ISSUE NO. 24

A February Issue

For years, I tried to fit into spaces that never felt right—shaping myself into who I thought I should be. But I’ve learned, the more we let go of that version and do the work of uncovering and stepping into our authentic being—the more aligned and free we become.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

Mallorca's Roman, Moorish, and Spanish Roots

Nestled in the openness of the countryside is a stunning villa—Earthen Oasis. Mallorca’s architectural history is rich with influences from its past—Roman, Moorish, and Spanish traditions have all left their mark on the buildings across the island.

Historical Layers

The use of incorporating local materials—like stone, earth, and lime—into the building and design strategies has been handed down through generations. Traditional Mallorcan homes usually have thick stone walls to stay cool in the heat, courtyards or patios to help airflow, and plenty of natural light to create a calm atmosphere.

A Living Connection

Inside, the villa’s central living area features high, vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams, while the floors, made from local stone or polished concrete, connect visually to the landscape. Outside, the patio—designed to match the size of the main house—creates a balanced connection for relaxation and gatherings.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

South Africa: Wildly Beautiful

Located on the western edge of Kruger National Park near the Sabie River—Tembo Tembo is a family lodge inspired by the local wildlife. This includes the big five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo—and the termite mounds found throughout the reserve.

Living with the Land

The lodge is raised on a concrete platform to protect it from flooding and keep wildlife out. The flat steel roof gives the home a low-profile—while the exposed rammed earth walls and furniture reflect the surrounding landscape. Inside, green sofas and dark wood accents create a nature-inspired atmosphere that connects the property to its environment.

A Front Row Seat

With a carefully planned layout, the large windows offer stunning views of the landscape—bringing the outdoors in. The design strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sustainability—ensuring both a lasting connection to the land and a place to experience the beauty of nature up close.

VISUAL COMFORT

A Search for Belonging

Growing up in a small Belgian town, Kim Mupangilaï often felt caught between two worlds. With a Belgian mother and a Congolese father, she tried to fit in with the Western culture around her—yet always felt a disconnect from her full identity.

Cultural Tension

That tension became the foundation of her debut furniture collection—Kasaï. Through bold, surrealist forms and natural materials—she translates her personal journey into tangible objects. Each of the seven pieces in the collection reflects her experience of living between two cultures.

Sculpting Identity

She chose unexpected sculptural, abstract forms that are almost unrecognizable as furniture. The materials she used, like rattan (found in textiles and baskets) and banana fiber (used in food preservation), connect to her father’s Congolese roots. What started as a personal exploration has turned into a powerful statement about identity, belonging, and cultural mixing.

DESIGNER PICK

What I’m Currently Obsessing Over

Grattan’s Sideboard

As a black and queer designer, Mark Grattan’s journey is deeply personal—he chooses to let his work speak for itself, staying focused on his brand's vision rather than on personal fame. His work is known for its sleek designs and use of luxurious materials—creating furniture that’s both functional and artful.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in February

With a new month comes a new studio playlist. I invite you to click on the color of the month image above—a beautiful true black—to see what’s inspiring us this February. I’ll see you next week, my friend.