Around the Pound

While postings here have, shall we say, fallen a bit off course of late, behind the scenes renovations at Summerset have been moving ahead like the little engine that could. I dare even consider, we may be entering the proverbial ‘home stretch’ of Phase One. Have I mentioned there’s a Part Deux to this project we haven’t even touched on yet? One that includes knock-down demo, excavation and a new build so contested by a neighbor, let’s just say, I spent months honing my negotiating skills to earn favorable approval by the infamous Newport zoning board. I’ll save more on that story (and the new construction) for later, after a restock on the side of sanity + a much needed summer sabbatical to catch my breath.

In the interim, I promise to continue with more delectable details and room-by-room inspiration boards like those shared here and here; I love creating them as much as many of you enjoy pouring over them. And let’s be honest, despite how it may appear on the ‘Gram, where cheeky commentary and whimsical tunes paint a pretty picture for your Saturday night entertainment, not all of this process has been lollipops and rainbows.

Admittedly, I hit the design wall a couple of times, leaned into The Expert and emerged on the other side thankfully re-inspired and ready to take action. That process in and of itself deserves its very own post, because no matter your experience or know-how, acknowledging when to ask for help and working with a designer you trust can be the difference between completing a paint schedule or pouring another glass of wine.

A change of season appears to be right around the corner here in New England, we’ll be celebrating by wrapping up Phase One in coming weeks, throwing open our new French doors to the sights and sounds of Spring and layering in the touches that make any renovation uniquely personal. If you’re with us for the long haul, thanks for sticking around. And if you’re ready to jump ship, I totally get that too – some days I’m right there with you (insert wink).

It’s been just shy of four months since our last Summerset Series post, to say we’ve come a long way would be an understatement. Our crew demo’d more than 50% of the cottage, peeled cut the roof off like a tin of sardines and in very Humpty-Dumptyish style, have spent every day since lovingly putting it all back together again. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know there’s a layer of humor woven into it all, because if one can’t find laughter in the wee hours while frantically taping holes in a giant tarp overhead at the mercy of a Nor’easter, what’s left but tears and a well-appointed bar cart?

Thankfully, we’ve rounded the corner on major construction – exterior framing complete, new roof installed, plumbing + electrical being layered in. And while there are still several more weeks to go, signs point toward project completion in early 2021. Attention has diverted from late night layout edits to full court press on the delectable details. Over a quiet holiday at home, I listened to the Calico Club’s conversation with British interior designer Nicola Harding – a lovely reminder why I so emphatically wanted to execute on the interiors of Summerset personally. Nicola opened the dialogue with a question, “What makes you happy?” as her lead-in to the evening’s theme, ‘How to make a house a home.’ In her words, “It is a place that fits you perfectly. It reminds you of who you are and it makes it easy to be the you that you want to be.” 

Over the coming weeks I’ll be sharing snippets of the inspiration that’s got me wide-eyed and awake at night, day-dreaming about paint palettes bolder than I’ve ever dared implement before (yet secretly pin like a color hoarder), layering with textiles, furnishings and a dash of frivolity. Aligned with our TGL motto, I strive to serve the freshest catch of inspiration, occasionally golden, always deliciously creative. Be sure to join me here + here, and while my inspiration will be as Nicola referenced, perfectly suited to me, I sincerely hope via my journey, you’ll find the recipe to design your own house into the home that’s, as a wise Dr. Seuss would say, ‘youer than you’.