Thoughtful Gifts Fortnum & Mason London was my favorite department store—less about fashion and more about refinement. Accessories, small handbags, tea, cookies, and treats fill every floor. It’s the perfect place to find gifts that feel thoughtful but never overdone. My suitcase was too full, so I ordered online to have gifts waiting for me […]

A London Landmark In the heart of Knightsbridge, Harrod’s london department store stands as one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. The neighborhood’s proximity to Hyde Park and its reputation for luxury make it the perfect home for this icon of British retail. Founded in 1849, the business began as a small grocery and tea merchant […]

I felt lucky to be invited on a design field trip with Christopher Farr Cloth. I know their fabrics well and use them often in my projects, but I truly didn’t know what to expect. I had never explored London through the lens of a designer, knew no one else on the trip, and—truthfully—committed before even seeing the itinerary. But you can’t go wrong with a legendary London-based design house, and it paid off.

During a recent client meeting, I launched into a full explanation about window treatments. People understand the basics—privacy, light filtering, and sun protection. But as a decorator, I see them differently. Beyond just functional, they’re visual anchors, adding warmth, color, texture, and scale. They soften hard window frames and act as large-scale art.
That’s why we never skip them. In fact, we don’t take on projects where clients won’t budget for window treatments. Yes, they’re expensive, but also essential.

Last week, I joined a smart and lively crew on Boston’s South Shore to talk about fine art in interior design. The South Shore Art Center hosted the panel, led by Executive Director Patrice Maye, following a striking new installation featuring two local artists: Alyssa Fortin and Curtis Speer. I joined the conversation alongside Kelly Netishan and Christina Godfrey—two powerhouse women who know their way around a gallery wall.

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.

Looking to elevate your next photo shoot or home staging project? These indoor plant styling tips, inspired by a recent LA showroom visit and a South Shore photo shoot, offer easy-care greenery ideas that photograph beautifully and thrive indoors. Before styling any space for a photo shoot, I start with greenery. Fresh-cut flowers are lovely but are often a last-minute call and are fully dependant on what’s available at the market.

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.

I’ve been a fan of Sarah Flint shoes for years: her pieces are beautiful, well-made, and built for walking. Recently, I met Sarah at a Boston pop-up on Newbury Street and she’s smart, warm, and full of creative energy. A local talent from Lincoln, Massachusetts, she studied at FIT in New York and did intensive ‘shoe’ training in Italy. Her mission is clear: make beautiful shoes that are actually comfortable.

Do you know how many times I meet new clients, and they already have a builder—who has already given them a cost—with no drawings? It’s impossible for any builder to give an accurate estimate without drawings. It’s pure guesswork. These builders promise low costs and short schedules, setting homeowners up for disappointment. So, let’s talk about how to hire a builder who actually knows what they’re doing.

Tariff talk is exhausting. With imports from Asia getting more expensive and shipping no longer cheap, more people may start avoiding fast fashion—and it’s about time; I’ve been doing that for years (long live Poshmark and The Real Real). It’s a good time to turn toward secondhand everything beyond clothing, including home decor and furniture. We’re not the first to catch on to secondhand goods—just pointing out the growth!

This post is a little shout-out to some of the people we love in the New England interior design industry. We’re starting with our friend and colleague, Ellisha Alexina—a talented New England fabric designer whose work we’ve admired for years. A Massachusetts native, her designs come to life in Boston, and her textiles are made in Western Massachusetts. We love local.