10 Best Home & Living Products to Elevate Your Modern Lifestyle

In a world where space, time and convenience are all at a premium, choosing the right home and living products can make a dramatic difference. Whether you’re working from home, entertaining guests, or simply relaxing after a long day, the right pieces can transform your environment into one that supports modern living. Trends show that smart functionality, space-saving design and seamless integration are becoming standard. 
Below are ten carefully selected products that combine design, technology and utility each with real-world benefits, use-cases, problems solved, and where to buy.

1. Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker with Alexa

The Echo Dot is a compact smart speaker powered by voice assistant functionality. It allows you to ask questions, control smart home devices, play music, set timers, and more, all hands-free.

Why you’ll want it

This device brings smart home control to your fingertips (or voice). For many households, one of the key barriers to adopting smart home technology is complexity. The Echo Dot removes that: you say “Alexa, turn off the lights,” and it happens. It integrates with other smart devices (lights, plugs, thermostats) which allows for automation and convenience a hallmark of modern living. According to lifestyle product guides, smart home items like these “combine both functionality with aesthetics” in modern homes.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: You get up from the sofa and wish you could turn off the lamp or adjust volume without walking across the room. Solution: simply ask Alexa.

• Problem: You have multiple smart devices but controlling each individually is tedious. Solution: centralising control via the Echo Dot simplifies the experience.

• Use-case: When cooking, you can ask for the recipe, set timers, play music, or even control your smart lights all with voice.

• Use-case: In your living room, create a “movie night” scene where lights dim, speaker plays ambient music, and thermostat lowers slightly.

How to buy & where

You can purchase the Echo Dot from major online retailers. Buy on Amazon
Choose the version suited for your region (voltage, language) and check for bundle deals that include smart plugs or lights.

2. Tenda SP3 Smart Plug WiFi

This is a WiFi enabled smart plug that connects conventional appliances to your smart home ecosystem, enabling remote control, scheduling, and automation.

Why you’ll want it

Smart plugs are a highly cost effective entry into the smart-home world. Instead of replacing your appliances, you simply plug them into the smart plug and gain new functionality. The benefit: automation, energy savings, convenience. As described in home living trend pieces, items like smart plugs and smart lighting “make your home feel more connected and responsive”.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: You leave home and forget to turn off a lamp or heater. Solution: remote off via app.

• Problem: Appliances run when you’re asleep or away, wasting electricity. Solution: set schedules (e.g., turn off at midnight).

• Use case: Schedule your coffee maker to turn on 10 minutes before you wake up.

• Use case: During travelling, you can switch on a lamp remotely so your home appears occupied.

How to buy & where

Available via online marketplaces such as Shopee, Lazada or Amazon. Buy on Shopee

3. Modern Sideboard Buffet 59″ Wood Storage Cabinet

A stylish sideboard cabinet approximately 59″ wide made of wood with doors for concealed storage. It blends modern aesthetics with practical storage.

Why you’ll want it

In modern living spaces, clutter can quickly erode the sense of calm and relaxation. A piece like a sideboard offers generous storage while keeping the visual profile clean. According to interior design blogs, “efficient storage is key to a clutter free kitchen/house.” This sideboard allows you to hide away items (dishes, linens, electronics) and still keep the room looking sleek.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: Your dining or living room surfaces are piled with items or tech accessories. Solution: sideboard gives dedicated space with doors.

• Problem: You have multiple small storage units that disrupt the design flow. Solution: one unified cabinet that acts as an anchor piece.

• Use case: Use it in the dining area as storage for table linens, dinnerware and as a display top for decor.

• Use case: In the living room, hide media equipment, board games, or remote-control clutter behind closed doors, while placing a lamp or artwork on top.

How to buy & where

Check furniture-retail websites and global shipping stores. Buy on Ubuy

4. Rectangle Coffee Table Glass Top & Storage Shelf

A rectangular coffee table with a glass top and a storage shelf underneath designed for living rooms that value both aesthetics and function.

Why you’ll want it

A central piece of your living room, the coffee table holds many roles: it’s surface for magazines, remote controls, drinks and becomes a focal point of the room’s style. This design with glass top adds lightness and the shelf adds practical storage (for books, consoles). Modern home product lists emphasise how items with “both style and practicality” define contemporary interiors.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: Coffee table surfaces get messy with magazines, remotes, cups. Solution: the shelf allows you to organise items out of immediate view but still accessible.

• Problem: Furniture visually heavy makes the room feel smaller. Solution: glass top creates sense of openness and light.

• Use case: Use the shelf to store kids’ toys or remote controls, glass top for display décor or serving guests.

• Use case: Use in an apartment with limited space the clean design helps the room feel larger and more modern.

How to buy & where

Available through online furniture marketplaces or global home-ware stores. Buy on eBay

5. Made Goods Harlow Nesting Coffee Tables Cool Gray

A high end set of nesting coffee tables in cool gray finish. These allow flexible arrangement: one table can slide under the other or be separated when hosting.

Why you’ll want it

Nesting tables are perfect for modern flexible living spaces: they provide multiple surfaces when needed and collapse to minimal footprint when not. They combine design sophistication (cool gray finish, premium materials) with adaptability key for contemporary homes where functions shift (work, play, hosting). From the best home products list: “multipurpose furniture is in high demand flexible and saves space.”

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: You entertain occasionally but don’t always need multiple tables cluttering the room. Solution: nesting set offers extra surfaces when needed, compact when not.

• Problem: Your lounge layout changes (kids, pets, work) and fixed furniture doesn’t adapt. Solution: flexible tables respond to your changing needs.

• Use case: When hosting friends, separate the tables into seating zones for drinks and snacks. When alone, slide one under the other for open space.

• Use case: Use one table as a work station (laptop and coffee) while the other remains as décor/display.

How to buy & where

Purchase from premium furniture retailers. Buy on Grayson Luxury 
Note: luxury pieces may include higher shipping/import costs; check return policy and sample finish in-person if possible.

6. Smart Lighting / Smart Bulbs

While not tied to a single product name here, smart bulbs represent a powerful category of modern living enhancements. According to home living trend sources, “smart lighting, which can be controlled remotely or set to change colours and intensity based on the time of day or your mood,” plays a major role in lifestyle upgrades.

Why you’ll want smart lighting

Lighting affects mood, productivity, energy use and the overall aesthetics of your space. Smart bulbs allow customisation (warm vs cool tones), scheduling (dim at night, brighten in morning), and automation (turn off when you leave). They integrate into smart home systems (e.g., with the Echo Dot above) and enhance both comfort and energy-efficiency.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: Fixed lighting colour and brightness don’t suit all tasks (reading vs relaxing). Solution: smart bulbs let you change the tone and brightness easily via app or voice.

• Problem: Lights left on when you’re out, wasting energy. Solution: schedule lights to turn off or simulate presence.

• Use case: From work mode (bright white light) to relaxing evening mode (warm yellow, dimmed) automatically.

• Use case: Use colour-changing bulbs during parties or mood lighting for streaming sessions.

How to buy & where

Choose a reputable brand compatible with your smart home system (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit). Example purchases from major home-ware stores or online marketplaces in Indonesia.

7. Multipurpose Storage Containers (Kitchen & Living Area)

Storage might seem mundane, but research shows that “efficient storage is key to a clutter free kitchen/house” and contributes significantly to a sense of order and calm.

Why you’ll want them

Modern lifestyles often mean smaller homes or shared spaces. Good storage containers let you maximise space, keep things organised and easy to find, which in turn reduces stress and saves time. Transparent or labelled containers also provide visual clarity.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: Pantry or shelf becomes chaotic and you waste time finding items. Solution: use airtight containers with clear labels.

• Problem: Food items spoil because the packaging is hard to organise. Solution: container system with proper lids and stackable design.

• Use case: Use in open-plan living/kitchen area to maintain tidy surfaces and quick access.

• Use case: Use in office-zones of the home for stationary, cables or gadgets to avoid mess interfering with aesthetics.

How to buy & where

Available from home-ware chains (such as IKEA, local stores) or online. Buy on IKEA Indonesia › (affiliate link)
Look for materials BPA-free, airtight seals, good stackability, and dimensions suitable for your shelves.

8. Smart Thermostat / Home Climate Control

Modern home living trends increasingly emphasise lifestyle upgrades that bring both comfort and efficiency. Smart thermostats are frequently cited: “smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts heating or cooling accordingly, helping you save energy and reduce bills.”

Why you’ll want it

Temperature control is one of the biggest sources of energy consumption and comfort complaints in homes. A smart thermostat adapts to your patterns (sleep/wake, work/home) and optimises settings for comfort and savings. Over time, this becomes almost invisible the thermostat ‘knows’ you.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: You arrive home to a room that’s too hot or too cold. Solution: the thermostat can pre-condition before you get home.

• Problem: Heating or cooling runs unnecessarily when no one is home. Solution: schedule or detect presence and reduce use.

• Use case: While working from home one day and heading out the next, the system adjusts automatically.

• Use case: In a tropical-climate home, use smart control to manage humidity/ventilation and avoid over-use of AC.

How to buy & where

Select a device compatible with your HVAC system and with local voltage/currency support. Available from smart-home electronics retailers and online. Ensure local installation or return policy if professional setup is needed.

9. Indoor Plants & Gardening Kits for Living Spaces

While not a high tech gadget, indoor plants and gardening kits are an important “product” for modern living spaces: they add nature, improve air quality, and support wellbeing. According to trend pieces: “Indoor plants and gardening kits are becoming an integral part of home decor, contributing to a healthier and more relaxing environment.”

Why you’ll want them

Modern homes often lack access to outdoor green space, especially in urban apartments. Having indoor greenery makes your space feel alive and contributes to mental comfort. Herb gardens in the kitchen also connect you with food preparation and sustainability.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: Home feels sterile or disconnected from nature. Solution: indoor plants bring warmth and organic texture.

• Problem: You want to cook fresh herbs but don’t have outdoor garden space. Solution: indoor herb-garden kit in the kitchen window.

• Use case: Use a vertical gardening kit on a balcony or unused wall space.

• Use case: Place a decorative plant in the living room to soften lines of furniture and improve air quality.

How to buy & where

Home decor stores, garden centres or online marketplaces. Choose kits suited to your light conditions, and consider maintenance effort (some kits include grow-lights for low-light spaces).

10. Multifunctional Furniture for Small-Space Living

Furniture that adapts to multiple uses is a major trend in modern living. As noted: “With more people working from home, multipurpose furniture is in high demand pieces that offer flexibility and save space.”

Why you’ll want it

For homes that serve many functions (work, rest, entertain) a piece of furniture that changes its role is invaluable. Instead of separate sofa, bed,desk, one modular system can transform between modes. You save space, cost and visual clutter.

Problems solved & use-cases

• Problem: Your guest room doubles as home-office and it’s hard to maintain each function. Solution: a sofa-bed or desk-that-folds.

• Problem: You live in a smaller apartment and every piece must pull double duty. Solution: multifunctional furniture designed for adaptability.

• Use case: You use a fold-down desk during daytime, then fold it away and use the space for yoga or children’s play.

• Use case: A sofa-bed serves as seating during the day and a guest bed at night without compromising design.

How to buy & where

Look for furniture described as modular, convertible or multifunctional. Retailers specialised in small-space or urban living furniture will have options. Measure carefully, assess build quality and verify how the transformation mechanism works (ease of use, durability).

Final thoughts

Incorporating any of these ten home and living products into your space can significantly elevate your lifestyle. By choosing pieces that combine design, practicality and smart features, you create a home that is not just aesthetically pleasing but functionally optimised for modern life. When choosing, always consider dimensions, compatibility (with your smart-home system or voltage), quality, and how the piece supports your daily routines. The right product becomes invisible in use but quite visible in the positive transformation of your living environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I choose which smart home product to start with?
A1: Start with a high-impact but low-risk item. For example, a smart speaker (like the Echo Dot) is relatively inexpensive, works with many devices, and gives you immediate value (voice control, smart-home hub). Once that is set up, adding smart plugs, lights, or thermostats becomes easier.

Q2: Are these products worth the investment in smaller homes or apartments?
A2: Yes, especially in smaller spaces where multi-functionality, smart integration and storage optimisation are critical. Products that save space, streamline routines or automate tasks can deliver outsized benefits relative to their cost.

Q3: How do I ensure compatibility and avoid product mismatches (voltage, region, smart-home system)?
A3: Always check: the device’s voltage and plug type for your country, whether it supports the smart-home ecosystem you use (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit), and whether import/shipping is supported in your region. Read product specifications carefully and check reviews from users in your country when possible.