Design trends are influenced by many different factors, including current affairs and politics. After a wild few years, there is an urge to return to what is comfortable, familiar, and nostalgic. Although the world is open again, we want our homes to be an oasis and a place to escape from the chaos of the world. Meet the coastal grandmother aesthetic. The trend embraces calming palettes, layered textures, and a breezy understated lifestyle. As a thirty three year old, I can confidently state that I have embraced the coastal grandmother aesthetic for years.

I typically opt for monochromatic outfits and as we transition into the warmer months, my go to is always a white on white or beige on white palette. For example; white jeans, a cream sweater, and a pair of sand or light colored mules or flats. I love a coastal inspired interior, maybe this is why my husband refers to our master bedroom as "the Cape Cod Bedroom." But it doesn't shout coastal with cheesy nick-knacks and beach signs. It is an understated and relaxed look, featuring soft blues, greens, creams, and warm beiges that evoke the feeling of the seaside - overall it is a welcoming, serene, and timeless look.

I can easily say that Ina Garten was my first coastal grandmother muse. My friend Martha and I used to tune into her show, once a week during college. We loved her seaside living and breezy entertaining style. "How easy is that?" Then Nancy Meyer's, Something's Gotta Give, was the ultimate inspiration for interior design, fashion, and lifestyle.

After a stressful few years, we all understand the importance of a welcoming and relaxing home. Soft palettes, cozy textures, and timeless details. Over the next few posts, I will share coastal inspiration, interiors, fashion, and a past AGA Interior Design project with a bit of coastal grandmother flair.

Image via Pinterest.

We could all use a vacation after the ups and downs of the past few years. Travel is back and Scott and I are ready to go. For years we have dreamt of a vacation to Hawaii and I could not be more excited!

I was recently inspired to write this post after a client asked me if I bought anything new for our trip. It has been a while since I felt inspired or had the time to focus on the AGA Design Blog. I am sure you can relate to my departure; life, work, everything...it sucks up your time and before you know it, it has been weeks, months, or even years. So hello again and here we go, a blog post devoted to a few of my recent purchases for travel, beach time, and happy hours.

TRAVEL

We live in Boston, so the trip to Hawaii is a long one. I have never been on a flight this long, so I am a little anxious. Whenever I travel I bring an oversized scarf or wrap because I tend to get chilly from the airport and plane AC. These oversized cashmere wraps come in great colors, like this beautiful blue, and work well for travel or cool nights while away. I don't go anywhere without a pair of Stan Smith sneakers. They can be dressed up or dressed down and they are super comfortable. I purchased a Cuyana leather tote for a friend a few years ago, but finally bought one for myself. It offers so much space and Cuyana has all sorts of organizational add ons! And I always turn to my favorite water Laneige mask before and after a flight, to battle the effects of dry plane air.

JCrew Oversized Cashmere Wrap in Beach Blue

BEACH

When I am at the beach I opt for all things white. The JCrew String Bikini is a longtime favorite and never goes out of style. I recently discovered Frank & Eileen, their linen shirts are a dream and come in a variety of colors and different lengths. In addition to a white shirt for the beach, I bought a longer black shirt that could easily be dressed up or down for summer attire. And an oversized straw bag, beach hat, and sunglasses are also always on hand for a beach day.

Warby Parker, Ada Sunglasses in Acorn Tortoise

HAPPY HOUR

When you are on vacation every hour is happy hour. Throw on a breezy caftan and a few coastal inspired accessories, and you are ready to go from beach chair to beach bar. All you need is a mai tai!

RETURN FLIGHT...

When our vacation comes to an end and we return to Boston, I will continue to use all of these items. I hope they inspire your vacation, summer, or day to day wardrobe.

Aloha!