I'm a new home owner — 27 household essentials I bought in 2024 that were worth it (and 6 things that weren't)
I would buy all of these things again if I had to, from furniture and small appliances to household must-haves.
As the year comes to an end, I've been reflecting on just about everything — the good, the bad and the ugly. One thing I'm certainly proud of is buying a house (something I once had a hard time envisioning). Along the way, there have been plenty of trial-and-error home purchases — some I'm delighted with, and others... not so much. If you've recently moved into a new home or just want to update your current one, I'd love to lend a helping hand. As a shopping expert, I promise not to lead you astray with my favourite finds, hoping they inspire you or at least make life a little easier.
Quick overview: Best things I bought for my house in 2024
6-Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer
VertuoPlus Deluxe
Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Electric Kettle
Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
From coffee makers and air fryers to TVs and furniture, chances are there's something in here that belongs in your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, too. So, if you're even the slightest bit curious about my zero-regret purchases, keep reading, friends.
Starting off strong with the VertuoPlus Deluxe — this thing is magical. We originally had the Nespresso Vertuo Next machine, which was fine, until it wasn't. Turns out we had a machine from a defective batch, which caused it to malfunction. We got this to replace it, and I couldn't be more pleased. It has an automatic opening and closing mechanism that feels extra luxe. Plus, the water reservoir holds more liquid.
Between my air fryer, kettle and other appliances, I have limited counter space. For me, my coffee maker needs to be on display since we use it every day, so I figured, why not make a little coffee nook? This sideboard was a bit of a risk because I was unsure how it would look — but it was the perfect match. Plus, I have extra storage thanks to the cupboards and drawers.
It's safe to say I am obsessed with this kettle. Not only does it look super sleek in my kitchen space, but it's also incredibly functional and responsive. The water stays hot for a long time, and it can hold a large amount of liquid. To be honest, there's something about a luxurious appliance that just amplifies the experience.
I was on the hunt for a cute little side table that wouldn't take up too much space, and this mango wood one seemed to fit the bill. I love the way it looks — it totally matches the vibe of our home — and I'm pleased with my purchase; however, I will say it's quite heavy, and you can't fit too much on it.
This air fryer designed by Drew Barrymore has been a practical and stylish addition to my kitchen. It gives me the option to air fry, roast, reheat or dehydrate my meals with just the tap of a screen. There are no knobs or buttons to fuss around with — just a sleek touchscreen display that conveniently lights up when you need it.
We purchased two of these chairs for our living room for additional seating, and I was worried about them being uncomfortable (considering I took a chance and ordered them online). Turns out they are plenty comfy, thankfully. The seat is nice and spacious, and the cushioning is firm enough but definitely not stiff.
After a long search for the perfect bed, we managed to stumble upon it at Must Societe. We purchased this Julia bed, and I truly have no complaints — it looks great! Plus, it features a padded headboard, making it extra comfy when sitting up to watch TV or read.
When it comes to wall art, I'd love to have a more expensive piece one day — but for now, I was looking for something affordable that would complement all the little details in my home. This piece from Bouclair is both simple and sophisticated, and I'm so glad we went with it.
This is a pretty good TV, if you ask me (but I'm no fancy schmancy television connoisseur). It's razor thin, which is my favourite part, and it has fantastic picture quality — very crisp, high-definition, vibrant views. My only gripe with this thing is that I don't love its smart TV interface, but that's what Amazon Fire TV Sticks are for, am I right?
We got this Zwilling toaster and the kettle at the same time, and I have to say, they both look so sleek together. I think toasters are generally an eyesore, so I don't keep it on display, but when I do whip it out, it looks nice and chic. It gets the job done (AKA toasting to perfection) and is very user-friendly.
If I can confidently recommend any product to you, it's this Fire TV Stick. It's convenient, easy to use and has a top-tier interface. I love how effortless it is to search for shows, movies, apps, songs and even specific YouTube videos with the Alexa voice function and quick app buttons. It's also painless to set up, and that's something I value in a tech product.
Bar stools are typically uncomfortable to me — I find the height just makes for an unpleasant sitting experience for long periods. Although they aren't my favourite, we definitely needed some. When I came across these at Bouclair, I was surprised by how comfortable they were. The backrest is perfect, and the seat is nice and cushiony.
More self-explanatory products I get tons of use out of
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd Gen)
Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaning Kit
FITUEYES Computer Monitor Stand
[2 Packs] Fairy Lights (Battery Operated)
Coffee Machine Cleaner Descaler Tablets
TROND 6ft Flat Extension Cord Indoor
Kasa Smart Light Bulbs
Booda Brand Over The Door Hooks 10 Pack
ASAKUKI 300ML Essential Oil Diffuser
Aojuxix Shower Drain Hair Catcher
Sorbus Floating Shelves for Wall
Cisily Sponge Holder for Kitchen Sink
Home Techpro Rug Pads Grippers
Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (Video Doorbell Pro 2)
SONGMICS Spice Rack
What I regret purchasing in 2024
Shower caddy: Don't be confused by this. I totally recommend a shower caddy, and I benefit from mine. However, the specific one I purchased has stained my shower tile with rust marks, which is incredibly inconvenient to me.
Nespresso Vertuo Next: As mentioned, I am in love with my Nespresso Vertuo Deluxe; however, my Vertuo Next failed me due to being from a defective batch. Plus, if you're a coffee lover like me, I suggest splurging a bit more to get a quality machine — it really does make a difference!
65-inch TV: Now, you might be thinking, "What the heck?" Well, to put it plain and simple, a 65-inch TV was a bit overwhelming in our living room. Downsizing to a 55-inch TV was definitely the right move for us. Our viewing experience is much more enjoyable and less in-your-face.
Pan organizer: I thought a pan organizer would help me out, but it didn't. The contraption ended up being more of a hassle and didn't end up fitting in our cupboard (which was 100 per cent my fault).
Flameless candles: I thought flameless candles would look nice in our space, but I found them to look a little tacky. Perhaps it was the finish I chose, but I wasn't a huge fan. Just my personal preference.
Kitchen towel holders: These were another one of those little items I thought were pretty innovative but ended up being less useful. To be honest, I just hang my tea towels on my stove handle and call it a day.
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