Summer 2026 Newsletter

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college feels and dorm vibes // by Michele

If you follow us on Instagram, you’ve seen it all. From my daughter’s graduation, to our dorm decor partnership with Ballard Designs, we are fully in college mode over here! Here are a few thoughts on this chapter in our life and all of the changes that lie ahead. 

I never really understood the phrases “time is a thief,” or “the days are long but the years are short,” until Bella started High school. It's so true! Four years just FLEW by! If you aren't there yet, hang on tight, because in what feels like a split second, you will be! Trust me! I’ve been spending a lot of time lately going down memory lane, and it has been incredibly bittersweet. Somehow the newborn pictures, Halloween photos, first day of school interviews, and graduation portraits feel like they have all happened in the blink of an eye. I keep asking myself, how are we here??

Navigating the college application and acceptance process was a challenge, and deciding where she will spend the next four years has been stressful. We couldn't be more thrilled for her to call the University of Tennessee HOME. And then of course the craziness of selecting your roommates (literally like speed dating) and getting the dorm you want- let’s just say it's been a whole thing!!! Who knew how many dorm products existed?! It's literally so overwhelming. Thank goodness retailers are now offering Dorm options. When we partnered with Ballard Designs, we fell in love with their headboards and used that as our starting point. After perusing packing lists, I’ve realized we really have to get shopping! 

As we’ve been living this, we’ve realized how overwhelming shopping and packing can be! We decided to create dorm resources to help people design dorm rooms who might not have a design background. Your environment significantly influences how you feel, how you show up in the world, and the comfort you have after  a long day. It’s hard to think of a space that needs to be as intentional in achieving these goals as a college dorm. Especially for someone who is leaving home. I can’t think about that yet though! Right now, we are having fun in the moment, shopping for the cute (and practical!) dorm decor. I’ll think about that little bumble bee going off to Tennessee later. 

news from around the office

Summer is off to a great start, especially because of the cooler temps! We’ve hit the ground running with our new dorm collection- we are offering 1-on-1 consults, have a designer curated catalogue, and a free packing guide with all of the essentials! It has been so fun shopping for the home in a different way! We are excited to be a part of To Live and Design in August with ADAC and Modern Luxury. We are scheming our tablescape and can’t wait to experience the multi-course meal by some of the city’s best chefs! Stay tuned to see how it all comes together!

Michele has been staying busy with her son and club lacrosse and her daughter getting ready for college. She and Grace just got back from New York City, where they worked and played! She is looking forward to a few installs coming up in June and July. She had a blast being a judge in the Miss North Carolina Competition recently and is soaking up the last few weeks of having everyone home.

Grace has been heads down with AutoCAD completing drawings for some new projects we are starting soon. She just got back from St. Simons and New York, and is looking forward to summer weddings.

Erin has been on the social media grid! Chasing trends, creating our own- it’s an exciting, fun, and creative project! She is on the go a lot this summer to her family’s lake house, basketball tournaments with her husband, and just got back from a fun trip to Nashville.

fashion inspired rooms // by Erin

A love of interior design rarely exists on its own. If you love interiors, you probably also have an appreciation for fashion, art, architecture, and the beautiful details that shape our everyday lives. In many ways, the spaces we create are an extension of our personal style. In fact, the color palette hanging in my closet looks remarkably similar to the one found throughout my house.

Inspiration can come from anywhere, a perfectly tailored jacket or a striking piece of artwork and often encourages us to embrace more color, texture, pattern, and shine in our homes.

Few fashion pieces spark inspiration quite like designer shoes, where craftsmanship and creativity come together in every detail. We rounded up some of fashion's most iconic shoes and matched them with interiors that feel like their perfect design counterpart.

The Valentino Garavani Rockstud

Edgy, assembled, and wonder. She cares about the image of her home but mostly because it influences how she feels. If it is polished, it is ready for guests. If it is edgy, it matches her personality. If it is full of wonder, she remains mysterious. An interior with multiple layers and textures can be intriguing and can hold your interest for a long time as you discover new things in the space.

The Christian Louboutin So Kate Pump

Showstopper, mysterious, and put together. She cares about being perceived exactly as she is: polished, chic, and bold. Although she can endure pain for beauty, she doesn’t need to be at home. A very functional interior with smooth and polished finishes create a peaceful place where the world is quiet. Channel your inner Louboutin by looking at your space with a microscope- what’s working, what needs some attention. What would make your home work for you while being beautiful?

The Dior J’Adior Slingback Pump

A modern, feminine professional. She values traditional aspects with some flare and charm of the unexpected. Dior has some spunk and creativity when mixed with traditional rules and layouts. After a long day, she wants to come home to predictability mixed with inspiration.

The Giuseppe Zanotti Wing Sandal

Whimsical, feminine and dramatic. She values color, versatility, and imagination. Not afraid to commit to a trend she loves, she will change on a dime once her space has had its moment. She’s not afraid of bright colors, custom furniture, and art that ties it all together.

Chanel Slingbacks

A true classic and traditional woman. She values classic fashion pieces that ignore trends. Still chic but always comfortable, she comes home to a space with history, tradition, and function to truly unwind after a long day.

The Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pumps

As a Carrie, loyal, and creative, she cares about using color as punctuation. There is always an element of surprise or mismatch that adds a layer of interest. An interior with traditional accents and punchy colors is right up our alley.

 

industry articles we are loving

This Lakeside Family Compound in Wisconsin Is Everything a Summer Home Should Be // By: Alyssa Longobucco

“Designed explicitly for the husband, this cozy lounge is meant to be the go-to spot for the homeowner to play pool and sip from his bourbon collection.” -Alyssa Longobucco

Before & After: From Crumbling Garage To Cocktail-Ready Pool House // By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

“Rather than recreate period architecture, Brownell looked for ways to echo it. The warm wall color picks up on the home’s original terracotta roof tiles and tiled stair details, while curves appear throughout the project—in the coved ceiling, furniture silhouettes, millwork profiles, and the arched bar itself.” -Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

We hope you have a fun and safe summer!

Michele Gratch