ISSUE NO. 10

A November Issue

It’s the small details that pull me in—I’m drawn to these quiet moments that make us pause and feel something new in familiar spaces. This week, I'm inspired by nature’s nudge to push us beyond our comfort zones—keeping us curious.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

The Brooklyn Skyline Gets a (Unexpected) Pop of Color

An eight-story residential building in Fort Greene—known as 144 Vanderbilt—is bringing a playful pop of texture against Brooklyn’s usual grays and browns. With its scalloped pink concrete façade and vibrant interiors, this building brings a vibe that’s not only rare in new construction but also feeds the creative soul.

Celebrating Homegrown Talent

It isn’t just another building in Brooklyn—it’s a statement. An intentionally crafted residential experience that celebrates Fort Greene’s vibrant, close-knit community. With art and furniture sourced directly from Brooklyn artisans—with works from Amelie, Maison d'Art—it gives a hyper-local feel that reflects the character of the neighborhood.

Fort Greene Gets ‘Greener’

The building is also green from the ground up. With an energy-saving façade, all-electric heating, and breezeways for natural airflow—residents have access to sunken and cascading secret gardens along with community spaces with lush greenery. Inside, natural materials are used to create a refreshing, eco-friendly atmosphere in the midst of one of the most bustling cities in the world.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Ethiopia: From Forgotten to Flourishing—A Stunning Revival of a Global Landmark

A modernist, architectural monument in Addis Ababa—Africa Hall—that was designed in 1961 as a venue for African nation states and the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Known for its stunning stained-glass mural (shown above) by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle, it's played a significant role in hosting conferences and events that shaped the continent's political landscape.

A Catalyst for Cultural Dialogue

The monument grew out of date and became less recognized over the past few decades until recently went through a stunning restoration—now serving as a vibrant symbol of the continent’s rich history.

Reviving this landmark feels like opening a door to the past—giving future generations a chance to create space to foster a renewed sense of pride and connection within the community. It also reestablishes Africa Hall as a hub for dialogue and collaboration—becoming a relevant symbol of progress in today’s world.

The Revival Blueprint

The restoration project is a masterclass in architectural revival. The team treated every aspect—architecture, interiors, and even the landscaping—as a single language. It wasn’t just about fresh paint—it was about creating an immersive experience that tells the story of Africa Hall and ensuring that visitors can experience the building as it was intended—an artistic ensemble celebrating vibrant culture and history.

VISUAL COMFORT

How a Year Away Forced this Artist’s Creative Reinvention

After relocating from her Brooklyn studio to a rural farmhouse in Massachusetts, ceramic artist Simone Bodmer-Turner faced the challenge of not being able to move her kiln—a high-temperature oven used to fire and harden clay.

Forced to adapt, she took this unexpected opportunity to explore new materials like wood, bronze, and lacquer, leading her to collaborate with local artisans to create functional pieces for her latest exhibition—A Year Without a Kiln.

The Intersection of Environment & Art

This exhibition isn’t just a display of objects—it’s a testament to the power of community and the magic that happens when you step outside your comfort zone. With her kiln out of the picture, Simone crafted everything from side tables to andirons. She drew inspiration from mid-century artists marrying their accessible aesthetics with her own aesthetic. Every piece she created was infused with personal stories—reminding us that an artist’s environment inevitably shapes the work we produce.

A Collaborative Canvas

Simone gathered with friends and local artisans to bring her visions to life. Each piece in the exhibition—from the Windsor Chair Wizard’s craftsmanship to lacquer techniques learned from a Japanese artisan—is a true product of collaboration and shared passion.

DESIGNER PICKS

Things I’m Currently Obsessing Over

La Terra Vase Collection

A captivating blend of ancient influence and modern minimalism, the textured stoneware clay and refined shapes feel both grounded and sophisticated. Its balance of old and new makes it an ideal piece for creating spaces that feel rooted yet fresh—bringing warmth and history into any room.

Panel Lamp Montenegro

I love this fusion of art and lighting. This handmade paper collage transforms when illuminated—revealing hidden shapes and textures that bring depth and intrigue to any space. Its blend of brushed aluminum, steel, and layered paper feels modern yet organic, adding a soft, ambient glow that doubles as a statement art piece on the wall.

La Plume Armchair

This stunning armchair perfectly balances comfort and sustainability. The inviting design exudes warmth—while its use of renewable materials like coconut fiber and wool felt show a thoughtful commitment to eco-conscious craftsmanship. It's a piece that combines elegance with ethics—perfect for creating a comfortable yet refined space.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in November

With a new month comes a new studio playlist. I invite you to click on the color of the month image above to see what’s inspiring us this November.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s issue. As always, thank you for being a part of this journey—I’ll see you next week, my friend.