A Pro Organizer Reveals the Beautiful Home Basics She Can’t Live Without

updated Jan 10, 2020
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(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

Expert organizer Kristen Ziegler, owner of Minima, has graciously shared her tips on organizing a home and her philosophies on minimalism with Apartment Therapy before. While her home’s sleek, simple chic style isn’t for everyone, her advice can be applied to homes of any look. She’s shared her favorite organizing products of all time before, and now she’s revealing her favorite home basics. These are items that combine function and beauty and take usually boring, utilitarian household items to a whole other level.

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

Kristen writes: “Being a minimalist doesn’t mean you have to completely detach from your belongings. For me, it’s about being highly selective. As a result, I get a certain sense of joy from seeing and using my things on a daily basis. There are so many opportunities to invite design into your space in a way that can also be functional, making your everyday use items part of the aesthetic beauty of your home. Below, I’ve listed a few of my personal favorites.”

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

I’ve never met a simpler design for a dish rack! It looks like a fun sculpture in my kitchen and meets my needs perfectly for one or two day’s worth of dishes. I live alone, but I think it would work well for a couple. Not recommended for families based on the smaller size.

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

I transfer all of my liquid shower soaps and hand and dish soaps into these containers. It’s such a zen experience to shower without seeing all of the branding on the different product packaging. Bonus: These would be great if you make your own soaps!

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

I’ve been a die hard Baggu fan for years. Their products are simple, functional, well-made, and a good price point, especially for the quality. I have a Baby Baggu for my lunch bag (I tie the handles in a little knot) and I have a couple of the standard Baggus to use instead of plastic when I’m out shopping.

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

These come in a lot of different sizes and colors. I like to mix the gray and black ones throughout my home for a cohesive look. The material is porous, which is good for drainage (versus plastic or metal). There isn’t a drainage hole, but I use clay balls in mine and it works great.

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

This piece was my gateway into the ritual of lighting candles for relaxation. I’m a little nervous around open flames and I love how this feels safer by being semi-enclosed. The material combination is beautiful and I never get tired of looking at it

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

Since I wear a lot of black and have a pet rabbit, a lint roller is a must. This one is so pretty, I don’t mind keeping it out in plain sight!

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

I carry this with me everywhere I go. You just fill it up with tap water and the built-in filter cleans up the water as you drink. It’s lightweight too—and it won’t break like glass if you drop it.

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

This is the only pen I own, but admittedly I have several back-ups since they get swiped from time to time. The monochromatic design is simple and timeless, and I love the way it writes. Bonus: MUJI sells refills so you don’t have to toss it when it runs dry.

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

I love the monochromatic design of the Hay toothbrush and all the different colors it comes in. Naturally I go for the gray and my boyfriend has the navy. The Preserve toothbrush is another nice option, slightly more accessible and made from recycled yogurt cups!

(Image credit: Kristen Ziegler)

Similar to lighting a candle, using my aroma diffuser sets an intention to relax. It’s the nicest diffuser design I’ve seen and doubles as a soft bedside lamp. My favorite oils are rosemary and lemon.


→ You can find more of Kristen’s style and advice on her website, on Instagram, and in her Apartment Therapy house tour. You can also sign up for her email newsletter.

→ Kristen’s company, Minima, is based in Richmond, Virginia, but if you’re outside of her area and want to work with her, she offers virtual consultations. So far she has helped clients in NYC, Durham, Seattle, and even Paris!