This new year already feels like a blur. This past week was hard as I deciphered myriad emails from my kids' schools on mask requirements, quarantine protocols, "close contact" definitions... ugh! So glad I have you and design to keep me inspired and moving forward.
I am very grateful for all of you here, and I wish you and your families health - above all, health - and peace as we navigate the continued stress of COVID.
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
Oregon-based Kaemingk Design is everything that is fresh in interiors currently. If you had to guess where she was based, I don't think you could. There is a freedom that is decidedly West Coast, but the patina is European and there are many farmhouse and traditional details that would make you guess New England!
Check out some of my favorites and then head to their website to choose your own:
Currently trying to source doors like this on the East Coast... which is like searching for the Holy Grail apparently.
Isn't the work lovely? Organic and minimal and Japonesque yet fresh and inviting and comfortable. I love it.
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
New inventory is starting to come on the market which is so exciting! My longtime friend, colleague and realtor Sharon Mendosa just brought this listing to market. Architecturally it's incredible with lots of mid-century notes, (and who doesn't want a sauna right about now). It's also very unusual to see such a modern, studied home like this in the Boston suburbs.
Sauna party?
It definitely needs some updates in the baths and the kitchen, but nothing major to make it really spectacular. Who's in?
3) Handpicked: STYLE
I am completely obsessed with Two New York right now. Their pieces are chic, sustainable and globally interesting. My style has always been a mish mosh, but since our family is transracial and transcontinental, I'm really into pieces that encourage global artisans yet don't overstep with cultural appropriation. I also try to support smaller companies that celebrate different bodies, and racial and ethnic diversity in their models.
For Christmas, I got this beautiful kantha jacket. It's so so so cozy. It was quite a splurge but I used a coupon and feel like it's a long-term investment. And as a mom, I have a very limited rotation of pieces so I try to choose pieces that are high quality instead of the fast fashion of my 20s.
Definitely have my eye on this caftan!
Is it a poncho? Is it a dress?
They sent me a lovely sachet filled with lavender with my coat too... I love details like that!
4) BONUS TOOL: What will it cost?
Are you considering a renovation in 2022 (but are maybe feeling a little terrified)? Then I hope you'll download my Renovation Spreadsheet. It 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.