DANUTA CIRCLE
Jordy Murray
Frenetic energy is a polarizing aspect of city living, but it suits Jordy Murray just fine. Growing up between the States and Australia, she used to visit an uncle who lived in Manhattan’s Gramercy neighborhood. “I didn’t know who or what would bring me to New York,” she says—a modeling contract, as it turned out—“but I feel like I’m going to be one of those lifers. I’m so patriotic about the city, it’s embarrassing.” During the homebound stretch of the pandemic, Murray solved her restlessness by getting a dog and collecting vintage furniture for resale. Five years later, she operates Friends of Form, a design studio with a slate of residential products, and has her own live-work space inside a former painter’s studio in Williamsburg. She credits her modeling career with stoking her dual interests in set decoration and beauty. She is religious about sunscreen and calls herself the guinea pig of her friend group when it comes to in-office treatments. “I take insanely good care of my skin.”
What are you currently working on?
I’m in various stages of a few interiors projects, but am more excited about developing some pieces for a gallery.
What is your favorite time of year?
My birthday is the first weekend of summer, so I’m quite the beach baby. I love the smell of saline air mixed with SPF and body odor.
How does nature find its way into your home?
I don’t care for indoor plants, but I do like to have at least one arrangement in the house at all times.
What do you collect, and why does it delight you?
I’m surprisingly good about letting things go, but I do buy quite a lot of vintage ceramics, especially on trips. I justify it because they are somewhat useful, for serving salads and holding flowers, drinking coffee, etc.
What beauty or self-care ritual keeps you going?
Botox.
In your approach to wellness, what are you leaning away from and/or toward?
I’m trying to prioritize more restorative downtime and to see rest as productive. I’ve even deleted some of my favorite apps—it’s been quite a challenge.
How do you wind down for bed?
I have terrible sleep hygiene, but if I have the time I love to watch TV or read in a very hot bath.
What favorite activity keeps you unplugged from the internet?
A sauna. I try to go a few times a week. I really love to sweat, and it’s the only way to get my phone out of my hand. Even then, sometimes I take it in, wrapped in a towel.
What piece of beauty wisdom have you gleaned?
I can’t remember who I nabbed this from, but my favorite makeup trick is to heavily line your eyelids—top and bottom, including the water line—and then thoroughly wash your face. You get the loveliest subtle liner that looks like you maybe slept in it.
What is a good rule to live by?
Better late than ugly.
