The combination of a short vacation, back to school with four kids and then back to worktook all the time I had... thanks for sticking with me!
For new subscribers, in this weekly newsletter I share my top picks for the week - trends or particularly noteworthy design. Each week I'll 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
More and more my clients want designed spaces that are beautiful and inspiring, but that also can be lived in and used. Homes got extra wear and tear during Covid, and clients are asking for a refresh that reflects both their personal style and can handle the demands of work from home and intense family usage. This quote, from Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design, really spoke to me: "A house that’s pretty but doesn’t live well is not well-designed.” Isn't that the truth of our lives?
I love this Montauk home that Alexander Design created - incredible mid century and California contemporary pieces mixed with textural elements of rattan, plaster, leather and white oak. Stunning, and yet can hold up to the heavy use of teen lounging, sandy feet and lots of friends.
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
This house has stuck in my brain this week since it was listed by my good friends the Butler/Wheeler team. A lot of mid-century gems in the suburbs were renovated to look more like their colonial neighbors, just like this one. Let's be honest, it's currently awful. But the price and access to Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge in Concord means it's just begging for a refresh (and it will be a great investment!).
Dark paint, and replacing some of the facade with glass, means that it could be transformed into something true to its roots, like this. All it needs is a little vision (OK a lot, but that's what I love to do)!
3) Handpicked: STYLE
Lighting is one of my favorite resources to hunt down. Just like a statement necklace elevates a simple tee and jeans, lighting is the detail that makes spaces sing and is worth spending a chunk of change on. I purchase a lot of lighting from Europe (France and the UK mostly), and love restoring antique fixtures as well.
One of my favorite collections currently is Roman and Williams Guild. Carefully handcrafted out of patina'd metals like unlacquered brass and milk glass, their lighting is unique and timeless (my current favorite is the Oscar pendant below). Check out their textiles and soft goods and handmade tableware too!
4) BONUS TOOL: What will it cost?
If you follow my on IG you may have seen that the top question I get from prospective clients is: "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 really hope it might help YOU.
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!