Welcome to our very first Substack! While interiors are at the heart of everything we do at Hyphen, we believe that great design goes beyond just aesthetics. We’re just as inspired by the world around us as we are in the studio. Here, we’ll be giving you all the things we love, behind-the-scenes content, and more updates From the Corner Chaise.
There are a few times a year when NYC really shines - and spring is definitely one of them. The city begins to thaw, flowers start to bloom, and we all convince ourselves that 60 degrees and some sun is “basically summer.” With the weather getting warmer and the days stretching longer, we’re suddenly inspired to soak in every bit of the city. The change in season is an invitation to refresh, reminding us that small shifts can have a big impact in our lives and our homes. Whether it’s finding the best outdoor eats, bringing in lighter tones and textures, or finally visiting that museum you’ve been meaning to check out, spring is all about making the most of the city.
Our team weighed in on their favorite springtime places, activities, and experiences in NYC. Here’s what we’re loving:
While a trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden during cherry blossom season may not be the most original, the spectacle is worth every cliché. Surrounded by pink petals and the sweet floral scent in the air, the crowds seem to fade.
If you prefer your flower viewing with a little less effort and a lot more convenience, Madison Square Park has you covered. Take a stroll, admire the tulips, and lay in the grass for a perfect day at the park.
With an eye for design, we love a good museum. The Noguchi Museum in Astoria mixes indoor & outdoor exhibits, designed by Isamu Noguchi. The minimalist sculpture garden is perfect for soaking up the sun, or just zoning out for a bit. With its walking paths, it beautifully brings nature and art together.
Salon 94 is a free(!) art gallery within an unassuming townhouse. The rotating exhibits always serve up fresh inspiration, and make us wish that we, too, lived in an Upper East Side townhouse.
Philip Williams Posters is where you go when you want to get lost (in a good way). The store is packed with vintage and contemporary posters, paintings, and sculptures from 1870 to now. You’ll walk in for “just a look” and walk out wondering how you’re going to hang everything up (we can help with that).
Caffe Panna is a fan favorite for a reason. Italian-inspired ice cream in Gramercy and Greenpoint that somehow makes every season taste better. We recommend ordering the Red Flag (a sweet ice cream with a strawberry swirl and the best graham cracker crunch) with a scoop of the homemade panna on top.
Spring means unpredictable weather, but you can still feel the heat at Candlelight Concerts. It’s classical music with ambiance – hundreds of candles, stunning venues, and performances ranging from Beethoven to Beyoncé.
We’ll take a collage for the table, thanks! Happy Medium is a cafe where you order art experiences rather than food. From bracelet making to air-dry clay and painting, it’s like a craft store and a coffee shop became one.
Yes, obviously you’ll find us at weekend flea markets. Chelsea Flea, Brooklyn Flea, and Grand Bazaar are our go-to’s. From framed art to crystal and silver dishware, Zac’s stall at the Chelsea Flea is a quintessential flea market stop (you can find him at the back in the orange beanie). Whether you walk away with vintage furniture or a weird trinket you must have, you won’t leave empty-handed.
Roman and Williams Guild is an interior designer’s dream. Furniture, lighting, art, and dishware that make you rethink your entire home. We’re forever obsessed with their Kaneko Kohyo Rinka Collection—because we’re the kind of people who have favorite dishware.
We’re lovers of all things unique and timeless, so Love Adorned is a no-brainer shop for us. Vintage jewelry, handcrafted home décor, and one-of-a-kind pieces curated by founder Lori Leven. It’s a gentle nudge away from throwaway culture and toward buying things that mean something.
Share your spring favorites in the comments below - we’d love to know!
Enjoying the spring sun,
From the Corner Chaise