You don’t need a full-scale home makeover to breathe new life into your decor. Sometimes, all it takes to subtly upgrade your space is the addition of a few thoughtful, well-placed pieces. Not sure where to start? We asked local interior designers about the items they love most — the ones they keep coming back to, project after project, to make their clients’ houses feel like home.
Lindsey Putzier Design Company loves Decorative Trays from Mark and Graham
Satisfy an empty space by filling a decorative tray with items that are both ornamental and useful. Hudson-based designer Lindsey Putzier calls this her go-to move for setting a scene. “Style a tray with glasses and decanters in a dining area or with plants and coasters in a family room,” she suggests. “For a bedroom, add a vase, a faux floral and a small bowl for jewelry; in the bathroom, a small basket for tissues and an assortment of bath products.” Putzier’s favorite option is the customizable trays that come in bamboo, raffia, leather and more. $89-169, markandgraham.com
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Him&His loves Taper Candles from Floral Society
Candlesticks are a simple, affordable way to elevate any space, whether you’re looking for a moody lighting shift or styling a scene on your mantle. Adam Pastors and Rob Oriti, principal designers of Him&His, love combing through secondhand store Table for 2 for vintage candlestick holders and macabre-chic candelabras, then filling them with Floral Society’s various sizes of colorful, braided candles. “I love the way a candle looks after it’s burned partway through,” Pastors muses. “Light them for just a little bit, then blow them out and keep them for styling purposes.” $11-140, thefloralsociety.com (also available at Madewell at Pinecrest)
Shaker Interiors loves Dip-Dyed Alpaca Throw from Johanna Howard
Nothing makes a home feel cozy quite like a big, soft blanket — and this ombre-toned option from Swedish-American designer Johanna Howard is softer than most. Hand-woven by artisans in Portugal and Peru, each 51-by-71 inch throw blanket is made of 100% baby alpaca fur. “I use these in the majority of my projects,” says Nikki Pulver of Shaker Interiors. “They’re a splurge, but none of my clients have ever regretted having one — or multiples — in their home.” With 18 vibrant colors to choose from, they bring on-demand luxury to the back of any sofa or the foot of any bed. $525, johannahoward.com
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