2021 Home Gift Guide
A trio of home goods to add warmth and a touch of whimsy to any space.
Giving someone a gift for their home can feel incredibly personal. After all, our homes are our sanctuaries, the place we can let down our hair and finally exhale after a long day. No gift should feel like it invades that sacred space—rather, it should provide comfort and add to the joy of simply being at home. When shopping for home goods for someone else, consider how they inhabit their spaces: Do they do a lot of entertaining? Are their furnishings more casual or formal? How do they use color? Keeping these things in mind will help you choose a gift they will love to both admire and use on a regular basis.
For the third and final 2021 MIDDI gift guide (see my beauty and fashion picks), I’ve rounded up three home buys that add a punch of personality to the recipient’s abode. And best of all, two out of three are on sale right now.
Home is where the cozy is.
1. Freckleface Pomegranate Black Reed Diffuser (£25)
When I choose home fragrances, I try to avoid anything cloyingly sweet or aggressive. I first discovered Freckleface at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. I needed a new scent for our powder room and as soon as I smelled this one I was hooked. It has just the right blend of fruit and musk—not too sweet or too smokey—that freshens up any space. A family business launched in 2017, all of their products are vegan and produced in the UK as ethically and sustainably as possible. My husband doesn’t often gush about home fragrances, but this one he adores.
2. Camille Gressier Textiles Tiger Pink Woven Throw (£208)
One of my favorite homeware gifts to give (and get) is a luxurious throw blanket. They quickly complete the look of any room, adding warmth and texture wherever they’re draped. I picked up this throw blanket for our chilly guest bedroom/office, which was created by French art director and print designer Camille Gressier. I was instantly drawn to the bold tiger print (available in green and blue as well), which can also be used as a wall hanging in a larger room. This throw isn’t just great to look at—it’s also very soft and not too heavy, so it can be used all year round.
3. Maison Balzac Pauline Candlestick Holders (£32 to £48)
Candle holders may seem like a very traditional gift. But that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Maison Balzac, the Sydney-based brand from French designer Elise Pioch Balzac offers tableware, furniture and home fragrances. All of her designs are richly colored without being distracting, with curved edges that give everything a feel of fluidity and ease. They’re unique while still complimenting a range of decor styles. The Pauline Candlestick Holder is available in two sizes: petite and grande. I would recommend getting one of each, along with a set of her candles to match.
It’s time you met … Ally Morici
This month, I’m pleased to introduce you to Ally Morici, the artist behind Lettered by Ally and my lovely cousin-in-law. Based in my home state of Michigan, Ally creates wonderful hand-drawn art prints and much more. Her pieces are sure to add a bit of color and fun to your home and make for great gifts.
Describe your brand as briefly as you can.
Constantly evolving! It started with lettering ink to paper, and then I transitioned to digital art using the Procreate app on my iPad Pro. I love when artists have a consistent brand, but my goal is to create art that makes me happy. Sometimes it's nature; sometimes it is inspired by my work on mindset; and one of my latest projects is pet portraits!
Share your journey to becoming an artist.
I always enjoyed drawing and lettering, but I never made it a regular practice until a few years ago. I designed a piece for my sister-in-law's wedding in 2017, and with encouragement from others, I started practicing lettering more and completing small projects for friends, family and referrals. After about three years of developing my lettering and later digital art, I decided to open my Etsy shop and sell art prints, apparel and stickers. I also complete commission work for a variety of clients, and I have a monthly sticker club. Lettered by Ally has grown beyond my wildest dreams!
Do you have a favorite design or product you've created?
I love my butt art print! It's the perfect conversation piece for a bathroom or living space, and it is one of my best sellers.
What is the philosophy behind the aesthetic of Lettered by Ally?
My color palette tends to be earth tones, which connects to my love of nature. The colors are peaceful and calming, which is how I want people to feel when they view my work. Even as my themes and style develop, I keep my brand consistent with my choices of colors.
What advice do you have for other aspiring artists looking to turn their passion into a business?
Start before you're ready! I thought I had to have every little thing sorted out before I could establish an Etsy store, and I put it off for a while. You will make mistakes and learn as you go. It is a lot of trial and error, but you can be proud of working through the challenges. Also, find a community! I am grateful for the other artists that I have met through social media, as they have helped me feel connected and supported.
Follow Ally on Instagram (@letteredbyally) for updates and pick up your favorites in her Etsy shop.