Happy SUMMER!!! As of June 21st, the summer season is OFFICIALLY here!! After an extremely excruciating winter, we are all so looking forward to an amazing summer in Chi-town. One of the many things that I love about summer, besides the warm weather, sunshine, family holidays and eating outdoors- of course, is that it marks the “nautical” season. Living on the shores of Lake Michigan, we take our boating very seriously. We have to pack a lot of it into the few short months that we actually can. There are many nautical inspired pieces in my closet from anchor prints to my new fave navy Chanel espadrilles (nautical doesn’t always have to be so overt 
With summer arriving, I couldn’t help but reminisce of a fave historic restoration client project of mine….my client’s gorgeous 200+ year old retreat in Nantucket that fortunately called for a hint and a nod to a pared down nautical theme all year round. My client and I (along with her daughter who I am lucky enough to have as one of our three summer interns at BI+D) shopped arose the Northeast and accumulated some crazy cool pieces. It was so fun working on this project!
The family room is “literally” anchored by a pair of cocktail tables fashioned from old brass portholes!
The mantle art is a found lead seahorse architectural staircase remnant.
The “Smooth Sailing” sign is from an old tavern while the antique carved whale was found in the fields of my fave Brimfield Antiques Market.
Did you notice the “wave like” detail of this restored antique mahogany bed that was placed in the master bedroom?
A collection of antique whaling tools and a harpoon adorn the kitchen hearth. Also, an array of the families collected shells sit within an antique tray centered on the kitchen island. This collection is ever changing….
Here are some additional shots of this gorgeous home located on Orange Street- you should see the hydrangeas in season!
Meanwhile back at the ranch, we are loving our collaboration at my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom featuring fabulous pieces by Dunes and Duchess…they are available in an array of custom lacquered colors, but when done in their “Commodore of the Yacht Club Blue” (gotta love the name!!), these candelabras and light fixtures are given a cool shoreline vibe. In the classic white, their appropriately named “Lakehouse Chair” is definitely going in my next beachy project!
Nautical doesn’t mean just anchor prints and blue and white. There are many ways to incorporate a subtle theme into any space. Loving these bespoke rustic wood painted art pieces and the ship portholes adorning this nautical inspired bathroom. I like that idea
Nautical is of course a repeating big trend in fashion each summer. Here are some of Princess Kate Middleton’s revolving classic nautical looks….
And how some other fashion bloggers and stars interpret the trend!!!
I’ll be rockin’ my nautical stripes and prints all season!
Happy 4th of July y’all!! xx
