We’ve officially started gathering ideas for the living room in our new build. It’s been fun to see the vision start to come together.

Here’s what we’re thinking:

What’s Staying

Some things are just too good to change.

Furniture – our tried-and-true pieces that are comfy and actually work in real life
Fireplace – my Winter in Iowa survival piece
Natural light + great view – because nothing makes a living room better than sun and scenery (emphasis on the sun)

**Sources (affiliate links):** **couch**, **chair**, **coffee table**, **rug**, **lamp**

What’s Changing

Two-story space – trading vertical drama for a cozier, more livable layout
Built-ins – opting for flexibility over permanent storage

The Floor Plan (Sort Of)

For safety reasons, won’t be showing the full floor plan (you’re going to have to piece this baby together, intruders. Crime is a major concern in rural Iowa). Even without sharing every detail, you can see the vision coming together. We’re looking for a living room that feels warm, inviting and functional for our family. I know there’s been a push lately to close off rooms but we love an open main floor.

The Mood Board Vision

The goal for this room is comfortable and inviting with a few visual touches that elevate it:

Neutral base colors layered with texture
Warm woods and subtle black accents
Furniture and layout that encourage hanging out (not just looking pretty)
Pretty wall moulding is my love language.

Why Mood Boards Matter

Mood boards help us see the room as a whole before any walls are built or floors are laid. They’re not final but they give us a direction and a way to keep all our ideas organized. Plus they make the whole “building a house” process feel slightly less overwhelming.

Stay tuned as we start selecting more design details for the rest of the house!