Journal | #MINNAatHome

#MINNAatHome with Raina Kattelson

By Halee Hastad

Raina Kattelson, longtime stylist and creative, has been a frequent visitor to our shop and a loyal user of our pieces over the years. When she stopped by earlier this year, we invited her to style MINNA in her beautiful home here in Hudson, NY. The results were nothing short of inspiring—our classic pieces and the new Field Collection and rugs looked absolutely stunning in her space. We know you’ll love them too!

Journal | #MINNAatHome

Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself - your name, where you are from, and what you are passionate about?

My name is Raina Kattelson, she/her. I am a prop and interior stylist and am happily based in the Hudson Valley, though I travel often all over the country for work- the perfect mix. I am passionate about my garden, food and travel.

How did you get into your career as a stylist? Where do you find inspiration in your work?

I started a kids clothing company then moved into fashion styling. Along the way I did some garden and interior design and moved into still and interior styling. I find inspiration in nature, traveling and looking at art and movies.

A snack set with a Sol Tea Towel in Honey.

Tell us a little bit about your home - how long have you lived there and how has your decorative taste evolved or kept steady over time? What are some of your favorite items in your home?

We have lived in this home for 10 years. My taste is a reflection of our travels and pieces from artists and makers that are friends and family. It evolves in layers as we find pieces I love to add into the mix. My favorite pieces in our house are all about gathering with friends. Our dining table we designed with our friend George Smith. He has an incredible collection of wood so we were able to pick out the exact piece and decide how it would translate into a table. My husband and I designed and made the wrap around seating on our porch. Both of these pieces are about entertaining and relaxing with our friends and family.

What do you like to do when you’re at home - what does relaxation and creativity in your home space look like to you?

Ha- my family would probably say that I don't really relax. My idea of relaxing is working in my garden all day. I also spend a lot of time in my studio making ceramics. There is nothing better than making a meal and sharing it with friends and family.

If you could have a dream dinner party with any guests you’d like guaranteed to be there - who would they be and why? How would you plan for the event and what would you make?

Artist Ruth Assawa, potter Lucie Rie, chef Alice Waters, artist Valentine Schlegel, and food writer Ruth Reichl. They are all strong creative women with varied backgrounds and whose life and work I admire.

I love to throw dinner parties and like them to be casual and full of delicious food. My go-to for any party is a platter of local cheeses, olives, homemade hummus and an assortment of pickled veggies I make. Then a few simple Mediterranean and Persian dishes which are my favorite foods to cook. I would set the long table on our porch with dishes I have made and collected, and light the fire pit, then sit back and relax and enjoy the conversation and company. Lately my favorite cookbooks are Cooking with Artists, Sofreh, Soframiz.

Prepping the table with Meridian Stripe Napkins in Starling.

At MINNA we believe in creating beautiful, ethically made products and using business to do good - how do these concepts relate to or inspire your work?

It is important to me to source and support small makers and local businesses as much as possible for my work. It not only layers in an organic vibe to my work but helps to support and publicize their work.