ISSUE NO. 03

A September Issue

Lately, people are interested in transforming their homes into spaces that feel like grandiose hotels. It’s like modern design with a touch of pampering—think indulgent touches like spa-inspired elements, rainfall showers, and even mini-skin care fridges.

The idea is to give your bathroom the vibe of a bath spa or make your living room feel like a minimalist hotel lobby. So go ahead and splurge on that accent chair you love—even if it's not the most practical and you’d more than likely slide off of it. Just make sure to balance it with a comfortable sofa you will enjoy sinking into every day.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

The Hotel-ification of Homes

At its core, the trend is about creating environments that promote well-being—merging the best elements of home life and hospitality. Homeowners from Chicago to London are craving that same level of comfort and sophistication.

A Blend of Home & Hospitality

From bold design choices to stylish furniture and statement layered lighting—homeowners are transforming their spaces to feel as elegant and comfortable as a five-star hotel.

VISUAL COMFORT

Wool Armchairs Revive Ukrainian Traditions

It’s always fascinating to see how contemporary design can honor and reimagine traditional techniques. These limited-series armchairs combine minimalist design with traditional weaving—creating a culturally rooted aesthetic with a deep respect for Ukrainian artistry.

Reviving Traditions

The armchairs’ upholstery is handcrafted using two traditional techniques: stranded and brushed, each offering a unique interpretation of the armchair’s form. The stranded technique involves layering wool strands in a smooth style, creating a visually more voluminous appearance—while the brushed technique is achieved by hand-brushing in the traditional smooth style. Which one do you like more?

An Artistic Statement

I’ve been reflecting on how important it is to breathe new life into old traditions. It’s about finding fresh ways to make them relevant and allowing them to thrive. These chairs are a perfect example—they aren’t just functional. They’re an artful testament to how tradition can be beautifully reimagined for today’s interiors.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Los Angeles: Sourcing Objects with Old Souls

As summer winds down, I keep thinking about restful moments on the Mediterranean coast and that vintage chair I loved but couldn’t bring home. There's a way to capture that same vibe and bring the essence of global travel into everyday spaces.

Post-Summer Nostalgia

Olive Ateliers—a Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand—curates pieces that have lived a full, storied life. Their approach is importing “objects with old souls” from around the world—like vintage French baskets or rustic Indonesian decor. Each piece feels like it carries a unique history, turning even the simplest of interiors into a personal narrative.

The Allure of 'Curious Living'

It’s not just about filling a space with beautiful items, but about finding pieces with character. This approach allows us to create interiors that feel rich with history and authenticity—making every room not just aesthetically pleasing but intentional and meaningful.

CULTURALLY RELEVANT

A Conversation with Kinfolk

Earlier this year, I created a concept that caught the eye of Kinfolk’s editor-in-chief. We had an interesting discussion about the concept of "de-influencing" your home—especially in this age of social media and influencers.

Finding What Resonates Beyond Trends

If you’re interested, you can find the feature in Kinfolk’s Issue 53, under the Arts & Culture section of the magazine, or the digital story here. I’m excited to see this conversation take shape and hope it offers some insights into creating a home that reflects your own style rather than chasing trends.

DESIGNER PICKS

Things I’m Currently Obsessing Over

Hatano’s Japanese Paper Art Collection

Wataru Hatano’s use of Kurotani washi—a traditional Japanese paper—creates art with a unique texture and depth. His intricate process involves layering washi with natural materials like soil and pigment to achieve a harmonious, tranquil aesthetic.

Kuramata’s Mesh Arm Chair

Kuramata reimagines the classic chair form using steel mesh to create an almost ethereal, transparent outline with no traditional support. I’m drawn to its striking contrast between form and function—as it challenges conventional notions of furniture while adding a unique, reflective quality to any space.

Fernando's Avocado Leather Collection

Fernando's use of avocado skins to create glossy, leather-like marquetry transforms organic waste into stunning design pieces. I appreciate how this approach blends sustainability with high-end aesthetics—turning nature's leftovers into sophisticated treasures.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in September

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s issue. As always, thank you for being a part of my ever-growing explorations and obsessions — I’ll see you next week, my friend.