This glorious three day weekend really re-energized me - we went camping up in the White Mountains (yes, with 4 kids!) and I Marie Kondo'd my pantry. What did you do to reclaim your own wellbeing?
For new subscribers, in this weekly newsletter I share my top picks for the week - trends or particularly noteworthy design. Each week I share an interior, a real estate listing and a style item that I think are special. I hope you'll let me know what you think!
1] Handpicked: INTERIOR
If you haven't found her already, Athena Calderone of Eye Swoon is a must-follow. Yes, she often has moody videos where she shares a "styling tip" and deliberately moves a vase two inches right, then one inch left... but her design is flawless and very current.
Clients with dramatically different styles are all called to her unique blend of European patina (think plaster, bold Calacatta Monet marble and traditional English brass hardware), mid century furniture and lighting (yup, she has the Mario Bellini Cameleonda sofa) and modern architecture (black frames and glass, minimalist trim). Eye Swoon is the definition of the overused term "curated" but I know you'll find lots to, er, swoon over.
My personal favorite is her Amagansett home that you can visit here in Arch Digest.
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
I had the privilege to tour this house in Little Compton a few weeks ago. Yes it's expensive. But, it's over 6 acres on the water (you read that SIX), winterized, and comes with a subdividable lot and a sweet guest cottage (to rent, for a caretaker, etc).
I was hoping the owners would let me do a mini-refresh for them as it has incredible bones, some divine mid-century arches and furniture and lovely old beams (but also some really awful lighting and 80s tile choices). But... they're not interested in renovating before selling. So... perhaps you and another friend would like to partner, and I'll fix it up for you! I even have a costed spreadsheet ready to go on this one!
3) Handpicked: STYLE
Move over cement! In keeping with Eye Swoon's love of time-worn patina, I hope you've noticed the trend in zellige tile. Historically made in Morocco, it is terracotta tile (often square) that is glazed by hand with enamel. It is irregular - both in texture and in color density and is absolutely gorgeous. (Note: it requires expert installation to account for the variations in thickness.)
Companies in the US that are supplying it include one of my favorites - Cle Tile - as well as a pile of other smaller vendors (some shipping directly from Morocco). It can be neutral, like this gorgeous shower from Amber Interiors:
Or it can be bold and moody, like this kitchen.
I have been sourcing some porcelain/ceramic options from Spain that LOOK like zellige but are sturdier (read: less porous) for clients, so let me know if this is a look you're inspired by!
4) BONUS TOOL: What will it cost?
I recently released a Renovation Spreadsheet for you to use that details all the expenses involved in renovation construction and can be used for a single bathroom to a full home.
I hope you love these handpicked favorites! Have a great weekend and I'll chat with you next week!
Isabella x
Isabella Califano Ehrlich - Designer and GC
Milk and Honey Group
P.S. If you would like to consider working together, I'd love to hear from you!