8 Home Items to Have Before You're 30

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A lot of things have been up in the air for me over the past few years - moving multiple times, breakups, career changes - but I'm getting to the point where things are calming down and I just want to feel settled.  If you're anything like me, then you get it.  Sure there are still a lot of things out of my control, but little by little I'm starting to figure out how to roll with it.

One thing hasn't changed. No matter how hectic my life is at any given point, my apartment is always completely decorated and organized. (Well, maybe not always completely organized but it has some semblance of sanity.)  Our homes are our sanctuary and a representation of who we are as people. Your home is an investment so you want to make sure you show it in the best light possible.  Here are some items everyone should consider before turning the big 3-0.  I mean, we are adults now, right?  (So everyone tells me! ) It's time our homes start being a reflection of that.

Proper Drinking Glasses  I don't know about you, but I love to entertain.  My friends always make fun of me when they come over though, because they think my etched wine glasses and china teacups are ridiculous.  What? Am I supposed to serve you wine in a solo cup?  Absolutely not.  They're wrong.  Get some proper drinkware.

Picture Frames  Long gone are the days when you're pinning photos on a bulletin board or hanging them by a string.  Look around for some pretty picture frames to display your memories.  I like to options below but there are always some good ones at Homegoods as well!

Quality Window Treatments  Nothing bothers me more than those cheap plastic blinds that are always broken and look a mess.  It's one of my pet peeves I guess.  Look for pretty much anything else. Nice curtains, roman shades, wooden blinds or shutters will completely change the look of your room!  Some of these options could cost you a pretty penny and won't necessarily fit every window size so wait until you're living in a place long-term to make sure the investment is worth it.

Dining Room Table and Chairs  I know a lot of us sit on the couch in front of the TV and eat dinner and I get that that's probably not going to change anytime soon.  But we have to at least make it look like we have it all together, right?  Look around for a dining room table and chairs.  This is something that you can potentially find at a good estate sale or auction for little to no money.  If the wood is slightly beaten up, don't be afraid to redo a piece with chalk paint to give it a whole new look!

Accent Chairs  Accent chairs are great to have, because not only do they add a little bit of personality to a room, but they can be moved around a home and will often fit in multiple locations (living room, bedroom, foyer, etc.).

Flowers/Plants  Bring some life into your home by adding some trees, topiaries or flower arrangements to each room.  I love having the real thing, but for those of you like me who don't have a green thumb, opt for some quality fake plants.  They give the same vibe with zero maintenance!

Headboards  As I mentioned in a previous post, I got a new headboard last year.  I had wanted one for a while but I could never find something I loved.  It's crazy how much of a difference this makes in a bedroom.  The college dorm room feel is finally gone!

A Non-Ikea Sofa  Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE Ikea, but there's a time and a place for it.  Start thinking about investing in good, quality furniture that will last you for years to come, not just something as a temporary fix.