September 2026 | Issue 9
The Edit
There a few places as iconic as the Big Apple in the fall. Songs relay it, movies and TV use it as their backdrop and artists do their absolute best to capture it on paper + canvas but something about it can only be experienced. That’s why this month New York City is the apple of our eye.
In 1624, Dutch settlers founded the area as a trading post calling it New Amsterdam. 40 years later, it was dubbed New York when the English took control of the settlement. Crazy to think, but that makes the city older than the USA itself. From the start, NYC was a diverse melting pot of cultures, with accounts of 18 different languages being spoken in the streets of Manhattan. Being surrounded by so many cultures is already inspiring in itself, but look up and you’ll also find yourself in awe of all of its architectural marvels. Along with it’s immaculate grid layout, a defining element of the city, it is also known for its one of a kind skyline featuring early steel-frame towers, sleek modern skyscrapers and everything in between.
Design Inspiration
There is so much magic to witness during autumn in New York. The city’s cool, raw urban landscape of steel, concrete and brick complement the warm, rich palette of fall. Colors like amber, burnt orange and rust emerge from the ash, honey locust and gingko trees in Central Park + all around the city. One of my favorite things is the golden canopy that hangs over the city in early autumn, as the leaves start to change but are not quite ready to fall to the ground yet, giving a glowing halo to the streets. Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow - No. 66 -mirrors that sunshade beautifully.
NYC is home to a blend of many different design styles. The buildings serve as a structural archive of all of the city’s influences. The Empire State Building and Chrysler Building showcase Art Deco, while the Beaux Art style can be seen in Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library. With pointed arches + stone towers, the Woolworth Building and Trinity Church boast the Gothic Style of the mid-19th to early 20th century. So many different styles in one place may look chaotic and disorganized but somehow the city strikes a perfect balance.
Homes in each neighborhood have their own unique traits as well. On the Upper West + East sides, you can find classic prewar design elements like high ceilings, crown molding, formal entry ways and large layouts. In the West Village, follow historical walk ups to timeless exposed brick walls and rich hardwood floors that are frequently paired with vintage furniture pieces. Industrial lofts in Brooklyn or SoHo exhibit open floor plans, steel accents and windows stretched out wide. No matter where you find yourself in the Empire City, you will certainly not be void of inspiration.
Tunes in the Office
Mind
There are many advantages to living in a city but it can also be overwhelming for the nervous system. Studies show that city living can take a toll on your mental health. In response to the constant stimulation, your body can be pushed to the edge, making you more likely to develop depression and anxiety or use substances to cope. Burnout is also a common symptom of urban life and living in the City That Never Sleeps can reinforce this feeling. Ironically enough, your sleep can be affected as well, thanks to the city soundscape + bright lights.
Here’s a few simple ideas that can be integrated into your routine to help combat the city blues - spend time outdoors or bring the outdoors in with potted plants. Create community for yourself by establishing your favorite local spots or join a club, workout class or volunteer group. Try to reduce the sights and sounds you can control by creating quiet zones in your home and utilizing ear plugs or noise canceling headphones to protect your peace. Lastly, instead of filling your schedule back-to-back, experiment with taking breaks. Meditating + breathing exercises can do wonders during these little moments to help you reset.
Currently Reading
This month’s pick won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2014 and sparked intense debate + divide among readers. How will witnessing his mother’s violent death in the very place she loved so much and one they cherished together, change the trajectory of a young boy’s life? In the chaos of the scene at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, thirteen-year-old Theo, steals a painting of a tiny bird chained to his perch that becomes his anchor and reminder of his mother as he navigates the world without her. This story explores themes of loss, grief, obsession and survival all with the multifaceted New York City as its backdrop. The sights, sounds + smells of NYC are woven into the book and show the city as a place of grit and violence but also filled to the brim with culture, depth and beauty.
Good Eats
When it comes to tasty eats this month, we love the idea of celebrating honey! In the northern hemisphere, honey harvest takes place in the late summer + early fall with September as the final window to collect before the winter months. This simple yet mighty (in sweetness) rustic honey cake is so easy and you most likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen. Here, we think you can have your cake + eat it too.
“Hope you all enjoy the start of fall!
Until next month,”
-Cass ♡