With all of the talk of design trends, I still find myself gravitating toward the same things for our home. Maybe I’m getting more set in my ways as I get older, but I think it’s good to know what you like and to be confident in what you buy.
photo by Caroline Lima Photography
Even if I were to completely start over with decorating our house, there are several things I would bring back without a doubt:
Bookshelves filled with colorful books.
A good sunburst mirror.
A pretty potted orchid.
Black and white. . .
With blue and white accessories.
Bamboo shades.
Stripes.
Chinoiserie-inspired pieces.
(Find these pieces in my Joss & Main sale—ending tomorrow!)
Relaxed, slipcovered chairs.
A natural area rug.
Watercolor paintings.
A big lantern pendant light.
A little bit of animal print.
Woven baskets to disguise messes.
At least one piece of distressed wood furniture.
What’s on your list?
I would love to find an awesome farm house table that seats about 12 or so for our lake house – do you have a vendor you could suggest?
My smaller one was a Craigslist find so I’m going to open this up for suggestions. Anyone??
Williams Sonoma Home has one that seats at least 12!
I think that is a solid list of stylish and timeless classics. My list includes…
-Overdyed rugs
-Arts and crafts style antique furniture
-Original oil paintings
-Colorful depression glass
-Exotic textiles like kantha throws
-linen curtains
-At least one Tiffany style lamp
-LOTS of houseplants!
Dear Emily-mom-of-five
(In a comment totally unrelated to this post) You LOOK FINE girl!!! Just call yourself fine wine and drop the mic ;)
Ok, enough Monday shenanigans… this is a cool list. I’m slowly decorating our first home and the only thing I’ve learnt about my style is that I’m extremely minimalist with number of items and colors but I do love animal prints especially big cat prints. Just can’t figure out how to incorporate them in my beige & grey home.
This comment made my day–and made me laugh :) I do NOT look like fine wine in any way today. Ha!
PS–I think animal prints really work as neutrals. I would think you would be able to work one in pretty easily…
love your style. blue and white pottery, painterly prints, silver candlesticks, Mexican tile, and ikat throw pillows are on my list!
Hi Emily – I love your style and thank you so much for the design ideas you have given me the past year. You have really helped me hone my style, and calm some of the doubt I have felt when making house purchases. I really would like your input (or other readers’ input PLEASE) on those white shag moroccan rugs that are so popular right now…the ones with the diagonal designs in black. Do you think this trend is here to stay or just a fad? I’m considering buying a very large rug for my sunroom in this style, and am so afraid that I will be sick of it in 6 months. I would love your opinion on the matter!
I personally think they’ll be around for a while just because they seem so comfortable.
My list would be very similar to yours…definitely, natural rugs, white/light slipcovers, woven blinds, plenty of antiques, black and white, and of course a little animal here and there.
Hi Emily, You look great! Love your favorites, too! They’re classic but fresh. I think black and white instantly looks modern even in a traditional home. It’s one of my favorites too!
xo
Holly
I think it’s so great that you’ve found the pieces that most speak to you. It’s both encouraging and helpful. I hope to get there, too some day soon. Love your curated collection. It’s totally you!
I had the chance to buy the most perfect mirror in France. A gilt sunburst mirror that was from the 1800’s but my husband thought it was too expensive. I still kick myself! I love those things!
My goodness lady! You look amazing!!!! I love the shorter hair on you. I know you have had it for a little bit now so it’s not new news, but it’s stunning! Great shot! xo, C
My list would include a tray, pretty boxes and woven baskets (great for stashing stuff), storage ottoman, potted orchids, candle sticks, preserved or faux boxwoods, interesting shaped mirrors (sunburst, quatrefoil, etc), footed fruit bowl and cake stands. Oh and clocks! I have tons of them! They should have been listed first.
http://www.designbyrobinsnest.blogspot.com
Hi Emily, Love your site! I’ve been reading for awhile now. I’m having trouble finding your Flash Sale on Joss and Main. I’m a member already, but it’s not popping up. Can you tell me the title of it? Thanks! Kiley
It ended this morning. Thanks for checking, though!
Love this post! I wrote about something similar recently. Our first home literally looks like Rainbow Bright painted each room. It was crazy. And I loved it. But my design tastes have so changed, and I think part of it has to do with the craziness of having kids in the house! :) I’m all about whites, natural woods, neutrals, brass, and fabulous lighting. Thanks for sharing your great list! I’m always looking for good, classic suggestions!
the perfect shade of grey paint, and black doors. And unique lighting.
I absolutely love your white shirt and blue necklace? May I ask where you got them?
I’m pretty sure the shirt was from TJMaxx and I’ve had that necklace for a couple of years–Belk, I think? :)
I am in love with the “upside down birdcage” black metal & glass light fixture in your dining/blog spot room. Please tell me where I can get it. I am a new fan. Thank you!
Thank you, Sonny! That was actually a brass fixture I found at a thrift store and spray painted:
https://emilyaclark.com/2012/02/my-habitat-restore-lantern-redo.html