Where to Source Home Decor Items You Should Buy and Keep Forever
My motto on purchasing investment pieces for the home has always been ‘Buy once, Buy right’.
When expert home advice brand The Spruce asked KNOF design to contribute on their article - 16 Decor Items Designers Say You Should Buy and Keep Forever. We couldn’t resist the opportunity. In addition to our advice on art we thought we would elaborate more on our best investment pieces and where to find them!
The Home Décor items I often suggest clients invest in, buy once, and keep forever are artwork, special furniture pieces that can be passed down, and tablewares as they can often be sentimental and remind us of time gathered with our loved ones.
The two items that I have bought and plan to keep forever is my 1960’s Kai Kristiansen 8 Person Extending Dining Table and Chairs in Teak and Black Leather and lots of treasured items from my travels - from homewares to art and accessories.
I have travelled the world for both business and pleasure and one thing I realised is that it isn’t always easy to transport large items back and that is why I decided to launch our SHOP OUR FAVORITES on our website which showcases items that we have seen on our travels, yet can buy from the comfort of your home upon your return (For now, Available for Shipping in US only).
We’ve curated a variety of styles based on different journeys and moods – More to come very soon! Including this sneak peek at our Morrocan Mood – available now along with other great moods!
Below are some additional resources for shopping those one of a kind pieces that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
ART – We love Wescover for sourcing artwork as they showcase artists and designers from around the world allowing you to invest in pieces that speak to you or commemorate a treasured trip with photography or artwork from a local artist in that area.
Here are some we love!
1. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Mixed Medium on Canvas by Jane Burton (textured acrylic, oil, ink, graphite, black, pink and red acrylic markers)
64" x 49"
2. SHIFT
Of course we can’t forget to mention our custom artwork!
Original abstract painting by Susan Knof
A textural study in warm elegant, golden hues.
18" x 36" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
3. Northern Cross Painting
Inspired by the night sky and all its wonder and discovery. Northern Cross is the backbone of the Milky Way. The galactic plane leans right through the Northern Cross, encircling the sky above and below horizon. A 3D painting using natural handmade indigo dye and pigment with 22ct moon gold and a tiny Welsh red wool.
4. GOOD VIBES ONLY
Good Vibes Only No.1 is a 100 cm W x 70 cm x 2 cm deep mixed media painting.
This Series is called "Viva la Vida". "Viva la Vida" is inspired by Coldplay's song. The British rockband took the title from a painting by Frida Kahlo.
The painting is a Pop Art painting full of joy and happiness painted with neon colors.
Good vibes only!
5. VIEW FROM NEPTUNE’S WINDOW
Large scale Neutral Ocean Art, inspired by the icy shores of Antarctica.
TREASURES FROM TRAVELS – If your suitcase can’t fit anymore, here are some special pieces that look like you collected at a vintage fair or during far-flung travels. Yet, can be ordered from the ease of your home.
Sage Handloom Throw
Sage throw / blanket luxuriously combines heritage value & high quality craftsmanship. A perfect gift or personal purchase, Sage is a timeless classic throw / blanket that will complement your personal or living spaces and also support artisan communities ethically.
This textile's design is made up of handwoven checks pattern with beautiful handwoven motif border in shades of deep brown and soft white ( undyed organic cotton yarn ) The edges are neat with clean fringes giving it a modern classic look. Requiring attention to detail and finishing, Treacle throw used organic cotton that has been cultivated by using rain water harvestation process making it truly sustainable in nature.
Indigo Stitch Floor Cushions
A must-have for lazy day lounging, these timeless beauties come to us from India, where they are carefully handmade by local craftspeople using soft cotton and traditional indigo dying techniques.
Wicker Stools
These wicker stools are hand-woven in Morocco and feature a bold geometric pattern based on traditional textile designs. Equally stylish both indoors and out, they are the perfect addition to a veranda, salon, or bedroom. Lightweight yet sturdy, they typify Cabana's love of simple objects whose construction and pattern embody worlds of history and tradition. Sold as a set of two.
Sicily Green Dinnerware Set
FLORAL CHARM: Sicily Green brings a lively look to your tabletop with vibrant green floral designs on crisp white dinnerware
Vintage Area Rug
MEDALLION SMALL AREA RUG: A large, printed rug suited for your bedroom or living room with an elegant design of tribal medallions in a tonal pink and gray colorway, boasting Turkish influences in your home
Hand carved and made in Ghana.This wooden fertility doll is inspired by a traditional Ashanti Akua'ba doll. Its history originates in southern Ghana with the legend of Akua, an Ashanti woman who could not get pregnant, sought the help of local spiritual leaders, and commissioned the woodcarving of a small wooden doll.
The woman cared for the doll as if it were her own baby and soon became pregnant. As a result, the village named the figurine Akua ba, meaning Akua's child. Deeply rooted in Ashanti culture, this tale continues to inspire the use of these dolls. Both infertile and newly pregnant women carry Akua'ba dolls on their backs, dress them, adorn them with jewelry, bathe them, and put them to bed.
This ritual practice is thought to bring fertility, health, happiness, beauty, and, ultimately, a safe delivery.
Upon giving birth to a daughter, many mothers will pass the doll on to the next generation to teach maternal care and spread good fortune.
TABLEWARES
Ombre Teal Table Runner
These hand-dyed pieces were created and hand-dyed in western India. The blush hue comes from the roots of madder, a plant that can be traced as far back as the Indus Valley civilization and is an ancient source of vegetable dye for cotton, leather, wool and silk. Long coveted by monarchs across Central and South Asia and Egypt, madder-dyed cotton has even been found inside pharaohs' tombs.
The artisan partner's mainly female team masters this technique through long practice and continuous experimentation.
Iridescent Amber Pitcher
In pre-Hispanic times, Mexican glassware was derived from volcanic, or obsidian, glass. The Spanish introduced clear handblown glass in Mexico during the 16th century. The first handblown glass industry arose in Puebla, before expanding into nearby states. This St. Frank piece was made in a remote town in the neighboring state of Hidalgo, where the entire community works in a family-owned factory established thirty years ago. Each piece is created through a collaborative process where it is handed from one maestro to the next until the piece is finished.
Heather Large Bowl
The Heather serving bowl is a truly stunning centrepiece, perfect for a family-style meal full of laughter and delicious food. The bowl is available in two colourways: blue and pink, or pink and tan. Pair it with our Honor serving platter and Pintora blue dinner plates.
Florence Girod Set of 4 Cups
Florence Girod has crafted tableware in her atelier in the South of France for Les Composantes. A truly unique savoir-faire that she calls “La Mémoire de la Terre” (the memory of the earth)
Set of 4 mixed clay espresso cups
Moulded and handmade by Florence Girod at her workshop in the south of France
