Guest Picks: Capsule Collection for Your Home
Your wardrobe has its classic white shirt and little black dress, but what about your home? Invest in these 20 essentials for your space
In fashion, a capsule wardrobe — a collection of classic, versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down and will last for years — is widely considered a must. This month I've been wondering: What's the equivalent for interiors? Are there certain items that form the foundation of any great interior? And how can you ensure you invest in pieces that you won't fall out of love with?
Here's my stab at a capsule collection for the home. What have I missed? What else would you have in yours? — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
Here's my stab at a capsule collection for the home. What have I missed? What else would you have in yours? — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
Louis XVI End Chair
A bergère chair is like a little Chanel jacket: It seems like an extravagance, but it's worth it for its hint of Parisian glamour. Pair it with your sofa, and you've turned an ordinary living room into a class act.
Cavett Leather Chair
Maybe your style is a little more masculine, or perhaps a tailored leather jacket is your thing. In this case, this chair is the perfect item for your capsule collection. Its clean lines and soft leather will work in most rooms and will look great for years.
The Isla Sofa
The perfect sofa should be like your favorite pair of jeans: practical and comfy, but with just the right designer details to be chic. This sofa looks so inviting, but its square arms and turned wood legs give it sharp style.
Original 'Tripod' Dining Table, Tan/Garbarino
I think a dining table should be the little black dress of your collection. It should work for almost any occasion, be it supper with the extended family or a formal dinner with friends. A round table is especially versatile because it fits in most spaces, and you can cram additional guests around it.
Solid Walnut and Raw Steel Side Table by Dylan Design Co.
Side tables accessorize a space, and it's worth having one or two in a capsule collection because they're so incredibly versatile. Pair them up to make a coffee table, or use them as guest nightstands. I love these little octagonal tables; they're simple yet eye-catching at the same time.
Kiki Table
Now, not everyone will agree with me, but I think a metallic shoe is essential to any wardrobe. This metallic side table is simple enough to use anywhere, but the smoky gray tray top and slender silver legs would bring tasteful sparkle to an everyday room.
Moroccan Stool, White
This Moroccan stool is no bland basic. I can imagine it being used in so many ways, maybe as an end table or as extra seating for parties. It's like that white tunic you bought as a beach cover-up but have been wearing with jeans or shorts all summer.
Beau 3-Drawer Chest
The perfect capsule dresser is like a tailored suit: It has to be well made, as it will get a lot of use, and details count. And because you won't want to splash out on another one anytime soon, make sure it has sticking power. I love the curved drawers and angled legs of this piece.
Glass Links Chandelier
Every home needs at least one standout light fixture, just as every wardrobe needs one amazing piece of jewelry. This modern chandelier allows you to add or remove links. Add more layers for a glamorous effect or remove them to keep it simple.
'Claridge' Tear Drop Table Lamp
This crystal lamp would definitely be in my capsule collection. It's tiny, so it works in any space — just like a pair of diamond stud earrings.
Luca Task Lamp
I may be stretching the analogy a bit here, but a task lamp should be like the perfect pair of boots: a functional basic. And if you pick the right one, it will always look smart. This silver light is one you'd want to keep forever.
Regina Andrew Ivory Ceramic Gourd Table Lamp, Crystal Base
A design classic, gourd lamps work in both traditional and modern spaces. A pair of these makes a room instantly more grown-up and polished. They're like an easy cotton dress: deceptively simple, perfectly feminine, always elegant.
Pimlico Duvet Cover
The essential bed linen item is a white duvet cover in crisp cotton. Like a classic white shirt, you know it won't last forever, but it's worth investing in a quality piece because it will look and feel so much better.
Madison Arched Wall Mirror
It's amazing how a gilt mirror can work in so many interiors. This one has a particularly simple design. I can imagine it in a traditional living room or casually propped up in a minimalist bedroom or bathroom.
Expedit Bookcase | IKEA
If the Ikea Expedit bookcase were an item of clothing, it would be a little white tee. It's the ultimate basic, looks good anywhere and forms the foundation of a tidy home.
Large Mug
A good capsule wardrobe needs a gloriously soft baggy sweater. These Heath ceramic mugs are the equivalent of a cashmere wrap cardigan: a little bit of luxury in a put-your-feet-up format.
Bungalow 5 Orchid Tray, White
A tray plays the same role as your go-to purse — great for corralling all your clutter, but also a way to achieve instant style points. This mirrored tray has it all: simple lines, slight detail on the handles and the ideal surface for displaying chosen treasures.
White Marble Plate
Every wardrobe needs a few pieces with a story, things that hint at exotic travel and adventure. Think about the effect of a turquoise-beset belt with a white shirt and jeans. You can't beat these stone dishes for a similar effect. I have one of these as a soap dish, but they work for holding jewelry, collecting odds and ends or just sitting out as display pieces.
turkish hammam towel
Hammam towels are another extremely versatile item inspired by travel. I use mine as hand towels in the powder room. They also work as guest towels or tea towels, and the larger ones double as throws.
Luigi Bormioli Serveware, Michelangelo Masterpiece Ice Bucket
What? You don't consider an ice bucket an essential item for your home? Well, maybe it isn't, but apart from switching on the music, it's certainly the fastest way to create a celebratory mood. Every home needs a few fail-safe pieces for creating an instant party mode.
More: Decorator Essentials
More: Decorator Essentials