Michael Brown, co-founder of Elysian Collective, shares her best picks of the brand's offerings of luxury home decor.
As someone with globally inspired sensibilities, my personal design aesthetic is well-traveled and eclectic. I strive to fill my home with objects and decor that remind me of my most memorable experiences – handwoven textiles from Turkey, sculptural treasures from Mexico, exquisite ceramics from Japan, and vintage finds that speak their own history. I enjoy creating stories about the people who once owned them; envisioning their lives, loves, connections, values, and the retreat they created for themselves. Boosting one’s holistic wellness within interior environments is also incredibly important to me, and after taking a Parsons course on healthy materials and sustainable building, I feel even more of a drive as a designer to create luxury spaces that are not only beautiful, but healthful as well.
Striped Anatolian Hemp Area Rug
WHY I LOVE IT
Most Turkish rugs are made of a soft wool, with colorful and tribal motifs that note the inner thoughts and dreams of their makers. The quiet modernism of the Striped Anatolian Hemp Area Rug was fascinating to me, as the contemporary patterning felt current and timeless. I also love the story of the reuse of vintage hemp fibers. It is a piece that seamlessly combines the old and new.
Redwood Wool Throw Pillow
WHY I LOVE IT
Milled from natural fibers sourced from small flocks of Heritage Sheep, the Redwood Throw Pillow is a modern heirloom. The way the artist uses felted wool to “paint” the pattern is so visually striking, and the rust color is reminiscent of its American West influences. Wool as a material is natural, sustainable, and durable. As the artist notes: “Natural fibers are the finest fibers in the world. Made by nature, they return easily to nature, but not until after many, many years of enjoyment by us humans, since natural fibers can last longer than most synthetics.” JG Switzer
Black Akumal Marble Plate
WHY I LOVE IT
A true luxury home decor staple, the Black Marble Akumal Plate is a dramatic display of Monterrey black marble with distinctive veining atop a Tzalam wood base. A sculptural piece with such classically modern beauty as the Akumal Plate is all you need to enhance a table or countertop.
Scented Candles
WHY I LOVE IT
Scent is so important to creating a perfectly moody ambience, but so many candles and home fragrances use synthetic materials or paraffin wax. These materials do not burn clean, thus making it unhealthy for air quality. Our Scented Candles use clean-burning soy wax and natural fragrances. It’s so hard to choose a favorite, but I love the sensual floral nature of the ROSA NEGRA, grounded with cedar and amber undertones.
Lydia Striped Turkish Towel
WHY I LOVE IT
Turkish cotton towels are a delight – they’re so buttery soft, and remind me of a trip Jamie and I took to Istanbul where we went to The Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam twice over the course of a few days. The Lydia Striped Turkish Towel is so special not only for its luxuriously supple feel, but also its delicate striped pattern that beautifies the bathroom.
