Okay, so I stumbled upon this “humble home” thing from The New York Times, and I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” I mean, who doesn’t want a cozier, more inviting space, right?
Getting Started
First, I scrolled through the article, just trying to get the general vibe. It’s all about making small, intentional changes – not some massive, expensive overhaul. Okay, I can dig that.
The “Declutter” Phase
The first thing they mention is decluttering. Oh boy. My place is… well, let’s just say it’s “lived in.” I started with my coffee table, which was basically a graveyard for old magazines and random junk. I tossed the trash, found a home for some misplaced items, and, boom, instant improvement!

The Cozy Factor
Next up, adding some warmth. The article talked about lighting, and textiles.
I found some battery-powered candles in the closet.
I put the candles on the coffe table, that made it a bit more inviting.
The “Little Things”
The NYT article also emphasized the impact of small details. Things like fresh flowers, a nicely arranged bookshelf, or even just a clean kitchen counter.
I went ahead to clear up my kitchen. After that, I rearranged my bookshelf, make it in order.

The Final Result
Honestly, even these small changes made a noticeable difference. My living room feels way more welcoming and, dare I say, “humble” in the best way possible. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a step up from the chaotic mess it was before. And the best part? It didn’t take a ton of time or money. I’m actually kind of motivated to keep going and tackle the rest of my apartment now!