ISSUE 32: The power of nostalgia

Nostalgia as a design choice, bedroom update sources, what I'm craving and 5 things I've saved this week.

The Debrief is a weekly newsletter - because the post life event chats are (almost) always better than the event itself. Forever honest and aesthetic driven.

I’ve admittedly been in a less than ideal mood since our return home from our trip down south. I’m struggling with the limbo of uncertainty regarding Andrew’s health, how incredibly busy my business is this year, and adding in two back to back weekends of dance competitions and well I am feeling quite desperate for a way to escape (my daily glass of wine does not seem to be doing the trick).

I find myself craving something new - a really hard hike (soon I keep telling myself), an in person kundalini class (I did this virtual one and gosh hearing the sounds of NYC in the background felt so unexpectedly invigorating), sigh — maybe all I need is summer.

And I know it’s not all that bad. I know it, but that doesn’t make it feel that way. When I had my human design reading with Sam Klein she noted how logic doesn’t really come into play in my personal thoughts / motivations and how right is she. I just seem to feel everything these days.

Our updated bedroom seems to be ushering in summer. I recently stumbled on this home tour and to say I want everything might be a slight exaggeration, but I love how it all feels nostalgic, like my grandmother could be seen holding a rum and coke in any of these rooms.

The designer Tania Handelsmann was quoted, “We think nostalgia, for a holiday, or for a house you may remember from childhood is very powerful.”

I think that line gets to the root of why I love this version of our bedroom so much. (Here is the old version in case you’re curious).

It feels like a throwback to an era of simplicity where couples toasted the end of the day together, where there were more laid back afternoons poolside sipping out of strawberry printed glasses (and likely less chauffeuring children - Andrew definitely said that we drive children to activities 8 days a week - yes 8 days he reaffirmed noting that it damn well feels like 8 days).

Seeing the dresser against the farrow and ball dimity walls with the photograph by Natalie Obradovich above and the vintage lamp on-top makes me so happy.

I was giddy when I spotted this dresser for sale a couple of years ago but it immediately felt off with our former dark walls. Now it feels so right. Like a nostalgic vacation (can we go on a real one now please?!).

These custom drapes from The Decorator’s Choice were an immediate life upgrade.

I’m pretty sure I called my mom and told her I feel like I’m living in a hotel now. The drapes are a linen look fabric with a light diffusing liner. I love the simple white matte rod and track system that The Decorator’s Choice installed.

Bedroom sources:

Custom drapes, Paint (Farrow and Ball Dimity): The Decorator’s Choice
Linen bedding, Scallop pillow cases: BedThreads
Bedside Lamps: ByLoftie (use code ASHLEY for 20% off)
Bedside tables, Dresser, Lamp: Vintage
Rug: Loloi X Amber Lewis in Ocean/Sand
Art: Ciro in Landscape by Natalie Obradovich, Checkerflowers by Erica Catherine, Girl With Plane by She Hit Pause
Accessories: Cup by Arhoj, Vase by SINDStudio, Shell Case from Shop JV Studios, White side tables by Structube, Floor mirror by MUST.

Bedroom photography by Sonia V.

Okay 5 things from the week:

1 | Turn your thoughts into art (I love doing this)

2 | I’d settle for the floatie right about now

3 | Shadow magic

4 |Highly entertaining

5 | Reordering this staple this morning

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Thank you for reading. I used to write a lot so this feels good. — Ashley.