Summer

Summer is a favorite time to slow down and savor the days. One of my favorites is a summer table with layers of pretty details and fresh blooms. Layering a table can be pretty simple- I always start with one white tablecloth and then go from there. Usually a lace piece or two, some garden flowers scattered around the table, mismatched plates and goblets, and always twinkle lights. I love to add layers of candles too. Keeping flowers In small jars or vintage goblets will help the guests see each other and not be blinded by a huge fussy centerpiece. Adding in some chippy pieces also gives a great casual garden feel and keeps the space from feeling overly fussy.

I've always had a thing for white and muted tones. In this busy world, I long for home to be a calm retreat. It should be life-giving, refreshing, a soft place to land after a hard day, and a calm place where we can rest and recharge.

While I love to style tables with layers, in living spaces I prefer a less is more approach. That's where a few antique pieces can truly shine. The mix of mushy, slip-covered furniture and a few chippy pieces make a space less fussy. I love a crystal chandelier and have one in every room- always on a dimmer to give that calm, cozy feel. I love a little chippy table that can serve as a footstool or a place to put a drink. I prefer chippy coffee tables so no coasters are needed and feet are welcome.

And last, I love a mirror in living spaces. I love the way they reflect light and make a small space feel larger- they definitely add to that cozy factor I love. I’m not a huge fan of painting antiques, I try to find original pieces that have that authentic, timeworn patina. So if the mirror has lots of foxing that's even better. A true mix of rustic with a sprinkle of fancy, that's my design philosophy. So no one is afraid to sit down and relax, because, what home really is about is the love and people that fill it.