Welcome to my Handpicked by Milk and Honey Group newsletter. Here in the Northeast it's apple picking and squash soup one day, then balmy afternoons and long-awaited rainstorms the next. We are aware that in about six weeks, our season of painting and roof-work will be done for a few months. It's a beautiful time to work outdoors, especially as the leaves are a spectrum of golds and greens and reds at our main work sites in Bedford and Concord, Massachusetts.
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
I am completely obsessed with fashion designer Ulla Johnson's Montauk retreat featured in AD. From the Mario Bellini Bambole sectional sofa in caramel leather (I have been trying to find one for my own home for years) to the gorgeous veiny marble in the kitchen (balanced by the slab front oak cabinets), it's a lived-in yet completely chic interior. I love that she isn't afraid of patina and wear even though the items are curated thoughtfully. As Johnson says, “I’m not precious about things in the home.”
As I tell my clients, it's YOUR home and you need to enjoy your life in it. So in my opinion, go for the marble counters, the white sofa (with a slipcover or performance fabric!) and use the sterling silver. We only get one life and being surrounded is energizing and restful at the same time!
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
I was down in Little Compton, Rhode Island (yup, apple picking) to enjoy some of the most glorious days of the year in this rural ocean town. The farms are at their peak with dahlias, pumpkins and apples, and their rolling fields are vibrant in the autumn sun as they slope gradually to the ocean. Patten Drive is a quick hop from Boston, and borders gorgeous farmland and the sea.
The bathroom and kitchen are dated, but could easily be refreshed. And the interesting architectural bones (like the open rafters) are worth saving!
3) Handpicked: STYLE
I love adding texture to spaces through textiles and rugs. Caralarga makes incredible sculptural wall hangings that are bold and tactile. What I love about them is that they can work with other traditional dramatic art - photography and painting - without competing for your visual attention.
One cool Pro Tip is to use a textile wall hanging in place of a headboard to fill a primary bedroom space while cozying it up at the same time.
That's all from our team this week - can't wait until next week!
X Isabella