In today’s post, I’m sharing how we use everyday objects as home decor. Whether you are budget conscious, mindful of living sustainably, or just curious about how others find unique ways to style their homes, I hope these ideas provide you with some fresh ways to design your space that’s beautiful, functional, and – more to the point – completely ‘you.’

 

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Everyday Objects That Double As Decor

When we first MOVED INTO OUR BUNGALOW 15 YEARS AGO – I can’t believe it’s been that long! –  our focus was on acquiring basic furniture and appliances, not decor. But after a few years, I went on a decorating spree with the aim of creating a warmly styled home – which, let’s be honest, continues to some extent today (I DO love a good DECOR FIND!).

But fast-forward to today and – though I still love to decorate – I’ve been peeling back the layers a bit, focusing on DECLUTTERING AND SIMPLIFYING. In the process, I’ve FOUND BEAUTY IN THE MORE MUNDANE, everyday objects we already use around the house. 

Instead of styling ONLY with traditional decor, I’ve begun looking at the things we didn’t think of as conventionally ‘decorative’ – A CUP, A BOOK, A BOTTLE – as missed style opportunities in our space. Their shapes, colours and design elements are beautiful in their own right.  

Like anyone reading this post, I’m influenced by a lot of images and people online. One of those individuals currently on my radar is prop stylist and entrepreneur, Paige Wassel (@wasselpa), who occasionally shares her home updates on her YouTube channel ,  sometimes sharing her prop styling shoots. In them, she often uses small, unconventional, and functional items to style a space. Things like a half-burned candle, a magazine stack, vintage glassware, wilting flowers, all ‘randomly’ placed in a room or on a surface. Her style leans mid century – totally up my alley – and probably explains why I like a lot of what she shares. Regardless, her take on styling with atypical decor really speaks to my current thinking about how we use everyday objects as home decor in our own space.  

As I consider what I’m doing at present to blend function and style, I thought I’d share a few of those household items that have found a place in our home, not just as functional objects, but as part of the visual rhythm of how we live. 

The following are just SOME OF THE EVERDAY OBJECTS THAT DOUBLE AS DECOR IN OUR HOME. The tip of the iceberg, as it were. But they do offer a good glimpse at how functionality and beauty co-exist in our day-to-day lives.

 

1. A Vintage Ceramic Jar That Holds My Keys in the Foyer

Just before I head out the door, I grab my keys hidden away in this sweet, vintage jar. You wouldn’t think there’s any room in there, but my keys tuck in easily, out of sight, leaving only the jar in view.

As small as it is, it somehow caught my eye – for one reason or another – at my local Value Village thrift store, and I couldn’t NOT buy it. It’s earthy, even slightly ‘dated’ feel with that shapely floral motif continues to appeal to me. It’s a small detail, but one I notice and appreciate every time I grab my keys.

 

2. A Pair of Black Rubber Rainboots under a Black Bench

In both the winter and spring seasons, I often pull out these lightly-insulated (and inexpensive) rainboots and leave them by this bench. They conveniently stay here, easy to pull on or slip off when rushing in or out the door. The boots are unfussy and casual, adding a layer of effortless style. 

Even the shiny rubber surface – which reflects the glossy surface of our bench – seems to be a perfect match in this space.

 

3. Carved Wood Salt and Pepper Shakers on the Kitchen Counter

I used to leave my ‘nicer’ salt and pepper shakers hidden away in a cupboard. But lately, I’ve been leaving them out on the kitchen counter in front of our cutting boards, next to a tea towel.

They are humble, yet have a rustic charm that I like the look of. Both are warm, slightly worn, not entirely matching in tone. But that’s part of their charm, too. They add a less ‘precious’ feeling in the kitchen – which is as it should be, I think.

When set in this spot, they add a casual sense of style without needing anything else.

 

4. Bookshelves Filled End-to-End with Mismatching Books

Growing up, one of my favourite places to be was in a library. I love the smell of old books and enjoy the sense of discovery awaiting me there.

Here in our basement, we’ve filled these two bookcases with some of our books. Not quite a library, but a good collection of some well-read favourites. None of the books match, yet there is a natural flow and a sense of harmony when they are all grouped together.

While I’ve often played around with ‘styling’ these bookcases, I eventually found that they always look best when filled end-to-end and top-to-bottom with little or no styling at all. They provide instant calm, inviting me to pull out a favourite – or a still unread novel – and sit awhile.

 

5. A Handmade ‘Rug Mug’ on a Bench

This mug rug is a punch needle project that I made specifically for this space. In fact, I sat in this space – our lounge room (still in progress!) – for much of the project.

I wanted a spot where we could set down a hot or cold beverage on this bench which doubles as our coffee table and foot stool. But with the slats along the top, I needed something stable and flat to hold a mug securely without the risk of tipping over – enter: this punch needle mug rug.

Now it remains in this spot, used when needed, left alone otherwise. Its muted colours and wabi-sabi aesthetic fit seamlessly in this part of the home.

 

6. A Tartan Throw on a Reading Chair in the Basement

This throw is used often, pulled onto a lap (usually mine) during a quiet winter morning, or draped over this reading chair when not in use. I chose it on instinct, drawn to it’s colour and pattern, but without the faintest idea where it would end up. Now that it’s here, I can’t think of a better spot for it. 

It’s incredibly soft, lightweight, and warm. It’s as close to being the perfect throw as I’ve ever owned. And when it’s draped over the chair, it adds a layer of texture without shouting for attention.

 

7. A Pair of Old, Worn Slippers near a Woven Basket

There’s a pair of old, worn slippers tucked near that same reading chair in the basement. Their dark grey fabric is unassuming, slightly frayed. Their presence speaks to the sort of warmth, comfort, and routine that I enjoy most: slow mornings, a cup of coffee, opening up my laptop to catch up on the world outside.

In their own quiet way, those slippers represent a kind of lived-in warmth and cozy routine that I enjoy most. 

 

8. Firewood stored in and around a Wood Burning Stove

Whether in use or not, we keep a stack of firewood in and around our woodburning stove, year-round. In the off season, it brings the outdoors in and evokes a sense of warmth.

In the winter, when the stove is in active use, the wood as well as the bright orange and red flames give this space – and our house – the most cozy and peaceful feeling.

 

9. A Stone Displayed in our Cabinet

One of my favourite decorative items to leave out on display are ‘found’ objects. This grey and cream stone was found on a trip – though what trip it was, I can hardly remember. Regardless, I love picking up found objects. Things you can’t buy at the tourist shops. A stone. A seashell. A flower. Whatever it may be, they remind me of a fun and relaxing time away.

The stone itself is modest, never fighting for attention, blending seamlessly with other objects on display in this cabinet. 

Quiet, hardly noticeable. At least to none but me. And maybe that’s all that really matters.

 

10. A Corn Broom Leaning against a Cabinet

An old corn broom leans against the cabinet next to our wood burning stove. It’s used to clear away the debris on the hearth that inevitably builds up with bits of bark and wood and dust. It’s simple, quite humble. But its warm and natural fibres stand out, creating a quiet coziness that speaks to its place in the day-to-day of our lives.

It’s not just a functional item – it’s a small reminder of the life lived here: tending and tidying around the warmth being created.

 

12.  Coffee Table Book Stacks On Different Surfaces

I’ve always loved seeing stacks of hardcover books in a home. Styling with coffee table books, in particular, offers so much visual appeal. Whether it’s interior design and art books, handcrafting guidebooks, or even an old, vintage encyclopedia about cats, I love exploring the images inside which offer so much inspiration

When not opened, I often use coffee table books as risers to prop up a decorative bowl, vase, or maybe a simple candle and box of matches. At other times, they look beautiful simply stacked all on their own.

 

13. Box of Matches on the Coffee Table

This humble box of matches was easily turned into a pretty piece of decor on our coffee table with just a little creativity. By gluing patterned craft paper on both sides, it turned into something both functional and charming (catch the quick tutorial on how I did that – and other glue gun crafts – on Instagram here).

It’s a tiny detail that brings character and thoughtfulness in this space, one I appreciate every time I light a candle.

 

4. Foraged and End-of-Season Stems in a Vase

I don’t often have a chance to walk through the woods, but when I do I almost always bring home foraged pieces for display. I love drying things myself and displaying them in a simple glass jar.

I also love to pick wild vegetation at the end of the season, just as it’s beginning to die off. It’s had its season of growth, and now it’s reached the end of its life cycle. I love the browns and earth tones as well as the gnarled, unconventional look of them, like the ones below. 

I enjoyed experimenting with this arrangement (as I shared in this fall home tour alongside other rustic vignettes). It added height and movement in our Great Room while staying grounded in nature and the season we were in.

 

14. A Pair of Sculptural Lamps in the Guest Bedroom

The bedside lamps in our guest bedroom are simple:  curved, single pieces, mod-inspired, and emanating warm light.

They’re more than just functional pieces, becoming a part of the light and cozy feeling in this space. Their simple, sculptural design feel more like art to me. And in their own, quiet way, they anchor the room, providing both comfort and warmth to those staying the night.

 

Final Thoughts

Design doesn’t always require shopping. Nor does it need to be overly complicated. Often the most interesting homes are designed to reflect the rhythms of everyday life. Decorating with everyday objects, slowly accumulated over time, isn’t about reinventing your space – it’s about reflecting how you already live, and finding charm in the ordinary. When we start to notice the beauty in those familiar items, it becomes easier to appreciate what’s been there all along. 

 

 

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