Some of my favorite purchases are those simple home upgrades that are easy on the wallet but make every day feel just a bit fancier. They’re the items you pull out each and every day but, too often, they’re the last to get updated. Just a few more dollars could get you the nicer item but, when you already have something at home, it can be difficult to justify.
So I’m telling you, spend the $20 or less. Upgrade the home items. Make your daily cup of tea, your shower, afternoon snack, or cooking dinner feel like a little luxury.
My Favorite Simple Home Upgrades Under $20
Gooseneck Tea Kettle
I upgraded to a Gooseneck Tea Kettle when I got a fancy pour over, and it’s been such a delight to use for my morning coffee or my evening tea. You get a more controlled pour with the gooseneck and it just feels professional. At the cottage, we have a gooseneck electric tea kettle, which is even better, but we don’t have room on our DC countertop.
Pepper Mill
For the longest time, I just used the cheap little pepper grinder you can get at Trader Joe’s. But when I upgraded to a sleek black pepper mill, it was a game changer. I’m sprinkling pepper over my meals like some sort of iron chef with just a twist of the wrist.
Olive Oil Dispenser
I was actually gifted an olive oil dispenser. I’m not sure it was something I ever would have purchased on my own, but I absolutely love ours now. It dispenses a gentle flow of olive oil, which always seems to be the right amount. Plus, it looks pretty as it’s sitting out on the counter as I cook.
Hotel Worthy Shampoo Bottles and Labels
Here’s my secret to ultra sophisticated shampoo and conditioner bottles to make every day feel like a hotel stay. Buy a Tresemme shampoo and conditioner set with the pump bottle tops. Take off the labels (they come right off!). Add generic labels. Instantly chic bottles (and you can use them to decant shampoo and shampoo into going forward).
Charming Appetizer Plates
If you’re like me and you have an afternoon snack almost every day, spend some money on some charming appetizer plates. Dinner plates and salad plates are never quite the right size, but appetizer plates are perfect for some almonds, cheese, and crackers. And, if you’re buying them, why not get the pretty ones?
