You know the feeling of pride when you invite a friend over, they look at all your unique home finds, and ask with wonder in their eyes, "Where did you get that?" It's our favorite part of decorating, finding bespoke pieces that speak so deeply to our design aesthetics and one-of-a-kind details that make you smile every time you pass by it.
Where do you find these genius pieces? Often, they come from small design businesses and are usually made by artists who painstakingly hand-craft them. We love running into these designers in the wild at design markets or online as they cross our Instagram feeds. As much as we want to gatekeep their wares, they deserve to be known by everyone.
Below, we're outlining over a dozen of our favorite small design businesses we'll be keeping a close eye on this year. Their products include a super-chic candle warmer, modern heirloom-quality furniture, and statement mirrors even a minimalist would love. These brands have won our editors' hearts, and we know you'll love the dreamy designs too.
Though candle warmers aren't new, we have yet to see a lamp this chic. The retro orange dome of MEVA's candle warmer creates standout soft lighting that every guest would ask about. Even without a candle underneath, it fits in the home of any "big light" hater. As a bonus, it can also heat your tea or melt dipping chocolate, for a sweet night in.
Lazy Jamie has plenty of sleek stainless steel silverware to upgrade your tabletop, but their standout piece is this vibrant TV table. It takes post-work streaming to another level. This piece is chic enough to leave on display while hosting, and the swirling chrome stand makes it feel like a vintage darling rather than a folding tray. Truly, it makes takeout look glamorous.
Ready to invest in a statement mirror? The sculptural ones from Ready to Hang will instantly transform your space. Their line of mirrors have a variety of geometric shapes and striking borders that add texture to any room. Even the most minimalist decorator can find one to love, whether they stick with bold black accents or an amber resin shape.
Tyka Pryde has infused her furniture collection with her signature art director flair. No two pieces are exactly alike, and each one feels like an "it-girl" piece you'd find in a modern art museum. Luxurious swivel chairs, fringed lamps and cocktail glasses made from seashells all create the coolest speakeasy you know, right in your living room.
The monogrammed Louis chairs from J. Wilkinson Chairs will easily become family heirlooms that are passed down for generations. They bring an ultra-personal touch to a family home, and the intricate embroidery elevates them to a whole new level. A set of these is a top-tier housewarming gift, packed with antique charm.
For a show-stopping room that feels ripped out of a storybook, look no further than the dreamy wallpapers from Marble Lotus. The scenes and motifs are inspired by South Asian mythology, flora, and fauna, and it is a biophilic dream. The brand offers everything from small-batch home decor to copper tile wallpaper for a moody bathroom.
Shopping for home decor from Plaza Bolívar feels like walking through a marketplace in Colombia. The brand partners with dozens of artisans from Colombia to spread awareness and appreciation of their techniques. From handwoven placemats to bespoke ceramic plates, every piece is handmade and celebrates Colombian heritage.
We're very soon going to see these cocktail glasses on every cool person's bar cart, mark our words. This design studio offers vases and stacking cups, but the two-tone Arch cocktail glasses won us over. They can be flipped for dual use, whether you're taking a shot or slowly sipping cocktails. Available in a cobalt blue, amber, or green, they're the ideal aperitif vessel.
Hetta is built for the heirloom lovers of the modern day. With the expertise of the furniture team behind Sundays, its collection is full of sought-after vintage features. Roll arms and upholstered headboards meet pinstripe designs and genius sleeper sofa mechanisms. These elements all create a home that feels lived-in, not worn out.
We're suckers for a great cocktail napkin, and Misette provides that in spades. Their table linens and coasters belong at every dinner party this summer. It's fancy dinnerware that's meant to be used every night, not locked up in a china cabinet. Add a little whimsy with their gorgeous embroidery.
This Brooklyn-based ceramics studio creates elevated pottery for everyday life. Whether you know a plant parent in need of some new pots or a home chef who'd appreciate a great olive oil cruet, it's the ideal place to shop. They take terracotta to the next level with beautiful designs that add major counter appeal.
We're convinced we'll be seeing these lamps all over our social feeds soon. Their Tesser lamps are an ode to New York City's iconic skyline, inspired by light reflecting off of skyscraper façades. They're 3D printed for geometric flair and come in a huge range of sizes, so they're ready to fit any space.
We can't get enough of the wall sconces from Pink Lemon Ceramics. They make itty-bitty votive candles shine and add major drama when flanking a hallway. The dancing flame (or soft glow of an electric light) creates unique patterns and shadows on the wall for a one-of-a-kind way to light your space.
Does your dream home include a massive Beauty and the Beast-style library? Vault Furniture is the brand to make it happen. They specialize in sturdy yet chic custom shelving to hold all your favorite tomes and trinkets. It transforms that blank wall in your space into major bookshelf wealth.