Gone are the days of cardboard furniture and paper-thin sheets. I recently moved into a bigger apartment in NYC, and, being in my mid-twenties now, saw it as an opportunity to start investing in higher-quality pieces.
Here are 6 of my favorite cool girl finds to take your apartment from collegiate to classy.
Helight Sleep from Helight ($139)
We’ve all heard that blue light before bed is bad, but did you know that red light is good? This small, portable device from Helight emits pure red light at a wavelength of 630. The 28-minute protocol mirrors the natural cycle of light at the end of the day, signaling to the brain that it’s time to sleep.
I have to admit: it did take me a while to get used to seeing my bedroom bathed in semi-spooky red light. However, I quickly noticed that I was falling asleep faster and having better sleep throughout the night. It’s the product I never knew I needed but now can’t sleep without.
Ombré Modular Cookware Set from By the Table ($180)
I’ve been using this cookware set for a few months, and I can confidently say that it’s one of my best finds of the year. The removable handle attaches and detaches from the pots and pans with the simple press of a button. The magnetic lid knob is also removable, making both serving and storage a breeze. The set is oven and dishwasher safe, and nothing ever sticks to it. It’s so well designed, I could cry.
I have zero complaints, and I don’t say that often. Plus, the fun colorways add a pop of personality to my kitchen—I got Sequoia Green.
Ultra Percale Duvet Cover Set from Pure Parima ($225)
This duvet cover makes me feel like I’m sleeping at a five-star hotel. It’s crisp, it’s cooling, and it’s perfect for the warm spring and summer nights. Pure Parima’s percale fabric is made from 100% Egyptian cotton, and the stitching details add an elegant touch to both my duvet and pillowcases.
I chose the color Salt—a muted seafoam green—to add some color to my bedroom, but they also have more neutral options like Bone and Flax.
Tortoise Candle from Votivo ($74)
On first glance, the standout feature of this candle is its vessel. It’s a gorgeous tortoiseshell glass that oozes sophistication and luxury. It’s neutral enough to match with other decor, but the muted print and large size make it unique.
The candle also smells amazing. There are 8 different scents, but my personal favorites are Teak, which is an earthy musk that doesn’t lean too masculine, and Honeysuckle, a bright floral that’s perfect for summer.
Beauty Ring Mirror from Ilios Lighting ($259)
My new bathroom is too small to comfortably get ready in, so I created a vanity in my room and needed the right mirror for it. This one has high-quality LEDs that replicate natural daylight, so your skincare and makeup always look flawless. The 3 color modes and brightness levels are easily adjustable, and the mirror itself is bright and clear. It’s a bit bigger than other round mirrors I’ve seen, but I find the size perfect—you can see your whole face instead of just a portion.
For any selfie queens or budding influencers, you can also swap out the mirror for a phone mount to take beautifully lit pictures and videos.
Self-Cleaning & Non-Toxic Air Fryer from Fritaire ($200)
This might be the prettiest air fryer I’ve ever seen. Instead of a clunky plastic design, the Fritaire model features an elegant glass bowl and a retro aesthetic. I love that you can watch the cooking process as it happens, making it easy to get an even fry on anything. (My boyfriend and I used this to make fried chicken the first night we got it, and I can attest that it was the crispiest fried chicken I’ve ever cooked.)
The self-cleaning function also makes post-dinner cleanup a breeze. You just fill the bowl with soap and water, turn it on, and let the heat do the rest. I haven’t yet used the rotisserie or tumbler basket accessories, but I know this appliance will be a staple for lazy summer nights and beyond.
Check out more home decor recommendations here.
