color-themed interior, my sessions result in unexpectedly great feelings—or “what was I thinking?” moments—and then I don’t have the energy to move the furniture back that night.
Playing with collections in new ways adds fresh energy to tablescapes. Above is an aggregated assemblage of Tiffany and Steuben glass pieces.
Recently, for example, I swapped our dining and living room spaces. By doing this, I resurrected an underused area, opening it up to new light, comfort, and social flow. Creating conversation nooks, generous walkways, and intertwining seating arrangements encourages guests to engage freely rather than feel confined to a seat at the dining table for three hours.
This dynamic reconfiguration enhanced both practical use and aesthetic enjoyment. It was a good use of my nocturnal energies. The swap was so good, I was puzzled why I hadn’t come to this arrangement years ago.
Inviting a trusted friend to provide fresh eyes can also break the monotony and guide you toward unexpected yet harmonious arrangements.
Ultimately, the joy of rearranging lies in its capacity to renew our relationship with our homes. It offers moments of discovery and a deeper sense of control over our environment, especially during the introspective winter months. So, embrace that spark of creativity, welcome the occasional tumble of furniture, and remember: with a bit of daring and a willingness to experiment, your home can continually evolve, reflecting your ever-changing spirit. Be daring, have fun, and remember—if your heart doesn’t love the change, the furniture can always return to where it once was. Your home is your canvas—paint it again and again.
My current layout will carry me through the winter, but I guarantee I’ll move things around in a major way come spring—or maybe in February when I get bored of romping outside with the dogs. Have fun and be daring with change! You can always move things back around if your heart isn’t feeling the spurt of creative rearrangement. Practice before the holidays! These are the times to entertain and show off your interior design prowess!
If you need a few new inspirational pieces, be sure to stop by the shop to see what’s new! I’m sure you’ll find the perfect catalyst piece. Remember, the open house is fast approaching, and everything is 20% off! It’s our way of thanking all who have patronized us over the years. Take advantage and get that perfect “thing” you’ve been needing all season!