March 31, 2024

san francisco, california, concord, lighting

Handpicked this week - March 31

March 31, 2024

san francisco, california, concord, lighting

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

Based in San Francisco, Anyon Design's portfolio reflects an interest in the airy, coastal vibe rooted in California as well as historic houses with architecture that are unique to the west coast (they're not 300 years old, but they're still interesting!). I share the lead designer's passion for pops of color on a neutral background which add a bit of whimsy and fun to spaces. Of course the light on the west coast is unlike anywhere else and permeates all Anyon's homes with warmth and richness.

My favorites in their portfolio are the Stinson Beach (I adore this area) and Sonoma Farmhouse projects. Which home speaks to you?

2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE

This house in Concord has a funny story surrounding it! It sold in December in an insane bidding war, and then the new owner found a property she preferred and put this one BACK on the market! I had several clients look at it seriously this winter and are again taking a peek... It has exquisite landscaping and hardscape to frame the gorgeous view of the Concord River, but it needs a refresh on the interior. Someone really loved yellow

What do you think? Worth the price?

3) Handpicked: STYLE

Urban Electric is probably the premiere lighting manufacturer for transitional lighting. With an elegantly curated collection, each piece is absolutely stunning, bringing as much personality and style to an interior as a piece of art. Urban Electric is one of the few lighting manufacturers that brings gorgeous and sophisticated pops of color into their pieces, something that I'm ALWAYS looking for.

Their prices are eye-popping but absolutely worth budgeting for! Be sure to check out our Pinterest board for more lighting ideas!

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

March 24, 2024

california, M+H client, artist

Handpicked this week - March 24

Isabella Ehrlich

March 24, 2024

california, M+H client, artist

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.

Isabella Ehrlich

March 10, 2024

california, san francisco, newton, artist, sculpture

Handpicked this week - March 10

Isabella Ehrlich

March 10, 2024

california, san francisco, newton, artist, sculpture

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.

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: