2025-10-03T13:17:01Z
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As a practicing interior designer, my passion for creating harmonious living spaces often extends beyond my professional projects and finds expression within my own home. One of the retail destinations I continually return to for both personal inspiration and client recommendations is West Elm, a brand renowned for its modern approach to furniture, home décor, and functional design pieces. On a recent visit to one of their stores, I was immediately struck by the extraordinary breadth of their lighting collections, which offered an inspiring range of styles, finishes, and scales. In addition to the lighting, I came across a number of other remarkable items that perfectly capture the essence of seasonal living: a beautiful set of dinnerware, tastefully crafted woven baskets, a refined accent chair, and several striking vases.
As autumn arrives, the shift to cooler temperatures and shorter days energizes my creative spirit. This period is my favorite time of year to refresh interiors because the season calls for layering—with textures, lighting, and warm, earthy hues that make a home feel more inviting. For me, decorating in the fall is not solely a matter of aesthetics but also one of lifestyle: with more time spent indoors, comfort and ambiance become just as important as visual balance. West Elm, with its artful blend of modern design and timeless practicality, serves as my go-to destination whenever I seek new pieces that can elevate both my clients’ homes and my own space. During my latest visit, I identified eight objects that resonated particularly strongly with my design philosophy and seasonal sensibilities.
The first piece that captured my attention was the Cersei ceramic table lamp. This lamp embodies warmth, not only in the light it casts but also in its very construction. Its earthy ceramic base introduces a grounded, natural texture, while the fabric shade offers a softness that complements the sturdiness of the ceramic. The balance between ruggedness and refinement makes this lamp adaptable for a range of interior styles. I would recommend pairing it with a dimmable bulb, which allows for a nuanced control of mood: bright, functional light during the day, and a soft, ambient glow in the evenings.
Next, I discovered the Kanto stoneware dinnerware collection, a set that exemplifies functional beauty. As someone who often hosts seasonal dinners or enjoys the ritual of slowly savoring coffee in the morning, a high-quality dinnerware set is indispensable. What distinguishes Kanto is its organic depth of finish—each plate, bowl, and mug carries unique variations in glaze, offering a handmade, artisanal character. While the collection is available in multiple shades, I am particularly enamored with the subtle yet sophisticated beige variation, which showcases gradients of sand and earthy brown tones. Even in the absence of guests, these pieces merit display on open shelving as art objects in their own right.
Equally practical and aesthetically striking are West Elm’s woven baskets. During fall, when my interiors inevitably accumulate layers of extra pillows and soft throws, baskets serve as both functional storage and integral design features. Their woven textures introduce tactile interest, echoing natural fibers in a way that feels organic and grounded. Far from being purely utilitarian, these baskets double as stylistic accents, bringing warmth and order to a room where clutter could easily dominate.
Textiles are another essential dimension of fall design, and few items speak to seasonal comfort quite like throw pillows. To maintain my affinity for neutral palettes without sacrificing visual interest, I like to introduce pillows in larger sizes and deeper tones: think olive green, burgundy, and warm shades of chocolate brown. These hues mirror the richness of autumnal landscapes while avoiding garish overstimulation. Among West Elm’s offerings, the cozy boucle pillow cover stood out. Its substantial texture combined with its warm chocolate shade makes it a perfect layering tool to build depth and comfort into a living area.
My exploration of seating highlights the Benson chair, a statement piece par excellence. Constructed with a sculptural ash wood frame, the chair manages to straddle two seemingly contradictory qualities: it is visually commanding yet simultaneously relaxed in its demeanor. The chair has an architectural quality, looking striking from multiple vantage points, while its scale is carefully calibrated to contribute presence without overwhelming the room. As with much of West Elm’s furniture, the customization options are numerous; for instance, the camel distressed velvet imparts a golden retro charm, while the spruce green fabric radiates cool, earthy tranquility.
Continuing with lighting, the Rhea lamp provides another study in balance and restraint. Oversized yet delicate, this lamp introduces drama into a room without overpowering its surroundings. It underscores the importance of layered lighting strategies—combining overhead, task, and ambient sources to cultivate an inviting atmosphere. Details such as the fabric-wrapped cord elevate the piece further, reflecting thoughtful craftsmanship.
The Diego Olivero chamber lamp was yet another product that spoke strongly to my love of sculptural forms. With a base that reads as functional art, the lamp challenges the boundary between décor and utility. Available in two slightly differing sizes, these lamps can create striking symmetry across a room when purchased as a pair, or serve as solitary points of visual intrigue if used independently.
Finally, I was captivated by the organic form vases. These vases are simultaneously minimalist and impactful, their irregular shapes echoing the beauty of natural imperfection. Whether styled with freshly foraged autumn branches, dried botanicals, or simply left empty as sculptural objects, their presence transforms a vignette. Grouping three different sizes together on a dining table creates a curated statement, though each vase is sufficiently compelling to stand alone on a mantel or console.
Altogether, these eight selections from West Elm collectively demonstrate how thoughtful design can infuse everyday living with both comfort and artistry. Each piece is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply practical for autumn living, embodying the very essence of seasonally mindful interior design.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/what-should-i-buy-west-elm-interior-designer-picks-fall-2025-10
