Posts filed in Design and Lifestyle

Design and Lifestyle

The Featured Table: Simple Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen

There is something deeply grounding about a kitchen that feels calm, open, and thoughtfully composed. It is the heart of the home, yes, but it is also a place we move through many times a day. When it feels cluttered or visually noisy, that energy seeps into everything else. When it feels intentional, even the smallest moments feel more beautiful.

This week’s Featured Table is a little different. Instead of a recipe, we’re focusing on simple, attainable ways to refresh your kitchen and reconnect with the joy of being in the space.

Before adding anything new, the most important first step is subtraction.

Clear the countertops as much as you can. Put things back where they belong. Let go of the extras that no longer serve you. Simplicity and a touch of minimalism create an immediate sense of calm and openness. From there, keep only what you truly love to see and use. This is not about emptiness. It is about intention. The goal is to create moments of joy every time you step into the room.

Once the foundation feels clear, small changes can make a surprisingly big impact.

August Table Wallpaper in Premium Matte or Peel and Stick

One of our favorite ways to refresh a kitchen is with peel and stick wallpaper. It is approachable, flexible, and endlessly creative. You might cover an entire wall, choose just one area for impact, or use it as a backdrop inside open shelving or glass front cabinets. Even a small section can shift the entire mood of the space, adding pattern, warmth, and personality without a full renovation.

Luxe B Co. Dish Soap Brush

Another simple upgrade is changing out your faucet. This is one of those details that you touch every day, yet often overlook. A new faucet can instantly elevate the room. Brass and copper tones bring warmth and character, while chrome and silver feel timeless and clean. Many of the newer shapes are sculptural and elegant, functioning as a design element all on their own.

We love the shape of this vase by Luxe B Co.

Think, too, about the pieces that live beside your stove. A beautiful crock or vessel for utensils can be both functional and grounding. A vase or urn, even when empty, can act as a quiet piece of art. These objects anchor the space and add visual rhythm without clutter.

Bringing life into the kitchen changes everything. A pot of fresh herbs near a window, a simple bundle of flowers on the counter, or even greenery clipped from the yard adds softness and movement. These living elements remind us to slow down and be present.

Wood is another wonderful way to introduce warmth. Consider a collection of cutting boards in varying shapes and heights, leaned casually against the backsplash. They are practical, sculptural, and timeless, and they add a natural layer that balances stone and metal surfaces beautifully.

August Table Here Comes the Sun Napkins in Tern Gray

Textiles matter more than we think. A fresh set of dish towels can introduce a pop of color or pattern with very little effort. Napkins and playful bowls do the same, especially when left out where they can be enjoyed daily rather than saved for special occasions.

Small functional luxuries also deserve a place. A good quality olive oil kept near your utensil crock, especially one housed in a beautiful bottle, brings together ease, usefulness, and good design. The same goes for salt and pepper shakers. There are so many thoughtful, sculptural options available now that turn everyday tools into something worth displaying.

At the heart of all of this is a simple idea. Form and function should live together. Your kitchen should work well, yes, but it should also make your heart sing.

When the space feels calm and considered, it invites you to slow down. To brew your favorite cup of tea. To pause at the counter and take in the light. To enjoy the beauty of the everyday.

That, in many ways, is what August Table is always about. Creating spaces and moments that feel intentional, nourishing, and quietly joyful.

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Design and Lifestyle

This Week’s Featured Table: Seraphim in Blue and a Cozy Sweet Potato Soup

Some of my favorite meals are the simplest ones. A pot of soup simmering on the stove, a loaf of good bread on the counter, a quick salad tossed together while the table is set. These are the meals that feel generous without being complicated, the ones that leave you with more time to linger, talk, and truly be present with the people you love.

That spirit is at the heart of this week’s Featured Table.

I’m so excited to share our newest design, Seraphim in Blue, alongside a sweet potato soup that feels rich, creamy, and comforting while still being wonderfully nourishing. It’s the kind of pairing that makes everyday meals feel special, without asking much of you at all.

Setting the Scene: Seraphim in Blue

Seraphim in Blue is timeless, calming, and incredibly versatile. The two blues and layered pattern feel both elevated and inviting, equally at home at a quiet table for two or a lively gathering with friends.

For this table, I kept things simple. A table for two, our Seraphim in Blue tablecloth and napkins, and just enough styling to let the pattern shine. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a full production to create something beautiful. Pull out your favorite linens, light a candle, and let the design do the work. I’ve added some of our tabletop items from Danica as well.

Beautiful tables should feel easy. They should support connection, not distract from it.

A Cozy, Nourishing Sweet Potato Soup

This sweet potato soup is one I return to again and again. It’s deeply flavorful, silky smooth, and surprisingly light. The combination of sweet potatoes, coconut milk, ginger, and warm spices makes it feel indulgent, yet it’s packed with nourishing ingredients that leave you feeling good.

This is the kind of recipe that fits beautifully into real life. While the soup simmers, you can slice some bread, toss together a simple salad, and set the table. In no time, you have a meal that feels thoughtful and complete.

Sweet Potato Soup with Coconut Milk

Comforting, creamy, and nourishing

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced shallot
  • 1 cup chopped, peeled potato
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (or finely diced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (Better Than Bouillon works beautifully)
  • 3 cups diced, peeled sweet potato (about 4 to 6 sweet potatoes, depending on size)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream, reserve ¼ cup for garnish
  • Croutons or crispy onions, for serving

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the potato, bay leaf, garlic, ginger, dried thyme, coriander, ½ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring, until everything is well coated and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the sweet potatoes and continue to simmer until both the potatoes and sweet potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer.

Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Let the soup cool for at least 5 minutes, then stir in the coconut milk, reserving ¼ cup for garnish.

Using a handheld immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until smooth, or blend in batches in a blender, filling no more than halfway each time. Add water or additional coconut milk to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serve warm, topped with croutons or crispy onions and a swirl of reserved coconut milk or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt.

An Easy, Memorable Meal

This is the kind of meal that invites you to slow down. Set a beautiful table. Pour a glass of wine or sparkling water. Sit a little longer than planned.

August Table is about making space for these moments. Ease and slow living, paired with thoughtful design and delicious food, all in service of connection around the table.

I hope this week’s Featured Table inspires you to gather simply, cook with joy, and savor the time spent together.

With warmth,
Carrie

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Design and Lifestyle

A Quiet Beginning: Looking Ahead to 2026 with Intention

The days just after the New Year are some of my favorite of the entire year.

The pace softens. The light feels gentler. Winter invites us inward, offering space to reflect before the rush of what’s next begins again. These quieter days feel like a threshold, a moment to pause and ask what we truly want to carry forward and what we’re ready to leave behind.

In a world that moves quickly and asks so much of our attention, intention feels more important than ever. Without it, the days can easily fill themselves. The busyness grows louder. Focus drifts. But when we choose, even gently, what matters most, something shifts. We begin to make time for what we hope to build, nurture, and become.

Below, the image you see is August Table’s vision board for 2026. It reflects the values, rhythms, and intentions guiding both my personal life and the work we share here.

At the heart of it is a simple belief:
A life well lived, one table at a time.

Health and Wellness, Gently and Sustainably

Health remains a guiding focus as we move into 2026. Not in a rigid or prescriptive way, but through nourishment, awareness, and respect for the body.

We will continue sharing recipes that are blood sugar friendly, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Food that feels comforting and celebratory while also supporting long-term well-being. Alongside this, we are creating more space for slowing down, listening to the body, and choosing what truly supports health, both at and beyond the table.

Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

August Table has always been about elevating the everyday. In the year ahead, we are leaning even more deeply into the idea that ordinary moments can be extraordinary when approached with intention.

Design, food, and presence have the power to transform a simple meal into a meaningful ritual. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a quiet breakfast alone, or a table set for friends, we hope to continue encouraging gathering in all its forms.

Creativity as a Daily Practice

Creativity is not reserved for grand moments. It lives in layers, textures, and the small choices made each day.

In 2026, we will continue designing prints that feel collected, storied, and rooted in nature and tradition. The table remains our canvas, layered with linens, ceramics, food, and florals, each element contributing to a sense of warmth and belonging.

Protecting time and space for creative work is essential. It allows ideas to unfold naturally and keeps the work grounded, intentional, and honest.

Personal Development and Alignment

As August Table grows, so does the responsibility to lead from a place of alignment, clarity, and gratitude. This means being thoughtful about where energy is spent and making room for what matters most.

Growth does not have to be loud or rushed. Often, it happens quietly through consistency, reflection, and intention.

Creating Your Own Vision

A vision board is not about perfection or prediction. It’s about direction. It gives shape to what you are moving toward and serves as a reminder of your values when the days feel busy or distracting.

If you feel inspired to create your own, you’ll find a simple template linked here that you can use as a starting point. Whether your focus is health, creativity, rest, or connection, the act of naming what you want to cultivate can be powerful.

As we step into this new year, my hope is that you find moments of quiet, clarity, and intention. Moments to set the table thoughtfully, to nourish yourself well, and to create space for what you truly want to grow.

Thank you for being here and for sharing this season with us. Happy New Year!

With warmth,
Carrie

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Design and Lifestyle

Fresh Looks for Your Summer Table: Three New Tablecloths Have Arrived

We’re welcoming June with three beautiful new tablecloths—each one designed to make your summer gatherings feel a little more effortless, a little more elegant.

First up: our beloved Garden print is now available in not one but two new colorways, both featuring a soft gray background that grounds the lush floral pattern with just the right amount of sophistication. Whether you’re setting the table for brunch on the porch or dinner in the dining room, these new tablecloths pair perfectly with our Garden napkins for a collected, layered look.

And then, something truly special: for the first time ever, our Seraphim Athena print—long a favorite among our napkin collection—has been reimagined as a tablecloth. Rendered in the most delicate, whisper-soft blue, this design brings an airy calm to any tablescape. It’s a study in grace and quiet beauty.

We can’t wait for you to see these new arrivals. Check them out here and let your table bloom.

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Design and Lifestyle

Embrace the Season of Renewal: Hosting a Relaxed and Elegant Springtime Brunch

Ah, spring—the season of renewal, blooming flowers, and outdoor gatherings. There’s something truly special about embracing the warmth of the sun after a long winter and celebrating the joys of new beginnings with a laid-back yet elegant brunch. If you’re looking to host a memorable springtime gathering for your friends and family, here are some relaxed yet professional tips to ensure your brunch is a hit:

  1. Embrace Nature’s Palette: Let the vibrant colors of spring inspire your decor. Incorporate fresh flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, or cherry blossoms, into your table settings for a pop of seasonal charm. Simple, rustic touches like woven placemats or linen napkins can add a touch of elegance without feeling overly formal.
  2. Keep it Light and Fresh: Spring calls for a menu that’s light, fresh, and full of seasonal flavors. Offer a variety of salads featuring crisp greens, crunchy vegetables, and juicy fruits like strawberries or mangoes. Quiches, frittatas, or a DIY bagel bar with smoked salmon and assorted toppings are perfect for satisfying guests’ appetites while keeping things casual.
  3. Sip on Springtime Sips: Get creative with refreshing beverages that capture the essence of the season. Serve up a pitcher of fruity sangria, a refreshing cucumber mint lemonade, or a DIY mimosa bar with an assortment of juices and sparkling wine. Encourage guests to mix and match ingredients to create their own custom cocktails—it’s a fun and interactive way to add a personal touch to your brunch.
  4. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere: Take advantage of the mild spring weather by hosting your brunch outdoors, if possible. Set up cozy seating areas with blankets and cushions where guests can lounge and enjoy the sunshine. Add some ambient lighting with string lights or lanterns to create a warm and inviting atmosphere as the sun begins to set.
  5. Personalized Details: Show your guests you care by adding thoughtful, personalized touches to your brunch. Handwritten place cards, customized menus, or small party favors like mini succulents or homemade preserves are simple yet meaningful gestures that will make your guests feel appreciated.
  6. Keep it Casual: While elegance is key, don’t forget to keep things relaxed and informal. Encourage guests to help themselves to food and drinks buffet-style, and foster a laid-back atmosphere where conversation flows freely. Remember, the goal is to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the beauty of the season together.
  7. Music to Set the Mood: Create a playlist of easygoing tunes that set the perfect backdrop for your brunch. Think acoustic folk, indie pop, or soft jazz—anything that adds to the relaxed vibe without overpowering the conversation. Background music should enhance the atmosphere, not distract from it.

By following these tips, you can host a relaxed yet elegant spring brunch that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. So, dust off your patio furniture, fire up the grill, and raise a glass to the joys of springtime gatherings. Here’s to good food, good company, and new beginnings!

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Design and Lifestyle

Bringing Warmth to Your Winter Space: Simple Ways to Beat the Blues

As winter settles in, the cold and gloomy weather can often bring about a sense of dullness and monotony to our living spaces. However, fear not! There are simple and effective ways to brighten up your home during the winter blues, transforming it into a cozy haven. A few ideas are below, from adding pretty table linens to introducing new candles, that will infuse warmth and cheer into your living space.

  1. Vibrant Table Linens: One of the quickest ways to add a pop of color and cheer to your home is by incorporating vibrant table linens. Consider investing in tablecloths, placemats, or even colorful napkins in lively hues. These additions not only bring a touch of freshness but also create a welcoming atmosphere in your dining area.
  2. Cozy Throws and Pillows: Upgrade your living room by introducing cozy throws and pillows. Choose fabrics in warm tones like deep reds, mustard yellows, or forest greens to create a snug and inviting environment. Drape a soft throw over your couch and scatter a few plush pillows to instantly elevate the comfort level of your space.
  3. Festive Lighting with Candles: Candles are an excellent way to add warmth and a touch of magic to any room. Opt for scented candles in comforting fragrances like vanilla or cinnamon. Arrange them on your coffee table or mantle to create a cozy ambiance. Additionally, consider investing in decorative candle holders for an extra touch of elegance.
  4. Indoor Plants and Fresh Flowers: Bring a slice of nature indoors by incorporating houseplants or fresh flowers. Greenery not only adds life to your space but also contributes to a positive and uplifting atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants such as succulents or snake plants to effortlessly enhance your home’s aesthetics.
  5. Personalized Wall Art: Brighten up your walls with personalized artwork or framed photos. This not only adds a personal touch but also serves as a constant reminder of happy memories. Opt for colorful and uplifting pieces that resonate with your style and bring a smile to your face.
  6. Festive Decorations: Extend the holiday spirit by keeping some festive decorations around. It could be string lights, winter-themed ornaments, or even a wreath on the door. These decorations not only add a touch of celebration but also break the monotony of the winter blues.

With these simple yet effective ideas, you can easily transform your living space into a haven of warmth and positivity during the winter months. Whether it’s through vibrant table linens, cozy throws, or the soft glow of candles, these additions will make your home a sanctuary where you can escape the winter blues and embrace the coziness of the season.

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Design and Lifestyle

The Art of Slow Living: Prioritizing What Truly Matters

In a world where the pace of life seems to be perpetually accelerating, the concept of “slow living” has gained a remarkable following. It’s not just about indulging in life’s pleasures, like a walk in the woods, baking homemade bread, or losing yourself in the pages of a good book. Slow living goes much deeper, and at its core, it’s about taking the time necessary to create and make space for something truly great. It’s about deliberately slowing down to focus on what matters most to you. For many, myself included, slow living is all about deciding what truly matters and having the courage to say no to everything else. It’s about living a simpler, more intentional life so that you can allocate your most precious resource—time—to the things that hold the most significance in your heart.

Finding Meaning in Slow Living

In today’s fast-paced world, the art of slow living might seem like an unattainable luxury, an idealistic notion reserved for those who can afford it. However, the truth is, slow living is not a lifestyle restricted to a certain demographic; it’s a mindset accessible to anyone willing to make a few intentional choices.

Slow living is the antithesis of the chaotic, always-rushing culture that pervades our lives. It’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and reflect. The essence of slow living is not just about savoring life’s simple pleasures, but about consciously curating your life to focus on what truly enriches it. It’s a commitment to being present in each moment, rather than constantly racing toward the next one.

Prioritizing What Matters

At the heart of slow living is the practice of intentional prioritization. It’s about identifying your values, your passions, and your true purpose in life. Once you’ve established these core principles, you can then dedicate your time and energy accordingly.

In a world brimming with endless distractions and opportunities, it’s crucial to learn the art of saying no. Slow living is about having the strength to decline commitments and engagements that do not align with your core values. It means cutting out the unnecessary noise in your life to create a space for the things that genuinely matter to you.

Cultivating Richness in Time

One of the most significant dividends of embracing slow living is the newfound wealth of time that you’ll discover. When you declutter your life and free yourself from the incessant hustle, you can redirect your precious hours toward activities that truly enrich your life.

Imagine having time to nurture your relationships, pursue your passion projects, and invest in your own personal growth. Picture having the leisure to prepare and savor homemade meals, to travel without rushing, and to meditate in tranquility. Slow living is, in essence, the art of being rich in time, rather than being constantly on the run, chasing a mirage of success.

The Slow Living Journey

The journey towards slow living is a personal one. It requires self-reflection, intentionality, and a willingness to break free from the societal pressure to be constantly busy. Here are a few practical steps to get you started on this meaningful journey:

1. Identify Your Values: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you in life. What are your core values and priorities?

2. Declutter Your Life: De-clutter your physical and digital spaces. Simplify your surroundings to create an environment that promotes calm and focus.

3. Say No: Learn to say no to commitments and distractions that do not align with your values. Your time is precious; guard it carefully.

4. Embrace Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness in your daily life. Be fully present in the moment, whether it’s during a meal, a walk, or a conversation with a loved one.

5. Create a Slow Living Routine: Establish daily rituals that encourage a slower pace of life. This could include time for meditation, nature walks, or simply enjoying a cup of tea without rushing.

Slow living is a conscious choice to break free from the relentless race and to invest your time where it truly matters. It’s about simplifying, prioritizing, and, in doing so, discovering the incredible richness that comes from being rich in time. By embracing this way of life, we can savor the sweetness of existence, find meaning in our daily experiences, and create something great, both for ourselves and the world around us. So, why not take a step back, breathe, and embark on your own journey of slow living? Your heart will thank you for it.

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Design and Lifestyle

4 Tips and Tricks to Make Your Home Cozy

In the words of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Most people have forgotten nowadays what a house can mean, though some of us have come to realize it as never before. It is a kingdom of its own in the midst of the world, a stronghold amid life’s storms and stresses, a refuge, even a sanctuary.” 

Cozy cottage designed by Krister Allen – Straight Line Building Design

More than ever, we need our homes to be places of refuge within the disorder of life. How you decorate your space will make a significant difference in your mood and quality of life.

Add Natural Textures

Natural textures add depth and comfort to your home.

For instance, touches of wood connect those inside to the outside world. You can mix wood tones in your design,  just keep to either warm or cool undertones, and pick one kind of wood for your dominant feature.

Grasses are also a perfect textural addition, as are organic cotton elements and knitted throws. For your knitted throws and pillows, choose larger weaves that are more visually interesting and are popular right now in interior design.

For a comfortable room, add some pattern to the walls and bring in living plants. You don’t want a jungle, but some living greenery brings an oasis of life (and oxygen) to your  home. We now have our designs on Wallpaper as a collaboration with Mitchell Black both in premium matte paper and easy peel & stick so that you can do it yourself.

A buttery, leather armchair is the perfect, cozy add-in texture for a room, especially when there are lots of books nearby. Designers are also making wonderful creations with vegan leather these days.

Add Something Plush

A few luxurious accent pieces will add a plushness to your textures and bring in an element of coziness. A velvet chair or a faux fur throw pillow is all you need.

Lighting

Green visors became popular in the late 1800s. Worn by accountants, editors, and telegraph operators to reduce eye strain from overhead lighting, they’re still sold today. This invention shows us just how hard overhead lighting can be on our eyes, which keeps any room from being a cozy retreat. 

In a feature in the Style section of The New York Times, it was reported that “while several studies show that the angle, intensity, color and quality of light can have a profound impact on perception and mood, lighting remains an oft-neglected aspect of interior design. “People just don’t realize how much lighting affects them,” said Robin Muto, an interior designer in Rochester, N.Y. “Even if you’re not in a bathroom looking at yourself in the mirror, if you’re looking at other people in lighting that makes them look dreary, drawn and horrible, you start to feel that way, too.”

To counter this problem, think less overhead glare and more soft, golden glows from table-height lamps. Also, light sources that direct lighting to the ceilings rather than downward softens a room.

Use overhead lighting when you’re looking for your keys or mopping the floor and need to see hidden dirt in the corners. Otherwise, “find fixtures that can be angled so light bounces off the walls and hits people at a side angle. Also effective are so-called wall washers — fixtures designed so light bounces off baffles or reflectors inside the housing, which then directs the light out more horizontally than vertically.”

Art

Art is deeply personal, and we can’t dictate what kind you should collect for your home. However, for areas that you long to make particularly tranquil, consider softer colors and subjects. 

Look for something that brings a holiness to quiet places, calms your mind, and comforts your heart. For instance, consider art that focuses on natural themes.

“Human beings are naturally drawn to vastness in scenery,” says  renowned artist and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History David Chang. “Landscape throughout history has served the rich and poor, it’s given that quality of nature brought home. The vastness is the ever-infinite sky, it’s the depth of field, it gives human beings this calming quality. Artist or not, rich or poor, we all have that response. I’ve met very few people who would open the window on a beachfront hotel or house without saying, ‘Wow.'” 

As always, we wish you the best in creating a sanctuary for you and your family. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.

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