As safer-at-home orders call upon us to turn our abodes into makeshift offices and gyms, there's yet another role that our living quarters can play. Now more than ever, we're seeing the potential of our spaces as stylish self-care havens — which is why Parachute founder and CEO Ariel Kaye's first book couldn't have come at a better time.
In her new tome, "How to Make a House a Home" ($23), the former advertising exec-turned-entrepreneur reveals her pro pointers on dreaming up the ultimate R&R refuge that's as functional as it is fashionable, whether you're living in a massive manse, a vintage bungalow, or a shoebox-like studio. Expect to soak up room-by-room interior design tips on feng shui-ing your space, color palettes and textile textures, home furnishings and organization, and indoor greenery, to name a few elements, as well mindfully making over your home with items you already own. No corner is left untouched here: Kaye also hones in on hallways, staircases, closets, and more.
Since launching the company in 2014, the entrepreneur (and new mama!) has grown the direct-to-consumer bedding brand into a full-fledged lifestyle label offering luxe linens and more for beyond the bedroom. The slumber-ready startup now offers home goods that are anything but a snooze: Think mattresses, bathrobes, candles, dining textiles, and more alongside collaborations with like-minded brands including A.L.C. and most recently, Madewell.
On top of imparting the interior decor wisdom she's collected as Parachute's head honcho, Kaye and her company also debuted a free one-on-one virtual styling service. So while the brand's brick-and-mortar boutiques are temporarily closed, clients can still score personalized (and social distancing-friendly) design advice from pros on everything from upgrading your bedsheets to reinventing your living room.
We caught up with Kaye to learn more about her new book, the mistakes she learned from during her own home-making journey, and what her self-care routine currently looks like. Read on below, then shop the tome online here.
How long has the book been in the works, and what was the "a-ha" moment that inspired you to make the idea into a reality?
Writing a book has always been a vision of mine, but felt like an intimidating process. I was actually approached by my editor at Clarkson Potter with the idea to write a book about "home" and knew that it was time to make it happen! I've learned a great deal about design and living through building Parachute was excited to share. The conversations with my editor flowed so naturally and the ideas and framework came together instantly.
Writing the book has been a two year process start to finish. There was lots of writing, editing, and more editing. I'm thrilled to finally share the finished product.
During your own "home-making" journey, what were some "essential" mistakes that gave you a better understanding of the process as well as your own style?
In my opinion a home should constantly be evolving to meet your needs and is never "done." With that said, there has been a lot of trial and error over the years as I developed my style. I think one common mistake that we all get caught up in is trying to incorporate too many trends into one space. It's easy to think the "of the moment" look will work in your home, but it often leads to a lot of mix matched pieces. To combat this, I've instituted a waiting period before I make any purchases. This gives me time to make sure I really like it, need it and see it fitting in with my aesthetic.
I also encourage people to take design cues from the architecture and bones of the home. It's important to make things feel organic to the space and will help your design vision come together more naturally.
In today's quarantine age, what does your self-care ritual look like now?
It's important to find rituals that make you feel good and incorporate them into your daily life. For me, I turn to meditation, long walks, breathwork, and a warm shower each night to nurture my mind and body. After my shower, I like to snuggle up in my Cloud Cotton Robe and read before bed. I find that it calms my mind and helps me to get better rest.
Routine in the home is also a vital component of self-care. In my new book, I share how being intentional with your space — whether that is through lighting, scent, music, flowers, and design choices or aesthetics — sets the mood to create a nurturing environment. Recently, I've been setting out a new bowl of citrus in the kitchen every few days as I love the fresh smell and pop of color. Most importantly though, it's one of my favorite healthy snacks. Self-care can be as simple as that.
