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

I have featured the Art of Building before and absolutely love their clean, elevated work. They prioritize the physical architecture of their spaces - the foundational components - over the interior furnishings, which I 150% agree with. I always urge my clients to focus on how a space feels - the flow, the light, and the windows - over all else.

You can always change up furniture and details, but furnishings can never, ever correct a broken layout. Focusing your budget on the manipulation of space is always the way to go and the Art of Building really lives that credo.

2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE

This house on Chestnut Street in Newton is not affordable for most. But I had to share it because I wanted to show all the incredible architectural details it features. The carport. The unbelievable woodwork in the entry. The beadboard and the clawfoot tub. Just buy it, somebody. Right now.

The wee hooks by the door? The diamond panes in the cloakroom? I just adore it. What do you think?

3) Handpicked: STYLE

A certified B corporation, you can feel really good about indulging in a new pair of shoes or handbag from Anonymous Copenhagen. Quality, ethical manufacturing and environmental stewardship are all critically important to the brand, and they make really sexy products to boot.

As the weather grows warmer, which is on your list? I personally am drawn to those sparkly Dirty Dancing-esque heels. Remember?

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.

Isabella Ehrlich

February 5, 2024

favorites, california, SoCal, newton, bags, fashion

Handpicked this week - February 4

Isabella Ehrlich

February 5, 2024

favorites, california, SoCal, newton, bags, fashion

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 have featured the incredible Raili Clasen before, but with these darker winter days I wanted to showcase some of her moodier work. A Southern California legend at this point, her work was always sun-soaked and effervescent. But in the past few years she has moved to high contrasts of light and dark, with punctuating black windows, dark cabinets, and more nuanced color palettes, incorporating a lot of wood tones and texture (think terrazzo and concrete). The feel is less "Endless Summer" and more a fusion of California history with ranch and Spanish notes.

She has a book coming out this April - Surf Style at Home - which of course I have pre-ordered. My guess is that this collection will reflect her prior design aesthetic. What do you think of her new direction?

2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE

I saw this listing and immediately sent it to one of my very favorite clients who has an eye for special properties in Newton. This house (or castle - who knows what is going on) is clearly a hot mess. But the incredible slate roof! THE LOCATION ON THE CHARLES RIVER. With a dock!

This reminds me of the strange castle that Chip and Joanna Gaines rehabbed (although a little smaller so definitely more manageable). Waterfront in Newton!

3) Handpicked: STYLE

I am a sucker for a gorgeous bag and particularly one that showcases the breathtaking talents of indigenous cultures. When I'm traveling in Africa, I spend a lot of time ogling textiles. So I fell in love with Yosuzi, which is inspired by the founder's Native American heritage in Venezuela. Using traditional methods with contemporary designs, the hats alone take eight hours to weave. Here are some of my favorites: