10 favorite homeware picks
Best of my Things That Made Life Special recommendations
Hello and welcome to Things That Made Life Special This Week, a celebration of the pursuits that add a little something extra to the everyday.
As I mentioned last week, I’m going to spend several weeks sharing not just the recommendations of the present week, but my time-tested, tried-and-true recommendations for products, shows, recipes, and more that are truly the best of the best (imho).
Today, I bring you the 10 best things in my home.
I own all of these items and I would (and have) recommend them to any close personal friend. Some are more expensive (but worth it), some less so. You can’t give just any of these as a gift because they’re big ticket/very personal choices, but it’s a little late for that anyway with Christmas around the corner!
Matt Alford Studio Matilda Lamp and Mushroom Pleat Shade
This lamp started a love affair with wall sconces. It lights up any little niche in your home, doesn’t require hard wiring or electrical skills to install, and is handmade in LA by an artisan. The fabric cords that come in multiple colors are the cherry on the cake.
These don’t look like much on the listing online. But they are great! They’re more cream than white, semi-transparent, have a nice crosshatch texture, and they’re easy to pleat, hem, and otherwise customize when hanging. For example, I pleated mine to give them a pretty, more expensive-looking drape, hemmed them using iron-on hemming tape, and hung them on a modern black rod.
Salvesen Graham Great Check Cushions
An investment, as far as throw pillows go! And so worth it, because these come in luscious colors, multiple shapes and sizes, in a beautiful, durable cotton fabric. The large-scale gingham plays well with any smaller-scale print you may have on other pillows or fabrics in the room. We have four of these square pillows on our living room sofa, and they provide just the right back support and style.
Sixpenny Home Amelia Sofa and Chair
This is our living room sofa, and the chair is in our bedroom. I searched high and low for a sofa that would be elegant enough for a cocktail party in a home that doesn’t have a separate formal living room and casual family room. That would be comfortable enough for a nap. And that would be washable and hard-wearing enough for a future family. This slipcover sofa is it! I haven’t bought a second set of slipcovers in another color/fabric (lack of storage) but I probably will someday because I love the option to change the whole vibe of the room without buying new furniture.
Land’s End 400 Thread Count Supima Cotton Sateen Bed Sheets and Duvet Cover
The best sheets on the planet for the best price. I have treated myself to more “fun” printed sheets from other brands to change up the look of my bedroom, but this Land’s End set in crisp white remains my hands-down favorite to sleep on. It’s the recommendation I give anytime anyone asks me about sheets.
If you invest in formal china for one kind of dishware, let it be a set of eight dessert plates. Dessert is such a fun moment, so present it like a gift on a beautiful painted plate. Plus, the rest of the table has been cleared so the pattern you choose doesn’t have to match the rest of your china.
All Clad Stainless Steel Cookware
The G.O.A.T. Buy once, cry once, as they say. Anything All Clad will last a lifetime in your kitchen, they’re easy to use, and easy to clean in the dishwasher. They’re also attractive! And, perhaps most importantly, good for your health. No worries about micro-plastics or nonstick coating seeping into your food.
Our wedding gift to ourselves! We have completely abandoned other forms of coffee since getting this espresso machine, and, because my husband brings me an oat milk latte every morning, it has reduced my spend on to-go coffees to once or twice a week. It’s also a beautiful piece of equipment sitting on the counter. Takes a learning curve if you don’t have espresso experience, but then you’re good to go.
When I live in a bigger place, I will stock up on these. It’s lightweight, strong, and so much prettier and more sustainable than plastic tubs. When my basket of laundry is sitting in the middle of the living room waiting to be sorted, I don’t mind looking at it at all because the basket matches my decor perfectly.
Perfect for the household that’s into either/both coffee and tea, because you can set the temperature precisely, in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Brings water to a boil faster than any other electric kettle I’ve used. And it’s an object of beauty, as anything sitting on the kitchen counter really must be. If I had a large enough house to warrant a tea station in the bedroom, I would get another one of these kettles to keep in there, too. Perhaps in the French house, in the future!
What are your favorite, can’t-live-without homeware products? Drop them in the comments!
This is my last newsletter of the year as I take some time off to be with my family. I hope you have a great end to your year, filled with holiday blessings! Sending love to you! The newsletter will be back January 3rd with another ‘Best Of’ list.
xx Jane
This newsletter includes a few affiliate links. I like to shop small and don’t exclusively feature brands that are part of an affiliate program, so not all links will earn me a commission. But some will! If you plan to buy something featured in this newsletter, using my link will help support the time and love I put into writing these for you. I appreciate your support so much.