Guest Picks: Bring Handcrafts Into the Everyday
Function and form meet in 20 artful home decorating pieces
I'm a firm believer in multitasking possessions, especially when it comes to items that are displayed in my home. Here's an array of products that bridge the gap between function and form. Many of these pieces are truly artful, despite their utilitarian nature, and others are simply beautiful decorative items that will be a joy to live with and look at day in and day out. When possible, I've sourced handmade, original items to add some authenticity and charm, but each of these items will bring a special sense of character to your home. — Kelly from The Kitchen Designer
Fleet Pools
I would just love a collection of these vases and bowls perched atop a coffee table or kitchen counter. Their ethereal coloring and matte finish is irresistible. I'm sure I could find a huge variety of practical uses for them, or simply keep them as purely decorative. I love handcrafted pieces like these whose beauty transcends, but does not prohibit, function.
Lidded Jar - Mini
I can't get enough of the gorgeous turquoise glaze that fills the inside of this lidded jar. It's a perfect example of the fine details that are expertly attended to on handmade pieces that make them simply a joy to live with and use every day.
Esque Lace Vase
I love the saturated, complementary colors of this hand-blown vase and the layered lacy detail. I would display this prominently and accessorize it minimally to allow its true handmade beauty to shine.
Large Jug in Mint
I'm a big fan of using pitchers as decoration. This one would be equally perfect serving water or lemonade with lunch as it would holding a bouquet of wildflowers on your table. Or you can leave it empty and admire the scroll work, intricate finishing details and crackled glaze.
Thomas Paul 100-Percent Linen Pillow, Rose "Botanical"
Can you ever have enough pillows? This one is fantastic for changing the look and feel of a room and injecting some life and color to an otherwise neutral palette. I've become a big fan of painterly and overtly graphic patterns as little pieces of art on my couch.
Charcuterie Board
This all-natural charcuterie board is one that you'll want to keep on your counter at all times. Just gazing at it gives me the urge to run my hands along the smooth grain. It's too beautiful to hide away in a cupboard; keep it out for all to admire its perfect imperfection — and isn't that the beauty of handmade products?
Sea Urchin Mirror
I love the color and texture of this mirror. Frequently when I can't find that perfect painting or print to hang on my walls, I turn to a trusty mirror that can function as art, one with nuanced details and a dynamic color.
Mauvey Liberty Print Small Rectangular Tray
I'm a huge fan of Liberty of London's iconic prints and patterns, usually using them for garment and home sewing. But this tray is a great and simple way to bring some of Liberty's loveliness into your everyday life. Serve up some cocktails or just a TV dinner, and bask in the glow of this irresistible floral.
Felted Wool Bowl with Love Embroidered by thefuzzymonkey
Could these fuzzy little bowls be any cuter? They'd be so useful as little catch-alls on your nightstand and as the perfect gift for any loved one. Handmade gifts are so special, most of which are destined to be heirlooms for generations to come. I especially like products like these where the true craft of the artisan can shine through.
Tissue Box Cover, Blue
Talk about elevating the ordinary! This vibrant tissue box cover will add a touch of handmade charm and whimsy to your decor, raising the pedestrian cardboard tissue box to new heights. I love anything Lotta Jansdotter does, and this little creation is no exception.
The Hostess Collection Kitchen Towels
Featuring the designs of John Hiemenz, these kitchen towels are sure to bring a smile to your face and a punchy pattern to your kitchen decor. Tea towels are a great opportunity to feature fun motifs and bright colors that you're afraid to otherwise commit to in a larger way.
Dutch Garland Decal
I can't get enough of Shanna Murray's decals. This is another gorgeously simple handcrafted option to use in place of more expensive, and expansive, traditional artwork on your walls. This lovely little decal adds a touch of hand-drawn charm wherever you stick it. Put it in unexpected places, such as on the inside of a cabinet or back of a door, for a sweet and unexpected surprise.
Scandinavian Made - Wall Tile with Cups Small
Here's a super original idea for wall decor: artistic tiles! Charlotte Thorup is a ceramist from the Danish island of Bornholm who creates these one-of-a-kind pieces entirely by hand in her studio. The craftsmanship is unbelievable; the artistry is truly stunning. Hang one for a dramatic presentation, or a grouping for a more substantial art installation.
2012 Letterpress Calendar by INK+WIT
I've had an INK+WIT letterpress calendar for the past few years, and they never fail to delight. I love letterpress anything, and paired with the whimsical, inventive illustrations on this calendar, I never want to take it down! Each month's imagery feels like a little piece of art.
Shapes Garland #6 Ceramic Bead Garland
There are so many great ideas for garlands floating around, but this one made of ceramic beads takes the cake for me. Each little vibrantly colored sculptural gem stands out as if suspended in midair. Hang these anywhere you'd like a little dose of artsy personality or elegant whimsy.
Rie Elise Larsen Paper Lamp
There's something so charming about this paper lamp shade and brightly colored base and cord. I love the unexpected mix of colors and the beautifully patterned shade. It maintains a small footprint and would fit nicely on many small desks.
Rie Elise Larsen Pendant
What a beautiful color to be illuminated with light. The delicate designs on this ceramic pendant are so simple and pretty, making this light feel like a mini art installation.
Fruit Pinch Bowl
These are the perfect example of a functional item that is also oh-so-pleasing to the eye. Use these little bowls for salt and pepper or other condiments, and when they're not in use, simply enjoy their beauty on your countertop.
Nelson Wheel Clock, Walnut
I just love this vintage, reproduction George Nelson walnut clock. Why bother with a boring digital display clock when you can hearken back to simpler times with this beautifully dramatic time keeper? It's another perfect substitute for true artwork if you're feeling a void that needs to be filled on your walls and want a creative alternative.
Relief Vase with Pleated Edge
This stunning vase — from a one-of-a-kind Scandinavian ceramic and rug importer, Scandinavian Made — features an incredibly intricate relief pattern and dynamic glaze coloring of red and turquoise. It will make a statement no matter where it is placed, and is a 100 percent handcrafted piece of art.
Next: 20 Scandinavian Finds
Next: 20 Scandinavian Finds