Content creator Lucy Callis is one of Ideal Home’s Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on cleaning, home decor and making the most of small spaces. Check out the rest of his articles here.
I’d like to think I’m pretty savvy when it comes to spending money on the house (my husband might not agree). I really think you can get some good quality pieces without spending a lot of money. But I would argue that there are definitely things that are worth spending every single penny on.
So here are some of my luxuries that are non-negotiable in our home.
Good quality bin bags
When we did our first supermarket shop since we moved home, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw there were £4/£5 worth of bin bags…I remember who was buying that?! Oh how naive I was.
After about the 20th time ripping a cheap bin bag because it was too thin, I tried A dabba bag from the brand name BEAST And wow, I’ve never looked back. They fit perfectly in the bin, they are very sturdy and have drawstring handles…chef kiss.
(Image credit: Future plc/ Lizzie Orme)
Thick toilet paper
Single ply toilet paper should be banned…there I said it.
Get expensive stuff, the Andrex Ultimate Quilt We have to go. It’s soft, it’s comfortable and you don’t have to worry about any breakage.
Two duvets
I am proud to say that we are a 2 duvet family. Summer duvet and winter duvet. I would even say that this is not even a luxury, this is a necessity.
A low tog duvet for summer won’t cut it in winter and that’s it.
(Image credit: Future plc/Siobhan Doran)
Comfortable bed linen
They say we spend a third of our lives sleeping in our beds, so I would argue that nice bed sheets are a must. I’m not talking about color, I’m talking about thread count and stuff.
You want your bed linen to feel soft and comfortable so you need to decide which type you like best. I like my bedsheets to be made of cotton rather than linen, but that’s just a personal preference.
Once you know what you like, treat yourself to a good quality set, I find they wash better and last longer.
Good quality kitchen roll
Similarly with toilet roll, a thick kitchen roll goes a long way. Plenty Or Regina My favorite brands are:
They are a little more expensive but I think you use less anyway because the sheets go further so it probably evens out.
(Image credit: Future plc/B Homes)
A good vacuum cleaner
I’ve owned quite a few vacuum cleaners in my time and one thing I’ve come to realize is that more expensive means they’re better (better suction, better battery life).
Vacuum cleaners are expensive anyway, so spending a little more to get a better one will make a big difference. is my favorite Shark Power Detect.
Reed Diffuser
A nice smelling home makes a happy home so I have a reed diffuser in every room at all times.
I don’t think you need to go expensive, B&M Or Home Bargains Sell some good ones and they are relatively cheap. I think it’s such an easy way to enhance your home.
(Image credit: Future plc/James French)
Food Shop Delivery
Listen, I love going food shopping and having a proper mooch around. But convenience is king so paying £5 to have my food shopping delivered is worth every penny.
Supermarkets can be stressful and chaotic – I wouldn’t wish a Sunday supermarket trip on my worst enemy. I spend more when I go to the store because I see all the promotions and offers.
I could spend hours too or I would be doing something else grocery shopping. So £5 is a small price to pay for peace of mind and productivity.
Good quality towels
Spoiler alert: Thin, stiff, and tangy towels just don’t cut it anymore! This is the last thing you want when you get out of the shower or when you’re drying your hands.
Invest in a set of good quality towels and always dry them because they come out all soft and fluffy!
(Image credit: Future plc/Joanna Henderson)
By having a cleaner
We got a cleaner three years ago and I’ve never looked back. They come once a fortnight for two hours and it costs us £30 which I think is very reasonable.
Obviously two hours isn’t enough time to do a deep clean so I clean the house too but it’s a big help for my husband and I when it’s a busy week.
What small luxuries do you have in your home?
