What Makes A Home?
How Do You Want to Feel in Your Space
Since the Los Angeles fires started and countless people lost their homes, I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a home. Of course, I obsess over little things like the paint color of my kitchen, the furniture I want to recover, the rugs I want to change, the art I want to buy, and countless other details, but what I’m really chasing is a feeling. As someone who has a very busy mind, I need a space that is quite the opposite. The feeling I want my home to give is a sense of peace, calm, comfort, order, and a touch of playfulness. When I walk into my house, I want to exhale and feel like I’m getting a warm hug. Home is a place where I can recharge, slow down, and have breathing room from the outside world. It’s a sanctuary.
Visually, fabrics, colors, textures, and lighting are important to me. I find myself attracted to different elements in various rooms by a host of designers. Below are rooms I’m currently attracted to and why…
1. This kitchen feels classic with the black and white, but the warm table and cushion with the curated art collection make it feel cozy and personalized. . .Butter Wakefields (designer), Simon Brown (image)
2. Love the simplicity of this bathroom. I would love this look for a powder room. . .Georgie Stogdon (designer), Grace McCloud (image)
3. I love the use of color (but not overly done) to make a simple room pop. Pretty great to walk into a house and be greeted by this! It feels refreshing without being chaotic and overwhelming. . . Studio Duggan (designer)
4. I love bright, deep colors right now. Color drenching is so cool to me for small spaces (like a bar). . . Sarah Vanrenen (designer), Mike Garlick (image)
5. This feels so cozy and calming to me. I love the velvety headboard, the tones, and all the textures in the room. . . Emma Shone-Sanders (designer), Ellen Christina Hancock (image)
6. I love this marble. I’m dying for a dramatic marble in my bathroom. It helps elevate a simple, classic look in a fun way . . . Karen Asprea Studio (designer)
7. Classy, chic bathroom. There is also warmth with the paint color, rug, wood, and window that makes it feel bearable on a cold winter day. I could never get sick of this space. . . Henriette von Stockhausen (designer), Paul Massey (image)
8. What an interesting and unique fireplace. I love that antique touch that brings character and history to a home . . . Christopher Leach (designer), Simon Brown (image)
9. I like how simple and warm this room is. Fun couch color! It also has a lot of character mixed in with books and art, which make it individualized and special . . . Sally Wilkinson (designer), Chris Horwood (image)
10. What a pretty and feminine office! The paint, the botanicals, and the fabrics are all delicious. I can imagine sitting here barefoot in a cozy robe with a warm cup of coffee writing away on my computer . . . Ashley Montgomery (designer)
11. I die for this bathtub. I love a simple, calm, serene bathroom that isn’t too much. A perfect place to turn off your brain and relax . . . Georgia Stogdon (designer), Grace McCloud (image)
Here are this week’s interior finds…
1. Good Dogs Everywhere Wallpaper 2. Blair Accent Table 3. McMullin x Folk Studio / Robbi Wall Sconce 4. Slope Lounge Chair 5. Circus Lampshade 6. Frederic Weinberg Wicker Armchair-Pair 7. Scandinavian Brass Candleholder 8. Olycka Light 9. Olive Wall Hook 10. Lyle Floor Lamp 11. Gemini Mirror 12. Turned Wooden Stool 13. Audrey Console 14. Galia Wine Glass 15. Dyke & Dean Tam Tam Stool Enamel 16. Leo Accent Chair
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I wanted to share some fun gift ideas for yourself and those that you love…
1. Heart Cut Glass Candle Holder 2. Cozychic Heart Print Socks Set 3. Heart Pillow 4. Kids Shorts Set in French Blue Heart 5. Gigantic Cookie 6. Kids Long Set in Darling Pink Heart 7. Scallop Patterned Starter Pack 8. Cashmere V-Neck Sweater 9. Venice Suede Ballerina Mules 10. Rose Marie Pleated Polka-Dot Jersey Jumpsuit 11. Heart Pillow- It's Not Me, It's You 12. Storage Brick 13. Ai Earrings 14. Pima Crew Long Set 15. Heart Inlaid Quarzite & Rosa Portogallo Coaster 16. Copper Heart Stakes
17. Valentine's Day Oven Mitt & Potholder Set 18. Liberty Fabric Toiletry Bag 19. Charlie Bag 20. Delight Patisserie Filled with Love Shortbread Cookies 21. Beaded Handbag Burgundy 22. Lily Hg Signature Hand-Dyed Linen Napkin 23. Williams Sonoma Heart Measuring Cups and Spoons 24. Classic Bud Vase 25. Cabana Stripe Pillow Cover 26. Ti'amo Painted Appetizer Plate 27. Nothing Fancy, Just Love Cocktail Napkins 28. Red "Bon Appetit" Hand Towels 29. Bernatta Mini Bag 30. Lydia Cashmere Jumper 31. Herend XO 32. Heart Organizer Case
To make things easier, I have created a ShopMy Page with all the goodies from today’s newsletter and previous newsletters. Full disclosure, I may earn a small commission from a retailer if you make a purchase through any of the affiliate links sprinkled throughout this newsletter, which helps me run this newsletter and technology associated with it. As always, if you need help finding something or need ideas for a project, feel free to reach out!
Current Obsessions
-I’m a tennis nut and the Australian Open is on right now, so I’m quite happy about that.
-Melania Trump’s stylist
-Big, cozy sweaters. I have a “house” sweater I’ve been taking out into the world.
**DEAR STYLE SNACKS: If you have something you need help finding, troubleshooting, or are curious about, please leave me a comment or send me a message, and I will be sure to feature your question (with the answer) in an upcoming newsletter.**