Opening the Cottage for Summer
A few things to uplift your interiors for the season ahead
I’ve always loved those elegant rituals of summer — the way grand, old houses once draped their furniture in soft white slipcovers, as if even the chairs were dressing down for the season. It’s a quiet signal that the heat has returned, the garden is in bloom, and the mosquitos are waking. In our little resort town, the season announces itself in a thousand fragrances — my favorite gardenia, the heady jasmine curling through the air, the nostalgic twinge of sunscreen and wet swimsuits slung over porch railings. Everywhere, the sound of shutters opening, boats running through the bay and suitcases rolling down pebbled driveways.
As the days stretch longer and the light pushes us later, I find myself craving small shifts inside too. A change in the way a room holds light. A need for a retreat out of the sun. In some ways, the southern summer interior becomes our cozy season. In the same spirit of those grand old houses, I like to gather a few summer pieces each season. Here’s what I’m eyeing for our cottage and beyond:
Chelsea Textiles Tree with Leopard Pillow: I always love their embroidered fabrics and this feels special.
Zara Home Paper Bamboo Umbrella: Why not incorporate this into your interior?
Mrs. Alice Seashell Rechargeable Sconce: I love that the sconce can be hung anywhere you please thanks to its’ rechargeable bulbs (no outlet required). Especially great for those with old houses and very few plugs.
Solar Throw by Saved NY: an investment throw for those who love to blast the AC on high but still remain cozy. I love this draped on a sofa or used as a bedcover.
Celestial Small Shade by Hum London: for your sconce refresh
Fortuny Glicine Italian Pillow: a salmon/gold classic that you won’t tire of
Mrs. Alice Rattan Braided Side Table: an elegant table for a good price
Casa Nuno Pink & White Dinner Plates: love these for everyday or to hang on the wall
Light Blue Stripe Lampshade by Hum London: for your sconce refresh
Water Green Lampshade by Mattina Moderna: I’m weirdly in love with this color right now. Feeling that it’s going be everywhere soon?
Blue Italian Views Plates via Over the Moon: I have this set and love how each plate is different
Moda Domus Riviera Shell Soup Tureen: I’ll take my daily soup from here
Chelsea Textiles Faux Bamboo Side Table: An adorable take on a side table or try this green dot painting motif on your own
Vintage Glass Candlesticks from Wentworth: My grandmother always had glass candlesticks on her dinner table
Versailles Shell Waterglass Set via Over the Moon: Fancy glasses that are dishwasher safe and easy to use every day
Banana Island Sand Cushion: a beautiful cushion that looks storied and antique
You can shop my full edit here.
Much love from the sofa! x
Liz
Your writing is transportive!! Absolutely took my breath away. Missing you! Xx
So many beautiful recommendations!