VOL. 3: BUY THE WEIRD THING

Happy Wednesday friends! Here are some things under $250 dollars that might be exactly what you’re looking for. Oftentimes, it’s the little things that add up and make a big difference in a space. Links to items featured in Vol. 3 here

1. I’m a huge Scrabble fan, and nothing is worse, or more dysfunctional (can’t turn it) than the traditional, stationary, cardboard Scrabble board. One thing that is true for me in design is the things that you love doing in your day to day life should be made as accessible and beautiful as possible. When we keep stuff in cabinets, we experience object impermanence. So, make space for the things that make you happy. Leave this out on your dining room table and you’ll be getting Z’s in corners in no time.

   

2. I’ve gotten very into floral arrangements recently. You should, too. It’s easier than advertised and pretty therapeutic, honestly. The catch? I never realized how many different vases with different sized openings I’d need to make it work. I love this one, and it’s nice to have some vases that are more neutral to pair with brighter, or bolder arrangements.

   

3. Museum gel is the most versatile tool. Speaking of keeping the things you love out on display, this is what will keep your beloved items from toppling over and breaking. They say it’s for glass and crystal, but it’s more than that. Put it underneath frames that are leaning, use it to support bins inside drawers so they don’t slide around. It’s really a lifesaver, and stuff doesn’t budge.

   

4. You can never have too many side tables, and I think interesting ones can be hard to find. This one is a great color, looks way more expensive than it actually is, and even has a tray on top. Super versatile and has a good footprint.

   

5. I went to a Helen Frankenthaler exhibit in Seattle last week and her work is exceptional. She was an American abstract expressionist painter who became widely known for the interesting technique she used to create her work. It’s called the “soak-stain” technique. This would be a great coffee table book to read and have on display. Design Heroines episode on Helen Frankenthaler coming soon.

   

6. The other day I saw a TikTok about a piglet who fell off of a meat truck and was rescued by kind samaritans. The piglet is A-OK and in the best hands now- he is living on a farm eating lots of veggies and they named him “Speed Bump”. I was browsing Chairish for a client and came across this pig wall hanging and it instantly reminded me of Speed Bump. This ceramic wall hanging is from the 80s and would be a lovely thing to hang in your home.

   

7. I’m always burning some kind of incense or candle and I have a really particular and sensitive nose. If something smells off, I don’t use it. This is fantastic incense that’s handmade in Paris, and I love to use it for rituals. It doesn’t smell like a high schooler’s basement if you know what I mean.

   

8. How precious is this dog bed? It’s actually attractive and you can take the cover off to wash it. I really want this for Rosebud, but it’s already sold out in a size small. She might just have to get a bigger bed. I firmly believe that dog stuff doesn’t have to be ugly, and this is proof.

   

9. Framing is the coolest thing in the world to me. There are so many ways to do it artfully and creatively. This one via Etsy is really lovely. I’d get a tiny photo framed with a huge mat around it for visual interest.

**Some of the links above may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you- this helps support Emily Mauldin Design and doesn't affect the pieces I recommend

See you next time for Apple of My Eye and stay tuned for this week’s Design Heroines!

Your friend, Emily

BTW… I changed my business name from EMD STUDIO to Emily Mauldin Design. It was confusing formerly, I think this is better. New information below. As of now, I have one spot left for a design consultation this month if you’re looking to schedule time with me. I’ll announce when dates for August are released. Yay! Ok. You all are the best- don’t forget it.

EMILY MAULDIN DESIGN | emilymauldindesign.com | @emilymauldindesign on all social platforms