โŒ

Reading view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.

I'm an interior designer — here are 9 things I'd absolutely get at Williams Sonoma right now

The writer Bri Macdonald wears a bright-blue cardigan and stands in front of William-Sonoma
I'm an interior designer who recently shopped at Williams Sonoma.

Bri Macdonald

  • I'm an interior designer who recently visited Williams Sonoma to see if anything caught my eye.
  • The store's selection of cutting boards, linen tablecloths, and napkins seemed high-quality.
  • Items like a SMEG toaster or copper cookware could instantly elevate a kitchen's aesthetic.

As an interior designer with a keen eye for aesthetics and practicality, walking into a Williams Sonoma store is an exhilarating experience for me.

The brand, which has over 140 locations in the US, is known for its wide array of high-quality kitchenware, home decor, and culinary tools.

Here are a few things I'd absolutely get at Williams Sonoma right now.

Copper cookware looks classy in almost any kitchen.
Two wooden shelves with copper cookware at William-Sonoma
I'd display copper cookware by hanging it from a rack.

Bri Macdonald

Nothing exudes class quite like copper cookware.

At my local Williams Sonoma, I found a large selection of copper pots and saucepans, as well as accessories like kettles, roasting pans, and serving plates โ€” perfect for creating a matching set.

I like to hang copper cookware from a pot rack so guests can see the beautiful details on display.

The cookware in the Tucci by GreenPan set comes in a nice variety of eye-catching shades.
White, blue, and black Tucci cookware at William-Sonoma with a sign with Stanley Tucci in the background
The pots and pans in the Tucci by GreenPan set look pretty and durable.

Bri Macdonald

As an avid follower of culinary content creators, I often find myself captivated by Stanley Tucci's delightful cooking videos on social media.

So, I was excited to stumble upon his collection with GreenPan, which seems designed to last.

The pots and pans have tight-fitting glass lids and stainless-steel handles designed for comfort and control while cooking. This cookware also comes in various colors to add a fun, vibrant pop to the kitchen counter.

Well-designed kitchen tools can enhance functionality and aesthetics, and, in my opinion, this collection is worth checking out.

I fell in love with the SMEG four-slice toaster.
A dark-gray Smeg toaster on a wooden shelf with metal pieces
The SMEG four-slice toaster combines functionality and style.

Bri Macdonald

Who doesn't want a dash of retro charm in their kitchen? SMEG appliances are known for their classic designs, making them functional and stylish additions to any space.

I love the SMEG four-slice toaster because it has a large enough opening to perfectly toast a large piece of sourdough. It also comes in pastel colors that can beautifully complement a kitchen design.

I noticed an impressive selection of cutting boards at my local store.
Wooden cutting boards in a display on a stone countertop at William-Sonoma
The cutting boards on display looked like they were made to last.

Bri Macdonald

A high-quality cutting board is an essential cornerstone of any well-equipped kitchen.

The cutting boards available at my store looked like they were designed to endure the rigors of daily use while retaining their timeless appeal.

I recommend curating a collection of various sizes and styles to accommodate different entertaining needs. A diverse selection ensures you're ready for anything, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties that call for beautifully arranged cheese boards.

The selection of liquid soaps would elevate any guest bathroom or kitchen.
A display of colorful liquid soap in clear dispensers and white boxes with colorful labels on wooden shelves
Williams Sonoma had tons of soaps to choose from.

Bri Macdonald

There's something charming about having gorgeous scented soaps by the guest-bathroom sink or kitchen counter.

They're not just practical โ€” their lovely packaging and heavenly fragrances add a little extra magic to a space. Plus, they make the sweetest gifts.

I think the KitchenAid stand mixers are must-buys for anyone wanting a functional yet stylish space.
Two green and silver KitchenAid mixers with red bows on them on a wooden shelf
The KitchenAid stand mixers can make dough, whipped cream, and more.

Bri Macdonald

For anyone who loves baking, the KitchenAid stand mixer simply cannot be beat.

This mixer, which comes with a steel bowl and various attachments, can make dough, whipped cream, and other recipes.

Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable and it looks adorable nestled in the corner of a countertop. The mixer also comes in various colors to match any kitchen decor.

I'm a big fan of the Breville Oracle jet espresso machine.
A silver coffee maker in a display with red decorations at William-Sonoma
The Breville Oracle jet espresso machine is an efficient, refined appliance.

Bri Macdonald

Perfecting your morning routine begins with crafting the ideal cup of coffee. For me, this is where the Breville Oracle jet espresso machine comes into play.

I love how its sleek design marries functionality with refinement. It's an efficient yet attractive countertop appliance that I look forward to using each morning.

High-quality linen tablecloths and napkins can transform an ordinary dining experience into an extraordinary one.
Colorful linen tablecloth and napkin sets on wooden shelves at William-Sonoma
I love the variety of linen tablecloths and napkins at Williams Sonoma.

Bri Macdonald

As a designer, I think investing in high-quality linen tablecloths and napkins is nonnegotiable. My mom still uses linen napkins she bought from Williams Sonoma two decades ago.

These linens, which come in neutral tones and classic stripes, exude timeless elegance that can be dressed up for special occasions or kept casual for family dinners.

The Aarke carbonators are my go-to for all things bubbly.
Two Aarke carbonator machines and glass bottles on a wooden shelf
The Aarke carbonators have sleek yet simple designs.

Bri Macdonald

As a soda-water drinker, I've experimented with just about every fizzy-beverage option โ€” cans, machines, you name it. However, when it comes to aesthetics and elegance, my favorite is the Aarke carbonator.

This appliance's sleek yet simple design truly stands out. It also comes with glass bottles that are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to a space.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I'm an interior designer who works with high-profile clients. Here are 8 things the rich are putting in their homes right now.

Ben Franklin sits on a linen armchair with a fancy end table.
Wealthy clients are asking for conversation pieces and sustainable materials in their homes.

Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

  • I'm an interior designer who's worked with wealthy clients with large budgets.
  • Lately, more clients have been asking me to include expensive conversation pieces in their homes.
  • My wealthy clients also gravitate toward eco-friendly materials and statement stones, like onyx.

As an interior designer, I always love working with clients to create spaces that showcase their personalities and values, no matter their budget. But recently, I've had the opportunity to peel back the curtain and see what the wealthy are asking for in their homes.

Over the past year, I've been working with high-profile clients โ€” from influencers to a CEO โ€” with large budgets. So, I feel like I have a front-row seat to the latest trends in luxury home decor.

Here's what the wealthy are currently loving in their homes.

Clients are constantly asking for conversation pieces.
A black table filled with items looking onto a beige fireplace filled with dried flowers and other plants
One client asked me to incorporate a 17th-century fireplace (not pictured) into their home.

Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images

This might sound odd, but some clients insist on incorporating seemingly random, vintage (and, in my opinion, extremely overpriced) items into their homes.

These pieces have ranged from a salvaged fireplace from a 17th-century home in France to a weathered wooden door from an abandoned Italian villa. But honestly, I'm all for it.

Having something interesting to talk about when people walk in never hurts. Imagine someone complimenting your fireplace and casually replying, "Thanks, I shipped it from France." Talk about a conversation starter.

Custom art is becoming more popular among my clients.
A bedroom with a bed with white and beige sheets, a beige couch, and several pieces of artwork on the wall
I love decorating spaces with custom art pieces.

Sammi Smith

I recently worked with clients who wanted art pieces that reflected their personalities.

Instead of picking something off the shelf, I made custom art that fit my clients' visions. Many of these pieces, which required large paintings or paper canvases, were very expensive to make.

Still, my clients loved being part of the creative journey, tweaking and perfecting their masterpieces until they felt just right. As a designer, seeing someone light up when they look at a one-of-a-kind piece hanging on their wall is fulfilling.ย 

Sustainability is definitely in.
Two dark-brown hanging lamps with LED lightbulbs and a window looking onto trees in the background
My wealthy clients have asked for eco-friendly items, like LED light bulbs, in their homes.

Ton Photographer 4289/Shutterstock

Many of my affluent clients search for materials that look stunning and are made with sustainability in mind โ€” think energy-efficient lighting, reclaimed wood, and renewable-energy sources.

For example, I've recently sourced sustainably made mattresses for a bedroom and salvaged boards from a barn for a kitchen backsplash.

I believe the future of interior design, especially in luxury homes, will revolve around sustainability. Over the next few years, I expect more designers to ask questions like, "How can we reuse marble to give it a second life?"

Statement stones like onyx and exotic marbles are popular among clients.
A bathroom with a stone bathtub and a tiled wall with various shades of gray and textures
My clients love stone tiles and counters with bold colors and veins.

asbe/Getty Images

Gone are the days of plain countertops and all-white rooms that lack personality. Many of my high-end clients embrace bold statement stones like onyx and exotic marbles that showcase rich lines in the stone and make a striking impact.

Picture a kitchen with a stunning onyx backsplash or a bathroom countertop that elicits a "wow." Statement stones can elevate an ordinary space into something truly unique.

Custom-made furniture is definitely a favorite.
A gray couch with navy and white pillows next to a wall with a built-in shelf filled with baskets, books, and frames
I love perfectly sizing pieces of furniture to fit a space.

Sammi Smith

Custom-made furniture can be a game changer. I love the satisfaction of perfectly sizing a sofa to fit into a tricky corner or coordinating the trim on dining-room chairs with the fabric on a living-room couch.

Though custom pieces aren't essential โ€” many of my favorite couches come from Ikea and other big-box stores โ€” customizing furniture provides a chance to create unique items that reflect personal style and needs.

Clients who choose the custom-furniture route can select their preferred styles, source unique fabrics, and find ideal cushion fillings.

I've recently been incorporating ambient lighting into my clients' homes.
A headboard with two white pillows next to a sconce with a basket-weave lampshade and a small painting of a seaside scene
Ambient lighting can come from hidden LED strips or lamps that emit a soft glow.

Sammi Smith

Have you ever walked into a nice restaurant and noticed a cozy vibe from the lighting? Ambient lighting โ€” soft, glowing light that usually serves as a room's primary source of illumination โ€” instantly makes everything feel more inviting.

Lately, my clients with big budgets are asking for custom ambient lighting in every corner of their homes. These fixtures, which range from LED strips tucked away in architectural details to beautifully designed lamps that cast a warm glow, create a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere.

Organic mattresses seem to be all the rage.
A bedroom with a bed with white comforters and tan pillows, graphic artwork, and beige curtains looking onto a backyard filled with trees
Lately, I've been furnishing my clients' homes with organic mattresses.

Sammi Smith

Some mattresses contain polyurethane foam, which can emit chemicals known as volatile organic compounds. Some of these chemicals can be harmful, so lately, I've been furnishing my client's bedrooms with organic mattresses instead.

I recently stumbled upon Avocado Green Mattress, a company specializing in organic mattresses and luxury bedding. So far, I've used the brand's mattresses and furniture in two of my projects, and they've been a hit.

Linen materials are everywhere.
A room with a bed with a white comforter and pillows next to a white nightstand, a mirror, and a window with a blue and white linen curtain
I love linen because it feels luxurious and is versatile.

Sammi Smith

Luxurious linens are popping up everywhere, and honestly, I couldn't be more excited about it.

Linen has proved to be so much more than just a bedding essential. The fabric has an effortlessly luxurious aesthetic, has great breathability, and is versatile enough for furniture, bedding, and window treatments.

Imagine draping your windows with stunning linen curtains that filter light and add a chic touch to your living space. Or how about reupholstering an old chair with some high-quality linen? This fabric can easily give your space a fresh new personality.

Read the original article on Business Insider

โŒ