Interior designer Benjamin Stelly invited us into his Austin studio, where sunlight pours in, secrets stay quiet, and the objects know more than they let on. For the first edition of our new series, we lit Bound, watched the light move across the walls, and asked five questions about hidden heirlooms, private rituals, and the bottle opener that’s always down for a good time.

What’s the most unexpected thing that’s happened in this space?

The ability to witness the sun rise and the sun set on the same day from the same bank of windows.

What object in this room holds a secret about you?

Childhood piano chair (mom's mom) and my childhood wooden alligator toy (dad's dad).

When you’re alone in this space, what’s the thing you do that no one else knows about?

I can see them but they can't see me.

If you could live as one of your objects. Which one and why?

My abalone fish bottle opener. She's always around when someone's in need of a good time.

How would you describe the Bound scent?

There's a harshness to it - newly greased leather with a strong undercurrent of an intensely feminine floral. Both sides of a sexy coin.