One of my all time favorite interior design studios, a hot-mess farmhouse in Concord and gorgeous woven bags.
Handpicked this week - March 17
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.
Handpicked this week - March 3
We are still basking in the glow of our Architectural Digest debut, and are looking forward to a few more ADs featuring our work around the globe and some more exciting press in store! (From our Coolidge Road project in Concord, this very sexy office space with the vintage copper desk and Alky chair by Giancarlo Piretti).
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
Another stunner from down under! I saw this first image from Tamsin Johnson and was completely obsessed. The architectural details on the posts! The sculptural chairs! I am always interested in Australian designers - they seem to capture my goals for interiors so beautifully. A focus on architecture, bold and interesting furniture and minimal styling. As a theme, I love that they usually pick one "wow" moment in each of their spaces.
There is always something a little nutty and unexpected too in these designers (look at that chair for example). What do you think?
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
I have had my eye on this house in Belmont for a few weeks now. Built in 1808 it's perched on a hill and needs a LOT of updates. But it has a ton of space and lots of beautiful historic details - gorgeous floors and beautiful exposed beams.
The kitchens and baths seem confused, but there's so much potential, and steps to Belmont center. Could this be your next house?
3) Handpicked: STYLE
I intended to do a whole feature on East Africa following my epic journeys in December and January, but time has gotten away from me. I am obsessed with Hamaji Studio, which offers ethical fashion made in Kenya. I have ordered two pieces already from them and they're pristinely made with beautiful pearl buttons and impeccable tailoring. Hamaji means "nomad" and the bohemian vibe comes through in all their designs.
Ethical fashion that supports indigenous makers and is stunning - you can't ask for more.
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 - February 18
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!
!!PRESS ALERT!!
Before I get into this week's picks, we are so beyond grateful to have one of our recent projects in Concord be picked up by multiple publications. Our first showing is in Architectural Digest Poland - just select English in your browser from the pop-up - and we could not be more honored to be included. This house and homeowner were so special since we really pushed the design - including many curated vintage furniture pieces. We would love to know what you think!
Photos: Ari Kellerman
We are very grateful to our press agent in Paris for this incredible opportunity!
1] Handpicked: INTERIOR
We are working on a project currently where the client is NOT afraid of color and pattern, which is insanely fun! So, because I am IN HER HEAD right now, I had to feature Laura Stephens, from the UK. Her work is bold and risk-taking, but still feels refined and restrained. Laura highlights the architecture of her spaces with bold colors, and throws in texture with paneling or moulding details. I particularly love her signature "foyer table" which seems to be a custom narrow shelf in each of her homes (take a peek!).
I love that this creative use of color really highlights the architecture and makes an older home feel modern. What do you think?
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
This house had me on the porch. The plaster work (I think it's plaster - hard to tell)! The incredible balusters! The gorgeous double-entry door! In Newton Highlands on a huge lot, this house is just waiting to be refreshed. The kitchen is a hot, hot mess and clearly needs to be rethought structurally as it was jammed into an odd corner. But the original details throughout and the charming carriage house!
Look at the original light fixtures, fretwork, and beadboard in this space! Who's ready?
3) Handpicked: STYLE
Continuing my British theme with design, I found Navy Grey this winter. I am always on the hunt for the perfect slouchy sweater and Navy Grey has more than a few that I adore. I also this year have embraced the sweater VEST, since I am often cold but don't like a bulky sweater under my enormous winter North Face puffer.
Which 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 - February 4
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:
The pieces are perfect for spring vacations, and a collection that supports the legacy of the Guajiro tribe (which I was excited to learn about!).
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 28
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
Ooooooooooh Emma Milne UK ! She is speaking my love language of incorporating old and new - I can't even with the old books next to the modern oak floors! I absolutely love the layering of textures; her attention to the individual qualities of various surfaces, especially woods, gives each space so much depth. The addition of tactile textiles - linen, velvets - makes her spaces feel timeless and comfortable.
Take a look through her Instagram and let me know your favorites!
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
I almost passed out when I saw this historic house in Somerville. I need it. In fact, I was going to feature another listing this week until I was stopped in my tracks. The shingles! The diamond windows! The butler's pantry. I could go on... The George Loring house was built for George Loring, the architect who designed it.
I'm keeping my eye on this one. It just might have to be my first foray into development (here's hoping the price comes down!). Or, one of YOU can buy it as I would love to return it to glory!
3) Handpicked: STYLE
I hope you haven't forgotten my pro tip on Australian fashion! Since they're in the Southern Hemisphere, their spring/summer collections go on sale just in time for spring stateside. I am obsessed with Oroton and their caftan-chic style. Each piece has an opinion and the colors are beyond. Lilac with melon? Yes please.
All their pieces can be dressed up or down, and I just can't get enough of the high-contrast wrap belts! Also, they're great for transitional seasons - add tights, boots and a cardi and you're all set.
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.