Summer style tips ...

Party in summer-style ... space designed by Martha Sutyak

We are half-way through summer and now is a good time to start really savoring it (in other words, throw
a party!) Here are a few warm-weather inspired decorating ideas that I have collected
from a few design shows ...



What a cool idea to turn a surfboard into a mini-bar! Martha Sutyak of Sutyak Style created this beauty and then adorned it with fishing net, island artifacts and festive mini paper lanterns. It attracted quite a party-loving crowd at last May’s
North Shore Design Show.

Completely cover a table with ocean imagery. This detail-rich table was set by Nanette Chandler
of Interior Style in Brookline. Most requested item? Glass sea-life napkin rings from Pottery Barn.

Add outdoor lighting that you don’t have to worry about. Floral designer Lyndsay Pollard of Hamilton used flameless tealights (batteries included) to add glimmer to her summer tablescape from
last year’s North Shore Design Show
at the Wenham Musuem.

Create a nautical get-a-way. Marine varnish, port hole art, high-gloss beadboard and a mapped ceiling made this seaside retreat by Siemasko + Verbridge look authentic, yet cozy. A quiet place to
relax after the party is over!

Add a touch of summer whimsy. A ball of brightly-colored silk flowers adorned the tent at last years NSDS preview party at the Wenham Museum. See more summer decorating ideas from
design shows highlighted on my blog:

Sea-inspired silverware by Mariposa

A summer birthday party: Kim Smith Designs

Al fresco dining by Tuttle and Company

For more summer decorating ideas, visit my space at:
Reflecting on Danvers History through Interior Design
open through August 1st at Tapley Hall in Danvers.

How do you decorate for summer?

Dancing Rabbit Designs

{photo borrowed from the Wenham Museum Facebook album}

A painterly tablescape created by Robin Sears
of Dancing Rabbit Designs was displayed at last year’s
North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes

“I believe that good design combines function and beauty and has the power to transform and bring joy.”
-Robin Sears of Dancing Rabbit Designs

Recently my sister and I took a class on how to paint wine glasses held at TaggArt Studio. I made a set of four glasses, one for each of my four sons, marked with their first initials (I imagine serving whip cream-topped desserts in them or something “fancy” like water with lemons : ) The hardest part of the artistic process for most of us in the class was coming up with a pattern for the design. While I chose initials, my sister chose a dash and dot pattern, another chose hearts with stripes, and the teacher, Mary, effortlessly combined swirling vines with initials on her set of six. This exercise in creating functional works of art reminded me of one of last year’s participants at the Wenham Museum North Shore Design Show.

Robin Sears of Dancing Rabbit Designs created
this showstopping spring table inspired by nature
and one of her (and my) favorite little creatures ...


A painting Robin did featuring one of her bunnies.
It is titled: Leaping Josephine

Confectionery colored silk drapery panels serve as a
pretty backdrop to this spring dinner party for six.

Robin specializes in one-of-a-kind custom hand-painted furniture and accessories. She works very closely with her clients to produce works of art with a personal touch. I love how she added cheerful whimsy to this very traditional table and chair set. Her pieces have been featured in magazines including Traditional Home, Victoria, Gourmet and Bon Appetit, and they have been sold through retailers like Horchow and Bloomingdales.





See these and more on Robin’s blog: Dancing Rabbit

I expect there to be lots of visual treats like the above space of Robin’s at this years design show (May 15th through the 22nd). Tickets are $15 in advance or
$20 at the door. Contact the Wenham Museum to
get yours. Look for me there, along with some decorative bunnies of my own!

Inspired by ... Beth Hylan

Learn the story behind this metal sculpture ...

After spending so much time in Beth’s company lately, I have found myself under the influence of her creative spell. Saturday after leaving the studio, I went home and put together this urn filled with rose hips from a bush outside my kitchen window. Beth put together a large scale version in the front window of the design studio for the opening. Simple, but visually dramatic.


Beth and I have been creating in tandem. I brought in this vintage fireplace tool set (thanks, CC!) ...


Beth figured it would be the perfect piece to
hang her antique paper jewelry necklaces ...



To help visitors “read the fine print” I brought in a couple of magnifying glasses ...

I hung this black framed mirror in my garden room ...


and Beth’s dried nigella flower swag is its perfect compliment. While some of Beth’s items are showcased best in small scale vignettes like this shadow box ...


Some favorite objects that I have displayed are interesting because of their large scale.

Something Beth and I have always had in common is our love for all things green. I know that Beth’s work with moss inspired my own design for the North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes held at the Wenham Museum last May.

Many of these custom-designed items are
now on display in my designer corner.

Here is my little bunny friend in Wenham ...

who has now found a home in Beth’s shop,
just like me!

Design TV and a Fashionably Chic Condo

I chose this pillow, end table and lamp all from Pier 1
for a recent design project, and later saw the pillow
on the set of the Project Runway All-Star Challenge.

I happily overstuffed myself this past weekend on a large serving of DVR’d design TV ... gobbling up half-a-dozen HGTV Design Star episodes along with a generous portion of the Project Runway season, now being shown on the Lifetime network. I just love watching how other creatives go through the design process. Since the trends in one field will often show up in the other, I liken this overload of TV-viewing to “critical design research.”

Ruffle Pillow from Pier 1

I was pleasantly surprised to discover this soft pink ruffled pillow from Pier 1 (which reminded me of the trend-setting design work of last season’s Project Runway winner, Leanne Marshall), displayed on every bed in the women’s sleeping area on the Project Runway All-Star Challenge.

This pillow is one of those great pieces that has the ability to draw a person into a room. It practically invites you to pick it up and “ruffle” it. We used it on my client’s chocolate brown futon in her spare bedroom/office to add a touch of feminine whimsy to this warmly modern space.

Since the room is visible from the front entrance, I wanted to give visitors a reason to walk down the hall to go see it up close. At a recent cocktail party, one of the first guests did just that, exclaiming at the front door, “Ooh, I love that pillow!”

Here are a few more pics from what is turning out to be a very “fashionably chic condo” ...


My client adores zebra prints ... this pair of trays (also from Pier 1) gives her new ottoman an added touch of stylish function. Ottoman and custom sofa from Boston Interiors. My recommendation for art, Verdigris by Elizabeth Jardine, is available at Art.com




Art.com framed print, Seascape by Claude Monet
swells with the colors of her marine palette ...
Benjamin Moore Silver Marlin, Sandy Hook Gray,
Misty Air and Limesickle



A vintage chair gets a pick-me up
with this petite accent pillow from
my Vintage Seaside Collection.



An ocean-inspired vignette ... a silver star pendant casually drapes over a framed photo of a sea turtle (taken during a recent vacation) and is surrounded by a collection of sea-colored glass and gathered shells in a narrow ceramic dish.


Tablescape design with Olive Dish by Sigrid Olsen
as seen at the North Shore Design Show

I recently met designer Sigrid Olsen at the gala event for the NSDS at the Wenham Museum this spring. My client, who attended the gala as my guest, had met Olsen previously during sample sales held at Sigrid’s former clothing design studio. Since selling her apparel business, Olsen has “returned to her roots as an artist and print designer,” and now has a new collection of sea-inspired pottery and art (among other design projects). Check out her new locations in Gloucester, Massachusetts to see more:

Sigrid Olsen Art Gallery
34 Rocky Neck Avenue
ISLA Beach House
77 Rocky Neck Avenue
978.281.1766

And be sure to check back later for more updates on this Fashionably Chic Condo. Coming up next ... coffee table, window treatments, and final touches.


Mirrors that seem to float above her desk are
illuminated by this paper lantern from Pier 1


Did I mention that the best part of working with this particular client is the fact that she is my younger sister? Congratulations, Linda, on your new place!


Photo borrowed from the Wenham Museum
North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes – Album 2 on Facebook

Tablescapes Spotlight: The Green Egg and WWS Woodworks

“Happy Eco-Birthday!”

There is so much that I love about this tablescape from the North Shore Design Show designed by Tracy Davidow of The Green Egg and featuring handcrafted pieces by William Smith of WWS Woodworks.

1. The cake. How deliciously-cute is that? And if you can’t bear to cut into it, there is a cupcake or two for each guest.

2. Sarfari Masks. At one of my favorite birthday parties, we gave all the kids masks like the ones that Tracy used for this earth-friendly event (her shop features many eco-aware items that are made from recycled materials). The pictures that we took of the masked children were wildly adorable!

3. Mini Red “Suitcase.” The tiny suitcases at each place setting are another favorite of mine ... they are great for containing all of those itty-bitty treasures that our little ones collect. Perfect for packing as an on-the-go toy chest (or entertainment at the ready). I highly advise one for each child! (available in a variety of colors)


4. The Table. I am always looking for farm tables, and this beauty by William Smith is a must-see. It has a smooth-as-satin finish while still maintaining its made-by-hand good looks.

5. Wordly Decorating. From the globe-inspired floor cushions to the “we are the world” mural, this party celebrates the connections we all share. Contact Tracy at The Green Egg for design resource information and availability.


I picked up four of these had-t0-have-them
twig pencils after the show ... I couldn't resist!
My boys thought they were cool, too.

Mention that you saw The Green Egg on my blog,
and you will receive 10% off your purchase. Enjoy!

More great works from William Smith ...

Ledge Trunk with gently closing lid makes a great toy box
and this golden baby cradle may also be used
to hold favorite dolls and creatures.

Iris Coffee Table by WWS Woodworks
This piece is stunning ... simple lines and beautifully crafted.

“WWS Woodworks is dedicated to preserving the environment, reducing global climate change and promoting sustainable forestry. A primary focus is to conduct business in an environmentally responsible and proactive manner. WWS aims to conserve natural resources, minimize waste, encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.”
– from the WWS website

Visit William’s website to learn more about his design philosopy. Contact him to arrange a studio visit, or to commission a piece for your own home or as a gift.

WWS Woodworks Studio/Shop
39 Liberty Street, Newburyport, MA
617-877-7447
wwswoodworks.com

baby gifts • birthday party gifts • clothes • beach toys • tees

Stop in for a visit or shop on-line.

19 Central Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea
www.thegreeneggshop.com
978-525-3445

Tablescapes Spotlight: Kim Smith for Willowdale

Time spent in the garden is just starting to reap rewards about now. It is much easier to ignore what is going on inside my house and just plant myself out in the sun to admire the ever changing colors and fragrances of my country garden. These low-maintenance shrub roses are intoxicating, which may explain why I have been sitting much more than I have been weeding!

While I sit, however, I ponder the possibilities ...


“Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities”
written and illustrated by Kim Smith
Available through Toadhall Bookstore Online
or through Amazon.com

To achieve the garden of your dreams take a peek at this book by the super creative author/illustrator/photographer and designer Kim Smith. Her words of wisdom and sweetly illustrated garden images will give you much to think about when planning your own outdoor spaces. And then when your garden is looking its best, a party is in order. Kim designed this birthday celebration vignette for the North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes event held at the Wenham Museum in May.

Photo courtesy of Linda Encarnacao

Inspired by the butterfly courtyard at the Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts, it is a visual treat that combines antique finery, whimsical touches and irresistible confections.


A packet of seeds for each guest is a creative and thoughtful touch.

These cookies tasted as good as they looked ...


And if you’d like to try your hand at creating a work of art “en plein air” like Kim, Willowdale hosts Artist Open Hours free with no registration required on the first Tuesday of each month starting in June from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring your “paints, panels and brushes” and get a first-hand look at the gardens that have inspired Kim and the many visitors to the estate.

To book a tour or plan your own event at Willowdale, call 978-887-8211


Rhododendron and Carpenter Bee by Kim Smith

To receive “inbox-inspiration” directly from Kim, sign-up for her eColumn newsletter which is chock-full of smart – and timely – gardening information and beautiful close-up photography. Or plan on meeting her in person at one of her upcoming lectures or book-signing events. She is just as nice in person as you would expect a lover of gardens to be!

Photo credit: Liv Hauck