The concept of luxury at its core is what brings you comfort. A space, piece or item that brings ease, calm and perhaps a sigh of letting go and being able to fully relax and savor the present moment. In 2013 I shared a list full of ideas exemplifying what true luxury is; the items on that list are worth exploring as we become more in tune withwhat luxurious living is. It is important to note that a fundamental element of what constitutes something as being luxurious is the effort and dedicated intention to bring your idea to fruition. In other words, you have taken the time, expended the effort, energy, investment, so that when whatever it is that has been reached (tangible or intangible), you appreciate it and will by no means toss it aside blithely for the next 'new' or 'better' model, version, trend, etc. When it comes to decorating our homes to create luxurious living spaces, while most certainly, luxury when it comes to interior design can be expensive, it need not always be that way, and it is important to note that size - a grand, large abode doesn't guarantee the space will be luxurious if the details are not tended to well. To walk into a luxurious space, small or large in scale is only part of being truly luxurious; it is when you engage with the space, live in it, sit down in the chairs, sleep in the beds, pour yourself a hot cuppa, that you then discover whether or not the home is truly luxurious. In today's episode/post I want to tend to those simple ideas that when you tend to them can elevate the luxury in a room immediately upon a guest or yourself living in the space. Three years ago, I began this series with a post sharing 10 Simple, Significant Decor Ideas to Add Luxurious Touches to the Home inspired by interior designer Cathy Kincaid's new book at the time, The Well Adorned Home. And as you will discover in that list, while the simple touches may be investment decisions, they significantly elevate the luxurious presence of the room, beckoning the inhabitants to relax and stay awhile. Part Une, 10 Simple, Significant Decor Ideas to Add Luxurious Touches to the Home, episode #260 In part two (deux) of this series, I am sharing 13 ideas that while simple are also quite affordable and don't require a contractor or even the expert eye of an interior designer (all except #12). There is something almost impossible to describe with words but felt by our nervous system when we step into a decorated space that to our eye is luxurious, as well as to our other senses. Immediately there is a noticeable decrease in our stress levels, dopamine may even be released, and we let our guard down and sigh, exhaling a deep breath as though we are 'home', we are safe, comforted, we have found a place to unwind and be rejuvenated. Why Not . . . Create a Sanctuary for Your Senses? Let's take a look at the list . . . 1.Start where you sleep - linen sheets Sheets that breathe, that feel good on your skin, that enable your body to remain at a proper body temperature to hold you in a deep sleep whether it is summer or winter, say hello to linen sheets procured from flax from Belgium or northern France. Up front the price is a bit steeper than cotton, but if made well, they will last for decades. Learn more about the reasons for linen as a fabric to welcome into your bedroom here. 2. Proper Teacups & Saucers or Beautiful Coffee Mugs Sitting and slowing down is often not part of the American lexicon of a 'good life', but I disagree wholeheartedly. In fact, it is partially because you are choosing to use quality coffee mugs or teacups & saucers that encourage you to slow down and savor, but as it pertains to adding a touch of luxury to your home, because a cuppa beckons to be sipped and savored, when it is using a beautiful piece of tableware, we see for ourselves the power of luxury to create more comfort in our lives. Even for your morning cup of coffee, welcome into your regular u