9 Luxury Home Decor Hacks For Less

luxury home decor hacks green office with plants

It might feel counterintuitive, but you can actually make your space look expensive without dropping a ton of money. When you approach your home decor with intention and a focus on detail, you'll be able to craft a unique, personal, and affordable decor style that will elevate your home. We spoke to luxury interior designer Margarita Bravoand the team from My Bespoke Room for a glimpse at different trends and home decor ideas that you can add to your own home this fall. From cozy textures to incorporating keepsakes without looking cluttered, keep reading for luxury home decor hacks you won't want to miss.

Look Good On A Budget

"There are plenty of cost-effective ways to make your home feel grand and beautiful," the team at My Bespoke Room says. Swap your cabinet handles for more sleek options, or replace your older lampshades with more on-trend versions. "Soft furnishings like rugs, throws, and pillows are also a quick and easy way to add style to a room."

Doing these projects yourself is an easy way to save money while still keeping your space up to date, and one of our favorite luxury details is lush fabrics. It's easier than you might think to DIY a velvet couch, but you can also buy one like this Room & Joy Isabella Tufted Transitional Futon or get one from a thrift store or estate sale.

A Few Favorites

If you have collectibles or keepsakes, show them off! Putting your favorite items on display is a great way to add some personal touches to your space. Not only will it make your home feel more unique, but every time a guest comes into your home, they'll get a glimpse at your personality.

Keep Your Options Open

Trend cycles have become fairly short, and we often see a lot of the same styles across multiple spaces, stores, and magazines. But that doesn't mean you have to stick to a style that doesn't fit your personality. The key is to take your time figuring out what style fits your space best, the team at My Bespoke Room says.

"Don’t rush, start by creating a Pinterest board and pin anything and everything you like, soon you will start to notice particular styles, colors, and themes emerging. After seeing what you are drawn to, you can then create a home that’s uniquely yours."

It's All In The Details

Being intentional with how you decorate and the way in which you set up a room will do more than just help your space look put together — it'll help you feel more comfortable. Whether you're going after a maximalist vibe or you set up your office to best suit your MBTI, keeping your needs in mind will help the space feel just right.

"Investing in artwork, prints and plants can easily bring your personality and life into your house," says the team at My Bespoke Room. "Never underestimate a fresh coat of paint, whether it’s to freshen up a room or change the color entirely, it can refresh a room while you decide what style you like."

In addition to placing toxin-reducing plants around the room or keeping your desk clutter-free, one of Bravo's favorite tips is extra simple: Just open your curtains. "One of the best ways to create a calm and peaceful environment at home is to let in as much natural light as possible," she says. "This will help to improve your mood and create a more positive overall atmosphere."

Keep It Colorful

Learn about yourself so you know how to decorate. Certain colors and designs can make you feel better and make you feel like your space is more expensive just by looking at it. It'll make you feel more at ease, like avoiding aggressive colors if you're easily anxious or having an open design if you don't want to feel overwhelmed.

"Color can influence our mood and affect how we feel when in certain rooms, so it’s important to consider the room use before deciding," says the team at My Bespoke Rooms. "Blue is generally a calming color and therefore ideal for bedrooms, offices, or living rooms. Green is also a relaxing color, which can be great for a home office or living room." Once you have those base colors, you can layer brighter shades on top with decor, artwork, and smaller details.

Look For Places You Can Save

Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's the right choice for your space. "Don’t rush into new purchases if you can avoid it," says the team at My Bespoke Room. Not only will it cost you extra in the long run if you decide not to use it, but anything you get rid of can just end up in a landfill.

"Using hand-me-downs or bargains from Facebook Marketplace or charity shops is a great way to create a functional living space quickly, and you might even inherit some vintage gems! You can use these as a placeholder until you’re ready to invest in your forever pieces." Try out a more affordable and eco-friendly DIY like this fabric wallpaper before committing to something huge.

Porchscape

Image via Robin Jonathan Deutsch/Unsplash

The exterior of your home is just as important as the inside. Focus on wide-open designs that will leave you feeling like you have plenty of room for rest and relaxation. From ensuring that your flooring is easy to clean to adding color and texture, there are a variety of elements that Bravo recommends for the perfect porchscape.

"The space should be inviting and comfortable. This means considering factors like furniture placement, lighting, and flooring," she says. You can incorporate storage and decor like throw pillows to keep it functional and stylish. "Porches are a great way to extend the living space of your home and can be used for a variety of purposes. With a little bit of creativity, porches can be transformed into beautiful and inviting spaces."

Think About What Your Space Needs

“If you can take the time to settle into your space before designing or redesigning your home, then you’ll be able to see how the space actually works for you and work out what is actually needed," says head of interior design at My Bespoke Room Lucy Henderson. "This can save you rushing into buying lots of items that are too big, too small, or just aren’t needed.”

After a focused look at your space, you might realize that you can save floorspace by adding storage under your bed, or that the space in between your door and your closet is perfect for a skinny bookshelf. Figure out where what you need and what you want meet, and you'll hit the jackpot.

Keep It Cozy

Lush textures and fabrics will make everything feel more luxurious and help you relax while also elevating your space. Even things like cozy throw blankets and a nice arrangement of throw pillows will add dimension to your space.

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The absolute best part about Valentine’s Day is the heart-shapedeverything. And if there’s one place that truly knows how to do cute home decor right, it’s Anthropologie. The retailer just dropped their Valentine’s Day home decor collection, and all of it is super cute for celebrating the season.

Scroll on for the cutest Anthropologie Valentine’s Day decor pieces to shop now!

Anthropologie

Red Heart Icon Juice Glass

Anthropologie's iconic juice glasses come in all sorts of designs, but this red heart one fits the lovey-dovey holiday perfectly. You can also shop ones with little lips and winged hearts to recall V-Day!

Anthropologie

Capri Blue Volcano Valentine Jar Candle

This bougie candle smells like heaven with notes of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons, limes, and exotic mountain greens. This Valentine's Day version includes a stunning red jar topped off with a lid that reads "XO."

Anthropologie

Scalloped Bow Coir Doormat

Bows definitely encapsulate the cutesy feeling of Valentine's Day. This doormat with a lovely scalloped design will instantly make any guest feel welcome around Feb. 14!

Anthropologie

Conversation Heart Plant Stakes

Show your greenery some extra TLC with these sturdy ceramic stakes that read like those classic conversation heart candies!

Anthropologie

Recycled Glass Heart Bud Vase

After all, you're gonna need a vessel for this year's Valentine's bouquet!

Anthropologie

The Bistro Tile Stoneware Dessert Plate: Valentine's Edition

This cute dessert plate with motifs of hearts and cupid's bows will be the perfect platter for the V-Day desserts you whip up this year.

Anthropologie

Metallic Bow Striker Match Holder

Lighters are so last year – light up your favorite V-Day candle with this match + striker set shaped adorably like a lil' bow!

Anthropologie

Heart Cut Glass Candle Holder

Set the mood even more with some warm candle light – these heart-shaped holders will definitely help you out.

Anthropologie

Claudette Frame

Put a picture of you and your Valentine in this adorably on-theme pink and red frame, and you've got yourself an unforgettable V-Day gift!

Anthropologie

Handpainted Amorette Heart Icon Coupe Glass

Time to pour up all those tasty Valentine's Day cocktail recipes! This year's concoction will look so cute in this coupe glass.

Anthropologie

Amor Metallic Heart Table Lamp

This heart-shaped lamp is definitely a splurge when it comes to Anthropologie's Valentine's Day decor, but if you can really see yourself setting it up year after year, it's so worth it.

Anthropologie

Red Rose Dog Felt Critter

This adorable lil' felt dog figure is such a mood for V-Day.

Anthropologie

grantLOVE x Amber Sakai Candle Holder & Chaparral Candle Set

This cute candle set comes complete with a 24K gold-plated brass holder that truly makes it feel luxe as ever. It'd make an amazing V-Day gift!

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Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

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Buying my first home was a crash course in the unexpected. There’s so much you don’t know until you’re in the thick of it — piles of (actually important) paperwork, surprise maintenance and repairs, hidden costs that can throw off your budget, and navigating regulations you didn’t even realize existed. And through it all, there’s the excitement of finally owning a space you can truly call your own. As a home writer and enthusiast, I couldn’t wait to redesign my space in my cozy Scandi-style aesthetic, but I also had to budget for a new water heater, a new roof eventually, and other non-cosmetic but critical upgrades.

To help you on your journey, here are 13 essential tips every first-time homeowner should know.

Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

Prepare for Hidden Costs

Beyond your mortgage, you'll need to pay property taxes, which can run in the multiple thousands each year, home owner's insurance, and maintenance for things like your HVAC (heating and cooling system), water heater (which can last up to 15 years vs. 8-10 with regular maintenance), and roof. You'll also have to pay for utilities, like water and gas, that you didn't have to as a renter. Make sure to set aside 1 to 3 percent of your home’s purchase price annually for unexpected repairs like plumbing issues or roof leaks. You also have to pay for your trash pickup and recycling. Create a budget to avoid surprises and save for a rainy day – that hopefully doesn't lead to a leaky roof.;)

Photo by Andres Ayrton

Understand Your Home Insurance Policy

It's important to know what your homeowner's insurance covers, especially if you live in an earthquake and wildfire-prone area like me. Consider additional coverage for floods or earthquakes or other location-specific concerns.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Create A Maintenance Schedule

Learn the basics of your home’s plumbing, electrical system, and HVAC, like where they are! Locate the main water shut-off valve and circuit breaker box, and create a maintenance schedule for tasks like changing HVAC filters (every three months recommended), cleaning gutters (every spring and fall), and servicing your appliances, plus when the warranties run out.

Shutterstock

Have Recommended Contractors On Hand

There's nothing worse than having a plumbing problem and not actually having a plumber on call to fix it. NextDoor is a great resource for finding recommended electricians, plumbers, and other contractors to fix things that you can't. My neighbors knew exactly who to recommend and it was easy to connect with the right people (and avoid the wrong ones).

Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash

Get To Know Your Neighbors

Before buying, walk around the neighborhood to get the vibe. I wish I had chosen a neighborhood with more kids on the block. On the flip side, we are in a very quiet neighborhood! Post-sale, building relationships with your neighbors can help you create a sense of community – and it feels good to know you have extra eyes on your home when you're away. My neighbors have my phone number and we text each other when we're heading out of town and need packages taken inside. We also share goodies from our gardens, have an annual block party, and have friendly chats on the way to our mailboxes. Welcome to 'burb life!

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Take Renovations Slowly

It's easy to get so excited about renovating and decorating your new home, but I highly recommend taking your time with renovations. I bought a major fixer upper and rushed getting it all done so that it was livable, but now I wish I had been more thoughtful about certain choices, and bargain-shopped a little more. Some things definitely could have waited. Live in your home for a while, get to know it better, before making major changes. Your budget will thank you!

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya

Invest In Good Repair Tools

This is a good time to invest in a quality toolkit (hammer, screwdriver set, drill, and tape measure...) and hand drill because there will be many times in your role as a homeowner that you'll need all of the above and you'll be grateful you have them on hand.

Photo by Helena Lopes

Check Your Safety Features

Make sure to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and note on your calendar to change the batteries every 6-12 months. If you decide it's right for you, you'll want to install a home security system too.

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Keep a File for Important Documents

There is so much paperwork your first year of homeownership. Store warranty information, receipts, and maintenance records in an easily accessible place. If you're renovating, there are also permits you'll need to keep on file. And of course, you'll want your title, deed and mortgage docs in a secure place that you'll remember!

Photo by Kindel Media

Know Local Regulations

Speaking of permits, before I had the windows replaced in my home, I checked with the county office online to make sure I didn't need a permit to do so. Turns out, the county had different rules than the city (I had moved from the county limits to the city limits), which did require a permit. I will spare you the story of an inspector coming by just as we were installing the last window! This is all to say, make sure to check local ordinances or your HOA (Homeowner Association) rules that might impact any changes, like fencing, landscaping and upgrades, you decide to make to your property.

Photo by Samson Katt

Improve Your Energy Efficiency Early

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, windows, even solar if it makes sense for your home, can help reduce your utility bills and overtime pay for themselves.

Photo by Gustavo Fring

Plan for Landscaping

Yard maintenance requires you to invest in tools or services for mowing, planting, and upkeep. If you consider the cost of your time, it's often cheaper to hire someone to do regular yard maintenance. Also, as you upgrade your landscaping, consider choosing low-maintenance plants and trees. After adding just a small bit of lawn and irrigation to maintain it, my water bill was a bit of a shocker!

Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

Take Advantage of Tax Deductions

Either find a tax expert who can help you with your taxes, or research deductions or credits available to homeowners, such as mortgage interest or energy-efficiency upgrades. It's money you can use to cross things off your inevitable wish list!

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What is it about family sagas that seem to make book clubs more interesting? Maybe it's because we know interpersonal relationships can be a little dysfunctional. It could be that we still don't know how to communicate with the people we love the most. Even if we love our parents and siblings, reading about other families' fictional twists and turns gives us a rush of adrenaline.

So it's no wonder Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick feels like something we can read without putting down. It's full of complicated relationship dynamics, love, and reconciling one's identity with their past. You can say it's the perfect read to kick off your 2025 reading goals!

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club pick and fall in love with one character's journey of self-discovery.

Amazon

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

@readwithjenna/Instagram

Jenna Bush Hager's Thoughts About The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

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