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.

Savor The End of Summer (with a designer's attention to detail)

Ahh, summer! We love engaging ALL of our senses this time of year. From admiring the vivid colors of hydrangeas in bloom to smelling sweet honeysuckle to reveling in the sensation of jumping in the pool after a sizzling hot day, summer is a sensory feast, and we never get our fill. Despite our attempts to slow time down, the season always seems to go way too fast, so before we slip into fall, we wanted to share a few of the ways in which we plan to savor the end of summer. 

FRUIT PICKING

Selecting fragrant, warmed-by-the-sun fruit yourself is next level fun, especially when kids get involved, so an orchard outing is on our August calendar. After the picking comes the best part—dreaming up and then making pies, crisps, jams and syrups (as well as freezing some our hall for mid-winter when we’ll be craving fruit). We’re hoping to snag some peaches before making a fall trip for apples and pumpkins!

FLOWER PRESSING

I have fond memories of pressing flowers as a child and gifting them to my mother. Now as a designer, I love the idea of extending the life of favorite seasonal blooms including hydrangeas, daisies, and zinnias and framing them for a simple, yet timeless display. There are plenty of flower press kits for purchase, but if you have a little time and some basic materials, you can make your own.

TIE DYEING

Nothing says “summer camp” like good old tie-dye and with good reason: it’s a fun outdoor activity for all ages! Playing around with different patterns and folds will take your design to the next level, but you can also improvise with color and style. If you already have enough tie-dyed shirts to last a lifetime, consider giving linen or cotton placemats, napkins, towels, or tablecloths a visually striking—and playful—upgrade.

EASY OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

Our favorite summer memories often involve low-key cookouts, barbeques, and hang outs that naturally come together after long days at the pool or post-Little League game. We fully embrace these spontaneous gatherings (especially when there’s a slip ‘n slide involved), and we recommend having the ingredients on hand for a few favorites that come together without much fuss. S’mores, a shrimp boil, watermelon (either by itself or as part of a feta salad), cheeses with an assortment of crackers, and fruits and veggies that are easy to grill are among our staple entertaining standbys. Insider scoop: grilled pineapple topped with ice cream is a homerun every time!

FARMER’S MARKET

Who doesn’t love a farmer’s market? Between the visual array of seasonal produce, the smell of flowers, the delicious try-before-you-buy tasters, and the sound of people chitchatting about their favorite vendors and afternoon plans, it’s a true sensory heaven as well as an important community space that honors and celebrates local growers and makers. I am always inspired when I visit our local farmer’s market, whether it be a result of seeing the rainbow of fruits and veggies or hearing how a vendor turned an interest in fermentation into a tasty side hustle. I can’t make summer last forever, but squeezing the enjoyment out of the season’s simple pleasures makes every moment sweeter.