Summer Inspiration

By: Gabriela Yareliz

It’s summertime. (Well, almost). The weather feels like it, and school in the South is officially out.

What has happened since we last met? I mean, Johnny Depp rightfully won his trial. Shakira and Pique are splitting. The news is in its typical tailspin, and gas and food prices keep going up. In a summer where we will need to make do with a lot less, my mind keeps going back to that Aerin Lauder quote, “More is more.” There is something about classic elegance that still has a hint of decadence and maximalism.

Summertime in New York makes me think of the Hudson Valley. (Ok, I think of the Hudson Valley in every season). But summer makes me think of the big and grand estates just north of the city. Stunning views, tree-lined streets. *cue Downton Abbey music* Bookshelves lined with old books that elegantly match. Porcelain figurines. Floral bedding spread. Glass double doors. Gardens as far as the eye can see.

Lately, I am dreaming of that old world classic summer vibe. I am gathering inspiration from the following:

Aerin Lauder

Ms. Lauder’s aesthetic is just magical to me. I love how she uses color, and how she sets a table like it is art (and her florals). (Fun tip from the person who often does her florals– use nonclear vases so that when the water clouds, it doesn’t mess up the beauty of the bouquet).

I also love how she frames her photos and artwork made by her children. She keeps her children’s art in the kitchen. Reminds me of when I had a wall of art done by little H in the kitchen/dining area.

Kathy Hilton

Ms. Hilton (yes, of the family of the famous hotels) knows how to set a table and decorate her home. The woman has never been to a bank (they joked about this on Bravo), but she knows her lane.

She throws these stunning parties and dinners. She said herself that guests should arrive about ten minutes late. They should never come early. In those last ten minutes, she circles around and checks the details of every setting and every piece. It’s all about relaxed precision.

How to host a holiday party like Kathy Hilton has some transferrable wisdom for any season.

Mary Orton

Mary Orton has impeccable taste in home decor, fashion and beauty. She writes for her page Memorandum, which is spilling over with great info and recs.

We can borrow a page from the old world maximalists. They rarely were about consumption of the new, but they creatively used the old to make their day-to-day living art.

William Morris said, “If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

I am dreaming of a summer filled with beauty.

If you are game to follow the home and living rabbit hole, find more interior design inspiration here (LuxDeco).