9 Things Cup of Jo’s Joanna Goddard Must Have in Her Living Room

Plus the $26 baskets that help her corral clutter.
Julie Vadnal Avatar
Woman sitting on sofa
Photography by Julia Robbs

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In our Shopping Buddy series, we ask our favorite in-the-know authors, actors, musicians, and tastemakers to share their most coveted home purchases, from kitchen essentials to entertaining must-haves, so that you can shop along with confidence. 

Joanna Goddard, founder of lifestyle website Cup of Jo and newsletter Big Salad, describes her dream living room as “bright and welcoming, with lots of comfy places to flop down.” 

L-shaped sofa in living room with natural light
Photography by Alpha Smoot

Her actual living room in Brooklyn isn’t all too different—a giant L-shaped sofa frames the space where her two preteen boys lounge with their friends. “Giant shoes and socks are scattered around our house, which I love,” she says. It’s also where they’ll gather to order pizza and play games (more on their current favorite in a moment). And it’s where they’re currently rewatching Derry Girls. Here’s everything Goddard says makes her living room a place where everyone wants to gather. 

The Best Family-Friendly Sofa

The Warren Sectional, Maiden Home

$4125

A couple years ago, we decided to get a big sectional. (Our boys were getting too lanky for a regular-size sofa!) I love when friends come over and the whole thing is filled with people of all ages.

The Throw Blanket We All Fight Over

Lil' Marsh Blanket, UnHide

$79 $69

We all dive for the vegan fur UnHide blanket, which stays incredibly soft, even after dozens of washes.

Organizing Product That’s Pretty Enough to Leave Out

Wavy Basket, Zara Home

$26

We keep phone and computer chargers in these scalloped Zara baskets.

Side Table I’d Buy Again

The Morro Tables, Maiden Home

$735

We scootch these three nesting tables around the room, depending on whether we’re eating dinner while watching a movie, playing a game, or throwing a party. They’re so easy and functional.

The Rug We Sprawl Out On

Amber Lewis x Loloi Billie Rug, Lulu and Georgia

$From $75

Romina Rug, Lulu and Georgia

$From $52

Our rug is from Lulu and Georgia. It’s now sold out, but they have so many other great ones.

The Houseplant I Haven’t Killed (Yet)

ZZ Plant Supernova, The Sill

$74

When I was going through a hard time, my friend sent me a ZZ plant. You water it only once a month, and it feels like a daily reminder of the beauty of female friendship.

Piece of Decor That Always Makes Me Smile

Nerf Basketball Hoop Set, Amazon

$35

My kids hung a Nerf basketball hoop in the corner, and the games have been epic. They’re always asking me to watch their cool throws and dunks.

Living Room Splurge That Was Worth It

Canyon Vase 04, Grace Cady

$480

My friend Grace makes beautiful ceramics. When she broke our hearts and moved away from New York last year, I splurged on one of her stunning vases. She was inspired by canyons in the Southwest, but I think they look like women’s bodies and bellies and curves. I treasure ours.

Cheap Thrill That I Tell All My Friends About

Tenzi Dice Party Game, Amazon

$17

A game that’s fun for kids and adults is Tenzi. Each player gets 10 dice, and you keep rolling yours until all the dice have the same number facing up. It’s weirdly electrifying!

Julie Vadnal Avatar

Julie Vadnal

Deputy Editor

Julie Vadnal is the deputy editor of Domino. She edits and writes stories about shopping for new and vintage furniture, covers new products (and the tastemakers who love them), and tours the homes of cool creatives. She lives in Brooklyn.