Talk Shop: Amy Stone
Courtesy of Amy Stone
ABOUT AMY
When we first glanced upon Amy Stone’s Instagram, we hit the follow button immediately. Amy says she’s influenced by “east coast preppy iconography, 1960's palm beach, and west coast surf culture,” and we can’t get enough of her highly curated and well-edited feed, which ranges from imagery of her own travels and interiors to style and more. With an aesthetic all her own (not to mention distinctly identifiable – the ultimate gift), it’s no surprise that Amy works in fashion directing social media content and creative by day. We loved chatting with Amy, and hope you enjoy as well!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Modern uptown bohemia — to capture my love for traditional style plus all things rattan and wicker while also appreciating clean and refined modern design.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Probably growing up on the east coast — I’ve always been drawn to classic style and sensibilities and I live for summer trips on Nantucket or East Hampton. Secondly, living in New York for most of my adult life — my taste has certainly only evolved from being exposed to so many creative and design-oriented entities found in NYC. Last but not least, my mom and grandmother — they’re both so creative in their own way and it certainly influenced my love for visual beauty at an early age.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
My favorite thing about what I do is creating and bringing beauty (images, moments) to life that other people relate to and appreciate.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I have various mentors from the corporate world (fashion / creative advertising) that I look to, whether formally or just from observation. It could be someone I had simply witnessed at work — like a well-known PR woman that I remember from my intern days — or a current colleague that I actively seek advice from now. They’re instrumental in understanding the industry and helping to guide you in the right direction.
What does your home say about you:
Well, it would definitely say “incomplete” at the moment! But my ultimate goal for my space is for it to feel inviting and collected, traditional yet clean, and, never one-note or one uniform style.
Where do you find inspiration:
From travel, museums, art, nature, memories, old family photographs, a glimpse of someone on the street, architecture, documentaries — inspiration can really come from anywhere as long as your eyes are open!
Who are your style icons:
From the past — Princess Diana and Carolyne Bessette Kennedy. Present day — Vanessa Traina and the Olsen twins.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A well appointed coffee table with unique cocktail napkins, pretty glasses, fresh flowers, and good snacks. I’m not much of a cook (although quarantining with a tiny kitchen has pushed me slightly...) so entertaining for me is all about creating a beautiful but comfortable ambiance for the guests.
Do you collect anything:
Oh yes, too many things! Everything from coffee table books, striped shirts, tortoise sunglasses, and needlepoint to Biologique Recherche skincare, wicker-everything, and more.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I love so many accounts but the following stick out in my mind: @kristenellenmartin, @gadabout, @rderavenel, @maxsinsteden, @caitlingeierfisher, and @liz_damrich
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
One rule I’ve always followed is having all furniture “floating” in a floorplan — meaning, never pushed up against the wall. I think that’s supposed to be a rule of thumb from designers? But I think it definitely depends on the room and flow! With limited space in an apartment, I find it more inviting to arrange pieces in small vignettes instead of conventional arrangements.
What are you working on right now:
I’m working on setting up a print shop for my photography on amy-stone.com! I’m excited to finally share my work in physical form and provide a bit of escapism, especially when many cannot travel to their favorite places right now (including myself).
Wardrobe staples:
A classic navy blazer, a crisp blue and white striped oxford, perfectly worn in vintage Levi’s 501s, an ivory cable knit cashmere sweater, and croc Manolo Blahnik Carolyne slingbacks or Chanel ballet flats.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Do not rush the process!
Best career advice you ever received:
Keep after it. Even if you receive 100 “no’s”, it’s worth waiting and working for the 1 “yes”. I think this applies beyond just career advice!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I think textiles, linens, and fine fabrics are worth the investment — there’s a big difference between luxurious fabrics when you compare them to standard materials. Whether a pair of custom pillows or an upholstered piece, beautiful fabrics will make a space feel elevated and unique in my opinion.
On the other hand, I save by searching (never ending searching!) for antique and vintage pieces that are well priced. It can take years to find what I’m looking for, but it’s always worth the savings. Whether it’s a downtown thrift store in NYC or an online shop on Etsy, I’ve found incredible pieces — like a classic chest of drawers, wicker and cane pieces, and chinoiserie — that would be so marked up if purchased new or from a trendy website. Keep hunting!
Your greatest extravagance:
Luxurious bed linens and nice pajamas. I love sleep!
Favorite places to shop for home:
I love the thrill of finding something I’ve been on the hunt for, so vintage and antique stores are very up my alley along with Chairish and Etsy. In person, Sag Harbor has some of my favorite home stores like (now closed) Ruby Beets, Bloom, and Monc XIII. I also like Ralph Lauren Home, Amanda Lindroth, Visual Comfort lighting, AERIN, and One Kings Lane.
Most prized possession and why:
Currently, my needlepoint canvases and collection. I had always wanted to learn but thought I wouldn’t be good at it. Turns out, it comes quite naturally to me and I am obsessed with the craft. Having handmade pieces that could one day be family heirlooms is very appealing to me, as I am very inspired by my grandmother and great-grandmother's own works (watercolor and needlepoint, respectively) to this day.
Your interiors motto:
“If it makes you happy and you can’t stop thinking about it, take the plunge!”
Your life motto:
“Everything will work out.” ...I am repeating this heavily at the moment...
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Don’t rush the process and don’t be overly swayed by trends or things you see on Pinterest or Instagram (some of the most beautiful homes or spaces that inspire me are those I’ve experienced in real life). Collect images and ideas to reference and ensure they still resonate with you over spans of time. Never aim to replicate your inspiration word-for-word.
Think long-term about how your tastes and lifestyle may evolve over time. Question major purchases on the basis of, “will I love this in 1 year? 5 years? 10? Will this work in a new space? Is it timeless? Could it adapt and grow if my style develops more?”... I need to listen to all this advise myself, for sure!
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: A really good burger and fries — I love The Polo Bar and J.G. Melon!
Drink: A Moscow Mule if we’re talking cocktails
Film: American Psycho and First Wives Club
Hotel: Hard to choose...I love staying at Crow’s Nest in Montauk, Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor, Pali House in Santa Monica, and Rosewood in Bermuda. Oh, and The Carlyle (Bemelmans) on the UES to visit!
City: New York, of course! Followed by London
Bedding: Matouk Linens
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee, 100%. A vanilla soy latte!
Weekend Activity: Needlepoint, yoga, and walking around uptown
Design Book: Beautiful by Mark D. Sikes
