The start of a new year is the ideal time to take stock and make changes around the home. I don’t know about you, though, but in the depths of winter big projects don’t appeal – plenty of time for those come the spring. But what I do have in mind are gentler and easier “refresh, revitalise and renew” goals. Small changes, but ones with heart and soul.
So today, in collaboration with Etsy, I’m looking at furniture and homewares with unique character that won’t break the bank but will create a big impact. For me, one of the joys of Etsy is that you can tap into a wealth of design and craft talent from every corner of the UK. If you’re not already familiar with Etsy, it’s an online platform for independent sellers and a place where you’re guaranteed to find interesting, beautiful pieces for your home with real personality and provenance.
Another bonus when browsing the many Etsy homewares on offer is the chance to get to know the people behind the products. I love reading about the makers’ stories, the designers’ passions and the crafters’ inspirations. Not to mention learning about the processes, materials and techniques that go into their work.
So, for original and inspiring ways to refresh your interiors this year, here are my top Etsy homewares picks.
Refresh and renew your home with Etsy homewares & furniture
Clean lined, contemporary furniture by Truro-based Cord Industries celebrates wood and steel in a fresh, modern pairing. Mix and match solid timbers with over 200 RAL colours to match your personal style. Above is their Dining Set with Square Legs, below the very characterful Hairpin Leg Bar Stools.
Another chance to play designer with wood and colour is at the LayerTree Etsy shop. Their Natural Oak Pendant Light combines steam-formed English oak with your choice from four metallic finishes and twelve cable colours.
I’ve also fallen in love with the understated, decorative functionality of LayerTree’s wooden hooks and coat racks. They’re a brilliant example of how beautifully crafted items, no matter how small, can bring huge amounts of “everyday pleasure” into our homes and lives.
Zoe Pocock’s colourful, beautiful “luxecycled” furniture and home accessories make me smile so much my face hurts! Her interiors shop Muck N Brass is full of sophisticated and stylish recycled pieces like the fabulous Gplan sideboard, above. You may recognise the pattern – it’s the glorious Pampus print by House of Hackney.
Above and below: I pretty much want to buy every single one of these oh-so-cosy fleeces from Swedishdalahorse. They source luxurious sheepskin products from eco certified suppliers, including (very reasonably priced) large size rugs and throws. (They have a few covetable, upcycled Ercol chairs too – totally gorgeous).
Be still my colour-loving heart! The Storage Unit, above, is one of the larger pieces from Yorkshire-based Bee9 Design Studio. Is ‘reorganise’ on your January to-do list? This Etsy furniture shop also has a range of equally striking and beautifully-made smaller pieces. They’ll make items to your own bespoke measurements, too.
Never underestimate the power of small details to utterly change the look or feel of an item or entire room. These brilliant leather handles from the Leather Handle Co will completely transform furniture or kitchen units in minutes. Based in their design studio in Wales, Peter & Ali hand craft an array of leather handles, pulls and knobs in a wide range of colours.
Talking of transformative small details, one of the quickest, easiest ways to refresh a room is with cushions and throws. Beautiful, tactile fabrics add heaps of colour, pattern and texture to a room and can really bring it alive. So to finish, here are just a few of my favourite Etsy home textile finds:
Quilted cushions from Skinny Malinky Quilts in Edinburgh.
Tassel Boho cushions from A House A Home.
Above and below: find cushions in unusual vintage and contemporary fabrics at Bath-based Blue Lizard Textiles.
Customisable chunky blankets at the Etsy homewares shop owned by Lauren Aston
Large, limited edition pure wool blanket from artist/weaver Sally Hampson
I hope you enjoyed my round-up of Etsy homewares that team quality workmanship with exciting, contemporary style. And that you found some inspiration for your own home refresh this year. I’d love to hear what you plans are and how you get on.
Posted in collaboration with Etsy; all views, as ever, my own.
