Emily Henderson is the season 5 winner of HGTV’s Design Star and host of Secrets from a Stylist. She writes a daily style blog full of styling tips, shopping resources and general personal stories at Style by Emily Henderson. She is a strong believer that your house reflects your personality, and unless you are perfect — don’t try to force your house to be.
For our Etsy and West Elm 2013 kick-off event, we’ve asked Emily to curate a selection of Etsy sellers. Here, she shares a few Etsy favorites and what she finds so appealing about these two brands.
As a certified shopaholic, I get bored if I see the same object too often. Sure, there are some classic mid-century pieces where I’ll always be obsessed with the original, but I need a lot of new stimuli to stay engaged online and in stores, which is why I love Etsy and West Elm.
With Etsy, I can get a ton of handmade and vintage, one-of-a-kind items that I’m not going to see everywhere (which always impresses my clients). With West Elm, their seasonal collaborations with independent artists make you feel like you need to hoard everything because it won’t be around next season — it’s more like a fashion brand, less like a big box store. Here are a few pieces I’d love to include in future styling projects.

[1. Origami Lampshade by nellianna 2. Original Painting by kikiandpolly 3. Porcelain Bull (part of set) from 1001vintage 4. Porcelain Plant Hanger (part of set) by farrahsit 5. Yellow Vase by romiceramics 6. Wood Rocking Chair by jolyonyates]
What I need most, more than anything, are interesting quirky personality-filled accessories: items that will make my clients feel like they are getting something that nobody else has. Right now, I’m mostly drawn towards cleaner lines, but with warmth – items that feel modern and streamlined, but aren’t totally slick or minimalist.
[1. Desk Accessory Collection by farrahsit 2. Lucy Print by nancyillustration 3. Brass Prism Plant Holder by HRUSKAA 4. Doll Head Mug (Part of set) by ENDEsign 5. Mini Bee Paper Sculpture by elsita 6. Canopy Lounge by CANOPYstudio]
My obsession with gold continues, and the black and white trend is certainly overtaking my styling brain lately. All I want are fresh and happy pieces that are full of personality but without a lot of busy-ness. I’m splurging on crazy sculptures and art and saving on accessories that are easier to mix with other items.
Join Emily and a diverse group of talented Etsy sellers on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at West Elm’s Beverly Boulevard store in Los Angeles! From 1 to 6 p.m., featured LA-area Etsy sellers will be set up within the West Elm store to share and sell their homegoods, jewelry, stationery and more. In addition, we’ll be serving refreshments and bite-size desserts from Heirloom LA!
For more of Emily’s fabulous finds, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
112 comments
Julie DeGroot from JewelsInTheGarden said 5 years ago
Beautiful finds! Love the plant holders!
Patrick from EdelweissPost said 5 years ago
I completely agree with Emily that Etsy is the place to go to find something that nobody else has. I am amazed everyday at the unique and interesting finds I see here. To really make someone feel special is to give them something that is homespun or one of a kind~
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 5 years ago
Nice picks! I'm a recovering perfectionist, but my house is far from perfect.
Erin Inglis from COLRtheory said 5 years ago
Beautiful finds!
birdie from dirtybirdiesvintage said 5 years ago
we love you emily!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
Great finds!!! I'm a sucker for those plant hangers. So pretty!
Corinne from SeptemberHouse said 5 years ago
I want that bee! :)
Jane Priser from JanePriserArts said 5 years ago
Interesting read! Etsy is the place to find unique things!
Valerie from valeriestitchery said 5 years ago
Wow, Emily and I have very similar taste. Great picks!
Desiree from ArtDecoDame said 5 years ago
Such beautiful pieces!
Margaret Kelly from MayAvenue said 5 years ago
I'm a huge fan of Emily's work! Thanks so much for the amazing picks!
Marta DQ from tribomo said 5 years ago
I love all your finds!
Tara from inspiredartprints said 5 years ago
Great finds.
Sonya Rasi from sonyarasi said 5 years ago
Beautiful finds!
Melanie Holland from NanabojoDesigns said 5 years ago
great picks! Styling must be such a fun job! =)
LetsAllMakeBelieve from LetsAllMakeBelieve said 5 years ago
beautiful! :)
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 5 years ago
Wonderful!
Merle Kasonen from Mekadorn said 5 years ago
Nice colours, beautiful lampshade!
Nancy from GoldenDaysAntiques said 5 years ago
Love your picks, Emily!
Katie Schmitt from PassengerSeatArt said 5 years ago
Great fun finds!
Anne-Claire R. from HibouDesigns said 5 years ago
nice picks!
Jaclyn Doremus from TheLandofCraft said 5 years ago
Lovely picks! So fun to have you around here on Etsy!!!
hose. tights from hosetights said 5 years ago
such a lovely collection of objects! i have even more things on my wish list now!
Jenny from Mythillogical said 5 years ago
The bee is beautiful
Katrina from saltandginger said 5 years ago
I've been a big fan of Emily's style since her Design Star days and love her fun take on making your home "yours." These are super picks - happy to see some of my favorites in here as well!
Renata and Jonathan from RenataandJonathan said 5 years ago
Interesting collection :)
Seonae Lee from HedgehogProject said 5 years ago
Amazing works! Congrats :)
Keiko from BlessHue said 5 years ago
It is great to see wonderful new and unique Etsy finds that I could not find myself and to learn a interior designer's point of view. Amazing selections!
Brittany from beadeddragons said 5 years ago
Always interesting to hear that well known people shop on here. There are some really neat pieces on here. I have to stay away from the search bar on here, cause my job situation limits my spending money, and if I start clicking around I just want all the things haha.
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat said 5 years ago
That rocking chair is just wonderful... although it costs probably more than the rest of my furniture is worth!
Alisa from AlisaDesign said 5 years ago
Love these finds!
zime from zime said 5 years ago
Wonderful finds!
Terry from Parachute425 said 5 years ago
Love the paper bee. I'm into bees right now. Must get it out of my system. Great pieces. Will have to check Emily's blog.
Emily Wirt from emwi said 5 years ago
Love these picks! Such fun and modern pieces, with great pops of color. Thanks for sharing!
Jan Penn from MinaMinette said 5 years ago
I love Emily! Watched and rooted for her on Design Star...her style continues to impress!
D George from GeorgieGirlLLC said 5 years ago
Love the colors and the finds. Love, Love, Love the rocking chair. I see me there knitting and crocheting my me time away. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Gynther from CafePrimrose said 5 years ago
Awesome!
Marsi from TheCottageCheese said 5 years ago
Fabulous picks by Emily. That molded plywood rocker is amazing!
Christine from FineArtWithaTwist said 5 years ago
wow, that rocker is awesome!
Brenda Bordas from brendabordas said 5 years ago
I agree completely with Emily it is awesome to know the items I make are one of a kind. I list on many of my items no one will ever duplicate an item that my customers will give as a gift to their loved ones.How many baby showers or wedding gifts are duplicated when bought at a store? Not my items ever. Way to go!!
Heather from heatherfuture said 5 years ago
That doll head mug cracks me up! What lovely picks. I totally agree that Etsy is the place for exciting new stimuli. There are some marvelously strange minds out there sharing their brilliance with us on Etsy. It's the best.
newhopebeading from newhopebeading said 5 years ago
Very cool! Thanks for sharing
Angela Cotton from CottonBirdDesigns said 5 years ago
Great finds!
Veronica from VeronicaRussekJoyas said 5 years ago
Cool finds!
MargosCrafts from MargosCrafts said 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing! Do not find much time to look through everything, so I really enjoyed these finds.
Erin Dollar from cottonandflaxshop said 5 years ago
Great find, Emily! Especially love the porcelain bull, feels like something Picasso would have kept in his studio.
Aristocrafts from Aristocrafts said 5 years ago
Truly unique finds! I totally agree: Etsy is the place to go for one of a kind and special items, that make you feel special! I really wish I could join Emily at West Elm :)!
Erin Dollar from cottonandflaxshop said 5 years ago
Great finds, Emily! I especially love the porcelain bull, looks like something Picasso would have kept in his studio.
Wall Star Graphics from WallStarGraphics said 5 years ago
Fun read. Thank you for your insight.
Kim from TimeNSeasonTreasures said 5 years ago
Thank you for pointing out the one of a kind element of Etsy, vintage and handmade. Also for the fun read of this article.
paola from atelierpompadour said 5 years ago
great picks Emily!!
Beth Anne and Sarah Schwamberger from TheAmateurNaturalist said 5 years ago
But Emily, what if I AM perfect? kidding! Fabulous finds -- my midcentury modern heart is happy!
Shola from YarningKnots said 5 years ago
Nice finds if I do say so myself...
Catheryn Dallenbach from SomeKindOfPretty said 5 years ago
I love Emily! She was my pick on Design Star. I also watched her show all the time! If it was on, I was watching it. lol Great pics! I totally agree with her, I become bored with design after a while and need to change it up. Lately I have been turning to Etsy for inspiration and design pieces! Once I move into my new place with my soon to be husband, I plan on buying a bunch from Etsy. :-)
Rachel from PeppersJewelry said 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing your finds with us, Emily!
messinabella from BandBEstate said 5 years ago
Great finds!
Amy from TheSquirrelCottage said 5 years ago
I love your show and your blog Emily! You have made me completely take a second look at brass! Thanks for sharing your picks.
gaiadesignstudios from GaiaDesignStudios said 5 years ago
How fun!
Addy Widjaja from cubiciti said 5 years ago
Great find! Thanks for sharing!
France Gallery from FranceGallery said 5 years ago
What an interesting rocking chair!
Kathy Johnson from kathyjohnson3 said 5 years ago
Lovely finds! Especially the retro bench!
Giselle from MyArtAndFashion said 5 years ago
Unique and amazing finds. I agree with Emily about finding one-of-a-kind items on Etsy. I wish I had money to buy all the incredible things I see!! :)
Richard Lithgow from RichardLithgow said 5 years ago
Etsy is a great place for unique finds. I just got sent a special gift from Etsy a few days ago!
Piegota from FullCircleRetro said 5 years ago
What a NICE surprise - Emily! Thank U!
Marissa Howes from CharmingShopLove said 5 years ago
Such a unique and beautiful collection of items! I love searching Etsy to look for things for my own home. It's the perfect place to find the most amazing design inspiration. Thanks for sharing these pieces!
Riri Design from ShopRiri said 5 years ago
I will always remember this to decorate my house: "She (Emily) is a strong believer that your house reflects your personality, and unless you are perfect — don’t try to force your house to be." Thanks!
Susan Wagner from beachbabyblues said 5 years ago
How Fantastic , is this !!! I love the " interesting quirky personality-filled accessories " on Etsy too, Its addictive , if your not careful ! LOL Thanks for sharing this , made my day !
Vanessa from ZamydreDesigns said 5 years ago
Thanks Emily for sharing. I love your selections especially the canopy lounge.
Nider from Niderart said 5 years ago
Cool finds! Etsy is really an amazing place. Thanks!!!
Nider from Niderart said 5 years ago
Cool finds! Etsy is an amazing place. Thanks for sharing!
Sonja Bikić from DeepSilence said 5 years ago
nice
James Sillivan from LonestarVintageFinds said 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing. Great Taste.
Katrina Alana from KatrinaAlana said 5 years ago
Great picks!
Sonja Threadgill Nelson from sassyfibersbySonja said 5 years ago
great stuff!
Jillian Carmine from JillianReneDecor said 5 years ago
You're a rockstar, Emily! Wish I could attend!
HandiworkinGirls from HandiworkinGirls said 5 years ago
Nice selections! Especially the plant hanger... I can almost smell the herbs now!
Kerry and Rie from WoodrockTurning said 5 years ago
Wow! I wish I could buy the wood rocking chair!!
Katherine from reiter8 said 5 years ago
I LOVE Emily's style. Fantastic finds. Sounds like a great line up. That wood rocker is outrageously beautiful!
thebaubledept from TheBaubleDept said 5 years ago
Great tips; It's good to know when to splurge and when to save. Really great Etsy finds. I'm amazed everyday at the uniqueness and creativity of Etsy sellers!
Tracy from designlab443 said 5 years ago
Great finds... I love that chair!
iammie from iammie said 5 years ago
Nice picks!
Valerie from ValerieTyler said 5 years ago
Wonderful choices! Nice fresh designs, and a minimalist aesthetic :) My kind of style!
Natalie Jacob from EtymologyJewelry said 5 years ago
Love those hanging plant holders, so mod!!
Suzette from Suzetteupcycled said 5 years ago
OMG my mother made me cut my long hair in the 60s & it looked just like that Lucy A print!!! All poufy on top in the back too!! TOO CUTE! I hated it at first but I guess it was trendy at the time. I was in Jr. High at the time.
Kim from PaperTraits said 5 years ago
I love that I am part of this great trend setting group! The picks are classic yet not of any era. Super article! Thanks Etsy & Emily!
Sarah Heatwole from SPLENDIDANTIQUITIES said 5 years ago
Love these picks! I have been following Emily for awhile now and as a recent etsy seller, I love that she is supporting us!
Janette from AmericanDollClothes said 5 years ago
Great picks! I too love to find one of a kind items and I agree that Etsy is the place to find them.
Chuck from ChuckEByrdWallDecals said 5 years ago
Thank you Emily for supporting Etsy while showing that there are many seller here that create unique items every day. It is with the help of people like you that we can work at what we love! Thanks again.
Walter Silva from WalterSilva said 5 years ago
Agreed!
VintageBeach from VintageBeach said 5 years ago
Yay for TastesOrangey! always loved that shop.
Jaye from JypsyLight said 5 years ago
Thank you for supporting the unique and the "uncommon"!!!
Valerie Johnson from pillowville said 5 years ago
Love your insights. Best wishes to you and the Etsy shops sharing their talents at West Elm this weekend! Inspired idea!!
Jennifer Beaudet from JBeaudetStudios said 5 years ago
I love the variety of unique items on Etsy! Your designs are so fresh and so are your Etsy picks!
Irene from IreneMollerJewelry said 5 years ago
I love your picks, Emily. And I'm crazy about the rocking chair - if I could just find room for that one in my apartment. Thank you for the inspiration!
Erin O'Rourke from Aruguletta said 5 years ago
I love Emily Henderson! Thank you for featuring her picks. My favorite is the gold lounger.
ArleenDesign from ArleenDesign said 5 years ago
Lovely finds! Its fresh and interesting...
yippeevintage from yippeevintage said 5 years ago
I thought I recognized that face... the biggish hair threw me off a little :) While my personal style may be different, I embrace the same philosophy about a personality-reflecting, imperfect home.
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 5 years ago
Great picks! Very interesting ...Some of it brings back memories.... :)
yippeevintage from yippeevintage said 5 years ago
I thought I recognized that face :) While my personal style differs from the featured items, I embrace the philosophy of a personality-reflecting, imperfect home.
yippeevintage from yippeevintage said 5 years ago
Oh... lol... I always wondered why I saw duplicate posts sometimes... now I know :)
Penelope Neil from StarTribeVintage said 5 years ago
I have to say, I love Emily's show and her style. I haven't seen any episodes made in the last year or so because I don't have paid television and I live in Australia (deathly combination) but that which I've seen was great; her method of pinpointing someone's unique style is unlike anything else on TV. It's a method I used some time ago when I had trouble getting my 1970s granola stuff to fit with my super-luxurious deco house; result- Jedi Bohemian, a mix of hippy neutrals, ethnic shapes and natural textures, contrasted with the high-slick finish of white geometrics and mirror finishes. All the rage now of course, but this was 1995. Since then I've loved coming up with crazy mutations of two distinct styles, it keeps things alive.
Carolyn S. Miller from AutumnLeavesJewelry said 5 years ago
Inspiring !
Donna Kohler from TreadleLady said 5 years ago
Fun quirky picks! Love to throw in a little shocker now and then.
Lesley from leilalou said 5 years ago
Fabulous!
April McGee-Riess from RawLuxGems said 5 years ago
Love all of your specially picked pieces Emily and I'm so jealous you were in my home town of Los Angeles, CA, with my fellow Etsy sellers, when I'm not there. Great idea though :-D
Kate Temple from katetempleuk said 5 years ago
Love the clean lines and fresh, spring colours! Beautiful.
Stacy Campbell from ThisLooksCute said 5 years ago
Great finds...what a dream job! It would be so much fun to be a stylist!
Sam Simon from TRRTRY said 5 years ago
Great Collection!
Elizabeth England from ninedragons said 5 years ago
Great finds...I'm a closet "designer". All it takes is one rug, or a fabulous lamp, or the best chair, and I imagine an entire room around it. Etsy is filled with unique, one of a kind art. Fun.
dead set babes from deadsetbabes said 5 years ago
fantastic finds, really inspired to buy more things for my home from etsy!
Dana Evans from danaevansstudio said 5 years ago
Great pics! Goes to show you that if you like certain things, then they go together!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
Agh, how much i love Etsy creative minds. So strong and individual.