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Been watching too much House & Garden lately? Pinned a photo of Luke Edward Hall’s house on your “future home” Pinterest board in hopes that it’ll manifest to life one day? Or a house from a Nancy Meyer’s movie? Because same.

I’ve just got done watching The Women and my gosh, I wish I could just crawl into my laptop and live in Mary Haines’ house. It’s clearly fancy but not in an in-your-face kind of fancy (except maybe for their huge backyard), you know? It just looks super homey and cozy.

Now of course I can’t magically transport myself into Dakota Johnson’s house nor can I afford to replicate the true fanciness of these houses but I can, however, elevate my unit to feel fancy and comfy. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to do so either! Here’s how.

1. Get a throw blanket

You know when it’s too hot to dive under your duvet but also too cold to just sit on your bed with no blanket on to shield yourself from the chill, that’s where throw blankets come into play. You can either fold and stash them in your closet at the end of the day or leave it on your bed to add more elements to your room. 

Recommendations: Cotton woven throw colour (Kmart, $13) / Thorgun (Ikea, $5)

2. Buy a diffuser

Nothing’s worse than coming home to the smell of your roommate’s unwashed dishes in the sink. After resolving that issue by kindly telling them to wash their dishes, you can start investing in a diffuser or candle because nothing’s better than coming home and being greeted by the sweet scent of jasmines and lemongrass. 

Honestly, this is one of the quickest ways to make your house feel fancy.

Recommendations: Peppermint Grove Fresh Sage and Cedar ($19.95 – lasts me about 2 months)

3. Cordless vacuums are your new best friend

Whether you live in an apartment or a share house, a cordless vacuum is seriously a game-changer – you’re going to want it for your next cleaning day! Say bye-bye to tripping over those cords. And no, I’m not going to tell you to buy the Dyson one because there are other affordable options out there that are probably just as good.

Recommendations: 2 in 1 cordless stick vacuum (Kmart, $79)

4. Hang eucalyptus leaves in your shower

I’ve always wondered how koalas can be so relaxed and sleep all day. Then I saw someone on TikTok hanging up a bunch of eucalyptus leaves on their shower head which is apparently good with stress reduction and relieving stuffy noses (winter’s coming up so this might be good). I haven’t tried this yet just because I don’t have a eucalyptus tree in my nearest vicinity nor have I stumbled upon any florists selling them. I will definitely get a start once I locate a florist who does.

Honorable mentions

Bathrobes (Kmart has some affordable options and Cotton On has fun designs), simple bedding, fancy looking plates (which you can find at op shops or of course Ikea is also a good place to check out).

There are so many affordable alternatives out there to elevate your room. Having a comfortable and homey house does not have to live only in those movies and on your Pinterest boards.