I’ve always received more catalogs than I could possibly order from or want.  I admit that the recent recession cut the number of catalogs I received by quiet a bit…my post man seems so much friendlier!

Note to self…I’d love to have a taxidermy pheasant.

Images above via Pierre Deux catalog

There are 4 catalogs that I thoroughly enjoy, not because I order from them, but because I get inspired by some of the room decoration.  They are Williams Sonoma Home (I love Williams Sonoma/cooking as well but I’ll save that for another post), Pierre Deux, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn.

Williams Sonoma Home has a host of some of the best names in design now offering their ideas to create “your room your way”.  Names like Bunny Williams, Mary McDonald, Joe Nye and Carolyne Roehm.  I realize there is more at stake for these home stores/catalogs so it makes perfect sense.

The above 2 images Williams Sonoma Home catalog

I believe some of the catalogs raised the bar as far as room display some years back.  In fact, Pierre Deux and Restoration Hardware started advertising in several of the nesting magazines with full page ads that are very impressive.

Pottery Barn gets a certain amount of scorn from certain home enthusiasts but you have to admit, they truly have something for everyone.  Even if you don’t care for their furniture, their ability to accessorize is pretty amazing and you can use your own treasures and just borrow a little inspiration from their catalog for your own home.

The above 6 images via Pottery Barn catalog

Restoration Hardware took a new direction in 2008 when Chairman and Co-CEO, Gary F. Friedman decided to rock the boat…when other companies were lowering their prices due to the recession, he and his team raised the quality and subsequently the price of their furnishings.  I have heard people say they love the new look and some that find it dreary.  I’m somewhere in the middle.  I must admit I love the gray tones and the light industrial look of many of their furnishings.  Its fun to look at their store and I hear they opened a gallery in San Francisco that is pretty impressive…see what I mean, the bar has been raised!

So what catalogs do you enjoy, if any.  Do you buy very much from them?