Arlyn Molina · Inspired by Experts ·Apr 11, 2025

Finding Joy in your Space

By Arlyn Molina

Most of my clients tell me they have the same issues: they want their home to feel “home-y” and inviting. They are just not happy with their current design situation, whatever it may be. Are you in the same rut? I have some good news: there is HOPE. So take a breather, warm up a cup of coffee, and read on.

Here are some practical tips to liven up your space and transform it into somewhere you never want to leave and are actually proud of!

Declutter

This is a big one. When I first visit client homes, I am oftentimes greeted by spaces with too much clutter. Counters are filled with items, couches are overwhelmed with toys and mismatching pillows, and walls are littered with items to FILL them, as opposed to thoughtful pieces that make a statement. There is not judgement here as I am there to help them navigate through that! That being said, the most impacting and loving thing you can do to your space and for yourself is to declutter it. If something has not been used within the past three months, let it go. Toys? Hide them in baskets or take them to a different room. Find a space for everything. With a color scheme in mind, remove anything and everything that is not within those color points. If possible, completely remove the decor and only reintroduce what is essential to the space and functionality of it.

Hide Electronics

Can you think about something your spouse enjoys that is a major eye-sore? My husband, for example, loves his surround sound system. I enjoy it, but the sight of it out in the open next to a gorgeous art print makes my eyes twitch. Thankfully, I was able to hide his subwoofer in a cabinet that can be opened up when we watch movies. See how I did not get rid of it? Compromise is key here. I also placed his Xbox in an antique basket I found at a thrift store that allows for proper ventilation in our bedroom. Remote controls, chargers, and other electrical items are neatly stored away into decorative bowls, bins, or boxes. Have systems in place for these items that you KNOW need to be used. This makes a HUGE difference that you only notice once you have done this and compared before and after photos. Do you have unsightly wires in view? Amazon has coverings that can camouflage with your walls and flooring. Where there is a problem, there is a solution. Now onto the fun part: decor.

Let’s Dress it Up

Obviously my first recommendation would be to hire an interior designer for this part, because design can be very intimidating for many people, but if this is not possible at the moment, this advice will come in handy. A big one for me is to avoid cliche items. (I am talking about YOU Live, Laugh, Love signs!) Find pieces that are unique, beautiful (to you), and meaningful. Not all walls need decor. Say that again slowly. This is important to remember. It is okay to let the eyes rest where necessary. If you love hanging family photos, make sure they ALL have the same filter— greyscale, sepia, or black and white are my go-to filters for my clients. Very rarely do I incorporate colored prints unless the space asks for it. You also need a rug large enough so all furniture front legs can be placed on it (minus console) and a console table (wider than your television) if your space permits it. These are key!

Finishing Touches

Candles, blankets and lamps create warmth. Layering candles in vignettes or on a coffee table will not only make your space smell amazing, it will add an aesthetic layer that beckons visitors to sit and relax. Think for a moment about how a flickering candle just changes how a space feels. Beautiful isn’t it? Blankets do the same thing! A blanket basket, blanket ladder, or simply having a draped blanket over a couch instantly transforms your living area. I opt for blankets with fringed ends that coordinate with my existing decor. These will not only look beautiful, but they should be functional. Guests can and should enjoy these! Remember, we are designing a functional space. Finally, add table or floor lamps and turn these on when visitors are coming over. Make sure the lighting is warm and not cold. Opt for lamps that are max 3500k for these.

Instilling these pieces of advice will quickly transform your space. They are practical and can be accomplished with any budget. I hope these simple, practical tips mark the beginning of a new chapter in your space and routine. Maintain a clean home, routinely declutter your spaces, and make sure your space is functional. Remember: homes are meant to be lived in. Enjoy every corner of it and let your visitors do the same.

*All photographs credit: Arlyn Molina

ABOUT WRITER

Perfect ambience

Just the right curtains I was looking for, blocked all the light but lets the sun shine on the wall and ceiling a bit. The other curtains I had blocked only 75% of the light.

The material feels high quality and durable.

The only thing I need to do now is get them steamed so they look uniform.

Very fast shipping, came 2 days early. The turn around time from manufacturing to shipping wasn’t long either.

Love them but not true blackout

I was very excited to get these and love how they look with my kids rooms. Unfortunately, the way they are sewn together allows for a lot of light to get through. I ordered the blackout lining hoping I wouldn’t need to close the curtains but as you can see, the seams are super bright.

Sag at the end

They look nice but when they get to the edge of the recommended length they clearly sag at the ends, even without curtains. Not worth $75

Hello! Regarding the drooping issue you mentioned, it may be related to the installation method or the characteristics of the track itself. If you need any assistance or advice, feel free to contact support@twopagescurtains.com, and our customer service team will do their best to resolve the issue for you.

Great shades!

We love our Twopages Cinnamon Natural Jute Bamboo Woven Shade. The true color is a bit darker than photos depicted online but I got the sample booklet and anticipated that. I do really like it.

Amazing Workmanship and Embroidered Trim!

Two Pages has upped their game. My drapes came in a lovely branded zipper bags with a lovely message inside. Delivery was so quick! I have over a dozen curtains in my home from Two Pages. I recently upgraded my Isabella Paper White curtains in my living room to Isabella Paper White with R31 Trim. Oh my goodness- GORGEOUS!!! Firstly, my original Paper White drapes had a blue tinge to them, a very stark white. Which was fine, but I don’t know if they changed the sourcing, but the Paper White colour is now a lovely True clean white that is more soft, I LOVE the white. The R31 trim sample that I ordered in advance, also matched the trim tape on the curtains. Customer service was good to confirm with my enquiry that the sample did indeed match, as the website colour depicted was a bit different. It is a stunning sky blue (not aqua like the website picture). Moreover the workmanship and specifically how the tape was sewn onto the drape, was straight and aligned nicely with the thread. I was nervous when I ordered, because I saw a review where you could see that the sewing had gone outside of the lines and looked sub par; but I can assure you, the trim tape is sewn on beautifully. I plan to order Jawara Pink with Q21 or K61 next; which will make it 20 pairs of drapes from Two Pages that I own, LOL. The trim tape itself is such good quality, wide and stunningly embroidered. They rival designer named ones. I WISH I could order the trim tape itself so that I can add it to a throw pillow and at the bottom of my slip covered dining chairs, to coordinate the rooms. My style is Modern French Country I would say. Thank you Two Pages for my exquisite drapes

Hello! Thank you for your support! Open this link and you can order the trim border samples: https://twopagescurtains.com/products/choose-any-5-trim-border-samples-for-8 . If you would like a custom length of the trim border, you can contact support@twopagescurtains.com, our customer service team will assist you.

Obsessed with this texture!

Love how our shade turned out in both texture and color! It compliments our creamy white trim and oak floors perfectly!

Excellent curtains

I ordered the custom Liz linen curtains for my living room and dining room. Got the lightest liner as recommended by customer service because I was worried about fading of the curtain. Color is burlywood birch. They are beautiful curtains. The hook thats included makes them adjustable in height so you can make them longer or shorter as needed. Will definitely order again.

Good rod

Simple and elegant. Husband said it was sturdy and the screws were good quality. The reason why I gave it fours stars is because the color was off between different pieces.

So elegant

I just love how these curtains look in our dining room. They go perfectly with the wool rug under the table. I got the pinch pleated drapes from the Liz Collection in color Pale Aqua Blue with memory training and no lining. One thing I do think is important is to order the swatch first in order to have an idea what an actual color would look like. The curtain color looks exactly like the swatch but is different from the color online. The one online looks more green. So, do spend the $5 on the swatch and you will not be disappointed.