We all have them – those friends or family with impeccable taste and carefully curated interiors that feature surprising and stylish details.
It’s all very well to admire their style, but when you have to choose them a gift it can feel overwhelming.
What to choose the person that loves home decor? It’s a risky move if they have very specific style but paying attention to what they enjoy and admire will pay off, as they’re likely to appreciate the effort and thought.
There are a few guidelines that can help influence your choices. However if all else fails, make sure you explore a retailer’s exchange policy and discretely communicate the details with your gift, should the recipient wish to choose something else.
Consider their style
Carefully consider the decor of their spaces and what they have chosen to include. Take note of the existing items, colours, and themes in their home. This can guide you toward something that complements their space. Are they into minimalism, vintage, modern, or eclectic styles?
Is there a space in their home they use more than others? For example, do they love to cook, do they spend a lot of time entertaining outdoors, or tucked up reading in a cosy nook?
When in doubt, stick to the tabletop
Choosing something that isn’t going to make a big statement in a room, but can be easily added or removed, or placed in different areas is key if you’re not certain of their style. So something that can be placed on a tabletop or surface like a candle, coffeetable book, vase, glassware or bowl is a safe bet, while bigger ticket items like a large piece of art, a lamp or rug is likely to be something they’ll want to choose themselves.
Functional and practical
Something functional and practical but with an elevated sense of style is often appreciated. Opt for items that serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. Functional decor pieces like decorative trays, candle holders, or throw blankets are often a great gift, even if you’ve preciously received one.
Team up
If you do know the recipient has their eye on a larger item or is a fan of a particular style or designer, why not link up with a few others, perhaps family members or a friend group, and pool your money to purchase larger or more expensive items. This means you can invest in quality items that will last rather than opting for something cheaply made.
Seek out smaller or local artisans
Supporting local artists and creators is always appreciated, and you might just be introducing the recipient to their new favourite designer.
Consider Personalisation
Personalised items like custom art, monogrammed pillowcases or towels or engraved frames add a special touch.
The best home decor and design gifts for 2023:
Woven baskets
Bianca Lorenne has a range of these woven baskets in different sizes that make a focal point and provide useful storage as well, for example, concealing the base of a house plant or tidying children’s or pets toys.
Margi Nuttall vases
Explore the simple hues and striking shapes of Margi’s clay vases and vessels at Simon James.
Loewe Home Scents Candles
Conceived by Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson in collaboration with in-house perfumer Nuria Cuelles, these candles in handcrafted glazed terracotta pots are inspired by childhood memories and raw vegetable gardens.
Baina towels
Beautifully thick and soft, these organic cotton bath and beach towels from local label Baina come in a range of unique and fresh colourways.
Gucci cake stand
Part of Gucci’s homewares range that includes detailed porcelain jars, plates and candles, this cake stand would be just the thing to serve afternoon tea from.
Coach Boxed Domino Set
A good game to hand is always fun, and this beautifully boxed leather set is a keepsake that will last for decades.
Monmouth set
Elegant hand-blown Stemless Glasses in Apricot by Auckland glassblowing studio Monmouth.
Coffee table books
A selection of beautiful coffee table books is a relaxing way to while away the hours and offers a striking touch to living spaces. This selection is from the range at Trenzseater.
Ralph Lauren Homewares
Timeless Art Deco style inspires Ralph Lauren Home’s Thorpe collection, crafted from solid stainless steel with a gleaming polished finish. Choose from a number of home essentials including this Serving Spoon Set or Coaster Set at Trenzseater.
Ferm Living Mirage Blanket
Keep the cold off your knees with this jacquard-woven rug, adorned with fringes at the ends in an abstract neutral pattern.
Scalloped marble tray
This marble tray offers a unique way to display jewellery, beauty products or a grouping of candles.
Alessi coffee spoons
The at-home barista will love these unique coffee spoons to stir their morning brew.
Athena Pedestal Tray
Display your fruit like a still life with this stone and concrete tray that comes in either black or white.
Diptyque Candle Ritual Set
One of French fragrance brand Diptyque’s stunning refillable new candles in a set complete with wick trimmer and snuffer.
