I needed to travel to Brazil twice because of my mother's health issues. So whenever I was working, I dedicated that time to my clients. That’s why social media posts, journal entries, and newsletters were not a priority.
But here I am again, still trying to catch up. I missed all this interaction we have with each other!
The good news is that June has arrived!
What I love the most about this time of the year is the long days. Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the Summer, the promise of warm days, and some much-deserved downtime ahead. Additionally, Spring sales have already started. This means it's an excellent opportunity to shop for what is missing in your wardrobe!
Although we are still having chilly nights in NY, getting dressed can be challenging for many of you. So if you need help styling outfits or are looking for a Summer wardrobe refresh, there is still time!
To contact me, it’s simple. Reply to this email, and let’s start with some shopping in your closet. I promise you will be blown away by how much you can do with what you already own!
Here are some of my most recent blog posts. They will inspire you to create outfits in the upcoming season:
Are you back in the office but have no idea how to style your clothes to go to work this Summer? Read these posts below:
SMALL TALK WITH BROOKE HAVEN, HOME DESIGNER ON A BUDGET Brooke Haven, Home Designer on a budget @havenbybrooke
MC: Summer is around the corner. What do you suggest for nice, budget-friendly ideas to refresh our patio this year?
BH:To refresh outside spaces, I love to do a few things each year:
find weather-resistant pillows for a punch of color and comfort on outdoor seating. Homegoods and Target have a great, affordable selection. But believe it or not, Home Depot has terrific options that are often better prices!
I love planting real flowers in pots and along the edge of the patio. But this can get expensive, especially when they inevitably die. This year, I did a combination of natural and faux. I placed UV-resistant faux hydrangeas as a centerpiece on the outdoor and side tables. This adds so much color and life to the patio in a low-maintenance, high-impact way! These are the ones I got, and a few clients have bought them as well, with rave reviews: Artificial Blue Hydrangeas
I love lamp o'clock, and I want that same glow outside this year. Solar-powered lights are an affordable way to add ambiance and functionality to your outdoor space. I place some in the garden facing upward to light up the trees and a few facing low to shine on the low flowers. There are so many affordable options available on Amazon. Check out these links:
But don't stop there! A well-placed outdoor lamp adds sparkle to the patio. It requires less care than candles and shines more light. This one on Amazon gets rave reviews. shumi LED Solar Table Lamp Outdoor Waterproof
We love to enjoy the outdoors, but nobody likes bugs, especially mosquitos. Each season, I try to add certain plants that are a natural way to keep the bugs away. In the garden, in large planters or small pots, you'll find lavender, rosemary, basil, and peppermint around my patio. The mosquitoes don't like these, making the whole patio smell like summer!
MC: For my clients who live in apartments, how can they incorporate a summer vibe into their homes?
BH:The key to creating a summer vibe is bringing the outside in.
Throw open the shades and swap out heavy curtains for white sheers if you need privacy. They let the light in and billow in the breeze. What could be more summery? I've used these on several projects, and they're the perfect weight for the season: Turquoize White Linen Sheer Curtains Natural
Any windowsill can become a summer garden. I love to line the kitchen window with small herb plants. It's easy to access the faucet to keep them watered regularly and top of mind for cooking summery recipes! Chives, basil, thyme, dill, whichever herbs you love best. The green brings life to any space and makes everything feel fresh.
Another quick and easy fix is to change out a few accessories for a more summery feel. That fleece blanket on your couch? Swap it with a block-print quilt or cotton throw. Add one or two lighter accessories to a console, coffee table, or shelf - a piece of coral, a wicker basket, or colorful flowers. These go a long way in lightening things up and changing the seasons indoors too!
MC: What is your favorite place to buy flower pots?
BH:My favorite place to buy flower pots online is Amazon. In person, it's Walmart. They have a gorgeous planter this year that shocks me every time I look at it. It would work for a tall tree, collection of flowers, or large plant...it's a substantial size and a classic look for $17.48! Better Homes & Gardens Ember Gray Resin Planter, 16in x 16in x 18in
I also like to frequent some of the amazing local places we have in our area (note: Westchester County, NY). They often have sales or clearance sections where I score bargains. A few of my favorites are Mangone's and Acorn Farms in Mamaroneck, Amodio's in White Plains, and Rosedale Nurseries in Hawthorne.
