The Friends of Form Founders Take Their Bedding Very, Very Seriously

Small rituals make home a place for rest and rejuvenation. In The Wind Down: Day to Night, presented by Lincoln, we explore the wellness routines of people we admire. Because it’s the little moments throughout the day that make us feel our best—and stress-free.

Instagram-run furniture shops are everywhere these days, but few are helmed by two friends—and fashion models. During the pandemic, Jordy Murray and Nora O’Neil teamed up to launch their vintage furniture store, Friends of Form, after years of collecting and reselling pieces as a hobby. With a focus on 20th-century items from designers like Josef Hoffmann, Michel Arnoult, and Milo Baughman, the duo’s selection is ripe with goods in unexpected shapes and materials.

As the Brooklyn-based studio starts expanding its work to include interior design projects and product collaborations, Murray’s and O’Neil’s schedules have never been more demanding. And though it’s said one should avoid going into business with friends, the two have found the benefits that come with working together outweigh any conflicts that may pop up. For them, collaboration is at the heart of self-care—that plus a few candles, Pilates, and plush bed linens.

Early risers: I wake up around 7 a.m., put the kettle on to boil, and check my apps for any disasters that could have occurred overnight. After that, I put my phone back on charge (I’m miserable at remembering to do this in the evening), light a candle—right now my favorites are Italian Kush by Boy Smells and Aginace by Aesop—and play some music. I love listening to something melodic, like salsa or jazz, since it mimics my sleepy pace. If I am working from home that day, I need a great playlist (Orseund Iris Spotify is killer). —Murray

I wake up at 6:30 to make sure I give myself enough time to work out, take the dog for a walk, make coffee, and get to work. I shower and use iS Clinical Face Wash and Prose hair care. I highly recommend both. In the morning I’ll also run an ice cube over my face for about two minutes. It sounds painful, but it is actually a great wake-up and helps with puffiness and redness. I follow it by using a vitamin-C serum, iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion, and Supergoop SPF. —O’Neil

Calm before the storm: Every morning I sit down and write, no exceptions. Most days it’s little mantras, manifestations, or just quick gratitudes before finishing with my to-do list. I know it sounds extremely witchy, but it puts my anxieties to rest and lets me start the day with a clear, confident head. —Murray

I have candles everywhere—my go-tos are from Maison Louis Marie and Diptyque—and I burn incense and palo santo religiously. I also take ashwagandha every day, which I find extremely helpful. —O’Neil

Walk it out: If I’m getting worked up about something that feels monumental, I try to go outside and do a lap around the block. Even a short forced break helps put the issue back in perspective. —Murray

When the day gets to be too much, I’m a big fan of taking a lap outside as a way to reset. It’s so important to put yourself first and give yourself time and space to recharge, think clearly, and do what makes you happy. —O’Neil

Trust fall: Working with friends is incredible—it’s intimate because there’s no place to hide, and you see how people operate on their best and worst days. We trust each other deeply and understand that no singular decision is worth sacrificing that for. We agree on most things, but occasionally you have to put your ego aside and know when to pick your battles. It’s extremely cheesy, but I try to find something to be grateful for within the conflict. There is always a lesson to be learned, and usually I’m grateful for the opportunity to become wiser, more resilient, and more honest with myself. —Murray

Center yourself: We try to leave the studio by 5 p.m. as often as possible. There is always an unlimited number of things to get done, but I lose steam in the evenings, and I think it’s important to see friends and make time to wind down before dinner. Wellness is about leading confidently with your intuition. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is Pilates; other days it’s to stay up all night with your friends. It’s all about balance. —Murray

I start winding down from the day by cooking something nourishing for dinner. I learned how to cook and the importance of cooking from Jordy. My boyfriend does the washing after we eat, while I take an extra-long shower. It’s symbolic of washing the day away. —O’Neil

Cloud nine: I don’t skimp on my nighttime setup: I have a king bed, four down-filled king pillows, no top sheet. My bed is my very favorite piece of furniture in the house and, as such, I dress it up nicely in Brooklinen linen sheets. —Murray

My bed is something I take very seriously! I use six very plush pillows and a king-size duvet in a queen-size cover. The goal is to mimic a cloud; there’s nothing minimal about it. And I love crispy white damask sheets—they always make a room feel luxe. —O’Neil

Doze off: After showering, I’ll put on some Live the Process pants and a vintage T-shirt, get in bed, and try to read—but instead watch 30 minutes of TikToks. I sleep with my phone in bed beside me. I’m asleep by 11 or 12 at the latest—that’s one thing I never skip, my beauty sleep. —Murray

Around 10:30, after catching up with my boyfriend and cuddling with our puppy, Daphne, I’ll put on my Tekla pajamas, get in bed, and read until I fall asleep. I’m currently stuck in A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I need a novel for escapism. —O’Neil