Welcome to the 2025 edition of “Simply Fabulous Finds!” I have just finished my annual online shopping adventure and have 10 exciting new furnishings for you from top vendors nationwide. This year’s collection includes lighting, furniture, wallpaper, an outdoor waterfall and more. I hope you are as excited and inspired by these wonderful pieces as I am!
Fantastic Foyer Idea
Would you believe that this amazing, wall covering is made of wood veneer? I think it would be as exciting in a two-story foyer as it is in the sitting area above. That space feels a bit like a contemporary art gallery to me! The designers at Phillip Jeffries call this hand-crafted wallcovering Modern Muse, and it certainly is a conversation starter. Those large-scale sharp angles and soft curves make this bold wall covering edgy and sophisticated. I love the way the charcoal and white-oak colors, the shading and deliberately unmatched grain generate a lot of texture and warmth, too.
Welcome Back Warm Colors and Speakeasies
I’m so happy to see that warm colors are staging a comeback. I still love the clean whites and greys that have been front-and-center for more than a decade, but the re-emerging cozier tones are very welcome on the design scene. This impeccably crafted sectional is a great example of the trend. The curved corners and wavy stitching give this piece unexpected flair. It’s a good choice if you are floating your sectional in a great room or living room, as above, because it is handsome from all viewpoints. I can imagine it in a deep espresso chocolate, anchoring an at-home speakeasy, too, which by the way is another growing trend! Because this is a sectional, it could be divided into two partial sectionals with a pass-through in the middle, perfect for entertaining larger groups.
Here Come Rechargeable Lamps
It was love at first sight when I spotted these whimsical rechargeable lamps. I instantly pictured them on a large bookcase, scattered playfully from shelf to shelf among the books and accessories. But they would be charming in place of candles for a dinner party, too. The set was designed by an award-winning Italian architect, industrial designer and interior designer, Stefano Giovannoni, who lives and works in Milan.
As an eco-conscious designer, I’m always happy to see eco-friendly furnishings like these. rechargeable lamps. They use less energy to produce the same amount of light as traditional bulbs, and they produce less waste because you don’t have to change the bulbs. Plus they are portable and of course, cord-free.
Cordless Beauty
The combination of natural alabaster stone with mixed shapes and a hand-rubbed antique brass base makes this lamp sophisticated enough for living rooms, primary suites and a home office. Geometry plays a major role here, too – can you tell I love math? The stack of curves and sharp edges will make people look twice.
What is Japandi?
Japandi is an understated, elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, which makes it an excellent choice for indoor-outdoor living. I’ve never seen a chair back design like this. It’s so clean-lined and sophisticated. When I look at those chairs, I can imagine myself sitting there wearing casual linen pants and a white tank top, chatting with friends. So tranquil and serene!
Eco-Friendly Teak
When I can find stunning pieces like these that are durable and made of eco-friendly wood, I feel like I’ve scored a triple play! Teak has been a long-time favorite for outdoor furniture because it is weatherproof and durable, but it has been vulnerable to over-harvesting. Seasonal Living is careful to use only sustainably harvested teak.
Include Outdoor Fire and Water Features
A cold beverage, a comfortable lounge chair and a gushing fountain – that’s my idea of relaxing outside in my yard. One of my favorite vendors for outdoor fountains, fire pits, scultpures and furniture is Stone Yard. Their designs are always unique, their workmanship is outstanding and they use an awesome material called GFRC, which stands for glass fiber reinforced concrete. This composite is lighter than concrete, so it is easier to transport and install. It resists cracking and outdoor wear-and-tear, so it is durable. It’s flexibility and strength are conducive to intricate designs, such as the highly textural wall fountain above. This textural wall fountain above has a patina-ed copper spout and is available in 13 different finishes, an unusually generous number.
Meet the Designer
Both the wall fountain above and the fire bowl above were designed by Mitch Brean, artist, designer and founder of Stone Yard. He clearly has a passion for modern art, organic textures and exploring the world for inspiration.
“I believe that design is most powerful when either form or texture takes precedence, rather than both vying for prominence,” Mitch told me. “With the Strato Fountain, the simplicity of its form allows the richness of its texture to take center stage.”
Powerful, Robust Design
The powerful design and contrasting textures of this fire bowl send me mixed vibes of ancient cultures and modern living. But I like the way designer Mitch Brean describes it:
“I paired a horizontally scored and chiseled texture for the Strato Fire Bowl with smooth, minimalist supports to create a balanced contrast. The textured bowl adds depth and interest, while the simple supports ground the design, achieving visual harmony.”
That piece could be passed down for generations.
Inspired by Ancient Egypt
I never knew that a beetle could be so handsome, unless of course you’re talking about that other Beatle, Paul McCartney! You might call this royal doorknocker a “jewel of the Nile,” although the maker, Modern Matter, calls it the Cleopatra in honor of the famous queen of Egypt. I fell in love with Modern Matters Hardware during my last visit to the massive High Point Furniture Market in South Carolina. Their quality is amazing and their designs make a space feel special.
This gem is definitely a piece of jewelry for your door. Its burnished brass finish, betel nut and pine wood combine some of my favorite things – organic forms, rich textures and warmth. Plus, because there can be natural variations in the finish, each piece has a unique look. I would recommend the Cleopatra for bathroom and bedroom doors where you want a touch of personality.
Draperies Return
I am so happy to see that draperies are staging a come-back. No matter whether your home is modern, transitional, mid-century modern or any other style, it will look more cozy and welcoming if you frame the windows with beautiful, soft fabric. Draperies introduce more texture, color and sometimes patterns that harmonize with all of your furnishings. They elevate a room, while improving acoustics, too. Everything sounds better – the TV, conversations – when a room doesn’t have an echo. These sheers filter the sun but allow my clients to see outside to their beautiful backyard.
Cast Your Vote!
Incredible Fit and Finish
I am a huge fan of high-powered, sexy automobiles. They have a level of styling and quality fit-and-finish that I bring to all of my design projects. I have always felt that opening the door to your home and walking inside is like opening the door of your car and sliding onto the seat. You want the interiors to match the quality and excitement of the exteriors.
When you open that car door, you’re anticipating comfort, handsome “furnishings,” incredible fit and finish and attention to detail. The seat conforms to your body and you can appreciate the feel and the stitching of the leather. When you reach for the controls they are exactly where they need to be to make driving a pleasure. Our homes should be that fabulous.
Contact Me!
I know which one of these cars I love best. How about you? Contact me to send your vote and set up an appointment to talk with me about your next home renovation project.
