Back-to-School Shopping Edit (hint: we're channeling our inner Elle Woods this fall)

The psychological shift that happens the Tuesday after Labor Day is always more powerful than I expect. Suddenly, I feel that familiar back-to-school energy, even though I’m not returning to the classroom. I find myself craving the simple joy of buying Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils, browsing for a new backpack, and stacking it with fresh library books, whether or not I’ll remember to return them on time.

That same spirit inspired me to curate this "back-to-school" shopping edit, filled with standout pieces designed to spark creativity, sharpen focus, and make your reading time even more enjoyable. These are the essentials that make me feel smarter, cozier, and more inspired, even if I only make it ten minutes into a novel before dozing off.

- Peter Spalding, Daniel House Club

Antonio Game Table

Let’s start with a true standout: Alexa Hampton’s Antonio Game Table for Theodore Alexander. While I’m not much of a game player, I love to draw, and this leather-topped game table is just as perfect for sketching beautiful pencil lines as it is for gathering friends around a round of dominoes. The warm cognac leather finish paired with elegant brass details instantly elevates any room, creating a rich, bookish atmosphere. Even the clever pivoting hinged drawers feel timeless, ready to store anything from inkwells and journals to poker chips and playing cards.

Strata Jute Rug

Now that my favorite piece is out of the way, let’s talk about the foundation of any space: the rug. Designers often say you should start a room with the rug - a bit of advice I’ve always found overrated. Sure, rugs can help set the palette, and yes, custom rugs often come with long lead times, but I believe you should start with whatever inspires you and your client most.

That said, a great rug can still transform a room, and you don’t need a custom design to achieve a smart, polished look. I’m especially drawn to simple jute rugs, like the Strata Jute Rug, a rich, chocolate-toned style with a subtle windowpane pattern from one of Daniel House Club’s exciting new vendors, Layered. It’s versatile, timeless, and adds just the right amount of texture to anchor a space.

Mohair Throws

As we head into the cooler months - a season made for snuggling - I couldn’t resist including not one but two cozy throws in this edit. The first is the Mohair Throw in Moss from Evangeline Linen. The rich, earthy green hue is absolutely stunning, and the luxurious mohair texture makes it the perfect companion for crisp autumn evenings. Whether you’re curled up for a fall movie night or tucked into a favorite chair with one of those never-to-be-returned library books, this throw delivers both style and comfort.

Lexi Throw

Of course, after about five minutes under anything too heavy, I’d be overheating, so my next pick is the Lexi Throw from Threads Soft Goods, crafted from a breathable blend of wool and silk. Not only does it keep me perfectly cozy without the risk of breaking a sweat, but its vibrant, eye-catching pattern adds instant character to any space. And the best part? Threads Soft Goods also offers coordinating pillows, making it easy to pull together a layered, stylish look.

Poterie Mugs

Mugs and throws naturally go hand in hand, so I had to include the Casafina Poterie Mug in Caramel. My current collection of cobalt blue and white mugs always feels better suited for something chilled, but this warm caramel glaze is perfect for cozying up with a hot drink. It’s the kind of coffee mug that instantly feels autumn-ready, making every sip more comforting. And, of course, I like to have coffee while I read, mainly because the inevitable spills leave a trail of evidence across the pages I actually managed to finish.

Dune Dining Chair

A dining chair may not usually feel like a seasonal item, but the Dune Chair from Caracole fits seamlessly into this fall color edit. I’ve always loved a chair on casters - practical, versatile, and surprisingly chic. What makes this piece especially interesting is the horizontal brass band detail. It looks like solid metal, but it’s actually painted wood, which keeps it from feeling overly slick or staged, the way some metallic finishes can. Another thoughtful design touch is the concave front apron, which allows more room for your feet compared to the average fully upholstered dining chair. Smart, stylish, and comfortable - it checks all the boxes.

Marilee Wall Sconce

I’ve even surprised myself with this sconce selection, but sometimes a little pink is exactly what a room needs - just like Elle Woods did for Harvard. In a dark study or library, the gilded frame and soft pink glow of this decorative wall sconce, the Marilee by Currey, adds levity and warmth, keeping the atmosphere from feeling too heavy. The best rooms, after all, are the ones that make space for a full range of emotions, and a touch of playful color can do just that.

Margaret Lamp

If pink crystals aren’t your style, you might find the Margaret Lamp in brown glass from International Shades a little more intellectually appealing. The sculptural base feels modern yet timeless, and while the lamp shade is sold separately, that’s hardly a drawback. International Shades offers dozens of unique and unexpected options to keep things fresh. With such a wide assortment, they truly are a go-to resource for designer lampshades and one-of-a-kind lighting accents.

Orion Sink Chest

Lastly, I’m turning my attention to something new. I’m moving into a new house this season - one that feels much fancier than anywhere I’ve lived in years. My James Martin Hudson Vanity, with its faux tongue-and-groove design, felt perfectly at home in our mid-century Cape Cod. But in the new space, I’m starting to think a touch of glamour may be in order, perhaps even a gilded demilune vanity. Time will tell, but I can’t help imagining how the Orion Sink Chest from Ambella Home would transform the bathroom. Its elegant design makes me feel as though even the bathroom could become a place to sit, reflect, and read.