Jos’ Picks

01. HIGH ART I just got back from a trip to L.A. with my daughter, and I can’t stop thinking about the afternoon we spent exploring the Getty Center. Perched atop a hill in Brentwood, the museum had long been at the top of my must-visit list, and it did not disappoint. From the tram ride that carries you through the trees up to the campus to the minimalist buildings designed by Richard Meier, the sculptural Central Garden by artist Robert Irwin, and the formidable art collection, the entire experience felt like the perfect blend of nature and culture (i.e. quintessential California). I’m already planning my next visit.

02. GARDEN PARTY Speaking of California, every time I land in the Golden State, I find myself wanting to bottle the air and bring it back with me to Texas. The closest I’ve come to recreating that West Coast olfactory experience is through Flamingo Estate’s candles, soaps, and sprays. Founded by Richard Christiansen, the Los Angeles–based garden estate is known for its transportive, true-to-nature scents—lush, verdant, and sun-warmed in a way that feels distinctly Californian. The Adriatic Muscatel Sage, Roma Heirloom Tomato, and Green Goddess candles are all in steady rotation at my house.

03. SHELL OUT My long-held shell obsession shows no sign of waning, but lately I’ve graduated from small beach-vacation mementos to larger, stranger specimens.  The latest object of my affection is this incredible vintage wood nautilus. Secretly, I’m hoping no one buys it so I can claim it for myself, but I’m giving the people a chance first. You’re welcome.

Sam’ Picks

04. GLEN ROSE HOTEL Our current labor of love at the studio is the Glen Rose Hotel. We are ALL in on every detail from branding and toiletry selections to fabrics and millwork details. We are honored to be working with partners and artisans to bring to life this little historical gem with our amazing partner Michaella Ramler from Stewarding Space. Glen Rose is a small Texas town dear to our hearts.
Bret and I eloped in Sommerville County. We have done some amazing photo shoots at Big Rocks and we all have been taking our kids there as long as they have been able to appreciate the giraffes at Fossil Rim or the dinosaur imprints at Dinosaur Valley.

05. WOODCARVING FOREVER If you know me at all you know I was raised in a family of wood workers and wood carvers. I can't quit any level of art or furniture that reflects care, grain, thoughtful joinery, or carving. Recently we brought Philadelphia based woodcarver Ashley Joseph Martin into our roster of incredible artists and currently have his work on display in a stunning mix of raw, aged and his gorgeous carvings in the front window of the shop. A mix of raw, aged pieces and intricate carvings, his work lives somewhere between the bizarre and the beautiful. I’ve been drawn to it since first seeing it nearly a decade ago. Read more about Ashley here.

06. CULT FOLLOWING Swoon has always been a little insular in the best way—a tight circle with a shared language and high standards. At some point, internally it was dubbed ITZACULT, and… it's not wrong.
We’ve started translating that into a small run of merch. Understated, a little self-aware, and just enough attitude to keep it interesting.