Redesigning a home is often seen as an external process—choosing paint colors, arranging furniture, and finding the perfect decor to make a space feel like "you." But for me, it became much more than that. It wasn’t just about creating a home I loved walking into; it was about understanding myself in a way I hadn’t expected.
Here’s what I learned along the way.
1. I Crave Simplicity More Than I Thought
When I started redesigning my home, I was drawn to images of elaborate spaces—ornate chandeliers, bold wallpaper, and layered textures. I created a Pinterest board exclusively for luxurious living room ideas. But when it came time to make decisions, I consistently gravitated toward clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered layouts.
This surprised me. In other areas of life, I’ve always considered myself someone who loves variety and excitement. Yet, when designing my home, I realized that my personal space needed to be a refuge, not a source of stimulation. This shift taught me to embrace simplicity not just in my home, but in other areas of my life as well.
2. My Choices Reflect My Values
Every decision I made during the redesign reflected a deeper set of values I hadn’t fully articulated before. I found myself prioritizing sustainable materials, second-hand furniture, and items from local artisans.
It wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a space that aligned with what I care about: supporting the environment, valuing craftsmanship, and avoiding waste. This made me more intentional in my daily life, prompting me to ask, “Does this align with who I want to be?” in areas far beyond interior design.
3. I’m Not as Patient as I Thought
Redesigning a home is a test of patience, and I failed that test—repeatedly. I’d order furniture and refresh my shipping status hourly, agonizing over delays. I’d try to rush painting projects only to regret the streaky results.
This taught me something humbling: I wasn’t as patient as I believed. But instead of letting that frustration define the process, I saw it as a chance to work on it. By the end of the project, I found myself slowing down, accepting delays, and letting the process unfold naturally.
4. I Value Connection Over Perfection
In the beginning, I was obsessed with creating a Pinterest-perfect home. Every detail had to look flawless. But as friends and family started visiting, I realized the best moments weren’t about the decor—they were about the people in the space. The tiny nicks on my dining table? They came from an impromptu game night with friends. The mismatched chairs? A result of reusing furniture my grandmother gave me. These imperfections became symbols of connection and warmth, far more meaningful than any magazine-ready photo.
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5. I Needed to Let Go of the Past
One of the hardest parts of the redesign was decluttering. I held onto items not because I loved them, but because they represented a version of myself I wasn’t ready to let go of. That trendy bohemian rug? It reminded me of my post-college days. The mismatched frames? They symbolized years of building a home piece by piece.
Letting go wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It taught me that I don’t need to cling to objects to honor my past. I can appreciate those memories while creating a space that reflects who I am now.
6. The Small Details Matter
As the redesign progressed, I noticed that the smallest details brought me the most joy. A soft throw blanket over the couch, a perfectly curated bookshelf, or the way the morning light hit the dining room table—these were the things that made my home feel alive.
This made me rethink how I approach life. It’s not just the big milestones that matter, but the small, everyday moments. Paying attention to those details—whether in a room or in life—can make all the difference.
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Final Thoughts - Luxurious Living Room Ideas
Redesigning my home wasn’t just about picking out furniture or finding the perfect shade of white paint. It was a journey of self-discovery. It forced me to confront my values, my habits, and my relationship with the past. It reminded me to slow down, embrace imperfection, and find joy in the small things.
Now, every time I walk into my home, I see more than a beautifully designed space—I see a reflection of who I am and who I’m becoming. And that, to me, is the most valuable design of all.
What has your home taught you about yourself? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them.
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