I always feel an energy shift when September rolls around. Spring feels like a sprint forward, but fall asks us to slow down… and I welcome that! The light sort of softens, the air turns crisp (my favorite), and I find myself wanting to reflect a little more and rush a little less.
It’s also the season when I take stock of the treasures I’ve collected over time, pieces that carry memory and meaning. Many remind me of my grandmother and my mom, who have always been my greatest inspirations in design. One piece that comes to mind instantly is my mom’s secretary desk, which originally belonged to my great-grandmother. Growing up, I remember her sitting there writing Christmas cards and thank you notes, the surface covered with photos of us, bits of our childhood artwork, and inspirational images. I love imagining my great-grandmother smiling to see her desk cherished and very much alive in good care.
People often view antiques as purely aesthetic, but to me they hold something deeper. They keep stories of letters to loved ones, notes to friends, news passed from one household to another. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to them. I knew I wanted a secretary desk of my own someday, even though living in an apartment meant space was limited. A dear friend eventually sourced one in France that was the perfect fit. When it arrived, I couldn’t wait to adorn it with sentimental mementos, scraps of notes, and little objects that bring me joy. Every time I sit down, I feel its history humming through it. It’s a reminder that a home is layered with fabrics and finishes, memories and meaning.
And so, while the temptation is always there to buy something new each season, fall feels like the right time to instead slow down, open the boxes you already have, and let those stories resurface. Maybe it’s a thoughtful antique tucked into a corner, a textured fabric brought back from storage, or a favorite throw blanket returning for cooler nights. In a world that often pushes us toward “what’s next,” this feels grounding… design isn’t about starting over from a clean slate, it’s really about creating spaces that feel collected and lived-in over time.
Here’s to a season of reflection. Honoring the treasures that already surround us, and of welcoming new energy in ways that feel thoughtful and true…
