Our Most Used Retail Items

Although we do a lot of custom work for our clients, what people like most about working with us is that we are more than happy to work in retail items into our plans as well. When you have kids or are trying to stick to a certain budget, it’s great to be able to get good quality items without the cost and wait time for custom made. Even people with HUGE budgets don’t want to spend zillions on a sectional for their family room– even if they can afford it. So over the years we have developed a list of “go to” items that we find ourselves using over and over again in projects. Not because all our projects look alike, but good basics are trendless and timeless and can work with just about ANY style decor!  I thought I’d round up a chunk of these items and share them with you!

1. I’ve used this chandelier a few times- most recently in my own new family room.
2. I use this Pottery Barn simple banded bedding ALL the time on projects, including my own bedroom. It’s affordable and the border is a great width.
3. Blue and white ginger jars and vases from WS Home.  ALWAYS.
4. This diamond indoor/outdoor rug from Dash & Albert is a perennial favorite that we recommend all the time for it’s great style and durability.
5. Solid color velvet pillows (like these from my line) with a border is something we use on 90% of our sofas.
6. This barstool from Serena & Lily is in numerous kitchens we’ve designed because it’s so family friendly and has a sturdy back so kids won’t tip over!
7. We have a real love for grasscloth wrapped furniture– especially the S&L ones that are great in bedrooms paired with a wood dresser to avoid matchy sets!  To be honest, we also use the chest, console and coffee table a lot too!
8. Pairs of white gourd lamps are probably our most used table lighting for bedrooms or living rooms. These ones I designed are a current fave (naturally).
9. This is THE BEST leather ottoman that I spec all the time.  While it’s something we buy direct to the trade, you can get it here without a designer. It’s perfection.
10. Faded vintage Persian style rugs from Etsy (like this one from Old New House) . I have yet to tire of these and how they add a traditional element to a modern space or patina to a tailored traditional space. Ideal flanking a bed.
11. Aerin Lauder’s lighting for Circa is my favorite– these sconces are the perfect mix of simple, modern and stylish.
12. My most favorite statement accent lamp is this one from Bunny Williams Home. It’s funky but classic. I wish Bunny would do a “Buy 10 Get 1 Free” on these bad boys. :)
13. The C & B Colette bed has been a favorite for SO many years! I still have mine in the guest room and see no reason to change it– which for me is saying A LOT!
14. The C&B Marlowe chair is a great modern Windsor style dining chair with a nice high back.
15. We often recommend Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams sofas for clients who don’t want to go custom.  This skirted sofa is perfect as is their Keaton sectional ( which we used in three homes this year! It just works).
16. We’ve customized a bunch of Gates tables from Huston & Co. for many families! It’s the perfect combination of rustic/ modern and has a tough finish that doesn’t stain!
17. A gold Louis style mirror is hard to beat. We use this Wisteria one often in bedrooms, entries, and bathrooms.
18. A simple brass and glass coffee table is the perfect table when you want something that looks polished and minimalist. This one is a great deal.
19. We’ve paired these Ballard Designs Louis chairs with just about every style table- from hand-me down formal tables to modern marble tulip tables. We love that we can send our own fabric for them to use for a reasonable price!
20. The Darlana lantern is hard to beat for it’s simplicity.
21. A framed figural sketch is something we always have on hand when styling a home. Sometimes two. :)