What small item has transformed your home?

A small white Westie. I had lived here for 10 years and knew and spoke to about 3 people. I have had Tilly for 31\2 years now and we meet many people in the course of our walks. She was a breeding dog before I had her and now spends her time relaxing on a warm comfy couch sleeping, getting cuddles and she is going to the primary school today on her regular visit as a Therapy Dog. The children love seeing her once a week. She has certainly changed my life.

Photo's of 7 generations of my family. There were already pics of 5 generations but the icing on the cake was when my late cousin sent me a print of my/our grannie and great-grannie which I have framed and put on the wall in the hall.

A jigsaw.
Kept my husband pleasantly occupied for a good while.

Anja plantation shuttters are just brilliant! I had them installed about 10 years ago and they weren't that expensive then. Mine are in 4 segments; 2 for the top of the window; 2 for the bottom window. Each segment has a slim bar at the side so that you can angle the shutter to any degree, from fully open to closed. Cleaning them is a doddle, just a wipe over every week or so. They work well as an extra layer of heat insulation in the winter and keep the room cool and shaded in the summer.

My retirement.

I can finally run round after DH shutting drawers and doors, wiping away splashes and putting away shoes, as well as dotting flowers and candles around, playing nice music on he stereo, chucking superfluous stuff out and generally making it a home rather than a house.

Chewbacca I wouldn't call plantation shutters "a small item" having got a recent quote for them, I'm only jealous really love them. We have had to put them off in favour of new carpet, but they are still on my wish list.

DD has plantation shutters and they work well for her.

I saw some in a cottage which had small leaded light windows. It looked very odd. A sort of residential contradiction in terms.

Chewbacca tell me more about plantation shutters I like the sound of these.

My story is similar to yours Kitty. I was given some indoor fairy lights for Christmas which led to new cushions, more lights, a new picture and ornaments. The hanging crystal has been the cherry on the cake.

My guinea pigs! My home was quite well-organised and easy to keep tidy. Now I have two small furries and everything has to be guinea pig-proof....I will not keep them in a cage.

The new cushions for the playroom sofa.....which prompted new curtains, lamps, storage unit and side tables. I think they were a good idea.

They certainly transformed the room and how we use it.

my kittens ,we lost our cat in a road accident last year and the house seemed empty without him.Its back to normal now with the arrival of Belle ,long haired ginger and white and our timid Rosie a beautiful toirtoishell .They are sisters and the house feels like home again even though they're only wee.

I really love those salt lamps, and have almost got one so many times.

The trouble is, I've been steadily buying other small things that I thought would transform my life (and some of them did) and now I haven't enough room for a salt lamp.

Three small items transformed my home today. DGSs left train tracks, duplo bricks and leylandii clippings all over it!??

A J****h J****h ice cube tray with a lid, silly money for what it is. When I bought it in JL the assistant was bemused at my delight... but honestly the simple pleasure of not having water drip across the kitchen floor every time I carry it to the freezer... I know, I know, I need to get out more!

What small thing transformed my home and life?

My son

Plantation shutters at the windows have been my best buy yet. Allows light in but gives total privacy. You can adjust each segment of the shutters so that you can stop sunlight glaring in, for example on a tv screen. And no more faffing about with curtains.

Shysal.... that really is pretty!
I now want a small item to transform my home ( and I never knew it until I read this thread.) Hmm, what can I buy?

Just don’t lick it B9exchange as salt is bad for the blood pressure.?

I am thrilled with mine, don't know about health giving properties, but I am sure it lowers blood pressure, have a few family stresses at the moment!

B9exchange, my DD has sleep and anxiety problems and swears that her lamp like yours, in the bedroom, calms her.

Oh dear! Thanks Luckygirl The paperweight probably magnified and concentrated the sun's rays. I remember using my father's dome-shaped magnifying glass to burn wood and paper as a child. This crystal seems to split and spread rather than concentrate so I shall hope for the best!

B9exchange - how lovely they are! Only had mine a few weeks and it feels so warm and calming on my bedside table and I’m sure the salt in the atmosphere has health giving properties!

Health warning!! - on very sunny days there is a risk that it will concentrate the heat and ignite something. A friend's father had this happen with a similar glass crystal paperweight. It set fire to some papers and did a huge amount of damage to the room.

Sorry to rain on your parade!

I treated myself to a salt lamp after Christmas, and I absolutely love its calming, warm glow.