Everything My Interior Designer Mom Is Buying for Her Home This Winter

My mom has been seeing magazine racks everywhere, specifically the Canterbury-style ones, which were named after the Archbishop of Canterbury who commissioned them for storing sheet music. Now, they make gorgeous holders for magazines, books, or even records. She loves that this one has wheels to roll it from room to room. You can find more vintage options here. ($125, OpenDoorThriftShop via Etsy)

My mom loves the beach, and ever since I can remember, we’ve had touches of the ocean around our home. She recently redid our family room, and I was not surprised to see a shell box — which she says is trending now — sitting on the TV cabinet. This one has a cluster of various shells on top and a red lining that gives it extra character. If you want one handmade in Florida, she also loves this one. ($28, EaDoVintage via Etsy)

It’s fire pit season, and this one is like a work of art for your backyard. The scalloped bowl is made of carbon steel that has a high temperature-resistant coating, and it has a rain drain so you can leave it outside all the time. It’s handmade in Tennessee and will only look better as you gather around it year after year. This affordable tabletop version is great for those without any outdoor space. ($1,150, Plow & Hearth)

According to my mom, water fowl artwork is in. She just grabbed a vintage one for her guest bathroom, but this Pottery Barn version comes pretty close. The blue heron is eye-catching and soothing, and the classic black and gold frame will match any existing decor. ($329, Pottery Barn)

My mom suggests wooden candle holders for winter, then she brings the glass ones back for spring. These are ornately carved with an interesting silhouette and will give any tablescape a whimsical woodland vibe. If you want something slightly more modern, try these. ($50.99, ShaggyBabyVintage via Etsy)

My mom is a lamp person, so I am a lamp person. She sent me a photo of a stunning vintage brass lamp to let me know brass lamps are in, but I like this one just as much. It has a shiny brass base, a linen shade, and will play nice with the other lamps in any room. It’s even great for adding a little warmth to your kitchen. ($129, Article)

I love to sit down while I’m doing my makeup, and while I don’t have the space for a full vanity (yet), a vanity stool is a functional way to achieve the same look. This one swivels, has a gold base, and can also be used as an ottoman for your favorite chair. Grab it in pink for a cute pop of color. ($129.99, Wayfair)

This pretty cotton tablecloth will make your table look more sophisticated in an instant. According to my mom, winter is the time for tablecloths, and she likes a more bare table in the summer. She got one of her most-used tablecloths in Italy, but she says this one looks similar with its delicate floral embroidery. ($56.69+, NabisFabric via Etsy)

My mom loves to host, and part of hosting is offering guests coffee at the end of the evening. She always has a coffee or hot chocolate bar set up and ready. This set by one of her favorite brands, Juliska, is classic and chic. It comes with its own tray and makes a nice wedding gift, too. ($130, Neiman Marcus)

My mom famously hates the cold and does everything she can to look forward to warmer weather. To that end, she loves having sunny coffee table books around, like this one, which features seaside homes around the world. Not only will it transport you to the beach, but also it’ll give you inspiration for decorating your house. ($55, Anthropologie)

This hare vase is handmade in England and is another way to bring some whimsy to your tablescape, especially when you add flowers to its back. It comes in small and large sizes and mouse, duck, and squirrel versions. ($68+, Terrain)

When it comes to my bedding in the winter, my mom likes to say I’m a “Princess and the Pea” situation; I have to have multiple layers to pull up if I get cold during the night. But I also want the layers to look nice, and this stitched quilt fits the bill. It’s made of cotton and linen, so you can also use it in the summer. Each of the colors is prettier than the last. ($139.90+, Quince)

I’m someone who needs to light a candle every night to feel cozy, and this is one of my favorites. It’s the same scent as the cult-favorite Santal 33 perfume, and while it’s pricey, it’ll fill your home with the most glorious woodsy scent that lasts even after you’ve blown it out. Plus, the glass vessel is chic. ($87, Nordstrom)

When I first moved into my apartment, I told my mom I wanted a plant, and she subtly steered me in the direction of a snake plant (I’m a first-time plant owner). I can confidently say that I’ve kept it alive for over a year, and it makes me happy to bring a bit of nature into my home. The plant itself comes in three sizes with planters to match. ($79, The Sill)

One thing my mom has taught me about shopping for my home is that if something speaks to you, then there’s no reason you can’t find a way to incorporate it into your existing decor. I’ve been looking for a cow painting for a while, and this one speaks to me, so I’m not gatekeeping it. From the wistful vibe of the cows to the soothing backdrop, looking at this makes me happy. And my mom always says, your house is your happy place. ($248, Thesundayjunkers via Etsy)