The 9 Items That Transformed Our Homes in 2018
As much as Marie Kondo might suggest otherwise, every year sees some accumulation of stuff. And while it might not be obvious at first, some objects have the power to transform a space. We asked Vogue editors what new item meant the most to them this year, whether it was utilitarian or simply decorative. From a pet-hair catching vacuum to a velvet chair, these are the things that changed their surroundings for the better.
“While it was a late addition to my kitchen (purchased last weekend for no reason at all), the Microplane has, in just one week, revolutionized my cooking life. Pre-Microplane, zesting an entire lemon would almost always result in carpal tunnel (it was such a dreaded task that my boyfriend and I would fight over whose turn it was to zest). Now, it's not only easy—it's bizarrely satisfying; never have I enjoyed grating a coarse hunk of parmesan cheese so much in my life. It's the kitchen equivalent of trading in an old suitcase with a wobbly wheel for a state-of-the-art valise. Which is to say: You never knew life could be this good.” - Jessie Heyman, Executive Editor
“My friend Mark Guiducci gave me one of Marc Armiitano's Botticelli Ceramics insect plates for my birthday and it now has pride of place on my coffee table and is so gorgeous and whimsical that every time I look at it I bug out.” - Chloe Malle, Contributing Editor
“The item that most changed my space in 2018 was a Commercial Grade clothing rack, the likes of which are normally seen in Vogue's hallways. It's not pretty, but I'm glad I chose steel over a cutesy Etsy contraption, because it's super sturdy (up to 400 lbs!). I hang nearly all my clothes on it, and I'm never worried it'll topple. (And as far as adorable additions go, my Anke Drechsel embroidered pig has truly enhanced my desk, while a quilt from India—a version can be found at Garza Marfa—brightened my bed.)” - Ella Riley-Adams, Living Editor
“When it comes to influential home items, I think a good vacuum has probably the most lasting effect, even though it's necessarily temporary. Hear me out: In my world, we have the great fortune to live with a gloriously maned golden retriever, which means that we also have to live with the evidence of his glorious mane on...everything. A really good vacuum is the difference between a golden tumbleweed-strewn wasteland and the normal detritus of two working people and one spoiled dog in a Tribeca loft, by which I mean it makes an enormous difference. (We had a Roomba once, which, despite everyone telling me it would solve all of our problems and zip around cleaning up after us, when left with our dog's hair, drove itself into the corner and quietly died. This is largely why I am not concerned about robots stealing our jobs.) Don't mess around! Get a good vacuum.” - Alessandra Codinha, Culture Editor
“This summer, I took my grandmother's old armchair and recovered it in a peacock blue velvet with gold studding. It's by far the thing that has brought me the most joy in my apartment (and most compliments!). Yes, there's something oh-so-chic about minimalism and oh-so-comforting about midcentury modern, but maximalism is just so much more fun.” - Elise Taylor, Living Writer
“In my vast and comprehensive experience, the world of baby design falls into two tidy camps. One: elegant, neutral, made of natural woods/fibers/putties, and sure to be ignored by your little one. And two: plastic, loud abominations that fascinate and please your child. The genius of the SNOO is that you get to plunk them down within its beautiful bassinet before they've developed the wherewithal to exhibit their own preferences. And the eye-pleasing nature is not even the best part: It rocks the little monsters to sleep! I have sung the praises of the SNOO to anyone who will listen, but I'm happy to do it again.” -Chloe Schama, Senior Editor
“I bought this leaning ladder from Yamazaki Home for my apartment bathroom, which did not come equipped with any towel rods. It is decorative yet extremely functional, it holds everything from hand towels to my bath mat, and best of all, it doesn't take up a lot of space since it is almost flush with the wall. Its bright modern look reminds me of decor straight out of a coastal boutique hotel bathroom, which doesn't hurt either.” -Madeline Fass, Associate Market Editor
“I’ve decided that this high-gloss, “Madonna” surfboard by the Australian designer Jada McNeil, of Nusa Indah Surfboards, is too beautiful to wax and ride on my rogue surf trips around the world. The stunning design is inspired by the Spring ‘18 Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: “Heavenly Bodies.” It perfectly brings together my loves for fashion and surfing, and seeing it against my brick wall at home makes me so happy. A constant reminder to get out surfing...and look good while doing it.” -Negar Mohammadi, Director of Brand Marketing
“Two very different items have equally transformed my apartment this year. The first is a rattan bar cart by Serena and Lily. It adds a great new texture to our living room, and we keep some antique barware and knick knacks on the top, bottles of alcohol on the bottom, and stack tons of old magazines on the floor beneath it. The second is a Google Home. We got one for the living room and now have one in the kitchen and bedroom, too. I love to use them for cooking timers, morning alarms, playing music and white noise, hearing the weather forecast, and knowing the time. It has come to the point where over Thanksgiving when I was at my grandmother's house (she does not have a Google Home), I caught myself on the verge of saying "Hey Google..." to no one at all...” - Cara Brand, Director of Special Events
