I started a one-month sabbatical yesterday, a benefit I get after five years at my company. I can’t describe how amazing it feels to put up an out of office for a month. All I can say is that people should be able to do this more often. I’m out in East Hampton this week resetting my nervous system (eye roll, I know) from a not-so-chill past few weeks. Late August/early September is my favorite time out here despite the absolutely insane crowds. There’s a little chill in the morning air and the ocean water is so, so perfect.
I have grand plans for our apartment with the time I have off. Home and vintage stores I never have time to get to are on the list (looking at you Nickey Kehoe, Industry City Outlets, Horseman Antiques, Good Behavior). So are some DIY projects with leftover wallpaper — I’ve been watching a few too many TikTok tutorials, I guess. I’m also getting ready for a trip to Paris and Copenhagen, where I’ll be hitting every flea market and design shop I can squeeze into my itineraries. Any and all recommendations for these two spots, let me know!
Curtains
I was planning to wait to install curtains (because they are SO expensive…) but decided to pull the trigger for our main sleeping spaces — the primary, my daughter's room and the guest bedroom. After the chaos of the move, with boxes unpacked and things finally slowing down, I began to focus my attention outwards on all the little things I missed during the many site visits throughout the spring and early summer, like how close our apartment is to the ground (we live on the third floor) and just how much you can hear from the street (yikes !!). Our old place was tucked into a courtyard so we got a little too accustomed to pin-drop quiet and privacy.
To combat my extreme panic (type A personalities where you at), I did two things. One: I purchased blackout curtains and tension rods from Amazon — surprisingly kinda chic and also, noise muffling. Two: I bought myself ear plugs. I've been reading a lot about habituation, which is basically the ability to adapt quickly to new surroundings. Eventually your brain settles and starts to ignore things you once perceived as threats. Thank god it’s true (be still my anxious mind). But! I still highly recommend the ear plugs, not necessarily to sleep in but to get into a zen state before bed. They're kind of amazing.
Rugs
Rugs are another home item that get expensive fast, so I always try to find the good discounts where I can. For anyone in NYC, the ABC Carpet & Home Outlet in Industry City is one of the best places to search for great quality, discounted rugs. I've found a number of really great large-scale options, and I’m talking extremely nice Persian rugs, most under the $1500 price point. Other places I'm looking for discounted rugs are Chairish, specifically the vendor Casa Cosima Rugs. I've ordered from them before and was able to get the price down to 50% off. Most look like they are made-to-order so it takes some time to ship to you, but I love that they offer a range of sizes, colors and patterns to choose from.
And last but not least, Facebook Marketplace, which is really just a goldmine for everything (I think primarily based on your location and the offerings nearby you). I can't believe how many insanely discounted Nordic Knots rugs I've found, all in really good condition.
Beds + Bedding
The only furniture piece I feel like I need now is a queen-size bed for our guest bedroom. We somehow have friends and family staying with us four weekends in September and October so need to finish this space fast. Beds are something I find really hard to source. I've had recommendations for Maiden Home and Coley Home, which people seem to love, but fall on the higher range of what I'd like to spend for the guest bed. I came across the internet brand Thuma and have my eye on a few of their platform styles that feel simple and easy to fit into any kind of space. Bonus points that most of them ship within 1-3 days.
For bedding, I'm looking at Boll & Branch for comfy, crisp sheet sets that also look extremely high end. I just purchased the Percale Hemmed Sheet Set for our primary bedroom to replace our old set and will add to the hype! They feel amazing, like luxury hotel sheets. For duvets, pillows and more of the real styling items for the bedroom, I'm perusing Nickey Kehoe's duvet covers, Beata Heuman’s quilts, any thing and everything Studio Ford and Nordic Knots, which has the prettiest blue percale duvet set I've seen.
Table Notes
A quick rundown of things I <3 right now.
Hothouse Bloom — The description just speaks to me.
Bespoke Only — The only design inspo I need. Particularly this dining nook.
Suzie Kondi Pan Pants — I love the length and the cotton poplin is extremely comfortable. Also really cute in the brown gingham.
SAVED New York — The most amazing cashmere studio I came across this past weekend at Il Buco Vita.
Posse Esme Set — A vacation outfit I have my eye on that can transition into fall with a cozy sweater.
obsessed with how your daughter's room turned out! have you looked at quince for bed frames? i have heard great things! they look just like the higher end options for a fraction of the price, could be good for a guest room.
Tell me about that dark brown wicker laundry basket in Lucy's room!