Double Take
If you’ve ever taken on a second home, gone through a breakup/divorce after having lived with someone for years, or had your home destroyed in a disaster, you’re going to have to have to re-buy some basics and then some. And since I’ve been in this boat a few times I’ve learned what really was worth the money, what wasn’t, what lasts and what doesn’t and what I really love having around in my home.
And while I sometimes brand hop when re-purchasing (still looking for the perfect bed, bedding, towels) I have been loyal to a few brand items because they just work.
And those things are:
- Dyson Animal Vacuum
- Williams Sonoma Brasserie® All-White Dinnerware Piece
- Williams Sonoma glass mixing bowls
- Williams Sonoma Kitchen stuff in general (it just lasts through all the hardships I put it through).
- All-Clad 7-piece set
- Chef’s Choice Electric Kettle
- Stainless Steel Shower Caddy
- simplehuman System Dishrack
- Huggable Hangers
- Pottery Barn Carlilse Drapes (an inexpensive godsend for an ugly room!).
- Ikea Lack side tables
- T-fal Ultraglide Diffusion Iron
I’m sure there’s a few more I’m forgetting at the moment (and will add as I can think of them). What are some home things that you love so much you’d buy all over again if you had to?
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In the spring of 2008 Apartment Therapy, San Francisco invited me to do a "Home Tour" of my vacation home in 
Despite all the talk about simplicity there are things that I still wish for. Some are simple and useful and some are just pure lust. But lists are good to have and share and you can see my lists at both 
July 29th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
It may seem weird but I always replace my jeans. I’ve been through a fire, several floods, and general moving and I’m always a bit anxious until I have a pair of well-fitted, straight leg jeans; currently I’m loving curvy from The Gap but I’ve also gone to thrift stores, Target, and 5*7*9 before.
I’m with you on the hangers. I don’t have a brand but they need to all match.
Also pyrex glass measuring cups in various sizes (4 cups and 1 cup are my favorite)
And there are several books I can’t long be without: The Anne of Green Gables series
Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions
Apartment Therapy (a recent addition)
Fox on Socks
Scriptures
a bunch of Nigella Lawson’s cookbooks
Thanks for sharing your must haves.
July 30th, 2008 at 5:08 am
Last year, at age 26, I moved from Australia to London after the breakup of a long relationship. I brought my books, my favourite teapot and a quilt my aunt made for me. Nothing else.
Now that I’ve set up home with someone again, I find myself thinking “man, I had all this stuff back in Australia, and left it there/gave it away/threw it out!” But instead of missing my old stuff and regretting the money I now realise I wasted on those things, I’ve realised that getting nice new things is acutally quite fun! It’s even nicer getting new things with someone whose taste actually is in tune with my own
Things I did have back in Oz that I bought again as soon as I could are:
- Ikea frying pan (only £2, perfect for my almost daily diet of omelettes and lasts for ages)
- Body Shop Oil Burners
- Ceramic lasagna dishes (the ones I have now are terracotta and so much nicer)
- Hand held blender (or stick blender)
- Good salt and pepper grinders
- Large stockpot for soups and pasta
- Swivel peeler
Thanks for sharing your must haves Alex - I agree, when you got through something like this, you really learn what is essential and worth having in your home - and you also learn to be less materialistic and only get the things you know you will use. Makes the next move much easier!
I hope your move is going/has gone well
July 30th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Thank you for sharing! I have been wanting the All Clad for some time now. Am waiting on that for a future Christmas present!
I also could not do without the Le Creuset round dutch oven. I hope to one day add more to my collection.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:24 am
August 1st, 2008 at 8:14 am
we are planning to move to spain by year’s end, and my boyfriend said the first things we will buy there will be good linens, good pillows, and good bedding, so that i feel comfortable and at home. (i love this man.)
i wholeheartedly agree with you on using money to buy fewer items of quality than a bunch of cheaply furnished things … i like having things that are sturdy and will stand the test of time. somehow they feel … reassuring, comforting. i know they won’t fall apart but i still handle them respectfully. i have more care … and more appreciation for the things i do have.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:33 am
After moving through various apartments, I too have found what is essential to me. It’s a little list, but it makes life so much better:
- Favorite linens.
- Pictures & Decorations.
- My cookbook.
- Adequate reading material.
The kitchen stuff I use varies; I tend to enjoy making the most of what I have. However, when I move I always decorate my bedroom first. It’s the most important “comfort” room, and when moving and cleaning gets tiresome, it’s nice to have a homey place to take a break before you finish. I am excited, though, to break out of college-student-cheap and into some quality, yet simple house tools.