Fun Squiggly Things

Batch 002: Let’s get wavy, baby 〰️

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy looking at things that make me smile. When I’m in a space, I want to feel relaxed and happy — and what’s happier than squiggles? Fair enough, lots of things: baby smiles, the color yellow, the feeling when you win at Connect Four… BUT!!!! Squiggles, waves, curly things are super fun and pleasing to the eye, especially when balanced with organic materials and a minimalist palette. 

There are tons of fun wavy things out there, so I put a little list together with  some of my favorites.

But first, I needed to get to the bottom of where this snaky trend came from. I’ve been seeing it steadily build for a few years and wanted to educate myself - and you — so we can be cute AND smart.  

You might be familiar with this massive neon wall mirror (above), owned by collectors and stars like Karl Lagerfeld, Bella Hadid, Lena Dunham and Frank Ocean, which began to pop up in selfies, shops and magazine spreads a few years ago. It’s possible our journey to Squiggle Land began with this very mirror named “Ultrafragola” and designed in the 1970s by Milanese architect Ettore Sottsass. 

Fun fact: It is believed that Sottsass designed the Ultrafragola as an homage to femininity. “Ultrafragola translates to ‘ultimate strawberry’ in Italian,” says Keith Johnson, president and director of Urban Architecture. “And if you mention a woman’s ‘strawberry’ in Italy, everyone knows what you’re talking about.”

Along with a group of designers, Sottsass founded the Memphis Milano design movement to break away from the clean lines and functionality of mid-century-modern design in favor of the silly and outrageous.

Images from the @ettoresottsass IG account - definitely worth a follow! 

And just like in the 70s and 80s when the Italians got bored of MCM minimalism, we are now craving spaces with more fun and some curves! 

So let us begin with some of my picks for you…

Let’s start with the closest adaptation. There are A TON of curvy and squiggly mirrors available right now. 

This green guy from anthropologie made of mango wood provides multiple levels of fun with a pop color on top of the layered curves. If the shade is a bit TOO much fun for you, it comes in natural wood too! ($398)

If you vibe with the color, but not the price point, there’s a cute wavy mirror at H&M that comes in green and black. ($82)

The Ripple Mirror by Sarah Sherman Samuel is perfectly squiggly, while also commanding your respect in hefty solid oak. Comes in black and a circular shape, too! ($598)

Moving on to objects, I’m a fan of this earthenware Wrinkle Bowl, by the same designer, which offers a more organic feeling. ($194) 

I saw this vase by Ferm Living at a shop on Abbot Kinney last week. I love how it takes a very traditional style and adds a little sass. It comes in blue and in white, too, if you want more or less sass. ($135)

These black marble cloud bookends from Maison Rouge are fun and sophisticated. I like the idea of styling them on a bedroom or living room console table to organize the books you’re reading atm. ($85) 

This candlestick holder from Maison Balzac (featured in Batch 001) makes a great host / bday gift! The colors are soothing and would add a lovely pop of color to amore neutral space. ($49) 

These cute squiggly glass ashtrays from Urban Outfitters also make a great gift. ($46) 

And if you’re down to splurge on some designer squiggles, can you imagine how good you’d feel lighting this Missoni candle, or would you never dare to light it? ($478)

Some other fun squiggly objects to brighten up your space: 

These borosilicate glass pitchers by Sophie Lou Jacobson ($195)

Squiggly floor and table lamps from Urban Outfitters ($99-$249)

Perhaps some art for your walls? This wavy ceramic wall sculpture ($500)

Or a framed wavy, botanical print by Kate Roebuck ($820)

I really love this chair by Eny Lee Parker. Imagine it as an accent chair in your entryway or bedroom. It’s giving zen squiggles. ($698)

Another great chair with a bit more weight and impact is this gorgeous Ripple Chair by Sarah Sherman. One would be a fun accent, but a set of two would look extremely sexy in a larger living space, just saying. ($898)

I feel like that’s enough product inspiration for this batch, but there’s tons more out there like stationary, lamp shades, pillows, rug, you name it. If you’re looking for something specific, let me know and I’ll do my best to find you some options. If you end up getting any of these items I would LOVE to see how they look in your home, so please please send a pic! 

Thank you for being here! If you enjoyed this batch of nice stuff, please forward this email / link to a friend, foe, or family member!

Catch you on the flip side,

Esther