My furniture and decor secrets

By now, my love for my new apartment is well documented (and I’m still going—more details below!), but sometimes I love a special getaway even more than my own home—especially when it’s a little jewel box pocketed away in another corner of the world.

Earlier in the pandemic, I was especially on the hunt for these types of places, since vacation rentals were more feasible than visits to hotels, surrounded by people. I stayed in an industrial apartment in San Diego, a Brutalist tiny home in Oaxaca, a charmingly nautical house in Provincetown, and a remote cabin in Arizona. But I ended up having to cancel my reservation for a treetop bungalow in Northern California.

Even after the trip was scrapped, I couldn’t get the dreamy Airbnb listing out of my head, so earlier this year, I rebooked for the only weekend available over the next twelve months: Halloween. I suppose other people were busy with costume parties and trick-or-treating, but I’m not particularly interested in Halloween dress up. Late October is also the perfect time to visit the cozy, misty town of Stinson Beach, so I knew this particular weekend would be the perfect time to bring my bike and enjoy the autumnal, coastal vibes.

What I didn’t know when I rebooked is that I would meet Matt, my now-boyfriend and fellow cyclist, between booking and the stay. Luckily, he was game for the getaway, so we explored Marin County by bike, together. We embraced iconic activities, like walking through the towering redwoods at nearby Muir Woods National Monument and eating barbecued oysters at The Marshall Store.

The town of Stinson Beach itself only has a few restaurants and stores, so we spent the remainder of our time in our rustic Airbnb, perched on top of a rocky hill overlooking the ocean. With glamping vibes—thanks to the outdoor shower on the deck and the compact kitchenette—it also features a small soaking tub that we tucked ourselves into.

So here’s my take: find a place you’re dying to go and book it out months in advance. Wait. See what changes happen in your life in the meantime. They might just make the trip that much better.

Favorite links this week

THE DARK SIDE OF CYCLING

Gravel bikes strike a balance between road bikes and mountain bikes, which has made them boom in popularity in the past decade. But the tight-knit “gravel” community is still reeling from a murder in which the victim—and possibly the killer—are among their own.

THE STORY OF JAMIE SPEARS

Of course, there is no justifiable reason why Britney Spears’s father imprisoned her with a conservatorship for 13 years, but this detailed Vulture story about his childhood uncovers why he might have been compelled to do so.

REMEMBERING GAEL GREENE

New York Magazine’s original food critic, Gael Greene, passed away at 88. Known for her sensual, sprited writing, she changed the art of the restaurant review forever. Here, her successor, Adam Platt, remembers her legacy.

MY APARTMENT FURNITURE AND DECOR

Photo by Chris Mottalini

We’ve covered the artisans who helped transform my apartment and zoomed in on the brands that make up my kitchen. Below is some intel on the furniture and decor I chose to complete my space.

HAY Mags Soft Sofa

For the past two decades, Danish brand HAY has been a leader in contemporary Scandinavian design. That’s why I chose their signature Mags Soft sofa in A5 Flamiber—a creamy bouclé fabric—from Design Within Reach. With a low-slung silhouette and sink-right-in cushions, it’s equally stylish and cozy. Plus, it’s modular, so I can move around and separate the pieces easily.

Omar De Biaggio Bacco Stools

Another Design Within Reach selection, a set of Bacco Stools now reside in my office. Designed by Omar De Biaggio and named for Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, these modern seats are engineered for comfort throughout long, convivial meals. That means they’re also great for lengthy work days in front of my laptop. I also love my Marcel Breuer Cesca Chairs in my dining area.

Verner Panton Panthella Mini Table Lamp

I sourced most of the lighting in my apartment from Lightology, including this adorable, small brass table lamp designed by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen. I’m also really into my oversize Tolomeo Mega Floor Lamp by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina for Artemide and my Apollo Table Lamp by Regina Andrew.

Peter Dolkas Fleur Candle Wall Sconces

These dramatic unlacquered brass candle wall sconces by interior designer Peter Dolkas were recommended to me by The Brooklyn Home Company—and I absolutely love them. The romantic fixtures line the wall in my dining zone, adding ambiance to the space whether the tapers are lit or not. The best part? The metal will patina gracefully over time.

Nordic Knots Archipelago Rug

In my living space, this Nordic Knots Archipelago Rug adds a sense of warmth to my newly-refinished floors. The abstract geometric print is inspired by inspired by the bird’s eye view of the many islands in the Stockholm archipelago, while the shaggy New Zealand wood is hand-knotted to ensure high quality. It’s so plush that guests are often just as excited to sit on the floor as they are the sofa.

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