More home decor tips by Debra Kay

You may remember reading “Would-Be Influencer” back in September of 2021. That was when I first discovered my “influencer” skills and decided to share them with the rest of the world.

Then, in December of 2022, you saw “Life Hacks by Debra Kay”, subtitled “Would-Be Influencer, Part 2”.

“Life Hacks by Debra Kay, Part 2”, from November of 2023, gives helpful info on what to do if you are ever hospitalized for neutropenia while undergoing chemotherapy.

Apparently, I gave everyone a break in 2024, and in 2025, we had “Life Hacks by Debra Kay, Part 3“ (Home Decor Advice You Didn’t Know You Needed), and “Decluttering with Debra Kay”, in February and August, respectively.

And now, it’s time for some joy! You shouldn’t be surprised that I would immediately see “blog material” in this. Naturally, I had to read it to see how joyful my home was. I’m happy to report that I have almost all 50 of these joyful items in my home! The article (which you can click on above) contains Amazon links for everything your joyful house is supposed to have, although I daresay you can get them just about anywhere. I couldn’t find an author’s or editor’s name, and it did seem more like a long ad for Amazon products than a thoughtful “influencer” piece. So I decided to make it into the latter myself.

Colorful Ceramic Mugs

Who doesn’t love colorful ceramic mugs? I have “collected” them since my college dormitory days. Mine don’t all match like the ones pictured in the article, but somehow I never really thought they were supposed to.

You can even make your own on Zazzle.com. Or you can buy one from my Zazzle store! (The only ad you’ll see from me in this post.)

A Soft Throw Blanket in a Cheerful Color

At my house, this goes without saying.

Houseplants in Bright Pots

What makes the houseplants in my home joyful is that they are outside. But the fake ones inside have bright pots, too. So there’s that.

Art Prints with Positive Energy

According to the article, these are examples of art prints with positive energy. They were like $17 on Amazon. No offense, but I’m not feeling the joy or the positive energy.

If you really want joyful art prints, you should make them yourself. It’s best to train up your assistant from an early age.

Decorative Woven Baskets

Okay, that was easy!

A Sunshine Colored Accent Pillow

This is the “Boho” sun pillow recommended in the article.

Not bad, but if you really want “Boho” you need elephants and foxes.

Colorful Dishtowels

I don’t mean to sound critical (or maybe I do), but the dishtowels pictured did not impress me as particularly colorful.

Now, these are colorful dishtowels. Are they a bit faded? Maybe, but they are colorful, nonetheless. And what’s more, they’re whimsical!

A Set of Bright Napkins

I’ll do them the justice of saying that their example of bright napkins was accurate.

Although since it’s been about six years since I made these, (see “Misc. Sewing, Part 1“) I still use them and have even made more since then.

A Cozy Robe

I think they mean you are supposed to have a cozy robe to actually wear, but I have used my husband’s robe as a blanket ever since he passed away in 2016. So we’ve got that covered.

In “A Trip to Cape Town”, Panda used “Daddy’s robe” to practice flying with a cape, until Foster told him you didn’t need a cape to go there. The picture on the right is Mark in January of 2015, just being his usual self.

A Collection of Favorite Books

Need I say more?

A Fun Welcome Sign

I have to say that I did like the suggested “Welcome” sign. But I like mine just as well.

It’s not exactly a sign, but it’s fun all the same. See “Our House” and “Our House, Part 2” for more info.

A Smiling Face Planter

I have that! But as an added bonus, mine is the kind of plant I can’t kill.

And finally, lest anyone become too amazed by my influencer and decorator skills, let me show you some of the joyful items I don’t have. . .

A Small Indoor Fountain

Hey, at least I tried.

A Fresh Flower Vase

Umm…not gonna happen.

A Plush Bath Mat

Close enough. Oh, the edge of the tub mosaic isn’t finished? Well, at least the sea animals are done!

A Joy-Themed Art Print

I have nothing against joy-themed art prints, but this one reminded me of something I drew last time I was waiting at my oncologist’s office. I know they try, but this kind of art fails to “spark joy” for me.

A Set of Matching Storage Jars

I have one. It has graham crackers in it. And I’m good with that.

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