Natalie Hemengül
Opinion

6 unnecessary details in my home that make everyday life better

Natalie Hemengül
16.6.2026
Translation: Elicia Payne

Want to know how I get my daily dose of happiness hormones? With small, decorative touches I’ve sprinkled around my apartment whose sole purpose is to put a smile on my face.

1. Matches – but in pretty boxes

I’ve never understood how anyone could prefer a lighter to a box of matches. Everything about a matchstick is satisfying. The pressure against the surface, then the sudden burst of flame and the scent that’s released. So magical! It’s even more magical when the cardboard box features a pretty design and doubles as a decoration. I usually bring mine back from holidays. Collections with unique designs like these make perfect souvenirs. They remind you of your last trip, even in the midst of mundane everyday life. And as long as the striking strip isn’t completely worn out, you can also refill them with matches from the second-hand store or from promotional giveaways.

I bought this matchbox with mermaids on it at a boutique in Hamburg.
I bought this matchbox with mermaids on it at a boutique in Hamburg.
Actual product image Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Matches - Mermaids
Actual product image Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Matches - Mermaids
Actual product image Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Matches - Mermaids
Lighters + Matches
Quantity discount
CHF11.20 per piece for 4 units

Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Matches - Mermaids

Actual product image Paddywax A Dopo Boxed Matches "Jungle" set of 75 matches (9.6 cm)
Actual product image Paddywax A Dopo Boxed Matches "Jungle" set of 75 matches (9.6 cm)
Actual product image Paddywax A Dopo Boxed Matches "Jungle" set of 75 matches (9.6 cm)
Actual product image Paddywax A Dopo Boxed Matches "Jungle" set of 75 matches (9.6 cm)
Lighters + Matches
Quantity discount
CHF7.45 per piece for 4 units

Paddywax A Dopo Boxed Matches "Jungle" set of 75 matches (9.6 cm)

Actual product image Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Floral Matches
Actual product image Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Floral Matches
Actual product image Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Floral Matches
Actual product image Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Floral Matches
Lighters + Matches
Quantity discount
CHF11.20 per piece for 4 units

Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Floral Matches

Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Matches - Mermaids
Quantity discount
CHF11.20 per piece for 4 units

Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Matches - Mermaids

Paddywax A Dopo Boxed Matches "Jungle" set of 75 matches (9.6 cm)
Quantity discount
CHF7.45 per piece for 4 units

Paddywax A Dopo Boxed Matches "Jungle" set of 75 matches (9.6 cm)

Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Floral Matches
Quantity discount
CHF11.20 per piece for 4 units

Paddywax Jumbo Boxed Floral Matches

2. Soil as a canvas

I have 21 plants in my apartment. That’s a lot of green. And brown. To breathe a little more life into the soil in the pots, I decorate it with natural materials such as crystals and seashells. This way, I can display my knickknacks without them taking up space on my shelves, and at the same time, spruce up the sad soil around my houseplants a bit.

I like my crystals to sit among my plants.
I like my crystals to sit among my plants.

Every now and then, a long-lasting little flower finds its way into my «jungle». Not a real one, of course. This one’s made of wire and iron-on beads – a DIY project that adds a splash of colour. Here’s how to make something like this yourself:

A flower made of iron-on beads can withstand anything.
A flower made of iron-on beads can withstand anything.

3. Origami art

Origami isn’t part of my repertoire yet. But that could change, right? I received this tiny crane with an order once and immediately placed it on the golden clip on my wall, where I pin up pictures and postcards. A tiny detail that never fails to make me smile. And sometimes gets on my nerves, because the crane likes to fly away when I open the window. Maybe I’ll have to break out the glue soon and turn this into a long-term project.

The origami crane guards my paperclip.
The origami crane guards my paperclip.

4. A herb bundle in the doorframe

Originally, I wanted to dry my garden herbs so I could use them in the kitchen all year round. Lately, I’ve been thinking about just leaving the little bundles hanging on my doorframe like that. Because every time I walk past them, I feel like I’m living in a cosy little witch’s cottage.

Thyme and rosemary just hanging out together.
Thyme and rosemary just hanging out together.
I attached the bundles to the top of the doorframe with magnets.
I attached the bundles to the top of the doorframe with magnets.

5. A fabric garland and no more birthdays in sight

Festive decorations usually end up staying up at my place. For one thing, I’m too lazy to take them down. For another, I think they look pretty: so why limit it to just one day a year? Just like this fabric garland. I made these myself for my birthday. Made from corrugated packing material and old strips of fabric tied around it. Once attached to the curtain rod, it stays where it is. After all, I have nothing against a party atmosphere from Monday through Friday.

Using a pair of scissors, you can turn an old T-shirt and a tablecloth into a garland.
Using a pair of scissors, you can turn an old T-shirt and a tablecloth into a garland.

6. Stickers – everywhere!

I used to think it was tacky to put stickers on things. It just felt wrong. These days, I see things a little differently. My CD player, my notebooks, my laptop, my computer monitor – they all fell victim to my newfound sticker craze. And I don’t regret a thing! These little stickers add a touch of light-heartedness to everyday life and bring back memories of childhood.

A CD player covered in stickers, my old Skullcandy headphones and a few old Diddl audiobooks. Life’s good.
A CD player covered in stickers, my old Skullcandy headphones and a few old Diddl audiobooks. Life’s good.
I didn’t just put stickers on this reflective notebook – I also added a wax seal.
I didn’t just put stickers on this reflective notebook – I also added a wax seal.
Actual product image Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
Actual product image Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
Actual product image Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
Actual product image Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
Actual product image Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
Actual product image Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
Actual product image Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
Actual product image Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
Notebooks + Notepads
−12%
CHF21.90 was CHF24.99

Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver

A6, Dotted, Soft cover

Actual product image Folia Bubble Sticker I, 14x21cm
Actual product image Folia Bubble Sticker I, 14x21cm
Actual product image Folia Bubble Sticker I, 14x21cm
Actual product image Folia Bubble Sticker I, 14x21cm
Stickers
CHF5.30

Folia Bubble Sticker I, 14x21cm

Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver (A6, Dotted, Soft cover)
−12%
CHF21.90 was CHF24.99

Nuuna Shiny Starlet S, silver

A6, Dotted, Soft cover

Folia Bubble Sticker I, 14x21cm
CHF5.30

Folia Bubble Sticker I, 14x21cm

Header image: Natalie Hemengül

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As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions. 


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