Yours & Ours: Abisola's New York
What I love about New York is that you never really know what or who you’re going to stumble across. There’s always something happening, but more than that, every neighbourhood has such a distinct identity. Depending on how I’m feeling, I can have a completely different day in the city.
If I want something more refined, cultural or reflective, I’ll head uptown. There are so many museums, galleries and beautiful spaces to disappear into. Other days I want to be in Brooklyn, walking around Brooklyn Heights or Williamsburg, finding somewhere I’ve never been before. I think that ability to move between completely different energies is one of my favourite things about New York.
I’m always drawn to places that make everyday life feel a little more special. Somewhere beautifully considered, somewhere that makes me curious, or simply somewhere I want to return to.
Below are a few of the places that make New York feel like New York to me.
THE FRICK
I love the collection, but I think I’m equally drawn to how the space makes me feel.
I love sitting around the fountains with a notebook and just thinking or planning. I’ve done it so many times now that it’s almost become a little ritual whenever I’m in New York. It’s incredibly peaceful. Walking through the permanent collection afterwards always gives me a new source of inspiration.
It’s where I go when I want the city to feel a little quieter.
MARCEL AT SOTHEBY’S
I’m always looking at the room as much as whatever I’m technically there for, and at Marcel I was immediately interested in the interiors and the crockery.
Being inside Sotheby’s, there’s naturally this relationship with art and design that makes the whole experience feel considered. It has a more dressed up, classic feeling that I really love. Interiors can make or break a place for me. They can be the reason I spend five minutes somewhere or a few hours.
And the light matters too. Gosh, I hate when places have terrible light.
INGA’S BAR
Inga’s Bar in Brooklyn Heights is for drinks, snacks and honestly, some of the best chips I’ve ever had.
There’s something about Brooklyn that makes me want to wander without too much of a plan. It feels relaxed and neighbourhood-y, and places like Inga’s are part of that. Somewhere you can settle in, order a few things and just enjoy where you are.
HUDSON WILDER
Apparently I collect drinking glasses. I’ve bought so many from Hudson Wilder over the years. I’m always drawn to design led homeware when I travel, and this is one of those places where I inevitably find something I want to bring home with me.
New York has a way of doing that. You go for a walk and somehow come home with stationery, glassware or something for the pantry you didn’t know you needed.
MEADOW LANE
I really like finding special moments in everyday things. Grocery shopping is obviously a necessity, but Meadow Lane makes it feel exciting.
Everything is so beautifully curated and aesthetically considered, and there’s always something I haven’t seen before. It turns something very ordinary into a little moment of discovery. I love that.
All of these places are completely different, but they each make me feel something. Some are inspiring, some comforting, some are about discovery and some are just really fun.
What connects them is a strong sense of identity. They know what they are. And they’re places I genuinely like to return to.
With Love,
Abisola Omole for KINRADEN