WORDS BY SOPHIE HENDERSON
What truly makes a house a home? It’s an age-old question we’re still trying to answer. Interior inspiration is an essential part of the Pinterest trawl, and the stakes are high — really high — when it comes to curating your dream space.
Whether you’re hankering after a maximalist renovation, craving the Scandi vibes or fancy yourself a plant-filled paradise, adding a spot of on-trend and aesthetically thrilling designer homeware to your space can elevate the basics.
From that perfectly balanced scent to your favourite plush pillowcase, your space needs to be filled with things you love. Small touches here and there can make it feel like your surroundings have had a complete redesign, and we’ve brought together a series of contemporary homeware essentials to add a splash of personality.
Designer Candles
If you’re ‘well into’ designer candles, you probably have an aesthetic Instagram, drink coffee at the coolest coffee shops and know your morning skincare from your evening routine. That, or you’re a cool mom.
All jokes aside, we love a designer candle. The ultimate interior accessory, they can add ambience to your living room, and accompany a relaxing candlelit reading sesh. Mastering home fragrance is an art form in our eyes, and one that’s made much easier by our favourite scent-genius brands.
Your new flickering friend can transport you to otherworldly places, and French label Diptyque opens up your home to the outdoors with its Figuier 190 candle. Picture the woody scent of fig trees stretching endlessly across a Mediterranean landscape. Head for the mountains with Cire Trudon’s Abd El Kader, and travel to new heights (quite literally) with the Boy Smells Kush candle.
We love the pink vegetable wax Anamophine Candle by Overose too — one to bring out your feminine side with its peony, vanilla and smoky tobacco aroma.
Designer Tableware
‘Welcome to Restaurant Mi Casa,’ says you… hosting a dinner party… admiring your new favourite designer kitchenware. These pieces decorate your space to eat, entertain and socialise, so it’s important to set the table just right.
Starting with the tablecloth, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi is all about clashing print, and we’ve got Blossom napkin sets to match — enough to wow your guests. Our wishlist features minimalist utensils and accessories with both design and functionality in mind.
Whichever way you prep, present like a pro with the perfect designer plates and dishes. We’re in love with the intricate design of La Doublej Libuella dinner plates, and, of course, the iconic jungle print from Versace Home. No dinner party is complete without the perfect cocktail shaker. Voila. The table is set.
Home Accessories
The easiest way to give your home an easy and effective update is to add decorative accessories. The flow of your rooms can influence your frame of mind — and we’re all about creating a zen haven.
A crystal from She’s Lost Control stimulates creativity, and this Titanium rainbow aura point is... on point. Fan favourite Anissa Kermiche transforms Nodaleto’s signature Bulla Corta boot, a chunky-heeled style that has become ever-present among the street style set, into a range of shiny flower vases in black, red and white. The Parisian designer’s ceramic line comes in a range of Instagrammable colourways, including the Love Handles vase and Body ceramic candlestick, which is sure to break the ice at dinner parties.
Let surreal art motifs and tongue-in-cheek references enliven your decor with Fornasetti. This Face printed jar has a wild side, and it’s the perfect size for cookies.
Soft Furnishings
The tufted trend dominates our favourite soft furnishings. It just so happens that cosying up is at the top of our to-do list all year round. After all, you want a space that’s plush and comfortable, with a mixture of fabrics and textures to layer.
Designer cushions are a must, and Gucci homeware is a firm favourite. In line with signature Alessandro Michele aesthetics, this GG Jacquard cushion has tassels, a gorgeous floral print and a tufted GG pattern — what more could you ask for? And if logo cushions are your thing, relaxing has never looked so good with this Versace Medusa sequined cushion.
There’s nothing more inviting than snuggling up with blankets and throws, and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi’s Flower Bomb blanket is silk blended with luxurious ruffle trim. We’re also lusting over Missoni Home’s Margot Zig Zag throw, in true Italian style.
Technology
It’s important to fill your home with sound, and what better way than to connect your speakers seamlessly throughout your home so they play the same music.
Bang & Olufsen doesn’t compromise on design, sound or craftsmanship, with a range of shapes, colours and sizes that enable you to customise and set up your very own home speaker system. The Beosound1 Aluminium Speaker could be a robot or a really hip water bottle. Either way, it looks cool. Carry the Beolit 17 speaker around your house like a bag — only this bag requires you to sing along… hit it.
What’s Your Home Style Aesthetic?
Grab a pencil and paper and list your likes and dislikes. Determining your home decor style might not be as easy as 1,2,3, but you can’t go wrong with the likes of Scandi style and mid-century modern.
Scandinavian homeware
We’ve long been lusting over Scandinavian homeware, and whether it be Nordic or Danish design, functionality and simplicity are at the core of its appeal. Known to exploit the cold forestry regions by drawing in as much light as possible, expect a lot of white and neutral tones, as well as comfortable linens.
Furniture is sleek and accessories minimal — just like this Reflections Copenhagen tea-light holder. Art-inspired pieces like this Helle Mardahl vase take centre stage, while functional pieces are elevated, such as organic Tekla towels.
And now you’re a Scandi-style convert, cosy up by the fire and stare into the depths of your Acne Studios print.
Mid-Century Modern Inspired Decor
If it wasn’t obvious from the velvet sofas and hard-wood sideboards consistently decorating your feed, mid-century modern has always been on-trend. Spanning from around 1933 to 1965, and including architecture as well as industrial, interior, and graphic design, pieces such as this Vitra clock are heavily influenced by the aesthetic.
Organic and simple form, emphasis on function and democratic design are at the heart of the movement, driven by the likes of Harry Bertoia, Arne Jacobsen, and George Nelson.
We love the sleek functionality of lamps by Anglepoise and HAY, as well as the curved silhouette of this Vitra butterfly stool — a plywood moulding technique developed by mid-century modern pioneers Charles and Ray Eames.