My Favorite Home Decor This Year

Hoo boy! What a year it’s been. I think it’s safe to say we’re all ready for a fresh start. I know with my new home, I’ve been especially excited for new chapters and a new start ! Before looking ahead though, I always like to pause and take a bit of reflection. So I’ve done that here and compiled my list of home decor favorites. From plant books to DIY home projects, here’s some of the very best this last year had to offer.

UPDATE: It’s been a few years since I wrote this post and life has settled down. I can happily report though that these projects and decor items have stood the test of time and still hold a place in my heart. I think you’ll still love them!

DIY Project: Chalk Paint Dresser

Although I am really happy with my new fireplace project, there is just something about my Dresser DIY Makeover that I feel especially good about. Maybe it’s because the dresser was a free find on Craiglist, or maybe it’s the satisfying black depth of the Rustoleum Milk Paint (not chalk paint!) that makes this one stand out for me.

It stands proud as a bold, dramatic piece of bedroom furniture. Even with the modern drawer pulls, it’s still a timeless classic.

Favorite Artwork: Mesa & Otis

I truly love all of my art prints from Juniper Print Shop, but the Mesa print is one of my very favorites this year. I love the neutral shades that make me feel like I’m connected to nature.

Also, the Otis print is right up there – I love it so much I ordered it in the extra large 24″ x 36″! Over time, these two pieces of artwork have consistently found a place in each of my homes. Whether on a shelf in the entryway here, layered on a ledge over my couch, or alone on an accent wall, the colors and feelings in these art prints still make me happy.

Favorite Home Decor Book: Wild Creations

I adore Hilton Carter and was so excited to see his new line at Target come out earlier this year along with his newest book Wild Creations! This book includes so many plant inspired projects and tutorials, it’s one I’ll treasure for years to come.

Favorite Splurge: Light Fixture

Sooo, I haven’t technically splurged on this yet. But, truth be told, I visit this light fixture online several times a month. You that *one* thing that just feels so good, so beautiful, yet so out of reach? This modern chandelier from Rejuvenation is that elusive splurge for me. Some day my friends, some day.

And, let’s just say the love affair continues. During a rainy weekend in Portland, I grabbed a coffee and headed into Rejuvenation to view this fixture in person. Yep, it’s still very much an object of my affection.

Favorite Steal: Rattan Basket

It’s not secret I’m a sucker for baskets – they’re both functional and beautiful. They add that extra warmth, texture, and shape most spaces needs. So, you can imagine I was excited to find this natural Rattan Woven Basket for less than $25!

Funny thing – I’ve moved a few times since this bedroom photo (life, tell me about it) but it has become a functional staple in each place. As a blanket holder in the family room or now as a laundry bin in my primary room, this basket has held up well!

Favorite Steal Runner Up: Arch Mirror

This Arch Mirror solves so many issues (proportions, shape, size) and is a complete steal at $60! It completely brightened up and ’rounded’ out this space in the new house.

And guess what, a few years later it now stands proud on my new black brick fireplace, looking just as lovely as ever. I’ve purchased many types of mirrors in my time. From bathroom vanity mirrors to entryway pharmacy style mirrors and this one definitely has quality. It never gives a fun house vibe and is the perfect size for placing on a fireplace mantel.

Favorite Styled Space: Writing Nook

There is nothing I love more than turning unused or otherwise difficult spaces into something functional and pretty. This writing nook was just the transformation I needed.

After my divorce it was an empty corner collecting random odds and ends. Feeling inspired to write and journal more, I turned this space into a simple writing nook where I could reflect and enjoy the mountain views.

Final Thoughts

I hope this list of decor favorites inspires you to create a few special places in your home. Whether it’s appreciating a single item, like a mirror or basket, or maybe an entire area like a little writing nook – we can make places that reflect our style.

If you’d like to learn more about interior design styles, check out my post on How to Decorate From Start to Finish, 7 Design Elements in Your Home, and take the Home Decor Quiz to learn your own style.