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?
Denise Thompson says
February 23, 2015 at 10:35 amI 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?
Emily Clark says
February 23, 2015 at 11:15 amMy smaller one was a Craigslist find so I’m going to open this up for suggestions. Anyone??
Judy says
February 23, 2015 at 1:50 pmWilliams Sonoma Home has one that seats at least 12!
Catherine says
February 23, 2015 at 10:41 amI 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!
Yetunde says
February 23, 2015 at 12:08 pmDear 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.
Emily Clark says
February 23, 2015 at 4:35 pmThis 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…
Meg @ Peaches and Cake says
February 23, 2015 at 2:04 pmlove your style. blue and white pottery, painterly prints, silver candlesticks, Mexican tile, and ikat throw pillows are on my list!
Katie says
February 23, 2015 at 4:10 pmHi 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!
Emily Clark says
February 23, 2015 at 4:34 pmI personally think they’ll be around for a while just because they seem so comfortable.
cindy hattersley says
February 23, 2015 at 4:24 pmMy 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.
Holly Irwin says
February 23, 2015 at 5:49 pmHi 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
Jennifer @ Brave New Home says
February 23, 2015 at 6:22 pmI 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!
Clever Girl Reviews says
February 23, 2015 at 6:44 pmI 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!
Camila says
February 23, 2015 at 10:07 pmMy 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
Robin says
February 23, 2015 at 11:42 pmMy 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
Kiley says
February 24, 2015 at 12:18 pmHi 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
Emily Clark says
February 24, 2015 at 3:47 pmIt ended this morning. Thanks for checking, though!
Becky @dempsterlogbook says
February 24, 2015 at 4:47 pmLove 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!
Ronnie says
February 25, 2015 at 2:31 pmthe perfect shade of grey paint, and black doors. And unique lighting.
Chrissy says
April 10, 2015 at 2:34 pmI absolutely love your white shirt and blue necklace? May I ask where you got them?
Emily Clark says
April 13, 2015 at 6:59 pmI’m pretty sure the shirt was from TJMaxx and I’ve had that necklace for a couple of years–Belk, I think? :)
Sonny Taylor says
October 20, 2015 at 1:17 pmI 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!
Emily Clark says
October 20, 2015 at 1:37 pmThank 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