By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

September 2024

It’s a known fact: September is Nantucket’s best kept secret.

It’s also time to assess your home and make a “To Do” list of things to repair, replace, get rid of, or change. Take stock of small, overlooked areas that could use a paint touch up: windowsills, baseboards, and stair risers. This is one of the easiest ways to improve your home.

Families grow with new summer experiences each year. Does your house still respond to the changing needs of your family? Look at each room with a critical eye. Eliminate things you no longer see. Rearrange what you have. Personalize an area with a display of framed family photographs taken this summer. 

A new paint color instantly changes the look of a room. Farrow & Ball No79 Card Room Green is a sophisticated interpretation of green/gray for an accent wall in the living room.  FYI: wallpaper is making a comeback and F&B’s line of papers proves how timeless it is. (Sample books in the Design Showroom) Tip: Another strong statement: a large mirror on the accent wall. (Design Showroom).

Benjamin Moore’s Blue Nova 825 is an exciting color that decorators are recommending. It’s an intriguing blend of violet and blue that instantly elevates a room. Good for furniture as well. 

Add color with fabric, replace a worn piece of furniture, consider new window treatments, A sensational rug is a room game changer. Visit the Home Furnishings Design Showroom for inspiration and let Design Consultant, Dana Jungherr help with a plan. 

Here are some ideas for small DIY upgrades:

1. Strategically placed vintage finds and handmade items add character and speak volumes about the homeowners.
2. Create a focal point with an imposing piece of artwork. Choose a dominant color from the painting for throw pillows, flowers, and accessories.
3. Before closing your house for the season, prepare for next year.  Replace used bath and beach towels from Housewares. Refresh bedrooms with luxurious Sferra or Signora Firenze bed linens. A much appreciated “gift” to find upon your return. 
4. If you’ll be enjoying your summer home for the holidays, go through Housewares to fill in with everything you’ll need. Order your table linens now from the exquisite line of Sferra colors.
5. For a centerpiece: Fill a lightship basket with dried hydrangea blossoms or a pot of fall colored Chrysanthemums. Add candles in fall colors.
6. Take a baggy with you on that last beach walk and gather shells to make a centerpiece, or for Christmas crafting.
7. Tip: clean in boiling water with a spoonful of Clorox for 3 minutes. Sun dry. 
8. A table lamp provides a special kind of lighting.  Create soft seductive or intense lighting wherever needed. You can also move a lamp around to get the effect you want, both from lighting and the lamp itself as a decorative accessory. Bonus: No electrician needed. Expanded display in the Design Showroom.
9. Now relax and ease into Autumn with a new home style to reflect your personality and the coming seasons.