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We all have that one friend we go to for great recommendations. From the best-smelling candle to the next big furniture maker, they always know best. In 10 Things, we ask our favorite creatives to share the discoveries that make them happy so you can track down fantastic daily essentials, too.
Patrick McGrath brings his sharp sartorial eye to everything he does. The young creative fell into interior design by way of fashion: Before starting his eponymous firm in 2015, he toggled between the two worlds, launching his design career working for Frank de Biasi, the former head of interiors at Peter Marino, while also holding positions at Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Giorgio Armani.
Like his interiors, McGrath’s personal style sways wildly between ultra-traditional and cutting-edge cool. He references 1800s architecture and Perugino paintings, but lives in Supreme hats. Some of his latest projects masterfully blend ornate rugs and leopard sofas with chunky millennial pink tables and marble lamps. And in the apartment he shares with his longtime boyfriend, architect Reinaldo Leandro of Ashe + Leandro, antique Moroccan floor coverings lay alongside 20th-century classics like a Bertoia chair and a Snoopy lamp. We asked McGrath to share the 10 things that make him happy, and, as expected, they are just as eclectic as he is.
The All-Natural Fragrance
“I always have this Santa Maria Novella rosewater on me. It smells so fresh, and it’s a good natural alternative to fragrances. It’s also a great hostess gift in place of candles.”
The Collector’s Piece
“I love these collages by my sister, Elle McGrath. Each one is unique. They’ve gained a following with the young design set—designers Ryan Korban and Jessie Schuster have been snapping them up.”
The Fabric of the Week
“I love Dedar’s new Alumnus and Regimen collections. They have a cool Italian collegiate vibe.”
The Summer Uniform
“Prada’s merino wool polo shirt is so soft it almost makes me forget I’m at work. It’s one half of my summer uniform.”
The Classic Novel
“I’ve reread The Count of Monte Cristo so many times my copy is practically dust.”
The SoHo Staple
“My office is right next to the Supreme store in SoHo, so I’m always bopping in and picking something up even though I’m not a skateboarder. Last week it was this baseball cap.”
The Auction Score
“These Mathieu Matégot chairs! I found a large set at auction and only have four left. I’ll be sad to see them leave.”
The Elevated Notepad
“My boyfriend gave me this little leather-bound notebook from Smythson when we first started dating, and I’ve used one ever since. Each book has a cute expression, and you can have them engraved.”
The Travel Souvenir
“I always stop by Simrane on Rue Bonaparte when I’m in Paris. It has the best table and bed linens.”
The Hydration Reminder
“I drink Gerolsteiner mineral water all day long! It’s supposedly bottled from the fountain of youth.”
Discover what else our favorite creatives can’t live without: Away’s Jennifer Rubio Shares Her 10 Travel Must-Haves The Founder of Hem Lives for Japanese Sandals and Exfoliating Hand Soaps This Digital Artist Can’t Live Without Peace Juice and Funky Sneakers