Spring Into Style: 5 Interior Designer Approved Home Decor Tips

Warmer weather, finally! As we open the windows to let in the fresh spring air and take pleasure in swapping out our winter wardrobes, we often find ourselves also wanting to refresh our home decor. These updates don’t need to be dramatic but they do wonders for our mood and take advantage of the natural, seasonal cycles taking place outside.

As interior designers, here are some of our favorite easy decor tips you can use today to get your home Spring ready:

1. In bloom

Go beyond the dining room or kitchen floral “centerpiece” by adding fresh, seasonal floral arrangements all around the house.

Stick a bloom or two into a bud vase and pop it on the bathroom vanity and delight houseguests with a mini bedside bouquet from your backyard. Scented or not, these flowers instantly give off fresh spring vibes!

2. Curated layers

Refresh and rearrange coffee table decor, and any other surfaces. In addition to incorporating floral arrangements or plants, you could select a beautiful tray, unique antique pieces, and bring in a candle with a refreshing scent (such as citrus or jasmine).

Adding coffee table books that depict themes of gardens, warm weather escapes, or spring fashion will also add seasonal flair.

3. Pastel palette

Add decorative or spring themed artwork to each room. While there’s no need to redo a room entirely, think in terms of spring colors and bring in decor to reflect this palette. Topiaries and ferns add whimsical spring flair to a room, and swapping out darker paintings or photographs for more vibrant hued artworks will do wonders to enliven a space.

4. Textile touches

Make seasonal accessories swaps. Put away the cozy, heavy blankets, make space for lighter throws or quilts, and don’t underestimate the power of simply trading out decorative pillows.

Selecting pastel colors and spring prints for these accessories will add another layer to the overall spring effect.

5. Tablescapes

Let the “lightness” of spring guide you around the table. Bring out your cheery, patterned place settings, add a floral table runner, and incorporate more fanciful and decorative glassware. We also love using flatware with bamboo or colorful handles.

Even if lingering cool weather means you can’t dine outside just yet, you could get into the picnic mindset with a checkered tablecloth. This season brings out our more playful side, and, after a long winter, we happily embrace that in as many aspects of our daily lives as possible!

Looking for more design tips, or have an interior design project in mind? We are here to help, contact us today!

2025 New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner Tablescape

February in New York doesn’t exactly bring warm temps and exotic florals to mind, but the New York Botanical Gardens’ recent Orchid Dinner provided a temporary escape into luxury and warmth. Sara was thrilled to be one of almost 40 designers tasked with creating a table that reflected the evening’s theme of Mexican Modernism.

Mexico has one of the world’s largest native orchid populations, making it an ideal inspiration for this historic dinner at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Sara leaned into one of Mexico’s other natural wonders, the annual monarch migration, when designing her tablescape.

Delicate silk monarch butterflies danced among a vibrant floral design crafted by Rachel Cho Floral (and aligned on the backs of chairs). At the table’s center was a gorgeous walnut, red oak, and poly-wax sculpture of a monstera plant titled Two Leaves in a Pot by Raul de Lara, a contemporary sculptor from Mexico. 

The tablecloth’s neutral palette and festive Mexican pattern accentuated the sculpture’s wood tones while hand-painted plates from Mexico City reflected the artisans’ craftsmanship. Tall tapers in slim glass hurricane holders lent a romantic, intimate feel to the guests’ experience, as if being invited to dine in a secret garden.

Although the design and installation teams had less than six hours to put everything together for the dinner, the final tablescape was one that perfectly combined Sara’s timeless design aesthetics and preference for artisanal products with the lush flora of Mexico.

Proceeds from the evening support the New York Botanical Garden’s commitment to using their expertise and collections to amplify the role of plants in solving the climate and biodiversity crises. It was an honor to be a part of such an important and gorgeous affair!

Thank you to Veranda Magazine & Hearst for sponsoring this event.

We were a proud participating designer in this incredible event, benefitting the nybg’s efforts toward conservation & education

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Think Pink! Interior Decorating with Pops of Color

Pink can be a polarizing color in interior design, but we find it to be incredibly versatile and powerful. Just a hint of a pale hue can lighten a room, while a dark accent can add drama. Pink has a longheld association with love so, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we are highlighting a few projects that show how to decorate using pink and its unexpected design prowess.

This North Side kitchen, created as part of a Design House, uses pink to strike the balance between playful and classic. The pink octagonal ceiling is certainly a conversation starter; it demonstrates our belief that design can and should be fun and whimsical!

Custom cabinet insets with matching pink interiors act as a vivid backdrop to white vases and platters, while the art that ascends the staircase includes a framed Hermes scarf featuring a masquerade ball and a piece by local artist Ron Johnson. White cabinetry and grey and white-patterned floors and backsplash keep the color from feeling overwhelming, giving an overall effect that is fresh, playful, effortlessly chic.

We wove a pink hued story throughout a beautiful family home by selecting this vibrant color for lampshades and bases and by incorporating pink and white patterned fabrics on pillows, wallpaper, and footboard benches.

Rosy drapes enliven the dining space while also drawing attention to the art that hangs between them as well as the carpet pattern. A bedroom, that at one time was their daughter’s nursery got a makeover, layers on pink’s cozy and comforting qualities by featuring wallpaper and fabric panels in the same pattern and white bedding with pink detailing. Using varying hues and pops of pink throughout ensures that the house feels elegant and unified but still dynamic–perfect for a growing family!

This home was designed for a young family that loves art and includes three children and dogs, so incorporating vibrant colors and textures was a natural component of the design process. From a lilac sofa sitting on a rug with pink tones that contrasts with the mostly cooler hues in a living room to a statement desk in an electric fuschia to a funky patterned pink and white wallpaper that feels like a largescale work of art, pink serves a surprising and multipurpose staple in spaces small and large.

Travels in Design - Prague Trip Highlights

Prague has a quaint and timeless feel owing to fairytale stone and brick buildings, a medieval and picturesque bridge, and one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world. Modern art such as the butterflies and baby sculptures by Czech artist David Černý and the active renovation of old buildings keep the city from feeling stuck in the past.

One of the oldest Atronomical Clocks in the world

Although I love family traditions at home, traveling to the Czech Republic during the Thanksgiving holiday was a fun way to shake things up and to scratch my history itch. From sightseeing in Prague, to venturing to castles and churches in the countryside, we filled our cup with lots of colorful and extensive local history, an appreciation for the area’s enduring craftsmanship, and plenty of family time.

The city is extremely walkable with charming and functional cobblestone streets that are well-suited to colder climates as well as being easier to repair. We loved visiting the Christmas Markets, sampling plenty of gingerbread, and browsing the crystal that the Czech Republic is famous for crafting.

Getting around outside of Prague was easy, and we ventured to two castles. The first, Czesky Sternbeck, is a private residence that was open for a homespun tour. I was totally enamored by the tile fireplaces and by the vast antique armory. Hunting culture in the Czech countryside embodied both sport as well as necessity–people needed sustenance!

One of my favorite things that I learned during the tour was that a book was often given as a highly prized birthday gift. With the cost of a book being the equivalent to that of a house (!), these gifts were treasured offerings and became beloved additions to the castle library.

The second castle we visited, Hrad Hluboka, was bigger with stag heads flanking the entrance. Hunting gear, hunting prizes, and the family coat of arms were also featured prominently here and contributed to the grand atmosphere.

Hrad Hluboka

Collection of Antique Pipes

I believe that furniture can tell a story in a person’s history, and the beautiful heirloom pieces found in these castles underscored the fact that timeless pieces passed down over generations often trump what is new and shiny.

On Thanksgiving Day, we traveled to Kutna Hora and visited multiple churches including the famous Cemetery Church of All Saints, aka the Bone Church. Thousands of people who died during the Black Plague were buried in a mass grave, and artists were commissioned to arrange the bones in an artistic way while honoring the dead. The second church we visited was less macabre, and I was fortunate enough to gain access to the cathedral’s attic to see how the domes were designed and laid.

My favorite part of travel and learning local history is how it always encourages me to be curious and seek out even more information. Whether you can make it to the Czech Republic sometime soon or not, I’d recommend watching One Life and The Empress in order to learn more about this storied place’s historic past.

Cathedral Dome

Prague Streetview

St. Barbara’s Cathedral

Pantone 2025 Color of the Year - Interior Design Trends

PANTONE recently announced Mocha Mousse as the 2025 Color of the Year, and this rich, warm hue simultaneously brings to mind both luxury and comfort. Along with giving us a craving for real mocha mousse, the PANTONE announcement offers us a chance to reflect on how we incorporate this color scheme into our designs as well as how this shade fits into what we are forecasting trends for 2025.

We love bursts of color at SHID, yet we often find ourselves anchoring rooms with neutral tones. There is something classic and soothing about creating a neutral palette by blending elements such as wood floors, paneling, and furniture. In order to create rooms that are intriguing visually and texturally, we juxtapose these grounding (and natural) components with crisp whites or patterns incorporating an array of shades.

Neutral tones allow for versatility in interior design, as you can easily incorporate them in a variety of unique designs. We use neutrals often in our designs, such as this powder room, and the open concept kitchen, and study below. While they differ quite a bit in purpose and aesthetics, all use neutrals as a strong and timeless base. Adding detail, texture, and color allows us to craft distinct spaces that reflect the personalities and sensibilities of the room’s inhabitants.

Warm neutrals like the Mocha Mousse palette imbue spaces with a cozy yet indulgent vibe. Pairing them with cooler neutrals (such as tans and creams) make spaces feel elegant and calm. However, incorporating these hues within a palette that includes floral shades creates a contrast that feels vibrant and playful without being oversaturated or distracting.

The popularity of a color like Mocha Mousse confirms our forecast that more natural and earthy colors and textures will be in favor in the near future.

As we witnessed at High Point Market and trade shows as well as we have seen from our own clients’ wishes, designs that help create a warmer and more grounded feel are trending. People want to gather and connect with friends and loved ones in spaces that give off comfortable and comforting vibes, and incorporating warm, cozy neutrals like Mocha Mousse is just one versatile way to create a welcoming atmosphere.

As we head into 2025, we’re excited to see what other trends emerge (we’re placing our bets on a rediscovered love of sunshine-y yellow and re-imagined retro chic style from the 80s). In the meantime, we wish you and yours a warm and festive holiday season!

Designer Worthy Holiday Hostess Gift Guide

As we usher in the busy holiday season, taking time to give thoughtful and elegant gifts is always at the top of our list. Using good taste to choose delightful hostess gifts is a powerful way to give thanks to those who feed, house, and bring together guests. We've rounded up our favorite holiday hostess gift ideas (oh so perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s) that are functional, festive, and (of course) designer worthy. 

Paris is always a good idea! This 1950s print depicting a Merry-Go-Round will add chic playfulness to your abode. One-of-a-kind, and available at Sara Hillery Home.

We love these chocolate truffles by Louis Sherry nestled in a keepsake John Derian tin. Each decorated tin contains 12 Belgian truffles in flavors like Passion Fruit Kumquat and Turkish Coffee and begs to be repurposed for office or bedside table needs when the chocolates are all gone.

You can’t go wrong with a coffee table book, and THE LIVING ROOM book by the Design Leadership Network shares photographs of beautiful living room designs by interior designers. We were honored to be among the interior designers included in this book. Perfect for architecture and interior design lovers, this tome provides thoughtful and practical advice for executing projects in a variety of sizes.

This backgammon set by Aerin and Gracie Studio is a splurge, but we can’t imagine a prettier gift (and it’s on Sara’s wish list too)! Flowers and birds adorn the inside and outside of the set, making it as gorgeous to look at when it’s on a shelf as when players are in a fierce battle to bear off their pieces.

Jo Malone candles have a cult following for good reason: they last and last (approximately 45 hours) and are deliciously fragrant without being cloying or overwhelming. Sara’s favorite scent, Red Roses, will transport your hostess straight to a lush garden in bloom, no matter what time of year.

For the hostess who values elegance and artistry, this handcrafted porcelain trinket box from Ginori 1735 is an heirloom worthy gift. Made in Italy, the floral-themed box can hold jewelry or small mementos of your friendship.

These are such an easy, and chic, hostess gift - one you can turn into a game at any event! The beautiful design reminds us of our visit to Nantucket by Design earlier this year. Get yours at Tuckernuck before they are sold out!

Flowers are an evergreen hostess gift, but you can level up by bringing them in one of these beautiful vases by Piano Piano, handcrafted in Italy.

Tis the season for a holiday cocktail! Created in collaboration with Baccarat and embroidery designer Kim Seybert, this set of linen napkins includes six different embroidered, hand drawn cocktail glasses to inspire your hostess’s drink list.

A festive addition for a holiday or New Year’s party (or anytime you want instant party vibes), these confetti glasses at Anthropologie bring a punchy flair to old fashioneds or to good ole fashioned punch.

Caroline’s Cakes is a South Carolina based bakery (with easy shipping options - perfect for easy and delicious gifting!) This caramel cake is a southern delicacy that will impress your hostess, whether she serves it to the crowd or keeps it for herself!

This bamboo flatware set proves that fun and funky style doesn’t always have to be accompanied by a sky high price tag. The fact that it’s dishwasher safe is a plus too!

Made of 100% melamine, this durable set for four includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls.The bamboo border is endlessly versatile, making this set usable for casual meals or paired with glitzier chargers or linens for a special occasion.

One of our tried and true secrets: it’s the details that make the design. A pop of green piping elevates the simplicity of these white scalloped napkins and will make any table setting feel special whether for the holidays or everyday.

Bringing a bottle of wine to a gathering is always appreciated, but pairing one with this Yeti wine chiller is a gamechanger. With a double wall vacuum insulation to keep bottles at that just-right temperature and a bunch of vivid color options, this wine cooler is perfect for parties and picnics.

Oysters are a decadent delicacy; serving them on these ceramic oyster shells takes entertaining up a notch (and makes for a less messy presentation). The set of 12 shells can withstand heat from the oven or grill and are dishwasher-safe, while the simple design is both functional and classic.

6 Cozy Spaces Perfect for Fall Gatherings

Each fall, we find ourselves looking forward to spending intentional time with friends and loved ones. After summer months spent traveling and embracing different (dare we say, less frenetic) schedules, there’s something about the cool weather that encourages us to gather together again, and our homes are a favorite spot for this type of entertaining.

At Sara Hillery Interior Design, we focus on making spaces that are usable and functional year round, and taking into consideration the social habits of the homeowners with whom we work is a critical part of the planning process. As a result, these spaces are naturally ready to host parties, small get-togethers, and family nights in.

With the holidays on the horizon, we are sharing 6 spaces and the design details that encourage gatherings and get-togethers with your favorite people. 

1.

fireside glow

This room radiates coziness, and has a tech-free touch we love: there’s no television to be found! The entertainment is sitting across from one another and catching up with rich wood paneling, plush couches with oversized pillows, and a vintage rug all inviting conversation. Get a fire blazing and everyone will naturally tuck in for an afternoon or evening together.

2. take it outside

Outdoor spaces can be cozy too, and, as green-minded designers, we encourage being outside for as long as the weather allows it. Surrounded by nature yet protected from the elements, this screened-in porch offers the best of both worlds. Diffused lighting sources and outdoor entertainment keep gatherings going for hours so bring out some extra blankets and warm beverages and settle in.

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4. A simple design trick

Not everyone loves a big get-together, but a simple design trick can help create more intimate spaces within any size setting. A small table with an activity such as cards or a mini chess board (or perhaps some coloring supplies for little ones) give smaller groups the opportunity to settle in and feel comfortable.

3. Create a cozy nook

Breakfast nooks are a great way to make the kitchen, already the landing spot for most people, into a real hotspot since they maximize available space. No matter what age people are, there’s something joyful about squeezing in around a big table with a variety of snacks to offer.

5. queue music

Need to take a social occasion to the next level? Simply add music. Nothing brings together a group quicker than playing the first few bars of a beloved classic tune–who can resist “Sweet Caroline”? If you’ve got a musician in your house, have him or her take a seat at the piano or ask for volunteers to turn your get together into a sing-a-long.

6. elbow room

This room’s open floor plan is perfect for get-togethers: hosts can prepare and offer food, serve drinks, and mingle all while their guests are within eyesight. We designed this space with unique architectural details such as the coffered ceiling, which adds a central point of interest. The living room design and layout allows for guests to easily flow from the kitchen with ample space to move around. The rooms neutral tones coupled with colorful soft furnishings creates a sense of warmth, encouraging guests to relax.

Does your home feel prepared for entertaining this holiday season? Considering a space refresh or complete design overhaul? We are here to help, contact us today!

2024 Little Hands Virginia Tablescape Showcase

Last year was the inaugural year for Little Hands Virginia’s Spring Tablescapes Showcase, and I had so much fun designing a tablescape that I decided to do it again! Little Hands, a nonprofit that ensures children in Central Virginia have essentials from birth to improve their outcomes in life, chose “What a Wonderful World: as this year’s theme, and I was immediately inspired to craft a table around the idea of “An American Summer”, complete with red, white, and blue details.

Summertime feels luxurious with barbecues, beaches, and getaways: our favorite summer memories often include time spent with family and friends in the Gulf and around Virginia. To honor these special places and our love for nature, we hand painted river oyster shells that team member, Meghan, brought us from the river. We then added the names of guests to the shells which served as keepsake table place holders.

We carried American pride throughout the tablescape by using a blue and white Quadrille tablecloth and plates by Mottahedeh and Colonial Williamsburg in the same palette. We rounded out the patriotic colors by incorporating sheer lightweight Pomegranate placemats with red trim and wine glasses with red stems as well as sewing red buttons onto linen chair covers. Clear and white hand blown glass cups and silverware with tortoiseshell horn handles by OKA added another layer of texture and detail to the tablescape.

The beautiful floral arrangements were kindly provided by The Greenhouse located on Patterson Ave. in Richmond.

Our centerpiece was inspired by home gardens (including our own) and featured hyacinth, vincas, strawberries, and ferns to serve as a fresh, organic, flowing focus to the table. Because summer is about play and leisure time, we sent guests home with a pack of Sara Hillery Home’s patterned playing cards.

Congrats, Little Hands Virginia, on this successful event and on serving thousands of children in need!

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Little Hands Virginia Tablescapes Showcase

The Inaugural Spring Tablescapes Showcase benefitting Little Hands Virginia. Photography by Gordon Gregory

I was honored and excited to participate in the inaugural Spring Tablescapes Showcase benefitting Little Hands Virginia, a nonprofit that ensures children in Central Virginia have essentials from birth to improve their outcomes in life.

“Tropical Punch” by Sara Hillery Interior Design. Photography by Gordon Gregory

For this festive showcase, I created a playful yet elegant tablescape that drew on some of my favorite travel memories, my love of balancing classic forms with bold colors, and my desire to bring some energetic whimsy to a fundraising event for a noble nonprofit and mission.

Hints of travel inspo are found throughout this colorful and cheery design. For example, I wanted orchids to be a focus of the centerpiece after falling in love with them in Thailand. Hot pink origami napkins are a nod to the time I spent in Japan, and I paired bamboo plates with small-print batik-inspired placemats (and also threaded the bamboo theme by using white bamboo-backed chairs). 

Sara Hillery Interior Design’s “Tropical Punch” tablescape.

I can never resist combining old and new so I incorporated vintage champagne flutes along with modern handmade tumblers on the table. In addition to the floral table skirt, the table setting pops with punches of pink and orange (hence the tablescape’s name “Tropical Punch”) as well as more neutral details such as ivory French silverware from my own collection.

Sara Hillery with her tablescape, “Tropical Punch.” Photography by Gordon Gregory

I loved being a part of this wonderful event and am looking forward to the 2nd Annual Spring Tablescapes Showcase.

Little Hands Virginia, “What a Wonderful World” 2024 Spring Tablescapes Showcase

Save the dates – An Evening at Tablescapes will take place on May 2nd and the Tablescapes Luncheon will be May 3rd. Tickets available now on the Little Hands Virginia website. See you there!

A Reflection on Kips Bay Dallas 2023

Photography by Sarah Linden Photography

I have a deep, abiding love for quirky and unconventional spaces so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to create and transform a small space for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in November. [Each of the showhouses has offered a chance to explore design in different shapes and forms while also showcasing the timeless yet contemporary sensibility that SHID brings to every project.]

My sister and I made the installation into a family adventure with a roadtrip down to Texas. Almost everything, except for the bespoke sofa, was able to fit into my car! We first stopped in Nashville to pick up an antique table and visit the Grand Ole Opry!

After a pause at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, we continued down to Dallas. Since my space was being carved out of the kitchen and pantry, we had a shorter timeline before the showhouse’s opening day but the opportunity to really play! 

Photography by Sarah Linden Photography

I chose to create a custom-build nook with a sleek glass backdrop so that the room wouldn’t feel like a pass-through between other rooms, but rather a place where time and company could be savored. 

My design, aptly named “Tea for Tea,” was inspired by spaces at Tryon Palace in North Carolina as well as 18th century English and colonial tearooms. These rooms, once reserved for reading, taking tea, and playing cards as well as for engaging in philosophical discussions, are the perfect remedy for our plugged in, tech-obsessed times!

I incorporated my signature color palette by using soft blue pastels with bold punches of green when selecting fabrics. The luxe sofa served as the room’s anchor and was balanced by two smaller British colonial bamboo tables and a pair of French chairs to encourage one-on-one discussion and create a relaxed environment. 

Photography by Sarah Linden Photography

As always, we combined the old and the new! In addition to custom-designing a tea cart featuring the Union Jack, we created the room’s focal point by commissioning a custom art frame that echoes the shape of French Mansard dormers and includes a Dana Gibson-crafted snow leopard painting.

We snagged a few taxidermied tie backs at an antique store and framed old pocket watches from my own collection for a cool wall accessory. Because every surface deserves thought and care, we added intrigue to the ceiling by featuring a giant oyster shell and covering the trey ceiling with a starry pattern from Palm Orleans.

Photography by Sarah Linden Photography

I deeply enjoyed the experience of creating a space that removed technology, encouraged conversation, and invited visitors to relish small yet potent pleasures like tea and cards with loved ones.

I was so proud to be a part of this showhouse, especially since all proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, currently serving 10,000 youths throughout the Bronx. Kips Bay partnered with local Dallas nonprofit Dwell with Dignity to support their efforts serving 14,000 North Texans each year through family home installations as well as designs and makeovers for Dallas schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations.

My Favorite Holiday Traditions

Hand-tied velvet blue bows adorn this Christmas Tree in Richmond, Virginia. Photography by Alison Gootee

Thanksgiving may be in the rear view mirror, but I like to keep the spirit of gratitude going as we move full speed ahead into the most magical time of the year. I love the holidays because they offer the opportunity to transform everyday spaces and celebrate, regardless of your beliefs! 

With the holiday hustle and bustle ramping up, I’m looking forward to squeezing in as many of my favorite traditions as possible before the year ends. These beloved events and activities actually force me to slow down and to pay extra attention to the things and people that are important to me. My time with family and with friends means the world to me, and my favorite traditions include hefty servings of both!

This milk punch recipe is always a crowd pleaser! Photography by Alison Gootee

One long standing tradition is a dinner party for friends that my husband and I throw. Some years, we even ask people to dress in costume to get into the festive spirit. One non-negotiable: a series of questions that get answered and submitted anonymously. As part of the evening’s fun, we try to figure out who said what. It’s a fun way to break the ice and learn new and occasionally surprising things about old friends.

As for food, I often prepare a smoked turkey gumbo, a nod to my husband’s New Orleans roots, as an appetizer. Every year I make a bunch of milk punch with a recipe handed down from my husband’s uncle–it’s always a crowd pleaser! Dinner itself can vary year to year (and on especially busy years, we rely on a caterer to make our holiday load a little lighter). For dessert, one of my favorites is a coconut cake, but the offerings vary year to year. What never changes is the rejuvenating and comforting experience of laughing and being together with friends.

Unsurprisingly, decorating the table is another favorite holiday tradition. I love to change the theme yearly to stave off monotony. One year I used woodland animals and wintery blue accents for inspiration; another I leaned into crisp peppermint colors, and last year, a Scrooge-themed table (complete with gold “coins” as table decorations). This year, I was captivated by the Nutcracker and inspired by Sugar Plum Fairy-eque pinks and whites. Be sure to watch my Homeworthy episode, “Inside a Willliamsburg-Style Home Decked with Nutcracker Decor” for the full tour!

A Victorian card ribbon over the mantle. Photography by Alison Gootee

A holiday decorating idea that I reuse year after year is a Victorian card ribbon over the mantle. I originally spied a ribbon festooned with cards and displayed over a chest at Major Dooley’s home, Maymont, and I adapted the idea for my own home. I love how my fireplace is framed every year with photos of the people I care about so I can see their faces while relaxing after holiday prep and activities.

Another much anticipated holiday ritual is making cinnamon buns for friends and family. I deliver these sweet treats right before Christmas so that they can enjoy an easy and delicious breakfast once the present unwrapping frenzy is over. Of course, we make sure to save some for our family as well!

A winter wonderland theme is continued in the smallest details from icy blue wrapping paper and matching ribbon. Photography by Alison Gootee

I’ll take these traditions over anything wrapped in a bow, but if you’re still looking for present ideas for friends and loved ones, be sure to check out my gift suggestions over at Glam Pad’s 5th Annual “Christmas with the Tastemakers” Shopping Guide!

Happy holidays!

Nantucket by Design

I was thrilled to travel to Nantucket over the summer for the 2023 Nantucket by Design, a fundraising event organized by the Nantucket Historical Association.

This marked my first time visiting this charming island, and, although it’s only 14 miles long and less than four miles wide, Nantucket really packs a punch in terms of history, design, and nature inspiration.

Nantucket is famous for its weathered grey and fresh white exteriors, cobblestone Main Street, and an abundance of nautical inspiration.

Traditional grey-shingled homes and buildings often hide whimsical and quirky interiors. Almost half of Nantucket is permanently protected open space, which means that visitors like us can easily enjoy the island’s natural resources.

The conference included wonderful programs, panels, and speakers. Getting to chat with old friends and make new ones is always a highlight at design events, especially when those chats take place on the water…

In my free time, I explored the island with my husband and got a glimpse of why Nantucket is such a popular vacation destination.

We visited the two of the island’s three iconic lighthouses including Sankaty Head Light and Brant Point.

And of course, we made time to indulge in my favorite habit of poking around antique stores!

We also took advantage of the gorgeous weather by spending as much time outside as we could. We ventured out on beach and bluff walks to admire the impressive homes and the equally impressive surrounding views.

Of course, we also partook in enjoying fresh seafood from lobster rolls to oysters to fish tacos. A few of our favorite places included Cru Oyster Bar, Topper’s at the Wauwinet, Galley Beach, and the Chanticleer.

After a wonderful week spent exploring and learning, I cannot wait to journey back to Nantucket for another visit.

Here are a few more of my favorite Behind-The-Scenes snapshots of my time on island:

Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian Adventure

Venture far enough South, and it seems that everyone that you meet has stories tinged with loss and resilience about the hurricanes that have shaped the local land and livelihood. The citizens and business owners of Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian - two small cities located on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi - certainly do.

Every summer, my family and I spend time along this special stretch of the Gulf Coast. And during each visit, we are always inspired by the area’s indomitable spirit and determination to honor the past while celebrating the present.

In 2005, the eye of Hurricane Katrina tore through Bay St. Louis with a fury unmatched, leaving behind devastation beyond measure. The catastrophic storm shook the very foundations of the historic homes and buildings that had once stood as silent sentinels along the coastline.

Amid the wreckage, these coastal communities banded together to embark on a long journey of rebuilding and revitalization - in a place where the spirit of resilience flows as steady as the Mississippi.

Bay St. Louis:

As architects and builders descended upon the region, Bay St. Louis focused on its future while working to preserve its rich heritage and strong architectural influences from its early European, African, and Creole inhabitants.

Today, Bay St. Louis stands as a quaint and charming coastal town where time takes on a slower pace - making it the perfect place to stop before or after a full day of boating adventures on the bay.

The Bay:

Water from swampland, streams, and the Mississippi Sound converge in the Bay so depending on where you venture, its salinity and depths vary.

The Bay’s calm waters offer a haven for seekers of adventure and tranquility alike. Whether you find solace in paddle boarding or waterskiing, appreciate the peace and patience of casting a fishing line, or enjoy embarking on day trips to its small nearby islands, the Bay can be your oyster.

Pass Christian:

Located a few miles over the Bay St. Louis Bridge, stands Pass Christian- a city that earned an impressive architectural reputation during the 19th and early 20th centuries for its beautifully crafted vacation and permanent homes.

Take one trip down the live oak lined Scenic Drive Historic District in Pass Christian and you’ll see why the beachfront area is nicknamed the “Newport of the South.” The expansive lawns and wide porches (some of which are two-story) capture the laid-back elegance of this coastal town.

Local Recommendations:

• Oysters: The Oyster Bar at 200 North Beach is a must-try in Bay St. Louis.

• Ice Cream: For the best dessert in Bay St. Louis, head to The Creole Creamery for a treat - Their Cookie Monster flavor is my favorite!

• Coffee: One of my family’s favorite places to stop in Pass Christian includes Cat Island Coffeehouse - a coffee shop sharing a space with independent bookstore, Pass Christian Books.

I am already looking forward to our next visit to Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian - two cities with enduring Southern charm that have weathered long seasons of loss, rebuilding, and renewal.

Show Off Your Collection

Baseball cards, My Little Ponies, dinosaur figurines, dolls, and so much more: some of us are born collectors, and we begin accumulating from an early age. As adults, our interests change and diversify, and the resulting collections become a perfect way to personalize our homes. Instead of stuffing your collectibles in a closet or crowding them on a tabletop or mantel, showcase the items that give you pleasure and that make your home unique.

A collection of wax seals might seemed destined for a desk drawer, but we framed sets of them for a cool, historically-influenced yet non-traditional display that beckons guests to come closer for a better look. The wax seals match well with the surrounding rich, warm wood paneling and are offset by gold frames.

In the same home, lighters gathered from around the world (and through time) make a playful, artistic statement when spaced throughout a wall.

Be fearless with what and how you want to frame items in your collection. Vintage swimsuits are too cute to stow away in an old chest. The bold colors and throwback designs make for a nostalgic trip into the past while simultaneously and subtly helping form future dreams of beach time.

Photo Credit.Velvet & Linen

We adore the way that a collection of rainbow glasses and goblets becomes the star of this space. Set against a clean, white backdrop, the carefully curated, gradual color changes create an almost magical effect.

Photo Credit.A Beautiful Mess

Repurposing elements of your collection, as this collector did with her milk glass, is a sneaky way to keep them useful and occupying prime counter real estate. Contrasting with metallic bangles and other multicolored jewelry items, the white of the glass even makes the space appear tidier.

Photo Credit.Craft O Maniac

In addition to showcasing goods you have spent a lifetime gathering, displaying your collection is also a great way to keep travel memories alive. Plates selected from antique piles at the Marché aux Puces in Paris or haggled over in a Moroccan medina will find a happy home on walls or in hutches, where they can regularly be admired in their handcrafted, perfectly imperfect glory.

Photo Credit.Centsational Style

If you have a family heirloom that’s too fragile to frame or in poor shape, consider using the services of Oprah-approved Shana Novak, aka the Heirloomist. A still life photographer, Novak captures beloved and prized possessions (like this wine cork collection) through a distinctive lens and turns them into gorgeous, modern prints.

Check Them Out

Got a handbag, hat, shoe, or jewelry obsession? Give your cherished objects some time in the sun, especially when they aren’t often taken out and about in daily life.

Photo Gredit. This is Glamorous

Collections help your home reflect your passions and your pastimes, so save the closet space and storage bins for mismatched socks and your kids’ Shopkins, and give your favorite things a chance to shine…and perhaps inspire another collector.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

When I was thinking of ideas for a Mother’s Day gift guide, I kept coming back to one word: joy!

Motherhood is complicated and ever-evolving, yet being a mother to my three children is ultimately one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Mothers are experts at juggling a million things while making the world feel safe and loving, so I wanted to focus on bringing the mothers in our lives as much joy as possible.

Newport, R.I. Pickleball Paddle, $85.00

Pickleball Paddle:

Have you been bitten by the pickleball bug yet? These paddles are reason enough alone to start playing. Named after beloved towns and in a variety of stripes, gingham, patterns, and appealing colors, the paddles are lightweight, eye-catching, and as sweet as the brand’s name: Tangerine. P.S. They also have a Mother’s Day bundle on sale!

Simple Joys Puzzle - 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle, $26.00

Puzzle:

Doing puzzles is a prime example of a simple joy. Anyone who has ever fit that last piece in to complete a puzzle knows how satisfying it feels. This particular puzzle will inspire Mom to seek the most basic pleasures with illustrations of fresh berries, flowers, crayons, and music. Moms with older kids will cherish the opportunity to do a puzzle together, but if you are gifting this to a mom with young ones, throw in an IOU for some babysitting time so that she can puzzle in peace.

Bouquets: With How-To Tutorials by Laura Dowling, $35.00

Design Book:

Flowers, a perennial Mother’s Day favorite, last for only a moment, but Bouquets: With How To Tutorials will give Mom the inspiration and skills to create floral showpieces for any desired occasion. This beautiful book by Laura Dowling, former White House Chief of Floral Design, breaks down bouquets into simple, manageable steps and is organized by emotions and feelings. Dowling also has a book devoted to wreaths for every season!

Portable Kneading Massager, $39.99

Shiatsu Massager:

Okay, so it’s not the most design-friendly Mother’s Day present, but this portable kneading massager will be a guaranteed winner especially since moms are always carrying a heavy load (literally and figuratively). The massager works on the neck, back, shoulders, and even on legs. Did we mention it has healing features too?

Meaningful Donation:

For the mom who has everything she wants and needs, consider making a Mother’s Day donation in her honor. In Richmond, I recommend our local Habitat for Humanity and Little Hands Virginia, which provides essentials to economically disadvantaged children in the first years of their lives. Earlier in the month, I partnered up with Little Hands Virginia for Richmond’s inaugural Spring Tablescapes Showcase - Stay tuned for more on this wonderful event in the next blog post!

A Mardi Gras Table in Richmond

Sara Hillery Interior Design

While we may be miles away from New Orleans, the spirit of Mardi Gras is alive and well in Richmond, Virginia!

As a New Orleanian and proud member of the Krewe of Hermes, my husband couldn't let this year’s Mardi Gras festivities pass us by without celebrating in our own way. We wanted to bring the magic of Mardi Gras to our home and host a dinner party for our friends in Richmond to introduce them to some of our family’s most beloved traditions. So tonight, I am celebrating Mardi Gras in style with a dinner party filled with delicious food, great company, and cheer.

Sara Hillery Interior Design

To start, I set the table with dainty floral plates, green wine goblets, and lavender napkins to reflect the traditional Mardi Gras color scheme. I love the freshness of the Wedgwood Avon Lavender salad plates and layered these on top of Wedgwood Traditions dinner plates.

Previously purchased gold chargers and blue placemats from my personal collection anchor the table setting. The glassware includes green wine goblets handmade in Poland coupled with vintage and collected antique glasses. Polished Chantilly silverware adds high shine to the muted tablescape while gold metal masks introduce intrigue to the scene. 

Sara Hillery Interior Design

For greenery, I placed fern leaves and a preserved boxwood ball on top of a lavender runner. I handpicked flowers including Lenten roses, Hellebore flowers, baby’s breath, daisies, and purple Aster and added these blooms to various antique silver bud vases collected over time. Finally, I sprinkled in a few figs throughout the table to add interest and depth.

Meanwhile, sparkling beads, doubloons, and parade throws adorn the floating shelf in the Dining Room’s alcove, paying homage to the iconic traditions of Carnival.

Sara Hillery Interior Design

Tonight’s Cajun-inspired dinner menu is fit for a king and includes chargrilled oysters, filet, green beans, rice, and a bowl of my husband’s famous gumbo- a dish as flavorful as it is comforting. And of course, we are indulging in Randazzo’s classic king cake paired with Bluebell vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Here is to a night to remember as we celebrate Mardi Gras with good friends and good food, even from afar. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

How to Show Love through Your Home

Kip Dawkins Photography

Valentine’s Day is here- but I don’t think that you need a designated day to show love for the people that you care for the most in your life. I believe that you can make your home a place where residents and guests alike will feel the love any day throughout the year with just a few simple adjustments. In the words of bell hooks, “Love is an action, never simply a feeling.” 

Michael Hunter Photography

Design your space for every age and stage:

Interior design is deeply personal. While your spaces should work for you, it’s also important to make accommodations for the wants and needs of others around you.

Perhaps you have aging parents and want to make their guest room as comfortable and safe as possible. Adding extra pillows and blankets for comfort, moving furniture pieces around for easier navigation, and even putting a nightlight in the bathroom can help them feel more welcome. 

For younger guests, a basket of toys or puzzles will be an instant win (and can easily be stashed away when your little visitors leave). It’s an unwritten rule that the toys at someone else’s house are always more fun to play with! And with the kids occupied, Mom or Dad may even get the chance to sit down and relax.

Kip Dawkins Photography

Adorn your space with flowers:

Flowers on Valentine’s Day? Not exactly groundbreaking (though I’ll never turn them down!).

But buying, giving, and displaying flowers “just because” will give everyone who sees them a boost. A bouquet on a bedside table, an arrangement on your partner’s home office desk, or even a bud vase with a single bloom in the bathroom can add a little life to a space.

For a longer-lasting option, choose a succulent or another unfussy plant like an orchid.

Kip Dawkins Photography

Celebrate on a regular basis:

Too often, we feel like we have to save certain elements of our home and life (using our best china, uncorking that specially purchased bottle of wine, etc) for the biggest special occasions. But life is too short not to be celebrated and enjoyed!

So dine by candlelight, draw a bubble bath with those overpriced suds, invite friends over “just because” and have their favorite snacks and treats on hand.

In today’s busy world, a little time and effort will make someone immediately feel loved. 

Gordon Gregory Photography

Create spaces to honor your past, present, and future:

Feeling noticed and seen is an integral part of feeling loved. Have photos of your favorites out and on display.

If your best friend from college comes to visit, set out (or move to a more prominent position) a favorite framed photo of the two of you. She’ll feel a part of your life even when if there are usually thousands of miles between the two of you.

Kip Dawkins Photography

For your family, create a bulletin board or calendar space where you can celebrate today’s phase of life. Some fun ideas include:

• Showing off your child’s latest creations

• Picking a date for a family afternoon of hot chocolate and board games (or whatever activity you’d all be excited about) and marking it on your calendar

• Putting up a dry erase board where people can doodle or leave each other love notes

This special family space will serve as a daily reminder of your connections.

In with the Old and In with the New

Kip Dawkins Photography

Although the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new”, I think there should be an asterisk when it comes to interior design. Instead, “In with the old AND in with the new” reflects my penchant for creating spaces that combine the history and quality of old pieces with fresh style, new materials, and modern sensibilities.

Kip Dawkins Photography

I have had a soft spot for antiques since I was young because my mom has always been an avid antiquer. On family road trips, we made time to stop and look for the one thing that we couldn’t live without and the story that went along with it.

And maybe because of this, I have always loved history and learning about how each design era, phase, or fad is a reaction to something going on politically in the world. And to this day, the history buff in me is delighted to come across furniture or art that captures a particular place and moment in time. 

Gordon Gregory Photography

But at the same time, I love how new textures, colors, and forms make a space feel fresh and current. I believe that you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to combining trends yet making designs feel classic! Today, I want to share a few examples of how to do this in your own home.

Kip Dawkins Photography

One of my favorite tricks for mixing old and new is to include a small detail with big impact. Adding a funky goat leg on a stool or table leg is an easy and whimsical way to add playfulness to a space without it seeming totally out of place.

Kip Dawkins Photography

Confession: I had antique chairs in my kitchen for a while but I kept needing to repair them. At the time, I had young children and was looking for a more kid-friendly solution during a season of life when I valued ease, comfort, and durability. I bought several ghost chairs, which are super easy to wipe down and pair well with my table despite being stylistically different. Acrylics and antiques look fantastic together!

I don’t have to worry about spills or messes- and the chairs help this space feel more open and airier.

Kip Dawkins Photography

New fabric can equal new life! Another quick yet transformative fix for antiques and older pieces is re-upholstering. You’d be amazed at how different a room can feel when you swap out the tired fabric on even one chair or sofa. Updating this settee with a dark pink and white damask gives it a modern flavor. If you’ve got some basic DIY skills, you can try tackling reupholstering a simple shape yourself, or you can leave it to the professionals.

Kip Dawkins Photography

A fresh coat of paint is all that it takes to bring an 18th-century furniture style into the present day. With the Chippendale chair’s classic shape, you can go bold and bright with your color choices. In this room, the chairs look fresh and fun and complement the bright white decor and vivid blue details. 

Kip Dawkins Photography

Finding playful yet refined and timeless ways to mix and match antiques with newer pieces and elements is our brand’s bread and butter. As 2023 begins, I am more inspired than ever to help clients create spaces that reflect their varied style preferences and to show that some design rules are made to be broken (or at least bent) to fit today’s lifestyles.

Pantone Color of the Year: Viva Magenta

Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, bursts with vibrant energy. This strong color in the red family may be too extra as an “all over” color- However, used sparingly, it brings a surprising liveliness and fun-loving sensibility to the spaces it graces.

Slide 1: Kip Dawkins Photography, Slide 2-5: Gordon Gregory Photography

Scroll through for a few of my favorite Viva Magenta (and Viva Magenta adjacent) items to add a bit of this color’s brightness into your life!

Nail Enamel, Hermès, $45

Try out this year’s color without the commitment: on your nails. Such a vibrant nail color will give you an instant lift whenever you look at it, even if it’s during your fourth zoom meeting of the day.

Magenta Silk Dupion Gathered Lamp Shade, The Ginger Jar Lamp Co., $131

This silk dupion lampshade will add a fun touch of whimsy to any room! Pair it with a sleek modern base in black or white for a dramatic contrast or experiment with pattern for a playful accent.

Dip-Dyed Alpaca Throw, Casa Branca, $465

This dip-dyed alpaca throw will instantly zhuzh up a plain sofa- and feels super luxurious to cuddle up with!

'Sissinghurst with Blue Bowl' by Dana Gibson, Scout Design Studio, $660

I love local RVA artist Dana Gibson’s still life paintings, and this print with its bright background will instantly infuse personality to even the most ho-hum room or hallway.

Seaweed, Blackwell Botanicals, Contact store for pricing details

This gorgeous seaweed, with its ruffle-like appearance, is a very cool, unexpectedly chic addition for nature lovers.

Ibiza Bohemia, Assouline, $105

Visit Ibiza without leaving the coziness of your own home with this coffee table book that is made to be displayed and admired.

Ikat Silk-Velvet Cushion, Matches Fashion, $120

Ikat is always in style!

Dessert Plate Set of 2, La DoubleJ, $125

I love the contrast of this 3D geometric pattern on a round plate!

Tavolo Pitcher, Casa Branca, $325

A simple pitcher in a striking hue.

Poppy Tablecloth, Furbish Studio, $78

A touch of the tropics for your next dinner party!

Flower Quilted Placemat - Pink, Furbish Studio, $11

I cannot get enough of this cheery batik print!

Icon Pink 24-Pc Setting by Sabre, Gracious Style, $486

Love this classic flatware set in an unexpected color!

Otto Tumblers, Casa Branca, $495

I love these tumblers – There is something so fun about their shape!

Color Block Tissue Box, Jaye's Studio, $64

This tissue box cover in such a bright color is way too happy!

Orchid Napkin Rings,  Il'Argento USA, $9

Love these napkin rings in an orchid motif as a fun way to dress up your table!

Rose Diffuser, elizabethW, $84

A stylish diffuser to add a sophisticated fragrance to your home.

Tulip Candle Holder, Chefanie, $55

These are the sweetest candle holders!

White & Pink Beaded Floral Motif Handbag, The Well Appointed House, $151

A classic pattern meets peak glam. How fun are these beaded details?

Hexagon Beeswax Candles Pack - Raspberry, Matilda Goad & Co., $55

These cheerful tapers provide a little more style than your typical candle.

Scallop Edge Napkin in Pink & Azalea, Matouk, $135

Perfect year-round from Valentine’s Day to Christmas!

Bohemian Floral Lavender & Rose Napkins, Pomegranate, $56

Add block print details to your table for a chic and casual look!

Southern Living Holiday House: Behind-The-Scenes

Alison Gootee for Southern Living

For Southern Living, I decked the halls and trimmed the tree in blue ribbon for a fresh and icy take on traditional Christmas décor for the magazine’s Holiday House feature. And since the article hit newsstands, my family and I have dodged the question, “Does your house always look like that?” with wry smiles.

This photoshoot captured a special moment in time, and I called upon an entire team of helpers- from friends and family to professionals- to get each room camera ready. The process of preparing to shoot an entire home for a national magazine is multi-layered- and always more fun than work! In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite Behind-The-Scenes moments and some insight into our methods. 

Alison Gootee for Southern Living

While the essentials of great design were there, the saying, “The cobbler’s children have no shoes” resonated with me during the initial preparation for this feature. For the past 10+ years, I have been focused on Client projects and building a team- priorities that tended to take precedence over my own home’s interior design. But the honor of being photographed by Southern Living prompted me to re-evaluate my space and take an honest look at what some of my favorite rooms would look like through a shiny lens.

Alison Gootee for Southern Living

For the magazine, I agreed to design a blue Christmas-themed spread. And in the weeks leading up to the photoshoot, I felt in my element- flexing a creative muscle that I usually save for Client work. But during this season, I was also my home’s loudest critic. Constant ideas on how to refine my space raced through my mind: Should I recover my two sofas from brown to blue? Well, if I do that, I’ll have to buy a new lampshade. And if I buy a new lampshade, I should probably just replace this lamp.

While tedious, these last-minute changes only enhanced each room and continued to add hints of blue throughout the project. After I selected additional blue art pieces and called in professional art hangers to install these, I felt quietly confident that the major design elements of my home were ready to present to the world.

Alison Gootee for Southern Living

Next, it was time to shift gears and focus on decorating for Christmas and refining the details. Enter KK Harris, who helped me style the shoot and work on a plan of attack for conquering the “To-Dos.” While my family always decorates for the holiday season with garlands and multiple Christmas trees, having a stylist proved to be incredibly helpful- especially when pressed for time.

I am always dreaming up holiday tablescapes and wanted to make sure that this one stood out! So at the eleventh hour, I sought out vintage napkins and had them custom monogrammed by my friend, Simply Blessed. My mom came over early to help polish silver until it gleamed and glistened. And before we knew it, the photographer, Alison Gootee, knocked on the front door. It was showtime.

Alison Gootee for Southern Living

As they say, the devil is in the details- and I am very appreciative of all of the work that went into styling for the camera. The stylist arrived with additional complementary greenery for each vignette- and as much as I love gardening, it was wonderful to have KK’s take on the floral arrangements.

Moreover, she prepared endless festive food and drinks for the camera including peppermint bark and hot cocoa. It was difficult not to enjoy these treats before they were photographed! And during this busy season, one of the best perks was that KK and my mom even wrapped presents for underneath the trees (way ahead of when I typically get these set out!) while my daughter cherished entertaining KK’s son.  

Alison Gootee for Southern Living

As the rooms were styled, we examined each shot with Alison to determine what might be out of place or need to move. And no matter how much we thought we had each shot ready; we always saw something to improve on in the camera. It was so wonderful to observe Alison’s process- and with each passing shot, take a deep breath, and savor the moment.

As chaotic as this season proved to be, I was able to rejoice in it alongside such a dedicated team who helped me attend to every detail when every detail mattered. Almost one year later, the Southern Living Holiday House feature captured a labor of love on glossy pages- preserving extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime for my family and team. Thank you to everyone who helped to realize this opportunity. Enjoy some of my favorite outtakes below!