Designer Q&A: Kelsey’s Summer Style

Time Several Hours

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WORDS BY Gillian Grefe

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Published on July 30, 2019

Warm weather and long days have a way of inspiring us to switch things up. We asked Havenly designer Kelsey Fischer how she’s making the most of the season, both in the spaces she creates and her personal life. Read on for Kelsey’s thoughts on summer design trends, favorite products, and tips for styling outdoor spaces.

Use candles wherever you can. In the evening they add such ambiance, particularly when paired with accessories like hurricane lanterns. Overhead lighting, like string lights on your patio, are a great option, too.

Linen tablecloths are another favorite of mine. They add texture, and they immediately lighten things up and bring that extra something to your outdoor space.

I love the Whitewashed Rattan Hurricane lanterns from Serena & Lily. They have a lot of great texture, and the color makes them feel very summery. They are one of my favorite accessories to add.

Whitewashed Rattan Hurricane from Serena & Lily

Plants! I know that not everyone has a green thumb, so if you want to do a faux plant, go for it! It will bring contrast and color without the extra hassle of trying to keep something alive on top of all of your summer activities. You can just pop something in a corner or on your table outside, and you don’t have to worry about it.

I’ve thought a lot about this, and I’m going to be honest with you… I don’t have any. I love summer! I want summer to be here all year long. If I could have summer trends in the winter, spring, and fall, I would.

My favorite outdoor park or beach accessory is a wicker basket or large purse that can hold a bunch of items like a blanket, some sparkling water, an oversized hat, and of course, sunscreen!

The flatware I’m loving right now is the Mason Tableware from Pottery Barn. It’s a beautiful matte black, but most importantly, its flat handle makes it easily stackable in your drawer. Plus, it never spots. It’s one of my absolute favorite ways to accent a table.

Mason Flatware, Set of 20 in Gunmetal from Pottery Barn

Words by Erika Torvik