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Take 5: House Matches, Modern Aboriginal Art, Candles Stacks + More!

Twice a month we invite one of the Design Milk team members to share five personal favorites – an opportunity for each of us to reveal the sort of designs we love and appreciate in our own lives from a more personal perspective. Editor-in-Chief Caroline Williamson returns this week for our Take 5 series.

11.28.23 | By
Take 5: House Matches, Modern Aboriginal Art, Candles Stacks + More!

1. Candle Stacks from Schoolhouse

I think these stackable candles are so fun and add something extra beyond a traditional candle. Available in a 4 Stack, 6 Stack, or 7 Stack option, you can get as many as you want and re-stack them over and over again to form different candles, or keep them in their original formation. Either way, they’ll add color and playfulness to your shelf.

2. House Matches by State the Label

While we’re talking about candles, I keep going back to this house-shaped box of matches. I love lighting matches when I go to burn a candle and having this decorative box sitting out makes it even easier. No more hiding away generic boxes from the grocery store, hardware store, or your neighborhood bodega!

3. Geometric Stained Glass by Shiny Glass by Carrie

Thoughts of stained glass can often conjure up visions of Tiffany-esque florals, religious motifs, or camp craft projects, but not these days. More and more glass artists are leaning towards modern designs, like this geometric panel I bought recently. I love anything geometric and when you throw in some Yves Klein/cobalt blue paired with clear textured glass, I’m all about it. Plus, I love supporting small businesses and artists and when you get to enjoy their work every day, it’s a win-win.

4. Chance Earrings by Maria Black

I recently got these earrings in the mini version (about 1″ long) and I love them so much, I really want to get the original, larger size. They’re simple yet eye catching, and they’re really great quality. The minis are ideal for everyday wear but I think the larger version is perfect for going out. If you really want to elevate the earrings further, you can add charms but I haven’t tried that yet.

5. Naraka (Bones) painting by Wally Wilfred

Ever since I saw news of the Dhapi en Naraka art exhibition sharing works by Wally Wilfred, I was hooked. Wilfred’s colorful work combines traditional techniques with unexpected color palettes, showcasing a modern Aboriginal art experience. Wally says about the exhibition, “‘These are the bones inside the devil devil, Yolŋu and animals. These are very important to us and our homelands.’ The bones have their own songlines. When someone passes away they get the bones and they sing all day and then they bury them. That’s how they used to do it in the olden days. Then the boss one (junggayi) will make a totem stick for the grieving family. They cut a tree and paint it and decorate it with feathers. Then they dig a hole and stand up the totem sticks they painted. It stays there forever as memories for the family.” The work is beautiful and intriguing, making you want to learn more about the artist and artistic journey.

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Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.