Mixing & Matching Dining Room Decor: How to Create a Cohesive Style That’s Uniquely Yours

Taneesha WoodsLeave a comment

www.discoveringlifellc.com | Discover Your Style. Live Your Life.

Your dining room is more than a space for meals—it’s a gathering place for connection, celebration, and comfort. But what happens when you’re drawn to more than one design style? Can a modern table coexist with farmhouse chairs? Can you combine vintage accents with a minimalist color palette?

Absolutely. Mixing and matching styles is not only possible—it’s a great way to make your dining room reflect your personality and lifestyle. Here’s how to blend multiple decor styles while keeping your dining space cohesive and thoughtfully styled.

Step-by-Step: How I Helped My Neighbor Mix Dining Room Styles (and Loved the Results)

A few months ago, a neighbor reached out to me feeling completely overwhelmed. She loved boho textures, modern shapes, and had inherited a few traditional pieces from her family—but had no idea how to make it all work in one space.

Here’s the process we used to bring her eclectic style to life:

Step 1: Discover Her Core Style & Favorite Pieces

We started by walking through her dining area and gathering everything she already had:

  • A sleek black modern dining table
  • Four cane-back boho chairs she scored at a thrift store
  • A large traditional wood hutch from her grandmother
  • A neutral area rug with subtle patterning
  • A few fun accessories: ceramic vases, vintage glassware, and woven placemats

We talked about how she wanted the room to feel: welcoming, a little artsy, but still clean and uncluttered.

Step 2: Choose a Color Palette

We pulled colors from her rug—warm creams, soft black, and muted greens—and made that our palette. To warm up the modern table and tie in the vintage hutch, we added accents in brass and natural wood tones.

Step 3: Rearrange for Balance

We centered the black table on the rug and flanked it with the boho chairs for contrast. The traditional hutch stayed in place but got a fresh coat of satin black paint to tie in with the table and give it a modern update without losing its charm.

Step 4: Layer in Mixed Materials

The table was modern, the chairs boho, and the hutch traditional—but it still needed unity. So we added:

  • A woven pendant light overhead to echo the chairs
  • Gold-toned cabinet pulls on the hutch to match a mirror frame
  • Linen curtains to soften the window area and bring in some lightness

Step 5: Accessorize Intentionally

We created a gallery wall using modern black frames and a mix of family photos and abstract art. On the hutch, we layered vintage glassware with a few minimal ceramics and greenery. For the dining table, we used a long runner in natural linen and added tapered candles in mixed-height holders—some vintage brass, some matte black.

The Final Look?

A warm, layered space that mixed modern structure, boho softness, and traditional warmth in a way that felt completely unique to her. She now calls it “the room that tells my story.”

Tips to Mix & Match Dining Room Styles in Your Own Home

Here’s how to apply the same ideas in your own space:

1. Start with a Foundation Piece

Whether it’s your dining table, a rug, or a buffet, choose one anchor piece that sets the tone. Use this as your visual guide for other elements.

2. Choose a Consistent Color Palette

Color is the glue that holds mixed styles together. Choose 2–3 main colors and 1–2 accent shades to repeat throughout the space.

3. Balance Proportions and Shapes

Make sure the sizes and shapes of your furniture and decor are in harmony. Contrast is good—just don’t let one element overpower the others.

4. Blend Materials Thoughtfully

Mix wood, metal, glass, linen—just do so with intention. Stick to 3–4 material types to keep the look cohesive.

5. Unify with Accessories

Use table runners, vases, lighting, and wall art to tie everything together. Repeating textures or finishes makes the space feel intentional.

6. Layer with Intention

Think in layers:

  • Base: Furniture and flooring
  • Middle: Curtains, lighting, chairs
  • Top: Art, plants, decor

7. Let Your Personality Lead

Your space should reflect you. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. Use what you love, and design will follow.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can mix styles in your dining room—and yes, it can look amazing. It’s all about creating a story through furniture, color, texture, and mood. Whether you lean modern, traditional, rustic, or boho, there’s a way to blend your favorite pieces into one beautiful, harmonious space.

Brighten Your Style: How to Incorporate Color-Changing Bulbs in Your Home

Taneesha WoodsLeave a comment

If you’re looking to add personality, mood, or a bit of magic to your living space, color-changing light bulbs might be the most underrated trend you haven’t tried yet. More than just fun gadgets, these bulbs can transform how a room feels—warm and cozy one moment, vibrant and energizing the next.

So, how do you work color-changing bulbs into your home without it feeling like a teenage gamer’s bedroom? Let’s dive into how this lighting trend can reflect your personal style, enhance your home decor, and bring a touch of creativity into your everyday living.

What Are Color-Changing Bulbs?

Color-changing bulbs are smart LED lights that allow you to switch between multiple colors and brightness levels—often via a remote, an app, or even voice control. Many also allow you to program lighting schedules, adjust white tones for day or night, or sync with music or TV for immersive experiences.

These bulbs fit into standard fixtures, which makes them an easy, low-commitment update for renters or anyone looking to refresh their space without a full remodel.

Do We Like the Idea of Color-Changing Bulbs?

Yes—and here’s why. They’re customizable, mood-enhancing, and incredibly versatile. Whether you want a calming soft blue glow in the evening, a sunny yellow burst for morning motivation, or a splash of pink during a dinner party, these bulbs adapt to your lifestyle.

They also help you shift your environment throughout the day, which can be especially beneficial if you work from home or want to create zones for focus, relaxation, or entertainment.

How to Incorporate Color-Changing Bulbs into Your Home

Here’s how to introduce them without overwhelming your decor:

1. Accent Lighting

Use color-changing bulbs in lamps, sconces, or light strips behind TVs or headboards to add subtle ambiance. Start with one or two rooms—like your living room or bedroom—and adjust based on the mood you want to create.

2. Highlight Decor

Use colorful lighting to draw attention to artwork, shelves, or architectural features. For example, a soft purple glow behind a bookshelf or around a mirror can elevate the space with minimal effort.

3. Seasonal Vibes

Set your bulbs to soft white for everyday use, but switch to red and green for the holidays, pastel tones in spring, or warm golds in autumn. It’s an easy way to change your home’s vibe with the seasons—no extra decor needed.

4. Mood Zones

Create zones in open-concept spaces by assigning different lighting colors to different areas. A relaxing blue corner for reading, a bright white zone for working, and a warm peach space for conversation—color makes separation subtle but effective.

Can Color-Changing Bulbs Match Your Personal Style?

Absolutely! Whether you’re minimalist, boho, glam, or industrial, there’s a way to make colorful lighting work:

  • Minimalist? Stick with cool white, warm white, and soft neutrals.
  • Boho or Eclectic? Embrace jewel tones and layered lighting for a free-spirited feel.
  • Glam or Modern? Use cool pinks or icy blues to highlight metallics or statement furniture.
  • Rustic or Farmhouse? Add warm amber tones to simulate candlelight or evening sunsets.

The key is to choose color settings that support—not overpower—your decor.

Are Color-Changing Bulbs a Welcoming Trend?

Yes, and they’re here to stay. Color-changing bulbs have gone from gimmicky to gorgeous, especially as design-conscious homeowners and renters are finding creative ways to use them. With energy efficiency, affordability, and smart features now standard, these bulbs offer both function and flair.

Think of them as mood rings for your home—subtle, expressive, and always evolving with your style.

Final Thoughts

Color-changing bulbs aren’t just for parties or tech lovers. They’re a stylish, practical way to add depth and personality to your home lighting. Whether you want to energize your morning, calm your evening, or simply have a little fun with your decor, these bulbs help you set the tone—literally.

Would you add color-changing bulbs to your home? Let us know how you’d style yours!

Finding Peace: The Motivation You Didn’t Know You Needed

Taneesha WoodsLeave a comment

We chase a lot of things in life—success, approval, stability, love. But what if the one thing we’re really looking for is peace?

Peace isn’t loud. It’s not about productivity or applause. It’s that steady heartbeat underneath the noise, the soft voice that reminds you who you are when the world gets too heavy. If you’ve been feeling pulled in a thousand directions, it’s not because you’re weak—it’s because you’re human. And you’ve probably been strong for far too long without pausing to just be.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to earn peace. You just have to allow it.
Let go of the guilt that tells you rest is laziness. Release the pressure that whispers you’re not enough unless you’re doing more. And most importantly—remember that stillness isn’t a setback. It’s a powerful act of self-love.

Motivation Starts with Permission

Sometimes the hardest part of change is not the effort, but the permission to begin. To step back. To let go. To choose peace over proving something.

So today, give yourself permission:

  • To move slower.
  • To breathe deeper.
  • To set boundaries without explanation.
  • To say “not today” and mean it.

There is strength in choosing quiet. There is clarity in choosing peace. And there is motivation in knowing that you are worthy of both.

A Simple Space That Changed Everything

I didn’t set out to find peace in my backyard. Honestly, I was just trying to make the space look nice—something Pinterest-worthy with a few plants and maybe a bistro table.

But one evening, after planting lavender in mismatched pots and stringing some soft lights along the fence, I sat down with a cup of tea just to admire the view. That five-minute sit turned into thirty. Then an hour. I wasn’t doing anything. Just… being. Watching the wind move through the leaves. Listening to the birds settle in for the night. Letting the quiet wrap around me like a soft blanket.

And in that stillness, I felt something shift.

It was like my body finally exhaled after holding its breath for too long. I wasn’t thinking about my to-do list or the news or who needed me next. I was just me. Safe. Grounded. At peace.

I didn’t know how much I needed that little patch of calm until I created it.

Now, my backyard is more than a space—it’s a practice. A reminder that no matter how chaotic life feels, I can always return to myself. I just need to step outside and sit for a while.

Create a Space for Peace

Peace doesn’t always come naturally. It often needs to be cultivated. One beautiful, powerful way to invite peace into your life is by turning your outdoor space—no matter how big or small—into a sanctuary.

Whether it’s a small balcony, a shaded backyard, or a cozy front porch, your outdoor space can become your personal retreat. Add a comfortable chair. Light a candle. Plant flowers or herbs. Listen to the birds in the morning or watch the stars at night. Use this space as a sacred moment to begin your day with intention or end your day with reflection.

Let it be your daily reminder that peace isn’t found in escaping life, but in embracing it—on your own terms.

Let Motivation Be Your Guide: Using Inspirational Quotes to Decorate Your Home with Heart

Taneesha WoodsLeave a comment

Have you ever read a quote that instantly made you feel something? Maybe it reminded you of who you are, what you’ve been through, or where you’re going. That same feeling can become the foundation for your home’s style. Motivation doesn’t just live on sticky notes or vision boards—it can live on your walls, in your furniture, and throughout every thoughtfully designed space in your home.

Here’s how you can let the motivation that moves you inspire the way you decorate your home:

1. Start with a Quote That Speaks to Your Soul

Before you buy a single piece of furniture or choose a paint color, take a moment to think about the quotes that inspire you. Whether it’s something spiritual, funny, or deeply personal, the words that light a fire in you can also guide the feeling you want to create at home.

For example:

  • “She believed she could, so she did” can inspire a bright, feminine home office filled with empowering energy.
  • “Inhale courage, exhale fear” might lend itself to a calming bedroom retreat with soft textures and peaceful tones.
  • “Do small things with great love” could inspire a cozy, family-centered kitchen with warm woods and heartfelt details.

2. Use the Quote to Anchor the Room’s Purpose

Quotes aren’t just decorative—they can be directional. If your living room is where your family gathers, choose a quote that reinforces togetherness. If your hallway is a passage between chaos and calm, make it a transitional space with a quote that encourages grounding.

Try This:

  • Place a framed quote at eye level as you walk into a room to instantly feel the intention behind the space.
  • Use vinyl lettering above a bed, a couch, or even a mirror to create a subtle but powerful message.

3. Let the Vibe of the Quote Guide Your Decor Style

The energy of a quote can inspire an entire design theme. Motivational quotes that are bold and action-oriented might pair well with modern decor and strong contrasts—think black and white with pops of red or gold. Calming quotes might call for earth tones, linen textures, and soft lighting.

Let the words help you answer questions like:

  • Should this room be energizing or peaceful?
  • Do I want minimalist decor or layered coziness?
  • Should I choose clean lines or rustic charm?

4. Create a Gallery Wall of Words

Who says you can only hang one quote? If there are several sayings that motivate you, create a gallery wall combining quotes with photos, artwork, or symbols that reinforce your personal journey. Make it a storytelling wall—a visual reminder of your why.

Design Tip: Mix typography styles to keep it interesting: cursive, block lettering, and typewriter fonts all layered in matching or complementary frames can add depth and personality.

5. Think Beyond the Wall

Motivational quotes don’t always have to be framed. They can be printed on throw pillows, etched into cutting boards, embroidered on blankets, or even painted directly onto furniture. Choose meaningful placement that gives the quote context and helps you stay inspired in daily life.

Imagine cooking dinner and seeing “Gather here with grateful hearts” etched into your countertop décor. It’s not just a saying—it becomes a living part of your routine.

Final Thoughts

Decorating your home with motivational quotes is more than a design choice—it’s a decision to create a home that reminds you daily of your values, dreams, and growth. Let your home speak your language. Let it tell your story. And let it motivate you forward, one inspired space at a time.

So, what quote moves you right now? Start there—and let it become the heartbeat of your next room design.

How to Create a Motivational Gallery Wall for Your Home Office

Taneesha WoodsLeave a comment

Working From Home? Let Your Walls Speak Life into Your Day

When you’re spending hours in your home office—whether building a business, journaling, studying, or chasing dreams—you want that space to energize you. A motivational gallery wall does just that. It’s not just decor—it’s personal fuel for the days you feel unstoppable and the days you need a little push.

Today, I’m sharing exactly how to create a gallery wall that not only looks beautiful but speaks to your soul.

Step 1: Choose Your Message First, Not Just Your Frames

Before picking frames or prints, ask yourself:

  • What do I need to hear daily?
  • What keeps me going when I’m tired?
  • What are my personal or business goals?

Write down 3–5 affirmations, mantras, or quotes that speak to your journey. These will be the heart of your gallery wall.

Examples:

  • “Progress, not perfection.”
  • “You didn’t come this far just to come this far.”
  • “Create boldly. Rest intentionally.”

Step 2: Decide on a Visual Theme

Your home office style should flow with your motivational wall. Choose a theme that matches your decor vibe:

  • Minimalist – Black-and-white prints with clean typography.
  • Boho-chic – Earth tones, natural wood frames, hand-lettered quotes.
  • Modern glam – Gold frames, metallic text, marble accents.
  • Eclectic – Mix of colors, shapes, and quote styles.

This is your space. Let it reflect you.

Step 3: Pick the Right Prints

You can:

  • Design your own (with Canva or similar tools).
  • Download printable quotes from Etsy or blogs.
  • Frame affirmations you’ve written yourself for a personal touch.

Mix it up with:

  • One large anchor quote.
  • Smaller quotes or affirmations.
  • Art that symbolizes your values (like a compass, sunrise, staircase, etc.)

Step 4: Map Out the Layout

Lay your frames on the floor first or use painter’s tape to mark sizes on the wall.

Popular layouts:

  • Grid – Neat and tidy for a clean look.
  • Organic cluster – Casual and creative, perfect for a cozy space.
  • Anchor + accents – One bold centerpiece surrounded by smaller elements.

Tip: Use different frame sizes for dimension, but keep the color palette cohesive.

Step 5: Add Texture and Personality

To make your gallery wall truly inspiring:

  • Add a vision board or pin board in the mix.
  • Hang a small hanging plant or dried eucalyptus.
  • Include a framed photo that reminds you of a proud moment.
  • Add a clock, mirror, or mini shelf with a candle or crystal.

Step 6: Make It Interactive (Optional but Powerful)

Add a small dry-erase frame or chalkboard where you can write:

  • Your word of the week
  • A daily win
  • A rotating quote that fits your current season

It keeps your wall fresh and aligned with your growth.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Walls Reflect Your Inner Strength

Your home office is more than a workspace—it’s where your dreams are nurtured. A motivational gallery wall reminds you why you’re doing what you’re doing. Every quote, every frame, every detail should point you back to your purpose.

So go ahead—create a wall that doesn’t just inspire you, but one that believes in you.