When I think back to my very first years of decorating — as an intern in college, living in a tiny apartment and saving up for little things that made my space feel more like home — I smile at how many of those pieces have truly stood the test of time. At the time, I wasn’t shopping with the mindset of “timeless” or “investment pieces.” I was drawn to things that felt elegant, personal, and elevated, even on a budget. And interestingly enough, those early finds are still the same elements I reach for today.
Timeless Decor Pieces I Still Love
Over the years, I’ve layered in new pieces, upgraded in some areas, and shifted my style a bit, but these classics remain constants in every home I’ve lived in. They’re versatile, chic, and proof that you don’t need to chase every new trend to create a space that feels both personal and polished.
Silver Trays
One of my very first “grown-up” purchases was a vintage silver tray from a local antique shop. I loved how it instantly elevated whatever it held, from perfume bottles to barware. To this day, I still use trays all over the house — they bring order, style, and a touch of shine that feels endlessly chic.
Black and White Photos in Frames
Printing photos at CVS or Walgreens was always easy and inexpensive. Framing favorite family snapshots or travel pictures instantly made my walls and shelves feel intentional and stylish. I still believe nothing adds character to a home faster than black and white photos grouped together in a cute frame.
Glass Hurricanes with Candles
Candles have always been my weakness, but placing them inside glass hurricanes was a trick I picked up early on. It adds height, presence, and a soft glow that feels sophisticated. Whether clustered on a mantle or set in the middle of a dining table, hurricanes make even a simple candle look special.
Coffee Table Books
I remember splurging on my very first coffee table book, feeling like it was such a luxury. Little did I know, they’d become one of my favorite styling tools. They add personality, color, and texture, while also reflecting your interests. I still love stacking them under objects, scattering them throughout the house, or displaying one open to a beautiful page.
Roses in Mint Julep Cups
This little trick never fails me: pick up a bundle of grocery store roses, cut them short, and tuck them into a silver mint julep cup. I learned it from watching Southern hostesses growing up, and it’s one I’ll never stop using. It’s a small gesture that feels polished but never fussy.
Crystal Pieces
Whether it was a vase I was gifted or candlesticks I found at a thrift shop, crystal was one of those materials I always gravitated toward. It catches the light and adds sparkle, whether styled on its own or mixed with modern pieces. I still love sprinkling little crystal touches throughout my home.
Marble Bowl
Last but not least, the marble bowl. Heavy, classic, and endlessly versatile. I’ve used mine for fruit, keys, or simply as a sculptural accent. It’s one of those pieces that looks good no matter where you place it.
It’s funny to look back and realize that the very first pieces I chose — when I was just starting out and finding my style — are the ones that have lasted the longest. They’ve moved with me from college apartments to family homes, always feeling just as relevant and chic. For me, that’s the best part of decorating: mixing old and new, layering in what you love, and realizing that timeless pieces only get better with age.
