As thrilling as it is to redecorate your space, there’s so much good design out there we’d be lying if we said we didn’t get whiplash from time to time. That’s why when faced with difficult design decisions, we never underestimate the power of a second, third, or maybe even a fourth opinion to help put furniture or accent pieces into perspective – you might discover new styles and uses that you hadn’t considered before! To help combat your creative woes, we’re bringing in reinforcements in the form of an expert panel of interior designers serving up the modern decor that’s inspiring them lately, along with handy styling tips to make decorating your space a breeze. For more designer-approved finds, visit the Design Milk Shop!
CH36 Dining Chair by Carl Hansen & Son
“I think it’s so beautiful in the warm oak and can work in any environment. I can imagine using these in a Vermont cabin or a summer Hamptons home. They are so versatile and would go with any type of table whether someone is using a dark wood or stone. I also love the texture of the natural paper cord which is all hand tied. Someone can opt to add a cushion or a hide to get it even cozier.”
— Maureen McDermott, Founder + Principal Designer of Winter McDermott Design
@winter_mcdermott
$955
Shop Now >>
Vase Ebb + Flow Woven Pillow
“Green is the color I think of and want to see around my house in springtime. I like the minimalist graphic look of the pillow, the green colorway of course, and the sweet image of a vase with foraged leaves. Exactly like something I would have in my entry IRL.”
— Natalie Myers, Founder + Principal Designer of Veneer Designs
@nataliemyers
$117
Shop Now >>
The Tidal Pool Tray by Hollis + Morris
“The Tidal Pool Trays are absolutely gorgeous and come either in a walnut or white oak and are handmade in North America. I’d use them as a charcuterie tray or as a catch-all on your console table or entryway.”
— Laura Hodges, Founder + Principal Designer of Laura Hodges Studio
@laurahodgesstudio
$115
Shop Now >>
Beat Tall Pendant Black LED by Tom Dixon
“These Beat pendants come in three different shapes. I would hang three of these above a rough-hewn farm table. Alternatively, I would get one of each shape and hang them at different heights in a stairwell.”
— Maryline Damour, Founder + Principal Designer of Damour Drake
@maryline_damour
$585
Shop Now >>
Dumbo Bookend Pair in Large Cactus by Tortuga
“In our work at Social Studies Projects, we are always thinking of more ways to artfully contain our ever-expanding library of research books. These powder-coated bookends from Tortuga use the proven mechanism of counterbalance to hold even the heaviest volumes, lance between playfulness and seriousness. Available in muted hues like Small Abyss, Coral, Wildflower, and Sand, their geometric profiles feel like an updated answer to the metal bookends from old-school public libraries we grew up with in the Midwest, where books contained due date stamps for a checkout system not yet digitized. We love a utilitarian pop of color on a bookcase or etagere.”
— Mary Casper, Creative Director of Social Studies Projects
@socialstudiesprojects
$87
Shop Now >>
The Horizontal Willow Pendant by Hollis + Morris
“Lighting is one of the most important elements of design, in many ways it is the narrator of the story. The Horizontal Willow Pendant hits a lot of criteria for me. Inspired by Catkin Blooms nestled into solid wood, the fixture mimics organic shape and movement found within nature. Incorporating elements of the natural world in our spaces intrinsically sets us at ease. I love the idea of it being suspended slightly staggered in multiples, in either a long hall entry or above a dining room table.”
— Rachel Cunningham, Founder + Interior Designer of Wildflower Interiors
@_wildflowerinteriors_
$1,900
Shop Now >>
Small Swirl Vase by Tom Dixon
“I spy one of these psychedelic vases on an antique mantle. There’s nothing I love more than high contrast and unexpected combinations. A bold colored flower, an old wooden mantle, and this beauty. Add in a little metallic (brass would be my choice) and colorful bowl and you are photoshoot ready. I could also see this minimal black and white interior on a black console with a thin framed black metal mirror… drop in some deep plum flowers and you’ve got some drama going on. As unique as this piece is, I think it’s quite versatile in a variety of settings. That is the beauty of a unique piece, it holds its own almost anywhere.”
— Danielle Fennoy, Founder + Interior Designer of Revamp Interior Design
@revampnyc
$450
Shop Now >>
Speckled Black Half Circle Mat by Slash Objects
“I love the Half Circle Mat by Slash Objects for several reasons. First, the material – it’s made in the U.S. from post-consumer recycled rubber and is super cleanable and durable. Second, it’s multi-functional – working both indoor and outdoor as a table or floor mat. Third, the shape – the simple semi-circle mat can be positioned snugly against a wall, entry threshold, or alternatively utilized as a grounding element for table decor.”
— Kelly Harris Smith, Founder, Designer + Creative Director of Kelly Harris Smith
@kellyharrissmith
$127
Shop Now >>
The Duplex Shelf by Puik Design
“The Duplex Shelf is unique in the way of floating shelves. We all know the trend, but I love how this product has so much dimension in such a small footprint. I would utilize these shelves in off-set vertical clusters of 3, leaning art asymmetrically as well as adding mementos and a cascading plant or two. It’s a perfect way to fill out a wall in need of some design attention.”
— Annysa LaMantia, Founder + Interior Designer of Annysa LaMantia Design Studio
@annysalamantia
$235
Shop Now >>
Mission Firewood Holder by Ciseal
“I think this firewood holder has an elegant and practical design – organic and minimalist. The trunks are embraced by the wooden skin of this piece, which for me simulates a hug. So the two main elements merge again: wood to embrace wood. Beautiful.”
— Susanna Cots, Founder + Interior Designer of Susanna Cots Interior Design
@susannacots
$295
Shop Now >>
Scatter Cushion Mustard Grid S008 by Amelia Ayerst
“The colorful pattern hints at traditional menswear with a graphic contemporary vibe. In our interior projects we often mix menswear upholstery with ornamented, floral elements for a balanced masculine feminine atmosphere.”
— Elena Frampton, Founder + Interior Designer of Frampton Co.
@frampton_co
$284
Shop Now >>
Botanical Shapes Cotton Throw Blanket by Swell Made Co.
“I love oversized prints! I enjoy using blankets for snuggle sessions with my kids, but I also use them as pieces in my interior decor as a casual (but very intentional) design element. I often place them over baskets, on the edge of beds, on the arm of a loveseat or folded lengthwise on the back of a couch to accent the color palette in the room. The key is to find one that makes a statement with the print or pattern but doesn’t overwhelm the space. This Botanical Shapes Throw Blanket works perfectly!”
— Breegan Jane, Founder + Interior Designer of Breegan Jane
@breeganjane
$138
Shop Now >>
Blish Rug by Carret Design
“This rug is SO fun, but also super sophisticated. I love its nod to the 70’s super graphic, while also having a fresh take with a more organic shape. This would be an amazing grounding piece in a room full of warm patterns.”
— Dani Dazey, Founder + Interior Designer of Dazey Den
@dazeyden
$289+
Shop Now >>
Bamboo Dinner Plate Set in Flora by Poketo
“After a dreary winter and two years of quarantine, I’m ready to entertain! In Portland, spring is right around the corner, and outdoor gatherings are on my mind. These vibrant bamboo plates from Poketo are just the fun burst I need. I’d pair them with the Flora drinking glass, pink linen napkin, a cerulean blue tablecloth, and white flowers.”
— Casey Keasler, Founder + Interior Designer of Casework
@casework.it
$48
Shop Now >>
Shopping these designer picks? Share your haul and tag us @designmilk to be featured on our Instagram!
