All the Christmas and New Year’s decorations are down, the house is kinda-semi-clean, so I thought it would be the perfect time to re-evaluate our space, bring in some new plants and freshen things up!

Reading nook

Figgy is having a mid-tree crisis. She used to be beautiful with lush green leaves, but even in the same spot she’s been for years she is not happy. My theory for the crisis is new doors and windows that protect against UV light and have thicker hurricane impact glass. I think she’s just not getting the light she needs. Also, should I trim her?? I like the organic shape, but maybe she needs a new start. I moved a dresser out of the nook and into our bedroom to make room for her. Hopefully she will like this spot better.

Then to balance the other side, I added a big monstera plant. I had to buy a couple new ones because both of mine have been struggling with mealy bugs for years and I’m tired of trying to get rid of them. They slowly infect other plans as well. Might as well start fresh. I’ll give the old ones yet another spray and they might make it outside on the lanai. Can you believe these were only $17 dollars each at our favorite local nursery?

I bought an inexpensive cover to go over this cushion because I’m not feeling the neon anymore. Over the years I’ve realized that my favorite house color palette is basically white and green with wood and gold accents. Could you tell? I’m pretty predictable at this point.

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Living room

The major thing I wanted to do was put the snake plants in various baskets back on top of this ledge. I put them outside for a couple months in hopes that the Florida sunlight would bring them back to life. And it definitely helped. There are new sprouts and sturdier leaves, but not exactly what I had hoped. The store didn’t have any all green snake plants (just the ones with yellow edges), so we’ll make this work for now.

Our darling little puppy has chewed almost every corner of every pillow I have on the couches! She’s finally growing out of chewing everything possible so I wanted to replace them. I found these soft corduroy pillow cases for $26 a set! I mean, that’s $13 a pillow. I think they work great.

I added a throw on the back of this chair for some layering and interest. I always want to replace this chair and couches, but I’m grateful we’ve had them for so long and I have been able to wash the covers over and over again.

I added another monstera plant here off to the side as well. Plants makes spaces so much happier!

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Dining room

Into the dining room, I didn’t do much. I added back my thrifted art that I’m still in love with. We use the dining room table for meals, homework, work and all kinds of things, so we prefer to leave it bare.

I put my orchids outside usually when they’re not in bloom, but I went ahead and brought them in to watch as they come to life here in the next couple of months.

I made this shell pot from all our beach finds last summer and I still love it. I have a tutorial if you want to try the same with your beach treasures.

Also, Clara talked me into buying this sweet little strawberry plant at the nursery.

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Entryway

The bones of the entryway are the thrifted art and board and batten wall — which by the way, I did by myself with no power tools and for $100! I have a tutorial on that as well if you’re interested.

I keep this space pretty simple, but it’s nice to hide the dog things like her raincoat (yes, she has a puppy raincoat!), leash, harness and such in this bag right by the door. This is my favorite hat I wear on the regular. It is very well worn as you can see. I should probably buy a new one, but I can’t find another one I like as much!

And finally I added a plant that I’ve pretty much neglected because I couldn’t see it where I put it outside! Maybe I can revive it here in this spot.

The space feels fresh and alive with all the plants. We’re ready to start the new year! Maybe next week we’ll talk about getting back in routine and ugggg … meal planning. Happy New Year!