Bloomsbury & Battle

Archives for April 2020

Michelle R. Smith’s Sanctuary for the Socially Distant

I was aimlessly scrolling through my Pinterest boards the other day (note: spending ENTIRELY too much time scrolling) and rediscovered one of my favorite homes of late. It is the Brooklyn townhouse of interior designer Michelle R. Smith and, as you can see below, every detail is exquisite. Simon Upton photographed Michelle’s home for World of Interiors in 2018 and I drool over every photo. I love the eclectic furnishings, soothing color palate and the light that trickles in to every room. I don’t think I would mind social-distancing much from this lovely landscape.

A Letter from the Editor

It has been another long while since I’ve posted and there have been LOTS of changes in our neck of the woods. For starters, BABY GIRL Eve Greer Redella joined our party in January and we’ve been floating on sleep-deprived Cloud 9 since. I have spent the past few months, mostly at night when it’s just me and Eve dancing in the moonlight, contemplating what to ‘do’ with my life. I don’t have an answer yet so for now I am going to soak up every moment of new motherhood while writing here when it suits me. I am not sure where it will take me but I vow to follow my curiosity.

Besides the addition of Eve to our family I have been struggling, along with the rest of the world, to accept what has become our new reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These past few weeks at home have made me realize how much of a big city, consumer-driven life I lead. Most of the things that bring me joy – an iced latte from our favorite coffee shop on a Saturday morning, dressing up to try a new restaurant, pilates class – are centered around spending money. Guidelines to protect us have stripped away most of these activities and, to be honest, I’m slightly embarrassed how few of my hobbies and interests remain. So I also vow to use my time in the near future to find joy in the simple life.

What does all of this mean for Bloomsbury & Battle? Well, I am still going to write about fashion and interiors because life is short and it’s what brings me joy but I want to do so with more depth and intent. I want to write about and wear fashion that aligns with my values and spend my money to ensure that brands and stores make it through this time. I want to research inspiring interiors that expand my horizons and provide an escape.

As always I hope you’ll continue to join me!

Be well

-Laura