An Australian e-magazine, a house with gorgeous bones in Newton and cosmopolitan photography.
Handpicked this week - April 7
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
There is often a flash of panic on new clients' faces when we ask "what's your style?" It's a tough question because we all have multiple inputs that define our personal aesthetic. We always reassure homeowners that it's ok to not know! A really fun way to define personal style is reflecting on places and atmospheres that give you joy, peace, or inspiration. Sharing favorite vacation destinations, beloved restaurants or relaxing hotels is a great way for us to understand what design elements will define "home" for you.
I found Float Studio, which primarily focuses on commercial spaces (retail, hospitality, and workplaces), and was in love. They have designed some of my favorite companies' spaces - Sakara Life, Schumacher and Modern Matter are just a few!
That Food52 kitchen has SO many good ideas! Commercial spaces are so freeing because they have a theme that directs the design, making it more cohesive. Check out our collection of Pinterest boards for more help in defining YOUR personal style!
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
Another gorgeous Greek Revival house in Newton came on the market this week! This house seems to have been the unfortunate recipient of a 70s renovation. Many original details were stripped, but some remain (like the gorgeous stairs).
Why oh why on the yellow paint? Fortunately high ceilings and spacious rooms make this house worthy of the investment. And because so much was removed, the new owner could have a lot of fun restoring beautiful details through salvage and antiques. What do you think?
3) Handpicked: STYLE
If you're picking a house like the one featured above, a good source of inspiration is The Corbel! Based in Louisiana, The Corbel specializes in antique and reclaimed doors, as well as antique and reproduction furniture and SWINGS (my favorite). Choosing patina'd pieces like these can immediately give warmth and character to a home, and they hold their investment really well.
Be sure to check out their Instagram feed for even more inspiration.
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 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 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 - 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.