WENDY'S STYLEFILE

Here on the East Coast, it’s freezing, so we’re all spending even more time inside, lighting fires, cooking and getting cozy. It seems like there’s optimism in the air, and for that I’m grateful.

While inside, we’re always looking for that comfy spot in our homes, the spot that becomes “our place”. That being the goal, the tactile coziness of sheepskin, along with its innate chicness helps the cause. We can snuggle up in a warm, stylish chair which feels like getting a big hug from a stylish friend.

Here are two great book recommendations to enjoy while lounging in that chair - one fiction, one non-fiction, both equally engaging.

2022 is the year of the tiger according to the Chinese calendar. The tiger is the king of all beasts and a symbol of strength, will-power, exorcising evil, and all things brave. As we’re slowly emerging from the past two years, I think we could all use a little of the above.

In that vein, it’s time to switch-up our home environments and transition from the past months, just a little. Whether it’s a new sofa, new dining chairs or a furry new ottoman or stool, do something that will give you a little joy. You deserve it.

Ok, every now and then we all get sucked in and buy something trendy. At the time, it seems like a great idea, but alas, we often come to regret it. I’ve done it over the years mainly with color, which I never seem to gravitate towards, or a logo that for some reason in the moment I decided was ok to flash. Unless it’s subtle or an iteration of a neutral, I’m never going to wear it.

I’ve learned my lesson over the years, which is why I’m pretty firm on creating a furniture line constructed exclusively of textured neutrals. People can envision something in their home when it’s in a calm, soothing palette, somehow, it’s more approachable and refined.

It’s a tradeoff in both fashion and in home décor. So, often (ok, very often) there are animated conversations in our design studio about the beauty of a design vs its functionality. And, as you can imagine there are different camps. I tend to concentrate on the aesthetic composition of a piece, its form and symmetry, and others opine about its usefulness, whether it’s multi-purpose etc. Clearly, the goal is to arrive at a place where we nail the design AND it serves its purpose seamlessly. Voila…form and function.

I so often think of fashion as a true source of comfort. For me, putting on an outfit that gives me confidence is the true definition of fashion's power. I tend to have a uniform: only neutrals with an emphasis on black, taupe, winter white and grey. I didn't realize it was obvious until a friend asked what I was wearing to a girl's night a few weeks ago. I replied, and she said, "Oh, typical Wendy" which after I paused, took as a compliment. I love that I have a signature style.

It motivated me to think about how I design our homes, whether I use the same formula? It turns out I do. For our lake house, I decided before we broke ground that only colors found in a petrified wood stump would be used throughout the house. The only exceptions are the spots of color in many of our vintage pieces, like tiled Pia Manu or Roger Capron tables. I love the result. It's calming and serene with a tad bit of drama.

We all have our signatures, turns out mine are textured neutrals

If you're anything like me, knowing we are experiencing the last vestiges of summer is a big downer. It's my most favorite season (although I do love a killer fall), as the days are long, nights are mellow and we can be outside, which these days has even more meaning.

We carb load tomato sandwiches, grill fish, summer veggies from our CSA and of course, make anything and everything peach. It's just heaven.

That being said, we need something to look forward to this winter, and that to me is a little sprucing up. Even just a few changes to our décor can give us a big lift. We've taken this to heart this year while designing, so a piece or two can bring a smile to your face.

Here are a few lounge chairs & chaises to read, catch-up on the phone with a friend or just sit and ponder.