Curate Your Life At Home: Tips For Functional, Personal, And Local Living

Upgrading your home does not always require a full renovation or the pursuit of trends. I finally felt settled in my own home once I began designing it around my routines and rituals rather than how I thought a home was supposed to look. The balance of aesthetics and function became clearer when I surrounded myself with objects that held meaning. Pieces tied to memory or sourced from local makers bring a sense of depth that cannot be replicated by massproduced decor. Shopping locally slows the decision-making process and encourages fewer, better choices rather than filling a cart quickly. Some of my favorite onestop destinations include the Red River Market, Brewhalla, West Acres Mall, and First Avenue Market, all places that make it easy to support local makers and artists while finding pieces that feel personal.

Here are five ways I like to add personal and functional touches to my home while supporting local businesses along the way.

Design Around Everyday Rituals

If you use something daily, why hide it away after every use? For me, that ritual is tea. My red kettle lives on the stovetop because making tea is a part of my daily routine. The experience feels even more intentional when paired with locally made blends from Steep Me Tea or Chai Moto, both Fargo-based businesses with storefronts where you can grab a drink or stock up for home. I also like to leave my honey on the countertop, and Three Bears Honey Co., locally and organically made, is my go-to. Having these items visible and within reach makes everyday rituals feel easier, intentional, and more meaningful.

Upcoming Red River Market Dates:

February 7:
Giving Hearts Day Market
@West Acres Mall

March 14:
Senior Day
@West Acres Mall

April 18:
Moorhead Day
@Concordia College

May 16:
West Fargo Day
@Pow/Mia Plaza

A Fridge Is A Moodboard

I used to fight the urge to keep my fridge perfectly clean and orderly. Over time, I realized I use it more as a moodboard than the whiteboard in my office. It holds love notes, artwork from the little ones in my life, bucket lists of things I want to accomplish, and magnets collected from artists, garage sales, and travels. It is unrealistic to always have a home that is photograph-ready, but a home should support the goals you set for yourself. Small mementos and reminders on the fridge bring personality into the kitchen and make the space feel lived in rather than styled. One of my favorite additions is a collection of colorful magnets by Jenny Sue, a local artist whose playful designs and Nordic-inspired phrases remind me of home. Her work can be found in the Aptitude Artist Studios in West Acres Mall, which are open to the public on weekends. You can also find her work at Unglued, located in Brewhalla.

Lean Into Your Unexpected Habits

I design my home around how I actually behave, not how I think I should. Catch all bowls and trays live throughout my space because without them, I would lose my keys daily, and honestly, I still do, but less often. Designated drop zones work better for me than drawers because they remove extra steps. I am also more likely to follow through on my goals when my environment makes them easy. My yoga mat lives under the couch because I am far more inclined to use it there than if it were tucked away in the basement. When something repeatedly ends up on a surface, that surface is offering useful information. Giving it a permanent home there is not laziness, it is a way of eliminating friction. One of my favorite examples is a handmade catch tray I created in a class with Rising Dawn Ceramics, which holds everyday essentials while also carrying the memory of making it alongside my partner. You can purchase her ceramics at her downtown Fargo studio or take a class and create your own piece.

Assisted Plant Living

I love having plants, but I am not always the most consistent caretaker. The right tools make all the difference. Copper Root Nursery and The Plant Supply both offer plant care essentials that simplify maintenance rather than complicate it. Copper Root Nursery curates soil mixes designed for specific plans and The Plant Supply has fertilizer drops you can add to your watering routine. These small supports have been lifesavers for my greenery and make plant care feel approachable instead of intimidating.

Elevate Your Everyday Essentials

Functional items don’t have to be boring. Too much branding creates visual noise in my space, so I look for pieces that feel intentional and understated. Swapping mass-produced products for handcrafted ones can instantly elevate a room. In my bathroom, locally made soap from Billie’s Soap replaces generic bottles, adding texture, color, and intention to an everyday routine. Another favorite is candles from Studio FSR. The maker is also a professional musician, and each candle includes a link to music composed to pair with its scent. The branding is minimal, something I value in my home, and the experience enhances both the atmosphere and sound of a space. These candles can be found at Unglued in Brewhalla. Small swaps like these create a sense of quiet luxury where usefulness and beauty exist together.

Many of the pieces that make my home feel complete found their way to me through shopping locally at the Red River Market, Brewhalla, First Avenue Market, and West Acres Mall. Shopping locally has allowed me to curate a space that feels personal, functional, and connected to my community. These makers and small businesses do not just sell products; they bring stories, intention, and craftsmanship into everyday life. A home should evolve with you. As routines shift through different chapters of life, our spaces can be adjusted to reduce friction, support our goals, and keep us connected to the community around us. While Brewhalla, First Avenue Market, and West Acres Mall are year-round destinations, the Red River Market also hosts winter and spring markets, making it possible to support local makers well beyond the summer season.

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