Havenly co-founder and CEO, Lee Mayer, certainly knows her way around decorating a home—in fact, she built an entire business around it. While there’s always a design component (if you need styling tips, check out Lee’s book, Design the Home You Love), it’s also as simple as having the right pieces on hand. Curious? We were too. Read on as Lee spills some of her favorite tried-and-true accessories to keep your home feeling oh-so fresh, clean, and inviting.
And the best news, there’s no need to panic and hide your wallet. Lee’s must-have home products are actually affordable (yes, you read that right!), so your pocketbook can stop shedding a tear each time you reach for your credit card. But before we get to the good stuff, Lee shares her secret for hunting budget-friendly home goods.
It’s true, quality and affordability don’t always go hand-in-hand. So when you’re looking to shop for your home necessities on a budget, begin with a bit of research (Amazon ratings and other buyers’ comments are a great place to start!) to see if the cheaper product will do the trick, or you’d do better saving up for and investing in a more well-crafted piece. As Lee advises…
When thinking about affordability and quality, I look at materiality, and why, when, and how often the product will be in use. For example, with candles, I always check the burn time. Sometimes you’ll find a super cheap price tag, but if the candle burns too quickly, you’ll end up buying more over the long run.
Duly noted. So if you needed an invitation to ‘splurge’ (if you will) on the pricier option, you officially have our blessing. Because sometimes it’s truly worth it.
OK, now let’s get that shopping list ready. Here are Lee’s top seven must-have home products that won’t break the bank.
Large Oak Chopping Block
More than a cutting board, this substantial block of beautiful Chinese oak is a bold presence for both food prep and serving. “I love to cook and entertain, so this gets a lot of use in my home. It’s perfect for food prep, and looks great styled, too,” says Lee. This blonde wood block features a rich cross-grain, and is extra thick and wide with a broad, comfortable handle grip. Not only is it utilitarian on your countertops, it makes for the perfect foundation for the charcuterie board on your next wine night.
Woven Coasters
For Lee, items where function meets design are of utmost importance. Hence, coasters! Coasters are a small decor accent yet fundamentally necessary, perfect for protecting the surfaces in your home from warping watermarks, wine and coffee rings, or heat damage.
“I love keeping things neutral and natural in my home, so these coasters are perfect both in form and function—and much needed for protecting all the marble surfaces in my space!” Lee says. These hand-woven rattan coasters are both durable and delicate, bringing a sense of organic beauty and texture to any space.
Wine Away
Let’s face it, when you love a happy hour (or dinner aperitif, or weekend brunch…) as much as we do, wine spills and drips are bound to happen. But for Lee, instead of condemning her favorite dress (or slipcovered chairs, true story) as lost forever to the clutches of Cabernet, she reaches for the Wine Away stashed in her cabinets.
This downright magical stain remover spray works on both fresh and dried wine stains without the use of bleach or phosphates—so it is safe for most fabrics, clothing, and even upholstery. Bonus: it’s even effective on coffee, ink, and other dark stains.
White Taper Candles
“I believe one can never have enough candles, and these tapers help to elevate home dinners,” Lee says. Now that we have begun to reclaim our dining tables and are starting to invite guests in once more, take your dinner party to the next level with warm white taper candles.
They cast a romantic glow about the room, making even your simple weeknight dinners feel a bit more special. Lee confesses she’s lit a few while enjoying her favorite gourmet family meal, Domino’s take-out.
Ceramic Blade Box Opener
If you, like us, have fallen victim to more than a few online shopping sprees (absolutely no judgement!), this box opener is for you. Keep your kitchen knives in their block and pop those scissors back in the drawer. A box opener makes swift work of any package, and with it’s ceramic blade, you won’t have to worry about it cutting through textiles, clothing, or other softer deliveries you have on the way.
“Though initially it might cost a bit more to invest in a ceramic box cutter, the fact that it won’t slip and unintentionally slice through my textiles makes the purchase more than worthwhile,” Lee says.
Bar Keeper’s Friend
“A staple in our kitchen, Bar Keeper’s Friend keeps the ceramic white sinks (or any sink) looking brand new in no time,” says Lee. “It’s a must-have.”
Bar Keeper’s Friend tackles rust, mineral deposits, baked-on food (yuck!), and other tough household stains with its gentle—yet tough—bleach-free formula. It’s the industrial all-purpose cleaner you need that is still safe enough for daily use and delicate surfaces.
Portable Lint, Fuzz, and Hair Remover
“If your fabrics see a lot of traffic, or if you’ve got a furry friend that sheds, this tool is a lifesaver,” says Lee. Rather than unspooling sticky paper sheets on lint rollers, this handy tool erases fuzz and lint from clothing and upholstery in a snap.
If Fido keeps brushing up against your black leggings on your way out the door, a swipe from this fluff remover will quickly pick up stray pet hairs without leaving a sticky residue behind. It can even eradicate pilling and fluff from cashmere, wool, and other knits so your sweaters and coats look brand-new. Now that’s something we can get behind.
Looking to upgrade your home with even more styling accessories? Our designers can help pull together the perfect pieces for your space. Get started with our style quiz.