Jet-setting into Summer

School’s out for summer, which means parties, vacations and lots of color! In this edition of The Design Edit, our monthly newsletter, get some tips to bring your summer vacation home with you.

Two weeks ago the third season of Bridgerton came out and to be honest, I binge-watched it  straight through! The details, on top of the story line, are my true obsession - the breathtaking costumes, the places where it all unfolds, the beauty in the interiors… And you know, as an Interior Designer, the thing to do when I think something is beautiful is creating spaces inspired by it. So if opulence, romanticism and magnificent are words you would like to be used to describe your next party, this blog is for you. “Host a Bridgerton Ball with these 7 Dining Room Must Haves”. 

Whether you’re looking for travel plans or interior inspirations on Pinterest, this summer the Greek islands is where it’s at! There’s nothing better than crisp white interiors, a pop of blue and some natural textures to balance it all out. 

The good news is that bringing the picturesque Mediterranean vibe into your home has never been easier. With these "5 Interior Design Ideas to Transform Your Home into Your Dream Greek Vacation This Summer," you’ll feel like you stepped into your own little Greek oasis.

Here are my summer shopping spree favorites! 

• If you’re into sectionals, Crate & Barrel has this clean and neutral linen option that you can configure according to your space. Now, if you’re looking for a more unusual greek design i highly recommend you to check this blue sofa by VUUE. Talk about a statement! 

• Pottery Barn has an amazing hand painted vase collection that brings the Greek islands color palette to life. My favorite details are the items that are easy to mix and match. 

• To create your own Greek patio, get inspired by Four Hands’ outdoor collection: modern, clean lines, neutral tones, natural materials and fun shapes. 

• Who doesn’t love a good hanging daybed?! Frontgate’s Coraline Hanging Daybed will make you want to get cozy with a good book and cup of iced coffee. 

• There’s nothing I love more than when furniture doubles as sculpture! Anthropologie’s Sonali Double Pedestal Dining Table is the perfect piece for this. Add simple chairs like these or make a statement and let your dining room shine. Seriously obsessed with this look.

For me, traveling isn’t just about instagram moments and tourist attractions… It’s about exploring new cultures and looking at beautiful design and architecture that I don’t get the privilege of seeing everyday. 

Outside of being filled with inspiration to bring new ideas into my designs, I’m always looking for a little token that I can carry home with me. One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to find something special, a small piece of art, a book, a sculpture, something that I can put on display in my home to remind me of the trip and build my own collection of cultural treasures. 

These are the pieces that shine in your home. They aren’t just things, they are memories. They tell captivating stories of your adventures and the people you meet along the way. As an avid traveler and passionate interior designer, I’ve found that the best treasures come from a mix of curiosity, knowledge, and a bit of strategy. Here are my 5 tips to treasure hunt on your vacation. 

1. Pre-trip Planning: A little research goes a long way! When traveling to new regions, I like to do a bit of digging ahead of time to find local markets, flea markets, antique shops, and artisan stores. Pinterest is my go-to travel planner! 
   
   Pro tip: Make friends with locals! Once you’re in the city, ask locals for recommendations. Sometimes the best spots aren’t widely advertised.
   

2. Educate Yourself: Learn about the local craftsmanship and traditional art forms. What unique skills are the artisans known for? What materials are used and why? This understanding will help you appreciate the value, authenticity, and uniqueness of the items you find.
   

3. Connect with the Story: Choose items that have a story or meaning to you. The memories of where and how you found them will add depth to your home decor. The beauty of curating your personal collection of artisanal treasures is that they don’t have to all match! There aren’t “rules” to follow, just to find cool pieces that speak to you and evoke a memory.
   
   Pro tip: One of my favorite things to bring home from travels is a coffee table book. You can usually find one of your favorite local artist in the gift shop of that art gallery you explored.
   

4. Focus on Unique Pieces: Although those rattan-wrapped drinking glasses may be adorable, you can probably leave them behind and find something similar in your hometown. Instead, look for items that are unique to the area, such as handwoven textiles, pottery, wood carvings, and paintings.

   
   Pro tip: Instead of hitting up the tourist gift shops, I head out to a local artisan market or pop-up event and look for a piece of pottery like a bowl or small plate. These create the perfect coffee table accessory and are easy to incorporate into your home.
   

5. Don’t Forget the Logistics: Consider how you will get items home. Smaller items are easier to pack, but some shops can arrange shipping for larger pieces. (If flying Delta, their cargo shipping Delta Dash is my favorite!)