01 Sep Why Don’t You… Curate Your Space?
‘Why Don’t You’ is my weekly tribute to legendary editor Diana Vreeland who penned a column of the same name for Harper’s Bazaar for 26 years begging, “Don’t just be your ordinary dull self. Why don’t you be ingenious and make yourself into something else?”
Here’s the thing. I’m constantly on the hunt for pieces that ultimately make my apartment feel like me.
It’s a tiny—but big by New York’s standards—studio so I have to be super selective about what I bring home (oooh, there is a joke in there somewhere…).
Last month, I journeyed to Shelter Island to lunch with Jonathan Adler at the vacation home he shares with his husband, Simon Doonan, the creative director at Barneys, natch. “It’s totes chill—it’s like the anti-Hamptons,” he said of his home away from the city.
We were there to toast to his work with Ford. He mapped out a road trip that would meet the fashion girls’ travel needs in honor of the Mustang’s iconic 50th birthday—but I couldn’t stop staring, mouth agape, at their space.
How can I evoke this feeling in New York City? Further in my little studio?
“Surround yourself with stuff you love,” Jonathan suggested for starters. “I don’t think you should settle for anything that will just do. Everything around you should be something you love, that means something to you… and you probably should spend a little bit more than you think you can afford.”
It didn’t stop there.
I peppered Jonathan with questions until he unleashed the ultimate guide to decorating your living quarters with these five things to create a grown up space.
1. A Bar Cart
“Every girl needs a bar car, a place to keep your booze that instantly lets the world know that you are an urban sophisticate.”
2. A Flattering Chandelier
“… that’s dim-able.”
3. A Great Vanity Mirror
4. Couture Bedding
“No matter how small your apartment, the bed should look on fleek.” Uh, his word, not mine.
5. A Good, Expensive Bottle of Champagne
“You just never know when it’s going to come in handy.”
So what do you say?
Why don’t you you create a space that reflects the life you want to live? What did you think of Jonathan’s tips?
?: Angel Lenise
Ariel B
Posted at 12:19h, 09 SeptemberFirst of all this is fashion journalist. “Last month, I journeyed to Shelter Island to lunch with Jonathan Adler at the vacation home he shares with his husband, Simon Doonan, the creative director at Barneys, natch. “It’s totes chill—it’s like the anti-Hamptons,” he said of his home away from the city” …Loves It! I saw this amazing talk that Andre Leon Talley did and he spoke in great depths about his relationship with Diana Vreeland. You would love it. I will send it to you when I find it again.
ChanningintheCity
Posted at 16:10h, 09 SeptemberThank you! I have to tell you this series is one of my favorite things on the blog. My day job sucks, but sourcing each of these interviews, transcribing, spinning it into a story made me feel really, really good about myself. I appreciate your kind words 🙂 Also, YES PLEASE to the DV and Andre Leon Talley talk. I am so obsessed with her. I watch The Eye Must Travel alllll the time! Have you seen it?
ShesFacingFreedom
Posted at 22:39h, 10 SeptemberI love this idea of curating space. I can’t wait to do this when I move. I want my apartment to feel more like me. Also, I loved his tips about having a bar cart and a flattering chandelier.
ChanningintheCity
Posted at 10:55h, 11 SeptemberI think I want a chandelier decal to put on the wall because, tiny apartment. I can’t wait to see what you do!