Lauren and Josh Podoll
We visited the Podolls in their newly renovated home in San Francisco that the couple miticulously built together. A creative partnership is nothing new for these two, who formally developed and designed their eponymous fashion brand and boutique for 15 years. Shortly after closing shop, Josh started Chop Wood Co. making thoughtfully handcrafted furniture, with custom pieces they collaborated on together displayed throughout the home.
Tell us how you start your day. What are your morning rituals?
On a typical weekday, Josh rises first and goes downstairs to boil water for tea. I try to do a short deep breathing practice before starting the day. Usually it’s a bit of a rush once we’re all awake and in the kitchen making breakfast, packing kids lunches and taking turns getting ready. In an ideal world, Josh and I would drink our lemon water and tea together while we ease into the morning, but realistically it doesn’t usually play out that way! On weekend mornings we try to start slower and love sipping tea quietly before making waffles with the kids or playing Wordle.
What’s your favorite way to make coffee?
Drip coffee is more of a weekend practice for us. Usually we drink Assam tea with oat milk and agave. If I really want to feel a buzz, Josh will grind beans and make me a cup of pour over. We have a grinder from Fellow and have found that the right grind can make a big difference in the smoothness of the cup. When Josh is at work during the week, he makes cappuccinos using their Mazzer grinder and vintage La Cimbale that the kind folks from Hedge sold them.
How do flowers play a role in your home?
I adore fresh blooms. They really make my day brighter and add so much beauty & life to our home. The main living floor of our house is all about natural materials and clean lines, so having greenery & fresh flowers softens the edges and adds another layer of visual texture. In each season I have tall branches in canisters in the kitchen & living room which work well in our open, high-ceiling space. On our dining table and next to the bed I like to have seasonal flowers. Kids love it too and I notice the table looks more inviting with even a simple arrangement. For our powder room I like to cut a sprig of something fragrant from the yard- gardenia is perfect when in bloom- but rosemary and lemon verbena are also nice in there.
Are there any flowers or scents from your past that feel nostalgic or remind you of someone or a certain place, a specific time?
My mom has always loved gardening and she had a huge rose garden when I was growing up. Roses will always remind me of her. For our wedding I wore lilies of the valley in my hair - that will always be a nostalgic scent for me. Also, we had lots of dahlias at our wedding because it was August- my favorite is Cafe Au Lait- the prettiest soft peachy pink.
How do you incorporate your kids into your morning rituals
One practice the kids love is pulling Angel Cards. They are a set of small cards we keep in a bowl, each with a word like ‘Balance’ or ‘Love’ or ‘Expansion’. We each pull a card and consider the message and how it might pertain to our mood or experience that day. The set also comes with a booklet with a short entry for each card. It’s uncanny, often the message is just what I need to hear.
You recently renovated your home. What was your inspiration for the design? Do you have a favorite space in the home?
We started planning the project in 2018, beginning with a long permit process that took 2 years! Over that period we had plenty of time to consider how we wanted the space to flow and what materials we wouldn’t tire of over time. Even though the house is new, we incorporated aged elements into the design to ground it and provide contrast. Our kitchen & dining area features reclaimed beams that came from a barn in Pennsylvania, the same small town my Dad is from. They help divide the space and give it lots of character. We are committed to natural materials and love authenticity in all things so we picked steel, marble, and white oak as the main palette. Josh and I collaborate well together and mostly agree aesthetically. He took on building projects in virtually every room of the house including the kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, slat wall, bookshelves, etc! Everything I sketched or dreamed up was brought to life and we’re so happy to live in it now.
You have such a keen eye for design. What is your process in collaborating together on creative projects?
We designed our clothing line and ran our business The Podolls for 15 years so we have a lot of experience working together. We have lots of fun brainstorming and playing off each other’s ideas in the early stages. In general, he trusted me to pick finishes and we collaborated on all the cabinetry. When it gets down to the details, I’m the perfectionist and have a tough time adjusting if something isn’t working like I imagined. Josh is a great problem solver and aims to please, so he worked tirelessly to build everything to my exacting standards. His friends at the shop frequently refer to me as ‘the toughest client’ - ha!
We know you love to entertain. How do you make your guests feel at home?
We love hosting family and friends — it’s so great to finally have the space to do it! Our kitchen island is huge and offers plenty of room to spread out cheese platters and drink options. That way people can help themselves and feel comfortable. Whether it’s a last minute pizza night or a more elegant dinner, I love using fun, vintage glasses for cocktails and lighting candles at the table. It just makes it feel special and everyone looks good in candlelight.
Do you have a go-to recipe?
I love cooking for company and tend to use it as an excuse to make something new. In the winter, I love soups, tagines or roasting a chicken. In the summer we usually barbecue and make a big salad. I love to bake and often make a fruit crisp with whatever fruit is in season. It makes the house smell good and is a comforting way to end a meal.
Any upcoming trips you’re looking forward to?
Yes! We just booked tickets for a family trip to Paris in April. The kids have never been and it’s one of our favorite cities. Cannot wait!
