THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART is one of my favorite places in New York City. It’s a minimalist paradise, with a clean and spare interior that lets the world-class artwork shine. But when I go, I don’t spend a lot of time with the actual minimalists—instead, you’ll usually find me among the abstract expressionists.
I’m in thrall to those de Koonings, Joan Mitchells, and Jackson Pollocks with their bold bursts of paint—brushed, splattered, and smeared in gorgeous, busy, balletic splendor. I’m drawn to the contrast between the spartan rooms and the joyful chaos of the works hung there, their wildness hemmed in by the firm, final borders of the frames. It all combines for a sense of balance that makes me happy and calm.
Our sixth annual REAL SIMPLE Home has the same eff ect. Seven brilliant designers filled a penthouse in a Brooklyn, New York, high-rise with color and life. Some packed their spaces with bright furnishings, mixed and matched paint and wallpaper (the interplay between the two is a huge trend right now), and added well-curated objets, books, and decor. Others went with natural materials and clean lines for a vibe that’s more chill, serene even. Taken in sum, the apartment strikes that balance between loud and quiet beautifully. Have a look on page 82, and if you want a closer view, visit realsimple.com/rshome23 for a 360-degree virtual tour, or watch NBC’s Open House on September 23 or 24 (check your local listings).
In addition to our ideas home, we’re full-on celebrating fall this month. I’ll be doing some sweater shopping (page 26), baking a batch of apple spice doughnut bread pudding (page 45), and sipping a warming bourbon cocktail (page 42). We also explore the physical and mental benefi ts of small rituals (page 65). So stretch out on the sofa (we recommend the bouclé number Bobby Berk picked for our living room, if you’re in the market) and make your way through these stories—your own little ritual.
Just be sure to get back up again at some point, because balance is key in all things.
Lauren Iannotti
EDITOR IN CHIEF
LET’S CONNECT!
Follow me on Instagram at @laureniannotti.
Support Win
Every night, too many thousands of kids eat dinner, do their homework, and sleep in New York City’s homeless facilities. Win, a network of shelters and supported housing with a holistic approach, helps ensure they can do so safely, comfortably, and with dignity. That’s why we chose the groundbreaking organization as our charity partner for the REAL SIMPLE Home. Join us in supporting their work by visiting winnyc.org.
STYLING BY LIZZY ROSENBERG; HAIR BY CLAY NIELSEN USING LEONOR GREYL; MAKEUP BY DEBORAH ALTIZIO FOR CREATIVE MANAGEMENT USING GLOSSIER; MAKEUP ASSISTED BY ALYSSA ZABAWA