ISSUE NO. 32

An April Issue

True complexity—whether in design, thought, or experience—comes from layers of meaning, nuance, and intention. When we try to oversimplify, we risk stripping away depth—reducing richness to something flat and generic. How do we make it clear without sacrificing substance? It’s the difference between cutting corners and refining something to its most powerful essence. There’s so much beauty when we respect the complexity.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

Patina Principles

Built using sun-bleached stone and salt-weathered wood, Casa Tobi appears to emerge naturally from Oaxaca's cliffs. Designed with deep overhangs and wide openings, the house welcomes ocean breezes while providing shady retreats. Featuring locally-sourced materials throughout, every surface tells the story of its coastal environment.

Local Lore

The house follows the slope of the land. At the top, a pool reflects the sky and catches rainwater. As you walk down, the spaces open up to stunning ocean views, with large windows that let in light and air. The bedrooms are tucked into the hillside, feeling private but maintaining constant connections to nature.

Daily Choreography

Moving through Casa Tobi feels like wandering down your favorite pathway—each turn feels familiar, yet reveals new pleasures along the way. This is a home that organically makes you pay attention to the quiet enjoyment of beating to nature's rhythm.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Fitzroy North: From Nile to Nordic

In the eclectic Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy North, this Victorian weatherboard house underwent a renovation that artfully reflects its owners’ cultural backgrounds. The design blends Egyptian vibrancy with Danish simplicity—creating a warm yet adventurous atmosphere.

Pattern Recognition

Drawing from Cairo's bustling markets, the interiors incorporate intricate geometric patterns and rich, jewel-toned accents—while clean Nordic lines provide balance. Sustainable materials like hempcrete—a contemporary take on traditional mud-brick construction—and lime wash—a centuries-old technique from Mediterranean and Nordic traditions—bridge the two cultures through craftsmanship.

Curve Appeal

The curvy dining alcove with its wavy plaster walls reflects the organic forms of Egyptian vernacular architecture. The open-plan living area embodies the Danish concept of hygge through its communal layout. A semi-enclosed courtyard references both the traditional Arabic mashrabiya and Scandinavian sunrooms. Even the material palette visually narrates the earthy colors of the Nile Delta contrasted with the pale Nordic woods.

VISUAL COMFORT

Objects for Silence

Known for his love of solitude and sanctuary, Brazilian designer—Guilherme Wentz—views design as more than just function—it’s a way to cultivate stillness in a chaotic world. His latest collection of home accessories, Objects for Silence—which includes an oil lamp, table light, candleholder, and incense burner—was born from his personal need for tranquility.

Peace by Piece

Made from recycled aluminum, each piece interacts with light and space, enhancing the atmosphere of a room. He owns a manufacturing facility in Caxias do Sul—allowing him full control over sustainable practices, and his proprietary We-Knit technology upcycles ocean plastics into furniture.

The Quiet Edit

His philosophy centers on fostering silence and sanctuary—offering a counterbalance to fast-paced modern life. The pieces also complement his furniture line—reinforcing his brand as a holistic lifestyle choice rather than just a design label.

DESIGNER PICK

What I’m Currently Obsessing Over

A Heartfelt Note

Thank you so much to everyone who’s preordered Interior Identity. I’ve been honestly overwhelmed (in the best way) by all the love and support—I’m deeply grateful. If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet and are interested, preorders are open until May 4.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in April

With a new month comes a new studio playlist. I invite you to click on the color of the month image above—a dark and stormy warm concrete—to see what’s inspiring us this April. I’ll see you next week, my friend.

Warmly,
/shane