12 things every home should have

Maxwell Ryan

Every home should be different, expressing the individuality and personality of the owner in its own way, but I believe there are a few things that every home should have.

These are essentials, classics and key ingredients that make up the foundation of a good home, and if you are just starting out they make a useful checklist for setting up in a new space.

Could you add to this list? You sure could, but 12 is a nice even number for the purposes of this post.

Real napkins

CANVAS

I switched to real cloth napkins at home years ago and wash them each week. They're softer on the face, less wasteful and add a really nice splash of style to your kitchen and dining room. Want to do make your own? I've been hemming fat quarters (fabric meant for quilting) to make my own and it's really cheap to do it this way. I like: 

- Bundles of precut fabric from PURL SoHo

- Stone Washed Linen Napkins from Canvas Home

Aluminum push pins

Kaufman Mercantile

Push pins are super useful throughout the home and work well when trying to attach or hang anything from sheetrock, cork or wood. Aluminum ones are easier on the fingers and don't break (I actually use mine to hang all of the small art on my walls, as they are strong enough and don't require me getting out a hammer). I like:

- Moore Push Pins

All-natural cleaning products

Maxwell Ryan

At this point in the evolution of our planet, there is no reason why any cleaning product in a home - from dish soap to glass cleaner to tile scrub - shouldn't be natural and earth friendly. Even bleach whiteners for clothes and tubs can now be replaced. I like:

- Seventh Generation Free & Clear for the laundry

- OXO Brite Non Chlorine Powder Bleach for the laundry

- Method Smarty for the dishwasher

- Caldrea Lavender Pine Dishsoap for the dishes

- Seventh Generation Paper Towels

- Scott Naturals Toilet Paper

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