Elle Decor's Editors Are at Home Too—Here's What's Keeping Us Happy
It should go without saying that everyone who works at ELLE Decor loves their home—their own personal rooms, the concept of a private abode, the decor of an interior, or some mix of these many permutations. As we play our part in slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus by staying home as much as possible, we at the magazine are finding ourselves drawn to different objects and devices in our spaces that are giving us moments of happiness, however small, during these challenging times. Here are a few of the items in which ED staffers are currently finding comfort, utility, and even unexpected joy.
A Chic Sonos Speaker
“When the news gets too sad and there’s nothing of interest on Netflix, I love to switch on my limited-edition Union LA Sonos One SL by Sheila Bridges and dance around to Taylor Swift while I test out new recipes in the kitchen. This speaker not only makes all of my blue and white dreams come true, but also helps me to forget the outside world for a moment and just have fun.” —Laurel J. Benedum, Market Editor
Shelves Full of Books
“Books are the most significant feature in my apartment and, like all objects, they bring me back to the time and place when I first experienced them. Also, what could be a better refuge from what is happening in the world right now? I’m also eager to add more books to my home by shopping online from independent bookstores. It feels like the least we can do right now.” —Bebe Howorth, Contributing Special Projects Editor
A Growing Jasmine Plant
“After a rather dormant winter, the jasmine plant in my kitchen is beginning to thrive. I swear that it sprouts new tendrils every day! It’s so encouraging to witness spring’s arrival, even if I have to do so indoors.” —Allie Adams, Deputy Design Director
Setting the Table—for Every Meal
“Now that my family is eating all of our meals at home, I like to change the tablesetting throughout the day to make things festive—and more optimistic. Here’s a typical day: For breakfast, I’ll use my Vietri Incanto Stripe collection set simply on our dining table with a La Gallina Matta placemat. For lunch, my Tory Burch Spongeware is the perfect background for any sandwich. And for dinner, I like to use a tablecloth (India Amory is one of my faves!) to accent my Richard Ginori Oriente Italiano china. I am a tabletop collector, so one silver lining of staying home is the opportunity to use all of my pieces.” —Parker Bowie Larson, Style Director
An Antique Desk
“This antique Duncan Phyfe–style drop-leaf dining table is by W. F. Mfg. Co., a defunct American furniture maker out of Warsaw, Kentucky. It was given to my great-grandmother by her mother in the early 20th century. When I was growing up, it was basically used as a sideboard, always with the leaves down, only occasionally deployed for dinner parties. But in the wake of COVID-19, it has new life as a makeshift desk where I spend many hours of my day. I suspect it’s the most use the table has had since it was made. Better late than never!” —Charles Curkin, Articles Editor
The Best Yoga Mat
“This GAIAM yoga mat I got a few years ago has been in the corner of my room, untouched, for more than a year. Having to stay home has opened up free time for me to exercise again. We all need to find ways to stay active and healthy during this time.” —Sarah Choi, Editorial Assistant
A Dutch Oven for Baking
“I’ve been baking a lot of bread while physical distancing, to keep my hands—and by extension my mind—busy. The best way to get a crispy crust on a sourdough is to bake it in a Dutch oven. I got theDutchess oven from Great Jones for Christmas, but haven’t really had the time to break it in until now. Its form is as good as its function.” —Kate McGregor, Market Editorial Assistant
My Apple TV Remote
“I used to hate my new Apple TV remote. This newer model is so much harder to use than its previous iteration—unless you enjoy talking to Siri, which I don’t. But now, in these uncertain times, I absolutely love this remote. Right now it’s a totem—a portal to the outside world, a tether to society at a moment when societal tethers are few and far between. With all of the Netflixing and Huluing I’ll surely be doing in the coming weeks, I’ll be keeping it fully charged and ready to go at all times. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even ask Siri for help.” —Jeffrey Bauman, Executive Managing Editor
Kettlebells for Exercise
“My 35-pound kettlebell helps me get in some exercise and relieve stress during busy deadline periods. I just have to be careful to leave enough space around me when swinging it—TVs are expensive!” —Jennifer Milne, Copy Chief
A Memento of Home
“This silly painted rock comes from my parents’ hometown in Scilla, Reggio Calabria, in the south of Italy. It depicts the town’s castle in the distance and a bit of the coastline. I generally use it to hold down the chaos in my home office, but now more than ever it is a reminder to think of my family and friends overseas.” —Lillian Dondero, Assistant Managing Editor
A Top-Notch Scrubber
“I have been using this Japanese Tawashi scrubber a lot lately. It’s made of palm fiber and works as a vegetable scrubber for carrots and potatoes as well as a tool for cleaning pots. I got mine from Tortoise General Store in Los Angeles, but Amazon carries it, too. It’s very worth it.” —Ingrid Abramovitch, Executive Editor
My Favorite Can Opener
“I bought this Chef’n EZ Squeeze can opener on a whim many years ago when I realized I was completely incapable of using a traditional butterfly-style device. It operates so smoothly and efficiently that it makes a very mundane task actually enjoyable. In recent weeks, as we have all become increasingly reliant on canned foods, I’ve become even more appreciative of its clever and thoughtful design.” —Vanessa Lawrence, Senior Editor
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