I’ve been bookmarking TONS of cute kids stuff for clients and maybe my own kids and started pulling stuff together and ended up with four random room designs I liked but didn’t have a client for. Everything is retail, so I thought I’d share them with you guys, in case anyone is looking for some room designs. And yes, both girls rooms are PINK, I’ve learned my lesson.

A pretty, English country inspired room (reupholster the bed in something fabulous on your own- maybe a blush stripe?)

LINKS TO ROOM ABOVE HERE

Inspired by our summer camp tours last weekend, a hunter green outdoorsy/fishing inspired room

LINKS FOR ROOM ABOVE HERE

I saw this quilt and fell in love and designed a whole “country” inspired girls room around it. A little dash of cross stitching and ditsy flowers and VOILA.

LINKS FOR ROOM ABOVE HERE

These sheets are adorable and also come as wallpaper – they almost look delft tile-esque. The cutest little ball foot bed, my plaid rug and bedding mixed with some brass and leather (the grasscloth makes it truly ageless too- easy to swap as they grow without changing wallpaper, which is expensive).

LINKS FOR ROOM ABOVE HERE

A little look back at my own kids rooms over the years…. I have gotten SUCH good repeat use of so many things, so updates to some things don’t feel so bad!

Henry’s first nursery:

(That Susan Harter mural was such a big purchase for me….)

Which turned into Emma’s nursery 4.5 years later….

(That Kristin Blakeney painting is now in my primary- it was commissioned to mark Emma’s birth and has her name and birth weight hidden in it. I made pillows out of the fabric panels on her crib and still have them to this day, too)

(That art above is now in our powder room)

(This lucite bookshelf was in Henry’s nursery too and then made it’s way to his big boy room…)

When Henry was 4 he got a big boy room I LOOOOOOVED:

(I reworked his shades and sconces to fit his new room, he still has those nightstands- we finally are replacing the art as he feels it’s too babyish)

(BRB sobbing)

(The rug is from Brimfield and still in his room as is the red lamp, the art I commissioned for him is in his hallway and that leather chair – RIP Mitchell Gold- I reupholstered in faux leather and is also up in the kids hall!)

Their rooms now:

This girl is CRAZY to not like this room.

Stay tuned as I tweak their spaces to feel more like “them”.

As I walked down the cobblestone streets of downtown Nantucket a few weeks ago, attempting to navigate my wheeled suitcase to the wharf to catch my ferry home, I had to dodge and weave around lines and crowds at every turn. The island was PACKED, and not just because there was a design event that week. Seemingly in the last 5 years whenever I visit, it’s been overwhelmingly busy- tourists blending with summer residents, renters and day trippers from the Cape. It has been so much so that I have been avoiding going during high season, preferring the calmer months of September and October when reservations open up, you can manage to find a spot to park and enjoy the undisputed beauty and charm of the island with less frustration and, to be honest, in your face extreme wealth. In the summer it’s been trending more mega yachts than fishing boats it seems, and for me personally, that vibe has become more stressful than relaxing. I know summer residents who now avoid going into town altogether during the summer because they too feel the same way, while some really enjoy the now bustling nightlife and “scene”. To each their own.

Nantucket is having a viral moment- between the wildly popular and star studded TV adaptations of Elin’s novels (she and her books are lovely and I am a huge fan and friend) to yes, an increase in the visibility from creators and companies in search of the most idyllic and click-inducing backdrops and storylines. It seems that every brand, big and small, is having a pop up on island (including recently one of my own collaborations), inviting this type of content to be created, and inviting (literally) influencers from near and far to visit, causing a bit of a rift with people who have lived there for not only years, but generations. Most notably, the recent addition of a “No Influencers” quarter board sign displayed at the Four Winds Craft Gallery (which I love) has caused quite the eye opening conversation about the creator economy, “influencer” culture, social media addiction and good old fashioned manners. It’s not about Nantucket specifically, it’s a much bigger and broader discussion- it’s happening a LOT of places, which means it’s cultural and global, not specific to one geographic location.

I can see this from both sides, albeit a bit more intimately from one side. I myself, obviously, have built an entire career with the help of social media. My business started as a blog. That visibility helped me start a design firm, write three books, employ a bunch of people and now create my own product lines that yes, I market online. I also make a healthy revenue from affiliate linking and recommending products to my followers. Personally, I hate the term “influencer” and don’t really enjoy sharing pictures of myself, which harks back to self esteem issues that took root as a child and linger to this day. I am so uncomfortable doing photoshoots because it feels like I’m saying “I’m so cool and perfect, look at me”- and I do NOT feel that way, quite the opposite, in fact. But what I DO love about content creation is sharing amazing things I’ve found, places I’ve visited, items and work I’ve created. I love a good buy, a new artist or a wonderful eyeshadow- and I love telling people about it, helping businesses grow and I think I have a good eye for beautiful and well made things. Simple as that. And lo and behold- now I can also support my family by doing it, and the families of my employees! It’s truly quite amazing what this new media has afforded so many people. And luckily I have a business and vocation other than influencing that allows me to remain very picky and diligent about only sharing links to things I truly use, love and think people would enjoy. I turn down more offers than I accept for free stuff and paid content because I want to remain a trusted voice in the space. I’d rather have 100,000 followers that trust my recommendations than 1 million who don’t.

But of course, it’s not all that way with every account on IG or Tik Tok (although I’m not on Tik Tok so I have no idea how that works). Some people will push anything for a commission, even products they don’t like or use. Some people galavant through a public street stopping traffic to find the right shot. Or take picture after picture in a store blocking others from perusing the goods or take over a great tourist spot to get video content not caring that others may want to also enjoy the same spot. But that is not exclusive just to content creators and influencers- that is a problem that is universal, which is the loss of manners, politeness, face to face communication and awareness of others around you. And those problems span across lots of lifestyles, ages, careers and societies. People taking calls on speakerphone in public places, running into you on the sidewalk from not looking up, kids not knowing how to speak properly to adults in real time, general rudeness becoming more and more a daily experience. Our lives are SO heavily online- everyone, not just influencers, seem to live by the notion that “if I didn’t capture it and share it, did it even happen?”. I’ve felt that way and I bet you have too at one time or another. It’s become more and more obvious the powerful change this has had on how we interact and experience life, especially as I watch my own kids and the draw to their iPads- for games, chatting with friends or “just time to chilllllll, Mom!”- or the need I feel to document my days on my phone.

And yet, this content creator/ social media culture has created a LOT of income and employment for so many people. It has allowed more women to make an empowering income while also staying home with their children, others to be self-employed, launch a business or have a side hustle to make ends meet- so many things. It has also helped so many smaller brands get off the ground with limited marketing funds, given exposure to new artists and truly shaped the way we get information, in good and bad ways. So I was FLOORED when I saw such an incredible bevy of truly hateful and vicious comments from people on the post Four Winds made about their sign. I couldn’t believe what I was reading- so much so I felt compelled to engage, which was probably stupid, but I really did not like how so many people were absolutely vilifying this industry. I haven’t had such nasty interactions with people since posting about not liking Trump (speaking of selfish grifters…)

Being a part of the content creator business, I felt the need to share my perspective, and hopefully it is one that is balanced, in which two things can be true- you can be annoyed by things going viral online and making your favorite places too busy for you to enjoy and also really delighted that people are succeeding on their own terms because of that notoriety and acknowledgment. In fact, that’s happened with the bakery next to my office! It drives me nuts that I can’t just pop in for a latte or a croissant because there is a line around the block for a viral iced coffee they have- I GET IT. But also, that bakery is experiencing wilder success than it ever imagined, I’m certain! So while I am annoyed for myself, I am also thrilled for them as a small, female founded business. The same goes for feeling badly about yourself from consuming too many “highlight reels” from content creators who exude wealth, perfect skin and six pack abs while also being super pumped about the $40 Target jeans you discovered because a stay at home mom with good style shared that find with you. Both exist! You can be angry that Nantucket feels like it’s been taken over by influencers and finance bros and lost its quaintness, while at the same time cheering on their tourist economy that is BUSTLING from that influx of people and the employment of the island’s workers for an increase in events.

It’s not black or white. And you get to set your own boundaries- whether thats a sign in your shop saying “no photography” (I still don’t love the call out of specifically influencers) and asking people who are disrupting your business to leave or limiting your exposure to Instagram when it makes you feel bad, unfollowing people you no longer connect with or feel aren’t being genuine, whatever it is- everyone can make their own call and live and work in a manner that suits them as an inalienable right. But blaming the shift in an entire culture and a host of social issues on influencers alone, most of which are decent humans making a living doing something they enjoy? That’s something I certainly say a hard “NO” to and I’ll happily hang that sign on my wall.

**Of course this is a discussion and all opinions welcome, but please keep it civil and polite. :)

LINKS TO EVERYTHING ABOVE HERE.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING ABOVE HERE.

If security and not being outside was the concern, may I present VERSAILLES? LOL. I checked and you CAN rent it for a private event but you have to be very special and very rich (is anyone more those two things than T Swift?) Big enough for a bajillion people (although, I would prefer less…) I mean, if we’re gonna go all Marie Antoinette with it maybe we just do it LITERALLY?

I was picturing something more Princess meets Folklore, although that really doesn’t jive aesthetically- bear with me. Over the top florals, but in a wild english garden way- shades of red, pink, plum and chartreuse. Red is her signature color anyways- why ignore it (I sound like Elle Woods). Amazing layering patterned china, sumptuous linens and TONS of candlelight. This Elie Saab Couture gown would have been SO perfect on her- with a signature red lip of course, and then this cute Oscar de la Renta short lace number for dancing with some Louboutins.

A vision board quickly rendered….

Using some hints from her actual wedding, the invites could have used a hand painted landscape- but as envelope liners closed with wax seals. Favor boxes could have been embroidered linen, guest could be given fans for the heat (maybe embroidered lace instead of these paper ones I show here, referencing her handkerchief favors….)

Kinda this vibe by Blossom Events– elegant and fancy but then transforms into a dance club in an unexpected way? Just a thought… :)

As I plan (and shop) I pulled together eight looks I’d love to wear this summer. I can’t afford to buy them all, but there are some sure faves here!

CLICK EACH IMAGE FOR THE LINKS!!

Have a wonderful Fourth of july weekend everyone!!!

XOXO

I’ve been REALLY itching to edit, donate, clean, scrub and just GET MY SHIT TOGETHER. The summer always makes me really antsy to clean house and get organized- maybe it has something to do with the heat and humidity and the desire to have less things? As I prepare to spend some time doing this, I wanted to share the things I love for the purpose of keeping house- both things that bring me joy (this counter cleaner, this candle) to the nitty gritty like food storage containers and stain cleaner. I hope this feels helpful and inspirational to kick start your own “get my shit together” mission! All links (and some more goodies like a great steamer and iron) all HERE.

Of Note:

• The Heirloom Tomato is my favorite summer scent, in the fall I swap to the Cece candle and handwash from Homecourt for a cozier vibe.
• I use regular scent free laundry pods for the kids (kept in these glass containers), but for my sheets I use the Beauty Sleep detergent (and linen spray) and my clothes this Santal version.
• I have very high cabinets and this is the nicest looking step ladder I can find, since I have to leave it out.
• Little joys- decanting things like pasta, chocolate chips and such into these WS glass containers and all our plastic baggies into this wooden organizer.
• In my pantry cabinets we’re using these clear bins to keep things grouped and tidy- in closets I like to use these baskets on shelves.
• I like these woven lidded baskets for extra toilet paper and feminine products next to the toilet.
• A pretty toilet brush totally elevates the powder room.
• I got these dish towels and love them- great feel, absorbency and cheap enough to toss when they get gross.
• I added all of these into my makeup drawers and junk drawers in the kitchen.

All links (plus more items not shown) located HERE!

• I personally use this golf bag and have this skirt, ADORE this sweatshirt (I have all the colors) and bought Andrew these tees (the box is both funny and great for keeping tees organized an from stabbing you when you reach into your bag!)

*ANDREW GATES APPROVED:

• It would not be a Father’s Day gift guide without a Criquet shirt. He owns, no joke, 45 of them (between polos and button downs) and honestly, has gotten SO many people into them. A SOLID choice for any guy who likes polos.
• These OnCloud sneakers he seems to be wearing a lot. He ordered new sneakers and shoes literally weekly, so the ones that make the rotation are honest to goodness good.
• I got him the Federer racquet for his birthday and he loves it- I love the style. :)
• This gigantic speaker he’s borrowed from his bestie and now wants one of his own.
• Jack Black products – always in his medicine cabinet.

My other faves:

• These lined swim trunks– lots of color options and a great length.
• A Whoop (love the new designs) if he wants to improve his health.
• I seriously want this bug zapper.
• This garment bag that also has room for a change of clothes and a shoe compartment- perfect for quick business trips!

Custom light fixtures combined with re-upholsterd dining chairs from another home live in harmony in the open kitchen, dining and sitting area.

The owners previously has a stainless steel island countertop and loved the durability so it was replicated here, along with commercial grade appliances as they love to cook. The perimeter countertops are Danby marble.

This buffet was built in to look like a piece of furniture

A fun bar area with wallpaper reminiscent of tile, and an antique pendant of the owner’s hangs above.

The living room is a serene spot in warmer tones of coral, pale sage and linen. I simply ADORE these chairs!!!

A sweet antique game table and chairs and a wood burning fireplace make this a perfect spot to settle in and relax.

The living room connects to a wonderful screen porch with ocean views.

Sitting here the first evening of the shoot confirmed that I need a screen porch in my life! So delightful!

The bright and sunny foyer.

Kinlin Rutherford added some great little details to this house, like this curved ceiling detail.

Just obsessed with this wallpaper and trim combo in the powder room

The cozy primary with its own sitting porch.

Primary bathroom- a mix of marble, wood and v-groove.

OMG I was so excited to use this wallpaper for this guest room!

There’s something seaweed-y about it, even though it’s ferns. Such a fun mix of pattern in here too.

Another guest room, this time in shades of yellow and green.

This guest room was a great mix of antiques/ existing pieces and some new additions.

There are several guest baths, but we just photographed one, as we approached the design of each in a rather similar manner, just mixing up floor and shower tile. Special hardware and a gorgeous water blue tile make this one a treat.

There are two bunk rooms in which we had some fun! This one with a fabulous striped rug and bold tone on tone wall color.

A re-upholtered chair in this fun fern print adds a spot for reading.

I showed Henry this room and he immediately dubbed it the “Percy Jackson” room as the paper is both nautical and has Greek ruins! The amazing ceiling light plays off the theme and the cutest little antique chair was reupholstered in this bold outdoor grade stripe.

Each bunk room has four twin beds- providing abundant sleeping space for littles and bigs alike!

There are a few more exterior shots on the portfolio page, this sweet one shows the lovely mix of materials used in creating a home that fits perfectly into the local aesthetic.

Last but not least, the hard working mudroom, which while compact houses a washer/dryer (not shown), TONS of wooden peg hooks, cubbies AND a built in dog crate!

Please also check out or new Maine project as well! And reach out to us with YOUR project, we’d love to work with you!

To make it extra special, we added gold trim and rivets, and the result is a gorgeous, sleek but classic mirror that would look good in literally any type of decor from modern to traditional. It also would be incredible in a bathroom as well, although the scale is on the large side! Perhaps a smaller version in the future for powder rooms?

You can order it now HERE! Also check out our other designs with Cooper Classics HERE!

While my house looks great, I do notice things here and there that I want to change 5 years into owning it and have started that process. A good example is the stairwell walls, which I just wallpapered in a bold Schumacher striped ikat that I LOOOOOOOVE. I was worried initially it would be too much pattern with the mural in my dining room, but now I am SO happy I took the risk and did it. It feels perfect.

Spurred on by this improvement, I have walked through my house and made some notes on what I wish I had done, and will comment on what I am going to change/ swap/ add! Starting with the dining room:

I just touched up the trim in here when we moved in- and with the paper it’s a bit yellowed because it was oil, so I wish I had redone it in White Dove like the rest of the house. I would LOOOOOVE a high gloss ceiling in here in white, not sure that will ever be in my budget though. The drapes- I do wish I had done chartreuse silk in here for a punch of color. But that would require reupholstering the chairs (UGH- everything is a set of dominos). These grey wool drapes are amazing quality, and they do look lovely…. I’m torn.

In the formal living room, an easy add is the ceiling paint. The drapes I cannot change unless I sell these gorgeous trimmed panels- which I do love- so this requires a bit more of a think. A change also depends on what I do in the family room- I don’t want patterned drapes in both rooms. I may also swap the pillows someday too…

I chose not to do roman valances because I did not want to block more light, as this room is pretty dark despite the ample windows. But it feels a bit unfinished now.

This room is the most pressing- my sectional fabric, despite being indoor/outdoor, has not held up. Between the dog and kids and myself- it’s so dirty and stained. Such a bummer, as reupholstering a sectional is expensive, but I need to do a deeper color or a small pattern. And that depends on the drapes- I pulled this fabric for a client and have become OBSESSED with the idea of using it here- but I also love a good skinny stripe sectional for hiding stains. Choosing is the hardest part for me, clearly.

The mudroom is a little more of a functional issue- the bench portion of the cubbies has been chipping, as painted millwork does with heavy use, so I wish I had done stained walnut there. I also wish I had done real brick floors in a warmer tone instead of settling for this grey faux brick. Painting the ceiling is easy, as would be a window treatment- but since this is Beans’ preferred spot to lie it would probably get ruined.

Why I did not put a disposal in here in the butlers pantry, I do not know. I’m so annoyed I didn’t.

In the primary I actually have pulled the trigger on some additions! I wanted to do a half-tester in here originally but never did. It’s being made right now to match the drapes. I also am doing a new bed in a blush velvet with a fab trim and a slightly lower headboard (I’ll be selling this one, which is great- custom designed in a Holly Hunt outdoor grade boucle, if you are interested!) I’m toying with doing the ceiling in the palest shade of blush too.

Why I never did a pink room for my only daughter in our old house (remember her nursery???) or this house I don’t know, but girlfriend now has OPINIONS and has decided she hates her room and wants a PINK room. Pray for me- I fear this child is going to give me a run for my money, literally. I love her room, and this paper was so pricey, so I am very hard pressed to lean into what I am sure are whims that will change as soon as next year possibly!

Henry has asked for a little update, which he is due, as he has had the same stuff in his room since he was teeny. I basically replicated his room in this house from the last house but changed the wallpaper, which I was never happy with (you can barely see it). He has a fab new bed, but I may change out some items in his room this year since he’s turning 11 (HOW???) Still red and blue but maybe a little more preppy/ masculine.

We added this full bath to basement in 2021 and I can tell :) I went a little more “mod” here and I wish I hadn’t fully done that. Especially the floor. I still love the green shower, and I’m not changing anything here as it’s the least used bath in the house and I have other fish to fry, but just sharing for a “stick to classic” lesson learned story.

So there you have it, all the little tweaks that may or may not happen over time. I see my house as an evolving laboratory as I grow and change as a designer, so stay tuned always- I’ll be selling some great pieces and trying out new things!

We designed this family’s home here in Massachusetts and so when they called us again with the surprise news they had bought this unbelievable property, we were so thrilled. Not only to be called back for a second round of design work (always a wonderful feeling) but also because we were going to be able to work in a style a little out of our normal, traditional-meets-modern vein- which for us was inspiring.

This house was designed by an architect in California, and was ready to go. While we swapped out some lighting, the hard surfaces, baths and kitchen were done and looked great, so no need to reinvent the wheel there. What we did do was play off the vibe the architecture and setting already set for us, with the directive to make this NOT your typical New England beach house. What they were after was a more California cool, sort of 70’s surf vibe. Modern, warm, and a place you can still kick your sandy feet up and feel comfortable LIVING in (especially with kids).

This is a great room, with ocean views all along the far wall of windows. We wanted a natural warmth to be the base in here so we used lots of natural jute, wood, caramel velvet and linen. I am obsessed with the checkered poufs with boullion fringe- not something you’d expect in a Maine beach house and yet SO GOOD.

These clients love to hunt for great art, and this piece from Portland Art Gallery by Anne Sklar was the exact right feel and tones for this modern mantel spot.

Looking out at the ocean and private rocky beach (we collected a lot of pretty rocks on this shoot!). The client wanted to keep the view the star, foregoing drapes and instead installing very minimalist sheer motorized roller shades.

Looking back at the open plan towards the dining area and kitchen, you can better see the ochre and coral palette in the pillows and the AMAZING custom light fixture done by Tracy Glover.

A flatweave rug creates a casual but comfy base for this custom dining table that we paired with antique razorback chairs (we had to locate two identical sets online- a challenge) upholstered in an indoor/outdoor burnt coral red stripe. Can you EVEN with these florals????

As I mentioned, the kitchen proper was complete, so all we added were some great rope counter stools and accessories.

Out the glass doors is the porch, where you can just take a deep breath looking over the rolling grass down to the beach. Truly a magical spot.

Behind the kitchen is the super spacious mudroom- we did add these built ins in this space, mimicking the existing woodwork.

Down the hall is a TV room, which we outfitted in shades of yellow, beige, brown and a hint of coral and black. The sectional is a wonderfully nubby outdoor fabric that for sure has a throwback appeal to it.

Again, those VIEWS.

Another fantastic piece of art selected to complement the scenery and the room itself. Another pair of vintage chairs in a sheepskin is durable and cozy year round.

Across from the TV den in the main entry- with a super funky black iron mirror, rope-wrapped console and suede fringe ottomans. A checkerboard Moroccan rug warms up the floor and calls back to the pattern in the great room. The lamp and custom shade serve almost as sculpture.

What I LOOOOVE about my job is the ability to work in styles opposite of my own home- it is SO fun and exciting to work in a style like this and show that we really can do ANY look. :)

I absolutely LOVE how the primary came out- starting with the incredible striped bed and caramel ikat drapes. Such perfect colors for this soothing space.

The white reeded nightstands pop off the wood panels and complement the ride and fall pendants that were actually existing.

Across the bed you can spot a vintage wicker chest and bamboo mirror with a peek into the bathroom.

Another space, this time more of an adult office and den, with shades of plum, magenta, yellow and orange. This room is SO much fun- from the blockprint roman shade to the purple sofa and funky chair.

We also added this built in wall to look like it had always been here, providing more storage and display space.

The kids bunk room- what colors, DIDN’T we use in here? Such a bright and happy space perfect for the littles in the family (plus some friends!)

We really cleaned out 1st Dibs of braided wicker casegoods :)

I ADORE how moody this guest room came out. It’s tiny, so we painted the wall this deep plum and used an abstract mural on grasscloth on the back plastered wall as almost large scale art. A braided rope bed, tiny retail nightstands and modern brass lamps round it out.

This other guest room was done in coral and green, but not in a cutesy, juvenile way.

We fitted out this laundry room with new cabinetry, tile and the SWEETEST hunter green leaf paper.

A little hallway nook…

A huge thank you to Eliza and Colleen on my team for all their incredible work getting this across the finish line and all our tradespeople for making (multiple) trips to Maine to make this perfect for us and our lovely clients.

I saved a little round up of items that give you the feel of this project in my ShopMy, too. I cannot reveal all the sources for these specific items (the clients pay us for that), but I can suggest some readily available items that will help you get the look!

ALL LINKS HERE!