design editor Lauren Petroff shares her favorite inexpensive indulgences.
Sometimes it’s the small things in life that make the most significant impact. A beautiful thank-you card, a bouquet of flowers, a beautiful pen to write with…these are all things that make even the dreariest days feel special.
Looking to brighten the spirits of someone you love (or even your own)? here are 10 affordable finds that will do the trick.
Fresh fragrances instantly elevate the feeling of a room. A pretty scented candle — like this one from Voluspa perfumed with cade wood, lavender and verbena — will remind you that spring is just around the corner.
Source: Anthropologie
Products: Voluspa cut Glass jar candle in French Cade, $26US
A small marble dish adds just the best amount of luxury to any tabletop or vignette. I’d use this plate from Indigo as a catchall by my front door, or as a jewelry dish on my nightstand.
Source: Indigo
Products: Marble Plate — 6″, $28
While I’m sure we’re all deeply dependent on our digital calendars to keep track of everyday details, an illustrated paper calendar offers a sweet visual pointer — and doubles as whimsical wall art.
Source: Anthropologie
Products: Nature garden 2016 calendar by Miji Lee, $26US
You don’t have to invest in a pricey pen and ink set to delight in the rich fluidity of a fountain pen; there are plenty of great, inexpensive options out there. One hidden gem is a Toronto store called wonder Pens where you can take your pick of modern and classic quills, and pair them with unlimited styles of ink.
Source: wonder Pens
Products: Jinhao 188 — Orange fountain pen, $10; Noodler’s fountain pen ink — Purple Martin, $17
Who doesn’t love receiving snail mail? sending a hand-written thank-you card is not only a courteous gesture, but a memorable one, too. I find these plant-themed notes from Papyrus particularly charming.
Source: Papyrus
Products: Succulent Pots Boxed thank You notes, $13/set
Bringing in freshly cut flowers is an instant, no-fail way to brighten up a space. Plus, it’s easy to put together an outstanding bunch for under $30. I like to go to flower markets and get a little creative, combining whatever seasonal blooms catch my eye.
Source: Herriot Grace
For those of us with hyper-busy schedules, it’s often a real luxury to be able to kick back with a good book. A weighty brass bookmark will make a fine addition to that novel you’ve been dying to finish.
Source: The modern Shop
Products: Bookworm Quill by Tom Dixon, $21
Drizzled over salads, pizzas or freshly sliced baguettes, artisanal olive oils have a way of making everyday food shine. These infused oils from Nudo are especially delicious, and come in quaintly patterned tin cans (Nudo also supports small-scale farmers and producers, so it’s a purchase you can really feel good about).
Source: Nudo
Products: Olive Oil stone Ground with Rosemary, $20
Many of us reserve our fabric napkins for formal occasions, but I find that setting them out at an everyday meal adds just the best amount of understated luxury to the event.
Source: Pehr Designs
Products: mist cross stitch Dobby napkin, $12 each
Keeping up with my yearly magazine subscriptions is another way I indulge myself. Flipping through a fresh issue every month is something I really look forward to.
Source: house & Home