10 Things You Need to Elevate Your Space

*Team SN's picks are selected based on products we truly love. Note: this article does contain affiliate links, and we will receive a commission if you purchase a product linked here. Something Navy also retains a percent of revenue from the third party brand products sold on Somethingnavy.com.

As soon as August rolls around, there are generally two things on our mind: first, how to make the most of what’s left of summer, and, second, how to get ourselves–and, by extension, our homes–ready for the season ahead. 

Since we’re out and about far less in the fall, we’re all about making our space a sanctuary we want to spend time in. Here are our top ten picks to help make your house a home:

For the living room…

Set the ambiance with Literie Candles 

If there’s one brand that makes us feel better about saying goodbye to our favorite summer vacation destinations in favor of city life, it’s Literie Candles, a brand that was founded as a “love letter to New York City.” Whether or not you’re running, we love burning the oakmoss and amber scented “I Ran the Marathon” in honor of one of the city’s most essential fall events. If your favorite part of the season is reading, you can also opt for the similarly seasonally appropriate “I Have A Cabin Upstate,” which will waft aromas of smoke and pine through your space.  

Reminisce on your days abroad with Assouline’s Travel Collection

Whether you want to transport yourself to a riad at La Mamounia, a beach party in Mykonos, or a boat on the Bosphorus, Assouline has a book for you. Whether it’s a hefty and beautifully-bond tone featured in any of the three aforementioned destinations, or a different vibe entirely, Assouline’s series of travel-focused coffee table books will look great on a coffee table and satisfy your wanderlust–at least until winter break. 

Beautify your blooms with a Laetitia Rouguet vase 

Even the simplest bouquet of bodega flowers will look fabulous showcased inside Laetitia Rouguet’s blue tulip vase, a hand-painted, slow-produced ode to craftsmanship that will brighten up whatever space it sits in–and whatever sits in it.   

For the bedroom…

Rest easy with an Avocado Green Mattress

Is it just us, or do we totally underestimate the importance of a good mattress? You’re likely willing to shell out for the finest sheets (more on those later), but how often do you think about your mattress? We know that getting a good night’s sleep is integral to your health–and it really all starts with a mattress. Our pick comes from organic brand Avocado Green–it’s the perfect firmness, plus it’s GOTS-certified organic and free from toxic chemicals. 

Make a sumptuous statement with a Saved NY Throw Blanket

We’ll be the first to admit it: this piece is a splurge. But, as with a mattress, there’s hardly an area more worthy of splurging on than the place you spend every single night. A favorite of the fashion set–with a small, under-the-radar shop down a hidden set of stairs in New York’s Gramercy Park and a limited online presence–Saved’s blankets will upgrade even the most simple of spaces. We love the elephant and the French book, but you really can’t go wrong. 

Scent your space with an Apothia Bronzed Diffuser

Lighting candles in the bedroom isn’t always the safest option–some of us have little ones that we definitely don’t want around open flames, while others are prone to falling asleep as soon as our head hits the pillow–so when it comes to scenting our bedrooms, we find a diffuser is the way to go. Our favorite way to maintain the scent of summer, no matter what the weather outside is? Apothia’s gorgeous Bronzed diffuser smells like the warm breeze from a citrus grove wafting over fresh linens on a clothesline. We know that sounds too good to be true, but trust us: try it.

For the kitchen…

Start your day with a smile with Coy Collection

If you haven’t heard of Coy Collection, we’ll be honest: you’re on the wrong side of Instagram. These simple but adorable smiley face mugs went viral back in 2021, and after a smattering of sold-out drops, creator Sequoyah Johnson has finally increased her inventory. The extra smile mug is guaranteed to help you start your day with good vibes, and not just because it holds 16 to 20 ounces.

Keep warm no matter the weather with a HAY Kettle

Whether you’re a diehard coffee person or distinctly caffeine-free, it’s hard to deny the allure of a warm cup of tea at the sign of the first chill in the air. Whether you’re drinking an herbal blend or an earl grey (our favorite brand for both is Sama Tea–and don’t miss the vanilla chai, either), why not heat up your water is a fabulous kettle that doubles as decor? Our favorite option is HAY’s Sowden Kettle

Cheers to good glassware with Vietri 

We’ve written about our love for Vietri’s colored glassware before, but it’s too good not to share again. Their rainbow wine glass is the easiest way to upgrade anything from your finest wine to a simple glass of water.

For the bathroom…

Add some sunshine to your showers with Quiet Town

There’s no reason your bathroom can’t bring all of the playful vibes, especially if you’ve got little ones around (but even if not). Our favorite way to add a bit of sun and fun to our bathrooms, even once summer passes us by? Quiet Town’s sun shower curtain. Whether you use it on your own, or as a liner for one of their opaque patterned pieces, it’ll make you feel like you’re getting a hit of Vitamin D each time you step into the shower–no sunscreen required.