After attending a watercolor workshop at Anko TriNoma, I got inspired by items with a greater purpose and perspective.
Last Valentine’s Day, I found myself seated inside Anko TriNoma—wielding the paintbrush and watching pigments pool across the paper. The Galentine’s Workshop wasn’t loud or lavish; it was light, lingering, and genuinely grounding.
Lately, I was filled with more introspection and wonder as well. Thoughtful living teaches us to stop abandoning our artistic sensations, and the other parts of ourselves that feel truly free, natural and ultimately necessary.
What I expected to be a quick creative session became something slower and sweeter—a reminder that small rituals still matter in the midst of pressure. As a watercolor participant, I thought to myself: “This is something I haven’t done for some time now.”
True, I was an active artist long before I landed a corporate career, but the busy office took over. I shelved that side of me—not because I had no more time to spare, but because bills were standing taller than my talent.
After the workshop, I allowed myself to immerse in the masterpiece I created: a handmade card that reminded me of a mindful rest—tranquility in the simplest sense. That sentiment stayed, settled, and subtly shifted how I saw the objects surrounding me. They are more of a tool rather than a routine.
As I paced through Anko’s aisles and toward items that I might take as impulse purchases, I felt more fulfilled. There’s a truckload of unique and quiet upgrades that I can turn to for some sprucing up. These aren’t just things—they are signals of how homes, habits, and thoughtful systems are evolving in 2026.
Here are my honest editor picks and their potential in today’s modern living movement:
1. IN: Fridge deodorizers
If you are dying for a frictionless fix, the fridge deodorizer is your guy. Designed to absorb stubborn smells, it adds a minimal yet meaningful touch to your space, reflecting a shift toward subtle living solutions that doesn’t tire you out.
OUT: Artificial air fresheners
Fresheners with synthetic scents are no longer a a good idea in 2026. Heavy home fragrances reiterate problems rather than manage them, creating cluttered air instead of an inviting atmosphere.
2. IN: Portable workstations
Portable workstations provide practical placement, allowing both children and parents to create, bond, and align with focus—all without feeling confined to a single corner. This children’s table, for one, offers more freedom and mobility.
OUT: Flat, permanent fixtures
Static setups or fixed desks feel a little limiting for the curious and growing child.
3. IN: Novelty sponges
Playfully shaped sponges are nothing short of a pleasure for those who want to transform everyday cleaning into a charming experience. These types of products prove that intentional utility shouldn’t un-inspire you, too, but make you a better space steward.
OUT: Plain scrub pads
Sharp and generic scrubbers lack visual life.
4. IN: Reusable taco holders
Reusable taco holders will sure elevate your snacking rituals, helping honor your routine with a small upgrade. Sustainability goes a long way, and getting a lasting kitchen companion is a complete kink.
OUT: Paper plates
Disposable dining diminishes experience and enjoyment.
5. IN: Microwave maker (panini presser and compact rice cooker)
If you’re seeking to simplify your meals without sacrificing satisfaction, future-focused food preparation is your perfect companion. You can cook sans the complex shenanigans by using breakthrough microwave tools like the toast maker and of course, rice cooker.
OUT: Bulky appliance builds
Traditional, oversized tools create inconvenience instead of comfort.
6. IN: Dusting gloves
Dusting gloves are definitely a godsend when it comes to wearable cleaning needs. You can now trap dust from tight spaces and wipe surfaces without dispersing the dirt.
OUT: Feather dusters
Dust control demands precision, and products or tools like feather dusters take long to clean completely.
7. IN: DIY kits
DIY arts and crafts for kids keep curiosity at arm’s length. If your child loves to explore toys that encourage critical thinking and creativity, a sticker set or a paint-and-pour artwork is already a transformative adventure for them.
OUT: Screen-based entertainment
The biggest stealers of childhood nowadays are the constant consumption of screen content.
8. IN: Statement cushions
Sofas should scream creativity, and textural or sculptural tension is key to keeping your space interesting and spontaneous.
OUT: Plain, fine, and matching cushion sets
Personality-lacking pieces are fast materializing as a couch standard of the past.
9. IN: Trinket bowls
Trinket bowls are an intentional way to introduce reflective refinement, styling even the smallest surface with substance. They also turn a passive placement into an interesting story that sparks conversation and connection.
OUT: Secret catch-all storage
Out-of-sight clutter solutions remove personality and reduce the potential for expression and elegance.
10. IN: Multipurpose travel bottles
Bottles with integrated brush cleaners and collapsible formats serve function, aesthetics, and efficiency, allowing you to streamline storage without sacrificing sophistication or space. Multipurpose travel bottles, for instance, increase convenience while minimizing clutter.
OUT: Single-use storage
Single-use storages encourage wasteful habits, weakening efforts in smart organization and sustainability.
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