INTERIORS

BACK TO BASICS: 17 TIMELESS PIECES

Rather than make do, invest wisely in streamlined, high-quality pieces that will bring daily pleasure.

  • 16
  • Williams Sonoma Pots and Pans
    26
  • Zara Home Towels
    36
  • Vipp Kitchens
    46
  • Restoration Hardware Waffle Blanket
    56
  • Restoration Hardware Throws
    66
October 24, 2017

You can live without a huge house. You’ll never miss all your lead crystal glasses, silverware and the gilt-edged ‘good’ china. But no home can function without the essential kit. Try these:

  • Saucepans and pots with thick bottoms and riveted handles that don’t get hot.
  • A classic clock that will keep ticking when when there is a blackout.  
  • Soft, fluffy towels: thin or thick, big or small.  
  • A soulmate sofa
  • A cup and saucer, to remind you that some standards are worth upholding 
  • A tray that will last, in timber, rattan, wicker or quality metal.  
  • Great glasses, neither too thick nor too thin.
  • Quality dinner plates with looks that will last 
  • A comfy bed, less than ten years old, with sheets made of cotton or linen 
  • Feather pillows that always make you feel better.
  • Great knives 
  • Cutlery that is a pleasure to hold 
  • Bowls, big and small 
  • Good wooden spoons 
  • A mohair rug 
  • An ironing board that glides open 
  • A good pair of scissors: the sort your mother used to have.  

A few others things you to live well include: A tape measure: surprisingly handy, a salad bowl and salad servers (not plastic); a wooden chopping board: thick, beautiful and made from a single block (no glue strips); a grater that works and doesn’t slide around or mash your knuckles, a decent dustpan and broom and garden secateurs; don’t wreck your knives or scissors.  

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