Start with a focus piece
When I think about decorating a home, I always come back to this one principle: choose a focus piece first. If you have the room, let yourself fall in love with something that immediately draws the eye. In our case, that was an arched bookshelf in a bold, statement color. The arch adds softness and character, and the color gives the room confidence without needing much else.
A piece like this sets the tone for the entire space. Once it’s in place, everything else can be quieter and more flexible. You can style it with books, baskets, plants, and meaningful objects, and it will still hold its own. I like furniture that does some of the decorating for you, and a well-chosen statement bookshelf does exactly that. It anchors the room, sparks conversation, and makes the space feel intentional rather than overfilled.
Choose things that have multiple functions
After choosing a focus piece, the next step for me is always function. This rattan coffee table is a great example of furniture that truly earns its place in a room. I chose this one because it was really doing the job. It is sturdy enough to handle extra seating, which I confirmed by checking the description, large enough for multiple people to gather around, and the lift top is genuinely useful rather than gimmicky. The added storage is a bonus that helps keep the living space calm and uncluttered.
One thing I have learned the hard way is to look closely at the legs and supporting pieces. That is where quality shows up first. I have had bad luck with pressboard used for structural support, so I pay close attention to materials and construction. This table’s weight told me a lot about its quality before it ever made it into the room. When a piece feels solid and well built, it tends to last longer, function better, and quietly support everyday life without becoming a frustration.
Love this piece? I found it on serious sale at Wayfair
Always choose more storage
If you have the option to add a piece like a sideboard, buffet, or TV stand, I always recommend going for the extra storage. Open display is beautiful, but if we are being honest, most homes need a place to hide the odds and ends that come with real life. This side buffet is one of those pieces that quietly makes the whole room work better. In my home it functions as the coffee bar, but what I really love is how much it can hold without looking bulky.
This is where all the seasonal and “extra” things live, the items I reach for multiple times a year but never want to store in the attic, the closet, or the barn. Card games, table plate chargers, coffee boxes, and small décor pieces are the perfect example. They are useful and worth keeping, but they are awkward to store elsewhere and tend to become clutter if you do not give them a proper home. Having a dedicated piece with doors keeps everything contained and easy to access.
And if you ever have a little body visiting, closed storage becomes even more valuable. I love that mine has handles that twist to lock, which is perfect for curious little hands. It gives you the option to keep a space styled and welcoming, while still being practical for everyday use.