styling vs. spending: 5 simple ways to make your home feel more luxurious
fresh tulips on the sink, your favorite cup of tea, & decluttering tips
They say your best quality can also be your worst - for NYC, its the energy and the pace. It’s addicting, but almost feels like a toxic relationship at times. The shock from moving here from Austin surprisingly wasn’t the cold winters or navigating the MTA systems, it was managing the overstimulation. (Okay, I was really cold and definitely went on a few uptown trains when I meant to go downtown, but lets continue for the sake of the article….)
I found the key was to make my apartment and personal space feel like an escape. Here are my small efforts that are budget friendly and spark joy in my home:
1. bud vases to add flowers on night stand, bathroom sink.. any little corner!
I bought bud vases from H&M Home and love using to my weekly Trader Joes flower hauls. Adding these to smaller surfaces like a nightstand or bathroom sink has brightened up those mundane corners I used to overlook.
2. use your old candle containers for knick knacks / storage
I loveee recycling candle holders to hold Q tips, make up brushes, really anything in my bathroom in a '~*chic way.. All it takes is some boiling water!
Steps to Remove Wax with Boiling Water:
Poke holes in the remaining wax to allow water underneath.
Carefully fill the glass with boiling water, leaving space at the top.
As the water cools, the wax will melt, rise to the top, and re-solidify into a layer.
Remove and Clean: Once cool, lift the wax disc out. Remove any remaining residue with hot, soapy water
3. make your glassware special, even for a la croix!
Consider this an excuse to use that nicer glassware that’s taking up your limited NYC shelf space. I love to make a tea with special honey/lemon, a sleepy magnesium mocktail in a juice glass.. If you know me, you know I LOVE a juice glass. In your margs, add a tajin rim or dried lime. It makes sipping any beverage way more fun. My go tos:
Amazon Round Ice Cube Box: good ice matters
Anthro Juice Glasses: my collection has grown astronomically
CB2 glass mugs: for tea or lattes!
Magnesium for a sleepy mocktail
4. a fluffy throw blanket
I am OBSESSED with my throw from Amazon… It’s a Lola dupe that makes my couch nook feel so cozy. It’s only $40!!
5. organization & decluttering
Tackling clutter can feel incredibly daunting, but bringing order to an NYC apartment is the number one thing that calms my nervous system. My golden rule: Everything that is out should serve a purpose, either practically or aesthetically.
A trick I have to forcing myself to declutter is to start with one thing at a time: a medicine cabinet, your makeup, shoes, cleaning products under the sink. Starting small and chipping one thing away at a time on a Sunday has really helped me! Even just 1 drawer in my bathroom makes me feel organized and productive.
Tell me all of your ways you make your home feel like a 5 star hotel!
xx
KS