Sites to Behold: April
As you may have guessed, I’ve been ensconced in our gleaming new bathroom for the past month, pinching myself that the renovation is actually over. But a gal can’t live in pristine white-subway-tile bliss forever. So here I am, back to reality.
A funny thing happened, though, after all the drywall dust settled—I’m now even more obsessed with shelter blogs, voyeuristic house tours, and home accessories like coasters and dish towels. (During my eighteen years as a renter, I somehow never gave that stuff a second thought.) While places like cb2, West Elm, and Amazon offer most of what I need, for the quirky touches that really give my house its colorful personality, you can’t beat these niche sites:
OK, Fab isn’t exactly small potatoes in e-commerce but I had to include it in my list. If you can look beyond the tired kitsch of their sausage pillows and sandwich tents, some delightful items await.
I bought whimsical and well-made tea towels here. (Plus, Etsy’s PayPal integration makes payment a breeze.)
Tea towels by Piano Nobile from Fab.com and Avril Loreti on Etsy to brighten my kitchen for spring.
I haven’t purchased anything yet from this beautiful L.A.-based stationery store but their cheerful aesthetic is right up my alley. It’s only a matter of time before I succumb.
Gold foil letterpress “Bubbly Cheers” coaster from Sugar Paper.
This colorful shop in North Carolina serves up a wide range of goods, from candles and cocktail glasses to books and blankets. Last year, I bought this nifty necklace (which is currently on sale for an additional 40% off!).
My “Zodiac Libra Pendant” necklace sitting on a crystal cake stand that I use to display jewelry on my dresser.
A few months ago, I replaced our duvet cover with one from San Francisco’s Crane & Canopy. Besides its softness and subtle design, its best feature is the zipper enclosure (who wants to fumble with a row of buttons every time you need to remove the comforter?).
The “Octavia Jacquard Gray Duvet Cover.” (Not pictured in this photo are the matching shams I subsequently bought.)
This Brooklyn-based store carries the most impeccable selection of objets to “inspire and enrich your daily life.” Be prepared to swoon and spend.
From Leif, I ordered this “Pink Pinwheel Woven Bowl” to provide a little storage on the nightstand in our guest room.
Terrain is an enchanting home and garden store from the same Philly folks who created Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People. They have two brick-and-mortar locations, including one in Glen Mills, PA not far from my mom’s house. (I think a field trip is definitely in order.)
I bought plush hand towels made in Portugal from Terrain but they weren’t eye-catching enough to photograph. So instead, here’s some gorgeous bubble bath available on the website.
Going forward, I’ll share these types of links on a more regular basis. Think of them as helpful resources to dress up your nest—and don’t worry, Gwyneth Paltrow’s insufferable goop will never make the cut.