The Singular Edit | Spring Awakening
Travel planning for S/S, design ideas to try right now & the simple pleasures getting me through to sunnier days
The weather in New York has been unrelentingly cold, so I’m still firmly in hibernation mode (there was one weekend I didn’t even leave the house, and I don’t regret it for one moment). But, I’m starting to see glimmers of spring. I’ve been enjoying a display of blossoming branches in the corner of my living room. There have been more sunny days lately — we even ate outside one afternoon!
Physically I may be cocooned, but mentally, it’s that time of the year I start to look ahead to travel plans. Next month we’re sneaking off to the Caribbean to absorb some rays and bright tropical colors so I’m started to pack in my head and make a few thoughtful purchases. I just booked tickets to tour a place I’ve always dreamed of seeing in person (more on that later). And, we’re starting to plan our annual summer holiday to England to visit my husband’s family.
Every time we cross the pond I plan side trips to see other parts of England. I pick places based on where I want to dine (the food scene is way better than you think), stay (here’s my running list of design hotels in England), visit (a lot of historical homes and gardens), and most importantly to shop — from antique stores to charity shops. I’ve covered London and all over the South West (where my husband’s from, and a place that has stolen my heart - I’ve been documenting all my favorites in this travel guide) and bits of the Cotswolds.
A curated guide to creating a one-of-a-kind home: interior inspiration, styling tips, & unique objects
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sense of spen• cer
noun [sɛns, əv, ˈspɛnsər]
Reflecting one’s identity through their interiors
A home with character and soul
When a house becomes a home
Red frames like this or this add an unexpected touch - paint your own (I love this red) or buy frames in a range of sizes here. Or make it custom.
Same goes for red lampshades like this or this. This Bunny Williams shade is a steal.
A genius idea from John Fowler: to create the illusion of paneling, paste wallpaper on thin laths of wood.
This is a fantastic coffee table if you have a carpenter to copy it.
As an alternative to a headboard, hang a rug or a blanket.
Drape a patterned textile over a coffee table for a lived-in look, like Rita Konig did in Deborah Needleman’s upstate home. If the table is a little higher, it can be used for informal dinners a la Carolina Irving.
Mixing scales of gingham is a winning combo every time I see it.
Butter yellow + ultramarine blue + a dash of deep red = an inspired palette (here’s the board where I save other striking color combos).
Leopard is and always will be a neutral. This accent pillow would add a chic touch literally anywhere.