SET YOUR SUMMER TABLE

With all of the challenges that we have faced over the past few months, we can all agree that time with family and friends is more valuable than ever. As we step into summer I find myself missing family gatherings. I crave time spent enjoying good wine and food with loved ones, and the urge to entertain is stronger than ever with the current warmer weather and long sun filled days.

My hope is that our carefree gatherings and fun will return sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I thought I would share inspiration for your next summer table.

Over the past three years I have participated in Boston’s Heading Home to Dinner. The event brings members of the Boston design community together to raise money and awareness for Heading Home Inc. This wonderful foundation is devoted to helping low income families and individuals with housing, food, and other resources to get back on their feet.

Now more than ever, we need to help those in need. Please join the Boston community and #shareyourtable in support of Heading Home. Visit www.headinghomeinc.org to donate. You can also join us for this year’s #Pause4Peace on September 29th, for an opportunity to tune in for a live video of the past three years and donate.

SUMMER FEELING

Summer is my favorite time of year. I love the traditions, activities, and events that these months welcome. Cookouts, time spent at the beach, and ample amounts of fresh air help give summer a carefree feel.

Nothing shouts summer, like blue hydrangeas. So to get everyone in the summer spirit, here is some blue hydrangea inspiration.

Enjoy!

Images via Pinterest

PAINTED FLOORS

Growing up my parents chose to paint many of the floors in our antique colonial home. We had beautiful wide plank floor boards, that lent themselves as the perfect canvas for high gloss colors. My childhood bedroom features a yellow wallpaper with a stripe and floral pattern, to finish the room the floors were painted a high gloss yellow. I believe that this is where my love of painted floors came to life.

Here is a bit of painted floor inspiration.

Images via Pinterest

MEMORIAL DAY GETAWAY

This is a strange year for many. Birthdays have been postponed, graduations cancelled, and vacations left in limbo. Memorial Day weekend typically marks the beginning of Summer and a time to escape to your beach house or favorite warm weather spot. I find myself struggling with the fact that my annual getaways are on hold as my Groundhog Day-esque routine continues.

This weekend or the weekend before would typically mark my first trip to the island of Nantucket. So as I pack my beach bag to head to the back lawn, I wanted to take a moment to share one of my favorite Nantucket beach houses, designed by one of my longtime design muses.

Victoria Hagan’s home is filled with large windows and French doors, that open to stunning views of Nantucket Harbor. The home has a wonderful way of marrying inside and out for a casual yet sophisticated feel. Hagan pairs tailored pieces, with relaxed slipcovered furniture and coastal textures. Looking at these photos you can almost feel the sea breeze sweeping through the screen.

Whether you are heading to a local Summer spot or enjoying a stay-cation in your backyard, I wish you a Happy Memorial Day weekend!

xx

Alex

All images via architecturaldigest.com

KITCHEN INSPIRED

Whether you are about to embark on a kitchen renovation or just need a visual escape…here are a few kitchens for inspiration.

ENJOY!

Images via Pinterest.

WICKER INSPIRED

Maybe an entire room filled with wicker and rattan is too much for you. Here are a few rooms with a hint of this classic texture.

Images via Pinterest

WOOED BY WICKER

I love a good piece of wicker furniture! It's timeless, understated, and adds great texture to any room. Wicker and rattan furniture has a strong history, with roots in ancient civilization all over the globe. Today a collection of wicker or rattan pairs well together or individually with other pieces.

With this being said, I'm very excited for Sarah Bartholomew's recent collaboration with Mainly Baskets Home. The collaction features an array of wicker items including everything from lamps to sofas. Here's a look...

Images via mainlybaskets.com

SEASIDE DREAMS

Now more than ever, our homes are our safe haven; a place for school, work, virtual workout classes, and family time As we continue to do our part by staying home, I can't help but dream of a different place for quarantine. Maybe a sunny California villa with a large pool in the backyard? Or a ski chalet nestled in serene mountain tops?

All sound great, but my heart is at the seaside and I dream of Erica Barry's beach house in Something's Gotta Give. A place for daily beach walks, a large kitchen for baking, a cozy family room for hanging out, and a home office with a bay window looking out toward the beach. To me, this is complete bliss! I wouldn't need to go anywhere.

Maybe there's a way to achieve the feel and look of our dream home without actually leaving the comfort of our homes? Of course, a pool in the middle of downtown may be a bit difficult to accomplish, but by adding small accents we can create the atmosphere of our ideal setting.

With this in mind, I thought I would share a few of my favorite coastal inspired items for the home. Maybe these will help inspire you to redecorate and transform your home into your dream getaway.

Add art and/or accents, such as a soft blue throw and table decor for a coastal feel.  

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Or try repainting in one of these coastal inspired hues.

You can never have too many pillows!  Switch out your existing sofa or bed pillows for a few of these. 

AND layered texture is a must when it comes to coastal interiors...

My thoughts and prayers go to those who are fighting to recover from this ruthless disease. Thank you to all of the nurses, doctors, first responders and essential workers.

Wishing everyone happiness and health in quarantine.
xx Alex

Sources: Art & Accents: 1.) anniewildey.com, 2.) nantucketlooms.com, 3.) nantucketlooms.com, 4.) nantucketlooms.com Pillows: 1.) potterybarn.com, 2.) serenaandlily.com, 3.) serenaandlily.com, 4.) serenaandlily.com, 5.) serenaandlily.com Texture: 1.) serenaandlily.com, 2.) potterybarn.com, 3.) curreyandcompany.com, 4.) potterybarn.com