The Elms Newport Mansion, a French chateau inspired Gilded Age estate in Rhode Island, features historic home design, formal gardens, and HBO filming ties. This type of historic home design is what happens when you have too much money in 1901 and a taste for France. Architect Horace Trumbauer modeled the house after Château d’Asnières, then wrapped it in Indiana limestone so it would basically last forever.

A closer look at architectural details that define historic home design in Boston’s Back Bay—from classic brownstones to one-of-a-kind standouts. Famous for its architectural rhythm—block after block of brownstones, bay windows, and mansard roofs, all standing neatly in line like a (very fancy) army. But take a closer look, and the rhythm breaks—in the best way.

Lately, I’ve been posting all things Los Angeles—places to eat, spots to browse, standout interiors showrooms, notable historic homes, and a few visits to homes by Schindler and Frank Lloyd Wright. But this post shifts from buildings, boutiques, and restaurants… to the people. Specifically, the people I met during a week of panels and presentations at Design Los Angeles—and more importantly, the books they brought with them.

Join me on a Los Angeles historic homes tour with stops at three landmark houses: Hollyhock House, Kings Road House, and the Ennis House. From early modernist design to bold geometry and layered texture, these homes still influence how we think about space today. Between vegan meals and boutiques, I squeezed in a few landmark buildings—and this tour was totally worth it.

There’s no shortage of design in West Hollywood—Los Angeles shopping and dining at its finest. WeHo has some of the coolest restaurants, brunch spots, and coffee shops around. Every meal (or break from design meetings) offered plenty of inspiration. Beyond strong Americanos and great cocktails, I was drawn to the hospitality design and retail environments—spoken like a true former commercial interior designer.

LA is full of contradictions. A city, but sprawling like a suburb. Industry-driven, yet business deals go down in flip-flops. Full of both grit and glamour; famous, yet somehow still faceless. What I learned is that LA’s architecture is hyper-varied: One block with a Spanish Colonial Revival, the next Craftsman or a Mid-Century Modern. What LA does best is to tuck it’s architectural gems into places you don’t expect.

My friend didn’t need to do much convincing for me to join her for Design Los Angeles. The former La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDQ) has recently rebranded under the leadership of Rebecca Birdwell, supported by a board of notable industry figures. We spent most of our time in West Hollywood, where LA’s interior design showrooms cluster along La Cienega, and seeing them on the West Coast felt essential and energizing.

Toronto’s neighborhoods offer more than just a pleasant stroll—they’re a study in layered history, evolving styles, and architectural details that still feel lived-in. On this trip, I wasn’t only browsing boutiques and admiring façades—I was gathering historic home design inspiration at every turn. From Georgian buildings reimagined as luxury storefronts to rows of Victorians, the structures hold strong.

A trip to NYC from Boston is so easy—Amtrak Acela, Route 128 straight to Penn Station. We came for our client and spent the day at her Lenox Hill apartment. After a full day on site, I headed out just as the light started to shift. Met friends, stopped into a few galleries, and ended the day with a walk through the city. We’ve been spending more time in New York for projects and sources, and every visit brings fresh perspective.

Like a true New Englander, I’ve spent plenty of time in ski towns from New Hampshire to Vermont—and even a few in Massachusetts. I expected Quebec to feel different, but this Mont Tremblant ski trip surprised me with its quality and ease. Just a bit farther than Stowe, my usual stomping grounds, yet a completely different experience.

Visit Montreal in the winter, and expect freezing temperatures with a dose of hockey and history. We’re talking 1°F or way below-zero Celsius. Bring fur, thick socks, plentry of outerwear, and waterproof everything. I personally owe my survival to my leather, sherpa-lined L.L. Bean tall boots—stylish and, frankly, non-negotiable. We arrived via train after a record-breaking 30-inch snowfall, a winter wonderland—cute but cold.

I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted as an ARCH Digest Pro interior designer. It’s a great way to start the year and a reminder of what drives my work – our mission. Our focus has always been on creating interiors that feel timeless, personal, and livable. As we settle into the new year, it feels like the right time to revisit these core principles.