Interior designers have a keen eye for design and are always on the lookout for products that can enhance their spaces. Just like anyone else, they have their personal picks of items that make their lives a little less stressful, save them time or money, or simply bring a smile to their faces every time they walk by it. In this article, we will explore some of the top products that interior designers swear by and how you can incorporate them into your own home.
One popular item that designers love is the Design Within Reach Rice Paper Shade. Kimberly Bevan, founder of Bevan Interiors, raves about this chic pendant light that fills the room with a beautiful ambient glow. The bamboo paper shade adds buoyancy to a space and works well in both modern and traditional settings. With a variety of shapes and sizes available, this pendant light is not only stylish but also budget-friendly, priced at less than $100. Bevan recommends giving the paper shade a light feather dusting occasionally to keep it looking pristine.
Another favorite among designers is the BlueStar Range. Emily Vaughan, owner of Emily Vaughan Interiors, praises this range for its professional-grade features and budget-friendly price. The open burners allow for even cooking at high temperatures, while the cast iron cooktop is easy to clean. The spacious oven can fit two full-size sheet pans, making it ideal for holiday cooking. Vaughan suggests choosing an accent color for your appliances that complements your kitchen’s existing color scheme.
For furniture, Shelagh Conway, owner of Triple Heart Design, swears by the Maison Distressed Black Oak 4-Door Buffet Sideboard. This substantial piece acts as a dresser in Conway’s large bedroom and has been a grounding element through many design changes. She recommends not being afraid to use black in a bedroom, as it can provide a sense of calm when mixed with other wood tones.
When it comes to comfort, Byron Risdon, founder of Byron Risdon Interior Design Studio, loves the West Elm Luxe Chenille Throws. These soft and luxurious throws are perfect for overnight guests and everyday use. Risdon looks for comfort, softness, and durability when buying throws and suggests choosing a size that is big enough to cover your body without feeling overwhelming.
In the realm of appliances, Ariel Richardson, founder and lead designer of ASR Design Studio, can’t get enough of the Miele Washer and Dryer. This stackable set may be smaller than typical US brands, but it offers ample space for laundry. Richardson appreciates the cleaning cartridges that dispense the right amount of detergent and the ventless dryer that can be placed anywhere in the house.
For a touch of whimsy, Tamara Honey, principal and creative director of House of Honey, recommends adding a disco ball to any room. This playful accessory instantly transforms the feel of a space and creates a magical atmosphere with glimmering lights. Honey suggests placing the disco ball near a window to let the light pour in and create a magical effect.
When it comes to furniture, Aimee Meisgeier, founder and lead designer of AM Interior Design, loves the Beta Modular Sofa from Article. This deep, comfortable sectional can be customized in size and fabric, making it a versatile piece for lounging. Meisgeier recommends determining your sofa needs before purchasing and measuring the space to ensure the sofa fits perfectly.
For entertaining, Linette Dai, founder of Linette Dai Design, swears by the CB2 Muse Smoked Coupe Glass. These chic cocktail glasses add elegance to any gathering and can be used for a variety of beverages. Dai suggests pairing the coupe glasses with bite-sized snacks in a sculptural ceramic dish for a stylish presentation.
In the realm of storage, Linette Dai also loves the CB2 Suspend Walnut & Marble Media Console. This practical yet beautiful piece features a walnut veneer pattern on the doors and a marble top surface. Dai recommends styling the console top with minimal essentials to reduce clutter and create a clean, modern look.
For decor, Azali Kassum, founder of Azali Kassum Design, adores the Victoria Morris Large Gourd Vase in Ivory. This gourd-shaped vase adds a sculptural elegance to any space and can be used as a standalone piece or filled with seasonal blooms. Kassum recommends hand-washing ceramics with gentle dish soap and placing them in the sun to air-dry.
When it comes to displaying memories, Gina Gutierrez, founder and lead designer of Gina Rachelle Design, loves the Joss & Main Tellis Marble Picture Frame. This classic and timeless frame comes in a variety of sizes and finishes, making it perfect for filling extra space in a built-in or on a console table. Gutierrez recommends using the „rule of three“ when styling the frame to create rhythm and balance in a space.
For art lovers, Sarah Rinehart Fleischer, founder of SRF Interiors, cherishes the painting „Dancing on Yellow, 2001“ by Dana Bell. This bold and colorful painting adds a pop of color to any space and can brighten up an otherwise awkward wall. Fleischer recommends keeping the measurements of unusual-sized spaces handy to quickly determine if a piece of art will fit.
For a calming atmosphere, Lorna Gross, CEO and principal designer of LORNA GROSS Interior Design, loves the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Scented Candle. This versatile candle can be used in any room of the house and instantly creates a calm and inviting atmosphere. Gross recommends keeping the lid on the candle to prevent dust from collecting and to hide burn marks.
When it comes to versatile furniture, Nadia Watts, founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design, swears by the Kartell Pilastro Stool. This unique stool features interesting lines and shapes and can be used as a side table, footstool, or extra seating. Watts recommends filling rooms with multi-use pieces that serve both a functional and decorative purpose.
For cozy comfort, Brianna Untener, founder of Brianna Scott Interiors, loves the Serena & Lily Milo Alpaca Throw. This soft and luxurious throw works well in any room and adds warmth and texture. Untener suggests displaying the throw on a chair to visually pull a room together.
For durable rugs, Shauna Glenn, owner and lead designer of Shauna Glenn Design, swears by the Annie Selke Paint Chip Multi Hand Micro-Hooked Wool Rug. This colorful and low-pile wool rug stands up to high traffic areas and is easy to clean. Glenn recommends regular vacuuming and shaking the rug outside to keep it looking vibrant.
For versatile seating, Joni Burden, founder and creative director of J. Banks Design, loves the Gabby Laura Swivel Chair. This timeless and elegant chair is compact yet comfortable and can be used in a variety of spaces. Burden recommends using a swivel chair in a family room for added functionality and flexibility.
When it comes to paint colors, Isabel Ladd, principal of Isabel Ladd Interiors, adores the Bancha Paint by Farrow & Ball. This deep, rich green shade adds warmth and depth to small spaces and pairs well with different colors. Ladd recommends choosing a tinted primer to give the green color depth and richness.
For a touch of luxury, Cynthia Lananh, founder of Cynthia Lananh, loves the Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle. This neutral-scented candle features leather and smoky undertones and comes in elegant packaging. Lananh suggests displaying the candle with a design-savvy candle snuffer and wick trimmer for added style.
For a functional and stylish water filtration system, Brittany Hakimfar, lead designer and founder of Far Studio, swears by the Zip Water HydroTap Celsius All-in-One Water Filter Faucet. This system offers instant still, sparkling, hot, and cold water in seven luxurious finishes. Hakimfar recommends choosing a classic finish like chrome or matte black for a contemporary kitchen.
Finally, for comfortable and stylish seating, Lina Galvão, co-founder of Curated Nest, loves the Scout Design Studio Promenade Sofa. This approachable sofa features sculptural arms and a retro feel while offering comfort for napping and conversation. Galvão suggests adding pillows to a sofa for both comfort and style or letting the sofa’s shape shine on its own.
In conclusion, interior designers have a keen eye for products that enhance their spaces and make their lives easier. From lighting and furniture to decor and appliances, these top picks from designers can inspire you to elevate your own home with style and functionality. Whether you’re looking for comfort, style, or practicality, these designer-approved products are sure to bring a touch of luxury and sophistication to your living space.