Hey mamas,

When you are Never Alone—at least not for years and years—your home becomes a mishmash of conflicting forces. The walls fill up with grade school artwork, the wood finish falls victim to Sharpies, and your color scheme folds under the weight of dark, hulking La-Z-Boys. When the kids move out and you regain control of your house, you’ll need a few tips on how to decorate like an adult—because it’s been a long time since you’ve had a choice.

Even if you still have little people in your home, it might be time to start updating and maturing your home decor. A little refresh for your space might be just what your family needs. So here are some tips to help you!

How To Decorate Like An Adult 

Clean House

No, we’re not suggesting that you actually clean your house! Just throw away all the stuff that looks like it belongs in a dorm room. If you have a hard time parting with it, instruct your spouse to store it in the shed where you can’t see it—and to dispose of it in a few months, after you’ve forgotten it’s there. Some likely candidates include:

• The crib that was supposed to transition into a daybed but never really fooled anyone
• Basement futons
• Souvenir shot glasses
• Gag refrigerator magnets
• Bean bags chairs (or anything bean-stuffed)
• Plasticware
• All the nasty pillows in the house (which is to say, all of them)
• Incomplete board games and puzzles occupying tables

Buy New Dishes

Over the years, you saved some bent spoons from the garbage disposal, but not enough to set the table. Now that there are fewer family members to drop them, you deserve some matching dishes. Start searching for some bone china that speaks to who you are now. With a pattern. And some color.

One that you can reasonably picture under a salad Nicoise. Or, if you still have your bridal registry dishes stashed in the attic, don’t wait for the elegant dinner parties you have yet to host. Make it your everyday set now.

Shop for Real Furniture

When the kids were little, you bought furniture that wouldn’t break your heart if they covered it with swear words—misspelled in crayon. Maybe you thought the kitchen table would look distressed on purpose, or you built those Ikea desks because they were practically disposable.

Honey, it’s time. Budget for at least one piece of furniture with the kind of quality and style that might even outlast you. A new sofa is a bold choice, announcing to the world that you are once again the queen of your castle.

Try a Lighter Color

This step is only for the brave, and it only works if you don’t yet have grandchildren. Add a lighter color to your décor—maybe just an antelope-spotted, cream velvet slipper chair as they show in the Ballard’s catalog. Shh, it’s okay.

Your furniture sustained some abuse before, but now the only chocolate-stained hands to touch that upholstery will be yours. If you’re not ready, at least try a pastel throw pillow on the bed. No matter how many tips you get on how to decorate like an adult, even the bravest of us have to start with baby steps.

I know that I cannot wait to decorate my own home (for the first time!) So I’m sure that getting a second chance to style your home is just as exciting. Let me know in the comments what you decide to do and how you decorate!

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Much Love, JessXO