Design Dispatch | Gaudí’s Masterclass in Design

On the blog last week, I shared a look inside El Capricho, one of Antoni Gaudí’s earliest works that proves brilliant design is never just about aesthetics. Every choice—from how the home sits on its lot, to ergonomically shaped doorknobs, to sash windows that literally create music—was intentional.

Gaudí believed design should serve function, beauty, and nature all at once—a philosophy as relevant today as it was in 1885, though too often overlooked. If you’ve ever seen his work, you recognize it instantly: fantastical on the surface, yet layer upon layer of intention at every turn. The meticulousness of every detail never ceases to inspire me.

Read the full post here.

In the Mix | Ever Heard of Contrast Therapy?

Think of it as the hot-and-cold wellness ritual we didn’t know we needed. One of my boys (along with his roommates) have done their own version with a blow up cold plunge and alternate that with shower heat and they feel like it helps them recover faster from their training. Alternating between sauna heat and a cold plunge has been gaining traction (Kohler even showcased a hot/cold combo at KBIS), and people of all ages who practice it swear by the results.

• Body reset: Relaxed muscles, reduced inflammation, boosted circulation.
• Brain boost: Endorphin release, improved focus, reduced stress.
• Longevity perks: Some studies even point to improved heart health and delayed cellular aging.

Whether you’re a wellness devotee or just sauna-curious, the science is fascinating. Have you tried it—or would you? If so, let me know what you thought about the experience.

​Here’s a deeper dive into the benefits if you’re intrigued.

Off the Clock | Notes from a Secretary (Part 1)

We’ve been on the hunt for months for a secretary desk—Chris needed a permanent spot to set up his fly-tying station (and I needed my kitchen table back!). The criteria were tricky: not too big, not too feminine, and definitely something with character.

When we finally stumbled across a late-1800s Italian hand-carved desk on 1stDibs, we knew it was the one. Unique, handsome, and just right to beautifully hide Chris’ feathers, hooks, threads, and all the miscellaneous fly-tying tools. We knew it would need some love—the underside was warped—but the upper section seemed solid. A quick clean-up and a fresh leather writing surface, we thought, would make it perfect.

Matt, my go-to restoration guy, has started pulling it apart since many of the joints had failed as the old horse-hide glue disintegrated. And—well—let’s just say this “quick project” may not be so quick. Because of the disassembly, he’s already spotted details that hint at a more complicated story. In fact, there are signs this might be edging into Antiques Roadshow territory.

We never set out to buy an investment piece—it's function is really something both practical and pretty for our needs—but the possibility of uncovering a diamond in the rough is, I have to admit, pretty exciting. We will still restore it no matter what the verdict because really, what's the point of having something you can't use only to preserve it's value?

Tell me—what’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever brought home just because it spoke to you?”

I’ll keep you updated as Matt continues uncovering more—it’s already taken a surprising turn, and he’s sending daily picture updates with each new discovery.​​

🤍 Lisa

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” — Steve Jobs

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Design secrets this good deserve to be shared...but only with the right people. Know someone who'd love this? Go ahead- hit forward 😉