Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda,

Do you ever catch yourself doing that slow turn around your living room as you’re getting ready for your New Year’s Eve gathering, noticing every little thing that still isn’t quite right? Maybe you toss out an apology before anyone even walks through the door like, “We’re not done decorating yet,” or the old standby, “Martha Stewart does not live here.” And maybe you’ve told yourself you would have moved that chair or rearranged that room if your husband hadn’t whipped out that tape measure to show you how it would not work. If you’ve spent this past year swimming in should haves and would haves, this might be the moment to stop shoulding and start coulding. The new year is a wonderful time to look at your home with an open mind and a curious eye. Instead of replaying everything that didn’t happen, you can start imagining the small, doable changes that could happen next. A lamp that finally gets the corner it deserves. A mirror that gets rehung where it can catch the light from an opposing window. A little nook reclaimed for that first quiet cup of coffee before the day begins. None of this is about fixing the past. It’s about giving yourself permission to think and dream without shutting yourself down before you even begin. No more knee-jerk no’s. No more imaginary rulebook. Just a home that grows with you; one small “I could try that” at a time. Let’s peek into a few homes that could have and did ……. somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Dark and Moody
It is not often that I have a customer say, “I want to try dark and moody” but one did and the result was fabulous. Her original idea was to paint a single accent wall, but I suggested taking the plunge and painting the entire room. When all the walls share the same deep hue, the space feels more cohesive and complete. If you do choose just one dark wall, the surrounding walls should be painted in a softer shade of the same color; otherwise, the contrast from dark to stark white can feel too harsh. For this project, the focal wall received a custom woodworker’s pattern treatment, adding subtle texture and dimension. The finished room invites relaxation, wrapping you in a calming embrace. If you’ve ever been tempted to try a dark and moody palette, I recommend starting with a bedroom or home office, spaces where the atmosphere of depth and serenity feels especially at home.

  •  Grand Foyers
If you’ve been eager to try wallpaper, the foyer is the perfect place to experiment. Choose something subtle and timeless, like grass cloth, which adds texture without overwhelming the space. In this foyer, the wallpaper was applied above the wainscot, creating a balanced and elegant backdrop. A tall mirror reflects light and naturally draws the eye upward, while stacked artwork enhances that vertical movement. Don’t hesitate, no matter the size of your foyer, layering art high creates drama and makes the space feel larger. By guiding the gaze upward, you expand the room’s sense of scale and invite a touch of sophistication.

  •  Bright Color and Fun
The same principles apply no matter what the size of the home. In this patio villa, we installed drapery hung high and wide, instantly making the windows appear taller and broader creating the illusion of more space and light. The homeowner’s vibrant artwork set the tone, and the room was built around her lively style.
A generous 9×12 rug anchors the space, adding a bold pop of color while providing much needed sound absorption. As you head into the new year, remember, hang your drapes high and invest in large rugs. A big rug is one design choice you’ll never regret; it transforms a room with comfort, scale, and presence.

  •  Finish the guest room
Finish that guest room, finally! If you’ve been wavering, it’s time to commit and bring the space together. You don’t need new furniture; what you need is cohesion and a sense of completion. With just one afternoon of focused shopping, you can gather everything: a fresh bed set, coordinating artwork, and perhaps a 5×8 rug angled under the bed for warmth and style. Then, spend another afternoon assembling it all, and the room is done. You won’t regret it. When guests arrive, you’ll be delighted to welcome them into a space that feels welcoming and best of all finished. The room pictured here was a quick transformation, with every piece ordered online. We changed only the headboard, then added two new pictures, a mirror, a secondhand lamp, and all new bedding. Everything arrived at the house and was installed in a single afternoon, proof that finishing a guest room can be simple, stylish, and satisfying. Final note… if you need a handy man to put the room together then hire one. I do… that is how we put the room together with the help of a handyman.
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