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In our series “Shopping Buddy,” we ask our favorite in-the-know authors, actors, musicians, and tastemakers to share their most coveted home purchases, from kitchen must-haves to coffee table books, so that you can shop along with confidence.
We’re always curious what Julia Sherman, the creative mind behind Salad for President, has been cooking up. Whether it’s a respectful renovation of 1960s Los Angeles architecture, an artsy entertaining cookbook, or her latest inventive recipes, Sherman has an eye for layering flavor, texture, and meaning in just the right way. On the heels of a two-year stint as Executive Chef and Director of Artists Partnerships at Oberon, the New Museum’s restaurant, the artist and cook has launched her newest venture: Salad for President Dressing Mixes. (The Umami Caesar makes a mean dip for crunchy veg and pita.) We recently caught up with Sherman on her favorite storage staple, current coffee table book crush, and the baked good she always surprises her neighbors with.
The Last Thing I Bought For My Home
The Claire V x Staub collab with the little decorative kiss knob on the top, and the custom carrying bag. I couldn’t help it. I am hoping just owning it will manifest some invites to eat at someone else’s house for once.
The Kitchen Tool I Can’t Live Without
My Vitamix. It’s one of those rare kitchen tools that is absolutely worth the higher price tag. I recently upgraded mine with a stainless steel pitcher, which makes this essential part of my kitchen arsenal feel practically indestructible.
The Household Item I Keep Reordering Because It’s That Good
I love SISTERS hand wash—I have one of their glass pump bottles in every bathroom and next to the kitchen sink. I just re-upped on the SALAD scent we made together this year, which has shiso, Sichuan peppercorn, and mimosa.
The Storage Solution I Swear By
The IKEA Trofast is really hard to beat for kids’ art-supply storage. We had one in our garage in Pasadena, and now they’re stacked in the kids’ craft room in NYC. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
The Most-Used Item in My Entertaining Arsenal
My Salad for President Dressing Mixes. They’re instant powdered dressing mixes, and I rely on them constantly for last-minute meals with big flavor, especially when I’m feeding a larger group and want to please kids and adults at the same time.
The Little Home Upgrade That Made a Big Difference
Number one: a garbage disposal. Once you’ve had one, you can never go back to direct contact with the sludge that collects in the kitchen sink. Number two: we have something called a Tap Master that lets you turn the faucet on and off by tapping a small pedal with your foot, so you’re not touching the faucet with dirty hands. Genius.
The Most Essential Product In My Wind-Down Routine
Probably my foam roller and yoga mat. A good stretch at the end of the day is essential, especially after spending hours on my feet in the kitchen.
The Under-the-Radar Home Brand I Want People to Know About
Sirius Glassworks is a Canadian company that makes gorgeous blown-glass tumblers and vases. I bought a couple of their drinking glasses on a trip to Toronto last year, and they make even a glass of water feel special.
The Coffee Table Book I Turn to Again and Again For Design Inspiration
Carol Bove’s catalog from her Guggenheim show. Her sense of color, material, and texture really gets me going.
The Paint Color I’m Currently Crushing On
Butter yellow. I’m worried it’s going to feel like a passing trend, but I want it so badly I almost don’t care.
The Best Gift I’ve Given Someone Recently
Cake. I like surprising my neighbors with homemade cake for absolutely no reason. I think an unexpected cake might be the best kind of gift. And Makié baby pantaloons—they can wear these for years since they are so elastic, so it kind of off-sets the ridiculous price.
My Dream Decor Purchase
I’ve always wanted a USM system. I’m far too functional a cook to actually use it this way, but I love when people turn the USM modular system into kitchen cabinets and islands. It’s incredibly sharp, if not particularly practical.
The Item in My Home That Looks Way More Expensive Than It Is
A Murano glass chandelier I found on eBay. It’s clear glass and surprisingly feminine, and relatively small, so it doesn’t feel over-the-top. It looks like it was made to hang alongside the crown molding in our turn-of-the-century brownstone.
The Item in My Home Guests Always Compliment
Our green Quilton sofa from HAY. The color is so cheerful and bold, but somehow it goes with everything. It’s become an anchor for the whole room.