My 5 Amazon Holy Grails (Just in Time for Prime Day)

Before the Prime Day madness begins, I’m sharing my all-time Amazon superstars—the products I’ve loved for years and always recommend. They’re the kind of things that earn their spot in your home, not just in your cart.

TINECO WET/DRY VACUUM

This might just be the best thing I’ve ever purchased in my life. Literally. I’ve been using it every day (or every other day) for almost ten years and it has never failed me. It’s a wet vac, which sounds scarier than it is—your floor ends up just lightly damp, not soaking wet, and it grabs dirt in a way a regular vacuum never could. Bonus: I sneak a few drops of essential oil into the water tank (not technically recommended, but trust me) and my whole house smells amazing. SHOP NOW

Candle

DYPTIQUE BAIES CANDLE

The best smelling candle in the world. End of story. No arguments. If you want your house to smell rich rich, this is the way. I’ve lost count of how many of these I’ve bought over the years—for myself, for gifts, for emergencies when my house just needs a lift. It even smells good when it’s not lit. And when the wax is gone, the glass container is perfect for cotton pads, colored pencils, or a dozen other little things around the house. SHOP NOW

RAFFIA TRAY

It might not sound thrilling, but this tray is my go-to styling trick. Want to instantly elevate your coffee table, console, or server? Start with a raffia tray in the center, then add: two stacked coffee table books, a candle, and a vase of flowers or greenery. Done and done. It grounds everything and makes the whole space feel intentional instead of random. SHOP NOW

AESOP GERANIUM LEAF HAND SOAP

If you want to instantly elevate your bathroom, this is it. Put this on your guest bathroom counter and people will notice (and maybe even comment). The scent is fresh, clean, and unforgettable, and it feels like such a little luxury. I also love the shower gel and scrub in this line—the whole line is amazing. SHOP NOW

MICROSTITCH TOOL

This one’s a little random, but hear me out. Think of it as a mini tag gun (like in a department store), but the tags are tiny—basically invisible. It’s perfect for quick fixes: hemming pants, holding collars in place, keeping a sleeve rolled, or even securing a tablecloth. At 5’2″, I use it all the time for hems, but I’ve also used it on pillows, clothes, and random around-the-house projects. It’s temporary, it works, and it has completely surprised me with how often I reach for it. SHOP NOW

FINAL THOUGHTS...

So there you go—my five Amazon all-stars. These are the ones I’ve used and loved so much that they’ve earned a permanent spot in my home. If you’re looking for a place to start your Prime Day shopping list, I’d start right here.

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September Favorites

Fall in love with red

As the leaves prepare to change and the air grows crisp, September offers the perfect opportunity to shift your style and home vibes toward something richer and bolder. This month, we’re leaning into the power of red — a color that’s as fiery as the lingering summer sun and as cozy as an autumn evening.

Whether you’re updating your wardrobe or refreshing your space, here’s how to infuse red into your look and lifestyle this season.

September Favorites...

Abstract Pillow – Add an abstract pillow featuring a bold red design for a crafty statement on any sofa, chair, or bedscape.

Painted Silk Artwork – Richly decorative and elegant, the silk gives it a luminous, delicate texture, while the red accents add a classical touch.

Pillow Cover – The Delft & Rose pattern means soft blue tones (delft blue) combined with rose pinks. The contrast is gentle but visually rich.

Floral Artwork – Create a bold focal point in the hallway, entryway, or living room with botanical-themed art featuring splashes of red.

Wallpaper – To balance the richness of the pattern, pair with solids in muted tones pulled from the wallpaper.

Surreal Art – The artist Kevin Sloan is known for his use of lush, sometimes vibrant, but balanced colors—implying a dreamlike mood.

Napkins – Bring warm and luxury to your fall tablescape with dining accents such as these scalloped napkins in a bold, luscious red.

Vogue Photography – Blending refined composition with artistic depth, the color palette (reds, pinks, straw tones, sea blues) gives both a warmth and a pop of bold color.

Animal Print – A classic animal print can act like a neutral color, breaking up bold hues without clashing.

Lip Tray – Swap out summer pastels for a rich, playful accent tray, perfect for keys, rings, and the like.

Italian Pillow – The ornate pattern gives visual interest, and complexity making it a statement pillow for your sofa or armchair.

Anthropologie Rug – A vintage Persian-style rug with red tones adds texture and warmth to any room.

Ikat Pillow – This pillow cover can be an excellent piece when integrating red accents into a room.

Why Red Works in September

Red bridges the gap between summer’s heat and autumn’s depth. It’s energizing, but also comforting — a perfect palette for a month that’s all about transitions. Whether worn or displayed, it adds drama, elegance, and passion to your daily life.

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August Favorites

Embrace Complimentary Colors

My favorites for August… BLUE + ORANGE, a bold, complementary color-driven aesthetic that pairs warmth with cool sophistication. This palette can adapt to various design aesthetics, from modern eclectic to Dutch-inspired traditional, especially when accented with historic motifs like tulipieres.

Blue and orange are opposite on the color wheel, making them complementary colors that create a striking, harmonious contrast when used together. To incorporate this color scheme into a room in your home, try this:

  • Use textiles like blankets or pillows with a mix of blue and orange to tie the color scheme together and add layers of pattern
  • To avoid clashing or overstimulation, add natural textures and neutral tones like creams, woods, and brass to ground the space
  • Use floral arrangements to soften the intensity of orange and blue contrast
By strategically combining the calm of blue with the invigorating warmth of orange, you can create a cozy, rich, and inviting environment. Follow along with a project I completed using online Interior Design with this color palette.

Shop my August Favorites...

Throw Blanket – Perfect for cozy evenings on the sofa.

Mark D. Sikes Salad Plates – Bright citrus motifs exude a summery, Americana charm that’s both timeless and stylish.

Bird Print – A framed print featuring a beautifully rendered ornithological bird illustration.

Placemats – Add a splash of color to your table, for everyday use or special occasion. 

Tulipiere – For the hopeless romantics, a beautiful Delft blue 17th-century-inspired Tulipiere vase.

Pillow Cover – The perfect blend of traditional Indian block prints and modern design.

Abstract Print – A bold, vibrant, dynamic contrast painting, enhanced with visual texture will brighten your living space.

Chinoiserie Tulip Vases – This delicate chinoiserie design and elegant shape make it the perfect blend of classic charm and sophisticated style.

Painting – A bold, modern focal point for living rooms, dining areas, or entryways.

Archival Tray – Decorative yet practical iron tray with an archival print aesthetic.

Coffee Table Book – Striking and visually rich

Garden Stool – Use as a side table next to your sofa, a nightstand, or even a plant stand.

Hermès Silk Scarf – This iconic Hermès piece embodies the essence of powerful beauty and charismatic femininity, frame it or accessorize your daily fit.

Jonathan Adler Vase – Add a  touch of couture craft to your console, or group with a collection to give your mantel some modern menagerie magic.

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How to Recreate Carrie Bradshaw’s New Apartment from And Just Like That

I’ve been a Carrie Bradshaw fan since the moment she typed “I couldn’t help but wonder…” on her clunky Mac in that iconic Upper East Side apartment. So when And Just Like That gave her a fresh start, and a new townhouse in Gramercy Park, I was hooked. And of course I needed to find out EVERYTHING about it.

The first thing I realized is that it’s not just Carrie’s wardrobe that’s evolved. Her apartment is drop-dead gorgeous, layered, and grown-up in all the best ways. I watched the Architectural Digest set tour on YouTube (twice, obviously), and I knew I had to turn it into something we could all recreate. You can watch the full set tour here

So if you’re craving Carrie’s new blend of vintage charm, old-world architecture, and eclectic, book-strewn glam, I’ve got it!  Let’s break it down room by room, with shoppable picks you can bring home today.

The writing nook: Carrie's office

Some pieces are just you, and Carrie’s navy desk is one of those. It followed her from the old apartment to the new one, proving what I always tell clients: if it’s a classic, it will always have a second act. This cozy little nook feels like a love letter to creative rituals, with velvet chairs, stacks of books, and a retro rotary phone that says, “Yes, I write. And I do it in style.” It’s charming, it’s nostalgic, and it’s unmistakably her.

If you’re craving your own little Carrie-style moment, whether it’s to write, journal, or just look cute with a coffee in hand, here’s how to get the look:

Wood Writing Desk: An iconic vintage-inspired desk for journaling the next chapter in your life

Desk Chair with Woven Seat: The curved design ensures lasting comfort, with a modern look

Table Lamp: Illiminate your nook with a timeless Scandinavian lamp

Leather Accent Chair: The silhouette of this seat will easily match a variety of home styles

Round Wood Coffee Table: This round coffee table features an angular intersecting base, blending retro style with contemporary elegance

Architectural Digest Magazines: A fresh take on a traditional architectural design

Wall Sconces: Sophisticated Mid-Century lighting

Retro Rotary Phone: A nostalgic prop from her earlier New York studio—linking past and present décor stories

Book Shelf: Display your volumes of Architectural Digest and vast book collection

Abstract Art: Soft-toned abstract prints are hung with intention—nothing too loud

Colorful Upolstery: A built-in loveseat made with vintage repurposed shirts, echoing Carrie’s personality

Mid-Century Arm Chair: A nostalgic bold mid‑century accent with clean lines and contrasting tones

Rug: A faded Persian‑style rug in muted jewel tones anchors the office floor

Architectural Digest Book: 100th anniversary Architectural Digest coffee table book

Throw Blanket: Its soft silver tones echo the dreamy neutrals and textured elegance ideal for spaces inspired by classic mid-century with feminine warmth

Book Collection: A kind of odd blend of books — fiction and nonfiction, all mashed together, old and new editions for the avid reader

Carrie's continuity: Vintage Touches That Matter

Set designers included her old books, framed covers, and even that black rotary phone. These aren’t just Easter eggs—they’re proof that a space evolves when we bring our past with us.

Design Tip: Layer in personal history. Use old photos, framed notes, worn-in books, and one-off pieces you’ve had for years. Carrie wouldn’t do matchy-matchy, and you shouldn’t either.

READY TO SHOP THE LOOK?

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So…

In short, Carrie’s office blends past and present: it’s a space of transformation—anchored by her familiar desk and objects, yet set within a new, emotionally resonant home.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the architectural choices or how other rooms reflect character development, I’d be happy to walk through them too! And if you liked this post, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more trend-proof design inspiration and behind-the-scenes favorites.

Artwork inspired by Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in And Just Like That. Original set design by the show’s production team, as featured in Architectural Digest. This illustration is an editorial interpretation and not affiliated with HBO or Warner Bros.

This post contains original commentary and affiliate links based on design inspiration from popular media. All trademarks and property names belong to their respective owners. This site is not endorsed by or affiliated with HBO, Architectural Digest, or the creators of And Just Like That. Any illustrations or imagery are used under fair use for editorial and commentary purposes.

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July Favorites – Nantucket Charm

Confession time! I designed my own house around a Nantucket meets Hamptons fantasy that I’ve had in my head for years, long before I ever set foot on the island. One ferry ride later every instinct was validated. Cedar shakes, blue hydrangeas, American flags as far as the eye can see…amazing! Nantucket style is coastal decor at its most refined. East Coast perfection!

This month’s edit bottles that breezy Nantucket charm so you can sprinkle it over your own summer gatherings, whether you’re hosting a clambake on an actual dock or you’re hosting friends with a beautiful Nantucket inspired table on your back porch. From a Ralph Lauren chic striped rug to Mark Sikes cache pots, every pick nods to the islands refined, less-is-more aesthetic. Ready to dive into Nantucket bliss? Drop anchor, and dive into my July favorites below!

Rug – Coastal casual and décor-smart, by Ralph Lauren, this patriotic rug is the perfect punch of color. 

Cane Vases – Stunning in a vignette on your console table or outdoor picnic setting.

Lobster Pillow – Sea-inspired decor for your indoor or outdoor space, made from recycled plastic!

Wall Art – Add an East Coast vibe to your home decor with a simple piece of wall art in a weathered frame.

Pillow – Grab some decorative throw pillows to add a splash of red, white, and blue. 

Cachepot – Perfect for housing potted herbs, citrus trees, succulents, or flowers, the Mark Sikes Mediterranean-inspired striped cashepot is a timeless look for indoor or outdoor spaces.

Adirondack Chair – Relax and take a load off in the garden or on the patio.

Nantucket Basket – Inspired by the serene Nantucket Island, this handwoven tote bag is perfect for a walk on the beach.

Puzzle – Enjoy your seaside retreat while piecing together the Nantucket 1000-Piece Puzzle.

Ball Cap – Throw on a classic Ralph Lauren twill cap on the way to the market.

Woven Tray – Add warmth and texture to your living space as well as functionality with a sustainable tray.

Seersucker Napkins – Make these lightweight, cotton fabric napkins your summer staple for a seaside tablescape.

Mark Sikes Sham – Use cozy, yet refined slip covers and pillow shams in traditional blue and white patterns to elevate your space.

Hydrangea – Blue Hydrangeas are iconic in Nantucket style and associated with the island’s acidic soil as well as the nostalgic charm of the landscape.

Tea Towels – Using a red, white, and blue color palette, creates a look that’s perfect for summer gatherings, the 4th of July, or a nautical vibe.

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Hello there! I’m Lori Evans, Interior Designer and co-owner of Evans Construction & Design. Welcome to my world! I created this blog to share all the projects, tips, ideas and inspiration that I have. My goal is to help you make your rooms look even better than your Pinterest boards!

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