The first steps of moving in and decorating a space are fun and thrilling—it’s like mapping out a blank canvas with infinite potential. You’re excited to find the perfect bed, couch, or rug, and it’s satisfying when everything comes together. But what happens two or three years later?
Furniture and décor are much like a closet full of clothes in that it’s natural not to feel the same zeal years later. I bought a big piece of art from Etsy before deciding I absolutely couldn’t stand it months later. Within a year, my tastes had shifted to favor more moody neutrals, proving the design process is truly never-ending. But instead of completely revamping my apartment or spending thousands of dollars on new furniture, I found tiny décor swaps could have a big impact. Sometimes a small switch can change a room in the same way a new couch can.
Creating a space you actually want to be in might mean adding a sconce or two or creating mood lighting with a fancy candle. Whether it’s a new rug or a new pillow, unique home décor can go a long way. For a list of objects currently on my shortlist, keep browsing below.
Photo:
@enyleeparker
Post Objects
Ssense Exclusive Brown Flow 007 Candle
$70
Candles have shifted away from basic tapered sets to full-fledged art forms like this beeswax one from the New Zealand-based brand Post Objects.
Lulu & Georgia x Eny Lee Parker
Laria Drinking Glass (Set of 2)
$38
Just imagine your morning matcha in these beautiful glasses.
Modish Decor Pillows
Faux Leather Pillow Cover
$46
Instead of tossing your pillows, an easy fix is to change their cover.
Mario Luca Giusti
Gold Bonnie & Clyde Shaker Set
$70
Bet you’ve never seen salt and pepper shakers like these.
Photo:
@loweo
Åslund Tsang
Tan Medium Terra Deep Plate
$90
Elegant plates are a subtle upgrade that can have a huge impact.
Style Union Home
Jill Medium Ceramic Dish
$73
Use these cute little dishes as an all-purpose catch-all, a fruit bowl, or to hold your everyday jewelry.
Photo:
@leiasfez
Jiu Jie
Off-White Baby Knot Cushion
$110
As you can see, I’m a big fan of eccentric pillows.
Moma
Design Store Raawii Duplum Mirror
$250
$180
A statement mirror can ground a room similar to a great piece of art.
Hay
Wang & Söderström Chamber Vase
$95
Just add in a pretty bouquet, and you’re set.
Misette
Silver Squiggle Flatware Set, 5 Pcs
$150
There are no words to describe how badly I want these.
Urban Outfitters
Thena Ceramic Sconce
$149
Interior designers often compare lighting to jewelry, defining it as a finishing touch that rounds out a room. If you’re looking for some subtle ambiance, try a pretty sconce.
Lulu & Georgia x Sarah Sherman Samuel
Cheese Board
$98
The best display for a fancy cheeseboard.
Style Union Home
Fiona Ceramic Bowl
$105
If a bare console or coffee table is your situation, try adding a ceramic bowl for a point of visual interest.
Crate & Barrel x Jake Arnold
Harrow 18″X12″ Throw Pillow Cover
$40
Crate & Barrel recently collaborated with interior designer Jake Arnold for a California-inspired collection, and the pieces are so good.
Photo:
@lovehouseny
Ferm Living
Verso Handled Vase
$139
The squiggly details on this vase just do something to me.
Malaika
Set-Of-Two, Mrs Luna Dessert Plate
$116
Pull these out for a coffee-and-cake moment at your next dinner party.
Renwil
Winslow Oak Wood Side Table by Jake Arnold
$499
A table this cute would usually be five times the price, so I’m all over this.
Renwil
Gigi Glazed Porcelain Vase
$185
I deeply believe one can never have too many vases.
Georg Jensen
Cobra Stainless Steel Candle Holder
$199
For a more intimate table setting, swap artificial lights for candlelight. It will make your meals feel fancier, trust me.
Better World Fragrance House
Muskoka
$48
Better World Fragrance House is Drake’s latest side hustle. The candle collection includes a scent that allegedly smells like him (sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s sold out) and other scents inspired by the rapper’s life.
Mario Luca Giusti
Blue Double Face Tumbler Set, 6 Pcs
$220
These are acrylic, making them ideal for spontaneous outdoor picnics, rooftop parties, beachside meals, and more.
Coyuchi
Cascade Matelassé Organic Cotton Blanket
$248
I have a Coyuchi blanket, and it’s honestly my favorite. A good blanket can do so much to improve your sleep.
Photo:
@garancevallee
Lulu & Georgia x Eny Lee Parker
June Ottoman
$698
Designer Eny Lee Parker is a star in the interior design world. She recently released a collection in partnership with goods purveyor Lulu & Georgia.
Ferm Living
Level Side Table
$315
Metal tables sometimes evoke memories of the school cafeteria, but Hem’s take feels warm and inviting.
Les Collection
Postmodern Brass Candlestick Holders
$220
Les Collection is a go-to for pieces that are one of a kind.
Nordic Knots
Tan Jute Border Rug
$495
A rug is one of the quintessential pieces in a room, and refreshing a room is as simple as swapping it out. Jute is both elegant and functional, so no babying is required.
Nicholas Bijan Pourfard
Ssense Exclusive Green & Beige Mushroom Lamp
$950
Just know this lamp is at the top of my wish list.
Up next: The Cutest New Home Décor Items From H&M and Urban Outfitters
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