Kate's 5 Things

This week's reader question is all about transition from one style to another.

Jul 28, 2023

Happy Friday! I’m on my way up to the North Shore for a few days. I get up here a few times a year and have found Lake Superior to be a profoundly soothing presence. After a month of finding my footing, working through current projects, and tuning in to my internal barometer for signs of renewed interest in my work, I’m ready to unplug and do some reflection. Life is always busy, and even when we remove things from our plate, it is funny how easy it is to fill that plate up unintentionally.

What I’ve been reading:

My summer of “trashy” easy reads continues with the second book in the Blood and Ash series: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. If you love ACOTAR (IYKYK) then this series will scratch the itch. I can’t wait to get done with my work today so I can sink back in!

What I’ve been eating:

Kathleen Ashmore is the queen of hungry lady salads. I have learned so much from cooking her recipes—mostly that making your own dressings is always, always worth it. This week it’s been all about this simple Crunchy Kale Chopped Salad With 3-Ingredient Dressing. So filling. So nutritious.

What I’ve been watching:

Joe and I started the docuseries Quarterback this week. The series follows the lives of three quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota throughout the 2022-23 NFL season. I am always fascinated by the mindset and grit team leaders bring to games! The series is a behind-the-scenes look at their home lives with candid and intimate conversations with their partners. I find it fascinating!

What’s in my cart:

I’m currently updating my lingerie and undergarments. I asked my girlfriends the best places they’re shopping for these items. Here are the top suggestions:

Target (I can confirm they have stepped up their game.)
CUUP (This balconette is my favorite!)
SKIMS
Intimissimi (Think sexy Italian lingerie.)
Parade
La Perla (A splurge!)

One thing I’m looking forward to…

Early mornings reading by myself up north! Also, long walks and bike rides along the water.

Reader Question:

How to transition your style from minimalist Scandi to Cape Cod/lived-in Nantucket?

My Answer:

Switching up your home decor style from minimalist Scandi to the cozy Cape Cod/lived-in Nantucket style isn’t as big of a leap as it may seem!

Let’s first talk about the key differences between these styles:

Scandinavian (Scandi) Style: Known for its minimalism, clean lines, and light color palette. It focuses on simplicity, functionality, and natural materials.

Cape Cod/Lived-in Nantucket Style: Emphasizes a cozy, casual atmosphere with a coastal influence. It features a mix of textures, a neutral color palette with pops of blue, and a lived-in, layered look.

Here's how I would make the transition:

1. Introduce a New Color Palette:

Transitioning from Scandi to Cape Cod/Lived-in Nantucket style involves incorporating warmer hues like blues, creams, and sandy neutrals into your color palette. Add pops of color with vibrant blues or greens reminiscent of the ocean.

2. Swap out Textures, Furniture, and Home Accessories:

Opt for furniture pieces that have a more relaxed and comfortable feel, such as slipcovered sofas or cozy armchairs. Identify one or two key pieces of furniture or decor that need to be replaced with something resembling a traditional Cape Cod look. These items often use natural materials like rattan, wicker, and distressed wood or a nubby linen.

Layer textiles like throw blankets, pillows, and rugs in varying textures such as chunky knits, nautical stripes, or seagrass rugs to add depth and warmth.

3. Preserve Those Scandi Elements!

To create a cohesive transition, preserve some Scandi elements by incorporating minimalist furniture with clean lines and light-colored finishes. Balance them with the warm textures and coastal accents of Cape Cod/lived-in Nantucket style. I LOVE this kind of combination and think it keeps the Cape Cod look from seeming like a trope.

Remember, transitioning your home decor style is a gradual process. Take your time, experiment, and enjoy the journey as you create it! Ultimately, homes that feel like the people who build them are the best kinds of homes to be in.

Space of the Week:

Artists are fascinating for many reasons, but the way they create a home is endlessly inspiring to me. This week we’re featuring the home of Sergio Roger from his feature in House & Garden. The pops of color against the neutral walls are so bold and beautiful, and the softness of the plaster—his medium of choice—comes through in the interiors. I just love the sophisticated use of primary colors in this home—something that’s so hard to do well.

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I hope you have a wonderful weekend!