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Rita Konig remembers her days as a Domino editor fondly. She came on staff only a year after the magazine launched in 2004, and it wasn’t long before her own 400-square-foot New York City apartment graced our glossy pages, first as a home tour and later as proof that you absolutely can host a cocktail party in a 12-by-12-foot sitting room. Konig, who later went on to found her own interior design business, still has the pink tumbler glasses from Bergdorfs that added a Domino-approved punch to her tiny drinks table. “Everything was fun; nothing was stuffy and it was quite attainable,” recalls Konig.
One of the most important lessons the pro-decorator walked away with from her Domino days? Don’t wait for your forever home to buy nice things. Instead, build your collection of splurge-y pieces (D. Porthault linens, Astier de Villatte ceramics) slowly over time. Konig has seen one too many of her clients buy little luxuries in bulk at the end of a project, which is one of the reasons she launched her new shop, Rita Konig Household Goods. The online store is stocked with essential homewares and furnishings, all designed, commissioned, and sourced by Konig herself. The hand-blown Venetian glassware is dishwasher-safe; the teak garden furniture is chic enough to live indoors; the set of $94 bud vases make for a chic dining table centerpiece. Basically, Household Goods is a medley of Konig’s favorite things.
Ahead, we asked the former Domino editor our most pressing question: What are the things you never tire of? Naturally, she gave us a clear roadmap.
Wicker or Willow Baskets
One of my absolute staples is baskets. I buy them in antique shops for wastepaper, logs by the fireplace, matches, crackers on the dining table, or toilet paper in the bathroom. I love items with multiple uses. Wicker or willow, but I particularly love wicker cache pots for plants like hyacinths in winter (you can line them in plastic!) or holding dishcloths by the sink.
Wine Tumblers and Playful Glassware
Ever since those first days in New York when I set up my little drinks tray, I’ve had pretty glasses. I love all of the ones on our site. We’ve got little spiral tumblers with colored tops and champagne tumblers, too. The ones I reach for more and more are wine tumblers because they’re so easy and feel so much more casual.
French-Inspired Sofas
I bought my sofa in Atlanta while doing a Domino shopping story at a place called The Stalls. It lived in my Bank Street apartment, moved [with me] to 9th Street, came back to London, got reupholstered multiple times, and now sits in my kitchen. It’s shallow and high-backed—perfect for chatting in the kitchen.
Lacquer Trays in All Sizes
Another staple is my Belles Rives lacquer tray, which I designed with The Lacquer Company. I learned the power of the tray at Domino. Everyone seemed to corral things into little trays and suddenly their rubbish looked like a still life. I use the big one as a bar tray; the small one goes by the kitchen sink with dish soap, by the coffee machine for spoons, or next to my bed.
Super-Big Serving Bowls and Platters
When I was living in New York, I loved Mud Australia china at ABC Carpet & Home. I bought a big serving plate—just one—and I used it for my roast chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. I still have it now. That’s how you build a collection: buy slowly, buy well.
Furniture You Quickly Move
I’ve got two bamboo chairs in my sitting room by the garden that I’ll take outside when people come for drinks. Things that are light and easy to move around like that or little lacquer tables are great. Have 60 to 80 percent of the stuff you need where it is, and then be able to move around extra bits.
High-Quality White Bed Linens
I’ve always collected bed linens, and I’m so glad I have. Add a quilt here or buy a Welsh blanket. That’s what creates a layered home. If I’m gravitating toward a pattern, it’s usually D. Porthault, which I’m either buying on eBay or on sale (or stealing from my mom). I’ll do a solid sheet with maybe a colored edge. I’ll have vintage covers, like a lovely old Suzani or Eiderdown in the winter that adds texture on top.
Unique, Lone Plates
I love odd single plates! I’ll put them on tables instead of using coasters. You can put a plate on a stack of books so that when people put their ice-filled drink down on your book, they don’t ruin it. You can easily change the little scene on an end table with a new plate. It’s a fun thing to look for at an antique fair or junk shop.