How I decide what’s worth buying for my home
Lunar-like metals are a yes for this design editor.
We’re loyal Sight Unseen readers at Domino—who of the design-obsessed isn’t? Jill Singer and her cofounder, Monica Khemsurov, have a finger on the pulse like no one else in the industry. Needless to say, it’s always an honor to feature Jill’s spaces (check out her Hamptons home and baby-blue kitchen renovation) and it was the best news to hear that she’s adding another line to her resume: Substacker. Her newsletter, Counter Space, is going to be a must-read for anyone looking to develop their personal style. Today, though, is all about Jill and her fondness for imperfect metals. —Lindsey Mather, editor in chief
Also in today’s Home Front:
The trompe l’oeil detail that’s starting to pop up
Jill’s kitchen renovation fail
How to decide what’s worth buying for your home
Current Mood
What I’m loving: Dull, roughed-up, textured silvery metals that look like they’ve been dinged or scuffed, or even like you put them through a garbage disposal. Silver nitrate, sand-cast aluminum, soldered steel, textured bronze, zinc, silver-plated copper, and, of course, pewter.
My elevator pitch: I’ve been craving things that have less polish, and maybe a light touch of Brutalism. Texture can add warmth, but when the finish is really wonky or craggy, there’s something kind of “wrong” about these metals that I love. Perfection is cloying. Also, there’s something wonderfully otherworldly about this look. Designer Madeline Coven recently made a series of pewter sconces for Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery inspired by lunar textures, and I don’t know if it’s the astrological transits or the desire to escape everything that’s bad about modern life, but the moon seems pretty appealing right now.
Real-life ways to try it:
Start with something small, like hardware or a mirror. These metals play so nicely with other materials; I’d love to use them as a jewelry-like addition (above left) to my cabinets or doors. They’d look great with medium-toned oak, powder-coated metal, or black lacquer—even my boring gray rental cabinets would look so chic (alas, I’m not allowed to drill).
In a tablescape. I love the idea of peppering in duller metals, like these brushed metal pitchers and plates, with shiny silver pieces or highly lacquered, colorful serveware. It’s nice that you can go rustic or fancy.
Go BIG with a custom project. I’d hire a designer like Jesse Groom to make me a room divider (above right), or someone like Sarah Sherman Samuel to design an epic fireplace surround.
