A couple years ago Haylie
Ellis and Peter Zangrillo invited us over to make
valentines and we've loved them ever since! They are always the perfect
hosts. That particular valentine-making party had all the art materials
you
can imagine, fun décor, live music, sweet gift bags and cupcakes
galore!!!!
So it makes perfect sense that their latest venture, E-Z
Living, produces
design items equally as thoughtful. Read on to learn more.
How did you first start your company?
The concept of E-Z Living (our last names, Ellis & Zangrillo) came
about during
one of many long distance phone calls we shared while Peter was still in
grad
school in London. We just got so excited about the idea of designing functional
products together! It's a natural for us as we love to collaborate and
are
inspired by the objects that surround us.
Your trays are so amazing! How did you start designing them?
As for the trays being E-Z 's first product, that began on a cold winter
day at
Hale and Hearty Soups here in NYC. We were waxing nostalgic over their
cafeteria-style trays – Remember sledding downhill on these things? – and
the next thing you know…
What inspires you?
My original Tupperware collection, the Earthlink ads on TV, the Kool Man
truck
that circles our block, bathroom floors at French Bistros, the open road,
Ed
Ruscha, and our new dog Sam.
What's spinning in the E-Z studio CD player
these days?
It's gotta be either the hot soundtrack to YTuMamaTambien, any David Byrne
or Kraftwerk.
School's out! Got any fun plans this Summer?
Peter's just acquired his first Weber BBQ that should go the distance this
summer. We both love to cook! Plus, E-Z's on the road to Hotlanta and
SanFran. We'll see you there!
We'd all love some easy living. What do you
two do to relax?
Peter's family has a funky 60's ski house in Vermont where we will steal
some
weekends. Peter's quite the fly fisherman! As for me, the flea markets
up there
keep me happy.