Giancarlo Valle’s Favorite Things

“I love ceramic on a wall. It adds depth and can tell a great story. For our weekend home in Connecticut, I commissioned 80 ceramic pieces from a contemporary artist and wrapped the walls of our dining room with them, almost like a wallpaper.”

“I pride myself on having never had a cavity. This Buly toothpaste makes my daily routine just a bit more enjoyable. It has great sink appeal, too.”

“It feels like a throwback to the future—a rugged truck with no fancy screens, very little tech, just power and reliability. It’s exactly what I want in a car.”

“Gap T-shirts are my uniform. I don’t think anyone makes a better classic tee. They’re inexpensive, reliable, and pair as well with jeans as they do with trousers. I stockpile them in both white and navy. One important caveat is that they must be ironed.”

“Cooking with cast iron is the best. I love Svenskt Tenn, and this fish shape is a charming addition to dinners in the country, especially on nights when we grill.”

“This book has to be one of the best surveys of Britain’s Arts and Crafts movement. There is an incredible balance of simplicity and grandeur in these homes.”

“I named this piece after my daughter. The prototype hangs in her bedroom. The frame is carved cedar. We recently added a mini Paloma mirror to the collection, so there’s now a mama and mini.”

“This soap is our everyday staple. It’s gentle enough for children and pretty enough to set out for guests. With roman chamomile, it is amazing for sensitive skin with a very subtle scent.”

“I am always sketching—a chair, a room, a doorknob. I take a notebook with me pretty much everywhere and archive them when they fill up. I like that this one can be monogrammed. It makes a perfect heirloom.”

“We discovered this incredible tequila on a trip to Hotel Esencia, which is owned by longtime client and friend, Kevin Wendle. It was cofounded by the grandson of Don Julio and is so easy to drink.”