From classics to hidden gem– a guide
Who doesn’t want a home that is filled with gorgeous pieces that you’ll love and cherish forever? However, finding the right interior decor pieces and accessories can be quite difficult. There are so many different brands and shops out there, so many different styles, making it difficult to choose items that work well for you. Furthermore, the world of interior is flooded with some famous “big players” that also often function as the go-to companies when shopping for interiors. This very often limits designs and make the final look boring, replaceable, and not very unique.
From my experience working as an award-winning interior designer with many clients across the globe, a lot of people do not know where to actually start looking for nice pieces. And very often, they are not even aware that pretty much anything can also be found in “pretty”. I love to think of interior design in the same way as relationships: do not settle for less! You do not need to have a basic trashcan that looks horrendous, you don’t need to have a clothing rack that’s made out of plastic and looks ugly. There are alternatives! Reeeallly good ones in fact.
In this blogpost, I want to share with you some of my favorite places to shop for interior related pieces. Whether it is furniture or decor elements, these brands have great selections, unique pieces, and not only offer the mainstream material. Now I do have to mention that some of these brands have had some viral decor items that have kind of become mainstream, however, overall they have a great selection where many unique items can be found too.
Before we get started looking at the best brands, feel free to let me know if you have any favorite interior design companies! Always looking for new brands, so very excited to hear your thoughts on my selection, as well as learn more from you. But now, let’s take a look at some of my favorite brands to shop interior related items from:
1. Zara Home
Zara Home is not really a secret anymore, however, I do think it is worth mentioning as the designs always serve!!! It’s a fantastic place to shop items that look and feel very expensive, while actually being quite budget-friendly (interior pieces can be so expensive, so in relation to other brands, Zara Home is actually pretty cheap). I mainly use Zara Home for decor pieces and textiles, however, their lamps and furniture pieces are also a fantastic choice. In my opinion, the furniture pieces often come at a too high price point, while the accessories and decor elements have a really good value.
2. H&M Home
Another classic that is becoming more and more popular is H&M Home. While they offer a great selection of items, the designs vary. Some pieces I find extremely gorgeous and would buy within a blink of an eye, while others do not look as “designed” and more mainstream. However, I truly love their pieces and always love to take a look at their selection.
3. Anthropologie
Super cute brand with a better selection in the US, Anthropologie is a fun brand with many unique decor items and cute designs. I love their unique approach to decor elements, offering things that can not be found everywhere. Things I have bought from Anthropologie and loved: mirrors, ceramics, textiles, and anything decor related.
4. 1stDibs
This platform is my go-to place when looking for extremely unique furniture and decor items. Very often, these items are vintage or second-hand, as well as one-of-a-kind items that can’t be bought like that anymore. Now the prices are usually quite high, as it really is a platform for very unique items, but if you ever look for something that is perfectly curated and carefully sourced, then you’ve found the right platform!
5. Nordiska Galleriet
One of my favorite places to shop furniture that is unique, designer, but still in a good price point. I really love that NO-GA has a very individual selection of furniture items, however, they do not have too many items. Other sellers often have ten-thousands of different items, which can be overwhelming. I personally prefer a smaller selection but with really unique designs and special items.
6. Lulu & Georgia
For my US-readers, Lulu & Georgia is one of those brands I truly miss in Europe. So whenever I have a client in the US, I am beyond excited!!! They offer a fantastic variety of items, a very large selection, have everything from furniture to decor elements, and have beautiful designs. I adore the style direction of a mix of vintage and traditional but packed up in modern elements. Another plus point is that many furniture pieces can be bought in multiple different colors or fabrics, making it really easy to fit into any interior design style.
7. Mrs. Alice
Mrs. Alice is a brand that offers the most gorgeous and most unique table setting elements. I am a huge fan of their full selection, particularly the opportunity to combine different items and buy a full look (from placemats to napkins, glasses, and ceramics). Keep in mind Mrs. Alice designs are unique and very often quite colorful, making table decorations fun and fancy. Very unique designs that I haven’t seen anywhere else before. Love!
8. Arket
Do you know Arket? It’s a fantastic brand, mostly known for their fashion, actually! They have beautiful stores and offer minimalistic designs. However, a little secret that not many people know is that Arket actually has a fantastic selection of home decor items! They have a small but nicely curated collection of special brands from which they offer the most popular designs. I have found amazing tableware items and cutting boards made out of wood, in fancy shapes. Truly so nice!
9. VOLTA Vienna
One of my go-to brands when it comes to unique interior decor items. I have found some real gems here! Love that the selection is small but gold and that they also have an online shop. If you are ever in Vienna, you can also stop by in their super cute store. The chessboard I have you all keep asking me about is from VOLTA too!
10. Tadaima Copenhagen
Discovered this cute shop when I was in Copenhagen and fell in love with their pieces. They have such unique pieces that give a touch of Japandi and Wabi Wabi. I adore the imperfection many of their pieces embrace, making everything look so special and handcrafted. Their vases and tableware items are true gems and I hope to incorporate a few new pieces from them soon.
11. RH Collection
I don’t think this brand is completely unknown, however, many people do not know what a fantastic selection they offer. The prices are pretty high but the pieces have an amazing quality. Overall, RH Collection is not a secret store and used by many hotels and corporate places in the world, but I think it is not very well-known when it comes to the everyday living! Great pieces and choices to look into when you are particularly looking for furniture that gives a luxurious, lush look in neutral colors and beautiful materials.
12. L’Objet
Another brand focusing on interior decor elements mostly, with a huge focus on tableware, ceramics, and apothecary. I really love the very unique designs that stand out! In my opinion, items from L’Objet can be identified easily and give a very sophisticated look. Obsessed!
13. Twenty Third by Deanne
Only discovered this wonderful brand not too long ago and have been obsessed with their pieces ever since! I truly love the unique pieces, that bring together so much character and a sense of vintage. Their vases and vessels are absolutely perfect but sell out quickly, so if you find something you like, I recommend to be fast. Very worth it!!!
How do you like my selection? Of course, there are so many other brands out there too that offer fantastic home decor pieces, however, the above are great places to approach when looking for items with character and uniqueness. Please let me know if you think I forgot a brand and which ones you enjoy shopping at. I would love to know!
Also make sure to check out other blogposts that might be relevant for you, such as:
Timeless Design Elements That Never Go Out Of Style – read here
How To Make Your Home Look Expensive On A Budget – read here
