Decorating a rental in your 20s is certainly an adventure of its own, but decorating for keeps in your 30s is an entirely different story. In just the same way that any good wardrobe consists of a few staple pieces that are both chic and functional, a sophisticated home should include a handful of décor staples that strike the perfect balance between trendy and timeless. If you’re nearing your 30s (or even if you’re already in the thick of them!) and you’re not sure where to start, don’t fret… We’ve taken the guess work out of things for you, and we’re listing the five décor staples every person should own by age 30 below. (Hint: You just might spot artwork on this list and the last day of our FREE framing sale is happening as we speak… just sayin’.) So don’t waste another minute—let’s get shopping…
1. A Piece of High-Quality Artwork
Design: JLA Designs | Photo: Allyson Lubow
…Or two! Nothing elevates a space like a few pieces of artwork that truly speak to you. If you’re nearing your 30s and your space is still adorned in budget artwork void of meaning, then it’s definitely time to upgrade. These are some of our current favorites that look amazing in all sizes from small to large (and don’t forget you can scoop them all up with free framing until next week!)…
- Members Only, $299+ | 2. The Honeymooners, Beverly Hills Hotel, $299+ | 3. The Beach Club, Bahamas, $249+ | 4. The Greatest, $249+ | 5. A Day in Cannes, $299+ | 6. Two Horses, $199+ | 7. Positano By Boat, $299+ | 8. Starmint Umbrellas, Italy, $299+
2. A Statement Accent Chair
Chances are you adopted a sofa sometime in your 20s, but it’s also likely that it’s not the most spectacular piece in your collection. While sofas are generally more geared toward function, an accent chair is a perfect piece to add a little personality to your space in adulthood. Whether you add two matching accent chairs or opt for one to steal the show, you’ll be glad to have the extra seating and pop of interest in your space.
- Jenson Chair, $1,049 | 2. Corinne Chair-and-a-Half, $1,598 | 3. Abruzzo Brown Leather Tufted Chair, $1,199 | 4. Walkway Chair, $399 | 5. Cosette Chair, $1,388 | 6. Feather Collection Chair, $998 | 7. Leather Shell Armchair, $1,999
3. A Show-Stopping Light Fixture
Photo: Kate Osborne | Source: McGee & Co.
Standard builder light fixtures may pass as acceptable in your 20s, but nothing says “adulthood” like swapping out those fixtures that have no personality for something really show-stopping in your 30s. But don’t let sophistication fall by the wayside; this is the perfect time to scoop up something stunning that will still remain classic for years to come. Here are some of our favorite suggestions…
- Mill Globe Lantern, $999 | 2. Galaxy Chandelier, Polished Nickel, $2,810 | 3. Roark 16-Light Chandelier, $1,849 | 4. Rhodes 10-Light Chandelier, $575 | 5. Clover 8-Light Chandelier, $1,055 | 6. Jolan Pendant, $1,363 | 7. Pluto Chandelier, Steel, $1,545 | 8. Headlands Ring Pendant, $648
4. A Sturdy Dining Table
We’ve all been in that place where a pint-sized dining table is all we could squeeze in our tiny apartment, but there comes a time when every person should invest in a real, adult-sized dining table to accommodate family and guests. We love these beautiful, sturdy tables that are sure to stand the test of time and steal the show while doing it…
- Ozzie Dining Table, $7,650 | 2. Article Oscuro Table, $899 | 3. Fara Dining Table, $3,500 | 4. Lexie Dining Table, $2,695 | 5. Preston Dining Table, $2,895 | 6. Derby Dining Table, $2,170 | 7. Marteena Oak Dining Table, $3,156
5. A Killer Area Rug
Photo: Kate Osborne | Source: McGee & Co.
A large-scale rug can be a big investment, but it is one well worth making by the time you’re 30. A rug will ground your space better than possibly any other piece, and when cared for properly, will truly last you for years to come. Some of our favorite styles at this stage are vintage-inspired woven rugs and barely-there prints that will blend seamlessly with any décor style. Shop our picks below…
- Tunis Patterned Rug, $49-$349 | 2. Temeco Jute Rug, $104-$1,773 | 3. Fresno Hand-Tufted Rug, $94-$1,748 | 4. Mirabelle Rug, $598-$2,998 | 5. Austin Hide, $446-$598 | 6. Lisbon Rug, $155-$3,888 | 7. Malta Hand-Knotted Jute Rug, $798-$2,298 | 8. Marco Rug, $398-$1,798 | 9. Santa Cruz Hand-Knotted Rug, $224-$7,294
Do you love any of these décor staples as much as we do?
If a piece of fine art photography is on your list, there’s no time like the present to make it yours… Shop our site-wide FREE framing sale by heading to the GM shop.
Xx Team GM
Photos: Kate Osborne, Allyson Lubow