How to achieve a Fresh Coastal Aesthetic with StyleMePretty Living!

Part of what makes The New Southern so inspiring is the notion of mixing tradition with newness. There's no more authentic way of integrating tradition into a space than injecting inspirations from your family, childhood, and heritage into a home. For my friend Raquel Garcia, who spent her childhoods in spaces honoring her Cuban background and always just steps from the beach, this is her M.O.

Based in coastal Connecticut, Raquel has broken the stereotype of New England prep and stuffiness. Her designs are a breath of fresh air, full of airy textiles, unexpected pastel pairings, and unique objects that reflect the home's adjacency to the shore. Upon entering her spaces, their warmth and subtle beauty basically envelope you in and embrace, and you can almost feel the sea breeze wafting through the room as you look at the images. It's these kinds of spaces that I find such joy in shooting, because their light, charm and beauty translate so perfectly behind the lens.

Today, Raquel and I are excited to share a few tips for styling such spaces as these. Head over to StyleMePretty Living to learn Raquel's five tips for adding a coastal touch to your home, then find my styling tips for the perfect laid-back, coastal Valentine's Day tablescape!

MANY THANKS AND BIG HUGS TO THE LADIES AT STYLE ME PRETTY LIVING. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL FEATURE. Xx

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

Photo + Styling: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Raquel Garcia

A Light, Breezy Home in Connecticut with Elle Decor!

It was such a treat to shoot and style designer Raquel Garcia's recently revamped home on Connecticut's Gold Coast. Raquel's design story is a sweet one: the home's previous owner, a mother of three, was careful to choose the home's new owner. Raquel was looking for the perfect home to raise her own three girls, and this Connecticut gem was the perfect fit. After totally gutting the interior and adding several endemic Southern accents (think: a painted staircase, white ship lap, and killer custom acrylic and brass details), the home feels totally fresh and open. It's yet another illustration of Southern styling and attention to detail subtly implemented throughout a home... one on the Long Island Sound, nonetheless! I'm so happy to finally share this space with you—and a big thank you to Elle Decor for the amazing feature! 

To see the entire home, visit ElleDecor.com! Xx

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A Family Friendly Getaway in Alys Beach with MyDomaine

This project will really make you throw your traditional design rulebook out the window and embrace The New Southern's simple and unfussy aesthetic. And... a kid-friendly, all-white home? There's no way. Yet, my Nashville gal pal Chelsea Robinson made it happen. Situated in the heart of gorgeous Alys Beach on Highway 30A, this home was just waiting for a little TLC. Chelsea incorporated bright whites and natural elements seen throughout the architecture of Alys and created a serene, comfortable hideaway for her client's family. Notice the plaster walls, layered with lacquer to hide those little imperfections beneath. Grasscloth rugs are tossed down throughout, and there's plenty of sitting and sleeping spaces for little ones and visitors, alike. It's always a treat to spend time on the Emerald Shore, and shooting beautiful homes like this one make it all the better. Thank you, MyDomaine, for sharing this space!!

To view this home feature (and get major beach home inspo!) visit MyDomaine!! Xx

A Few of My Favorite Projects Featured in Country Living Magazine!

I'm so fortunate to work with such amazing talent all across the country... literally from coast to coast. That's what makes my recent feature in Country Living so special and the second year in a row I have been part of this state to state round up. Their summer issue, dubbed the "Coast to Coast" issue, features not one, but TWO spaces I styled and shot! The first is a cozy vignette in Nicole Davis's stunning Utah home. The second, an outdoor space by Tulsa-based Austin Bean Design Studio, is my ideal entertaining space for a summertime get-together. I so love working with both of these design teams and watching them grow and honor their unique styles and perspectives. It's so rewarding to collaborate with creative, fun, energetic clients like these—to be able to highlight their design strengths and diversity is just an added bonus!!

To see both of these Country Living features, pick up a copy at a newsstand near you!! Xx