I’m very particular about what I buy; I like being surrounded only by my favorite things. Overall, I prefer objects that are graphic and associated good memories.

1. My first pair of expensive shoes — the Kors Firebird wedges from a few years back. They were worth every penny, as they’ve made appearances on my business cards and in my artwork. Also, I have stacks of NEST magazines — long gone, which is sad since it was one of the best interior design magazines out there.

2. iMac keyboard and some vintage glasses from a street fair in Greenwich Village. The NAVA pencils are from Seattle.

3. Vintage $1.00 piece of dishware, some design books, and stacks of NEST.

4. Stripey copies of the Louboutin Sing-Sings + a 2007 Stendig calendar.

I wish I could say that I always choose function over fashion…but sadly, that’s not the case. Whether it’s functional or not, a product’s label (typography-wise, not the brand name) and design always draw me in first.

*Decorating Sidenotes:

1. Use stacks of similar magazines to your advantage, especially if they have interesting spines. I pile up the NEST issues (1) and use them as risers to create depth for object displays.

2. Display everyday objects as art. Do you have unique shoes, books, toys, vintage cameras or amazing dishware lingering in boxes or closets? Show them off proudly in unique clusters instead.

3. The used months on the Stendig calendar (4) can be repurposed as graphic wrapping paper, mixed into collages, or cut into book protectors.

P.S. Are you a believer in fashion or function?