“In a world full of trends, dare to be timeless.” – Iman

I’m coming clean… I actually used to really struggle with finding my style. As confident as I feel now about what I want to do, we had moments where we weren’t positive what direction to take or how to make a space feel like us. And that’s okay—it’s all part of the process! 

While I had always loved decorating our spaces and making them feel welcoming or put together, I didn’t have a clearly defined style in mind when we moved to New York, so we just went with what felt easy at the time—what was visually appealing or even trendy. I was still feeling around for the pulse that would guide what we wanted a space to say about us, our home, and what feelings should come from it. I liked (and still enjoy) styling spaces the way I like putting together an outfit, so I found myself putting things together because they looked good, and that was kind of it.

And here’s the thing: it did the job! (Quite well, actually.)

We had a lot of modern pieces that were trendy at the time; it looked nice and made us feel good in our home. What more can you ask for, really?

But as I looked around, something didn’t feel quite right. And one day it finally clicked, I realized that I wanted something more than just a cohesively decorated space. I wanted a home that felt curated—something with intention, charm, and a true sense of personality that showed who we were. I didn’t want everything to be too matchy-matchy or feel like it came from the same store. I wanted my space to be unique, to reflect who we are, and to tell the story of our lives. (Those — much like my mom’s and grandmother’s house — are my favorite homes to visit!) 

I love a good HomeGoods trip and shop there often because the deals and occasional diamond-in-the-rough finds are sooo satisfying. But I noticed that when you fill your entire space with things from these types of stores, it can end up feeling a little too ‘showroom-like’ and makes your space feel impersonal. It starts to lack the warmth and character that make a house feel like a home! Conversely, I’ve noticed that if you swing too far the other direction — only shopping at antique stores and the like — things can feel stuffy and out of touch, or even come across like cosplay.

The key is to expand where you shop and take your time putting your space together. So many people feel like they need to fill their home in a week, rushing to make it “complete,” (especially on the margins) but that often leads to impulse buys that don’t really fit the feeling you are looking for when you are in your home. Over time, you might realize you spent more money than you intended, only to feel like something’s still missing. It’s about finding pieces that speak to you, pieces that you connect with, rather than just filling up space.

When I reflect on the homes that have made me feel the coziest, I think of my parents’ house, my grandparents’ home, and the iconic spaces from Nancy Meyers and Nora Ephron films. And what all three of these spaces have in common are that they are filled with personal touches, comfortable and unpretentious furniture, and display a lived-in, layered feel. And when you add these traits together—they exude a sort of timeless design. 

These homes are filled with sentimental objects—family photos, heirloom furniture, or mementos from special events—that tell the story of the people who live there. There’s often a mix of handmade or vintage items, like a hand-stitched quilt or a piece of furniture passed down through generations, that lend the space a sense of tradition and nostalgia. These personal elements make the home feel lived-in and meaningful, creating a connection that goes beyond just the physical space. 

The furniture in these homes is typically comfortable and unpretentious. Plush sofas, overstuffed armchairs, and mixed-matched pillows on every piece of furniture. There’s nothing overly posh about the furnishings, but they are thoughtfully chosen to create a sense of ease and coziness. A lot of spaces that we see on social media seem like museums; places you fear might set off an alarm if you sit on the furniture. And that is not the vibe you want to create with your space. 

This is one of my favorites of all—the lived in, layered look. Cozy homes often have piles of books, a collection of candles, and a variety of houseplants that add life and energy to the space. These little details are what make the home feel warm and lived-in, as if it’s a place where time truly slows down and life is enjoyed. Textiles like throws, cushions, and rugs add layers of texture, making the space feel inviting and comforting. This combination of softness and warmth creates a space that cannot help but draw you in.

The good news here is that you don’t have to go out and buy all new furniture to re-imagine a space. Start by collecting things on the periphery — the vignettes, wall galleries, nooks, and crannies that ultimately make up the sum of the parts of a room — and eventually your space will come together without having to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

At the end of the day, design isn’t about following every trend or filling your space with the latest needs-based, mass-produced product (while not inherently bad). It’s about creating a home that feels authentic to you—a place where you feel comfortable, inspired, and truly at home. As design ideas and excellent taste have become more accessible via the internet in such a positive way, one thing that has been lost is that personal, emotional connection to the “stuff” in our lives. We’re on a mission to recapture it in our wardrobes and homes! To feel something intangible about our possessions, rather than constantly running mindlessly to the next product. (Forgive my soapbox.)

So… take your time. Let your home reflect your story, your experiences, and the things that make you feel good. Don’t be afraid to mix the new with the old, the trendy with the timeless, and make your space uniquely yours! After all, the best homes are the ones that make us feel something—the ones that welcome us in, no matter how much time has passed.

Design is a journey, and there’s no rush (except if there is a sale that you simply cannot pass up)! Keep looking for the pieces that make your heart sing and watch your space transform into something that’s not just stylish—but truly timeless and wholesomely you.

We’ve had some luck with beautiful pieces recently to help bring small parts of our home together! You can shop them below:

Our shop pages are also laid out by room here.