It's true, I love all the handmade work bursting out of the Etsy seams, but I also appreciate mixing in some modern elements to a space. One favorite shop for unique modern finds: the Conran Shop. My first apartment in New York was a few blocks away from the Conran Shop, the only U.S. outpost of a contemporary home company founded by Terence Conran. I rarely stopped in back then, because I assumed there wasn't a thing I could afford. But what I've come to appreciate most about the Conran Shop are the unique modern accessories (especially in the office and kid areas) that seem to get overlooked amongst all those pretty chairs and light fixtures. So this addition to the what's in store series is focused on what's affordable at the Conran Shop if you can't handle a $1000 chair in this ugly economy. There's a plenty!
There aren't many sources for great hook racks — organizing stores like the Container Store carry the same utilitarian ones season after season and Anthropologie stocks a variety of hooks, yet they all have a girly vintage style. That's why I was fawning over these wood + lacquer hook racks (above.) They're functional and pair a gorgeous natural wood with glossy lacquer hooks. Very industrial chic — fantastic for an entryway.
If you stop by the Conran Shop, be prepared to be inspired by color. I love this 8-piece set of melamine nesting bowls in a rainbow of color. And the Conran Shop always has a large selection of lanterns for outdoor entertaining. These wire bottle hurricanes would dress up a deck — or add cool candlelight to a wedding.
I can't get enough of the Daily Aesthetics collection: platters and bowls shaped after take-out containers, ring-pull salt + pepper shakers, and milk carton pitchers all crafted in porcelain. Most of the pieces come in shiny platinum now — though I'm partial to the simple white.
The Conran Shop has a fantastic selection of office supplies. Check out these cans of office supplies — the packaging is so fun. And the hedgehog paperclip holder has been a longtime favorite of mine. Who doesn't love a magnetic hedgehog?
These new pressed vinyl placemats (+ runner) are a more affordable line by Chilewich. And have you heard of Columbian clay? The Conran Shop sells a super affordable line of skillets, pots, and platters made of Columbian clay. A little history on the line: archaeologists say the potter is the oldest in the Americas and the clay is polished with river rocks before going in the kiln. What I love most: each clay dish goes from oven to table, so there's less to clean.
Looking for a special gift for a kid in your life? From quirky softies to wooden toys, the Conran Shop has all the toys you won't find at the big box toy stores.
Two years ago, I attended the amazing Paris show, Maison et Objet. One of many objets I drooled over: these graphic notebooks. So it was so fun to find them here at the Conran Shop. There's something fitting about having a notebook you love be the depot for your ideas.
{If you see something here that's not online, you can contact the New York store to order.}
+ special thanks to Marisa!
