Easy Decor Swaps We’re Making to Elevate Our Homes

The last thing we got rid of—and its replacement.

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We’re all about getting the maximum results for minimal effort (some may call this lazy; we call it efficient). And while there’s not always enough time or money to undergo a lengthy renovation, there are small updates we can do here and there that make such a difference in our daily life.

Looking for some inspo for your own mini-makeover? Ahead, the last things team Domino tossed in pursuit of a better life—plus, what we replaced it with.

Old: Plain white bath mat New: All Over Palm Bath Mat, Urban Outfitters, $34 Nikhita Mahtani, Digital Editor

I literally think I’ve had my old bath mat since college, and as much as I washed it, it was definitely feeling a little wear and tear. My old one was white—which was a mistake in and of itself—so I now have a playful one from Urban instead. It adds a fun pop of color to my otherwise white space.

Old: Plastic frames New: Upscale Framebridge + Blick pieces Alyssa Clough, Social Media Editor

I’m working on slowly framing all of my art, which is EXPENSIVE. This past weekend, I trashed a black plastic frame that’s been seriously cramping my style for a while now (it was a post-college, “I have a ton of art but don’t want to invest in quality frames” move). I’m getting my special items framed at Framebridge, and throwing the rest in affordable, simple black frames from Blick!

Old: Decorative plate New: Louise Tray, Hawkins New York, $120 Kristin Limoges, Associate Lifestyle Editor

I have a lot of beauty product. A lot a lot. And I’ve recently tried to become better about presenting and organizing them—keeping the ones currently in rotation out on my vanity, and more specialty items in storage bins. For the favs that I use on the daily, I’ve previously kept them on a large, decorative plate. But I just switched the plate out for this Hawkins New York Louise Tray; specifically, the large blue/brass option. It makes everything just that much more special.

Old: Hand-me-down Brita New: 10 Cup Pitcher, Soma, $39+ Lahaina Alcantara, Digital Photo Editor

One thing that I’ve replaced recently is my water pitcher. I was using a hand me down Brita pitcher (don’t judge) for longer than I’d like to admit and it always felt like a pain to make sure to remember to buy new filters. I finally replaced it with a super chic Soma pitcher. Not only did my kitchen get a visual upgrade, but the real element that sold me is their commitment to sustainability and using eco-friendly materials. Also—once you hit subscribe, a filter just shows up.

Old: Stemless wine glasses New: Hip Wine Glasses, Crate and Barrel, $6.95 Amanda Johnson, Digital Content Strategy Manager

I have a thing against stemless wine glasses—there’s something about the way the heat from your hand changes your drink’s temperature that just really rubs me the wrong way. For reasons unbeknownst to me, I’ve accumulated many of these sets over the years, which are great for party guests but not so great when drinking alone on my couch.

Luckily (unfortunately?), too many shattered, mismatched glasses call for an upgrade. I’m now looking forward to drinking from a glass that keeps my drink the ideal temperature—whether I choose red or white—like these wine glasses from Crate and Barrel. With a name like that, they must be cool.

Old: Dingy bookshelf New: Mid-Century Mini Console, West Elm, $349 Jessica Dailey, Digital Editorial Director

For a long time, the first thing you saw when you walked in my apartment was a crappy Target bookshelf that had somehow moved to three different apartments with me despite the fact that it was actually falling apart. Not a good look. I finally upgraded my entryway with a proper console table, and I feel like I am really winning at life now. This option from West Elm is exactly the kind of furniture piece you want in a grown-up apartment, plus it has two drawers for storage, and it’s small enough to fit in my

narrow hallway

without obstructing the walkway.

Old: Jersey bedding New: Linen Venice Set, Parachute, $399 Elly Leavitt, Associate Digital Editor

A few years ago, I panic-bought the cheapest bedding I could find at Target and ended up with jersey knit sheets. While they’re perfectly functional, you could definitely tell (and feel!) how cheap they were. Switching to crisp linen has been a serious game-changer—my new bedding feels super luxe and I’m all about faking elegance in my home any way I can. It was definitely pricier, but in my opinion so worth it.

See more easy ways to elevate your decor:

11 Ways Wallpaper Can Completely Transform a Room 8 Insanely Colorful Dining Tables Your Home Is Missing Out On How to Finally Start an Art Collection

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Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.