Welcome to Treasured Tidbits! I’m bringing back an old favorite here on the blog, but with a bit of a refresh. This week’s collection is all about European living room decor, with a mix of old-world character, comfortable furniture, and pieces that look like they’ve been collected over time.

If you’re new around here, Treasured Tidbits is where I share beautiful things I’ve discovered, usually with a collected, European-inspired feel. Think interesting furniture, antiques, artwork, and those little finishing touches that make a home feel special.

I’ll also share a few decorating trends and new collections that have caught my attention, plus a little of what’s happening at home.

Basically, a weekly catch-up on beautiful finds, decorating trends, and a little of what’s happening around here. All the things I’d chat about if we were sitting down together over coffee!

This Week’s Treasured Finds: The European Living Room

For our first collection, I wanted to put together a living room that feels warm, collected, and slightly moody. Something with European character but comfortable enough for everyday living.

I started with a rich brown velvet chair and a classic wood chest, then layered in a faded traditional rug, aged finishes, and artwork that looks like it has a story to tell.

I especially love the mix of refined and rustic pieces. The velvet and traditional furniture add elegance, while the weathered pottery, woven basket, and old books keep everything from feeling too formal.

And can we talk about that portrait? I love decorating with old portraits, and this one adds so much personality. The little brass horse is another favorite because every room needs at least one thing that’s a little unexpected.

Shop the Look

New & Trending

A few decorating discoveries have caught my attention lately. Some I love, some I’m still deciding about, and one has me wishing I had more storage!

Giant Bows as Christmas Tree Toppers

Have you seen the enormous bows people are putting on top of their Christmas trees this year?

And I mean ENORMOUS.

Oversized bows are having a moment, with everything from velvet to plaid to long, flowing ribbon tails. It’s a fun alternative to traditional stars and angels, and I can see one looking beautiful on a simpler tree where the bow gets to be the star.

Personally I doubt this trend will last more than a couple of years, but you never know!

Giving Thrifted Artwork a Halloween Makeover

This might be my favorite quirky decorating idea lately.

People are finding inexpensive paintings at thrift stores and adding little Halloween details. Think witch hats on people or animals, ghosts floating through landscapes, and other unexpected additions.

I would absolutely do this if I had more storage! There’s something hilarious about an otherwise serious old painting suddenly featuring someone wearing a witch hat.

I’d stick to inexpensive reproductions rather than painting over anything valuable, but I love the creativity.

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Skirted Furniture Is Back

Here’s another trend I wasn’t expecting to see popping up on TikTok: skirted furniture!

Think sofas with tailored pleats, chairs with upholstered skirts, and old-fashioned dressmaker details.

I’m actually a fan of this look when it’s done well. A tailored skirt can soften a piece of furniture and give it a more traditional appearance. But there’s definitely a fine line between charming and something that looks like it’s wearing a dust ruffle.

As with most decorating trends, it’s all about choosing the right version.

A Little Life Lately

Meanwhile, at my house, it’s officially Christmas!

I’ve finished decorating the living room and kitchen in preparation for my upcoming Christmas home tours. Yes, I know it’s only October, but that’s what happens when you have to photograph and write about Christmas before everyone else starts decorating!

I’m excited to share the rooms with you once the tours are ready.

And remember the new artwork I hung while my husband was out of town?

Well, he finally noticed it!

Even better, he loves it. Phew! Apparently I don’t have to pretend those paintings have been hanging there for years after all.

That’s it for this week’s Treasured Tidbits! I’d love to know what you think of the decorating trends above. Are you loving the giant Christmas bows? And would you ever paint a witch hat onto a thrifted painting?

See you next week with more beautiful finds!