There’s something about the start of a new year that makes me crave a fresh perspective—especially when it comes to home décor. My boyfriend and I have been living in our Park Slope apartment for just over a year now, and while I’ve spent plenty of time nesting, I never quite feel like the space is “done.” Do you ever feel that way? Like the moment you step back and admire your progress, you already start imagining the next little tweak that will make it feel more like home?
When we first moved in together, our living room was a mashup of his pieces and mine—a true test of compromise and creativity. Over time, though, we’ve found our rhythm as a couple and as co-decorators. Our style has started to feel more cohesive, and this year, we’re making a few intentional upgrades to give the room the refresh it deserves.
The Coffee Table Upgrade
For starters, our trusty Ikea Vittsjö coffee table has served us well, but it’s time to part ways. I’ve had my eye on a marble option from West Elm for a while—it’s sleek, timeless, and undeniably chic. The only catch? It seems to be in just about every blogger’s living room these days, and I wanted something that felt a little more personal. After weeks of browsing, I landed on the Stripling Coffee Table from Joss & Main, and I couldn’t be more excited. With its two-tier design, it gives us storage for our coffee table books and decorative boxes while still keeping the surface clean when we have friends over. Function meets style—my favorite kind of win.
The Entertaining Essential
If there’s one thing we love, it’s hosting. From wine nights with friends to casual movie marathons, our living room often doubles as an entertainment hub. Enter the Cassidy Mirrored Serving Cart—a piece I’ve been swooning over. It’s mobile, versatile, and just the right mix of glam and practicality. At just over $200, it feels like a worthwhile investment for something that can float between the living room and dining room depending on the occasion. Plus, there’s something about a well-styled bar cart that instantly elevates a space, even when you’re just serving popcorn and sparkling water.
Lighting That Lifts the Room
Lighting makes such a difference in how a room feels, and ours needed a serious rethink. The Restoration Hardware table lamps we had were beautiful but far too bulky for our space. I wanted something lighter, softer, and less imposing. The Esme Lamps hit the mark perfectly—they’re elegant without being overpowering and bring a subtle glow that feels cozy and fresh. Sometimes it’s the smallest swaps that make the biggest impact.
Smart Storage Solutions
Living in Brooklyn means learning how to make the most of every square foot, and our living room is no exception. I’m always on the hunt for attractive storage that doesn’t scream “storage,” which is why I fell in love with the Striped La Jolla Baskets from Serena & Lily. They’re stylish enough to leave out in the open but practical enough to tuck away blankets, throw pillows, or even extra bedding. Bonus: they add a touch of texture that instantly warms up the room.
Finding Our Style Together
What I love most about this refresh isn’t just the new furniture or décor—it’s the way it reflects how far we’ve come in making this apartment ours. Decorating as a couple is an exercise in patience, compromise, and discovering what feels like “home” to both of you. And while I still have a running list of pieces I’d love to add someday, I’ve realized that a home is less about achieving a picture-perfect look and more about creating a space where you feel comfortable, inspired, and together.
So, as we swap out our coffee table, roll in a serving cart, and light our new lamps, I’m reminded that these little changes aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re about shaping a home that grows with us—a place that feels fresh, functional, and filled with warmth.
I’ll be sharing the big living room reveal in a few weeks once everything is in place, but in the meantime, I’d love to know: what’s your go-to trick for refreshing your home when the New Year rolls around?
