“Designer” is a broad term, which makes it difficult to weed out what’s genuinely worth spending boatloads of money on. After all, the old cliche, “there’s no place like home,” only applies if you enjoy being there, and the best way to do that is by filling it up with personal touches that make you smile whenever you use it, sit on it, or stare at it — as we said, it’s a broad term. And while maintaining a thoughtfully designed home doesn’t have to coincide with spending tons of money, you get what you pay for in this space, and we have all the best items to spruce up anyone’s home this holiday season.
Schoolhouse classic desktop pencil sharpener
Schoolhouse’s upscale take on typical classroom items is a great gift for dorm room dwellers, home office regulars, or anyone who appreciates a freshly sharpened pencil. Most importantly, its internal zinc die-cast materials ensure it won’t break down sooner than expected.
soho home hanson marble coaster set
A good set of coasters bring life to any average coffee table, and this refined quartet is handmade in India using gorgeous forest green-colored marble for a rustic touch.
coffee table books
Speaking of making or breaking a coffee table, a variety of coffee table books is sure to help raise the look of any home. These particular options highlight a pair of our favorite designer brands and the inimitable, timeless mystique of mid-century architecture.
GROVEMADE BRASS TASK KNIFE
You might be more familiar with Grovemade’s well-made collection of desk organization accessories, it makes equally impressive items across the board. Whether your friend is constantly getting packages to his door or has tons of letters to open, this U.S.A.-made, brass-crafted knife makes doing so seem much more elegant.
rimowa aluminum iPhone case
Like we said earlier, Rimowa is one of our favorite designers, and the same most likely applies to whoever you’re buying a gift for. To avoid spending over $1,000 on a suitcase, this grooved aluminum iPhone case is sturdy and stylish enough to do the trick.
tom dixon tank decanter
If the mixologist in your life could use a more unique piece of glassware, look no further than Tom Dixon’s Tank Decanter. The mouth-blown piece is as minimal as it is mesmerizing and is a fashionable way of storing liquor on any tabletop.
little building co. diy frank Lloyd wright usonian house model
Little Building Co. has churned out some impressive models of iconic buildings, and its 1:100 scale take on the legendary Usonian House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is a testament to the renowned architect’s original blueprints.
houseplant standing ashtray
Leave it to the actor who starred in Pineapple Express to release one of the coolest ashtrays around. Houseplant’s handsome accessory is equipped with a removable made from solid walnut and shimmering brass, assuring that it’s built to last and easy to clean.
transparent small speaker
Sound aside, Transparent’s eye-catching speaker is already immaculate, but its dual 3-inch drivers and premium DSP chip only accentuate its see-through design. Gift this to your music-loving friend who could use a centerpiece in their home and loves taking advantage of AirPlay.
TEKLA CASHMERE TILES BLANKET
Trusty blankets go a long way, and Tekla has been one of the most coveted names in bedding for years, which isn’t much of a surprise upon seeing such a remarkably luxe blanket. Composed of a blend of cashmere and virgin wool, it doesn’t get much softer (or more stylish) than this.
HERMAN MILLER X HAY EAMES WIRE CHAIR
Herman Miller’s collaboration with HAY this year was a testament to whimsical, retro-inspired home furnishings, and no product exudes that ethos more than the Eames Wire Chair. Available in a plethora of colors, the reimagined piece is versatile enough for indoor or outdoor use.
HERMAN MILLER EAMES ALUMINUM GROUP CHAIR
Everyone knows that the Aeron Chair is iconic but the Aluminum Group Chair is practically its overlooked sibling. Built around a lightweight aluminum frame and highlighted by an adaptive sitting pocket, this piece is a hand-in-glove fit for any office space, remote or traditional.
APPLE PRO DISPLAY XDR
Graphic designers were on the edge of their seats in anticipation of Apple’s premium creator-tailored display, and it’s safe to say that the brand took its typical genius approach to it. The Pro Display XDR is 32-inches of refined visuals courtesy of its premium Retina 6K display and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
LEICA M6
Few brands can rightfully pull off an homage to their history, and Leica is not like many brands. The iconic German manufacturer rehashed its M6 camera to the delight of film photographers and Red Dot purists alike, which may include one of your loved ones.
WRENSILVA THE STANDARD SERIES
This all-in-one listening console is the perfect gift for the vinyl collector in your life, no questions asked. Wrensilva’s line of audio systems is virtually unrivaled, offering scratch-free hi-fi sound, seamless wireless functionality, and arguably the most mesmerizing design language our guide has to offer.
