In celebration of Saint Valentine, the Remodelista, Gardenista, and Organized Home editors are admiring objects both practical and romantic. Here’s what’s on our lists this year:
Above: Margot is coveting a Leaf Sconce, handmade in Sweden by Malin Appelgren. Appelgren learned the craft from her grandfather, whose first pair of sconces was purchased by Swedish king Gustav V and given to Prince Gustav Adolf on the occasion of his wedding. The sconces—with oak and chestnut leaves, among others—make a celebratory gift for non-royalty, too.
Above: Margot also likes the red-trimmed Linen Utility Apron, £65 from Toast. Above: On Julie’s list are sweetly hand-painted taper candles: the Ivory Tapers with Flowers (shown), painted by Los Angeles-based artisan Esme Saleh and available from Nickey Kehoe for $38/pair, and Hand-Painted Candles, painted by Louise Pascal in the UK, $32/pair from Salter House. Above: From Justine: a two-tone pink Natural Dye Towel in Coral by Auntie Oti, $44 from Covet+Lou. Above: The Silver Service Irish Linen Table Runner by Jennifer Slattery (€88) would make a whimsical Valentine’s table setting, as would this similar design by Oeuvres Sensibles, says Margot. Above: In lieu of a box of chocolates, gift Francesca’s pick: a ceramic dish filled with skeins of pink-hued threads. The ‘As Time Goes By’ Valdani Thread Set with Ceramic Dish is $100 from Tatter. Above: “These look both durable and delicate somehow,” says Fan of her pick: a Rinka Mug by Kaneko Kohyo Pottery Co., $50 from Roman and Williams Guild. Above: I have my eye on the Soap Travel Set: a soap by Homework and a handmade waxed pocket by Wax Atelier, ideal for stashing in a travel kit for weekends away. It’s currently sold out, but I’m eagerly awaiting its return; £21.50 for the set from Wax Atelier. Above: “Julie introduced me Té Company in NYC, and I’m now obsessed with the cookies,” says Fan. Their cookies (and teas) are available in wrapped gift boxes; this is the Choicest Tea & Biscuits gift box, $62. Above: Julie is admiring the petite bowls made by Remodelista favorite Cécile Daladier for Alder & Co. in the Drôme region of France, “wood-fired in a kiln of the artist’s construction,” the retailer says. They’re ideal for a small sip of tea, stashing rings, or as a pinch pot beside the stove. The Bowl #6 is $135. Above: Last but not least on our list: Picture Room’s series of five editions by artist Leanne Shapton, inspired by Moses Eaton stencils spotted in E.B. White’s saltwater farmhouse in Brooklin, Maine. This one, E.B. White II, is $220 unframed.