Now that we’re in a new year, there’s no better time to zhuzh up our current spaces — and ditch anything superfluous. As Jasmine Roth, Built Custom Homes founder and host of HGTV’s “Help! I Wrecked My House,” puts it, decluttering your environment “can be so liberating, and it’s such an ‘instant gratification’ way to work on our homes.”
Roth also says the new year is a good time to take stock of how you could be using your home more efficiently. “Reimagining is one of the hardest things to do in our homes but also the most rewarding,” she says. “Say you have a guest room that has always been a guest room — but when was the last time you had guests? And why is your home office jammed in a loud hallway full of distractions? It might be time to donate the guest bed, purchase an air mattress for the occasional guest and move your office into the unused room of your house. Thinking of our homes with a critical lens can help us transform what we already have in a meaningful way.”
When it comes to how, exactly, we should redesign our spaces, Roth says staying true to what brings joy is the key to success. “Lately, I’ve been saying, ‘I put the fun in functional,’ which is a silly way of saying, don’t take your design too seriously, but also don’t forget to create spaces that really work for you and your family,” she explains. “I believe that our homes should make us happy. For some of us, that is a neutral palette with minimalist furniture, and for some of us, it’s just the opposite. And guess what? Neither one is wrong if it makes you happy.”
Below, Roth shares her favorite home products with CNN Underscored, from her must-have kitchen appliance to the gauzy cotton napkins she gifts.
Boasting more than 5,000 positive Amazon reviews, this plug-and-play outlet has a 100-foot-range remote control and is programmable and expandable with compatible products. “I use this on every light and holiday decoration, which makes it so easy to turn them all on or off,” Roth says. “It gives ‘I live in the future’ vibes. Also, it’s great for kids’ rooms with multiple light sources that can be hard to reach to power on/off.”
For anyone looking to dip their toe into the air frying pond, Roth has just the product pick. “This KitchenAid is the perfect intro to air frying and such a fun gift for a first-time homeowner or someone who is just getting into cooking,” she says. “I have this exact toaster/air fryer combo and it makes cooking so easy!” In addition to air frying, this countertop appliance can bake, broil, toast, dehydrate, reheat and keep food warm. You can even roast two chickens in it at the same time!
Cotton napkins are a little home luxury that Roth loves sharing with friends and family. “This is my favorite host gift this year,” she says. “Such a cute way to say thank you for having me to your home. Also, they make a really great gift to ship to someone because you know it won’t break and everyone can use a new set of cloth napkins.” Described as being “cloud soft,” the gauzy cotton Monarch Napkins mix neutral olive and cream hues and are a lovely complement to every type of tablescape.
Every home needs a coveted throw blanket, and this is the top pick in Roth’s house. “The Pottery Barn Faux Fur Ruched Throw is my daughter’s favorite cozy blanket,” she says. “It’s almost like having a pet without the mess.” Available in 10 colorways and two sizes, the blanket combines long, silky fibers and velvet binding, making it both plush and ultra soft.
Smart home alert! “This is such a nice gift for someone who is always losing their house key,” Roth says. “It’s a great upgrade to any front door.” Compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, the Level Lock+ is a smart lock that can seamlessly integrate with your existing door hardware and allows for keyless entry via your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is having a moment, and this is Roth’s current fave. “I have used this on bedrooms and bathrooms, and it’s always a stunning and cozy addition,” she says. “I love that it’s removable, which makes it perfect for renters or people [who] want less permanent decor.” Neutral and preppy all at once, the Sofia Plaid paper comes in seven colorways and three sizes, all with a removable, pressure-sensitive adhesive backing that makes the peel-and-stick application possible.
“I can’t even tell you how many of my friends have told me that they wish they had a prettier fan in their bedroom,” Roth says. “This high-quality fan makes a great and thoughtful gift. It comes in the black and white finishes, but the gray is so pretty too.” Designed specifically for the Jasmine Roth Collection, this 52-inch Hunter fan has three speeds and a reversible motor, and it’s ideal for well-lit spaces (it doesn’t have a built-in light).
Bringing the outdoors inside is always a good idea, and Roth says this mini greenhouse from Ikea will get the job done. “I love the idea of planting this and giving it as a gift,” she says. “It sits perfectly on the back of a toilet or in a bathroom window — it’s the perfect little garden.” Made of galvanized steel, the powder-coated greenhouse can be used for your plants or as a fun catchall for a few of your favorite decor items.