The Suitest Things We’re Obsessed With at Tori Jones Studio
T
he first time we met Tori Jones was serendipitous, strolling the hydrangea-lined streets of Block Island. With an iced coffee in hand we wandered up to her shop, a summer pop-up, that looked like it had always been there. Colorful, painted folding chairs on the sidewalk welcomed us to climb the stairs and get a better look at the peeks of wicker and piles of books we could glimpse from the outside. It didn’t come as much surprise to learn that Tori wore many hats working as an editor, stylist, art director, merchandiser, buyer, decorator and creative lead over the years. The store was an eclectic, effortless display of her talents and interests — travel magazines laid out next to antique art books, storied objects styled next to designer fairs, perfectly-patterned pillows all different yet matching.
So as we thought of spring and the thrill of discovering new products and objects to bring into the home, we obviously thought of Tori Jones and her bright, fresh and fascinatingly fun shop. Luckily for us, she had a handful of items she knew we’d love.
Of course, you can shop all of these items online. But, the studio will be opening up again on the New England island this May — and it’s well worth the visit. In the meantime, keep up with the studio’s finds and openings on Instagram.
We sat down with Tori herself to chat about her favorite items in the shop right now and what makes each item so special.
1. Set of 4 Trieste Folding Chairs by Aldo Jacober
”Form meets function with these iconic chairs by Italian designer Aldo Jacober. Part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art, these are foldable, portable, and ergonomic with to-die-for proportions (and that’s a tall order for such a pared down form). We painted this set in a fresh green and think they’d make perfect garden chairs or the chicest set of standby seating ever.”
2. Vintage Folding Screen with Rope Panels
”Ever since discovering the work of Christian Astuguevielle, Frida Minet and Adrien Audoux (worth googling if you’re not familiar with their designs!), I’ve been completely enchanted by the imaginative uses of humble rope in home decoration. With its playful macramé panels, this vintage screen from the 1970’s follows in those ingenious footsteps. It skews nautical and coastal, but also has a ruggedness and cool that would be at home in an urban loft. I even see it in a more whimsical, feminine space. Whatever you decide, this is definitely any room’s scene-stealing accent.”
3. David Coggins, Jam, 2021
”I’m so proud to feature paintings by Minneapolis-based artist and author David Coggins. He’s beloved for his charming illustrated memoirs, Blue and Paris in Winter, and also for his pitch-perfect color sensibility. This ink and watercolor piece is a celebration of joyful, vibrant hues and graphic pattern play. I know how hard it is to find approachable fine art. Since launching our website last year, we’ve collaborated with some of my favorite artists on original, one-of-a-kind pieces in hopes of simplifying the hunt!”
4. Vintage yellow cart
”This sunny and chic little number makes everyone smile. Load it up with a round of drinks and get the party started, or use it as a stylish, portable extra surface in your home office, kitchen or bath. Plus it’s made of durable plastic so it’s easy to clean and wipe down.”
5. Mid-Century Wicker & Iron Vanity
”I’m crazy for all things wicker, and this braided vanity is one of the most stylish and imaginative uses of the natural fiber that I’ve ever seen. This is the ultimate ‘me station’ that feels pretty, playful and charming—and surprisingly goes with a range of styles.”
