As the world swiftly embraced the promise and new beginnings of a fresh decade, stepping into 2020 with eager anticipation, we found ourselves reflecting on the memorable journey that was 2019. It’s a natural inclination to pause, look back, and appreciate the moments, transformations, and cherished items that shaped our living spaces and daily lives. Just as we recently revisited the most beloved projects you adored last year, it’s equally insightful and enjoyable to compile a list of the home products and decorative pieces that resonated most deeply with our community throughout 2019. These are the items that captured your imagination, sparked your creativity, and ultimately found a place in your homes, just as they did in ours.
This comprehensive roundup serves as a final, heartfelt recap of the top 19 items that our readers consistently loved, purchased, and integrated into their home improvement journeys. Our aim is to provide a valuable resource, offering insights into practical solutions, stylish enhancements, and functional necessities that stood out. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a pending renovation, a subtle refresh, or simply curious about popular trends and timeless staples, this list is designed to guide you. Each item is linked directly, making it effortless for you to explore further details and seamlessly bring these favorites into your own space.
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Curated Home Favorites: Top Picks & Bestsellers of 2019
In the realm of home decor and practical living solutions, certain items consistently rise to the top, proving their worth through their aesthetic appeal, functional benefits, and sheer popularity. The year 2019 was no exception, as our community discovered and embraced a diverse array of products that made a significant impact. From innovative renovation alternatives to everyday comforts, these selections represent the best of what home enthusiasts sought to enhance their environments. Let’s delve into the top 19 items that made our homes—and yours—more beautiful, organized, and comfortable.
1. Transformative Vinyl Floor Tiles for Easy Updates
Our vinyl floor tiles quickly became a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why. These innovative peel-and-stick tiles offered the perfect blend of affordability, ease of installation, and stunning visual impact. They served as an ideal temporary solution for revitalizing our laundry room’s aged and unsightly vinyl flooring, transforming it from a dingy, overlooked space into a bright, inviting area. The beauty of these tiles lies in their ability to deliver a high-end look without the commitment or cost associated with a full-scale renovation. They are incredibly forgiving for DIY enthusiasts, allowing for a quick and satisfying weekend project. For anyone dreaming of a refreshed floor but not yet ready for a major overhaul, these vinyl tiles provide an accessible pathway to achieving a clean, stylish foundation in various rooms, from laundry spaces to powder rooms or even small entryways. Their durability for everyday use and resistance to moisture make them a practical choice for functional areas, proving that a significant style upgrade doesn’t always require a hefty investment or professional help.
2. The Essential Postpartum Tummy Disguising Dress
For many women, finding clothing that offers both comfort and confidence after childbirth can be a challenge. This particular dress earned its place as a top favorite for its remarkable ability to flatter and provide comfort, especially when seeking to discreetly manage the “mama pooch.” Its ingenious design, often featuring strategic ruching, a forgiving silhouette, or a clever print, ensures that you feel put-together and stylish without sacrificing ease of movement. Crafted from soft, breathable fabrics, it’s perfect for both casual outings and more dressed-up occasions, making it a versatile staple in any wardrobe. The popularity of this dress highlights a universal desire for practical yet chic fashion solutions that cater to real-life bodies. It’s more than just a dress; it’s a confidence booster, allowing you to embrace your post-baby body with grace and style. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine everyday wearability with thoughtful design elements that empower women to look and feel their best during a beautiful, but often body-conscious, phase of life.
3. Stylish and Efficient Living Room Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is often seen as a functional necessity, but our living room ceiling fan proves it can also be a significant style statement. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, seamlessly blending with various decor styles while providing exceptional performance. In the heat of summer, a reliable and powerful ceiling fan is indispensable for maintaining comfort and circulation within a room. This particular model garnered widespread appreciation not only for its elegant design, which elevates the overall look of the living space, but also for its robust functionality. It moves air efficiently, creating a pleasant breeze that can significantly reduce reliance on air conditioning, leading to energy savings. The quiet operation is another highly valued feature, ensuring that comfort is delivered without distracting noise. Choosing a ceiling fan that combines form and function, as this one does, can transform a room, offering both visual enhancement and a practical solution for year-round climate control. It’s a testament to the idea that even utilitarian fixtures can contribute significantly to a home’s overall design and comfort.
4. Luxurious and Affordable Guest Room Velvet Curtains
The quest for high-quality, elegant window treatments that don’t break the bank often leads to disappointment, but our guest room velvet curtains proved to be a delightful exception. These curtains quickly became a favorite for their luxurious look and feel, instantly elevating the ambiance of any room. Their stunning velvet texture adds a touch of sophistication and warmth, creating a truly inviting atmosphere. Beyond their aesthetic charm, these curtains boast an impressive 90% blackout capability, making them perfect for ensuring restful sleep in a guest bedroom or for adding privacy and light control in a master suite. The exceptional craftsmanship and durability, particularly given their accessible price point, make them a superior alternative to much pricier luxury brands. In fact, their appeal was so strong that we extended their use to our master bedroom, opting for a different color to complement the existing decor. These curtains underscore the idea that premium style and robust functionality can be achieved without an exorbitant cost, offering incredible value and a significant upgrade to any home.
5. Exquisite Regan’s Nursery Wall Flower Felt Swag
Creating a magical and serene nursery often involves finding unique, handcrafted elements that add a special touch, and Regan’s nursery wall flower felt swag did just that. While this item was undeniably a splurge during the nursery makeover, its intricate detail and whimsical charm made it an absolutely worthwhile investment. The sheer artistry involved in its creation, featuring delicate felt flowers and foliage arranged in an elegant swag, was beyond typical DIY capabilities, making a professionally crafted piece the ideal choice. It instantly became the focal point of the nursery, infusing the space with softness, texture, and a touch of enchanting beauty. The intricate layering and varied textures of the felt flowers create a captivating visual interest that simple wall art cannot replicate. This piece speaks to the power of investing in unique, high-quality decorative elements that contribute significantly to the overall theme and warmth of a child’s room. Its adorable and refined presence truly completed the nursery’s dreamy aesthetic, making it a standout favorite.
6. Inviting Guest Bedroom Bedspread Set
Creating a welcoming and comfortable guest bedroom is paramount, and the right bedspread can make all the difference. Our guest bedroom bedspread set quickly became a beloved item for its delightful combination of style, affordability, and practical features. Its airy texture and subtle vintage aesthetic evoke a sense of nostalgic comfort, instantly making guests feel at home. Despite its incredibly inexpensive price point, the quality of this bedspread is remarkably high, standing up well to regular washing without losing its charm or integrity. This durability is a significant advantage, particularly for a frequently used guest space. The lightweight yet cozy design ensures comfort across seasons, providing just the right amount of warmth without being overly heavy. Its ability to marry an attractive design with everyday functionality and easy maintenance makes it an exceptional find. This bedspread proves that furnishing a stylish and comfortable guest room doesn’t require a substantial budget, offering an elegant solution that is both practical and beautiful.
7. Our Beloved Past Living Room Rug
A good rug serves as the anchor for any living space, defining zones, adding warmth, and introducing texture and pattern. Our previous living room rug earned a special place in our hearts, and it’s an item we still recall fondly. Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, which effortlessly tied our living room together, its most remarkable feature was its incredible ability to camouflage everyday spills and stains. This practical benefit is a game-changer for busy households, especially those with children or pets, where accidental messes are inevitable. The rug’s pattern and subtle color variations were expertly designed to hide imperfections, maintaining a pristine look even under regular use. Its durability and resilience under high foot traffic further contributed to its popularity. While we’ve moved on to new designs, the memory of this rug’s practical genius remains. It stands as a testament to the importance of choosing home decor that is not only beautiful but also intelligently designed to withstand the realities of daily life, making maintenance a breeze and keeping your home looking its best with minimal effort.
8. Fusion Mineral Paint: The Ultimate Furniture Revitalization Paint
For anyone passionate about DIY furniture makeovers, Fusion Mineral Paint has truly revolutionized the process, securing its spot as an absolute favorite. Its unparalleled ease of use sets it apart from many other furniture paints on the market. Unlike chalk paint, which often requires a top coat or wax sealer, Fusion Mineral Paint boasts exceptional durability and a built-in topcoat, meaning no extra sealing step is typically needed. This significantly streamlines projects, saving both time and effort. Furthermore, its superb adhesion often eliminates the need for extensive prep work like sanding or priming on most surfaces, allowing you to get straight to painting. The finish is smooth, professional, and incredibly robust, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use. Despite its inherent durability, it still offers creative flexibility, allowing for distressing or the addition of antique effects if desired, providing versatility for various styles. If you’re new to furniture painting or simply seeking a superior product, our Beginner’s Guide to Painting Furniture is an excellent resource to help you get started with this fantastic paint. It consistently delivers professional-grade results with minimal fuss, making it a beloved tool for transforming tired pieces into cherished treasures.
9. Our Lifelike Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
The allure of bringing lush greenery into our homes is undeniable, but the commitment to maintaining real plants can be daunting for some. This is where our faux fiddle leaf fig tree shines, earning its place as a top-selling item. It is remarkably realistic, often fooling even the most discerning eyes with its vibrant green leaves and natural-looking trunk. The meticulous attention to detail in its design makes it one of the closest artificial alternatives to a real fiddle leaf fig, a plant renowned for its striking architectural presence but also its demanding care requirements. The major advantage of this faux version is its zero-maintenance nature; it requires no watering, sunlight, or special humidity, making it the perfect solution for adding a touch of biophilic design to any corner of your home, regardless of light conditions or your gardening expertise. While the idea of trying a real fiddle leaf fig remains a delightful aspiration for the future, this artificial counterpart offers all the aesthetic benefits without any of the stress. It’s an effortless way to introduce a focal point of greenery, enhancing the warmth and vitality of your living spaces without the fear of it wilting or dying.
10. Charming Cottage Style Back Porch Ceiling Fans
Outdoor living spaces are increasingly becoming extensions of our homes, and ensuring comfort in these areas is just as important as indoors. Our back porch ceiling fans quickly gained popularity for their delightful cottage-style aesthetic and exceptional functionality. These fans don’t just circulate air; they contribute significantly to the overall charm and comfort of an outdoor retreat. We particularly appreciated the weathered wood side of the blades, which perfectly complemented our rustic-inspired porch decor, adding a touch of natural warmth. However, the versatility of these fans is a key feature: the blades are reversible, offering an all-white option for those who prefer a cleaner, more contemporary or coastal look. This adaptability ensures they can blend seamlessly with various design preferences and evolving outdoor themes. Beyond their visual appeal, their ability to provide a gentle breeze makes outdoor lounging considerably more enjoyable, especially during warmer months, by keeping insects at bay and creating a more comfortable atmosphere for relaxation and entertaining. They are a testament to how practical outdoor fixtures can also be thoughtfully designed to enhance a space’s style and usability.
11. Master Bathroom Drawer Organizers for Clutter-Free Spaces
Maintaining an organized home is a continuous pursuit, and sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest difference. Our master bathroom drawer organizers became an instant hit for their practicality and effectiveness. These small, clear organizers are incredibly versatile, offering a tidy solution for drawers not just in the bathroom, but throughout the entire house. Made from transparent material, they allow for easy visibility of contents, eliminating the frustration of rummaging through cluttered drawers. Whether it’s makeup, toiletries, office supplies, kitchen gadgets, or craft items, these dividers help categorize and contain everything neatly. The modular design often allows for customization, fitting various drawer sizes and configurations. By assigning a dedicated spot for each item, they transform chaotic drawers into perfectly ordered spaces, saving precious time and reducing daily stress. Their understated design ensures they blend seamlessly into any decor, making them a functional hero for anyone striving for a more organized and serene living environment. This item proves that smart storage solutions are truly invaluable for daily living.
12. Inviting Outdoor Fire Pit Table
Extending the usability of outdoor spaces is a common goal for homeowners, and our fire pit table proved to be an exceptional addition, loved by many. Having enjoyed it for over a year, its impact on our back porch has been immense, transforming it into a cozy, inviting haven. The primary appeal of this item lies in the unparalleled ambiance it creates; the flickering flames provide a mesmerizing focal point that encourages relaxation and intimate conversations. Beyond its atmospheric charm, it serves as a wonderful hub for social gatherings, most notably for making s’mores – a timeless activity cherished by both children and adults. Its design as a table also means it’s functional even when not lit, providing a surface for drinks or snacks. The combination of warmth, light, and a gathering spot makes it an indispensable feature for cool evenings, extending the outdoor season well into fall and early spring. It represents an investment in lifestyle, fostering memorable moments and enhancing the comfort and appeal of any outdoor living area.
13. Discreet TV Cord Covers for a Clean Aesthetic
One of the most common dilemmas in modern living rooms is how to manage unsightly TV cables without disrupting a clean aesthetic. Our TV cord covers became an invaluable solution, frequently sparking questions from our readers about how we achieved such a seamless, cordless look. The simple truth is, the cords are very much there, but they are expertly concealed! These discreet strips are designed to be installed over the cables, effectively hiding them from view. The real genius lies in their paintable surface, allowing them to be colored to match the wall exactly, rendering them virtually invisible. This simple yet highly effective solution instantly elevates the perceived tidiness and sophistication of any media setup. Beyond the aesthetic improvement, covering cables also enhances safety by eliminating tripping hazards and creating a more polished, minimalist environment. It’s a testament to how small, intelligent design solutions can significantly impact the overall harmony and functionality of a living space, solving a common household frustration with elegance and ease.
14. Exceptionally Realistic Faux Potted Plant
Bringing nature indoors can enhance well-being and refresh any space, but not everyone has a green thumb or the ideal conditions for live plants. This exceptionally realistic faux potted plant consistently amazed our readers and became a top favorite for its incredible likeness to the real thing. Its lifelike appearance extends beyond the foliage to include details such as the soil in the pot, which is crafted to look genuinely authentic. This level of realism ensures that the plant blends seamlessly into any decor, providing the aesthetic benefits of greenery without any of the maintenance demands. It’s perfect for dimly lit corners, busy households, or for those who simply prefer a worry-free decorative element. Placing it on a shelf, a console table, or even a piano stand instantly adds a touch of natural beauty and freshness. This faux plant underscores the advancements in artificial botanical design, offering a durable and perpetually vibrant solution for adding a touch of the outdoors, indoors, year-round, without ever needing a drop of water.
15. Space-Saving Laundry Room Drying Rack
Efficient use of space, especially in functional areas like the laundry room, is always a priority. Our laundry room drying rack proved to be an indispensable tool, consistently used for air-drying delicate garments or items that prefer not to go into the dryer. Its genius lies in its clever design: it provides ample drying space when needed but effortlessly folds up and out of the way when not in use. This maximizes floor space and keeps the laundry room looking tidy and uncluttered. Constructed for durability, it withstands the weight of wet clothes and the rigors of frequent use. The benefits extend beyond convenience; air drying clothes helps preserve fabric quality, reduces energy consumption, and can even save money on utility bills. For anyone seeking to optimize their laundry routine and enhance the functionality of their utility space, this drying rack offers a practical, space-saving, and environmentally conscious solution. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design can simplify everyday chores and make a significant difference in home efficiency.
16. Versatile Gray and White Check Rug (Similar Item)
While our exact gray and white check rug is now discontinued, its immense popularity underscores the enduring appeal of versatile “capsule” decor items that can adapt to any season or style. We’ve sourced a very similar alternative to capture the same timeless charm and functionality. The beauty of a rug with a classic pattern like a gray and white check lies in its neutral yet engaging design, making it a perfect foundation for seasonal decor changes. On a porch, for instance, it can be effortlessly styled with vibrant pumpkins and warm autumnal hues in the fall, bright and cheerful flowers for spring and summer, or elegant evergreens and festive accents during the winter months. This adaptability makes it an incredibly smart investment for any homeowner looking to refresh their space without constantly buying new base pieces. Such a rug is not only stylish and aesthetically pleasing but also durable enough to withstand outdoor elements or high-traffic indoor areas, providing both comfort and a touch of classic sophistication that transcends seasonal trends.
17. Timeless Olive Branch Stems for Year-Round Decor
Embracing enduring style over fleeting trends is a hallmark of sophisticated home decor, and these olive branch stems are a prime example of such a “capsule” item. Their popularity stems from their remarkable versatility and natural elegance, making them a perennial favorite for adorning homes throughout the year. The delicate green leaves and subtle natural texture of olive branches bring a calming, organic touch to any room, infusing a sense of serenity and refined simplicity. Unlike fresh flowers that require constant care and replacement, these faux stems offer the beauty of nature with zero maintenance. We routinely incorporate them into vases across our home, transitioning effortlessly from a bright spring arrangement to a cozy winter display without missing a beat. They provide an effortless way to add height, texture, and a touch of Mediterranean charm to dining tables, mantels, bookshelves, or entryway consoles. Their ability to complement virtually any color scheme or decor style solidifies their status as a wise and beautiful investment for enhancing your home’s aesthetic with timeless grace.
18. Elegant Brass Float Frames for Cherished Memories
Home decor often takes on a deeper meaning when it incorporates personal history and cherished memories. These brass float frames became a beloved item for their ability to beautifully showcase sentimental pieces, transforming them into art. A particularly heartwarming project involved preserving handwritten recipes from grandmothers and great-grandmothers, then elegantly displaying them in these very frames in our kitchen. The “float” design creates an exquisite effect, making the content appear to hover within the frame, which adds a sophisticated and gallery-like quality. The warm luster of the brass enhances the vintage charm of old documents and photographs, making them stand out as precious heirlooms. This project quickly became one of our all-time favorites, not just for its aesthetic outcome but for the profound connection it forged with family heritage. These frames offer a perfect solution for anyone looking to honor loved ones, preserve precious documents, or simply display artwork in a way that feels both modern and deeply personal, adding layers of meaning and history to any room.
19. Regan’s Smart and Affordable Nursery Closet Organizer
Maximizing storage in a nursery closet is crucial for managing the myriad of baby essentials, from tiny clothes to diapers and toys. Regan’s closet organizer quickly became a celebrated solution for its outstanding ability to create significant additional storage without a hefty price tag, distinguishing it from many more expensive brands. This ingenious system provided a highly efficient way to utilize vertical and horizontal space, transforming a standard closet into a functional, organized haven. Its modular design typically allows for customization, enabling parents to configure shelves, hanging rods, and drawers to suit their specific needs as the child grows. The cost-effectiveness of this organizer makes it an accessible option for many families, proving that smart storage doesn’t have to be a luxury. Its ease of installation and sturdy construction ensure it can withstand the demands of a busy nursery, offering a long-term solution for maintaining order and accessibility. This organizer is a testament to how practical, well-designed storage can simplify daily life and bring a sense of calm to even the busiest family spaces, making it a truly invaluable and popular purchase for new parents.
And there you have it – a comprehensive retrospective of the items that captured the hearts and homes of our community in 2019. This list is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, practical solutions, and the joy of creating spaces that truly reflect and enhance our lives. From major transformations in the laundry room to subtle touches of elegance in the living space, each item was chosen for its ability to deliver both style and substance, making home life a little more beautiful and a lot more organized.
We extend our deepest gratitude for being an integral part of our journey throughout 2019. Your engagement, enthusiasm, and shared experiences are what truly make this blog a vibrant and inspiring community. We sincerely hope that these curated insights and recommendations have provided, and continue to provide, valuable inspiration for your own home improvement and styling endeavors. It’s truly your support that makes everything we do possible, empowering us to continue sharing our passions and discoveries with you.
We are incredibly excited to embark on a new chapter, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share more exciting posts, innovative projects, and fresh ideas with you all in 2020 and beyond! We believe this year holds immense promise for creativity, transformation, and making your house truly feel like home. Here’s to a truly GREAT year ahead, filled with inspiration and beautiful living!
