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Elevate the Everyday

On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, I lit a candle on my kitchen counter, not for the scent, but for the comfort. The sky was gray, dishes were drying in the rack, and I still had emails to answer. But in that moment, something shifted. The soft glow, the warm scent of bergamot and cedar, made the room feel calmer, cozier. It felt like I was caring for myself in the smallest, most deliberate way. That’s the power of everyday luxuries: they transform the ordinary into something quietly beautiful.


Where to Start?

You don’t need to spend a fortune or wait for a special occasion to feel a little more elegant. Sometimes it’s as simple as upgrading the things you use every single day. Take bath towels, for example. A thick, absorbent towel in a neutral color instantly makes your bathroom feel like a spa. It wraps you in warmth and softness right after a shower, setting the tone for a slower, more intentional day. Pair that with a cozy robe that actually fits and feels good, and suddenly your morning routine feels less rushed, more like a ritual.

And don’t underestimate the pleasure of a good soap. Whether it’s a silky liquid soap in a beautiful glass bottle or a hand-cut bar made with essential oils, it turns the most mundane task, washing your hands, into a small act of self-care. Keep one by

the sink that smells amazing and feels even better. You’ll be surprised how often you notice it.


Where to Finish?

Candles, of course, are the unsung heroes of everyday luxury. The right scent can transform your space, marking the end of a long day or adding atmosphere to a weekend afternoon. Choose candles that burn cleanly and last, with scents that make you feel grounded or inspired. Let it be more than decoration, let it be an experience.

Even something as simple as your salt and pepper shakers can add a touch of refinement to your kitchen. Instead of the plastic grinders from the grocery store, try ceramic, wood, or marble sets that are both beautiful and functional. When the tools you use daily feel intentional, cooking becomes more enjoyable, and even a quick weekday dinner feels a little more special.

The truth is, luxury doesn’t always come from big gestures. Sometimes it’s a flicker of candlelight, the feel of cotton on your skin, or the scent of lavender at the sink. When we give attention to the details that surround us every day, life feels softer, calmer, and just a little more special. And in a world that moves fast, those small pauses of beauty might be the greatest luxury of all.

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BEHIND THE BRAND

Hi, I'm  Grace.

As a nationally-recognized real estate and design expert, Grace helps people create beautiful homes that are also smart investments. With a love for historic properties and strategic design, she works with her husband, KC, to make the process of buying, selling, and designing feel exciting and approachable—helping clients turn houses into dream homes. Based on Chicago's North Shore.

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 01

On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, I lit a candle on my kitchen counter, not for the scent, but for the comfort. The sky was gray, dishes were drying in the rack, and I still had emails to answer. But in that moment, something shifted. The soft glow, the warm scent of bergamot and cedar, made […]

02

Most people think updating their home means tearing it apart. New floors, new furniture, massive bills. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to start from scratch to fall in love with your space again. Sometimes, the smallest swaps, a new sconce here, a better rug there, can create the biggest impact. Simple Swaps Hardware […]

03

A few years ago, I walked into a new client’s home, a two-story colonial in a great neighborhood, with great bones… and a kitchen straight out of 2004. Think cherry cabinets, speckled granite, orange stained floors, and brushed nickel hardware trying its best to hold the decade together. “I know it’s dated,” she said with […]

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