VOL. 2 : BUY THE WEIRD THING

Vol. 2 of Apple of My Eye is here! I’m having too much fun with this. I’ve decided this newsletter will come out on Wednesdays, because I like the day, and probably biweekly. Read on, my friends, and I hope you are treating yourself well today. The Vol. 2 collection is linked here if anything catches your eye.

1. Pumpkin Red/White (2016) by Yayoi Kusama

Make your home your personal gallery… get this Kusama pumpkin! You may have experienced Yayoi Kusama’s work through one of her infinity rooms, or her collaborations with luxury fashion houses. If this pumpkin still isn’t for sale by the time this goes out, it’s come home with me.

2. Bath Towels by The Pillow Bar

Nothing is worse than a towel that pills. Especially after you’ve used your fancy body lotion and then you’re covered in cotton debris. Because of this, I’ve avoided fluffy towels altogether and I’ve been a Gilden Tree waffle towel person since 2011 (Also worth checking out here). It wasn’t until I got bedding and pillows so good from The Pillow Bar that I decided to take a chance on their towels. They are the fu*king best (I don’t know if I can use that word on this platform yet, so we’ll stay on the safe side). These towels don’t pill- at all! And they hold up really, really well. The Pillow Bar is also owned and run by women, which I love. I can’t say enough good things. They even put a little sachet of lavender in your pillow for sweet dreams when you order from them. Almost saccharine. But not.

3. Panthella Table Lamp by Louis Poulsen

This is a perfect table lamp. I have a lot of clients looking for table lamps and this is one of my go-to recommendations for people who want to push the envelope a bit. It’s simple, but fun at the same time. One of the first nice things I ever bought myself in terms of furniture and accessories. The glow? Ethereal. It’s expensive, but if there’s one thing to invest in: it’s lamps (and art and rugs).

4. Bronzed Playstation Controller by Nancy Pearce Bronze

I first discovered Nancy Pearce in Marfa, TX at Garza Marfa (more on this store in number 10) and I fell head over heels. I didn’t get anything until years later, when I acquired a bronzed Blackberry (yes, the phone). Later came the Nokia, and finally, the Sony. I never want kids, I’ve got my phone collection. I always say I would save these in a fire, and that absolutely rings true to this day. Nancy Pearce also couldn’t be lovelier. We’ve emailed about Seattle and the PNW before and I’m happy to be a collector of such a cool person. I plan to collect more and this playstation controller has been on my radar for a while. I just fear that once I expand out of phones, I won’t be able to stop. ($50 is donated to Planned Parenthood when you buy the bronzed birth control packet. Win/ win)

5. Sabrina Carpenter Flower Vase by Shop 1988 at The Dollhouse

My best friend’s friend, who I forced to be my friend, works at the coolest store in Houston, TX called The Dollhouse. The store is as cool as she is. This vase has been upcycled and Sabrina Carpenter’s face plastered on it. I think it’s exceptional. The Dollhouse is another woman owned venture (LOVE TO HEAR IT) in The Heights M-K-T in Houston. Say hi to Taylor if you go.

6. Transparent Table-Mates Placemat Collection by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Designs

I live alone, and people are always shocked when they find out I set the table for one. Candle and all. Unscented, by the way, something I learned from my cheffing days is you never light a scented candle while you’re eating. I digress- life is too short to eat over the sink, and I especially think this matters when it’s just you at most mealtimes. You’re worth it!!! Anyway, these placemats are great, easy to clean, and come in a bunch of colors. This store, Coming Soon NY, is also one of my all time favorites, so have fun perusing.

7. Bring It In by Aris Moore at Sebastian Foster Gallery

This newsletter is getting two of my favorite artists. Nancy Pearce, and Aris Moore. Aris Moore has stolen my heart. I follow her religiously (she’s a great follow on Instagram) and I think she is a genius. She inspires me pretty much daily and her work really makes me feel something! I own two of her pieces, this print being one of them. You can get her original work at her website here or prints are sold at Sebastian Foster Gallery- one of my favorite places to find original art that is affordable. PS- HOW IS THIS PRINT EVEN FOR REAL?

8. Fish Carafe by Paola Navone at Goldenmean

I met with an astrologist on the furthermost Western point of Vancouver Island in 2023, a time when I really needed sage advice. She explained in great detail that it would behoove me to drink out of blue carafes. I’m agnostic, so maybe this is as close as I’ll get to spiritual awakening. This was a life changing reading. I tried to meet with her again this past weekend while I was on Vancouver Island. She texted saying she was sorry she couldn’t see me- she’s off-grid in Yelapa, Mexico. Anyhow, I’m always on the lookout for a blue carafe. This one is perfect and fish are so in! Available at Goldenmean in Austin, TX. Another excellent homewares store.

9. Dieter Rams: The Complete Works

You can’t really talk about design in our current era without mentioning Dieter Rams. He’s known for being a minimalist product designer, but his principles apply to everything, even my bold, art-forward design sense. His whole thing is “less, but better” and I can’t shut up with that line. I’m culling stuff in my house this summer that I don’t need and it feels like sweet freedom. I highly recommend this book- it’s one you can pick up and put back down for creative inspiration any time you need it. You’ll be surprised at how many things he had his hands in.

10. Striped Lumbar Pillow by Garza Marfa

Another one of my favorite stores, Garza Marfa, where I found out about Nancy Pearce! Their pillows have been a mainstay in my household for years. They’re extremely good quality, and even come with an insert, which is a luxury these days. This shop is run by a husband and wife team in Marfa, Texas and they make cool furniture, too. I really like a lumbar pillow because it adds length and interest. Imagine how cool this would look on all white bedding?

That’s all from me today! I’m in the PNW this week and am about to go clip a hydrangea from my garden for my weekly flower arranging. Next week, I’m going car camping and have plans to design up the trunk. Stay tuned and have a lovely evening!

Your friend, Emily

EMD STUDIO emdstudio.net | @emilymauldinstudio on social platforms