ISSUE NO. 09

An October Issue

If there’s one thing in common about the spaces we admire, it’s that they’re not simply designed—they’re curated, layered, and (above all) intentional. Each detail, each piece, quietly demands a closer look or second glance. Today, we’re creating spaces that don’t just accommodate our lives but elevate how we experience them—the kind that stays with you and replays in your mind.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

Behind Closed Doors: An Old Tribeca Loft Turned Creative Hideaway

If you climb a narrow staircase in an old Tribeca loft and push open the frosted glass door etched with Quarters—it feels like you’ve just entered the most aesthetically pleasing speakeasy. Mario Bellini sofas, frescoed ceilings, antique tapestries, and hand-blown chandeliers fill the room, creating an atmosphere that’s both refined and inviting—one that you don’t want to leave.

A Gathering Place for Creative Minds

Quarters is the creative concept of the founders of In Common With—a Brooklyn-based lighting studio—who wanted to create more than just a typical showroom. They believe beautiful objects are meaningful, but even more so when they’re part of an immersive experience that blends design with life.

Included is a chef’s kitchen, wine bar, gallery, and event space. The founders plan to host intimate dinner parties, rotating art installations, and even podcast recordings. The goal is to bring together design, food, and culture—bridging scenes that often overlap but rarely connect in one space.

From Casa Pedregal to Tribeca

While many concept shops like Dover Street Market in New York and 10 Corso Como in Milan merge retail with hospitality—Quarters takes inspiration from house museums like Casa Pedregal. This Mexico City home by architect Luis Barragán opens its doors to the public occasionally—offering a glimpse into private life and challenging how we engage with art and architecture.

When public and private spaces blend together, they tell stories that resonate with our own experiences because they feel more alive and relatable—deepening our emotional connection to design and how we experience our surroundings.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Kyoto: A New Chapter in Japan’s Tea Culture

Kyoto has always been Japan's cultural heart—rich with centuries of history. Each year, millions travel from afar to experience its beautiful Edo-style buildings, relaxing onsens, and ancient Shinto temples.

A new teahouse—set within a nine-suite boutique hotel—offers a fresh take on traditional Japanese tea culture. With its contemporary design elements, it invites visitors to experience the art of tea in a space that honors history while embracing a modern aesthetic.

Inside the Ogata Teahouse

Ogata at The Shinmonzen is a minimalist space founded by Shinichiro Ogata—Tokyo-based architect, designer, restaurateur, and chef—who has a similar hybrid teahouse-salon-restaurant in a chic 17th-century hotel in Paris’ Marais district.

The space effortlessly upholds a minimalist design—highlighting the blend of natural and manmade materials. Natural light creates an ethereal and contemplative atmosphere. Ogata offers traditional wagashi sweets—along with a curated selection of tea leaves, ceramic homeware, and fragrances.

Sip by Sip, Tea for Every Mood

By crafting 10 unique tea blends, Ogata encourages people around the world to discover the subtle flavors of Japanese tea in their daily lives—making it both accessible and enjoyable. He pairs each blend with specific moments—whether to energize, complement meals, or calm the mind—enriching your overall experience.

This commitment to design and culture fosters spaces that appeal to both locals and tourists. This thoughtful blend of aesthetics, tradition, and personal experience makes this tea house a sought-after destination in the heart of Kyoto.

VISUAL COMFORT

Art Meets Activism: The Baltic Artists Making Waves

The Tallinn Applied Art Triennial is an international art event in Estonia—running since 1997. This year, it showcases the work of 27 artists from the Baltics and Nordics and highlights diverse creative expressions rooted in history and contemporary issues.

Wool, Wood, and War

Hosted at the Kai Arts Center—a former submarine factory now transformed into an art and cinema hub—the 9th edition, titled The Fine Lines of Constructiveness, features works across various mediums including textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and installations.

The theme focuses on the idea of constructiveness in art—emphasizing innovation and collaboration. It invites artists to explore how creativity can provide solutions, especially in the face of social challenges and crises—like the ongoing war in Ukraine and historical tensions in the region.

Constructive Chaos, Exploring Craft in Crisis

The exhibition pushes artists to explore overlooked materials. Two standout artists are Krista Leesi and Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė. Leesi’s wool scarves—boldly emblazoned with Putin Warship, go f**k Yourself—confront viewers with the realities of the Ukraine conflict. Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė repurposes discarded sports gear into rugs and trophies—highlighting sustainability and rethinking waste.

DESIGNER PICKS

Things I’m Currently Obsessing Over

Trenité’s Loupe Chair

Rooted in her training as a photographer and hands-on experience in woodworking, this chair is thoughtfully constructed with an emphasis on functionality, innovation, and timelessness. It not only serves as a practical piece of furniture but also stands out as a striking focal point in any room.

Jaramillo’s Ibuju Bench

This bench showcases the artistry of local communities while emphasizing the urgent need to preserve biodiversity in the Colombian Amazon. Crafted from sustainable 'Yaré' fiber—often referred to as vine—this material grows around tree trunks and has been traditionally used by indigenous communities in the region for crafting handmade items.

Coseincorso’s Mirror of Simple Souls

This mirror elegantly combines functionality and spirituality—drawing on historical influences while keeping a modern look. The brushed stainless steel gives it an ethereal quality and the iron half-sphere acts as both a practical container and a symbolic vessel—encouraging introspection and conversation.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in October

With November around the corner, here’s to being present and intentional in how we navigate the remainder of the year. Much like appreciating well-designed objects that invite our deeper attention. Wishing you a restful Sunday—I’ll see you next week, my friend.