Edition #7: Building a place for you
On being smart about your space
I’m starting to buzz with the anticipation of my summer travels coming up — outfits, places to eat or grab a drink, books, and vibes. But before I write about that and the sunshine that will be on my face, I want to give some time to my place of rest. My little flat, with morning light coming through the windows. I curl up on the couch with coffee and the radio on. A space that feels like me.
Our spaces, especially as we age, start to hold more meaning. You want it to be somewhere you can feel at ease, cry on the floor, or stay in on a Friday night without FOMO. What you want from a space can differ wildly, and of course, money plays a role. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find clever ways to make your home feel good.
You feel better, become friendlier and more joyful if you surround yourself in your home with beautiful shapes and colours – Ellen Key
So, let’s speak about five ways to make the most of all spaces and make it your own:
Invest in a few pieces that matter to you. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, my rug. It makes me smile every time I see it, and it’s great to lie on. So here is a different rug from Tamamzi that I love. My HAY Barro plates also bring me joy. Big plates, small plates, bowls with a satisfyingly wide lip. And my cutlery. Everything else is second-hand or from IKEA (which, to be fair, does a good job too).
If you have a small space, focus on furniture legs, mirrors, and paint style. These are all little things that can go a long way in making your space look bigger. With furniture legs, the eye follows the line beyond the body of the piece, which can make a room seem larger or smaller depending on the length of the leg. So when choosing a bed, for example, shorter legs can make the ceiling feel higher. A high bed can end up cutting the room in half. Mirrors or glass can help furniture feel less in the way, as it doesn’t take up as much visual space. Having white walls with an accent color or pattern is a fun way to open your space. Even something like a two-tone or quartered painted wall and ceiling can give a small flat more depth or height. And these two epic showers.
Use rugs and furniture to separate spaces. In open-plan layouts, rugs can divide living zones. In smaller spaces, trays on counters can do the same, like creating a mini coffee area under your machine or keeping things tidy on your vanity.
Play with stick-on tiles, removable wallpaper, or art. Make your space truly yours. Stick-on tiles or temporary wallpaper are great for rentals. Large-scale prints (or even a few small ones) can instantly lift a room. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just intentional and fun.
Lighting makes or breaks a space. Natural light (windows everywhere, please) is ideal, but your lamps matter too (no big light club here). Think about uplighting, warm bulbs, and how to bring softness to the space.
Yes, it’s another list (and there’s one below, too), but the space you live in matters. Everyone needs to recharge how they need.
A few bits for this week:
Minimalist Scandi style with a few pops of colour is usually my thing. But I loved this article on “luxe cosiness”, all about abundance and exuberance in interiors. Svenskt Tenn is known for pushing this idea, and I’m kind of into it. Think wallpaper, cabinets, glasses (I’ll be buying the bottle opener).
When I was in Mexico, I saw this Rex Designs travel mug and had to find out more. Ended up on their site, obviously. Great little pops of colour, like this vase or the oyster plate (though I have no idea what oysters would actually fit in it).
I thought it was funny that all my Advertising Professors said that: 1) you get a brief, 2) you watch a film or walk through a park, 3) your mind starts flowing, 4) you figure out your pitch. And I love that, because it’s true. Creativity can’t be turned on like a light switch. It comes from a certain part of your brain, which is why so many creatives struggle in fast-paced, always-on industries. The power of doing nothing speaks to me, and it’s a quick read if you agree.
I haven’t really gotten into skincare here, but if you know me, you know I am obsessed. A few brands I love are IS Clinical’s Hydro Cool (extra hydration when you need it), IOPE has been introduced to me by a friend recently and is now part of my Korean skincare, and Environ Mosturiser, you need to start with step 1 before moving forward with the other strengths. Let me know if you want to have more skincare recs.
A little eye candy with the Wimbledon silkscreen official poster.
Things I’m loving right now:
Not to bring it back to GAP, but they’re doing a great job with their jeans. Whether it’s these off white barrel-like jeans. There are many cool styles like these striped barrel jeans (slightly different than the wide leg, or these white baggy jeans.
Before everyone starts flying off for the summer, take a look at these colourful La Veste travel bags. It also comes in green. Or go full throwback with an old-school suitcase-style one, still very cute.
I saw this Staud skirt the other day and it spoke to me. It’s fun, colourful, and just a little bit chaotic. They have other great pieces, so it’s worth poking around.
Currently loving from my wardrobe: We’re three weeks into a London heatwave (is it still a heatwave after three weeks?), and I’ve realised I don’t have many shorts. Right now, I’m living in my L.F. Markey linen shorts (I have them in a lighter pink). They’re great with a matching button-down or just a simple white tee.
What I’m loving right now for him: Let’s talk textures. They’re an easy way to add a bit more to an outfit without trying too hard. Right now, I’m into this 100% cotton Wax London seersucker shirt (shoutout to the undershirt from here as well), a pair of suede cappuccino Karhu sneakers, and this navy linen shirt from Moss Bros. I’m also loving any terry cloth like this shirt (there are some fun options on here). Questions I’ve been getting a lot recently, what’s the best summer shoe for men? If you have any thoughts on this.
Leave a comment on what else you want to read about.
Alexandra