How to get that soft, glowy restaurant lighting at home
And more design details that brighten up your space.
Hi!
I’m on vacation this week, exploring the National Parks in Utah, but starting off with some exciting news: My colleague at Schoolhouse, Amanda Hesser, is launching her own Substack: Homeward. Each week, she’ll be digging into the nitty gritty of transforming her (first!) house, while sharing her findings—from design discoveries to major life decisions. She’s also building a community, featuring advice and conversations with experts (and with people like you) about everything connected to home and creating the spaces we love. Needless to say, I’ll be taking notes. The fun kicks off this Friday and you can sign up here.
When I’m back next Tuesday, I’ll give you the full download on my recent work trip to NYC. All this travel has made me want to cocoon at home when I am there—especially in the months leading into summer that take you outside and away from your little nest. These days, it’s the creature comforts and small design details—a sparkly glass door knob, a pleasingly proportioned coffee mug, a perfectly lit dining area—that I really appreciate in my space.
C’mon in!
To the Letter
Is there anything better on a gallery wall than big, bold, type-forward art prints? I love making a graphic statement in quiet corners, too, like hanging a work along a hallway, tucked inside a powder room, or playfully propped on a bookshelf. In my bathroom (newly painted pink, what do you think?!) I have this cheerful piece by Anthony Burrill. Every time I open the shower curtain, the reminder Every Day Beautiful awaits. It’s something we all need now more than ever. Anthony’s work brightens up any room—see: Ask More Questions, Start With Yes, and the iconic Work Hard & Be Nice to People, which I’m proud to include in our Schoolhouse assortment. Motivational words have never looked this good.
Curtain Call
While perusing my local Japanese kitchen goods and market shop, Kokoro, I came across a traditional noren split curtain (textiles are a weakness of mine; more on that next week). The design is so simple yet striking. I’m thinking of adding one to our hallway to add privacy to the bedroom “wing.” We’re a cat-loving family, so a kitty will feature prominently. I also love this window covering (spotted at The Future Perfect in L.A.) that lets in light and color, almost like a piece of fluid stained glass. That style of patchwork can be traced back to the Korean technique of pojagi or bojagi (more here). It’s a beautiful, thoughtful way to repurpose fabric scraps into something truly special.
Sipping Pretty
Finding the perfect mug has been a personal quest: All of mine tend to be smaller (I want my coffee to stay hot) and usually a little squat (that shape is just so friendly, don’t you think?). I love a matte glaze that shows depth and imperfection, as well as a raw edge and thin lip, which to me is the most pleasing to drink from. Beyond the right proportions and texture, our mugs are little markers in time: ROYGBIV from the Tate Modern; hand-painted Sicilian pottery from a family pilgrimage; a vintage glass mug I recently got my son that reminds me of one I had as a child; Washington, D.C. from my wife’s hometown. Like any good collection, a mug line-up tells you a lot about a person. Rather than have everything match, break up a set and gift the mugs to friends so you can all share a morning cup.
Taking Cues From Restaurant Lighting
Certain spaces completely transport me. My local Portland haunt, Chelo x Dame, lands squarely in that category. The collective of cooks, creatives, and “wine geeks” behind the restaurant is a shining beacon for what sustainable hospitality can look like. Also: they really nail the lighting—and isn’t being bathed in a soft, cinematic glow the main reason to venture out? (The food is equally superb.) On my last trip, I studied the set-up: Ceiling speckled with glass orb pendants. Marble bar dotted with library-style brass lamps. Pillar candles peppered around tables.
For those wanting to recreate that perfect ambient glow at home, especially when moving between a kitchen, dining area, and living room, keep in mind that you need different lighting to serve different functions. Overhead lights that can be easily dimmed, or turned off altogether (for pendants, opt for opaque materials, such as paper and milky glass, to gently diffuse the light); directional lighting that carves up the space with “highs and lows” and purposefully guides your eye (go for small, low table lamps or wall sconces in denser materials, like metal or ceramic); and don’t forget brighter directional lighting for open kitchen and “service areas” that clearly illuminates your work without disrupting the vibe (you never want a beam shining in someone's eyes, interrogation-style). I could dedicate a whole series on lighting design. Watch this space.
Prismatic Hardware
I love vintage glass knobs. They add a nice shimmer to a humble thing and cast little rainbows when the light hits them just right. Your door knobs don’t need to match, either; you can collect pieces over time and swap them out as you go. (Just keep key measurements on hand—such as bore hole, backset, and door thickness—to ensure the knobs will properly fit your doors.) Portlanders, here’s my go-to spot.
What small, smart design details make your everyday a little better at home?
Katie xx
That patchwork of sheer fabrics is HEAVEN✨
What color is that “ pink”? It is perfect.