Ananya Sharma

Contributing Editor, Home & Culture

A trained cultural anthropologist with a master's in journalism from Columbia, Ananya Sharma has a unique lens on the world of decor. She has written long-form features for 'The New York Times' Style section and 'Dwell,' focusing on the intersection of culture and domestic life. Ananya travels extensively for her work, documenting homes that tell a powerful story, from a multi-generational artisan's workshop in Jaipur to a minimalist co-living space in Tokyo. She believes that every object in a home has a narrative, and her gift is in uncovering it.

Expertise

Cultural Anthropology of HomeNarrative JournalismArtisanal and Handmade CraftsGlobal Design TraditionsSustainable and Ethical DecorPsychology of DesignIn-depth Interviewing

Coverage Areas

Room Tours (story-focused)
Designer Spotlights (personal journeys)
Design Styles (cultural origins)
Organizing Solutions (psychological aspect)

Latest Articles

A vintage typewriter with pages of a novel spilling out, symbolizing the fluid and organic nature of storytelling.
The Reading Room

Walter Mosley argues novels are stories, not machines

Literary editors, critics, and even some fiction writers routinely discuss novels as if they were mechanical devices designed to impart a series of events with a clear resolution, according to Literar

Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

An epic, cinematic depiction of Odysseus in battle, with subtle futuristic AI elements integrated into the background, representing the AI-generated audiobook.
The Reading Room

ElevenLabs Releases AI Odyssey Audiobook with Michael Caine's Voice

Michael Caine's distinctive voice now narrates Homer's 'The Odyssey,' yet the 91-year-old actor never stepped into a recording booth.

Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

Author James Bradley, known for 'Flags of Our Fathers,' is shown in a reflective pose, contemplating the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph.
The Reading Room

James Bradley, author of Flags of Our Fathers, dies at 72

Decades after James Bradley's 'Flags of Our Fathers' became a national bestseller, a Marine Corps investigation revealed his own father was not among the men in the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising photog

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

Portrait of Jean Houston, the 'Midwife of Souls,' known for her work in expanding human consciousness and potential.
The Reading Room

Jean Houston, 'Midwife of Souls,' dies at 89

Jean Houston, the prolific author of 26 books and founder of the Mystery School, who helped countless individuals explore their inner worlds, has died at 89, according to Wikipedia and The New York Ti

Jun 19, 2026 · 2 min read

An ancient Greek philosopher in deep thought, symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom and tranquility over constant activity.
Living Well

What Is Ancient Greek Philosophy's Path to Less Busyness?

For ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, 'scholê' wasn't just downtime; it was dedicated leisure for engaging in 'divine nous' – the highest human activity.

Jun 19, 2026 · 4 min read

A beautifully arranged living room with natural light, plants, and minimalist decor, showcasing Feng Shui principles for a harmonious home environment.
Home Chapters

What Are Feng Shui Principles for a Harmonious Home Environment?

Imagine a grid laid over your home, where each section corresponds to an aspect of your life—from career to relationships—and by adjusting objects within it, you could subtly shift your destiny.

Jun 18, 2026 · 4 min read

Diverse group of people enjoying summer reading outdoors on a sunny day with books and refreshments.
The Reading Room

Experts Share Top Summer 2026 Reading List Recommendations

Out of 419 unique books recommended across 25 major summer reading lists, only 60 titles garnered significant consensus for 2026, with Maggie O’Farrell's 'Land' leading the pack.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A holographic AI interface interacting with a traditional bookshelf, symbolizing the fusion of technology and literature.
The Reading Room

AI's Impact on Literary Narratives Explored

Lauren Oyler, a notable literary figure, recently revealed she met her AI boyfriend, according to Literary Hub .

Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

A bookshelf filled with books, with a calendar indicating future release dates, symbolizing the delayed anticipation of summer reads.
The Reading Room

Publishers' 'Anticipated' Summer Books Are Years Away

As 'most anticipated summer book' lists flood our feeds, a curious truth emerges: many highlighted titles, like Andrew Sean Greer's 'Villa Coco' and Grace Alexander's 'The Lowe Job,' won't actually hi

Jun 12, 2026 · 2 min read

A writer's desk overflowing with books, a laptop screen showing a popular book list, symbolizing the tension between literary rigor and online engagement.
The Reading Room

Maris Kreizman's 2026 Book Lists: Clicks Over Rigor

Maris Kreizman, a prominent literary critic, openly admits her popular 'best books' lists for 2026 are not intellectually rigorous, yet highly effective for generating clicks, according to Literary Hu

Jun 11, 2026 · 2 min read

A robotic hand interacting with a book in a futuristic library, symbolizing the intersection of AI and literature.
The Reading Room

Exploring AI's impact on literature and publishing

A new AI-powered novel, 'The Algorithmic Muse,' has topped the New York Times bestseller list for two weeks, sparking a fierce debate about the future of human creativity.

Jun 10, 2026 · 2 min read

Person calmly practicing proactive mental wellness strategies with daily routines in a serene home environment.
Living Well

How to Build Proactive Mental Wellness Strategies for Daily Life

People who maintain consistent daily routines experience lower levels of distress, even when facing significant health problems or negative life events, according to Mental Health America .

Jun 10, 2026 · 4 min read

A bright, minimalist living room with organized shelves and a clear coffee table, symbolizing mental clarity and reduced stress.
Living Well

Why Decluttering Your Home Boosts Mental Clarity and Reduces Stress

For many, the sight of a cluttered desk or a disorganized living room creates persistent feelings of overwhelm, stress, and shame, constantly reminding us of unfinished tasks and decisions.

Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Tony Awards winners celebrating on stage with trophies, under bright spotlights, with an excited audience in the background.
Culture Notes

Tony Awards: Schmigadoon! and Lost Boys Win Four Awards Each

Despite tying for the most nominations with 12 nods, 'The Lost Boys' and 'Schmigadoon!

Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read

A knight symbolizing the publishing industry defends a library of books against an encroaching AI entity made of code.
The Reading Room

Publishing Grapples With AI, Protecting Human Authors' Future

UK publishers have just secured the right to opt out of Google AI search results, marking a significant defensive move in the battle for intellectual property, according to Bookriot .

Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read

A desolate, cracked earth under a swirling cosmic sky, with a single book as the focal point, representing Deb Olin Unferth's novel Earth 7.
The Reading Room

Earth 7 by Deb Olin Unferth book review explores genre-bending premise

Deb Olin Unferth's newly published novel, 'Earth 7', dares to be both a cosmic comedy and a profound lament for our dying world.

Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read

A vintage movie poster for the horror film 'Backrooms' displayed in a dimly lit, suspenseful movie theater lobby.
The Reading Room

Summer Thrillers: New Trends and 'Cape Fear' Premiere

A feature film based on internet creepypasta, 'Backrooms', has already grossed over $100 million at the box office this year from a $10 million budget, according to Esquire .

Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Alan Riding, a determined foreign correspondent, taking notes in a tense, dimly lit environment during the Central American 'dirty war' in the 1970s.
The Reading Room

Alan Riding, Former Times Correspondent, Dies at 82

In the early 1970s, Alan Riding worked as a freelance reporter in Buenos Aires and Mexico, covering Central America's dangerous 'dirty war.

Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Diverse social workers collaborating to build a resilient community, offering support and planning in the aftermath of a disaster, symbolizing hope and global impact.
Living Well

Social work leaders are building resilient societies, but face major challenges.

Over 750 participants from 170 countries gathered for a WHO–UNICEF webinar, focusing on community social protection for preparedness and response.

Jun 5, 2026 · 5 min read

A futuristic library with holographic books and a glowing question mark, representing the impact of AI on literature and reading trends.
The Reading Room

AI and Authenticity: Navigating 2026 Reading Trends

A recent short story prize went to a piece many readers were 99% certain was AI-generated, according to KJZZ .

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read