Handpicked this week - March 24

Welcome to my Handpicked by Milk and Honey Group newsletter. For new subscribers, in this weekly newsletter, I share my top picks for the week - trends or particularly noteworthy designs. Each week I share an interior, a real estate listing, and a style item that I think is special. I hope you'll let me know what you think!

1] Handpicked: INTERIOR

With offices in Montecito and Pasadena, House of Honey's mission is to "design houses where life is celebrated." How wonderful is that? And, they seem to love pink, and of course, honey, so definitely give them a look. Their firm is self-defined as a "female collective" and their use of color is unapologetic, bold and playful but also very sophisticated.

They clearly love lighting as much as I do - so many inspiring pieces to add to my Pinterest board. Which project is your favorite?

2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE

The house I'm featuring this week - 41 Chase Street #2 in Newton - is one really close to my heart. We completed this home in early 2022 and it was an incredible transformation of a tight space for a family of five. I'm sharing photos shot by the talented Jessica Delaney (minus the exterior image).

Many of our clients are as obsessed with houses as we are, and often they move on to a new home (and project) after finishing a major renovation. This went under contract in two days, substantially over asking! I'm delighted for my clients (now dear friends) and also excited for their next chapter!

3) Handpicked: STYLE

I am obsessed with Laurie Fisher's artwork. I love the color blocking, scale and the interesting mix of color choices as well as the textural elements. Reminiscent of Hapi Art but a little more tailored and subtle, her work is perfect for many different styles and spaces.

She has some pieces currently available in her studio - which one is your favorite?

That's all from our team this week - can't wait until next week!

X Isabella

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! Just head to my website here and drop me a line.

Handpicked this week - March 10

Welcome to my Handpicked by Milk and Honey Group newsletter. 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 is special. I hope you'll let me know what you think!

1] Handpicked: INTERIOR

When I was a creative director for Pottery Barn, we lived in San Francisco. My time in the Bay Area - 7.5 years - really imprinted on my design sensibility. I am drawn to spaces flooded with light that combine modern and antique in an interesting, textured way. I saw Caitlin Flemming on IG and thought she was a great example of how east coast and west coast aesthetics can be merged, resulting in a composed, layered space that feels fresh and comfortable at the same time.

I like that her designs clearly respond to her individual clients and are not the same every time. What do you think?

2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE

I saw this little cutie in Newton and fell in love! What incredible curb appeal with the adorable porch and beautiful landscaping. It could use some updates - like a new kitchen and PLEASE remove those awful popcorn ceilings - but it has such amazing bones at a fantastic price.

Based on the deck, I would also guess that there is an opportunity to expand if necessary. A great investment in a super location!

3) Handpicked: STYLE

I found Elizabeth Prince Ceramics when I was looking for sculptural art that had a lot of movement. Based in the UK, her butterfly and flower installations are incredible and are a perfect counterpoint to other art (paintings, print) that you might have in your home. I love adding dimensional art to a wall - oversized baskets, textile art - to mix up the wall planes and add interest.

Her pieces are equally at home in a city or beach house. Which one would you choose?

That's all from our team this week - can't wait until next week!

X Isabella

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! Just head to my website here and drop me a line.

Handpicked this week - January 21

Welcome to my Handpicked by Milk and Honey Group newsletter. 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 is special. I hope you'll let me know what you think!

1] Handpicked: INTERIOR

I recently discovered Laura Stephens and love her pops of color with her decidedly British sense of style. I fell in love with this home she designed - the mash-up of the patterned wallpaper, opinionated paint color, and bold upholstery meant instant love for me! And the lighting - swoon! Her taste references traditional design but it all feels a bit cheeky which I love.

2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE

This home in Concord isn't much to look at now, but the neighborhood is phenomenal. One of those old-fashioned communities where kids play in the street together - riding bikes and playing soccer - and neighbors bring over a casserole when you move in. Who doesn't want that? The exterior is tired but it's a blank slate just waiting to be refreshed!

It has some lovely light, which means it has potential! A new kitchen, new baths, and perhaps an expanded rear addition and you've got an amazing investment in coveted Concord!

3) Handpicked: STYLE

Having grown up around the water, the vernacular of the ocean has permeated Blakely Little's art. She founded Blakely Made and is inspired by the landscape around her - marshes in Charleston, her international travels, and her hometown of Annapolis. Her work is sun-soaked and dreamy but also has an Impressionist influence.

Blake's work is at home equally in a beach or lake house, but also as the grounding of a color palette in a suburban or city home (just imagine that sunset painting with a wall in Farrow and Ball, Dimity). What do you think?

That's all from our team this week - can't wait until next week!

X Isabella

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! Just head to my website here and drop me a line.