My top 10 are my items that move all around, and most recently... across the country with me because they are too essential to leave behind! Here they are:

1. Entry. Every home needs a landing for keys, glasses, mail, and a rest. Pop a squat - whether full sized or mini, it's nice to have somewhere to sit down and take your shoes off. Asymmetry works great, especially when you're able to place two larger mass items as the focus; the table and mirror play nicely off each other as darker, more stately pieces. The Ikea children's chair and Roost lamp balance out the vignette with a modern playful flair.

2. Slide 25 by my brother-in-law, Robert Hyde.

3. Ikea Stockholm Rand Rug. I'd love to say I have the Madeline Weinrib original, but taking a zero off the price tag makes a difference, so Ikea it is!  The geometric pattern is interesting enough to take a look at, but subtle enough for everything else to happen on top of.

4. Bedroom. Everybody needs a respite where they feel like they can get away from everything and everyone, even if you have to use the fan for sound control... Buy linens that make you feel luxurious and cozy! I designed this bed and had it custom made for my husband as a wedding present. It makes me happy to snuggle up in , not to mention the amazing feather top mattress I demanded when I was pregnant!  The linens are Restoration Hardware; the artwork is from Bodin Gallery. I grew up outside of Washington DC, and my mom took classes at the Smithsonian so she would know how to pick the best oriental carpets. Knowledge is readily available if you take advantage of the right community resources - go get some and your kids will be sporting your duds in 30 years too!

5. Roost Low Horn Lamp.  They take anything organic and polish it nicely enough for Elton John. I love this in Horn and have used our pair all over my home - paired at an entry console, at side tables around the living room to keep the design together, or as matching his and hers bedside lamps. This is made from real horn, I also love their work in metals, woods, and glass!

6. Surfer Girl by Matt Schwarts.  Props to Matt for getting my attention twice in one week! But, it's like I said, I look at this image and feel good about life - or go surfing. Either way, I end up smiling.

7. Dining Table that you love. This went on sale when Paul Gaucher of Icon Group closed his shop on the North Shore to focus his time more directly on his blossoming showroom in Boston.  I loved it so much, we bought it regardless of not at all having enough space for such a piece.  It is from reclaimed Teak wood that was sourced in Thailand, then crafted by an woodworker in South Carolina. We chose to finish it ourselves using Tung 'n Teak oil; I love the cross-bracing under the table and even the unseen dovetails joining the table together. Always invest in pieces you love - you'll find a way to fit them.  We have two chairs along one side and one at each ends because we don't have space to fit a full 6 seater in our apartment - it still looks great!

8. Good Trash Can. I like the Simple Human Retro Roundstep, because the yucky part should be inside.

9. Flowers. A room isn't alive if there's nothing living in it... Pretty is great. Alive is better. Picked wild or bought, flowers will freshen your air up, literally.

10. Something cute for the bathroom. Bathrooms are always the last place people think of. So, whether it's a silver frame of you and a loved one or your favorite flea market finds... find a spot and make it cute. There's no avoiding it, so put some thought into it!