Great Site: The Well Appointed House

images: The Well Appointed House

Tis the season! It’s hard to believe that the holidays are almost upon us. That means it’s time to think about gifting. There are so many fabulous sites out there that it’s a relief to know most of my shopping can be done from the cozy confines of my TV room while I snuggle a newborn baby (that is if this little one ever arrives!) instead of hitting the Avenue or an overcrowded mall. One of my favorite sites is Melissa Hawks’s The Well Appointed House. She truly has something for everyone. Having been around since 2001 she knows the best brands and artfully hand picks only the best items from a variety of designers.

Q&A with Melissa Hawks, Founder The Well Appointed House

When did you start your site The Well Appointed House?

I started TWAH in late 2001, when I was working in advertising in NYC. I actually started it while I was planning my wedding – because I found that items that I wanted for my reception and for my new home as a young, newly married bride weren’t available online. I saw fabulous things in NYC, but realized that people in other states couldn’t access them as easily as I could – so the idea was born.

What is the site (e-commerce, blog, etc) and what can people find when they visit you?

The website is the retail arm of the company. We are also very active in social media, with a blog and about 50,000 social media followers currently on our various outlets. We have an active audience and it’s hard to keep up with the tweets, direct messages, etc. that you receive – but it’s nice to know there are people out there who love home decor as much as I do.

Have you always been passionate about interior design?

I have loved design and interiors since I was about 6. I used to love going to furniture and home shops with my mother. We used to pop into craft shows. I think she really brought out my inner- Martha at a young age! I credit her for exposing me to these things.

Which designers have been your greatest inspiration?

I love Mary McDonald, Ruthi Sommers, Meg Braff, Charlotte Moss and others.

Where do you find the items you buy for TWAH?

I literally never stop shopping and looking for things. I get ideas at trade shows, at High Point, and even when I’m at other stores. I can’t turn my mind off – I’m always sourcing things!

You have a HUGE following on social media. What is the best part about interacting with your followers/shoppers?

I love knowing that people out there are listening. Taste is so personal and so I’ve realized that in order to stay relevant, I need to appeal to varying tastes. It can’t all be about me. It needs to be about what’s popular and trending – and it’s been amazing to see how trends have come and gone since I started this in 2001. I really feel that I can talk intelligently about the interior design trends over the past thirteen years. Things come and go – and of course, there are the classics. Investment pieces – things that are worth getting when you are starting out, in that starter house, but want to get a few key pieces that will last. I call these the “heirloom pieces”. Then there is the fun part of decorating, which we all do — which is bringing in the things you tire of and replace every few years. The social media following is great and I’ve met interesting people.

What kind of items from the site are best for touching up a room or sprucing up a space that needs updating?

You can change a room with new lamps, floral arrangements, pillows, photo frames and accents that are easy to change. The staple pieces that are worth investing in are the good, quality furniture items that you’ll want to have for ten years.

What’s next for The Well Appointed House?

I’m moving my office to 31 East Elm Street in town and we will have a small retail area in the front with housewarming gifts and some of our fabulous case-goods, lamps and accessories! I hope to see you all there!

Thanks Melissa for joining us over here at The Sent this holiday season. Below are some of my favorites from the site!

{White Lacquer Desk, Yorkshire Picnic Basket, Madison Wastebasket, Large Sea Fan Wall Art, Vivienne Ceramic Table Lamp, Estate Nickel Hurricanes, Cowhide Zebra Frames, Wrapped Leather Handle Tray, Provencial Letter Box, Turquoise Teardrop Earrings}

And Melissa has generously offered to do a giveaway and send one lucky reader a set of 6 Kate Spade Highball Glasses. See below! All you need to do is “like” The Well Appointed House and The Sentimentalist on Facebook and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen the day after Thanksgiving!

{Kate Spade Highball Polka Dot Glasses}