Tuesday Tips: 9 Splurge-Worthy Luxuries for the Home

These are a few luxuries for the home that I believe are worth splurging on. They don't need to be accumulated all in a day, but every now and then, it might be a good idea to treat yourself and create a home that's a little more luxe. Get the best quality you can afford and work your way up. Like I said, little things for the home, make life a little more fun. Enjoy! 

1. Quality Sheets

 via {Ralph Lauren Home}

It does not take much, but quality sheets add infinite quality to your sleep and home. When you are shopping for sheets, 100% cotton is always best. Look for sheets that have 400 thread count. Anything higher is probably more hype than anything. The weave of the sheet also indicates the quality of the sheet, so choose whatever feels good to your touch. Italians are known for being good weavers, so it doesn't hurt to start there and compare Italian sheets to others.

2. Plush Towels

 via {Pottery Barn}

Just like the sheets, 100% cotton bath towels are always best. They are softer to the touch and they are also more absorbent. Terry cloth is the best of all the weaves since it absorbs more moisture because of the looped threads that increase the surface area. The highest quality cotton is usually from Egypt or Brazil. Since those are often more expensive, a good way to look for quality is if the towels feel soft and thick. Thin and scratchy are low quality. In my opinion, it feels luxurious to be wrapped in big, fluffy towels, so I enjoy towels at 34" X 68." I recommend washing all new towels since there is often excess dye and chemicals left over from the factory.

3. Crown Moldings

via {House Love}

In most cases, I think few extra details, such as crown molding, make a home look a little more put together and luxurious. It can be as simple as trim around the floor. Whether hire someone to do it or put it in yourself, I think it makes a room look very sharp.  

4. Hardware

via {Image Shack}

via {Anthropologie}

Believe it or not, door knobs, cabinet knobs, switch plates, hooks, latches, etc. make a home look infinitely better. You can get some really nice hardware products at such a low price, there are few reasons not to fix up your home with beautiful hardware. I cannot emphasize enough how much more fabulous a place looks with fun hardware!

5. Fine Soaps

via {Victoria Magazine}

I love treating myself to nice soaps. It makes me feel luxurious. You can get a little bit luxurious with your soaps at very good prices. It might be worth treating yourself to a nice soap now and again to feel a little extra pampered.

6. Fresh Flowers

via {Pink Flower}

Fresh flowers add so much color, vibrancy and beauty to a home. I can’t get enough of them. I recommend getting flowers once a week, so they are always fresh. Plus you can always get seasonal flowers and seasonal colors to make your home more enjoyable. Flowers make a home look absolutely fantastic. 

7. Candles

via {Sweetie Pie Style}

Candles are wonderful. They add so much warmth, comfort and calm to your home. Candles come in different shapes, sizes, colors, scents and can be sprinkled around your home to create a very chic and luxurious environment. Plus you can get them at very low costs.

8. Art

via {Flickr}

I feel like a home is not quite complete, unless it has art. The art in your home certainly does not have to be your retirement investment. It can be anything: children’s art, flea market art, art from TJ Maxx. If you want art from a painter, photographer or sculptor, that is always nice too. Get something you are drawn to and can afford.

9. Framed Photos

via {AmandaCarver Designs}

Last but not least: family photos. As you probably know, you can get frames pretty much anywhere, probably even 7-Eleven. I love photos in a home. They make it more personal, unique and inviting. These days a lot of people like to keep their photos on their computers and phones, but I think favorite photos should be shown off. Plus you can change out the photos easily and go with the season or your mood. Include your family, pets, friends, travels, whatever you love. Photos are definitely a small luxury that makes the home more fun.

What do you like to splurge on for your home?

Tuesday Tips: 11 Cozy Decorating Ideas

Like I said, I love the seasons and I love celebrating them. One thing that I do love about the fall and winter seasons: cozy decorating. Here is a collection of decorating ideas that make me feel cozy.

1. Bring out the throw blankets

 via {Better Homes and Gardens}

Pile blankets everywhere: chairs, couches, at the foot of the bed. Perfect for chilly nights so you can snuggle up and keep warm. This can also add cozy textures and colors to your home.

2. Pile on the pillows

 via {Table Tonic}

Bring out extra pillows for that additional comfort, snuggle and warmth. 

3. Roll out the area rugs

 via {Apartment Therapy}

Keep your feet more comfy by putting area rugs out where people walk around the most and spend the majority of their time.  Rugs also adds instant color and pattern for a warm and cozy feel. A flokati rug is extra soft, warm and cozy--- depending what you're interested in.

4. Make delicious smells

 via {Herriott Grace}

Not going to lie, I love a good smell. Especially if they make you feel warm and fuzzy. I love to make my place smell cozy with seasonal candles, spicy scented potpourri arranged artfully in a bowl or even boiling cinnamon sticks in water. If you’re up for it, bake cookies or an apple pie to all around fill your home with heavenly smells! I advise you to share some of the goodies with your neighbors so you don't lose yourself in the name of creating cozy smells! :-)

5. Add seasonal accents

 via {Shim and Sons}

Try creating a table center-piece with items such as apples, Chinese Lanterns flowers, gourds, or other fall themed materials. Just make simple changes like putting away light colored summery accessories and replacing them with richer colors.

6. Create cozy mood lighting

via {Pretty World}

Make some easy low-lighting with light bulbs that are more dim, or try installing an easy and affordable dimmer yourself. Other fun lighting ideas are candles and hurricane lamps. If you have a fireplace—doesn’t doesn’t get much cozier than that! Take advantage! 

7. Cover up your windows

 via {Shoot Factory}

Swap out your sheer summer drapes and for thicker and heavier drapes. They instantly warm up the space.

8. Embrace your books

via {Everything Fabulous}

All books are charming, but they are especially pleasant if they are hardback and look like they’ve been read a few times. Consider removing the paper jackets for a more cozy, vintage feel. In my opinion, books make your home feel more welcoming and lived in.

9. Put out your family photos

 via {Caitlin Wilson Design}

I think family photos make your place feel more inviting and give it more of a personal feel. These days people keep most of their pictures digitally, but print some out! This definitely adds immediate comfort to any home. 

10. Change that old bedding

 via {Pottery Barn}

Put away your light sheets and bedding for your thick sheets and bedding. This will bring much more warmth and coziness to any bedroom. If anyone was wondering, bedding is one of my favorite parts of the home!

11. Show off your homemade items

 via {Pinterest}

Handcrafted accessories are the ultimate cozy addition to any home. If you are lucky enough to know how to crochet, knit, sew, know some other craftiness, have a mother or family member that does: seriously take advantage now! Few things are cozier than homemade additions. If your goal is to make your place feel warm and fuzzy inside and out, rock out with your homemade blankets, quilts, and accessories!

What makes you feel cozy?