I loved all your responses to Kathryn’s new house, and I can’t tell you how much fun I’ve had being enlisted as her pro bono decorator. I will say, being tasked with buying beds is slightly less thrilling than all the top-layering, which is truly my happy place. Some of you have heard this, but back when Peter and I started renovating our own beach cottage, I purchased a teensy little plate for an end table that we didn’t own, in a living room that wasn’t built. He was perplexed why I was buying “thingies” before the room existed. For me, it’s the top layer accents that inject the room with personality and articulate the vibe of the space. That plate guided the larger aesthetic decisions I was making; when in doubt I asked WWTPW (What Would That Plate Want?), and things came together around it. Kathryn’s house has a lot of rooms, which means ample space for top layering. I love communicating the elegant yet comfortable and beachy style of the house with great accents (from chairs to a corkscrew to a coffee-table book), and I’m very excited to share it all with you. Let’s go!
I love red and blue together (very French!) and think this striking tumbler would be great in a bathroom for toothbrushes or in the kitchen as a catch-all.
When our brother toasted Kathryn and her husband at their wedding years ago, the theme was shades of blue (and referenced Nick’s expansive closet overflowing with chambray blue shirts). No reason this preferred color can’t continue in their home; this plush hand towel is the perfect shade.
This Eduardo Vega ceramic set is the definition of a good top layer: certainly not a necessity but the type of sweet accent that would look just as good on display as it would look used for serving at the dinner table.
A coffee table book that speaks to their palette and would look great in the living room.
Another beautiful item in their hue of choice: I love George Bronwin’s pedestal vase (available at Porta). The colors! The shape! The swirly handles! This is a stunner that would look fabulous on a mantel, in the center of a dining table, or on a bookshelf with some flowers.
I am so into finding alternative forms of fine art, and love this printed textile design. Major plus: you can select your own frame in a one-stop-shop (the acrylic box is so chic).
Remember these iron benches that I cited in the last post? We sourced this fab fabric from Blockshop x Sunbrella (best collab ever) for cushions.
Sis will need a corkscrew if she’s outside on her new benches and wants to open a bottle of Vinho Verde. Bonus points if it’s cute like this little sardine (this would also make a great hostess gift with a bottle of wine).
In the same vein: these hand-painted ceramic fish plates make for a very chic, on-point design accent.
All these accents need to land somewhere. I’m a huge fan of bistro and side tables to house lamps, dishes, or otherwise. This one is great, and would look good on a porch as a little breakfast nook moment.
As for lamps: Kathryn scored a fabulous midcentury glass mushroom lamp at our favorite James Maguire Antiques. Here is a great comp and another option from Artemide.
Decorative chairs also shouldn’t be overlooked as a way to fill a corner or house a stack of books. I just found this Dutch bamboo and cane back chair at the best Good Behavior Home, but you can find similar options like this here.
Another vessel that speaks to the vibe of the house. It would look equally beautiful filled with stems as it would empty sitting on any dining table, side table, or shelf.
We got sis a great set of Vico Magistretti chairs from Willie’s Vintage for her screened-in porch – I love the pop of primary red amongst the textures of the outdoors. Here’s a similar pair.
I adore this pillow with the red chairs.
If you’re leaning into shades of red or green, consider this very cool lampshade with abstract blooms. I love the way it ties together this unpredictable color combo and think it would look great on an end table in sis’s porch.
Vintage Moroccan serving bowls that are so beautiful I’d leave them out as decor.
This watercolor by Josie Merck embodies the relaxed yet elegant summer vibe of sister’s home.
A quirky accent for the mantle or outdoor dining table – these scream summer dinner party.
I’m a big fan of good glassware (and mixing glassware at a seated dinner). These would be a fab addition to any collection.
Sis and her husband are big readers; this rope and metal rack for magazines and beach reads alike is perfect.
The coolest vintage Hermes pareo that would be equally glamorous worn or framed in a simple acrylic box to hang indoors.
I’ve purchased from this Chairish shop before and love her assortment of coastal-inspired finds. How good is this vintage lobster platter?
I love the idea of using a novelty plate (like the lobster platter!) at the kitchen sink to house sponges, brushes, and lovely soaps. Consider this one.
You could also use your vintage lobster platter to serve cheeses; if so, this is the perfect little knife set to accompany it.
Another little drinks table. Perfection.
In the vein of good vintage platters (great for serving and displaying): peep this one (which dates to the late 1800s!).
If you’re feeling like you need summertime accessories to match your interiors vibe: I adore these vibrant woven sandals from Hereu Studio.
We’ve sourced a lot of boat cleats for sis to use as hooks throughout the house (and around the outdoor shower).
Glamorous, soft pool towels feel like such a luxury. I love this statement color.
And last but not least, for poolside: How cute is this shatter-proof Crow Canyon platter and these tumblers?
Okay, until next time!
xx,
Lizzie
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