I'm a home editor, and these things in my apartment are extra but worth it

Romanticize your life

Louise's apartment three shots from different angles of living room
(Image credit: Future / Louise Oliphant)

Me? Extra? *Sips iced matcha from a vintage glass with a fancy straw while sitting on a matching green velvet couch.* What makes you think that? Jokes aside, my friends often label me this, but I see it as just caring about the small things. Whether I'm adding a dried orange to my homemade martini or making sure my coffee machine matches my kettle, the little touches are what make me feel complete.

And I'm not alone. Aesthetic Amazon finds, satisfying home restock ASMR and romanticize your life videos are all over our feeds. But before I make a reel of my own, I thought I'd share a few things in my small apartment that are totally extra, but worth it. These buys are perfect if you've also been deemed the over-the-top friend.

Coffee table books 

Louise's apartment coffee table styled with books and a cactus

(Image credit: Future / Louise Oliphant)

As I'm sure my interior and fashion friends would agree, a home isn't fully styled without a coffee table book. For the rest of you, it might not seem like an essential. But there's just something about having your living room feel like a fancy hotel lobby or the reception of Vogue House. If there's one thing that will elevate your space, it's a coffee table book, or a few. I've built up a collection that I switch throughout the year alongside the most recent edition of Real Homes magazine, too, of course. 

PS: A coffee table book also makes the perfect present for someone moving into a new home. 

Home fragrance, everywhere 

Louises apartment extra bits

(Image credit: Future / Louise Oliphant)

"Your house smells so good" is by far the best compliment you can receive, in my opinion. Living in a high-rise apartment with an open plan kitchen-living room means smells from whatever you're cooking can travel, and unfortunately, the trash can isn't too far from my sofa. So investing in good home fragrances is a biggie. Believe me when I say I have a candle or reed diffuser in every room. Okay, so it's perhaps not too over the top, but I do have one of those viral candle warmers and keep my matches in the cutest mason jar. 

Fun ice cube trays 

Louise's apartment with ice cub trays and a carafe

(Image credit: Future / Louise Oliphant)

I'd be lying if I said the #restockicecubtray TikTok's all over my FYP didn't inspire me to buy all the ice cube tray shapes on Amazon I could find. But honestly, this simple part of my relaxing Sundays has made staying hydrated much more exciting. I refill my small and large square ice cube trays with fruits and water at the end of every week, ready for a ~fancy~ few days ahead. Of course, it's not all about the H2O either. I have flower-shaped molds I fill with coffee and huge spheres that look so fun in a short tumbler with a gin and tonic or a whisky. 

Aesthetic glassware 

Louise's bar cart with glasses and liquor

(Image credit: Future / Louise Oliphant)

Part two, if you will. Drinking out of aesthetic cups is a must. I always keep a carafe by my bed, drink coffee or tea out of glass mugs (only), and have a whole bar cart full of fancy martini glasses, iridescent champagne flutes, and square-based wine glasses for when I'm hosting or having a night in. Oh, and I'm completely obsessed with my colored glass coffee press — not that I use it often. You could say it's something of an obsession. 

Here's to being extra 

@cassandra.noel

♬ Overcome - Skott
Louise Oliphant
Ecommerce Editor

Louise is the Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes, specialising in sleep content so you can wind-down well. With prior PR experience working for a luxury bedding brand, Louise knows the importance of getting a great night’s sleep. Joining the other side of the desk as a full-time journo, Louise brings her bedding expertise to writing sleep buying guides, reviews, and news for Real Homes. Aside from helping readers get essential shut eye, Louise also writes shopping content for homeware items that’ll add a decorative edge to your space. With an eye for design that won’t snooze on style, but a budget that won’t quite stretch, Louise loves nothing more than a modern designer dupe. From coloured glassware to contemporary storage, anything to upgrade the bare space of her rented East London flat. 

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