When I sat down to write today’s edition, it felt strange to be making a list of joyful things when I had just found out I lost my grandma last week.
She was a force with red hair, red lipstick, and an attitude to match. She loved wine (lots of it), making delicious meals, and would’ve absolutely hated anyone getting too sentimental over her. So instead, I’m putting on my bold lipstick in her honor and doing what I do best: paying attention to the small things that make an ordinary day feel a little more magical.
Which brings me to this month’s installment of Things I’d Text You…
The design finds, internet rabbit holes, joyful discoveries, and highly specific recommendations that would’ve ended up in our group chat this month.
I enthusiastically recommend visiting Montreal, especially if you’re within road trip distance of the city. I just got back from a trip there and had the best time. Architecture, nature, gift shop galore. Ask me for recs!
It's rare to find hardware that's both sculptural and customizable. These check both boxes.
I’m slowly becoming the kind of person who wears what I’m calling a “house robe” at all hours of the day, and I highly recommend the lifestyle. Bathen generously gave me a code for you too: use DANIELA15 for 15% off if you're ready to embrace your robe era.
Artist Michael McGregor transformed a hotel suite into a living artwork, and I'd happily move in tomorrow.
"Do one small thing that makes the day less feral." Sound advice that has become my new life philosophy.
An aggressively cheerful reminder that not everything has to be practical.
I always say the best rooms start with one thing you can’t stop thinking about. For an upcoming project, it’s this joyful wallpaper. Consider this your first sneak peek at a makeover I can’t wait to share.
Joy, now available in both shoulder bag and grocery bag form.
Current dilemma: finding a dog sitter who won’t immediately think we’ve lost our minds. Actually though.
If someone asked me to build a room around one color palette right now, it'd probably be inspired by this rug.
This is the closest thing I’ve found to wrapping yourself in an actual cloud post-shower.
You can now turn your own handwriting into a usable font. Such a clever idea.
Andy, if you ever need someone to enthusiastically compliment your design choices, I'm available.
Schoolhouse is back! The brand officially has new owners, and I couldn’t be happier to see one of my favorite design companies get a second chapter. Rooting hard for this comeback.
Proof that good color can elevate absolutely anything, even the thing reminding you to drink more water.
Tiny reminder that it takes less than 10 seconds to make someone’s day. Send the voice note. Tell them you’re thinking about them. Life is weird and short and people should know they’re loved.
If your home is in the “I know something’s off, but I can’t quite put my finger on it” stage, I’d love to help. I take on a select number of interior design and color projects throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond. Reach out and tell me about your space.
Just have one nagging question? That’s exactly what Dear Daniela is for. Send me your paint color panic, rug debate, or awkward layout dilemma at dear@danielaaraya.com. Some questions will be answered in future editions, and on August 4, my friend and fellow designer Cristina Cleveland and I will be hosting a live Substack Q&A where we’ll tackle reader submissions together!
💛 Daniela
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