THE QUESTION of how a house becomes a home has occupied my mind with particular intensity of late. Following a recent move, I’ve found myself enthralled, almost obsessively, by the quiet alchemy of interior design. Suddenly, an untouched corner feels like a conceptual void; an unadorned shelf appears perilously unfinished; the absence of a single kitchen tool threatens to derail an entire culinary ambition. Perhaps it is melodramatic, but the truth remains: creating a space from the ground up can feel at once exhilarating and overwhelming, which is why so many of our domestic intentions remain indefinitely on hold.
This Christmas, there is a special resonance in offering a gift that honours someone’s sanctuary – an object capable of subtly transforming their environment, lending it a sense of presence, intention and care. Such gestures, when chosen with thought and discernment, carry a rare sincerity.
The pieces that follow are objects that have quietly shaped the making of my own home. They stand not merely as functional items but as emblematic forms – bridges between architecture, art and fashion –that evolve into lasting artefacts. Each brand represented offers craftsmanship of genuine distinction, revealing the beauty of design when executed with clarity, precision and soul.
La Redoute Interieurs – Frankie Flat Woven Moiré Effect Rug in Amber
£379.99 – Buy here
This abstract interpretation of an animal-print rug has become the centrepiece of my bedroom. I know firsthand how daunting it can be to choose a rug that truly complements a room’s furnishings, but this amber design achieves exactly that – and more.
ANŪT Cairo – Palm 2 Wall Art
£105 at Couverture & The Garbstore – Buy here
Rustic yet rich with artistic character, this wall piece by ANŪT Cairo embodies a sense of individuality reminiscent of treasures discovered at a rural artisan market. Its palette is thoughtfully balanced, allowing the colours to settle effortlessly into any room.
Studio Brocky – Capsule Pedestal
£3,260 – Buy here
Studio Brocky, a new London-based design studio, has launched its debut collection of 1960s-inspired furniture, and this sculptural pedestal is the perfect touch of theatrical flair your living room deserves. Its metallic finish allows it to settle seamlessly into almost any setting.
Anthropologie – Flores Azin Classic Persian Medallion Rug
£188 – Buy here
Another excellent option for those seeking a rug that enhances rather than overwhelms a space, this contemporary take on a Persian medallion rug is beautifully soft, available in multiple sizes, and features a palette of colours that can frame any room with ease.
Rockett St George – Champagne Seventies Glass Table Lamp
£95 – Buy here
Delightfully inviting, this champagne-toned lamp glistens even when off. It catches the light beautifully, drawing the eye to corners of a room that might otherwise go unnoticed – and when illuminated, the effect becomes even more striking.
Bloomingville – Heikki Bowl
€94,90 – Buy here
Crafted from stoneware, this large serving bowl is hand-painted, giving each piece its own individuality. It has quickly become the ultimate “Where did you get that?” when hosting guests for dinner. I’ve begun leaving it on the table as a permanent feature.
Ferm Living – Amber Water Swirl Vase
£125 – Buy here
A truly dreamy vase for all your move-in flowers. The mouth-blown glass in a warm amber shade recalls a whirl of cascading liquid – functioning effortlessly as a centrepiece, a shelf ornament and a vase all at once.
Dirk Van der Kooij x Kelly Wearstler – Changing Vase
$1,720 – Buy here
A piece of functional art and an instant conversation starter. Made from medium reclaimed plastic, it is defined by a softly ribbed exterior and an amorphous silhouette that shifts subtly depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
ANŪT Cairo – Manial Peacock Tagine
£201 – Buy here
Hand-crafted with artisans in Fayoum, Egypt, this tagine showcases vibrant artistry and hand-painted flair. Traditional at heart yet modern in execution, it is the perfect addition to any tablescape.
Rebecca Udall – Round Rattan Placemat
£22 – Buy here
Few things are more gut-wrenching than splashing tomato sauce on a brand-new tablecloth – but fear not. Rebecca Udall’s placemats are the ideal blend of design and practicality, offering a stylish shield against spillages. They pair beautifully with almost any tablecloth print, too.
Heal’s – Stripe Quilt Navy
£159 – Buy here
Stripes remain a failsafe in interiors – the perfect way to break up solid colour or bold pattern. This quilt is handcrafted in India from navy and olive cotton voile, with each patchwork panel stitched with intricate kantha detailing, creating a uniquely soft and textured finish.
Toast – Organic Cotton Ticking Stripe Fitted Sheet
£125 Duvet Cover in Clay/Ecru – Buy here
£48 Pillowcase Set in Clay/Ecru – Buy here
£60 Fitted Sheet in Ecru/Straw – Buy here
These are genuinely life-changing sheets. I’ve always felt compelled to hide my bedding beneath a quilt or throw, but since converting to this gloriously soft striped set from Toast – paired with a contrasting fitted sheet – bedspreads have become unnecessary. They even look Instagram-worthy with the bed unmade.
Lapuan Kankurit – Koirapuisto Wool Blanket
£89 at Couverture & The Garbstore – Buy here
Another home essential that has proved invaluable – offering both comforting warmth and an instant lift to the spirits. Featuring a joyful parade of dogs illustrated by Finnish artist Matti Pikkujämsä and crafted in Finland from New Zealand wool, it is a cosy, characterful companion for any space.
Rise & Fall – Merino Wool Throw in Herb
£140 – Buy here
Crafted in Northern Italy by a fourth-generation family-run mill, this Merino wool throw features a double-faced design in wonderfully inviting herb-green tones. It’s the perfect companion for cooler months and an effortlessly harmonious addition to any room.
Desmond and Dempsey – 402 Long Pyjama Set Dot White/Black
£100 – Buy here
Is it acceptable to admit that I do a good portion of my DIY in my pyjamas? That early-morning surge of productivity often sends me straight from bed to the shed for tools – and this polka-dot pair has become my unwavering companion throughout.
Nest New York – VOYAGES Winter Soirée Reed Diffuser (500ml)
$245 – Buy here
Every new home deserves its first signature scent. Warm cardamom tea, cinnamon and ginger blend with smooth amber and crème caramel, all set against a backdrop of velvety vanilla and rich tobacco leaves in this beautifully composed Winter Soirée diffuser.
La Double J – Bubble Candle Stick
£240 – Buy here
Murano glass has been high on my search list while curating my home, and this green candlestick from La DoubleJ perfectly illustrates why. Crafted by historic glass-blowers in Venice, it delivers a modern reinterpretation of classic Italian glamour. I’ve paired mine with a rust-coloured taper candle, and the effect is glorious.
Swoon – Mosby Storage Box
£449 – Buy here
As leaders in distinctive furniture design, Swoon truly understand how to create pieces you’ll keep for years. This storage box has taken on double duty as both my coffee table and blanket chest. Sleek and sophisticated, it’s crafted from dark-brown acacia with brass and black steel detailing.
Valentino – A Grand Italian Epic
£100 – Buy here
A coffee-table book for true aesthetes. Featuring editorials, advertisements and archival imagery to make anyone with an artistic eye swoon, A Grand Italian Epic traces the illustrious career of one of fashion’s most influential couturiers, Valentino.
Shoes A–Z – The Collection of The Museum at FIT
£125 – Buy here
If, like me, you’ve managed to squeeze your excessive shoe collection into every spare centimetre of the house while you search for a better storage system, you’ll appreciate a book like this – a reminder of the beauty within those boxes. Celebrating the heroes of footwear in an artful format, it may even inspire you to display them as part of your interiors.
Mysoda – Glassy sparkling water maker in latte
£215 – Buy here
It may technically be a sparkling water maker, but it’s often mistaken for an art object – it’s that beautiful. Mysoda’s sleek, sculptural form conceals state-of-the-art functionality and durability, making it a true fixture in my home.
Pomax – Mykonos Pitcher in Green
£30 at Couverture & The Garbstore – Buy here
Whether filled with water, wine or flowers, this pitcher’s hand-brushed stripes and gently rustic porcelain edges bring an inviting, homely warmth to any space. I’ve filled mine with tinsel this Christmas, proving that this is more than just a pitcher.
Clase Azul – Clase Azul Guerrero Mezcal 700ml
£420 – Buy here
Clase Azul has once again created one of the most exquisite bottle designs I’ve ever seen. I consider it a work of craftsmanship first and foremost, which makes finally tasting the award-winning mezcal inside all the more special. Once finished, keep the bottle as a vase or a conversation piece – it’s far too beautiful to discard.
Addison Ross – Silver Bobbin Salt and Pepper Mill
£55 – Buy here
It took me quite some time to find the perfect salt and pepper mill – it’s all too easy to fall into the design-over-function trap with the sheer number of options available. This one from Addison Ross delivers both style and substance, with its sleek silver lacquer finish and generous interior that means fewer refills.
Victorinox – Swiss Modern 20cm Fluted Santoku Knife with Walnut Handle
£94.99 – Buy here
For those who love to cook, this Swiss-made Santoku knife is a dream. Its fluted, precision-sharpened edge makes it ideal for push cuts – vegetables, meat, fish, you name it. The Japanese name refers to its “three virtues”: slicing, dicing and chopping.
Lakeland – Circulon ScratchDefense 28cm Sauté Pan
£129.99 – Buy here
I deliberated over pans for quite some time: three-ply or five-ply? Silver or black? With or without a detachable handle? This sauté pan cuts through the noise and simply delivers. Featuring advanced ScratchDefense non-stick technology, a 4.7-litre capacity, even heat distribution and easy cleaning, it has become an indispensable support in the kitchen.
Whether destined for someone special or selected as a personal indulgence, these designs offer a considered balance of style, craft and functionality. Each one earns its place in any home, making them exceptional choices for the season of giving – and for the many seasons that follow.
by Lily Rimmer