Design lesson: Life's little luxuries

"Is there anything a bubble bath won't fix?" my aunt Pauline used to ask. Of course, in small town Arkansas, there were many problems a leisurely soak couldn't fix, but Pauline's sentiment was well expressed. Despite the uncontrollable weather and a chronic lack of money that made life difficult for farm families like hers, my aunt had learned to soften life's edges with small, inexpensive indulgences. And by visiting her each summer, I did too. Decades later, I'm still committed to my aunt's philosophy of enjoying everyday luxuries; it's true they don't fix every problem, but they certainly sweeten the days.

Kimberley Seldon's guide to everyday indulgences
1 Enjoy music in every room. Depending on my mood and activity, Stevie Wonder, Hoobastank, Ketchup, Tony Bennett, Buddha-Bar IV or AC/DC might be spinning at our house. Music can turn a simple card game - or even a laundry folding session - into a party.

2 Include fresh flowers and live houseplants in your surroundings. They improve interior air quality and remind us that, like people, they won't thrive on yesterday's attention - they need frequent affection to flourish. When my plants are limp, I know I'm too busy and that it's time to slow down and pay attention to what's important.

3 Display bowls of fresh fruit. Blue-and-white exportware filled with shiny red apples looks smart on a dining room table, a large glass cylinder filled with lemons is delicious in the kitchen, and a silver dish filled with figs is ideal for a coffee table. A full bowl of fruit is a symbol of abundance and a constant reminder to be grateful.

4 Take time to appreciate small details like sunlight through clean windows, the smell of fresh laundry or the perfect cup of tea.