What's in My Cart: Affordable Home Items for August 2023

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Chic planters, a graphic rug, tabletop decor and much more.

As Good Housekeeping’s senior home editor, I come across tons of home-related products, both good and bad. But there are some special finds that are just too great to keep to myself. That’s why I’m sharing my favorite home items with you—our readers—here on our website every month in the hope that you’ll appreciate them as much as I do.

After updating my home for the summer season, I've been hunting for affordable pieces to give my space a little more character. Tabletop items (think patterned cloth napkins), glass terrariums to spruce up a blank wall and a vibrant geometric shower curtain are just a few great finds that made the cut. I've also been hunting for functional pieces that don't skimp on style like a sleeper sofa that doubles as a futon or an over-the-door shoe organizer to free up floor space in my closet (it's also a great back-to-school organization pick). To amp up your own space, keep scrolling for everything I'm shopping this month.

If you happen to be a good plant parent, chances are you need a chic tray to show off your hard work. Available in three sizes, this brass pick looks exactly like a tart pan and is perfect for adding a playful touch to your space.

RELATED: The Best Indoor Pots and Planters to Decorate Your Home

Charleston-based lifestyle tastemaker Julia Berolzheimer is back with another Pottery Barn collection, and I have my eye on a slew of pieces. One of my favorites, which would be a perfect baby shower gift, is this cotton knitted blanket. The combination of florals and animals is so sweet and it can be tossed in the wash.

There's no reason to settle for drab walls. Give yours a makeover with a gallery wall arrangement that can easily be pulled off with this set of simple black frames. As opposed to glass, they feature plastic sheeting (perfect if you live with kids) and come with wall hooks for easy hanging. One Amazon reviewer raved about the quality: "They look more expensive than they were, and I’ve never had any issues with quality or glare."

Don't worry if a bathroom renovation isn't in your future. Give your space a refresh with this geometric cotton shower curtain. It's even machine washable, so you can always keep it looking new.

You know those Bath & Body Works hand soaps we all love? Well, now you can snag refills to keep reusing your bottle. The recyclable cartons come in a few appealing scents, including this fruity pick called Champagne Toast.

When GH's associate lifestyle editor, Alyssa Gautieri, brought these adorable glass terrariums to my attention, I was sold immediately. Available in a set of two, four or six, the modern wall planters come with nail hooks for hanging.

Add texture and personality to your space with this blush-toned rug that's designed to withstand stains. A rug pad (sold separately) is recommended. RELATED: The Best Area Rugs to Upgrade Your Space in 2023

Sometimes it doesn't take much to bring elegance to a room. Available in Natural (shown here), Honey Brown and Whitewash, this handwoven rattan tissue box cover can do just that.

If you're short on space and regularly host overnight guests, a sleeper sofa is for you. This contemporary design works triple-duty — use it as a bed, lounger or futon, depending on your needs.

RELATED: The Best Sleeper Sofas to Transform Your Space for Overnight Guests

Wallpaper is all the rage right now, and if you ask me, it's one of the best ways to breathe life into an interior. Make a statement in any room with this geometric pick from AphroChic, a media and design brand that highlights the African Diaspora. It pays homage to the African-American wedding tradition of "jumping the broom," which served as "a way of demonstrating commitment between enslaved African Americans for whom the institution and rites of marriage were forbidden."

RELATED: Top Wallpapers to Revamp Your Walls in 2023

Use this set of cotton ikat napkins for your next dinner party, and your guests are guaranteed to appreciate your attention to detail.

Don't let your shoe collection become a disorganized mess. This over-the-door rack, complete with durable hooks, comfortably holds 12 pairs of shoes (or small accessories).

RELATED: 30 Genius Shoe Organizers to Maximize Your Space

Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

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