RECENTLY: The Best Linen Sheets, Red, a Good Read, an Elixir, and Spicy Nuggets
They forgot to come and get me
It’s hard to believe tomorrow is May. I’ve been relishing time spent outside and getting excited for some upcoming travel. I hope you enjoy this latest newsletter, and as always, I would love to hear from you. xx
Sleep & Tell
Spring is here which means sweaters return to their summer residences under beds, closets become reorganized, and we get to treat ourselves to fresh bedding.
I prefer sleeping in linen sheets during the warmer months because they help to keep me cool by regulating body temperature (I ‘run hot,’ as they say). And in addition to its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, linen is also durable, hypoallergenic and softens with use.
I’ve loved my Brooklinen set, but I’m going to try the Parachute offering this season. The linen sheeting from Quince (great price point), The Citizenry and The Company Store have high customer reviews, too.
Seeing Red, a Brief History
When collaborating on the design of a custom bookshelf, my client expressed her desire for it to be shiny and red (❤️🔥!). We landed on Fine Paints of Europe’s ‘Rembrandt Red’, a delicious and daring hue. I’m excited for the piece to be installed later this month; be sure to follow along.
In the process, I became interested in learning about the color and its history in design. Our affinity for the color dates back to a time before interiors - our hunter-gatherer ancestors were naturally drawn to it in search of fresh meat and berries. Studies have shown that the hue is particularly effective at capturing human attention - think stop signs, Coke cans, and fire engines. It’s no surprise then that red has been utilized for centuries to appeal to our visual senses.
Indeed, the color has played a significant role in interior design throughout history. In ancient cultures, red pigments were used to adorn walls, floors, and textiles in palaces, temples, and residences. The ancient Egyptians utilized red ochre to produce pigments for their artwork, while the ancient Greeks and Romans associated red with their gods of war, such as Mars and Ares. In China, red symbolized good luck and happiness, leading to its widespread use in decor, particularly during celebrations and festivals.
During the Middle Ages, in addition to its use in religious contexts, red became a symbol of wealth and status due to the rarity and expense of dyes made from substances like cochineal insects or madder root. In the Renaissance period, the color continued to be popular in art and fashion, with artists like Titian and Rubens featuring it heavily in their paintings.
The invention of synthetic dyes in the 19th century made red more affordable and accessible, resulting in its widespread use in clothing, advertising, and design. In Victorian England, red was an especially fashionable choice for upholstery, curtains, and wallpaper. Later in the 20th century, it remained prevalent, particularly in mid-century modern, Art Deco and Bauhaus styles when red furniture and accessories were used to create bold statements in minimalist spaces.
Today? It’s ever-popular in design - it even recently went viral. You can read more about the TikTok famous “unexpected red theory” - and why the color is here to stay.
Adult Bildungsroman
On recommendation from my friends Emily and Milly, I recently finished Dolly Alderton’s novel Good Material. I liked it immensely - relatable, funny and sharply written, Alderton deftly navigates modern gender dynamics and the complexities of adulthood relationships - between partners, friends and most significantly, the one we have with ourselves. Roles and identities shift profoundly in our thirties, but do we ever really grow up? A smart, enjoyable read.
Overachiever
What if I told you there is a skincare product that is a 1. cleanser 2. a mask and 3. a moisturizer? Meet Cerabalm, a magical elixir that can do it all (developed by Danuta Mieloch, the founder of Rescue Spa, the best facial in NYC). I mostly wear it on no makeup days - it leaves my face glowy and plump. The product just smells like good skin? My friend Joy and I were texting its praises last week.
You’re Welcome 🔥
Love this newsletter and look forward to it hitting my in box! Your insights and interests always make me think ! I look forward to all recommendations; food, decor, makeup, colors etc. Love, love, love Lucy Curates!!!