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quick fixes
Little luxuries: 7 small items that will instantly make your living space feel more expensive
From a tray to catch keys and clutter in the entryway, to strategically placing rugs around your home.
FROM SOFA PURCHASES to planning entire layouts and colour schemes, there are many significant decisions and investments required when you first start decorating your pad.
However, sometimes it’s the smaller (but often less expensive) items that can make your home feel luxurious. A pretty box can corral clutter just as well as a boring one – but it will definitely give you more pleasure to tuck your paperwork or power cords into a prettier option. Taking time to consider adding these small products to your space can make your life at home easier – and more enjoyable.
Here are some of the small-yet-luxurious items home-owners and renters can invest in to transform a home in minutes - so you can truly live your best life.
1. Use pretty boxes to corral clutter
In bedrooms, laundry and miscellaneous beauty products often litter surfaces – and let’s be honest, floors, too! Small trays and boxes are a great way to keep jewellery, beauty products and other awkwardly shaped items neat and tidy.
2. Make sure you have a bedside table
Thinking back to the role of the space, your bed is for resting, it may also be where you curl up with a good book or settle in for the night with a Netflix show. A bedside table makes for the perfect instant-relax spot in your home, whatever that looks like to you. I like to keep some pampering essentials within reach of my pillow – face masks, serums, hand cream, eye mask and lavender pillow spray (thank me later), and a small jewellery tray for my earrings and other bits and bobs.
3. Set out soft wool rugs
We all could use a little more comfort in our lives. A trick for easing yourself into these increasingly dark winter mornings is to place small, soft rugs (faux sheepskins are ideal) where you know you will inevitably be barefoot every day.
Next to the bed, in the bathroom, even in front of your coffee machine, for a little early morning comfort between your toes. Wherever you place your rugs, a great tip is to pick up a few anti-slip rug pads to prevent them sliding around.
4. Put a lid on the winter blanket stash with wicker baskets
A great home trick is to use lidded wicker baskets in various sizes. These can be neatly tucked away under beds, bedside tables, or in corners. Keep faux fur throws, knitted blankets and extra cushions in baskets beside sofas or under bedside tables. You’re much more likely to grab one when you don’t have to get up from the couch.
5. Set up a grab and go hallway station with a ceramic bowl
Most of us are rushing out the door in the morning and can’t afford to waste time trying to track down essentials. Get in the habit of keeping your important items in a pretty tray or ceramic bowl by the front door so you can grab and go. You should be able to find enough options to fit even on the narrowest of console tables.
6. Invest in a wick trimmer for your candles (seriously)
Many people are opting to invest in luxury scents and beautifully crafted handmade candles, but you want to make sure they last as long as possible. A wick trimmer is actually a useful tool that not only keeps your candles in good shape, but also makes for a glamorous styling accessory.
7. And while you’re at it, a candle cover
Similarly, a glass cloche will help scented candle retain their fragrance for longer and also look fantastic on your coffee table. Finish off your vignette with a candle snuffer and a set of pretty matches in a small glass bottle.
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