Six Picks: Thomas O'Brien of Aero Studios & Copper Beech
Thomas O’Brien is an interior and home furnishings designer and author based in New York City and Long Island. He is the founder of Aero Studios, one of America’s leading design firms, and the creator of popular home furnishings from lighting, furniture, and carpets to tableware and unique ranges of accessories. At heart, he is a lifelong collector who brings together things old, new, and from all parts of the globe, as a shopkeeper in his own stores. In 1992 Thomas opened Aero, his original store, as the retail extension of his studio. In 2016 he and his husband, designer Dan Fink, opened a modern country general store and gourmet market, Copper Beech, in the seaside Long Island village of Bellport. Equal parts hometown, nautical and classically French in inspiration, Copper Beech celebrates the pairing of home and travel in a hand-picked assortment of goods, gifts, and culinary favorites for the household, kitchen, and garden.
SIX PICKS
Heather Duvet Cover / Sham /Flat Sheet, Area – “The Heather Duvet Cover, Sham and Flat Sheet. I absolutely love this beautiful heather weave and modern tailoring of these sheets.”
Body Brush, Takada Tawashi – “The Body Brush with long bamboo handle is the most beautiful bath brush and brush of any kind I have ever seen.”
Baker’s Dozen, Sir|Madam – “The Bakers Dozen large and small wooden spoons, I love the mix of shapes and hand crafted feel. These spoons are beautiful.”
Large Fish Dish, Siren Song – “The Large Fish Dish, I absolutely love everything from Siren Song. But this large horn fish dish is my all time favorite. So chic!”
Asano Paper Moon, Ameico – “The Asano Paper Moon #4, all the paper moon lights are so perfect, chic and sweet. They are such a charming small size.”
Bandana Indigo Dot, MUUR – “The Bandana Indigo Dot, I collect bandanas and handkerchiefs of all kinds. This is my true favorite.”
What kinds of products/objects are you most drawn to right now?
“I am always most drawn to decorative functional objects. Always dinnerware that is antique and vintage from many eras. And also whatever is new and intriguing.”
Favorite Shoppe Object brand discovery?
“Siren Song – I always love things old and new in reimagining and designing everything I make. I am always intrigued by what Thomas Paul does for Siren Song. His booth and collection are always my favorite to go and see what’s new and classic that he has in his collection. The best!”
What’s the best purchase you’ve made for yourself this year?
“Without a doubt the best purchase this year is Dally May, our new Maltese. She’s with me everywhere, every meeting and every moment. I love her so.”
What’s your personal go-to for retail therapy?
“Ebay!”
Name an item that you can’t seem to keep in stock!
“Bandanas and beautiful textiles from MUUR.”
