Now, perhaps more than ever, it’s important to make your home a sanctuary. Everybody’s version of tranquility is different, and what we surround ourselves with comes down to taste and budget. For some, a lavish throw blanket to curl up inside while watching movies will be ideal. For others, a handmade lamp to read beside. Perhaps it’s a simple wooden vase to place in a sun-drenched corner of the room. Whether a beautiful artwork to gaze upon, a book to bury yourself in, luxurious loungewear, incense, records, cushions, you name it—each item here is meant to be enjoyed at home. Staying home needn’t be defeatist; it can be replenishing, comforting and often provides some of your favorite moments.
The plunger is a household essential, but one that’s rarely attractive. This one—available in four bright colorways—from NYC-based Staff is more design-forward and playful than most on the market. With an acrylic handle, it comes with a sanitary drip tray and stands just under 24 inches tall. Founded during the pandemic by Charlie Weisman, Staff aims to bring thoughtful design, interesting materials, bold colors and character to oft-overlooked household items.
Each Valeria Vasi object is handcrafted in Barcelona, including the just released and limited edition Liquid Vase. The handblown glass vessel stands 25cm tall (just under 10 inches) and its fluid form appears just as striking whether holding a bloom or empty. It’s the perfect piece to illustrate how Vasi balances visual art with function. Price is in Euros.
The modular ECH candleholder by Warsaw-based UAU Project (founded by Justyna Fałdzińska and Miłosz Dąbrowski) transforms into various colorful combinations. Crafted from PLA, a 100% compostable bioplastic, it’s available in four different colorways and stands just under nine inches tall. Whether in use or not, the playful design looks great on display.
San Francisco-based Heath Ceramics releases new color options for their classic yet contemporary Small Pitcher. The beautifully balanced piece, handcrafted in their studio where the team experiments with textures and patterns, now comes in ombre-style options: fog and tangerine, fog and stillwater, or ochre and opaque white. Measuring 7.75 by 3.5 by 3.5 inches, this vessel makes for an elegant piece whether in use or on display.
Lauren and Cole Hansen produce their Ugly Rugly items, including this Utility Rug, in their Bushwick studio. This uneven-shaped rug promises to be hard-wearing, thanks to its 100% polyester rope construction, which is resistant to UV rays, mildew and rot. Available in three bright colorways, it will keep its shape, but feel soft underfoot—whether it’s used as an entryway doormat or anywhere else in the house.
Lewes, UK-based artists (and sisters), Liv and Dom Cave-Sutherland make a number of lovely stoneware candlesticks—each one hand-built and hand-glazed, with no cast or moulds used. Selene, the goddess of the moon, inspired the the Luna iteration. Standing about 19cm (7.5 inches) tall, the piece is perfectly functional, but looks glorious even when not in use. Price is in Pounds.
Ideal for those starting out with looming or who don’t want to commit to a massive project, WE GATHER sells this Lil Loom Kit. Along with a pre-threaded frame (measuring three by three inches), the set includes six different colored yarns, a weaving needle and illustrated instructions. The craft-centered brand also offers the slightly larger Simple Loom Kit, and the even bigger Frame Loom Kit.
From iconic NYC-based Le Labo, a new fragrance in the form of a candle: ENCENS 9. Like all their scents, ENCENS 9 proves itself to be nuanced and bewitching. Frankincense mingles with amber and clove; blending woody notes, sweetness and spice to create a rich, warm fragrance perfect for a den, study or other small nook where coziness is paramount. The 8.6-ounce candle should burn for approximately 60 hours.
With chess and checkers pieces distinguished by bright colors and graphics, this two-in-one game set is intended for anybody over the age of five. NYC-based product designer Panisa Khunprasert designed the kit, drawing influence from growing up around her family’s wooden toy business in Bangkok. The double-sided board also acts as a sliding lid for the set, and all pieces are made from sustainably grown rubberwood.
From Foscarini and Italian design duo Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, the Bump pendant ceiling lamp manipulates light through its irregular surfaces, which appear both inside and out. More than a decorative decision, these dents are the result of months of research conducted by Foscarini and the designers who aimed to create diffused and dappled light in an organic fashion. In addition to the “Petrolio” color shown, the Bump comes in frosted and golden colorways.
From the Brooklyn-based, queer-couple-owned business Queen Candle Co, this hand-poured sea salt and orchid soy candle blends luscious floral notes with a salty tang. The clean-burning creation comes in a recyclable (or reusable) container and an eight-ounce candle burns for 40 to 50 hours. Each candle is topped with a visual representation of the scent beneath—in this instance pink Himalayan salt rocks. This soothing scent is a favorite, but the brand has many more well-priced options to choose from.
Promoting a sense of calm and wellbeing, Saje’s new Mindfulness edition of their Pocket Farmacy consists of five roll-on essential oils—each of which supports a different, positive emotion. The oils—Confidence (cypress, juniper and cedar), Energy (peppermint, lemon and rosemary), Reflection (frankincense, orange and ginger), Connection (grapefruit, chamomile and sage) and Unwind (orange, lavender and cinnamon)—come with directions for how and where to apply, and what results to expect. For Unwind, the lavender promotes calmness and the orange uplifts; it is especially useful at the end of a work day. These 100% natural oils are also available separately.
Hand-knotted in Nepal, utilizing a Tibetan crossweave process with a wool loop detail, Eskayel’s made-to-order portico rug can be customized in size, color and material specifications. Organic edges and a flow of colorful accents make each charming and distinct. Rugs take three to five months to produce, depending on their size. The price below is for a portico rug measuring three by eight feet.
Represent Mott St’s beloved noodle spot Big Wong with their Made in Chinatown collaboration sweatshirt. Designed by Harry Trinh, the garment is adorned with gold embroidery on the front and with images from the eatery’s menu on the back. Available in small to XL, the classic boxy design is intended for all genders. All proceeds go directly to Big Wong.
Handwoven in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala from 100% cotton, this DittoHouse grid pillow cover combines contemporary design and traditional craft, with a brocade pattern and bold colors. 50% of the profits from its sale go to the Trama Textiles Almaya Fund, which works directly with Mayan artisans. The initiative aims to secure fair wages for women artisans working at 17 weaving cooperatives across several regions in Guatemala’s Western Highlands and preserves the communities’ traditional textile arts.
Designed by acclaimed artist Andy Rementer, Areaware’s Block Party toy series comprises seven characters (cat, duck, monkey, mouse, tiger and two humans) broken down into several pieces. Stack them anyway you like, or collect the set for mix-and-match options. Each has its own accessory—the monkey comes with a banana, while the woman has a soccer ball. Whether a collectable for an art enthusiast or a toy for a child, they add a little color and personality to any room.
