Welcome. It’s our first issue! This is Hideaway—a publication by Havenly. This collection of stories, tips and pretty pictures is meant to inspire, allowing you to peer into other lifestyles or projects, for a much needed break. Appreciating and observing how other people do things is a beautiful part of the self-care process because it allows you to take note of things you want for yourself (someday)—whether it’s making something, doing something, or buying something. Everyone looks around them for ideas for their own projects—artists, carpenters, chefs, even moms! Don’t be shy. Inspiration helps us grow. Sometimes, the beauty of seeking inspiration can take you out of your own space and bring you into a fantasy world, even if just for a moment—which feels really, really good. Come on in—it's nice in here.
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Objet d’Art Beauty in the high & low
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Houseplants You Need Right Now Options for every corner
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The Art of the Coffee Table Book Strategic stacking
12 Keep This Not That Designing your furniture legacy
16 Make This Drink Your new favorite summer cocktail
18 The Thrill of the Find
A personal story of a universal search
22 Prep Like a Stylist For your mother-in-law or a shoot
Gillian Grefé Founding Editor Senior Brand Manager, Havenly
26 Pulling It All Together Keep it flowing from room to room
30 Craft Night Believe in weaving
Founding Editor Gillian Grefe Art Direction + Production Ross Everston Thomas Llyod Writer & Editor Kate Connors
Contributors Erica Wegeler (words, styling, production) Morgan Levy (photography) Abbie Wade (photography) Shelby Girard (words) Elyza Brillantes (words) Kaela Martin (words) Special Thanks Lee Mayer, Jessie Dixon, Matthew Erley, Meek, Fancy Tiger, The Populist, Sarah Neubert, The Novogratz, Interior Define
34 Meeting the Novogratz Getting inside with interior design royalty
40 Sofa, So Good Taking a seat with Interior Define
44 Secret Garden
Lush and limitless inspiration
50 Design Story :
Form & Function Explore a Denver dream home
58 Game Time
Hideaway
Giant Brass Horn $1250 Jonathan Adler
La Veau Crocodile Skull $40 CB2
Cement Hands $19 High Fashion Home
Objet by Gillian Grefé It’s one of those design terms I don’t love to say because when I say it, I sound a bit too American for my own
Speckled Egg $6 CB2
liking. But objets d’art have such a purpose in the design world—such a place! They fill the void on a builtin shelf, tell a story of your travels, they can even act as conversation starters. What are they, though? An objet d’art is an artifact. It’s an object that doesn’t do much
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Large Acrylic Pill $248 Jonathan Adler
Plant Mister $22 Jayson Home
d’Art aside from look pretty and add interest to your home. Let’s be honest, they’re more “form” than “function.”
Set of Characters $792 High Fashion Home
While ideally we’d all be collecting our objets d’art during travels or visits to an antique store, we’ve put together a (high + low budget) shoppable roundup to get your collection started.
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Hideaway
Houseplants You Need Right Now Words by Gillian Grefé Illustrations by Thomas Lloyd
Let’s take a moment to talk about houseplants. We know houseplants aren’t a new thing but we must admit that they are having a moment. And we’re not mad about it. Since we want to make sure you’re going down the right path as a plant parent, we rounded up some of our favorite house plants of the moment.
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The easiest to care for.
The fashionable plant.
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The Golden Pothos grows fast so you’ll reap the plant-parenting benefits rather quickly. This one grows vines with large leaves on it, too, which makes it a great mantelpiece or bookshelf addition because its vines take up more space that you’d think.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig (known by fancier people as a “Ficus”) has big, statement-making leaves. Its vibrant green is a great natural accent, and the shiny leaves catch the light just right–as we’d expect from any fashionable plant.
Great for: a first-time plant buyer
Great for: The living room, next to a couch; in the corner of a room (preferably by the window)
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The tall plant.
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The succulent.
The Monstera is large enough to design a room around, and has amazingly lush, tropical leaves. It grows to take up a lot of space so it’s great for a corner of a room. And, it’s a great conversation starter because its odd holes give it the nickname “Swiss Cheese Plant”. We also love to trim a leaf or two and stand them in a glass vase.
Hens and Chicks are a favorite because they come in so many color varieties (from deep green to pale blue to purple) and their rosette shape pairs nicely with other succulents and small plants. You can even purchase a larger pot with several different shapes of the succulents, planted to create a “garden” effect.
Great for: A simple room in need of a bold, graphic element; someone willing to put time into caring for a plant
Great for: a collection of small plants
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The air plant.
You’ll seem really, really cool with a Tillandsia sitting on a shelf or amongst a vignette with cute and charming tchotchkes. These are obviously easy to care for since they aren’t planted in soil–just soak them in water for an hour or two, every few days. When hung in sculptural planters (as seen here), they make a great point of interest in any room. Great for: Bathroom or kitchen (needs humidity and indirect light)
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Hideaway
The Art of the Coffee Table Book Wordsby Gillian Grefé Photographs by Morgan Levy
I once interviewed a roommate by asking if they appreciated “strategically stacked books” so, if that isn’t telling of my love for a good stack of books, I don’t know what is. (If you’re wondering, she looked at me funny and I knew we wouldn’t get along but I lived with her anyway.) In the interest of raising public awareness about this very important topic, I’ve pulled together a list of everything you need to know to step up your coffee table game, because if you don’t know, you must.
Start with 3-5 books.
Be sure you’ve read them.
There is something about odd numbers that
Books are beautiful props but they are meant to
makes a statement, so keep that in mind.
be read, too. Read them to so you can participate in the conversation they will ultimately start.
Be somewhat consistent in size. You don’t want to go from a massive tabloid-sized
Make a scene.
book to a postcard-sized volume. That wouldn’t
I love placing other decor objects on top of the
look right—your stack should feel curated. Rather,
stack of books—little sculptural objects, candles
allow for the book sizes to slightly vary but trend
or a vase of flowers work great. It’s the perfect
in the same direction (i.e. getting smaller as you
stage for a vignette.
move up the stack). 9
Subject is important!
Color matters.
These books are conversation starters. They are
Come up with a theme and stick with it. Maybe it
a good chance to give people a glimpse into your
is an assortment of bold colors so that you have
interests. Are you a stylish gal who loves science?
maximum room to play around with color. If that’s
There are so many gorgeous books of botanical
the case, have fun with it and don’t mix in too
drawings that would look amazing on your coffee
many neutral books (one or two is okay). If your
table.
color theme is neutrals, don’t be afraid to throw in a singular pop of color. I personally am a fan of the monochromatic (I collect red books) but one contrasting, accent book always looks cool.
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Like you needed
Hunt for treasure.
another excuse
so start your collection at the thrift store or a
to shop on Amazon.
Coffee table books can often be really expensive, used book store and grow it over time. You’d be surprised what you can find in a free box on the sidewalk, too. I once found a book of drawings worth almost $1,000!
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Hideaway
Design 101
Keep This, Not That Words by Elyza Brillantes Photography by Morgan Levy
Moving into a new house can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Unless you’re starting from scratch, you likely have a few existing pieces of furniture that you plan on taking to your new place. But, how do you know what to keep & what to let go of? Follow our expert tips to make that process a breeze.
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Save what you love.
This one is a no brainer. Is your current sofa something you’ve already invested in and in great shape? Does your grandmother’s vintage writing desk have a special place in your heart? No need to ditch the things you love just because you’re moving to a new house. We truly believe that if you love a piece, you can work around it!
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Ditch what’s falling apart.
Still holding onto that IKEA cube shelf that you bought from Craigslist in college? Maybe it’s time to let that one go. We’re firm believers that your furniture should work for you, not against you, so if something isn’t holding its weight (literally), it’s time to donate! Textiles like curtains, rugs, and bedding can show wear and tear if you’ve had them for a while, and it’s never a bad idea to pick up a fresh set when you move. Plus, you can always use your old ones as spares.
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Recognize versatile pieces.
Consoles and cabinets can make great pieces for pretty much any room in your house, so if you have a good piece that doesn’t quite fit where you’d expect it to, keep it just in case it’ll work in another place in your new home. Repurpose a dresser in a dining room, or a console as a media cabinet. Don’t be afraid to make easy alterations, either: is that side table in good shape, but maybe not the right color for your new digs? A fresh coat of paint or a new finish can give a piece a whole new life.
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Play fixer upper.
Sometimes all a piece needs is a little sanding or paint, so don’t shy away from those diamonds-in-the-rough that need a little TLC. You can find great pieces at a fraction of the cost if you’re willing to put in a little work!
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Hideaway
Make this drink.
Golden hours on the patio are finally here. In other words, this is no time for an alcohol-free cleanse. Instead, live it up in the blessed warmth with our favorite warm weather cocktail: the Spring Fling. After all, it’s even better when your spring fling lasts into summer.
THE SPRING FLING
Note from the editor: we are fully aware that our floral ice cube looks more like a goldfish than a marigold. Thanks for understanding that no goldfish were harmed during this shoot!
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Hideaway
The Thrill of the Find Words by Erica Wegeler Photographs by Morgan Levy
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I was fourteen and on one of my first trips to New York City when it happened... Like a lot of teens, whenever I traveled with my family, shopping was the activity I wanted to do most. There was a sense of liberty that comes with the opportunity to walk into a giant department store and get lost in the chaos. Unlike most, I found my zen in these moments. While some may feel overwhelmed amongst endless, unorganized inventory—I found my happy place. Down the aisles of designer anythings, I was able to shut
of the diamond in the rough, what’s left to be discovered. While I’ve moved on from my teen years spent in discount department stores, thrifting has transformed the shopping experience. It’s the ultimate serendipitous act.
out the other shoppers, and with laser focus, peruse each shelf and rack until whatever I was looking for found me. Now, years later, the thrill never left. In fact, it’s become a passion.
golden knick knacks, records, among endless other covetable items. During a recent visit, owner Kelly Meek let us in on her secret stash. After leading us up an unassuming stairwell, we came upon a sun soaked apartment. With its recently painted walls, and creaking wood floors, I fell in love. Here live her expertly plucked items and larger thrifted treasures that are still in need of a home. A true treasure trove.
I’m the first to admit, I like things. That may be a polarizing statement, but alas, it’s my truth. I like to think of my home as a finely curated collection of sale finds, thrifted treasures, and DIY projects. What motivates me is the idea
Meek Vintage, a local shop in the heart of the Golden Triangle neighborhood of Denver, has built an inventory of must-have thrifted items. The store is lined with Persian rugs, fur hides,
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As we rounded the corner into dining room, there it was: a circular wicker table with glass top and four matching chairs. My mind started to race. Its perfectly worn, seventies aesthetic would look fantastic styled in my (hypothetical) breakfast nook. The terry cloth burnt orange cushions were in great shape and even comfortable to sit on. In the thirty seconds of knowing this table existed, I was already imagining every scenario where it would make my life better. That is, of course, until my rational side started to creep in as well.
In the thirty seconds of knowing this table existed, I had already imagined every scenario where it would make my life better. Truth be told, this dining set has no place in my space. My glorified closet of a studio apartment forces me to constantly confront one of the most undeniable nuances of thrifting: you have to be able to say goodbye—even if it’s likely forever. When I move in a year, I’ll think about the table, and will inevitably reach out to Meek to see it’s still available. Now that it’s on my radar, I know we’ll find one other when the timing is right, and I’ll be patient, knowing that the thrill of the find isn’t always the thrill of the buy—but it sure does make journey better. 20
Hideaway
Prep like a stylist. Words by Kate Connors
“Why doesn’t my living room look like that?” as you scroll through Pinterest. The reason, of course, is that those images are created with the help of professional stylists who literally get paid to think through every detail of the shot. The accessories, the colors, the patterns—stylists carefully consider all of these elements. While the photos turn out beautifully, it’s important to remember that stylists create moments, and not an entire life. While the following tips are perfect for when you’re expecting guests or trying to capture the perfect insta, don’t beat yourself up about not having a perfectly styled space at all times. Who has time for that! But, everyone wants their home to feel special. How can you prepare your space like a stylist? It all starts with a healthy dose of organization.
It’s important to remember stylists create moments, and not an entire life.
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Keep it Clean First, you’ll want to make sure your space is
rugs are centered under your furniture.
thoroughly cleaned (and don’t skip the corners).
The bed is a space where this exercise really
But, keeping a space clean also means visually
counts, too. Use fresh linens, and consider
clean. Clear out that personal clutter and detritus
purchasing a duvet and sheets that don’t wrinkle.
from your countertops or shelves! Closed storage
When you make the bed, be sure to tuck in your
will help keep things looking neat, and don’t
sheet corners and smooth the coverlet under the
be afraid to leave a surface empty or a shelf
pillows. Fluff your pillows by pulling out the upper
bare. Some negative space keeps your space
corners and karate-chopping the center for a
feeling airy and expansive. Make sure that your
comfortable, lush look! A handheld steamer is a
belongings fit in their containers, too. You don’t
great tool to smooth out any stubborn wrinkles on
want to see random knick knacks spilling out of a
your bedding. To finish, fold blankets at the foot
basket or a drawer. Be sure to think about details,
of the bed, or even stack them neatly in a nearby
too—tuck away power cords, make sure your
closet or shelf.
books are lined up neatly, and check that your 24
Accessorize Thoughtfully
Embrace the Details
While clearing away your personal clutter can go
Take a look around your space once you think
a long way towards making a space look styled,
you’ve finished. Do you have a vase of fresh
don’t forget that there are some accessories that
flowers on the table? They’re affordable at most
can make a room feel much more complete. For a
grocery stores and make any room feel special.
sofa, be sure to have a throw pillow or two. Mixing
Have you provided light where you need it (i.e. in
and matching patterns and textures helps to
dark corners or in spaces with a specific purpose,
make the vignette feel organic. A throw blanket
like reading). Does your room feel cluttered, or is it
is useful and can be decorative, and using books
still slightly empty? These are great clues to what
to accent pieces like side tables is a classic
still needs to be done to perfect your space.
designer trick. Try using trays to fill empty space in low-traffic areas. They can really pull together
Ultimately, your home is your space, and what you
a collection of smaller items, or provide an
think looks right is right. But, by putting yourself
excellent home for a stack of reading material. For
in the mindset of a stylist, you’ll be able to make
bookshelves, try stacking some books horizontally
your space even more personal and curated for
and some vertically to break up the look.
your lifestyle.
The key with accessorizing is to make sure your space doesn’t look like you bought every single item at once. Combine styles, textures, and colors! Don’t be afraid of the unusual- this is a great opportunity to bring in riskier styles. Vases and vessels of fresh flowers are important too, as they bring life and movement to a space.
Tuck those cords. Coordinate the spines of your books. Center your rugs. 25
Pulling it All Together Words by Shelby Girard
When decorating your home, it’s often easiest to think of tackling one room at a time. It can be really daunting to consider the furniture and budget for an entire home. While we’re totally in favor of breaking up your design work by room, it’s important to think of your home holistically when deciding on what styles, colors, and finishes make sense.
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Color. First things first, decide on a color palette for your
of the house. That can end up feeling a bit one-note.
home. While every room doesn’t need to be the same
If you have an open layout where your rooms don’t
color, fitting within a larger color scheme helps create
have clear divisions, sticking to one, neutral color
a cohesive feel. For example, maybe your home has
throughout your space is a safe bet. Otherwise,
light colors with cooler tones of blue and green as
selecting an accent wall is an easy way to add color
accents. Or, maybe you love bold colors and have
without overwhelming the entire space. Think of an
saturated jewel tones in accents throughout. A great
accent wall as a frame: put it around your room’s best
way to build a professional-looking color scheme is
features and you’ll minimize the parts you don’t love
to play around with paint swatches until you find a
quite as much.
combination you love. If you love color, you may want to play with bolder Regardless of your color preferences, sticking to a
paint colors featured in a handful of rooms. Limiting
theme will ensure your home feels cohesive. Things
yourself to three or four bold rooms throughout will
will start to feel very disjointed if each room has
prevent your space from feeling too overwhelming. If
a wildly different color scheme—jewel tones in
not on an accent wall, bold colors (or even wallpaper)
the dining room and pastels in the kitchen won’t
is best in rooms that have clear walls separating them
look cohesive. We also don’t advise choosing one
from other areas. Powder rooms, kids’ rooms or the
vibrant pop of color and repeating it in every room
dining room are some of our favorite places to go bold!
Style. Mixing finishes creates a great, customized look. Even
chrome, antique brass, and brushed nickel) can feel
so, limit yourself to a few finishes that compliment
like a random mix of metals from different eras that
your preferred style and palette. For example, unless
doesn’t quite make sense. Think of your metallics like
you’re going for an eclectic look, you’ll likely want
jewelry in your space: mixing metals is totally kosher,
to limit the wood tones throughout your home to a
but if everything you put on is super gaudy, things
couple. Mixing walnut and a lighter washed wood tone
might look a little muddled. We’re big fans of subtler
can create some interesting contrast within a similar
metallics that blend well with each other.
style. However mixing a sleek mid century teak. a white-washed antique wood, and a rustic reclaimed
Holistic design may sound like a trend, but really it’s
wood will feel a bit busy.
the strategy all designers use to create that super cohesive look flow from room to room. And remember–
For metals, sticking to finishes in a similar family like
rules are meant to be broken. Don’t be afraid to take
antique brass and dark iron creates some interesting
risks and you’ll end up with a home that reflects your
variation within a style, but going too far (like mixing
personal style. 29
Craft Night
Weaving with Sarah Neubert Words by Kaela Martin Photographs by Abbie Wade
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Weaving is quiet but tactile, creative but repetitive. You’ve seen woven wall hangings popping up in home
of weaving, and the rich tradition of the craft is still
goods stores, vintage boutiques, and on your favorite
inextricable for weavers today. Even artists who make
Instagram account. As far as home decor, these
completely abstract and organic shapes are in some
tapestries are fantastic. They are soft and textural
way employing traditional methods.
and more interesting than two dimensional art or photographs. It wasn’t until taking a weaving workshop
While weaving has been around basically forever,
that I truly put together all of the beautiful things about
it wasn’t until the Arts and Crafts movement in the
these pieces: the craft of making them is old as time,
late 1800s that weaving began to build momentum
the artists who make them are incredible, and you can
as a craft as opposed to an industrialized skill (i.e.
actually (quite easily) make one for yourself.
warehouses full of power weavers and young children working before school), at least in the modern era. In
The process of weaving baskets and textiles has been
the 1920s, the Bauhaus school in Germany elevated
part of the human experience for over 20,000 years,
the craft into a fine art. If you wanted to spend some
but many of us know this process only theoretically.
time researching tapestry art, the things you see will
Of course we think of Persian rugs, denim fabrics,
shock you with their beauty and technical prowess.
Navajo blankets, or even hammocks when we think
The weavings like the ones we’re seeing on everyone’s
private or studio classes. For us, the obvious workshop
walls these days are an expression of the more artistic
destination was Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver. This place
side of weaving. Rather than products of rigid patterns,
is a mecca for fabrics, buttons, tools, and everything
these pieces are a built with organic shapes, varied
you could possibly need for crafting. They offer several
textures, artistic exploration, or all of the above.
classes for sewing, knitting, felting, and, of course, weaving.
Today, you can find a handwoven wall tapestry, or wall hanging, anywhere from Target to West Elm. While this
Our small workshop was taught by a true pro and
ubiquity is convenient, you do have a couple of more
excellent teacher Sarah Neubert. As a contemporary
local-friendly opportunities to have one of your own.
weaver and teacher, she makes jewelry, household
You can support a fiber artist like Sarah Neubert in Fort
items, and wall hangings that combine gorgeous
Collins or Natalie Novak in Portland or Kate Sayer in the
textures and different gauges of fiber. You can see
UK and hang a one-of-a-kind piece of fine art in your
contemporary and traditional styles of weaving in
house. Or, you can simply make a wall hanging of your
her work, and it’s clear that she knows her stuff and
own.
has mastered the craft. The best part, though, was that she taught our class about the experimental and
Your local craft store is a great resource for workshops.
approachable nature of weaving—that it’s easy enough
There are also online resources for artists who teach
to learn to make something but complex enough to
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continue to practice and explore throughout your life.
If the DIY route is not for you, there are hundreds
Weaving truly hits a sweet spot.
of places where you can find your wall hanging. As mentioned, Etsy will make your search easy. We
After seeing Sarah’s work, I was admittedly a little
recommend sites like Chairish for vintage finds.
weary of my first go at weaving. In our 3-hour beginners
If you aren’t stopping in to your craft store for
workshop, our class was making small wall hangings.
materials, it might be fruitful to stop in for local artist
We learned several different techniques, ways to add
recommendations. The people in the craft world know
color and texture, and some of the more technical
what they are talking about and can probably point you
aspects of weaving. Once we got settled, everyone in
in a very good direction for finding the wall hanging of
the group started to relax into their own creative space.
your dreams. Of course, the Instagram wormhole is a
With Ella Fitzgerald cooing from the shop speakers, the
great tool here, too, and should not be underestimated.
world fell quiet, and before long every one was audibly fantasizing about quitting their jobs and weaving on a
The little tapestry I made in the 3-hour workshop
farm somewhere. We recommend that everyone tries
with Sarah is my favorite new addition to my home.
this for themselves. Weaving is quiet but tactile, creative
There’s something special about being clued into such
but repetitive. After only 20 minutes of doing a basic
a rich tradition while feeling super accomplished in
weave, we were hooked. And the projects turned out
making something that was pretty easy, but completely
beautiful!
beautiful and one-of-a-kind. 33
Hideaway
Meeting The
Interview by Gillian Grefé Photography by Staci Marengo, Costas Picadas, & Matthew Williams
We recently paid a visit to design mega couple, The Novogratz, at their Hollywood Hills home known as ‘The Castle.’ They had purchased a manor a few years ago and had just recently completed their renovations. They did an impressive job keeping the integrity of the home while adding their classic colorful and modern touches. We left inspired to buy more colorful art, not stress about the perfectly hung gallery wall (just get it up all up there!), mix and match furniture, paint our bedroom very light blush pink, and, move to the Hollywood Hills and renovate a 1940’s era home. We sat down with Bob and Cortney in their modern boho living room to talk about how they got here and what you can do to add more personality to your homes. 34
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HAVENLY: What really launched your design career and
you put into it [financially] it is one thing but it’s really
how did you get started?
the choices; the dots have to connect, and I think that’s
CORTNEY: Somehow our career found us or we found
really the key to good design.
it. We started planning our wedding and bought our first condemned building, and in creating a home, realized
HAVENLY: Let’s talk color. You are a very colorful duo.
we were pretty good at it. We just never stopped after
What are your go-to colors and do they change?
that.
ROBERT: Well color is in. It’s finally in! I think with color you have to be careful because too much color might
HAVENLY: Would you both say that you started noticing
be not right. But, we take our chances or risks in the
design at a young age? What piqued your interest?
bedroom—it’s pink right now, and in another home
ROBERT: I think it’s all about exposure when you’re
of ours it was orange and people loved it. I might not
young. I was exposed to art really young because my
make my living room pink or orange, but I think in the
parents were antique dealers. I was the one kid that
bedroom, you can take chances with color. And, I think
loved antiques, so I went to flea markets at a very young
wallpaper is a great way of using color. I mean blue and
age. I just loved collecting things. And it came back to
grey are always safe colors, but I do like yellow, you know
me later in life.
on a door or...
CORTNEY: I grew up in South Georgia and I just really
CORTNEY: ...or on a foyer ceiling. A little pop of color
loved design. My mom would let me decorate my room
makes people so happy. To Robert’s point, it doesn’t have
every few years. And of course, MTV was a big deal to me
to be a whole room, it can be a signature wall, maybe
because it showed me a whole other world besides just
the wall your bed is on. It can be baseboards and crown
countryside. Then, when I met Robert, we shared that
molding and the door, and the rest of the walls are white.
common love of flea markets, antiques, architecture,
I think just to have fun with color and take some risks,
real estate and homes. I kind of have a love affair with
and at the end of the day, it’s just a bucket of paint. In
houses. I don’t get to live in all of them but I dream about
this house in particular, we chose to have some walls
them. So I’ve always had that bug.
blue or black, which hold really as a neutral, but the art on the walls is our color. And, grey over brown, always.
HAVENLY: What elements make a room feel well
It’s more sophisticated.
designed? CORTNEY: For me, on a personal note, when we were
HAVENLY: What about patterns? I think patterns are
decorating our first townhouse, once I was able to get
very in, although I don’t know if they ever went away.
drapes and shades I felt like I had arrived. It made the
How do you advise clients on adding patterns to a room?
whole space complete. And, there are so many ways of doing drapes and shades, they’ve really come a long way.
CORTNEY: In my own house, it’s the draperies. We
ROBERT: I think the best designed homes I’ve ever been
do a lot of fun patterns because in our own life, my
in are European homes—where they don’t spend a lot of
boys like to hang on the drapes, and they get their
money but the choices they make are really good. What
dirty hands on the drapes. Patterns hide messes and 37
“Color is in. It’s finally in!” they’re fun and happy. You can also bring patterns into
here in our living room we got from a casino in Monte
a room with throw pillows. Patterns often come with
Carlo in the sixties. They tell a story and I love the way
textures, too, which is great. But you definitely want to
they look.
have a common thread, so if you are doing a wild set
CORTNEY: It’s been in two or three of our homes. We
of patterns and throw pillows, make sure they have a
rotate our light fixtures through different rooms. Our
similar set of tones, the same colorway.
kitchen lights used to hang over our bathtub in our old
ROBERT: I love all pattern. I love plaids—I just think it’s
house, so they’ve come to life in a new way.
a really classic look. I like classic with a modern twist. HAVENLY: A huge part of your job is identifying a client’s HAVENLY: Light. Let’s talk about how you advise clients
personal style. I’d love to hear how you pinpoint that.
to maximize natural light in a space.
ROBERT: When we get a design job, we do a real fun
ROBERT: Well, light is super important. Natural light
questionnaire, which everyone loves. It includes, ‘what
is something you are blessed with. In this house, we
are your three favorite movies,’ ‘what’s your favorite
created extra windows to bring as much natural light as
band,’ ‘what are your favorite colors,’ and so on. We
possible. But that’s easy, that’s the house doing all the
really try to get to know them a little better. It used to
work. We also love great statement fixtures.
be that you would get tears from a magazine, but now
CORTNEY: In this particular house, we wanted all the
Pinterest is a really great way to know people, to say, ‘oh
light to come in. This is the main room, it’s open to
I like this, I like that.’
our kitchen, so we put up sheers so natural light can
CORTNEY: Anytime you talk about your home and
constantly flow through. As for lighting, you should
finances and money, it can be stressful. Robert and I
always have an abundance. You don’t have to have them
try to always make it fun. When it comes to conflicting
all at the same time, but that’s a way to offset if you
styles for couples, we tell clients they found each other
don’t have a lot of natural light. Try to buy incredible,
for a reason, even if you’re opposites. We’re honest with
unique piecess—you can find a really crazy, big
our clients. If they show up and they got an ugly sofa on
oversized lamp that makes a statement but also gives
sale, we have to tell them that’s not going to work.
you the light you need. Please buy unique lighting that’s not from a chain store, if you can! There are so many
HAVENLY: Let’s talk splurge vs. save. People want to
great, one of a kind light fixtures, don’t get the light
redecorate but they have to pick their battles with their
that everyone else has. Mix them up, hang them at all
budget. What tricks or advice do you have?
different levels.
ROBERT: First, we make a wish list and prioritize with
ROBERT: I love unique light fixtures. The one we have
our clients. We ask clients their budget. If we’re talking
about furnishings; something like a dining table you can
also buy with value in mind.
keep for a lifetime, so put money into that. Your couches,
HAVENLY: How often does your style change?
your softgoods, you’re probably going to go through that
ROBERT: Ours changes because we’re in design. We
a lot quicker so get something you like that’s durable.
started building in Manhattan and we’d go to Europe
For kid’s roomss—never spend a lot of money. I think the
and buy French things and bring them back. After a few
dining table, for me, is the most important thing if you’re
years, we got tired of it and clients would ask for the
going to splurge.
French look and we’d say “no, no, we’re over that.” I think
CORTNEY: We constantly mix high and low, so we’ll do
the more you like something and the more you know
a great dining table, but maybe the side tables might
something, it’ll evolve.
be from flea markets or something. That makes the
CORTNEY: I think that’s why travel is so important. I get
personality of the house. When you mix one-of-a-kind
so inspired by things I haven’t seen yet or am seeing for
pieces, you’re going to get furniture that’s multi-use, and
the first time.
no one will know that it was $20.
ROBERT: It should be classic. It should be something
ROBERT: You should buy what you love but you should
that’s timeless. 39
Sofa, So Good Q+A: Interior Define founder Rob Royer on Redefining the Furniture Industry For the Future
Words by Kate Connors
When was the last time you purchased a sofa? It’s likely
is a custom product. Interior Define supports that
that no matter where you bought it, it involved tedious
E-commerce experience with four chic “Guideshops”,
trips to the store, measuring, fabric-sample ordering,
where customers can try out their prospective sofas,
and long wait times. Yet all of that still didn’t guarantee
interact with textile and finish choices, and speak with
the piece would fit, be the right color, or have the look
experts ready to help design the perfect-fit piece.
and quality you really wanted. And, you probably had to pay approximately an arm and a leg.
We’ve been big fans of Interior Define for years (we have a few of their sofas in our office, actually), so we were
Interior Define wants to change that purchase process.
super excited when founder Rob Royer agreed to speak
The furniture startup, founded in 2014, operates with a
with us about his business, feedback loops, and how he
“digital-first, inventory-free, and retail-light” approach,
managed to redefine the furniture industry in favor of
meaning purchases are handled online, and each sofa
the customer.
Kate Connors: How, and why did Interior Define start
challenging to offer a personalized customer experience
selling sofas online?
within this construct. It was this setting that provided
Rob Royer: In 2007, I joined Bonobos, then in its first
an opportunity to completely rethink the way we shop
year. It was a unique opportunity to be a part of the
for furniture. You can see a similar pattern in a variety of
formation of a pioneering, digitally-native brand.
consumer categories now experiencing transformations,
The founding team was focused on creating a better
e.g. footwear, apparel, eyewear, and more.
approach to men’s apparel and looking at all decisions through a customer experience lens.
KC: How have you worked to teach your customers that buying something (large and expensive!) like a
I’ve always had a passion for furniture and interiors--I
sofa can be done online? Has it been challenging?
grew up as the son of an interior designer mom and
RR: There’s no question a sofa is one of the most
architect dad. During my Bonobos experience, and while
important pieces of furniture you buy for your home. It
shopping for a sofa, it became clear there was a big
anchors your space, and influences how you interact
void in furniture for an experience-driven sofa brand. I
with family and friends. Before launching, we spent
shopped a wide variety of online and offline brands, and
time looking at the points of friction in the traditional
there wasn’t a comfortable and personalized option in
sofa-shopping experience to inform our customer
the middle of the market.
experience. For instance, we include white glove delivery with every order (usually an expensive extra fee), and
Inspired by that experience, I became focused on
365-day return policy to make the decision to purchase
creating a better approach to sofa shopping. I spent
online more comfortable. We also make sure our design
time (initially during grad school) conceptualizing a
specialists can provide recommendations tailored
more customer-focused approach to manufacturing
to your style and space whether you’re shopping in a
and distribution. In 2012, I decided to pursue Interior
Guideshop or online.
Define full time, and spent nearly a year establishing our supply chain in preparation for our 2014 launch.
We continually evaluate our process to lower the barrier to purchase a sofa without sitting in it first. We recently
KC: Why do you think it took so long to develop a model
launched a digital comfort guide with high-resolution
that puts the customer needs first in the furniture-
video of people sitting on an assortment of our cushion
buying experience?
designs, and an augmented reality app (Interior Define
RR: Simply put, furniture brands were set in their
AR in the Apple App Store) that allows customers to
ways. This manifested in massive showrooms,
place any of our designs in their home, to scale. Both
wholesale purchasing models, and unfocused product
help our customers understand the proportions of our
assortments (i.e. brands who carry every category in
pieces within their space, and to see how the designs
home). E-commerce was often an afterthought. It’s
pair with their existing aesthetic.
41
Carolina Rodriguez for Interior Define
KC: Did the Interior Define Guideshops exist from the
In 2015, we moved our Chicago Guideshop location and
beginning of the company, or did the in-person retail
headquarters to Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood,
experience come later? Why?
and completely rethought its design. Today our
RR: We opened our first Guideshop location roughly
Guideshop experience matches our web experience.
a month after our online launch. We always believed
Wall graphics and fabric and leg installations
physical retail would be a part of our longer-term
essentially recreate our online customization menu. The
strategy, but we frankly didn’t have that strategy
four Guideshop locations (with a fifth on the way) have
perfected at the time. Our first location was a street-
become a great way to share our brand story in person.
level space in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood that
They don’t feel like traditional furniture stores; they’re
doubled as our office. It was initially an experimental
smaller locations (around 2,000 sq ft.) designed as fun,
concept, and it provided a valuable feedback loop in the
low pressure shopping environments. It’s not uncommon
early days of the brand. While it was a well-designed
for customers to hang out for a couple of hours and
space, it didn’t align with our website experience: our
enjoy complimentary drinks!
pieces were styled with accessories that confused customers, and the customization process and options weren’t prominently displayed.
KC: How did you refine your manufacturing process
KC: What do you find are the most important aspects
and physical product over time? Has the sofa
of your customer experience?
construction changed in response to customer
RR: Every member of our team plays a direct role in
feedback?
the Interior Define customer experience. We look at
RR: From the very beginning we believed in the benefits
every decision, from long-term strategy to the smallest
of pairing a uniquely customizable product with a
design detail, through the lens of the customer. While
differentiated level of customer service. With that
customization sits at the center of our approach, it’s our
said, the manufacturing approach (and team) were
team’s focus on delivering the best possible experience
new, and at launch weren’t able to offer the level of
that makes Interior Define so unique. The same design
customization that we offer today. Over time, we learned
specialists you connect with in our Guideshop locations
(often in person in our first Guideshop location) how
are the same individuals who assist online customers
customers responded to our designs, customization
over the phone, chat, email, and text. We also work
options, and brand story. We created a feedback loop
hard to make our digital resources reflect the customer
with our product development and production teams
experience of our Guideshops by offering the same level
that persists to this day. Our team is obsessive about
of guidance and advice to the customer.
understanding our customer’s experience both after the order is placed and after delivery. Given our nimble
KC: As I/D grows and moves into more products (like
production approach, we can (and often have) put
the gorgeous beds), will anything in your process or
updates into place in as little as a couple of days.
experience have to change? What can we look forward to?
KC: What are the advantages of working within an
RR: Thanks for the compliment! Beds were initially an
inventory-free system? Have there been challenges?
experiment, but helped demonstrate that our customers
RR: The biggest advantage of not holding inventory is
value our personalized approach to the most important
our ability to offer customers a wide assortment of
pieces of furniture in your home. We continually
customization at a middle-market price point. Rather
seek out ways to elevate our products and our brand
than predicting which designs customers will respond
experience. We are launching a new product category
to best, every Interior Define order is a clean slate,
in June (to be announced soon) that we’re very excited
including fabric, size, configuration, leg, and cushion
about. Like all of our products, it will represent one of
fill. Importantly, our approach eliminates inventory
the most important categories in the home and will also
investments and the associated risks. While we’re
be entirely customizable.
unable to deliver such a customized product within a couple of weeks (like inventoried alternatives), our 8-
We have additional Guideshop locations in the works as
to 12-week lead time is often faster than comparably
well, including our most unique experience to date that
customizable products. Our customers love the ability to
will open in San Francisco in July!
get the exact piece and dimensions they’re seeking for their space. 43
Hideaway
Secret Garden Step outside of your comfort zone this year and dress up that garden party even more. We were inspired by a theme that knows no boundaries.
44
45
The Bold Look We embraced the bright outdoors for this tablescape. Fresh cut flowers and a pop-y plate can go a long, charming way. Feel free to lean on your menu to add color to the table, too!
Plates: Anthropologie, Del Ray Dinner Plate, $18 Table runner: Anthropologie, Metallic Table Runner, $48 Teacup and Saucer: Williams Sonoma “Pillivuyt�, $29
Blue glasses: Anthropologie, Gatsby Juice Glass Set, $40 for 4 Pink Glasses: Anthropologie Fleur-De-Lys Tumbler, $10
Pink Cake Stand: Anthropologie, Alma Cake Stand, $18 Cocktail Glass: Anthropologie Zinnia Tumbler, $12
Flatware: CB2, Rush Flatware, $89.99 Mint Green Plate: Anthropologie, Zephyr Side Plate, $14 Vase: World Market, $6 set of 3
47
The British Look Try adding a colorful cocktail (we used Lillet RosĂŠ with champagne) to a victorian style glass, and pair with sophisticated yet modern flatware set to bring a bit of edge.
Plates: Anthropologie, Gardenshire Dinner Plate, $20 Blue glass: Anthropologie, Gatsby Juice Glass Set, $40 for 4 Purple glass: World Market, Lavender Pressed Highball Glasses, $23 for 4
Flatware: CB2, Rush Flatware, $89.95 Napkins: Anthropologie, Aniya Napkin, $8 Teacup and Saucer: Williams Sonoma “Pillivuyt�, $29
Pink serving plate: Anthropologie, Color Study Serving Plate, $2 Serving knife: Anthropologie, Liberty London for Anthropologie,
Table Runner: Anthropologie, Metallic Table Runner, $48
4 for $36
Cocktail Glass: Anthropologie, Zinnia Tumbler, $12 49
Hideaway
DESIGN STORY
Form & Function Words by Kate Connors
A certain holy grail exists for any interior designer. Namely, a beautifully renovated home owned by a client willing to take risks and trust the vision. For Havenly’s Head of Design Shelby Girard, that holy grail became reality when her colleague Jessie, bought a gorgeous new family home in Denver. With beautiful, modern finishes and some serious architectural pizzazz, Jessie’s new house was the perfect canvas for Shelby to bring her particular brand of sophisticated style to life. Jessie’s house was a new build, and a perfect fit for a family with two children. Built with great attention to flow, the house suited Jessie’s needs, something she fell in love with right away: “I love the kitchen and family room area, so I can see the kids and we can stay engaged. There’s even a place for them to do their homework,” she said in an interview about the property. But even beyond basic function, Jessie and Shelby felt the home combined the family’s taste for older, classic homes
50
Photography by Morgan Levy
with a modern sensibility. Jessie found “the best of both worlds”—a marriage of the older architectural details she loves, with the convenience and polish of a new build. The interior was neutral and bright, and Jessie enjoyed the elements that made the home feel “special” from the get-go, like French doors that let in tons of light, and gorgeous paneled walls in several rooms. Shelby approached the home with Jessie’s sophisticated taste in mind, a neutral, monochromatic approach to the “washed out,” Hamptons-inspired style that Jessie had employed in her previous home. Both designer and client were fans of the textural, muted look, one that relied on the contrast of black and white rather than bright pops of color. A base of creamy white paint in almost every room was the perfect foundation for a design that ultimately pulled the large spaces together in a cohesive, lovely way, that still considers the functionality important to the life of a busy family.
“I loved the kitchen and family room area, so I can see the kids and we can stay engaged. There’s even a place for them to do their homework.”
Black sofa: Room & Board Ivory sofa: Interior Define Ottoman: Anthropologie Rug: Serena & Lily Bar stools: Anthropologie Window treatments: Loom Decor
51
Striped chair: One Kings Lane, Side table: West Elm, Lamp: Room & Board, Art: Artfully Walls, Window treatments: Loom Decor
The home is anchored by a spacious chef’s kitchen in
While a bright white loveseat may seem like a gamble
subtle neutrals (cream, grey, blonde wood) that blend
for a family with two young children, Jessie was un-
beautifully. Tied to the living room with dramatic beams
phased when Shelby suggested the piece. An admitted
and a shiplap ceiling treatment, the space feels cohe-
“lover of stain remover,” Jessie chose performance
sive across two distinct areas of functionality. In the liv-
fabrics and makes sure her children know not to eat on
ing area, custom draperies from Loom Décor are sheer
the piece. Ultimately, she didn’t want to “compromise
enough to let in plenty of Colorado sunshine. The striped
her style now,” when her kids would grow out of their
chair, which Jessie declares as her favorite piece in the
messy phase in just a few years. Shelby balanced out
entire house (“It’s very, very comfortable.”) pulls together
the risk, though, with the dark ottoman and sofa, which
the black sofa and white loveseat perfectly.
are stain-hiding in the extreme.
Art: High Fashion Home, White Sofa: Interior Define, Console: Curated Kravet, Mirror: Serena + Lily
53
Rug: Serena & Lily, Side chairs: Serena & Lily, Side table: Curated Kravet, Coffee table: Pottery Barn, Sofa: Mitchell Gold Bob Williams
Table: Crate & Barrel, Chairs: Serena & Lily, Art: One Kings Lane, Window treatments: Loom Decor, Chandelier: Serena & Lily
54
Breaking off from the nucleus of the kitchen and living
Jessie’s home is truly a space built for entertaining.
area, the dining room is a light filled space with the best
Adjoining the serene dining room is a formal sitting
windows in the whole home. With built-ins opposite,
room that presents an elevated take on the home’s dom-
the room has plenty of storage for serving pieces and
inant color scheme. Shelby pulled the white shades of
barware, a feature that keeps the space feeling clean
the dining room through but chose a lighter grey as an
and uncluttered. Shelby paired a dark, heavy table that
accent to complement the bright light from a southern
anchors the room with seating that feels beachy and
exposure. While Jessie worried that incorporating her
unfussy. The rattan chairs have an unusual striped motif
old furniture into the new home would be “a challenge,”
that echoes the black and white color scheme running
Shelby used Jessie’s old sofa and rug in this space
throughout the whole home.
beautifully. With new side chairs from Serena & Lily that echoed the grey of the rug, the room came together as if all the furniture was custom built for the space.
55
Sofa: Interior Define, Chaise: Crate & Barrel, Rug: Serena & Lily, Floor Lamps: West Elm, Ottoman: Mitchell
“Shelby was able to bring together Jessie’s uniquely sophisticated taste with the functional demands of her busy family.” Tucked behind the sitting room lies the home’s final
Jessie couldn’t be happier with the way her new home
surprise. Lacquered walls in Benjamin Moore’s Hale
turned out. Shelby was able to bring together Jes-
Navy envelope a library that serves as cozy counter-
sie’s uniquely sophisticated taste with the functional
point to the airy main space. Without losing sight of the
demands of her busy family—a husband who loves
overall color scheme (the white chaise ties it all back to
“comfortable, quality pieces” and children who wanted
the main living area), Shelby used this secluded room to
their own spaces. Altogether, the effect is a comfortable,
create a truly unique look. Shelby loves that she could
welcoming home that doesn’t sacrifice an inch of its
create a room for a true “family space”, where the kids
distinctive style. Design holy grail, indeed.
can lounge and do their homework. For Jessie, the room is a bold statement that still fits within her breezy style.
57
Game time. It all started when I decided to move in with my NOUN
. First, we had to
VERB
toured so many apartments, some ADJ
a
. We
VERB
, some
ADJ
. I love vintage style, but he wanted
ADJ
and our budget really just wanted something ADJ
.
Then, once we finally found a place that met both
of our criteria, we had to move. Packing everything up was a
NOUN
but the real issues started when we
had to move our big furniture pieces. The
NOUN
wouldn’t fit out the door—we had to saw off the PLURAL NOUN
and take the hinges off the door frame.
When we finally got everything in the
ADJ
apartment, we had to pick paint colors. I wanted blush pink, but he flatly
VERB
. We compromised once I
told him that he had no say, and sent him to hang out at
NOUN
with his friends. I love my new blush pink
walls. They really make the place
ADJ
. I don’t
think they’re too feminine at all! Pink is totally gender neutral these days. Want to come over for a night?
NOUN
,
Across
Down
1._____________tiles will never go out of style.
2. Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year
5. The easiest way to update a rental space is to switch out the light.
3. If you want the chicest, shiniest, darkest, most fabulous walls, you paint them black _____________.
6. Ikea really got everyone excited about this decor style.
4. The hardest style to pull off if you have *a lot* of things.
8. A style that is usually dark with layers of texture.
7. A big pet peeve of ours is: hanging your_____________ too high.
9. When you buy a vintage chair with ugly fabric you _____________ it.
8. When organizing your home, she suggests you “Treat your socks and stockings with respect.”
12. The linear pattern we hope to continue to see less of. (hint: starts with a C, end with an N)
10. Not a tablecloth but a_____________.
13. It’s not a “couch”, it’s a “_____________.”
11. You’re creating a cohesive color experience which you call a “color _____________.”
15. Something you absolutely must do to your curtains if they are too long.
14. Yes, there is a color called “Millennial_____________” and it’s really popular.
17. Our Head of Design’s first name.
16. A word you’d used to describe how you choose the art for your gallery wall.
18. Many boho decor items possess this quality.