Profile: Ariel Ashe

I met Ariel years ago through my very close friend Zach – they grew up together spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard, and have basically become extended family. Once, while visiting Zach and his family on The Vineyard, I was taken by the stunning redesign of their home, and they told me it was Ariel that had helped them.

While summers were spent on The Vineyard, Ariel grew up in Placitas, New Mexico, until college when she left to study scenery and lighting design at NYU. After several jobs in television, Ariel made what would be an inspired career shift into interior design.

Ariel began her career in the industry working for esteemed NY architecture and design firm PIERCE ALLEN, and in 2008, started her own. Co-founded with architect Reinaldo Leandro, ASHE + LEANDRO is an architectural and interior design practice dedicated to creating spaces that innovate and inspire. With a remarkable portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and cultural projects, it’s clear that they are doing just that.

Ariel (on the left) is pictured here with her sister Alexi, whose profile will be coming up next. I hope you enjoy this peek into her inspired NYC space and point of view – I know I did. XXJKE

Beauty
 
R+T: What are your go-to beauty products? Why?

I’m pretty casual about beauty products, but recently I’ve been using Environ because my mom uses it and has beautiful skin. I especially like the Hydrating Serum. I only wash my face in the evenings (Demalogica PreCleanse) because it’s a real process! After the Environ, I moisturize with Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Concentrate Capsules – they feel great. I use Murad’s Intensive-C Radiance Peel every few weeks. For hair, I wash with Fresh Soy Shampoo and Pomegranate Conditioner and I love Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil for shine.

R+T: Is there anything special you would like to share about your beauty routine?

I cut about four inches off my hair once a year with Blake Burkholder or Harry Josh – usually in the fall after three months in the ocean.

R+T: What are the 5 products you couldn’t live without?

Rosebud Salve, Nemat Amber Oil, Blinc Mascara, Diptyque Lait Frais Body Lotion, and Chanel Kohl Eyeliner.

R+T: Bath or Shower?

Baths! So many baths. I like them with Santa Maria Novella Rose Water and Los Poblanos Lavender Oil from New Mexico.

R+T: What do you sleep in?

I sleep in pajamas because I’m afraid of fires and I’m NOT just saying that to sound sexy.

Health

R+T: Do you have any health tricks?

If I feel like I’m getting sick, I take 5 Gan Mao Ling Plum Flower pills or drink a Ginger Fireball from the Juice Press. Careful with the Fireball, you feel slightly insane just after you drink it, but it’s really healing.

R+T: Any health causes that mean a lot to you?

I’m involved with the The Headstrong Project, which provides mental healthcare to veterans. I grew up hearing about war veterans from WWII and Vietnam and it never occurred to me that my generation would have its own veteran presence. Over 300,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans report symptoms of PTSD and need help dealing with it. Headstrong does a lot for suicide prevention – nothing is more terrifying than thinking you are out of options. Also, my sister is a human rights lawyer and I support her causes, which aid trafficked women and provide healthcare for women in developing countries.

R+T: What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

I attempt to eat healthy. I avoid gluten somewhat, but I’m not crazy about it. I walk all the time and I try to see the sun for a few minutes a day – tough in the winter in New York.

R+T: Do you workout, what do you swear by?

I work out 2-3 times a month. Usually, a friend bullies me into running with them or taking a yoga class. I’m not un-athletic, but I like exercise in the disguise of real activities – surfing, swimming, hiking etc.

R+T: What do you do to relax?

Drink wine and listen to music or go to the beach…I’m always happy and relaxed at the beach. I have music on all the time – I’ve maxed out my Pandora station list.

Decor

R+T: What is your design philosophy for your home?

I’ve only just started to focus on my own home. I spent the last ten years learning about design and developing my style. My parents have recently started letting me and my siblings take things from their homes (New Mexico and Martha’s Vineyard) so I have a small but eclectic gathering of objects I grew up with mixed with my recently cultivated taste for modern furniture and things I’ve picked up when traveling.

R+T: What are your favorite pieces in your house?

I love my Arne Norell Safari Chairs. They came in literally 25 pieces and I had to put them together like a puzzle (no nails, all dowels and strapping). I’m also proud of the two Clifford Pascoe chairs I had upholstered with black leather ribbons after I saw a pillow on a couch at a Chanel store. And, my three beautiful Navajo rugs that I got from my parents.

R+T: What are your favorite home stores?

In New York I like Mondo Cane, Demisch Danant, Liza Sherman, BDDW, and Rob Pluhowski (custom furniture). In LA I like Blackman Cruz, Lawson Fenning, and Obsolete.

R+T: What is your favorite room in the house?

I love my bedroom. The walls are Benjamin Moore Dior Gray and I have a new bed that Rob made for me out of Knotty Pine. The window piece over my bed was a trade with Michael Pierce when I worked at PIERCE ALLEN. I spend most of my time in my room because when I’m home I’m sleeping! I have lived in a studio for ten years and am comfortable in small spaces.

Entertaining

R+T: Do you entertain at home?

Never, but I do co-host dinner parties with some of my girlfriends every few months at different venues/apartments around the city. We hire a chef (my brother if he’s free) and each invite 5-10 people. There’s a slight nod to formality – we try to seat everyone around one big table to encourage new friendships. A dinner party in New York is somehow rare – people tend to eat at restaurants or evenings are taken up by benefits and cocktail parties.

R+T: What are your tricks for entertaining?

Lots of wine and good music, and good lighting.

R+T: How do you set the scene when you have people over?

Music and candles are obvious, and an easily accessible bar. Snacks are good too – I’m a big fan of a well-curated cheese plate. Murray’s Cheese shop is fun and everyone is really helpful.

R+T: Are there any tips for what to do or what to avoid?

Let go of any stress or worry once people start arriving, people can sense that.

R+T: What is your favorite song/playlist when you have people over?

My friend Josh Meyers has the best playlists. I gave him an empty iPod to fill for me. The playlist names are the best—Hang Trax, Make-Out Party and Poolside. Or, depending on the crowd, I choose a Pandora station (Nina Simone, Band of Horses, Lyle Lovett). Opt for the pay version, commercials are killer!

R+T: What are your favorite objects/accessories in the kitchen?

A friend made me a cheeseboard out of camphor laurel wood from Queensland. It smelled so good that I slept next to it for a week. I also love coffee, lattes in particular. I got a KitchenAid Pro Line Coffee Grinder for my birthday and I love BioWilly’s Beans from Seattle. Organic beans, solar roasting and biodiesel delivery vehicles…so Seattle. I also love my collection of Block dishware. Ebay!

R+T: What are your favorite flowers and where do you buy them?

I like single flower arrangements (Ranunculus) or wild arrangements. My favorite florist in the city is Polux Fleuriste. She uses mason and apothecary jars and lots of greens so it looks like everything was picked from the backyard (in Provence). If I’m doing flowers for a photo shoot or a client, I go to Dutch Flower Line in the flower district (early!) and then bribe Reinaldo to arrange them. If I’m sending flowers, I like Zeze.

Fashion

R+T: How would you describe your style?

Simple, slightly masculine. I like straight lines and a good fit – nothing frilly. I hardly ever wear dresses. Everything is black.

R+T: Who are your favorite designers?

Rag & Bone, Proenza Schouler, Jenni Kayne, James Perse, Alexander Wang, A.P.C, RRL and Carolina Herrera for black-tie.

R+T: What is your uniform?

Winter: Rag & Bone or A.P.C. Jeans (you can buy them already broken in!), black t-shirt or RRL denim work shirt, Fiorentini + Baker motorcycle boots or Converse high tops, pea coat or blazer. Summer: Prada patent leather thong sandals (I get them every summer), folding Wayfarer sunglasses, cut off Levi’s, American Apparel racerback tanks, and sunscreen.

R+T: What is your newest purchase?

New motorcycle boots! My last ones had nine lives.

Food

R+T: Is there anything about your diet you would like to share with R+T?

I eat lots of salads and fish. And french fries. I try to stay away from bread and pasta. Luckily, I don’t love sugar.

R+T: Do you cook?

Not often – my sister and brother both live near me and they cook, so I invite myself to their places for dinner. I can help in the kitchen, but I can’t really initiate or plan a meal.

R+T: What is your favorite recipe?

My sister makes the most amazing Brisket and I love Thomas Keller’s Simple Roasted Chicken.

Art

R+T: Who are your favorite artists?

David Hockney, Cy Twombly, Gerard Richter, Joan Mitchell, Raymond Pettibon, Rashid Johnson, Rich Aldrich and Adam McEwen.

R+T: What is your favorite piece of art you own?

My Adam McEwen poster from Gagosian London. It’s an obituary of Kate Moss – McEwan wrote actual obituaries for the Daily Telegraph in London. And my Nikki Katsikas painting of Mick Jagger. And my Tom Borgese Nebula. I love all of my art!