5 Ways to Create Every Day Glamour in Your Home (in 5 Minutes or Less)

"See not the ironing board, but the rose." I wish I could properly credit the publication where I first read this quote, but I remember when I was a child, my mom received a newsletter (via the real mail) called, "The Budget Gazette." We are talking probably 25 years ago. I've tried googling, of course, but it doesn't seem to come up in my search results. At any rate, one issue contained an article with this quote. The point of the article was that with a deft hand, you can direct the eye to the most beautiful thing in the room. For instance, even a laundry room could be beautiful with an eye-catching red rose gracing the space.

That quote always stuck in my mind and it inspired me to write this little article, "5 Ways to Create Every Day Glamour in Your Home (in 5 Minutes or Less)". It's my belief that we can upgrade the vibes in any space in a few minutes, for a few dollars, and often for free - just read on!

Easy glamorous touches can enliven any space. Photo: The living room in our previous home.

5 Ways to Create Every Day Glamour in Your Home

(in 5 Minutes or Less!)

1. Arrange fresh flowers in a pretty vase.

Cost: Free if you have a garden or backyard of any kind / $5 at Trader Joe's.

There is nothing like fresh flowers in a lovely vase (or a tall drinking glass or mason jar) to make a room instantly more glamorous. You can cut blooms from your own garden - or dare I say, greenhouse, if we are so lucky - or you can just buy them at the store. :)

In past homes, I had hibiscus trees in pink and red as well as an assortment of tropical flowers in my back yard that I planted. Taking care of plants is like therapy for me. That said, I also love a store-bought bunch of white roses or hydrangeas. I like to cut down the stems pretty short for a contemporary look.

Here is one of my favorite online finds. Currently, it lives in my fantasy house - maybe after we move, it will live in my real house, too!

As for the cost, stunning bouquets are not just for the rich and famous! I literally cut flowers for free from my own yard or I spend $5 at Trader Joe's; each bouquet usually lasts about a week. Let's say I do half and half (i.e. bi-weekly $5 bouquets and bi-weekly free lawn clippings). That averages to $10 per month for a fresh supply of flowers to grace my table all month long. Not bad! And don't forget, you can also use pine, palm branches, or other year-round greenery for a striking centerpiece if you can't find fresh flowers.

Bonus, they smell amazing. Double bonus, fresh flowers are often a conversation starter. Someone asks where you got them and you can either brag about your pruning skills or you can share your shopping savvy. Either way, you just became more interesting. Boom.

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2. Create a signature scent.

Cost: A few dollars if you DIY

This is much easier and cheaper to achieve than you may think. In fact, you can probably start doing this for free using something you have right now in your pantry!

Now, I personally do NOT like chemical-based aerosol sprays. I'm very sensitive to synthetic fragrances as well as chemicals. So, I don't use store-bought room sprays or deodorizers. (Also, if something smells bad and needs "deodorized", perhaps it should be properly cleaned... is it just me who thinks this every time I see those commercials?)

What I do to maintain a beautiful scent constantly in my home is very simple: I boil cinnamon sticks or fresh herbs on my stove. Just fill a small pot with water and toss in a few herbs or whole spices! If you have whole cloves in your spice cabinet or lemon or orange peel, that works too. Easy peasy and very inexpensive.

Safety Tip: Please make sure the pot doesn't boil down to nothing and remember to turn off the stove whenever you are going to bed or leaving the house. Better safe than sorry! (Sorry, that's my mom-voice talking.)

Check out this huge container of cinnamon sticks just $9 at the time of publishing!

Music makes the mood!

3. Play relaxing music in the background.

Cost: Free

There are quite a number of free apps, streaming services, and channels you can access on your smart phone, laptop, or TV to conveniently play whatever style music you like in the background while you work, study, cook, read, or entertain. There is also a great invention called "the radio" if you're like me and don't use a lot of apps or technology. (I don't even have a smart phone, but that's another subject.)

I suggest choosing a relaxing style of music to achieve the glamorous element you are going for, such as what you may hear playing at a spa or resort. You can imagine that playing heavy metal or club mixes may not be the most ideal for glamorous everyday living. Also, perhaps avoid music with words or singing; instrumental music is less distracting and more calming.

Cast Pandora or Spotify tunes to this simple speaker straight from your phone.

Here are some suggested musical genres you can try on for size (search these keywords and see what you like):

• Classical

• Smooth Jazz

• Meditation & nature sounds

• Island music

• Spanish guitar

• Instrumental easy listening

• Ambient music

• Harp / Celtic harp

• Contemporary piano

• Massage / spa music

• Yoga music

• Tibetan Singing Bowls

A beautifully set table is one of my favorite things!

4. Set Your Table.

Cost: Free

Try setting your table as if company is coming... even if they're not (yet). Enjoy the instantaneous benefits: You won't be tempted to clutter up the table after setting is, for one thing. It looks great as you walk by, and it's inviting if guests do happen to pop in. Finally, why not use and display your china dishes or at least a great centerpiece?

I may be a little bit obsessed with beads right now and had to share these beauties!

If you're like me right now and don't have a dining table, set up a few pretty vignettes elsewhere instead: pretty magazines and a vase of flowers on a coffee table tray, books and a candle on the dresser, a breakfast tray ready for guests (sans food, of course) at the foot of the guest bed. There's just something about walking through your own home and "finished" spaces catching your eye. Plus, setting up is an exercise in art and relaxation: taking the time to set a table does a mind good.

Simply recover your throw pillows for a brand-new look!

5. Recover Your Throw Pillows.

Cost: A few dollars

Did you know that you don't have to buy new pillows to get a totally new look? You can just buy the covers which tends to be less expensive AND that also means you can easily remove and wash them! Personally, I only buy covers that are washable. I find it's a lot more sustainable in the long run.

Absolutely my favorite online find, for realsies.

For $12 or so, check out this two-pack of velvet pillow covers with a lovely stitched edge that makes them appear much more expensive than they are. I think I have these in 3 colors (and counting.) They wash well and have lasted perfectly fine so far. I can barely believe the price myself!

Just a few simple accessories can make an entire room pop!

And those are my easy & inexpensive tips to achieve every day glamour! Did you try any of them? What do you think? Please let me know and until next time, enjoy your home!

With Love,

Molly

P.S. If you need any help with the ideas above, just contact me anytime & book a virtual interior design session:

https://www.mollyishmaeldesign.com/packages-and-pricing