Things I Like: Coastal, Woodsy Influences

A Rummer-inspired home, JB Blunk book, and Ty Williams illustrations as a shirt

Every month, I create a mood board on Pinterest of things—art, fashion, graphic design, architecture, interiors, homewares—that are catching my eye. I’ve been documenting for years, but only sharing via Instagram stories for the past year. It’s become a regular creative outlet and soothing practice for me to hone my tastes. Otherwise I’m completely overwhelmed in this world of consumption. These mood boards help me pay attention to my inner critic: What am I noticing? What’s capturing my attention? And most importantly, where do I want to spend my energy, time, money? I also love that these mood boards are fluid and flexible, allowing me to change my preferences every time I pin or save something. Ok, I get that you’re probably like, in this highly curated internet world, do we really need more curated things? And my answer to that is, isn’t everything in life curated? Your collections, your bookshelf, your wardrobe, your plants, your gear. Or shouldn’t it be when we only have so much energy, time, money? Consider this a list of three recommendations—or just enjoy the vibes.

This is the start of the new series, Things I Like. Let me know if you like it! Free subscribers will get a preview of these monthly posts, and paying subscribers will see the full thing.

A Zen Rummer-Inspired Home

When this house popped up on Zillow and Redfin, I had to have it. I checked the listing multiple times a day, planned in my head how I was going to come up with the downpayment, told Steve I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and decided where I’d put all our furniture. And then a pending offer popped up, crushing all of my dreams. Welcome to house hunting, Amelia. So I’m going to memorialize my dream home here. And hopefully, when we’re actually ready to drain our savings, we can find something with similar high ceilings, natural light, and woodsy, zen charm.

JB Blunk Book, Third Edition

This book has been on my wishlist for years. I don’t know why I haven’t just added it to my collection yet. JB Blunk was a Northern California sculptor who worked with wood and clay, making funky shapes inspired by nature, like redwoods and rivers. (Odd side note: He was born in Ottawa, Kansas, where I worked as a newspaper reporter.) His artwork has played an important role in my design tastes. Odd shapes, wood, imperfect. I love the JB Blunk Estate Instagram.

Ty Williams-Illustrated Shirt

Another one of my favorite (living this time) artists is Ty Williams, who lives in Florida and makes drawings and paintings of the ocean, surfing, and nature. I love his squiggly, imperfect shapes. He does lots of collaborations with brands, and Steve has one of his shirts from Taylor Stitch. If only this Maurie + Eve shirt was still available in my size. Maybe I can sew something similar…

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