In Bed With: Molly Ford

Written by: Amy Ding

|

Published on

Molly Ford sits in bed with a mug

At Ostermoor, we are fascinated by every aspect of rest, from winding down in the evening to the first hours in the morning that set the tone for the day ahead. These little rituals we hold for ourselves are sacred times of the day. In Bed With is our new series that takes a glimpse into these rituals of rest from the people in our community in their own homes to hopefully inspire us to find moments of ease in our own ways.


Last week, we were invited into the home of Molly Ford, a Brooklyn-based floral designer and writer who makes a case for slow mornings and sacred spaces. Read on to see how Molly navigates seasonal shifts, protecting one quiet night a week, and what rest really looks like when life is full.

A woman arranges flowers in her bedroom

How has your relationship with rest changed over time?

As my schedule and workload shift each year, my relationship with rest evolves too. I still find relationships, nature, quiet mornings, and afternoons in my garden to be deeply restful. But the time and energy I devote to each of those things continues to change with life. As the seasons shift, I’m reminded to show myself grace when I feel the need to rest and reset.

Walk us through your wind-down routine. What happens after the sun sets?

When we're home for the evening, I usually pick up a book while Hudson cooks us dinner. We love sitting outside when the weather is nice. We’ll often watch a TV series—we're currently working our way through Mad Men. Before bed, I take a hot shower and go through my skincare routine. Then I’ll read until I fall asleep.

A woman lies on her bed with her hands over her face

Is there a part of your morning that feels especially grounding or sacred?

Our coffee machine is on a timer, Hudson usually has his first cup before I even wake up. I love sitting in our kitchen with a candle and a cup of coffee, before the world around me is fully awake.

What makes a morning feel “slow” in the best way?

Taking a walk with our dog, enjoying a warm cup of coffee, lighting my favorite candle, and keeping just a few lamps on, it all creates a calm, cozy start to the day.

A woman sits on her couch with her dog

Are there any wellness products or rituals you swear by—night or day?

Although I don’t journal as often as I’d like, it always makes me feel more rested and grounded when I do.

What does rest really mean to you right now? How do you protect or prioritize rest in your day-to-day life?

Rest, right now, means having one evening a week at home. Spring and summer are especially busy with work and social events. When I see a night on the calendar with no plans, I feel my body immediately relax. That space is sacred, and I do my best to protect it.

A woman holds a pillow
A mattress and the bedside table

What’s something you’ve learned about the value of rest or stillness?

My body and my work are deeply connected to how well-rested I am. I notice a difference in my mental and physical health when I prioritize true rest. I even see it in my floral designs, they feel brighter when I’m taking care of myself.

A woman walks through a doorway in her living room
A woman rests on her mattress
A still life of a corner of her living room

Shop Molly's Picks

Seeking a breathable and medium feel mattress, Molly found The Park to be the perfect balance of support and pliability for a cool and comfortable night of sleep. As a back sleeper, the loft of The Down Pillow offered the ideal height to support Molly’s head and neck through the night.