Details from the Designer - Vol. 1

 
 

Welcome to the very first volume of Details from the Designer. I’m finally making good on my 2023 professional resolution to blog more regularly with tangible design ideas for your home (easy, quick and inexpensive updates) and a little fun personal inspiration. Better (very) late than never?!

I’m going to keep the format of this newsletter straightforward and short. I want you to be able to read them during a snack break or while you wait in the Target returns line. I also want me to be able to stay regular and consistent about writing them. It’s a win for all of us.

Styling Breakdown

 
 

This built-in shelf from our Cortland Project is about contrast and texture. With the bold, blue wallpapered background, we used light, neutral decor to create interest. Mixed in with that range of ivory, beige and gray is lots of texture.

SOURCE LIST - items carried in our stockroom are noted, please email hello@grayoakstudio.com for pricing

Keeping Myself Busy

I’m currently listening to Lessons in Chemistry. I’m enjoying the plot, I love the author’s voice (a little quirky, just like the characters) and the narrator is fantastic. I have found that a good narrator is absolutely critical when listening versus reading. A great book can be made awkward or boring when I don’t vibe with the narrator’s voice. OH, and Apple TV is releasing a series based on the book later this year…so quick read it now before you can’t resist watching first or everyone’s spoiling it!

 
 


Fashion Find

I’ve been eyeing the woven leather tote from Quince for a long while, so when I got an email that the black was back in stock (I was on the waitlist…do you ever do that?) I didn’t think twice. The black is still in stock for at the moment and you can put yourself on the waitlist for the cognac or light gray.

 
 

Local Fun

I’m sure this is old news for some locals, but I finally made a reservation at Nightshade Noodle Bar!!! Granted, the reservation is months away, but I’m already excited. Right now, it looks like a party of 3 is the biggest available reservation, period. But, there’s a waitlist to be notified for bigger parties. And you now know that I love a good waitlist.

My goal is to pull together a newsletter once a month, totally manageable. And sprinkle in project reveals when possible. I’m a month overdue on Norden. So that’s next on my list!

Until next month (if not sooner)!!!

Cheers, Leah

*This post contains affiliate links*

Stockroom Sale Happening NOW

Today is the day. We are open for shopping until 2 pm today!!!

WHAT IS FOR SALE?

Small furnishings, lamps, baskets galore (every size and shape), pillows, blankets, BOOKS, accessories of every kind imaginable

WHERE IS IT LOCATED?

590 Main Street in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. We are on the 2nd floor of the building. There is a glass door in the front of the building that says “Nikki Martin Team” in official signage and “Gray Oak Stockroom Sale” in scrappy/very unofficial writing. We’re on the 2nd floor! Come on up!

HOW CAN I PAY?

Venmo, Paypal, Cash

IS IT FINAL SALE?

Yes!

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

Head to our Instagram account to see lots of items with pricing and details! Everything is in our stories. Message us with questions.

Holiday Gift Guide 2022

We are jumping on the seasonal bandwagon and sharing our ideas for gifts this year. And, with today being the first day of November, the timing feels right.

  1. Temperature Controlled Mug - People who love coffee often love to drink their coffee out of a mug. This mug keeps the coffee smoking hot or lukewarm, drinkers choice. And, it’s a great looking mug. Designer approved for the home office desk.

  2. Washable Wool Blanket - A Pendleton blanket is an excellent gift. These washable blankets are so functional and so beautiful. And they have a price point that prevents people from buying them for themselves (the definition of a great gift - too nice to buy for yourself).

  3. It Starts With Us and It Ends With Us - If someone you are gifting has somehow not yet read these, then you’ll be the hero of the holiday.

  4. The It Candle - If you’re a candle lover or a frequent Anthropologie shopper, you’ve heard of Capri Blue candles. Like the Pendleton blanket, they make a great gift because they’re more than people want to spend on themselves. And, they’re as good as people say.

  5. Charcuterie Board - Because you want to kindly and not-so-subtly hint that the gift recipient is hosting next year!

  6. Cozy Cardigan - Anything from Barefoot Dreams is…a dream. I’m not sure what kind of magic yarn they use, but it’s soft unlike anything else.

  7. Nutcracker Puzzle - For Christmas night when everyone has had a few too many cookies and are only half paying attention to Love Actually because it’s the 3rd time it’s played, this puzzle is the perfect festive activity for all ages.

  1. Calligraphy Kit - This is a party in a box for the right person.

  2. Retro Camera - This is such a fun gift for kids, teens, people going on vacation, people who love retro anything and everyone else. The instant gratification of a picture that pops right out combined with the imperfection of a picture that cannot be retaken or filtered is a beautiful thing.

  3. Perfect Host Gift - These are candles with snow globe tops. I can’t think of anything more lovely and festive.

  4. Leather Tote - This warm, pale gray bag is fantastic. Taupe is the “it” wall color and we just love it for a classic leather tote bag too.

  5. Dessert Plate/Catchall - This is one of a series of dessert plates (Rome, Paris, NYC, etc.). And the whole set would make a great gift. OR, just one that is special for your gift receiver. And it can be used as a catchall on a bookshelf or nightstand. Plus, we’ve never met a Rifle Paper Co. collaboration we didn’t love.

  6. Face Mask Sampler - This would pair beautifully with a gift card to a mani/pedi. Something to unwrap and something to look forward to.

  7. Colorful Scarf - This scarf, and really everything sold by Fable England, feels special and collected. You’ll get the “where did you get this?!?” when the bag is opened.

  8. Stocking Stuff - This is a deck of cards of charcuterie recipes. Each unique and themed and delicious.

  9. Pretty Umbrella - We love when functional things can be truly pretty. And we know we’re not the only ones.

There are so many discounts and promotions happening right now. We’re getting an early start on our holiday shopping and we hope we’re helping you do the same. Happy Shopping, Everyone!

- Leah

*this post contains affiliate links*