Continuing our America themed blog posts we’re bringing you – American Design, Cape Cod style! My own Chatham house is currently undergoing a renovation thanks to a burst pipe over the winter (ugh!) so I have been busy trying to design my own house…and like the plumber with the leaky faucets, it has proven slightly traumatic. I can make a decision with 100% certainty for a client in no time but I have agonized over every decision in my own house – I NEED AN INTERIOR DESIGNER!!! So, I have gone through all the steps I encourage my clients to do – search for things they love in magazines and online to give me an idea of their style. Here are some of my inspirations for my own house! Look for a future blog with the real deal!!
Henderson Chair, Birch Lane
Comfy chairs are a must in a Cape house. Lazy days gazing out at the water or relaxing reading a book. This chair by Birch Lane just looks so fresh and inviting!
Burma Stool, Bungalow 5
And you need a place to drop that book or glass of lemonade- Loving this stool from Bungalow 5!
Marchmont Sideboard, Currey & Company
I’m not sure I have a place for this amazing piece but I just may have to try! I love to collect shells on the beach whenever I’m by the shore. I have made a couple of mirrors with my treasures but can’t imagine the hours of love that went into creating this inspiration!!
Sister Florals Collection, Lily Pulitzer (Available at Garnet Hill)
Sister Florals Collection, Lily Pulitzer (Available at Garnet Hill)
Cape Cod and Lily just go together! What better way to bring a little of “the Cape” into your bedroom than with a fresh lily print! They never, ever are dated..they just age into vintage treasures!
Seaward Chandelier Lighting, Currey & Company
I am DETERMINED to find a place for this chandelier in my newly renovated Chatham house! Currey and Company makes the most unique light fixtures. Who knows, maybe this will end up in the upcoming blog with the “reveal” of my Cape house!!! Stay tuned…
Nantucket Rainbow Fleet, Claire Murray
Claire Murray rugs are a Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard staple – I have 4 of my own! Whether it be the Nantucket Rainbow Fleet, mermaids, seashells, or hydrangeas, Claire Murray rugs are classic Cape.
Glass Onion Wall Lantern Caged, Cape Cod Lanterns
Nantucket Basketworks
Onions lanterns are another Cape Cod classic and where else but Nantucket would you find one of these beautifully woven Lightship baskets.
A few years ago I took a class on Historic New England design and had to do a final project on one particular mainstay of New England Design. I chose Lightship baskets and spent an entire summer making one basket. The time spent weaving and bending maple stays taught me that these baskets are a piece of Cape Cod history!
“Moonshine”, Benjamin Moore
When I consult on paint colors for a Cape house my “go to” color is Ben Moore Moonshine. It takes a back seat to the ocean and garden views but is crisp and fresh and works so well with blues, grays, greens and yellow – a perfect palette for a Cape house! That’s one decision I had no difficulty making in my own house – Moonshine it is!
Hutton Double Washstand, Restoration Hardware
I found this vanity at Restoration Hardware and it is just perfect for the bathroom on the bottom floor of my split contemporary and where Justin and Jillian spend their time when I’m lucky enough to have them “home!” It’s just a little bit contemporary and a little bit cottage but has a lot to offer in size and storage.
These are some of my personal inspirations. Let’s hope I can take these inspirations and finish my own house before the summer is over!