When you’re starting out on your own, there’s a whole system to learn with this living thing. It can take a while to fall into your groove. From decorating to every day housekeeping tips… here’s a few of our very favorite home tips ever. For anyone to consider, no matter what stage they’re in.
• Keep it simple with whites
We’re big believers in simple when it comes to maintaining a household. And over time, we’ve learned that white towels and white sheets go a long way. Once upon a time, we had different stuff for everyone. Yellow sheets for the boys. Patterned for our daughter. And just recently, our registered-for-towels were starting to look a bit threadbare { We were living on the edge with sage green circa 2002-I guess they held up a while, thirteen years later} so over time, we went for simple. It sounds counter intuitive, but if you stay uniform with your towels and sheets, it’s actually easier to maintain. Switch them all out easily, and when they get dingy, throw in some bleach. We just scooped up a set of super affordable white towels at Costco {a treasure trove of practical finds} and they’re easy to replace when you need to.
Just a little something to consider in the world of sheets and towels.
• Pillows are always worth it.
Even if they don’t stay on the sofa. Because they probably won’t.
And even if they’re used for forts. Because they probably will be.
At least you could provide a pretty, artistic medium for said forts and imaginary play. You’re welcome, kids. You’re welcome.
I’m a little bit of a pillow addict and we switch them out a lot. But there’s something about the space that makes them snuggly that way. And always use them, too. They’re not just for decoration. They’re for comfort. And memories.
• Chandies add major swank to any space. So do rugs. Don’t skimp on either.
By all means… find some in your budget. We don’t mean spend big on them if you can’t.
But you’d be amazed at the possibilities when it comes to lighting and rugs. We’re just saying they’re worth it for all the character they bring to the space. Lots of people skip them because they can’t be bothered. Or they forget.
We say down with the boob lights and bare floors! Yes, even on carpet. And yes, you can layer. Promise.
Try to picture these spaces without the lights or rugs. I mean, they would still work but you would be all, what is it missing? They’re like wearing a cute outfit without a great pair of earrings and shoes. They MAKE the outfit.
Yay metaphors! And cute outfits that I forego for yoga pants! shhhhh.
• Hold off on the fine china.
I know. This may provoke the whole angry mob with torches scenario, but if you’re in the process of registering or you’re young and reading this blog {do people read this blog?} stick with the useful stuff.
This coming from the people who also ditched their dining room, so also take us with a grain of salt if you wish.
Our southern cohorts probably disagree, but we say save those funds for white plates from Target that you can layer with prints seasonally. Or collect old ones from flea markets and build your own collection. Unless they’re your grandmother’s beautiful plates, do something with character if you wanna save a little dough, and make it last longer.
A friend told us not to register for the classic {silver edged, anyone?} stuff when we were hitched, and we listened. We have never regretted it-This is a mantra we’ve believed for years, and have always lived by it. So think about it, unless you are the fine china type, of course. Chances are, it’ll probably just collect dust in your china cabinet until you awkwardly try to hand it down to your daughter who also probably won’t want it.
Instead: Use simple white dishes to layer with every day. We have different patterns in white, and then even use melamine and touches of color when we want to bring in some character. We’ve collected it over time and we love the versatility and options when it comes to our plates. So if you’re struggling with what to do with that table, keep it simple {and not outlandishly expensive} y’all.
• Squeegees are a game changer for keeping your bathroom clean.
Yes, this post is absolutely all over the place.
And mirrors. And glass tables. And windows. And all things glass in your home. Squeegees are your bff.
Squeegees + oven top cleaner {for water scum build up on glass} = amazing. {For tips on keeping your bathroom clean, be sure to check out our post here on dealing with surfaces like marble} But seriously y’all. Just do the squeegee quickly after each shower and it helps with water build up. And do the glass top cleaner every few weeks, on the shower, and your glass will look new again.
That build up drives us crazy. This is your amazing super power.
• Set the table on a whim. They’re more than just for special occasions.
I know we’ve always said this.
And I know it seems silly and sometimes a time waster.
But watch your family’s face light up when they see the table. We don’t do it often because between school and work and activities, life can get crazy. And let’s be honest. Someone will spill their chocolate milk all over the runner. It happens. But there’s something about a set, dressed up, silly festive table that says, slow down. Drink it in. Have a moment.
Enjoy this right now.
Otherwise, what are you saving all that fancy china that you registered for, for? ;}
See more of our favorite tablescape ideas here.
• Photos don’t have to be formal to display them.
Those super posed family photos you picked out coordinating outfits/paid a fancy photog for, are great. Especially if you live in the south and you did the smocked pose outdoors thing. Good times. But so are the candid, every day moments. We think you should have fun mixing them in, and using them as art all around your home. Those photos captured on your phone are the real moments, anyway. There’s something about using those, that keep your home fresh.
Find different ways to use them as real live personal art, and you won’t regret it. DIY instagram frame here + custom cork board for displaying art and family photos, here. It doesn’t have to be solemn or serious or formal to be cherished.
There’s just something about them that take it to a whole new level of personal and fun. Blow up a family photo. {At the printer, not with your latest stash of fireworks and lighter fluid-you’ll laugh at the double chin later, we promise} It will always make you smile.
• Containers and baskets and open shelving are your friend.
For so many reasons. I know we harp on that here a lot, but they’ve really been a game changer for holding us accountable. Our kids can find what they have, there is no stash-and-hide mentality, and things have a system.
From the little areas, to the big ones, it’s easier to sort, keep it organized, and stay on top of clutter. Just don’t forget to purge pretty regularly, to keep it that way. Oh purging. You’re a love hate, necessary kinda evil. Really, I’m all aintnobodygottimeforthat. It takes work to make a household function with one person, let alone five and two dogs. I’ve decided anyone with more than one kid has lost their ever-loving minds. I guess we should all be committed. ;} Let’s start a club. I’ll at lest take a cruise to Tahiti. Yep. That would be nice…
• Candles can change your attitude in a heartbeat.
Find your favorite scent, oil diffuser or whatever. But there’s just something about scent therapy, and coming home to a well-loved, lived in home that makes all the difference. It’s the sense we sometimes forget, until we leave and come back home. Grumpy? Light a candle. Raining outside? Light a candle. House feels dirty? Light a candle. It’s like a magical mind shifting remedy-all for a bad day.
That, my pajamas, a cup of coffee, and cleared off counter space… can fix just about anything. ;}
• Stop waiting for your dream home, and love it now.
I mean, it’s kind of our motto, so why leave it out?
We don’t believe in the dream home. We believe in your home.
The one you live in now.
After years of waiting for the next kitchen, we finally got over ourselves and decided to just go for it. The rules are imaginary. They don’t apply to you or your mother in law’s impression of you or your neighbor’s opinion. It’s your home. And as morbid as this sounds, you may not get the chance to experience another one. Live in the now. Embrace it and love it now, for what it is. You won’t regret it.
These are some of our very favorite tips for the home, but we know we could never cover them all here.
What are some of your faves that you’ve learned over time? We wanna hear!
Layla says
This post is perfect timing for me – it’s easy to fuss over everything especially with the holidays coming up. Wish I could give this to my younger self but from here on out… ?
Amanda says
I particularly love that last tip! That’s one I definitely struggle with – sometimes it’s all too easy to dream about that “someday” house! Also, I drool a little bit every time I see photos of your home. So gorgeous!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thanks so much Amanda! I know. We were the same way! ;}
Renee says
Where did you buy your sofa ( underneath the Instagram photos)? I love it! I’m looking for a new one.
Thanks.
erin @ thh says
I would add to the skip-the-fine-china one–skip it because you’ll probably find the exact same set (or a way cooler one) at a yard sale and then you can use it everyday without freaking out over it because everyone needs some fancy in their life. :3 (I speak from experience. 😉 )
Shauna B says
I absolutely LOVE my wedding china, so that’s the one tip I disagree with, but these are great! It’s so true how you have to learn this “system” of living a grown up life, but I’ve never thought about it in those terms before. But back to the China…;) I love having special occasion dishes! We use ours a handful of times a year but my favorite is when I pull it out for a candle-lit dinner with my hubs after the kids are in bed. And I love serving friends wine in our crystal goblets because it’s the perfect way to show them they mean more to me than any crystal ever could!
ashley @ the handmade home says
I should have put a giant disclaimer that it’s different for everyone – you go girl! ? I guess I was talking when in doubt – that’s awesome!
Michelle says
Everything is great though I love the photo collage especially! I would also add: Create traditions. Whether it’s Sunday breakfasts outside on the patio to Friday night game night to holiday family baking traditions.
Britt says
Great tips, great advice and as usual, great ideas! Sheets and towels in white – genius.
Lisa says
Yes to the open shelves!! I was almost shouting that out loud. We have a good amount of cabinets in our house and all they do is hide crap!! I’ve seriously contemplated ripping off all cabinet doors. I think it would be eye opening! Can you tell this one bothers me? Ha.