Home Interiors and Gifts Company: A Complete Guide to Its History, Legacy, and Impact on Home Décor

Home Interiors and Gifts Company has long been recognized as one of the most iconic names in the home décor and direct-selling industry. For many years, Home Interiors and Gifts Company became a household name associated with stylish home accessories, decorative pieces, wall art, seasonal decorations, and high-quality products designed to make homes more beautiful. In the early decades of its growth, Home Interiors and Gifts Company was respected not only for its unique product collections but also for its business model, which empowered thousands of consultants to build careers and income from home. At the same time, Home Interiors and Gifts Company set industry standards for home décor products that were both affordable and elegant, making it widely popular among families, interior design enthusiasts, and collectors. Across the country, millions of customers trusted Home Interiors and Gifts Company for accessories that added warmth, charm, and personality to their living spaces. Even today, many people still search for items formerly produced by Home Interiors and Gifts Company, reflecting its lasting impact, strong emotional connection, and timeless design appeal.

What Was the Home Interiors and Gifts Company?

Home Interiors and Gifts Company was a direct-selling business founded in 1957 by Mary Crowley in Dallas, Texas. Its mission was to provide high-quality home décor while offering women—particularly stay-at-home mothers—an opportunity to earn income through flexible work.

The company specialized in home décor accessories, including:

Floral arrangements
Wall décor and framed artwork
Candles and candleholders
Figurines and collectibles
Lamps and lighting pieces
Seasonal decorations
Decorative shelves and wall sconces
Glassware and pottery

Home Interiors and Gifts Company quickly grew into one of the largest direct-selling companies in the United States, offering both beautiful products and a business opportunity for independent consultants.

How the Business Model Worked

The company used a direct-selling, home-party business model. Consultants, often called “decorators,” hosted “home parties” in customers’ houses. During these gatherings, they showcased products, demonstrated styling ideas, and helped attendees choose pieces that matched their interior design preferences.

This approach relied on:

1. Personal Interaction

Customers could see and touch products in a relaxed environment before buying.

2. Demonstrations

Consultants displayed creative design arrangements and explained how to decorate effectively.

3. Social Shopping Experience

Guests enjoyed a fun social event while learning about home décor.

4. Commission-Based Income

Consultants earned money from sales and could recruit others to build a team.

The friendly, community-centered experience made Home Interiors and Gifts Company extremely successful for decades.

Why Home Interiors and Gifts Company Became So Popular

Several factors contributed to the company’s strong reputation and long-lasting appeal:

1. Affordable Luxury

The products looked elegant but were priced reasonably, making them accessible to middle-class families.

2. Consistent Quality

The company ensured durable materials, detailed craftsmanship, and classic design styles.

3. Emotional Value

Home décor plays a meaningful role in personal expression, and the company helped customers create warm, inviting spaces.

4. Trusted Consultants

Customers often bought from consultants they knew personally—neighbors, friends, and family members.

5. Strong Community Culture

Decorators felt supported with training, catalogs, incentives, and recognition programs.

Products Offered by Home Interiors and Gifts Company

One of the core strengths of the company was its large variety of home décor collections. Below are some product categories that made the brand famous.

1. Decorative Wall Art

The company produced framed artworks, prints, mirrors, and wall plaques in different styles such as traditional, country, floral, and inspirational themes.

2. Candles and Candleholders

Candle collections were among the best-selling items. They came in various shapes, scents, and designs paired with metal or glass holders.

3. Floral Arrangements

Artificial floral pieces were handcrafted and often featured seasonal colors—perfect for living rooms and dining tables.

4. Figurines and Collectibles

These included angels, animals, holiday figurines, and ceramic pieces that became collectible items.

5. Home Lighting

Table lamps, accent lamps, and wall sconces added warmth and style to homes.

6. Seasonal Decorations

The company released themed collections for Christmas, autumn, spring, and summer décor.

7. Shelves and Wall Displays

Decorative shelving units and display pieces helped customers create curated wall arrangements.

The Legacy of Home Interiors and Gifts Company

Home Interiors and Gifts Company left a significant mark on American home décor culture. Its impact can still be seen today in the following ways:

1. Rise of Direct-Selling Décor Businesses

The company inspired other home-based businesses in the décor industry.

2. Popularization of Home Parties

The home-party model became a trend, influencing brands like Tupperware, Pampered Chef, and others.

3. Timeless Designs

Many of the company’s styles—especially floral arrangements and country-themed décor—remain popular in modern farmhouse and traditional interior trends.

4. Collector Value

Vintage Home Interiors accessories are still sold and collected on online marketplaces.

Challenges and the Company’s Closure

Despite its success, the company faced several challenges in the 2000s:

Changing consumer shopping habits
Rise of online retail
Increasing competition
Shifts in interior design trends
Financial difficulties

In 2008, Home Interiors and Gifts Company filed for bankruptcy. Later, some assets were acquired by other home décor businesses, but the original structure of the company ended.

However, the company’s products, catalogs, and decorative style continue to be cherished by many.

What Made Home Interiors and Gifts Company Unique

Several qualities set the company apart from other home décor brands:

1. Personal Approach

Purchasing products through a personal consultant created trust and emotional connection.

2. Strong Training System

Decorators were trained in sales, product knowledge, and interior design techniques.

3. Women-Centered Empowerment

The company created thousands of job opportunities for women, long before remote and flexible work became mainstream.

4. Signature Product Style

The brand focused on warm, classic, and family-friendly designs that appealed to many households.

5. Inspirational messaging

Many products included motivational phrases, religious themes, or comforting artwork.

How the Company Influenced Interior Design Trends

Home Interiors and Gifts Company played a key role in shaping American décor preferences from the 1960s to 2000s. Its influence included:

Emphasis on Wall Arrangements

The brand popularized grouped wall décor arrangements using shelves, sconces, and framed artwork.

Nature-Inspired Themes

Floral, greenery, and pastoral artwork became widespread in suburban homes.

Seasonal Decorating

The company taught families how to rotate seasonal décor—now a common practice.

Coordinated Décor Sets

Matching wall pieces, figurines, and floral arrangements created unified style themes.

Modern Alternatives to Home Interiors and Gifts Company

While the original company no longer exists, many modern brands offer products or services with similar vibes. These include:

PartyLite
Thirty-One Gifts
Avon Home Living
Scentsy Home Décor
HomeGoods
Hobby Lobby
Kirkland’s
Wayfair

These companies provide home décor items ranging from traditional to modern, accessible to shoppers of all tastes.

Tips for Choosing Home Décor Inspired by Home Interiors and Gifts Company

If you love the classic and warm styles associated with the company, here are tips to decorate your home with a similar aesthetic:

1. Embrace Warm Colors

Earth tones, greens, burgundy, gold, and soft neutrals create cozy spaces.

2. Add Floral Arrangements

Place artificial flowers or greenery on mantels, tables, and shelves.

3. Use Wall Groupings

Create a wall display using framed pictures, mirrors, shelves, and sconces.

4. Combine Textures

Mix ceramic pieces with metal candleholders, glass accents, and wood furniture.

5. Include Sentimental Pieces

Inspirational signs, family photos, and decorative figurines add personality.

6. Use Accent Lighting

Soft, warm lighting makes rooms feel inviting and comfortable.

Why People Still Search for Home Interiors and Gifts Company Today

Even though the company is no longer active, interest remains strong for several reasons:

1. Emotional Nostalgia

Many customers grew up with these products in their parents’ or grandparents’ homes.

2. Collectible Value

Vintage pieces are often traded in online marketplaces.

3. Durable Quality

The products were built to last, and many still look beautiful decades later.

4. Timeless Style

Classic décor fits well with modern farmhouse, cozy cottage, and traditional design trends.

Lessons from the Home Interiors and Gifts Company Success Story

The company’s journey offers valuable lessons for modern entrepreneurs and home décor enthusiasts:

Understand your target audience deeply
Offer a personal customer experience
Provide high-quality, timeless products
Build a supportive community culture
Adapt quickly to changing market trends
Combine business with emotional value

Final Thoughts

Home Interiors and Gifts Company was more than just a décor brand—it was a cultural phenomenon that shaped how people decorated their homes for over 50 years. With its unique combination of classic design, direct selling, and community-based business, the company helped millions create warm, beautiful, and meaningful living spaces.

Its legacy continues through the timeless style of its products, the memories of home parties, and the inspiration it gives to modern home décor businesses. Although the company is no longer active, its influence remains alive in homes, online marketplaces, and the hearts of those who cherished its beautiful collections.

Sources:

Architectural Digest
House Beautiful
Better Homes & Gardens
Historical archives of direct selling industry