Design Notes from the Island: Inspiration from Edgartown, Chappy, and Nantucket

Every summer, I try to step away from the day-to-day and head to the island with my family. We’ve just wrapped up a few wonderful weeks spent on Chappaquiddick (or "Chappy" if you know, you know), tucked just off the coast of Edgartown, with a little time in Nantucket sprinkled in for good measure. I worked remotely while soaking up the salty air, sharing sun-drenched afternoons with my family, laughing with mom friends who made the trek, and enjoying a dreamy overnight visit with a friend in Sconset.

But let’s be honest—once a designer, always a designer. And I couldn’t help but bring home a camera roll full of inspiration and a head full of ideas.

1. Weathered Shingles & Painted Trim

There’s just something about a gray-shingled house with crisp white trim and a cheerful blue or green door. These homes speak in whispers—not shouting their beauty, but revealing it slowly through timeworn textures and soft light. They remind me that the best design doesn’t always scream—it endures.

2. Hydrangea Hues

If you’ve ever been to the Vineyard or Nantucket in July, you know that the hydrangeas show off. Blushy pinks, stormy blues, lavender-grays—nature’s color palette at its absolute finest. I found myself dreaming of dusty periwinkle upholstery, soft blush linen curtains, and high-gloss trim in the palest green.

3. Seashells & Nautical Nods

From the driftwood and shell-encrusted frames to carved whale motifs and classic brass lighting, I kept seeing elements I want to reinterpret. Think: elevated coastal—not kitschy, but collected. A shell mirror in a powder room, navy and white ticking stripes in a boy’s room, rope details that feel chic instead of theme-y.

4. Slow Design

Island life has a rhythm—slower, intentional. I’m bringing that energy back into the studio this month. Spaces should unfold gently, have room to grow, and feel like the very best version of their inhabitants. Good design isn’t rushed.

As I settle back into my routines (and start designing window treatments and floor plans again), I’m holding onto the scent of salt in the air, the crunch of gravel paths, and the way twilight stretches a little longer when you're surrounded by people you love.

Here’s to island-inspired design, wherever you are.

xo,
Kelsey