Perfectly Provocative in Nantucket

My work requires me to spend a bit of time connected to Instagram, which in large doses can feel a bit stifling these days. However, every once in a while, there are certain images that are literally jaw dropping and remind me how the platform can serve as an incredibly seductive escape. This recent post by Steven Gambrel was exactly the provocative visual I needed. How sensational is this Nantucket kitchen? His materials and finishes are always second to none, and I love how the french pastry shelves feels right at home. Intentional, of course.

All images are via Steven Gambrel’s Instagram, @stevengambrel

the best kinds of decisions…

We’ve moved into a new little abode which in part, feels like a miracle. The past few months have been quite the roller coaster of emotions and sheer frenzy of activity. From a Pandemic, to my sister’s wedding getting cancelled, to having a baby, cancelling travel, losing a dog, buying a house, renovating another, and so on, it finally feels good to be settled. I use the world “settled” loosely of course, as we’re living in a sea of cardboard boxes, more construction and fabric swatches on just about every piece of furniture. And it seems the furniture I have ordered thus far won’t arrive until the holidays!

I’m feeling very excited — and a bit overwhelmed — in tackling all of the design decisions that need to be made. From the sweet little screened in porch, to the adult sitting room (this was a big one on my wish list!) and to the baby’s room, there are countless considerations to be made about how we want to use each space and thus, how it will come together. I’m feeling especially drawn to a certain ease and comfort that some of my favorites master so well. I find myself looking to inspiration from Carrier & Company (as classic as they come), Remy Renzullo (he’s having a serious moment right now) and Virginia Tupker (who decorated LSD’s home on Long Island). I’m drawn to block prints, subtle patterns and lots of textures.

Markham Roberts’ new book, Notes on Decorating, arrives today, and perhaps I’ll find some pages to dog ear. And so it continues!

LSD’s dressing room. Design by Virginia Tupker.

Mark Cunningham, Southhampton. See here.

Carrier & Company, Southhampton.

Remy Renzullo:

”The wall and curtain fabrics are cottons from a 200 year old traditional Provençal printer and the floors were hand painted to give the illusion of being faded by the sun.”

Eye Candy

I love getting the KRB New Product emails. Everything she procures for her shop is just so special, whimsy & simply sublime. Today’s email was no exception. While these are certainly just eye candy for moi, I thought I’d share a few of my favorites…

HAND-BLOWN CRYSTAL BALL LAMP IN IRISH GREEN, KRB NYC

PAIR OF EARLY 19TH CENTURY FRENCH PORCELAIN DESIGNS, KRB NYC

CHRISTOPHER SPITZMILLER LIME MARBLE GARDEN STOOL, KRB NYC

SYON HOUSE GREAT HALL, KRB NYC

The Art of Slowing Down

Since my last post, we welcomed a baby into the world, who is sweet as ever. Our hearts are so happy. We’re sleeping through the night already at 7 weeks and I’m C&C’ing in almost-full-force. Yes, it may be a lot for some, but I thrive on chaos. Needless to say, this summer has been busy. I feel like I blinked and August appeared. But doesn’t it always happen that way?

It’s a strange time we’re living in. There are so many moments where I feel like I am lacking the words in daily exchanges given all that is happening in our country. It often feels surreal. And so, I came back to this platform, which was intended to share, muse & inspire. While blogs may be a thing of the past, I will continue to use it as an escape, even if I don’t have any visitors. The mental escape is needed, more than ever.

Last Friday I took a little time to step away from work and went on a drive with a friend to the “country” in Little Compton, Rhode Island. We bopped around, both thrilled to be out of the office having a little sliver of a summer morning, and visited my favorite farm stand for provisions (tomatoes! corn!), and lobster rolls for lunch.

The morning was a nice reminder that there are still so many things to enjoy and celebrate right now. Friendships, fresh produce, sunny days, salty air and the luxury to slow down. Despite proclaiming that I thrive on chaos, it showed me that I need slower moments in my life. We all do. And that is perhaps one of the biggest lessons we have all uncovered with this Pandemic.

Walker’s Farm Stand, Little Compton, Rhode Island.