The impending cold weather was making me cranky, but then we took a deep dive into Ted Lasso (I know... we're like the last ones). I did not realize how I craved joy and positivity back in my life! What are you binge-watching these days?
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
Have you heard of The Brooklyn Home Company? I don't even know what they are - like a beautiful mash-up of interior design, Etsy craftsmanship, real estate development, feng shui and environmental advocacy. Their work is restrained and yet dynamic - with the most exquisite artisinal details, curated collections of vintage gewgaws and interesting organic and textural furniture and lighting pieces.
I mean come ON. Look at these stairs. They're what dreams are made of.
It's all just so... perfect. Airy and uncluttered, but so deliberate and intriguing. Apparently they have their other office in Jackson which I have yet to explore.
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
One of my cherished friends and real estate agent extraordinaire sent me this listingin Concord. I'm working on a house down the street and this neighborhood is heaven - walkable and historic. She knew that I would love all the untouched architectural details and suggested I purchase it to flip it! I'm not quite there yet, but I'm hoping someone will reach out who needs my help to restore this charmer back to life!
Who would like to take on this project with me??? Apparently there is a lot of potential to expand on the lot and make it a beautiful home and a great investment.
3) Handpicked: STYLE
This week I want to focus on an area very close to my heart - Ethiopia. With two children from Ethiopia, we travel to east Africa a lot. Their textiles are beyond gorgeous (my favorites are from Arba Minch, in the southern part of the country) - with vibrant colors and the softest cotton imaginable as part of their rich maker tradition.
But sometimes global textiles can look out of place in a modern interior. So there are many companies out there employing local workers and revitalizing local economies, while producing products - complete with quality control and worker benefits - appropriate for a cosmopolitan market.
Bole Road has been featured in Architectural Digest and Vogue, and is an excellent example of an Ethiopian-owned business that has been created for a modern aesthetic. Vibrant brights, coastal blues and moody neutrals - Hana Getachew has successfully translated this craftsman legacy into something luxurious and refined.
Her pieces are at home in mid century modern homes and beach houses alike!
4) BONUS TOOL: What will it cost?
I hope you will take a moment to check out my recently released Renovation Spreadsheet 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! I would love to hear from you and what YOUR favorites are this week.
Isabella x
Isabella Califano Ehrlich - Designer and GC
Milk and Honey Group