Good taste isn't something you can teach — but you can surround yourself with people who have it in abundance. These are the stylists whose homes we want to sit in, whose shelves we'd study for hours. We asked them each to pick their favorites from our collection, and then we got out of the way.
You don't come up through Chez Panisse without developing strong opinions about how things should be. Sam White, co-founder of Oakland's Ramen Shop, has built his career around sourcing the best, making nearly everything from scratch, and never cutting corners on something that matters. We trust his taste completely — in a bowl and in a room.
"This chaise is so incredibly inviting. Some furniture has that inherent ability to pull you in and imagine yourself relaxed reading and drinking tea. The leather is perfectly broken in to be soft and full of character. It's the piece of furniture that can define a room."
"Years ago I had the privilege to have lunch at Domaine Tempier in Bandol with Lulu Peyaud. This was the same kind of table she had out in her garden. We ate mussels and drank rose, it was perfect. It is simple, honest, and strong and could be in your garden forever."
"At Ramen Shop we have a lot of black walnut because it's strong and looks incredibly beautiful. In bars and restaurants you can never underestimate the usefulness of a simple perfect stool. Emergency seating at a crowded dinner party, setting a drink down or even a potted plant taking up residence. "
My Paris Kitchen | David Lebovitz
"David Lebovitz is just a master. No other way to say it. He has an exquisite palate and seems to make the recipes I crave. The approach and look of this book make me feel that I need more of his meals in my life."
Christofle French Flatware Set
"I think a lot about the items we touch everyday, doorknobs, forks, tables. I am also interested in their longevity and how they will age over time. Patina is your friend, it tells the story of you and an object. This is a set that you can pass on to your kids. It is elegant with the slim fork tines but definitely something I would use everyday. "
