Notes from the Studio, Vol. 08
01. Venetian Lights
When lighting becomes art, you’re in the presence of Sogni Di Cristallo. Based near Venice, Italy, and rooted in the centuries-old tradition of Murano glassmaking, Sogni di Cristallo is used in hotels and restaurants worldwide: Annabel’s Mayfair in London, Cecconi’s in New York, the Hoxton in Los Angeles. The list goes on and on.
Each chandelier, pendant, wall lamp, and fixture is handmade by master glassmakers. What makes Sogni special is how these pieces work at the scale of a room — whether in a hotel lobby or a residential dining room. They’re wild in detail yet refined in finish, and each comes with a certificate of authenticity and the hallmark of “Made in Italy.”
For residential projects, these spectacular lighting elements become the centerpiece around which you build the palette, scale, and mood of a room. At Studio Isaac, when we’re designing a space that calls for drama, we turn to Sogni Di Cristallo.
Here are some of our favorite pieces (click the photos to view more details):
02. What is an Aesthetic Review?
An aesthetic review is one of the most critical early steps in the interior design process. It’s where we establish the creative foundation for your project. At Studio Isaac, we use the aesthetic review to align on the visual language of a project, helping clients understand not only how their home will look, but how it will feel and function.
During an aesthetic review, we bring together inspiration images, early material direction, color palettes, architectural references, and key design elements. This is where we discuss contrasts, textures, mood, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Are you drawn to warm woods or cooler stones? Minimal lines or soft curves? Quiet luxury or layered eclecticism? These conversations help us translate your preferences into a cohesive direction we can design from. For clients, it’s the moment where the project truly starts to feel real — where they can see the future home taking shape.
The aesthetic review also ensures clarity. Many clients come to us with a mix of ideas — Pinterest boards, saved posts, childhood memories, and practical needs. The review helps us distill all of that into a focused vision. This step reduces revisions later, streamlines decision-making, and builds confidence before moving into drawings, floor plans, or procurement. From a technical standpoint, the aesthetic review informs space planning, millwork design, lighting strategy, and finish selections.
Simply put, an aesthetic review creates alignment between designer and client. It ensures your home reflects your taste, your lifestyle, and the way you want to live.
Collage of images a client shared for an upcoming project. We use this as a jumping off point to discuss what the client likes about each image, how they see this translating into their own home, types of materials and finishes, etc.
03. Argentine Inspiration
Traveling to new places stirs up our creativity. On our (meaning Sarah & Gerald, Studio Isaac partners and husband-and-wife duo!) recent visit to Argentina, we found design inspiration in unexpected places: Patagonian landscapes, leather markets, glasses of Malbec… and a cemetery.
Below are some of our recommendations (& where we found inspiration) for your next visit, specifically to Buenos Aires. Or if you’re ready for it, here’s an entire Google Map marked up with places across Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Bariloche.
Arandu (San Telmo) — Leather Goods
Arandu is an essential stop for beautifully crafted Argentine leather. The San Telmo location feels like stepping into a refined saddlery, with classic belts, boots, bags, and equestrian pieces made to last a lifetime. It’s heritage craftsmanship and the kind of quality that only gets better with age.
El Preferido de Palermo — Restaurant
Set inside an iconic pink building, El Preferido de Palermo is a Buenos Aires institution. The menu highlights timeless Argentine dishes, especially their beloved milanesa — served with a warm, neighborhood energy. It’s the kind of place where the food is memorable, but the atmosphere is even better. (We went twice on our trip!)
Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery is a striking architectural and historical destination within the city. Immediately upon entering, you’ll find yourself in a labyrinth of ornate mausoleums crafted from marble, iron, and carved stone. Walking through feels like visiting an open-air museum where history, art, and design converge in intricate detail.
Mercado de las Pulgas — Flea Market
Mercado de las Pulgas is a treasure hunter’s paradise, filled with endless rows of antiques, vintage furniture, lighting, and objects with irresistible patina. It’s the kind of place that inspires you (or your wallet) to ship home an entire container of rare finds. Every aisle offers something layered with history and character.
Bonus: Awasi Mendoza (Formerly Cavas Wine Lodge)
If your travels take you to Mendoza, Awasi Mendoza is unforgettable. Nestled among vineyards with breathtaking views of the Andes, the lodge blends contemporary design with natural materials, offering private villas, exceptional hospitality, and a deeply serene experience. It’s the perfect base for exploring wine country in style.
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