Fresh off the launch of her latest venture, Salad for President Dressing Mixes—including an Umami Caesar blend that doubles as an exceptional dip for crunchy vegetables and pita bread—Sherman recently opened up about the foundational items that shape her living space. In the latest installment of Domino’s "Shopping Buddy" series, the artist, author, and cook shared the coveted home purchases, high-end splurges, and clever functional upgrades that define her daily routine, spanning her transition from the West Coast to a turn-of-the-century New York City brownstone.
The Last Thing I Bought For Her Home
When it comes to recent domestic acquisitions, Sherman admits to a bit of playful manifestation. She recently purchased the limited-edition Staub x Clare V. Le Dutch Tote, complete with its signature decorative kiss knob on the lid and a custom carrying bag. Explaining her purchase with characteristic wit, Sherman notes that she couldn’t resist the charming collaboration, humorously adding that she is secretly hoping simply owning the high-end Dutch oven will finally manifest invitations to eat dinner at someone else’s house for a change.
Alongside the statement cookware, Sherman relies on enduring kitchen powerhouses. She considers her Vitamix blender to be one of the rare culinary investments that is unequivocally worth its elevated price tag. To make the essential appliance feel practically indestructible, she recently upgraded her machine with a stainless steel container, transforming a standard countertop fixture into an industrial-grade kitchen workhorse.
Signature Scents and Practical Storage
For everyday household consumables, Sherman maintains a loyal dedication to certain brands, often incorporating her own professional collaborations into her domestic spaces. She keeps the glass pump bottles of Sisters hand wash in every bathroom and beside the kitchen sink. Recently, she re-upped on the custom "Salad" scent developed in partnership with the brand, a formulation featuring aromatic notes of shiso, Sichuan peppercorn, and mimosa.
When tackling the eternal challenge of containing domestic clutter, particularly with children in the house, Sherman bypasses luxury storage solutions in favor of a utilitarian classic. She swears by the IKEA Trofast storage combination with boxes, noting that the light wood and plastic bin system is virtually unbeatable for organizing children’s art supplies. Having previously utilized a unit in her garage in Pasadena, she has now stacked them in her family’s craft room in a New York City brownstone. While acknowledging that the storage system is far from glamorous, Sherman emphasizes its undeniable practicality.
Entertaining Essentials and Kitchen Upgrades
As an established figure in the culinary world, Sherman’s entertaining philosophy centers on approachability, speed, and bold flavor profiles. Her own Salad for President Dressing Mix Variety Trio serves as her primary secret weapon for last-minute gatherings. The instant powdered dressing mixes allow her to pull together cohesive, flavorful meals on short notice, proving especially useful when she needs to satisfy both children and adults simultaneously during larger dinner parties.
Beyond culinary supplies, Sherman highlights two specific architectural and functional upgrades that she believes fundamentally transform the kitchen experience. First is the standard garbage disposal, which she describes as an absolute threshold—once a household has one, it is impossible to return to dealing with the debris that accumulates in a standard sink basin. Second is a Tap Master installation, a mechanical foot pedal system that allows users to turn the kitchen faucet on and off by tapping a small pedal near the floor, eliminating the need to touch handles with messy culinary hands.
Wind-Down Routines and Under-the-Radar Brands
To decompress after spending grueling hours on her feet in a professional kitchen, Sherman relies on a simple physical recovery routine anchored by an OPTP Silver AXIS Foam Roller and a Manduka yoga mat. A thorough stretching session at the end of the day provides essential relief for her muscles, forming a non-negotiable boundary between her work and personal life.
In search of elevated everyday objects, Sherman points to Sirius Glassworks, a Canadian company specializing in hand-blown glass tumblers and vases. After purchasing a couple of their Naked Nassau rock glasses during a trip to Toronto, she found that the unique craftsmanship elevates even a simple glass of water into a special ritual.
For broader design inspiration, Sherman turns frequently to the exhibition catalog from Carol Bove’s Guggenheim show. She notes that Bove’s masterful command of color, material, and texture consistently serves as a wellspring of creative motivation. When asked about current color palettes, Sherman confesses a strong attraction to butter yellow, admitting that despite her worry that the hue might represent a passing trend, her desire for it overrides any hesitation.
Thoughtful Gifts and Architectural Dreams
Gift-giving in Sherman’s household often leans toward the unexpected and communal. She frequently surprises her neighbors with homemade cakes for no particular occasion, arguing that an unprompted cake represents the ultimate gesture of neighborhood hospitality. Additionally, she favors Makié baby pantaloons as gifts for young children; their high elasticity allows infants to wear them across multiple years, somewhat offsetting their premium price tag.
While her current home reflects a mix of functional utility and carefully chosen vintage finds, Sherman harbors long-term design aspirations. She has long desired a modular storage system from USM Haller. Although she jokingly notes that she is far too practical a cook to utilize the sleek configuration as traditional kitchen cabinetry or an island, she admires how designers transform the industrial steel system into striking architectural room anchors, despite their limited practical utility for an active chef.
High-Low Balance in Historic Spaces
Sherman’s interior aesthetic thrives on a deliberate high-low mix that bridges eras and price points. Among her proudest budget finds is a small, clear Murano glass chandelier sourced on eBay. Despite its delicate, feminine profile and accessible price tag, the fixture feels entirely at home alongside the historic crown molding of her turn-of-the-century brownstone.
Finally, the item that garners the most frequent praise from visiting guests is a vibrant green Quilton three-seat sofa designed by HAY. The bold, cheerful upholstery serves as an anchor for the entire living space, successfully balancing a striking visual presence with surprising versatility that pulls the room together without overwhelming its architectural integrity.
