Laundry Day’s Vic Ashley Accessorizes Her Barcelona Home With Luxury Smokeware
From design-forward lighters to puffy chairs, the founder gets high on beautiful objects.
From design-forward lighters to puffy chairs, the founder gets high on beautiful objects.
"I guess I'm pretty impulsive," says Laundry Day founder Vic Ashley, of moving to Barcelona from her home country of Canada after a single visit to Europe. (She does mention that a dual Irish citizenship made the move more feasible.) "Even starting a business, I think you have to be that way, to not be afraid of the risks. For me, if I'm inspired by something, I'll just do it and ask questions later."
Having an all-in attitude has been working out well for Ashley, who launched her design-centric smokeware brand in 2018 after turning to cannabis as a sleep aid and for pain relief following IUD complications. "I had finally decided to take ownership of how this plant was really helping me. I was gonna stop smoking my boyfriend's pipe and get my own. [But after driving] three hours to buy myself a pipe at a head shop, I was mortified. I ended up spending money on something I hated, and I felt really embarrassed about the whole situation," she says. So, naturally, she created her own.
Photo courtesy of Vic Ashley
In stark contrast to the swirly stoner-y pieces you might remember from your youth, Ashley's pipes are beautiful glass trinkets that also function as smoking vessels. In the core collection are pipes in the shape of a cube, a disc, and a three-step staircase. The aluminum grinders are designed to be tabletop accessories. Even the hemp-blend rolling papers are handcrafted from edible 24K white gold for a smooth, almost luxurious experience.
"I think, what would be a cute object for me to have on my shelf? How can I create this in a way that is unconventional but still has all of the necessary functions?" Ashley says of her design process. "I really honor my home space and my health so that's what prompted the idea of Laundry Day. It’s about rethinking our relationships with the objects that we own."
Ashley, having moved into an apartment in the Sant Antoni neighborhood less than a year ago, has been finessing her interior aesthetic with what works best for her WFH lifestyle. "I'm always trying to find this balance between a space that feels productive, almost industrial in a way, versus something that feels warm and cozy and welcoming. I wanna be able to sit down on my computer and get work done, but then two feet away from me I can lay down and nap."
To achieve that desired home-office hybrid look, Ashley loves the harshness of materials like stainless steel and aluminum juxtaposed with the softness of dimmable lightbulbs, puffy chairs, and mohair blankets. "We are at the core a smokeware brand but my focus right now is to develop more in the home space. We have a really beautiful storage system in the works; don't be surprised if you see some lighting or scent in the future. Everything has to do with the ambiance," she says of where Laundry Day is headed. "Even my recommendations list is sensory: the lighting, the sound, the touch. These are things that are super important to me."
"I’m super sensitive to lighting and these bulbs are perfect for adjusting throughout the day and into the evening."
Phillips Hue Bulbs Dimmable Bluetooth Bulbs
Control your Philips Hue Smart Lights all with just the touch of a button on your mobile device or your favorite voice assistant. Add up to 10 Hue Bluetooth/Zigbee smart bulbs with the (free) Hue Bluetooth app.
"The fluffiest towels I’ve ever owned. I love to mix and match the towels to add a little character in the bathrooms. They also have a playful yet subtle collection of bedding. A little something for everyone."
Tekla Percale Hopper Stripes Bedding Set
Hopper Stripes Bedding, available as duvet cover, pillow sham and sheet. 100% organic cotton, soft and crisp to the touch. Made in Portugal.
Tekla Organic Cotton Bath Towel
A prominent logo tag adds a modern touch to this extra-thick and absorbent terry towel made from certified-organic combed cotton that's strong yet soft.
"I had the opportunity to visit the Frama HQ in Copenhagen last summer. I’m really inspired by their commitment to quality and timeless designs."
Frama Eiffel Pendant Light
The Eiffel Pendant Light reflects the balance between construction and form made with simplicity in mind. The lamp features a brass metal dimmer switch placed at both the top and bottom of its structure for precisely positioning and controlling the light source, diffusing a warm, soft glow. A simple, uncomplicated design, effortlessly complementing a wide range of settings.
Frama Shelf Library Single Section
Shelf Library is a continuation of the recognised shelf design by Frama. Fastened with solid steel screws on oak rails, the shelves can easily be placed and re-styled in a variety of ways.
Frama Stem Glass Set of Four
The 0405 Glassware Collection reinvents traditional glassware with organic details. Each piece is an individual work of art, expertly handcrafted by a glassblower and shaped to create a tactile experience. This thoughtful set of four glasses creates a sculptural addition to any gathering.
Frama Shelf Library Double Section
Shelf Library Stainless Steel is a natural extension of Frama’s Shelf Library universe. Characterized by a modular system and fastened with solid steel screws on stainless steel rails, the shelves can be easily placed and re-styled in a variety of ways. This versatile design lends itself to any space, creating a minimal backdrop for your most cherished objects.
Frama Gift Box Box Body Wash + Lotion
Whether gifting to your beloved ones or surprising a friend with a thoughtful present, this Body Care Gift Box is sure to please. Featuring FRAMA's newest scent with a fresh yet exhilarating aroma and a balsamic undertone, this set contains a Herbarium Body Wash and Lotion to keep your skin nourished and soft. Herbarium is highlighted by aromatic notes of orange, white rose, cedarwood, and patchouli.
"My first piece from Alvaro which sparked my interest in collaborating with him on our own design. I love the minimal design and industrial elements of the piece."
Lichen NYC Sconce 3 or 4 by Alvaro Ucho Rodriguez
We asked Alvaro to come up with a solution for the contemporary sconce. After a few iterations here's what he came up with.
"The first ashtray from Laundry Day that we just launched. This piece acts as an art object to complement the space but functional for whenever needed."
Laundry Day Stainless Steel A-001 Ashtray
The A-001 ashtray is comprised of two core elements forming a functional object suitable for private and public contexts alike. Influenced by the simplistic design of industrial objects found in public spaces, A-001 bridges the gap between the exterior world and our personal surroundings. Composed of two detachable compartments, an interior structure to rest your rolled items, and an exterior holder which functions to mount the vessel and host the ash. The semi-enclosed design and the seamless separation of the two components offer a simple cleaning experience. This refined design is intended to exist in a myriad of spaces while supporting your everyday needs.
"This iconic design by Stig Carlson reimagined by Teenage Enginering provides incredible sound throughout the space without compromising on design."
Teenage Engineering OB-4 Speaker
The incredible sounding portable hifi stereo with line-in, wireless audio, and the evolution of radio. OB–4 memorizes everything you play on an endless looping tape. rewind the radio and remix anything. comes with a folding handle that doubles as a stand. ultra power efficient with up to a week of music listening.
"The coziest home scent for fall and winter."
Byredo Tree House Candle
The Tree House candle has retained the makeshift architecture of these poetic gems: cedar, bamboo, sandalwood, guaiac wood and hay. A solid frame dotted with scents of spice, myrrh and labdanum. The more the scent of the candle spreads, the higher it seems to send us.
"An item I use daily!"
Tsubota Pearl Aluminum Wave Lighter
The Hard Edge Aluminum Wave Lighter by Tsubota Pearl is a refillable petrol lighter with a minimal design.
"This line was developed by Merge, a shop I co-launched in 2015 which has since gone on to produce beautiful and high-quality inhouse lines inspired by the west coast. The Solstice Hair & Body Oil is my first step out of the shower."
Merge Solstice Hair and Body Oil
With the essence of hand picked lemons and wildflowers, our lightweight Solstice Oil provides nourishment and luster to both sea-swept hair and sun-kissed bodies. Helping our skin’s natural oils outlast the wild summer sun and harsh winter climates.
"Adds a very beautiful and rich color to the space."
Manteleria Melting Logo Blanket
Our melted huge logo printed on a 70% mohair & 30% wool blanket. Carded and combed with natural dry cardoon flower heads in Ezcaray, North Spain.Colour: Imperial red & black.Dimensions: 200 x 135 cm.Hand printed and stitched numbered label.
"Another Copenhagen-based company that offers incredible quality and timeless design."
Reframed Bed Frame
Dimensions: 140 x 200, 150 x 200, 160 x 200, 180 x 200. The full outer-dimensions are ex. 161-201cm.
"The comfiest chair — it’s a piece that will be with me for a long time."
Hem Puffy Chair
The detachable upholstery of the Puffy Lounge Chair is fat and plump, its generous shape spills freely over the sides of a tubular steel frame which, in stark contrast, is hard-lined and strong. The two key elements of this seating design by Faye Toogood are in purposeful and playful juxtaposition.
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