Interior designers pick their favourite pieces from the high street
If you're under the impression that the interior designers on our pages are only interested in bespoke pieces, high-end contemporary design or precious antiques, we're relieved to inform you that this is not at all the case. Clever design does not always mean spending the maximum amount of money possible, and many interior designers have sharp eyes for the best pieces to be found in markets, online platforms like Etsy or Ebay, and of course on the high street. Having asked some interior designers to pick their favourite high street pieces, we're pleased to present you with a swathe of stylish homeware options at affordable prices, picked by the experts. From Lucy Hammond Giles' picnic must-haves to Joanna Plant's striped cushions, these are the high street highlights.
Lucy Hammond Giles
While thinking of ideas for this piece I kept my beautiful note book close – when it’s finished I think I’ll choose this one – but it’s hard to say, given all the papers are so lovely.
I really like these chic cotton and linen washable napkins – they’d sit very well on a modern table, as well as one laid with antique China. They could also be taken on a picnic – I’d also pack these excellent tin plates and a recycled wool rug from the National Trust.
And when you are done with lunch you can chuck the napkins in the wash. I love these crazy coloured plastic buckets – so useful for storing washing or lego or bath toys or plants needing a water (or even to be by a small child’s bed for the odd sick day!) On the theme of washing this is an excellent tiny sink.
Victoria Gray and Taline Findlater, Olivine Design
Pooky's stylish, rechargeable light collection is slowly growing but our favourite so far is the ‘Twinky Wall Light’. It's smart in a warm antique brass finish. There's no hanging flex or chasing wiring into the walls. Perfect!
We love the stylish colour coming out of the online brand Dar Leone, especially their lampshades, cushions and table linen.
This ‘Jute Border Rug’ by Nordic Knots is a contemporary take on the natural jute rug, which still allows for the texture to show through with the pattern and colour on the border only.
Suzy Hoodless
I love this yellow lamp from Anthropologie, it lends a pop of colour to any interior, introducing colour and warmth to a bedroom, sitting room or kitchen.
Also on my list is this loveseat and chair, both from Zara. The loveseat is a cosy alternative to an armchair or sofa in a living room or reading nook, upholstered in a stonewash linen it creates a soft lived in feel. The chair is timeless. It has an understated design, the contrast between the wooden frame, leather seat and backrest offers a different dimension and comfort.
Clare Gaskin
I remember going on a summer holiday when I was about 17 to Gozo, and my parents bought beautiful table linens that these napkins really remind me of – there is also a tablecloth and table runner – best of all all they're machine washable which makes them really practical for busy households.
I've got my eye on this really gorgeous yet simple stool, could see it working in a variety of rooms/schemes – and think it is a flexible piece that would be kept for many years to come.
This lantern looks very high end with its stunning patchwork like wool panels, it feels warm, both in terms of the material and the light that you get through the variety in density of the woollen panels – all too often we find great pendants supplied with cheap looking ceiling roses - its good to see a worthy rose in iron here.
Joanna Plant
Fuelled by the fact that I am working on my own house renovation, I have been looking at lots of different light fittings trying to figure out what to put where. I stumbled across this gem which is both good value and versatile. I’m going for the bronze finish and varying the lampshades so that it works well in different rooms.
I completely adore the Upplaga range of white china from Ikea which can be bought either as set or as individual pieces making it cost effective and not the end of the world if you have the odd breakage. We bought long stacks of it for a project in Ibiza - I love the vintage styling and clean freshness of it.
Thinking ahead to the summer, The Cloth House have this wonderful roll up mattress in my absolute favourite red and white stripe. I can imagine lolling around on the lawn on a lazy Sunday with a few of these. And, how cheery are these stripey cushions from good old M&S!? Who doesn’t love a red and white stripe - the other colours are really great too.
Olivia Outred
I love Fine cell Work. Their range of beautifully made cushions are always covetable, and I have just discovered this one which I particularly like, because you can customise it, and add the name of someone you love.
What is not to love about seagrass matting. This timeless stuff has been used everywhere, from church halls and country piles to Mayfair houses, and is super practical. I often layer seagrass matting, and place rugs on top. And did I mention that Jessica Outred, founder of Seagrass Story is my little sister? She hand sews these matts to fit your room. A 180 cm x 270 cm rug costs £405.
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The Peanut Vendor is always on my wish list for furniture. The very lovely owners’ source 20th Century furniture from France and further afield and have an eye for sculptural pieces. I would use this stool as a side table, and replace the upholstered top with a piece of timber cut to size, and place it somewhere where it will be seen, because the metal work on the legs is really special.
Brandon Schubert
When it comes to textiles, these welsh blankets by Melin Tregwynt are such well made traditional designs, still woven in Wales. They make great blankets for cosying up on the sofa or throwing over the end of the bed.
I always buy flat linen sheets from La Redoute in various colours. These are great simple bedspreads. You can buy just the flat sheet in a double or king size and drape it over the foot of the bed to add a pop of colour.
I’m also a big fan of Charvet Editions tea towels (available from various online resources). These tea towels don’t shout out as anything special, but they feel indulgent. They’re made of heavyweight linen that feels just right. They’re also great to use as a hand towel in a guest loo.
I've been shopping at Arket recently and have found a couple of favourites. Firstly, I’m just not willing to spend big money on hand soap. These Arket soaps come in a range of scents. They smell lovely and the dark green bottle is subtle and non-descript while looking like it is a step above supermarket soap. My favourite scent is ‘Oakmoss’ . I also saw these coupes, which I certainly want (but don't own yet!) I think a pink/green colour combination is best for coupes. What I like about these is that they’re fun and friendly while still being quite robust. I can’t stand coupes that look like they’re going to break all the time. I grew up in a house that my mother filled with Mexican glassware so I am always partial to a chunky stem!
Victoria von Westenholz
These inexpensive floor tiles are brilliant for a small shower or bathroom. They look incredibly realistic and stand the test of time.
I am loving these huge globe lights for high ceilings, I am not normally a fan of overhead lighting in bedrooms, these however give of such a warm glow and don’t feel too imposing.
These glasses are perfect for the drinks tray, I love the stars, shape and slightly thick rim. They also double up as really pretty candle holders.
Kate & Tom Cox, HÁM Interiors
The Geo Block Patchwork Quilt by Toast is a piece I really love. Its charming traditional folk patchwork has a vintage feel, while the hand-stitched quilting adds an unmistakable American look. I'm so fond of it that I have one in my own home and chose it for our Net Loft project. - Kate Cox
In my kitchen, I have this Japanese Enamel Teapot, a nice blend of functionality and style. I like how its enamel finish gives an outdoor camping feel - It's practical yet aesthetically pleasing. - Tom Cox
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