Expert Styling Secrets: Kira Corbin’s Top Picks from the Iconic ABC Carpet & Home

For over 15 years, Portland-based stylist Kira Corbin has been a quiet force behind some of the most memorable visual narratives in the design world. Her work, which spans the realms of high-end advertising, editorial spreads, and personalized lifestyle branding, is defined by an uncanny ability to make a space feel not just curated, but deeply, authentically lived-in. Corbin’s approach to interior design is rooted in a profound sensitivity to material and texture—a philosophy that has seamlessly transitioned into her own successful line of ceramic dinnerware and table linens, Standard Affair. As her reputation for crafting elegant, evocative scenes has grown, so too has the curiosity surrounding her professional toolkit.

When it comes to sourcing the essential components for a shoot—from the tactile weight of high-quality bedding and the nuanced silhouette of an incense holder to the perfect drape of a kitchen tea towel—Corbin consistently returns to a single, legendary destination: ABC Carpet & Home. For designers and decor enthusiasts alike, the Manhattan-based institution is more than just a retailer; it is a repository of inspiration. While the shop is celebrated for its expansive in-house collections of furniture and soft goods, it has also earned its status as a tastemaker’s destination by stocking revered international labels, including the likes of Ginori, Astier de Villatte, Hawkins New York, and John Derian.

In a recent exploration of her creative process, Corbin opened up about the specific pieces she turns to when the goal is to elevate a room from "styled" to "lived-in." Her selections emphasize the importance of subtle contrasts, personal touches, and the quiet power of high-quality materials.

The Whimsy and Artistry of Astier de Villatte

Among the first items Corbin highlights are the delicate, sculptural ceramics from Astier de Villatte. These pieces have become a foundational element in her styling kit, serving as a reliable way to introduce "sophisticated whimsy" into a space. According to Corbin, the charm of these ceramics lies in their unique character; they possess a handmade quality that feels both antique and timeless.

Specifically, she points to the brand’s incense holders as a standout, praising them for their artful, sculptural form that transcends their functional purpose. Even when not in use, these items act as small, intriguing objects of art on a surface. Similarly, she is fond of the brand’s signature cups. While they are intended for beverages, Corbin prefers to use them as vessels for small, everyday treasures—whether it’s a collection of vintage matchbooks, a handful of dried botanicals, or other small odds and ends that might otherwise clutter a desk or bedside table. By repurposing these items, she creates a sense of personality that makes a room feel curated by an individual rather than a showroom.

Curating Contrast with Shelton Metal

Beyond the high-profile ceramic houses, Corbin is constantly on the hunt for pieces that offer a departure from the expected. She emphasizes the necessity of "contrast in material," noting that a room often needs a jolt of something different to keep it from feeling monotonous. This is where her affinity for smaller, metallic, or uniquely shaped objects comes into play.

Corbin specifically cites the shell-shaped dishes from Shelton Metal as a go-to for her styling projects. These pieces serve a distinct purpose: they provide a small, tactile anchor on a coffee table, a stack of books, or a bathroom vanity. By placing a metal shell dish next to a ceramic vase or atop a stack of hardcovers, she creates a juxtaposition of textures that adds depth to the overall composition. It is these "little decorative pieces," she explains, that provide the finishing touches, turning a flat display into a layered, interesting tableau.

Textural Depth with Maison de Vacances and Society Limonta

Textile choice is perhaps the most significant factor in Corbin’s ability to make a space feel warm and inviting. When styling a sofa or a bedroom, she is wary of pieces that look too staged or "flouncy." Instead, she looks for textiles that bring an edge to the room.

The pillows from Maison de Vacances are a particular favorite in this regard. Corbin notes that she often uses these to provide a necessary textural contrast against more streamlined upholstery or clean-lined bedding. She specifically appreciates the brand’s design details, such as the edge hemming and the exposed zippers at the bottom of the covers. These elements give the pillows a subtle, sophisticated grit that prevents them from looking overly decorative or precious.

This dedication to texture extends to her selection of blankets. Society Limonta is her primary source for throws and bed coverings, primarily because of the brand’s mastery of the weave. Corbin notes that she is always looking for blankets with an interesting tactile quality, and few companies manage the balance of color and material quite as well as Society Limonta. Whether draped over the back of a sofa or layered at the foot of a bed, these blankets provide an immediate sense of comfort and lived-in luxury.

The Role of Glass and Ceramics in Daily Life

For Corbin, the inclusion of fresh, organic elements is non-negotiable. She frequently arrives at her styling shoots with buckets of fresh-cut stems and branches, viewing flowers as the ultimate tool for making a room feel "alive." To house these, she turns to the glassware of Artel. The brand’s pieces, characterized by vibrant color palettes and intricate engraved designs, allow her to style flowers in a way that feels understated yet deliberate. An Artel vase doesn’t just hold the flowers; it adds dimension to a side table or a dining room setting, bridging the gap between a formal floral arrangement and a casual, homey atmosphere.

Similarly, Corbin advocates for the use of high-quality, handmade serving bowls, specifically those from Jan Burtz. She often uses these to display produce, noting that a large bowl filled with in-season fruit or vegetables can make a kitchen feel vibrant and functional. She prefers the neutral, organic tones of the Jan Burtz porcelain, which possess a quiet, handmade aesthetic that fits seamlessly into almost any interior style. By opting for these, she ensures that the "art" in the home feels intentional and grounded.

The Importance of the "Perfectly Rumpled" Detail

Rounding out her list of essentials are the tea towels from Linge Particulier. In the world of professional styling, the tea towel is often the most overlooked detail, yet it is a critical indicator of whether a kitchen looks "staged" or "real." Corbin is specific about her requirements: the towels must be made of 100% pre-washed linen.

"They have just the right amount of rumple to look great on camera," she explains. For Corbin, a towel that is too stiff looks fake, while one that is excessively wrinkled can look messy or unhygienic. The Linge Particulier towels strike that elusive balance of looking classy yet "lightly disheveled," providing that final touch of realism that makes a space feel honest.

Through her selections at ABC Carpet & Home, Kira Corbin demonstrates a consistent philosophy: that the most beautiful homes are built not by following trends, but by layering items that possess texture, history, and a touch of the unexpected. By prioritizing the tactile, the functional, and the slightly imperfect, she continues to define the modern standard for an elegant, lived-in home.