Decades later, Konig still holds onto small mementos from that era, such as the pink tumbler glasses from Bergdorf Goodman that once added a vibrant, magazine-approved punch of color to her tiny drinks table. Reflecting on those formative years, Konig describes an atmosphere defined by creativity and accessibility. Everything felt fun, nothing felt stuffy, and the lifestyle portrayed on the pages was genuinely attainable for young urban dwellers stepping into their first homes.
That foundational experience left Konig with a design philosophy that she still champions today: never wait for a theoretical "forever home" to start surrounding yourself with nice things. Instead, she advises design enthusiasts to slowly and intentionally build a collection of splurge-worthy pieces—such as D. Porthault linens or Astier de Villatte ceramics—over time rather than all at once. Having observed too many clients rush to purchase luxury homewares in bulk at the very end of a major interior design project, Konig was inspired to launch her latest venture, Rita Konig Household Goods.
The curated online store offers a collection of essential homewares and furnishings that are individually designed, commissioned, and sourced by Konig herself. The inventory reflects a pragmatic yet elegant sensibility, featuring hand-blown Venetian glassware that is remarkably dishwasher-safe, teak garden furniture sturdy and stylish enough to transition seamlessly indoors, and $94 bud vases intended to serve as effortless dining table centerpieces. In essence, the shop operates as a physical manifestation of Konig’s personal design lexicon. To understand the philosophy behind her curation, we asked the veteran designer and former editor to share the timeless staples that she never grows tired of using in her own spaces.
Wicker or Willow Baskets
Among Konig’s absolute foundational staples are baskets, items she frequently hunts for in antique shops to serve a multitude of everyday functions. Whether utilized as wastepaper bins, holders for fireplace logs, containers for matches, clever vessels for crackers on a dining table, or discreet storage for toilet paper in a bathroom, Konig values items that offer high versatility. While she appreciates both wicker and willow, she holds a particular fondness for wicker cache pots. During the winter months, she lines them with plastic to house plants like hyacinths, or uses them near the kitchen sink to corral dishcloths.
Wine Tumblers and Playful Glassware
Konig’s affinity for distinctive glassware traces all the way back to her early days in New York when she first arranged her modest drinks tray. That appreciation for beautiful vessels carries over directly into her new collection, which features spiral tumblers with colored tops alongside traditional champagne tumblers. However, her personal preference increasingly leans toward wine tumblers. She finds that they offer an inherent ease and a much more casual drinking experience that suits modern, relaxed entertaining.
French-Inspired Sofas
When it comes to larger furnishings, Konig maintains a long-standing loyalty to pieces with history and flexibility. Her own beloved sofa was originally purchased in Atlanta while she was working on a Domino shopping feature at a boutique called The Stalls. Over the years, the piece has traveled extensively, living in her Bank Street apartment, moving with her to 9th Street, crossing the Atlantic back to London, undergoing multiple rounds of upholstery, and ultimately finding a permanent home in the corner of her kitchen. Because it features a shallow seat and a high back, Konig finds it to be the ideal perch for casual conversations while cooking or gathering in the kitchen.
Lacquer Trays in All Sizes
The transformative power of a simple tray is a lesson Konig learned during her tenure at Domino. She observed how effortlessly people could corral miscellaneous items onto small trays, instantly turning everyday clutter into a curated still-life composition. This insight led to the creation of her Belles Rives lacquer tray, designed in collaboration with The Lacquer Company. Konig utilizes the large version as a functional bar tray, while smaller trays find homes by the kitchen sink to hold dish soap, next to the coffee machine for stray spoons, or on her bedside table.
Giant Serving Bowls and Platters
During her years living in New York, Konig developed a strong appreciation for Mud Australia porcelain available at ABC Carpet & Home. Rather than buying an entire matching dinnerware set all at once, she purchased a single large serving plate, which she routinely utilized for roast chicken, potatoes, and vegetables alike. That single purchase epitomizes her broader approach to collecting: buy slowly, and buy well.
Furniture You Can Easily Move
Flexibility is a cornerstone of Konig’s spatial planning. In her own sitting room, situated near the garden, she keeps two bamboo chairs that can easily be carried outside whenever guests arrive for drinks. By combining light, easily movable pieces like these with small lacquer tables, she ensures a dynamic living environment. Konig recommends keeping 60 to 80 percent of your essential furniture permanently in place, leaving the remaining elements adaptable so they can be shifted around as occasions demand.
High-Quality White Bed Linens
Having spent years collecting bed linens, Konig expresses deep gratitude for the stash she has accumulated over time. Building a layered, visually rich home, she notes, often involves simple additions like mixing in a quilt or a traditional Welsh blanket. When she gravitates toward patterns, she frequently turns to D. Porthault, acquiring pieces via eBay, during seasonal sales, or occasionally borrowing them from her mother. Her preferred bedscape typically pairs crisp solid sheets with a colorful edge, topped with vintage covers such as a treasured old suzani or a cozy eiderdown during the colder winter months.
Unique Lone Plates
Rather than traditional coasters that can easily get misplaced or feel overly formal, Konig prefers using odd, single plates placed across tables. A small plate can be set directly on top of a stack of books, providing a safe resting spot for an ice-filled glass so that moisture never damages the binding. These unique plates also allow her to easily refresh the visual vignette on an end table whenever the mood strikes, making them a favorite category of item to hunt for at antique fairs and junk shops.
