Sometimes it is about a big bold move such as fully renovating a dark, busy bathroom or kitchen so a bright, peaceful, airy one can be born. (But what would I know about that? Ahem.) Sometimes a subtle addition or simple subtraction can be small thoughtful changes for an airy peaceful look.
![French Nordic style room with settee and vintage grain sack pillows - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchnordic #frenchcountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/001-hello-lovely-studio-french-nordic-white-decor-settee.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Small Thoughtful Changes for an Airy Peaceful Look
Why Smaller, Simpler and Serene Changes?
We’re often short on time, energy, and funds. Feel frustrated with a space that needs attention yet leaves you feeling stuck? Pretty sure a skilled designer could offer a solution? It’s possible.
![Serene white modern French Shaker kitchen by Hello Lovely Studio. #minuet #viateraquartz](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/fall-kitchen-urn-branches-farm-sink-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
If it is a kitchen or bath, as long as you have buckets of extra cash, miles of patience, and months of time, you’ll probably, mostly, eventually, someday arrive at a beautiful result. 🙂 But if they’re in limited supply, there are still creative, intentional, practical options.
![Neutral, serene, European country bedroom with Stikwood accent wall (Hamptons), white bedding, and BM Revere Pewter painted furniture - Hello Lovely Studio. #reverepewter #cottagebedroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/00001-hello-lovely-studio-neutral-white-bedroom-stikwood.jpg)
Often, when we’re after a calmer, less busy, unfussy space, it’s about making small thoughtful changes (acquisitions, deletions, modifications) that won’t create a pile of debt or regret. For example, a few years ago, fed up with a dimly lit forlorn pass-through laundry room, I made small, customized tweaks just for me.
![Serene vintage style white bath with clawfoot tub, plantation shutters, and staggered marble tile - Hello Lovely Studio. #serenedecor #serenebath](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-hello-lovely-studio-fall-bathroom-clawfoot-tub-table-hyrdrangea-candle-plantation-shutters-serene.jpg)
Staying True to You
I know there were blog readers who were disappointed in how humble I kept the plan. Folks who see me as a creative dynamo with a handy husband anticipated that I’d sock money, labor, and time into a pinworthy project.
But while I post plenty of fantasy, high end inspiration, I’m a frugal and sensible soul. I stayed true to myself and chose easy, understated, cosmetic changes that required no demo, dust, or trade professionals.
We didn’t even buy a flashy new washer and dryer set since ours were still working fine.
![Our former laundry room got a marble mosaic backsplash, pale blue grey walls, and beadboard paneling - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-hello-lovely-pass-through-laundry-room.jpg)
Psst. We moved from that house, and the washer and dryer are still working perfectly in a tiny home we own. I wasn’t creating #laundryroomgoals because our wee-sized, pass through, windowless room didn’t need to become a fantasy. It simply needed to calm down, house storage, and become a tidy, functioning space to do laundry.
![Cozy little serene things (a wee lamp, detergent in a glass bottle, polished marble backsplash tile) made a forlorn laundry pass through so much more peaceful and welcoming - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-hello-lovely-shelf-laundry-room.jpg)
I’m guessing you may have a similar space at home. Maybe you’re unhappy with how it makes you feel jittery and not calm. And maybe you’re renting. Or maybe it’s simply not worth it to hire a pro, go to great expense, or remodel for resale.
![Dappled autumn light in my kitchen and hall with Ilse Jacobsen boots - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/00001-fall-decor-hello-lovely-kitchen-hall-ilse-jacobsen-boots.jpg)
![Personal growth and self-awareness quote - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/self-awareness-personal-growth-quote-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Simple & Understated is Totes Underrated
Even though I was after simple and understated, it was about adding the right elements to that utility space. Upgrading the builder’s grade ceiling light for a pretty chandelier and adding a beautiful polished marble mosaic tile backsplash in that former laundry room?
Gamechangers.
![Shop for the serene decor and design elements in this laundry room makeover by Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hello-lovely-studio-laundry-room-mood-board-shop-the-room.jpg)
Softly diffused, sparkly light made that little space more welcoming. The light bounced off reflective stone tile which brought a natural, organic layer into a sterile environment. A favorite color painted on the walls made it feel customized for me. There were no headaches or tears or second mortgages involved.
![Rustic antique Belgian sideboard with oak branch in vase in early fall - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/00001-fall-decor-hello-lovely-living-room-sideboard-rustic-belgian-linen-candlelight.jpg)
So let’s consider ideas for how to make small thoughtful changes if you love serene decorating.
Turn the Tables
Before we moved, I swapped a great big harvest table for a petite round rustic dining table in the breakfast nook.
![Serene tranquil white kitchen with farm sink, marble subway tile, Viatera Minuet quartz counters, white Shaker cabinets, and white oak flooring. Come explore Serene Decor Slow Living as well as Small Thoughtful Changes at Home.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/00036-white-serene-classic-kitchen-by-hello-lovely.jpg)
I also added a rug which instantly warmed and anchored the dining space.
![My serene white French country kitchen with white oak flooring, Minuet quartz Viatera countertop, and Belgian linen upholstered bar stools. Come explore Serene Decor Slow Living as well as Small Thoughtful Changes at Home.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-hello-lovely-studio-00030.jpg)
Then I swapped that one for a larger round table I have had forever!
![Serene breakfast nook with linen slipcovered chairs and round dining table - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_2820.jpg)
If you own more than one, have you considered swapping kitchen/dining/game tables in your home? It’s a small thing, but it may completely change the mood and function of your space.
![Serene white kitchen with Viatera Minuet white quartz counters, polished marble backsplash, and Bosch appliances - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_2825.jpg)
BTW. Maybe instead of a smaller table in your space like my swaps, you want a larger one. The bonus of a huge farm table (even if by all accounts it is super-sized for the space) is its usefulness for spreading out with homework, crafts and even folding laundry.
![10 zen things on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #zen #simpleliving #slowliving #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/faith-blue-grey-spiritual-quote-10-zen-things.jpg)
Small Investment, Big Return
Another small change for a kitchen with a big impact? A petite work table.
![Steel industrial cart on casters before I transformed it DIY style. #hellolovelystudio #diy #steelcart](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/00001-hello-lovely-studio-industrial-cart-16.jpg)
![Serene white kitchen in early fall with hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/00001-fall-decor-hello-lovely-kitchen-counter-work-cart-hydrangea.jpg)
A petite vintage industrial steel cart scored for $10 was transformed into a hardworking kitchen cart with paint, leftover quartz (the sink cut out I saved), and salvaged wood from the old kitchen floor.
![Hello Lovely's European country kitchen with white cabinets, white oak hardwoods, and industrial steel cart. #europeancountry #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hello-lovely-kitchen-steel-cart-work-table.jpg)
Here’s a petite model with clean lines that appears easy to keep clean.
Live With Less Visual Noise
Deletion of excess may be more beneficial than any purchase or decorative zhushing. Living without clutter and fussy rugs/accessories/decorations makes it easier for me personally to maintain. Slow living (or slower living) in a serene atmosphere suits me and my husband personally since our work lives can be hectic.
![Hello Lovely Studio's white oak hardwood floors in her European country living room, dining, and kitchen with Belgian linen. #hellolovelystudio #interiordesign #whiteoak #hardwoodfloors #belgianlinen #europeancountry #openfloorplan](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/0001-hello-lovely-studio-white-oak-hardwood-floors-living-room-hall-kitchen-dining.jpg)
You can always bring in pops of seasonal color and layering as you wish:
![European country dining room with white farm table, rustic shelves, and lantern - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_2816.jpg)
Prioritize Pieces That Function
If you live in a smallish home or have a tiny kitchen, you can probably relate to the challenge of limited storage and also keeping surfaces clutter-free for prep space and day to day tasks.
![White ironstone pitcher with white roses and spring blooms atop books on a bistro table. #hellolovelystudio #ironstonepitcher #frenchcountry #florals #romanticdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/005-hello-lovely-studio-modern-french-bistro-black-chair-stripe-basket-flowers-turkish-towel-books-gravel-boxwood.jpg)
Make your decorative items work for you and think twice about embellishments that just sit there.
I love ironstone pitchers, and they can be pulled into service for multiple tasks.
![White roses in a vintage ironstone pitcher in my kitchen with window seat - Hello Lovely. #whiteroses #whitedecor #windowseat #breakfastnook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_1975.jpg)
I use them as vases, to hold utensils, for lemonade, or even to water plants.
![White roses in ironstone pitcher on pub table with industrial stools - Hello Lovely.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_1988.jpg)
Can the item be used in multiple rooms and outdoors? Even better.
![White vintage ironstone pitcher with roses and a summer floral arrangement - on a black Parisian bistro chair in the courtyard - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/garden-roses-blooming-in-ironstone-pitcher.jpg)
I also love these round wooden rustic stools which can be used for seating, tables, step stools and more. They work as a perch near a tub:
![French country white bathroom with maids tub, accent stool, and white roses - Hello Lovely.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_2004.jpg)
As a vanity stool:
![Shop the Look of Hello Lovely's cloffice. #clofficeideas #homeoffice #getthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SHOP-THE-LOOK-closet-cloffice-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
as a piano stool:
![Our dining room with fireplace is used as a music room where a white piano and antique mirror are decorated for Christmas in white - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitechristmas #whitepiano](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-thanksgiving-11.jpg)
or as a little outdoor table:
![Instead of sharing a big cheeseboard or sweets buffet, individual mini boards are a safe way to entertain during Covid-19. #hellolovelystudio #summerentertaining #easyentertaining #outdoorentertaining #minicheeseboard #appetizerideas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/0001-stool-palm-plate-sweet-mimosa-courtyard-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Even a bedside table when space is tight!
![Girls bedroom with garden floral (Pillowfort) quilt, upholstered headboard, Paris framed print, and sweet ballerina and unicorn pillows - Hello Lovely Studio. #girlsroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/00001-fall-decor-hello-lovely-breakfast-nook-girl-bedroom-quilt-pillowfort.jpg)
See what I mean about making pretty things work for their keep?
![Rustic farmhouse wood stool in the garden with summer blooms - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #gardenstool #rusticstool #summergarden #homedecor #outdoorstool](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/0001-stool-flowers-path-stone-wall-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Serene, Small, Thoughtful Kitchen Changes
Sometimes small changes can live large without spending a fortune. And sometimes it is definitely worth it to spend now with an eye to the future and property value. If your kitchen countertops are posing a threat to the serenity factor, you have options. While it probably doesn’t make sense to invest in stone or quartz if the cabinets will need to be replaced soon, swapping dark laminate for butcher block or a marble-look laminate need not break the bank.
![Hello Lovely's white European country modern French kitchen with Minuet Viatera quartz counters, farm sink, industrial cart, and marble subway backsplash.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-white-kitchen-oak-floor-marble-subway-backsplash-industrial-cart-stool-1.jpg)
Have you seen the latest readymade laminate countertops with thick edging, texture, gloss, and a look that mimics marble?
If you decide to invest in stone or quartz, there are plenty of options that will feel calm and not too energetic. Eight years later, I am still hearing from folks who find my posts about our kitchen reno and choose Viatera Minuet quartz for their own design.
![Quartz Countertop in Kitchen: Viatera - Minuet](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKLD5HIy1HM/WCkVwvSxJEI/AAAAAAAAifc/prMd1laDIFg61bmof0pEvW71WlBmpzs1gCLcB/s1600/hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-kitchen-countertop-lg-viatera-minuet.jpg)
There’s little to no DIY unless you choose to demo your own counters yourself so for me, that makes this change “simple.” You can sometimes buy laminate right off the shelf or online, and if you need custom counters, it’s even easier since the pros do all the work.
![Pom pom garland at the kitchen sink window - Hello Lovely Studio. #paviliongray #graykitchen #calacattagoldmarble](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-thanksgiving-28.jpg)
Make a Small Shift in Your Mindset
With a particular mindset, you may feel depressed/envious/annoyed when viewing interiors inspiration from influencers on social media. “My little apartment is too small to ever feel serene and airy!” or “I don’t have the means to hire tradespeople to renovate this place” or “I just don’t have time to make changes.”
But cozier little homes, teeny budgets, and even time crunches are relative. Small can be beautiful whether it is square footage or budget. Get inspired by thrifty makeovers and tiny living!
And get cozy with the idea that you can be a slow decorator. I am!
![Zen quote for mindfulness, peace, and greater awareness on Hello Lovely Studio. #zenquotes #mindfulnessquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/zen-quote-Thich-nhat-hahn-SMILE-BREATHE-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Hi There, I’m a Slow Decorator
I have a special talent for being a slowwwww renovator and decorator when it comes to our home. Since I live with chronic illness, I have physical limitations and can’t tackle projects quickly or work long hours like I did when my health was better.
![Serene white modern French dining room with farm table, rustic wood candleholders, and succulent in rustic pot - Hello Lovely Studio. #allwhitedecor #modernfrench #diningroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/serene-white-decor-european-country-cottage-hello-lovely-studio-dining-room-farm-table-agave-succulent-pot-milieu.jpg)
And who knows? Maybe all of the serene, tranquil interior living has slowed me down too – that is not such a horrible thing for good health and wellth.
![Serene dining room with linen slipcovered chairs, round table, French doors to kitchen, and white oak hardwood floors - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/00001-hello-lovely-studio-dining-room-french-doors-kitchen.jpg)
White Paint & Serene Neutral Palettes
White paint is maybe one of the easier strategies to bring serenity to a space.
![Belgian sideboard and European Country style in my living room with white oak floors and Belgian linen furniture - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-living-room-sideboard-sofa.jpg)
Most of the walls in our former fixer were painted BENJAMIN MOORE White OC-151. We needed a strong white to counter the strength of the yellow natural light.
![Ultimate Guide to Best White Paint Colors! #bestwhite #whitepaint #choosingwhite](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/3d/36/57/3d3657972468de1be6291c725b49d94d.jpg)
If you’re still not sure where to start with a white paint, here’s my advice. For a bright, cool, gallery white try a white right off the shelf that has no tint. Or for a soft white in a room you want to feel fresh and modern, try Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. And for a white for a vintage home or space you want to feel traditional or timeless, start with Benjamin Moore White Dove.
Small Serene Changes: Texture & Softness
Serene moods often call for cool colors and minimal decorating. The drawback is that sometimes the look reads too cool and too minimal. Layering all that cool with warmth and texture helps.
My window seat in our former breakfast nook was okay in its before…
![Our serene white kitchen with windowseat has a tranquil breakfast area with small round wood table, Belgian linen slipcovered armchairs, and floor lamp. #hellolovelystudio #serenekitchen #windowseat #europeanfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/00001-hello-lovely-studio-industrial-cart-13.jpg)
but cozier and more functional AFTER:
![Viatera Minuet quartz counters in our serene kitchen with window seat - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/00047-white-serene-kitchen-window-seat-hello-lovely.jpg)
I bought the handpainted FLOWER MARKET sign above the windowseat at Urban Farmgirl. Find a few options HERE.
![Detail of linen cushion window seat in my serene European inspired white ktitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/00050-white-serene-classic-kitchen-by-hello-lovely.jpg)
Sometimes just a little warmth from a wood candleholder will contrast softly in a field of white:
![My vintage white piano decorated for Christmas and snow outside the arched window in the music room - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_4581.jpg)
See more resources from my homes here, and find more sources for the decor here.
![Inspirational flower quote about blooming and life on Hello Lovely Studio. #flowerquote #inspirationalquotes #flowers](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/flower-quote-roses-hello-lovely-studio-zen-shin-doesnt-compete-just-blooms.jpg)
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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I did love your long harvest table.
Author
Great to hear from you, friend. I miss it and still have it since I could never let it go. Wish there was a natural place for it in our current home – it is in our lower level at the moment so if we decide to finish the spaces down there, we’ll incorporate it. 🙂