Believe it or not, designing my new home has been so much fun that I’ll be sad when it’s over. Yes, decision fatigue is real, and I’m struggling with the final few choices: a closet light and the front door knob! From cabinets and cabinet knobs, to lighting for every room, bathroom tile and stone, faucets and towel bars, paint and finishes, drapery and rods, it’s mostly done! I hope to move in by Christmas, and I cannot wait. I’ve used as many local resources as possible: Page Hardware for all my kitchen appliances, Tidewater Lighting for the bulk of the fixtures, and Win Supply of Essex for the bathrooms. Pam Burr from California Closets has designed my dream walk-in. Sherilyn at Tile America deserves a shoutout for her patience and advice. Sue at Eileen & Taylor is an expert in drapery and will be whipping up my curtains and blinds. Abby Block introduced me to Boxco Studio, a Massachusetts-based cabinet-maker, and suggested Taj Mahal Quartzite counters, which are perfect with the white oak cabinetry. And I have loved working with Block Design Build. This is our third project together, and their professionalism, coupled with a team of super-talented subcontractors, has gotten the job done AND on time.

I didn’t have to buy much furniture as I’m downsizing, but you could find me most nights pinning hardware and lampshades at 2 a.m. In the process, I’ve discovered some lesser-known online resources that you might like.  

Pooky: This UK brand is making a splash in the U.S. with they’re bright and well-priced lampshades and rechargeable lighting. For those of us who can’t get away from neutrals (me!), it’s an easy way to add a jolt of color. 

Nickey Kehoe: Lots to love here (the sconces!), with a moody modern grandma aesthetic. Find plenty of prints, expensive but gorgeous furniture, antiques, and oddities. 

Matt Alford Studio: well-priced sconces and handmade brass hardware.

Sundays Company: Simple, modern wood furniture and upholstered pieces at decent prices. I’m waiting for a sale to invest in the outdoor director’s chairs! 

Roan Iris: I bought this lovely polished nickel scalloped towel bar for the powder room and I’m mulling over the sweet selection of pillows. 

What We Make: Hard-to-find solid wood simple bathroom vanities plus tables, chairs, and more wood furnishings in custom sizes and gorgeous finishes. 

Assembly Line: This site features a fantastic selection of smaller designers, whose furniture and decor are modern and unusual. A treat to browse. 

Claude Home: Another site featuring a coterie of designers, with a modern and handmade aesthetic. 

Matilda Gold: Love the quirky and well-priced four-leaf clover sconces. 

The Vintage Rug Shop: A superior selection of vintage rugs plus everything else for the home. If I were in the market for a dining table, I’d buy this one.

Bale Homewares: A local resource with a showroom in the Velvet Mill, and an easy-to-shop site. Sustainably sourced handmade teak furniture for indoors and out. These are the perfect counter stools IMO.

Joon Loloi: Very well-priced rugs and collaborations with trending designers like Lone Fox make this site a fun browse. 

Hackner Home: If you’re struggling with a pillow assortment, let the pros at Hackner Home do it for you. From bed pillow combos to sectionals (always tricky), you’ll find it here.

Elsie Greene: A mix of European antiques, French kitchenwares, and Elsie’s own line of reclaimed pine furniture. 

Jayson Home: A captivating assortment of antique and new furniture and home accessories. French escargot cups, anyone? 

Stray Dog Designs: These handprinted lampshades in stripes and solids come as pendant lights, too.