Five and a half years ago, I wrote a post called “The New Classics: The Timeless Pieces That Will Always Be A Great Buy”. With the brains of me, Emily, and the rest of the team, we came up with a pretty awesome list, which spoiler alert…we still stand by! I mean that’s the whole point, right?? A classic means it’s a forever thing, and in our case, for these posts, a forever design piece. It’s basically what we try to do here every day. Sure, we love a design trend (even the really out there ones), but ultimately, we try to steer you and recommend things you’ll love forever. Hey, maybe even pieces you will want to pass down to your kids one day:) So, since it had been a little over half a decade, I thought it was high time to see if there was more to add to the list from your favorite design experts. I’m sure you can guess that answer was a resounding, YES. So let’s get into these new additions to the “new design classics” and why we think they deserve to be on this list (and maybe in your home:)).
The Jewel Toned Solid Rug
Solid colored rugs have really gained some heavy traction over the past few years. The likes of all of our favorite high-end interior designers started to really lean into this look. We’ve used them more by way of our old rug line, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love this kind of rug so deeply.
Why Is This A Safe Bet?
Solids and jewel tones never go out of style. They’ve been around since the beginning of time. If you choose a good quality rug, in a color you love, it will be very hard to ever get tired of it. While we LOVE a great pattern, those can box in a design plan if you want to mix things up in a big way. Whereas solid rugs are there to support and don’t necessarily call as much attention to themselves. Basically, they are extremely versatile, especially if you choose a color you design most of the time. Add a little fringe for some added specialness, and you are so set…forever if you so choose.
1. Clio Solid Color Hand Loomed Wool Area Rug | 2. Chiltern Handmade Rug | 3. Henry Handloomed Wool Area Rug | 4. Arrel Speckled Wool-Blend Rug | 5. Henry Handloomed Wool Area Rug | 6. Greenwich Area Rug
All of these colors make my heart jump! I also feel as though they are neutral in essence. I’m sure some of you just did a spit take after reading that, but I stand by it. These are saturated, versatile, and frankly, stunning. I do want to point out the little fringe accent on #1, #3, and #5. It makes them a little “less serious,” but they remain completely sophisticated. I did add #6 in with that slight pattern (because it was so pretty), but the solid solids are what this classic is really about. But hey, rules are made to be broken sometimes, right?
The Knife Pleated Shade
I’m a little surprised this wasn’t on the last list, but maybe we needed a little more time to see if it had staying power…Dare I say it’s only gotten stronger?
Why Is This A Safe Bet?
This is my and probably the whole team’s favorite style of shade (I didn’t officially ask them, but given their homes and past conversations, I feel ok with the assumption:)) Like I said, its popularity has only grown over the past 5+ years, and it’s used in so many different styles of lamp bases and homes. It’s cool, is a twist on a traditional pleat, and looks so clean. Plus, Emily has used this style of shade in countless rooms at this point, and usually, when she uses something over a long period of time, it’s absolutely a safe bet. This was a MUST on this round’s new design classics.
1. Louis Table Lamp | 2. Matin Table Lamp | 3. Flores Plug-In Sconce | 4. Callahan Floor Lamp | 5. Bianca Black Marble Table Lamp | 6. Ceramic Table Lamp
Well, I love them and narrowing them down was a challenge. I love that this style works on a super modern lamp like #2 and a far more traditional lamp like #4. But if you want to go more “glam” or “luxe”, #5 is perfect for you. There’s a knife pleated lamp for every style in any home. I promise!
P.S. Take a look at Emily’s side table lamps in her bedroom below:)
The Arched Headboard
It’s always surprising and fun when a simple shape finds a new, cool way to reinvent itself…like the arch. The arch TOOK over design around 2019. You could hardly find a designer, a design blog, a DIYer, or a design brand that wasn’t leaning in hard. Remember when Emily wrote this post about whether or not people should put arches into their homes? That was more in response to the craze of the time, but now that things have calmed down about “arches everywhere,” we are left with really great options that can make sense for our homes. Especially, in the headboard/bed department.
Why Is This A Safe Bet?
First and foremost, it’s a classic shape, so depending on how you decorate the bedroom you are using it in, it can feel timeless. Then, with most bedroom furniture being very square or rectangular, having a softer shape is such a welcome contrast. Plus, Emily Henderson designed an arch bed for her guest room (currently in her primary bedroom) for her eclectic but timeless farmhouse. I think it’s safe to say it’s a safe bet.
1. Arlo Upholstered Arched Bed | 2. Almelo Queen Velvet Headboard | 3. Upholstered Bed Frame | 4. Vaila Blue Queen Chenille Fabric Upholstered Arched Platform Bed | 5. Catania Queen Natural Wood Platform Bed With Arched Boucle Upholstered Headboard | 6. Danna Solid Wood Platform Bed with Arched Headboard
For the most classic feeling bed options, #1 and #6 are the best choices. The arches are slightly elongated, and the bases are super simple and traditional. For an arched headboard that’s a little more “now,” #2 is such a fun choice! You really can’t go wrong with any of these styles.
The Modern Plaid Blanket
Is plaid new? Of course not. But textile designers have been playing with and modernizing this traditional pattern. They are fun, vibrant, and oh boy, are the EHD-approved.
Why Is This A Safe Bet?
As I said above, this is a twist on a classic (and that classic has been around FOREVER), and we/the design world, are in love with it. Throwing one of these modern plaid blankets on a bed or sofa, etc., is such an easy yet impactful way to bring life into a design. They feel classic enough not to feel like a huge design risk, but fresh enough to feel like something special is in your space. Emily clearly can’t get enough and will absolutely be passing her’s down to her kids:) I love it when new design classics are born from old ones.
1. Torrey | 2. Schoolhouse x Pendleton® Canebrake Wool Blanket | 3. Bayside Windowpane Throw Blanket | 4. Tatami Throw | 5. Stolzl Indigo Throw Indigo | 6. Jason Wu Sunset Black Throw
You may recognize #2 as not only the throw blanket in Kaitlin’s living room reveal above, but as one of Emily’s “Best of Design” picks in last year’s post. It’s SUCH a great blanket and a huge inspiration for this category. Now, while very expensive, #5 is from the same maker as the blanket on Em’s bed in the mountain house. They make such beautiful and unique modern plaid blanket options. They are heirlooms.
The Metal Dome Lamp
I don’t even think I really need to explain this one as it also could have been in the last post, but of course I will:)
Why Is This A Safe Bet?
The shape is undeniably cool but not trendy. It’s simple but special:) And metal, if not banged around, will look good forever. Also, unless you get a color or color combo that’s a little more specific, they are SO versatile. Look at the two examples above! I used two in my friend’s traditional, romantic bedroom to add a little style contrast, and they look perfect. Then Emily used that burgundy one in her friend’s colorful, eclectic dining room, and it’s stunning. I also have a beautiful brass dome floor lamp I got years ago for my old living room, and while I don’t have a spot for it in my current apartment (literally just a space issue), I am keeping it for the future. It’s too awesome not to.
1. Jemma Metal Table Lamp | 2. NÖDMAST | 3. Elvar Metal Table Lamp | 4. Sidnie Table Lamp | 5. Signe Black Metal Dome Base Table Lamp with USB Port | 6. Oslo Table Lamp
For a dome lamp that is so easy to use now and in the future, #1, #3, and #5 are it. Classic metal colors, visually simple but not boring, and again, you can easily use them in every home you’ll ever live in. But if you color, the price and color combo of #2 is so playful and unexpected, #4 is an Em favorite style with so many color options, and #6 is a great price in a color that pops but is still in the neutral color family if you want it to be.
The Upholstered Modern Round Back Dining Chair
We all can’t get enough of this dining chair style. I will say I’m not sure the name is descriptive enough, only because the curved back is, of course, a major component, but so is the single or double “third back leg”. So when you are looking at these chairs/style, know both of those postmodern-inspired design elements are essential to it being on the new design classics list:)
Why Is This A Safe Bet?
These dining chairs (the shape, at least) are comfortable. It’s like a slight hug as you are dining or working at your dinner table. We think that’s a plus. Aside from that, they are unique but not too “out there,” and especially with the right fabric, so beautiful. They bring new life to a traditional design and groundedness to a more modern one. And as stated with well, all of these, Emily Henderson approved.
1. Ceremonie Green Mohair Dining Chair | 2. Amadeus Dining Chair | 3. Perle Grey Performance Velvet and Oak Wood Dining Chair | 4. Elio Solid Oak Dining Chair | 5. Dulcine Velvet Upholstered Dining Armchair | 6. Munk Velvet Dining Chair
Emily is deeply in love with her dining chairs (#1) and can’t recommend them enough. #2 and #5 have a bit more “curve” than the others, but the third leg element is there, and they are both so pretty. I broke the rules a little because Emily requested that both the seat and back be upholstered, but #3 was too good not to include. I guess at that point it’s a comfort preference decision. I also broke the rules with #6 since it has 4 standard legs (no back “third leg) but it’s got everything else, and I love it a lot. How comfortable does it look?? Very.
The Swing Arm Sconce
If you are looking for a chic, functional, and statement piece of decor, the swing arm sconce is a great option, as shown by the EHD team MANY times, and the rest of the design world for a while now.
Why Is This A Safe Bet?
Well, it’s a chic, functional, and statement piece of decor, ha. Yes, it is all of those things, and there are so many different styles that there is a swing arm sconce for any kind of room. It can also act as a wall sculpture (see above)! We have even used them as a part of a gallery wall. It’s one of those pieces that, when used right, really makes you feel like you are in a home of someone who knows design. Lamps will forever be a classic, and this one really packs a special punch.
1. Ahva Polished Brass Double Arm Articulating Wall Sconce | 2. Varun Single Light Iron Dimmable Plug-in Swing Arm Sconce | 3. Yaffa Swing Arm Wall Sconce | 4. Adjustable Swing Arm Wall Sconce | 5. Milena Plug-In Wall Sconce | 6. Beatrix Plug-In Pivot Sconce
Doesn’t looking at these make you happy? #2 and #4 are more of a modern industrial vibe that works with so many other styles and will help ground the design. I know #3 is so expensive, but man, is it special and handmade by a special company. If you have the budget and love it, DO IT FOR ME.
The Fluted Decorative Bowl
This was the last addition to the new design classics list, and I am so glad it made it on! We have Emily to thank for this:) I have long loved a ruffled/scalloped/fluted bowl and am so happy it’s become such a staple in design.
Why Is This A Safe Bet?
It feels “out of the box” but classic at the same time. It’s just a decorative bowl, so it’s not a huge visual statement you’re committing to. Also, the movement it has and brings to a space is undeniable (again, see examples above). It’s fun yet sophisticated and just so pretty. Plus, most of them are made out of marble or ceramic, so the texture is so so good. Oh, and it was Em’s idea to have it on the list, sooo…
1. Reve Round Fluted White Marble Bowl | 2. Ruffled Marble Bowl | 3. Marble Ruffle Bowl | 4. Round Stoneware Ruffled Bowl | 5. Charlotte Ceramic Decorative Bowl | 6. Handmade Ceramic Handkerchief Wavy Bowl
A bowl like #3 was the version I first fell in love with, and I still love it just as much. This one also comes in a bunch of sizes. #5 is most like the one Emily has on her coffee table at the farmhouse, and those looser ruffles are oddly soothing to look at:)
We have come to the end! Thoughts? Feelings? Do you think we missed anything? Do you agree with what we chose for our updated new design classics list?? Let’s chat about all the beautiful and timeless pieces because buying with intention and thought is the only way to really be.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kailtin Green | From: I’ve Been Secretly Decorating My Best Friends House – Living Room Reveal!