Ever Wonder Where Top Designers Shop? Allison Handler Reveals Her Go-To Sources for Style, Quality, and Timelessness

Interior designer Allison Handler reveals her Little Black Book of sources she relies on for all of her projects

Designer Allison Handler in a cream living room
(Image credit: Allison Handler)

At Allison Handler Design, we believe homes should be bold, sophisticated, and deeply personal – spaces that make a statement while elevating everyday living. Our projects are designed for the fearless, blending iconic interior design styles with unexpected luxury to create homes that are anything but ordinary.

A big part of that vision comes to life through the vendors and makers we collaborate with. From high-end new construction to transformative renovations and custom furnishings, we rely on a mix of trusted partners and fresh discoveries to push boundaries and deliver designs that feel both unique and unapologetically stylish.

Arteriors

Living room with snakeskin wallpaper on the walls and a beige couch, marble side table with white lamp and a patterned orange blind on a window above a sofa

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Arteriors is one of my favorite vendors for distinctive statement pieces – especially when it comes to mirrors, lighting, and decorative accessories. Their designs often feature unexpected forms, sculptural lines, and thoughtful materiality. Every piece feels like a conversation starter, adding depth and nuance to a room without overpowering the overall composition.

Baldwin Hardware

I recently specified Baldwin’s hardware for my new office and was struck by the quality – each piece feels weighty, refined, and beautifully finished. Their collections offer an elevated mix of traditional and contemporary styles, with customizable options in finish and form that make it easy to tailor the look to a specific project. Their door hardware in particular offers standout craftsmanship and endless versatility.

California Faucets

Walk in shower with gold hardware and checkerboard cream and pink tiles

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

California Faucets stands out for its high level of customization, quality, and timeless design. Their range of finishes – from unlacquered brass to matte black – allows for thoughtful coordination across bathrooms and kitchens. Their pieces are not just functional – they feel elevated and considered, which is exactly what I look for in plumbing fixtures.

Dedar Fabrics

Dedar brings a uniquely European sophistication to interiors. Their textiles are luxurious in both look and feel, with rich textures, saturated colorways, and subtle patterns that read as timeless rather than trendy. I turn to them often for drapery, accent upholstery, and bespoke details where refinement and tactility are key.

Garden State Tile

Walk in shower with gold hardware and beige textured tiles

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Tile is one of the most expressive elements in a space, and Garden State Tile is a consistent source of inspiration. Their offerings are highly curated and beautifully diverse, ranging from timeless stones to bold statement pieces. What makes them especially valuable is their team’s technical expertise and design knowledge – they help you marry aesthetic ambition with real-world functionality.

Global Views

Beige dining room with wooden table and upholstered dining chairs in beige and a beige pattern, a texture beige rug is under the dining table and a statement gold light hangs above

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Global Views consistently delivers when it comes to finishing touches. Their accessories and small furnishings are elegant and sculptural, helping to add layers of sophistication and visual intrigue to a room. I love incorporating their pieces into open shelving, coffee tables, and entry consoles to complete the story of a space.

Hudson Valley Lighting

Neutral bathroom vanity area with arched mirror and white lights either side, and a wooden vanity with marble top

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Hudson Valley Lighting consistently impresses with its diverse, design-forward range of fixtures – from statement chandeliers and pendants to sculptural sconces and sleek table lamps. Their catalog strikes a thoughtful balance between traditional and modern aesthetics, making them incredibly adaptable across various styles of interiors. With a range of sizes, finishes, and price points, they’re a reliable and inspiring resource for everything from entryways to bedrooms.

J Leigh Carpets

I’ve long admired J Leigh Carpets for their stunning, fully customizable rugs. Their offerings combine sophisticated design with incredible flexibility in size, texture, and color – making them ideal for layering a space with warmth and intention. Whether I’m sourcing a subtle foundation or a bold centerpiece, their rugs always feel elevated and artful.

Jenn Air Appliances

We love JennAir – not just for its performance, but for its striking, design-forward aesthetic. The sleek black interiors of their refrigeration units feel incredibly refined and unexpected, lending a bold, architectural quality even when the appliance is open. Subtle yet luxurious details – like brass hardware and thoughtfully integrated lighting – create a rich contrast and elevate the overall look. Across their line, JennAir strikes a balance between modern minimalism and expressive elegance, making their appliances a perfect fit for clients who value both innovation and high design.

Kravet

Cream living room with a fireplace with a brick interior and a boucle armchair and matching pouffe and a large vase filled with greenery

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Kravet is a staple in my design library, offering a breadth of textiles that span aesthetic eras and uses – from rich velvets to relaxed linens and innovative performance fabrics. Their collaboration lines, like the Kelly Wearstler collection for Lee Jofa, bring an edge of high-fashion sensibility to interiors. Whether I’m sourcing for custom upholstery or soft window treatments, Kravet provides both inspiration and reliability.

Made Goods

Powder room with neutral tiles and a stone sink with a textured mirror above and a black pendant lighting fixture hung to one side

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Made Goods is a standout for case goods and accent furnishings that feel collected and curated. Their designs frequently incorporate unique materials – like resin, faux shagreen, and plaster – that add a tactile richness to interiors. Their pieces never feel expected and always bring a sculptural, personality-driven element to a room.

Phillip Jeffries Wallcoverings

Neutral bedroom with subtly patterned wallpaper and high ceilings and a boucle bed dressed in white and gray bedding

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Phillip Jeffries is a go-to for wallcoverings thanks to their expansive and thoughtfully curated selection of styles, prints, and textures. From bold, graphic patterns to understated natural grasscloths, their offerings bring instant depth and sophistication to a space. I especially love their high-performance vinyl options, which are perfect for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas like mudrooms or powder rooms – offering both beauty and durability without compromise.

Schumacher Fabrics & Wallpaper

Schumacher is a favorite when I’m looking to inject boldness, charm, or a bit of whimsy into a space. Their fabrics and wallpapers are richly patterned, playful, and beautifully made. Whether I’m designing a jewel-box powder room or adding personality to a child’s bedroom, Schumacher has the right print to bring it to life.

Sherwin-Williams

White kitchen with soft gray marble tops and a wooden island

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Sherwin-Williams has been a reliable partner in countless projects. Their Emerald line provides excellent coverage and durability, and their color range is both on-trend and timeless. I find myself returning to a few core favorites – Shoji White and Greek Villa for serene neutrals, Urbane Bronze and Rock Garden for moody moments, and Redend Point when a warm, earthy tone is needed.

Vanguard

When I’m not designing fully custom pieces, I often turn to Vanguard for high-quality upholstered furniture. Their collection of sofas, sectionals, and accent chairs is not only extensive but highly customizable – allowing for full control over dimensions, fabric, and finishes. Their craftsmanship is top-tier, their comfort is dependable, and their lifetime warranty adds peace of mind. Plus, their ordering process is seamless, which makes collaboration a joy.

Visual Comfort

Vanity area with reeded wooden cabinets and a mirror with statement lighting

(Image credit: Allison Handler)

Visual Comfort offers a wide and beautifully edited range of lighting that works across nearly every style. Their fixtures balance form and function, with elegant silhouettes and high-quality finishes. From understated library sconces to show-stopping chandeliers, their pieces are regularly featured in my projects thanks to their reliability and elevated design.

Allison Handler
Interior Designer

Allison Handler is the principal designer and founder of Allison Handler Design, a boutique full-service interior design firm based in North Jersey, servicing clients nationwide. The firm specializes in luxury new construction, renovations, and full furnishing projects, and prides itself on being a women-owned and led business. In what has historically been a “man’s world,” Allison Handler Design brings a unique perspective into the design process from start to finish.

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