Coley Home Spotlight: Samantha Smalling of NYBlonde

Meet Samantha of @thenyblonde! Based in NY, she is a fabulous tastemaker and mother of two. We love following along to see her incredible style and unique finds! Learn all about Sam and how she styled her Coley Home piece to fit her style and her family's needs.

Tell us about yourself & how you got to where you are today!

Hi! I’m Samantha Smalling, founder of the social media account @thenyblonde. I moved to New York City in June 2011 to begin my career as an assistant buyer at a major off-price department store. While I loved being immersed in fashion, I quickly realized that my passion leaned more toward merchandising and styling than the analytical side of the business.

As I began interviewing for styling roles, I launched TheNewYorkBlonde.com as a creative outlet to share outfit ideas and styling inspiration. That site evolved into an Instagram page, @thenyblonde, which steadily grew into a platform and community centered around style, motherhood, and everyday inspiration.

You recently selected an Upholstered Bradley Bumper Chaise Sectional for your living room. Walk us through the design process!

I recently moved into a classic loft apartment in Tribeca, and I wanted the space to feel airy and light. Being eight months pregnant with my son at the time, I also needed something spacious with plenty of seating. The Upholstered Bradley Bumper Chaise Sectional was the perfect balance of functionality and luxury, ideal for a baby and a toddler, while also elevating the overall aesthetic of the space.

The Upholstered Bradley Bumper Chaise Sectional in Abbott, White*
*We have discontinued Abbott, White and added Sicily, Snow White as a close alternative!*

Raising two young kids in the city must come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to space. Do you have any tips for organizing all the kid-related essentials in a small space?

I do my best to stay organized, but when all else fails, I make use of every available nook as hidden storage. Benches and ottomans double as storage units, and I even repurpose pantry shelves in the kitchen to store small toys. It’s a constant work in progress, rearranging and adjusting everything to make it all fit seamlessly.

We love your effortlessly chic, everyday style. What trends are you most excited about?

I’m most excited about the return of that effortlessly feminine Chloé energy: soft shearling, creamy suedes, slouchy boots, and long romantic layers in camel, ivory, and oat. It’s giving ‘70s Parisian muse meets modern mom-on-the-go. Equal parts polished and undone.

What is the most requested product from your followers? 

My most requested product is a lab-grown sapphire tennis necklace. It has been the top request for the past two years.

What’s one thing your followers would be surprised to learn about you?

My followers would be surprised to learn I am low-key terrified of elevators (I suffer from major claustrophobia). I’ll always choose the stairs if I can.

Where are your favorite places to shop for your everyday finds?

I'm not sure if this qualifies as a spot for everyday treasures, but I am a loyal shopper of The Real Real.

How do you stay ahead of the curve with content, keeping things fresh and exciting for your followers?

I try to stay ahead of the curve by staying really tuned in, both to what’s happening in fashion, beauty, culture and what’s resonating in real life. I scroll, sure, but I also pay attention to conversations I’m having with friends, what’s missing from my feed, and what I’m personally craving. If I’m excited about something—whether it’s a pair of trousers under $100, a Monday night dinner ritual, or a brand that feels slept on—I know others will be too. The key is mixing aspirational with relatable. That’s what makes content feel fresh.

Thank you, Sam!