The One Thing That Makes Any Room (or Outfit) Feel More Expensive

There’s a reason some rooms stop you in your tracks and it has nothing to do with price. It’s texture. The juxtaposition of a linen pillow against a smooth plaster wall. The way an antique breadboard warms up a stone countertop. Texture is the thing that makes a space (or an outfit) feel considered, layered, and alive. Once you start seeing it, you can’t unsee it. The same principle holds true in your wardrobe. A cashmere sweater in a plain color will always outlast a printed polyester blouse, not because of the label, but because of how it feels. This week I’ve been thinking about texture a lot, partly because I’ve been obsessing over the work of Beth Webb and Jeffrey Dungan, two of my personal favorites, both who understand that richness isn’t about spending more ,it’s about feeling more.

Jeffrey Dungan’s Work Rooted, Quiet & Deeply Human

If you want to understand why texture matters, spend five minutes looking at Jeffrey Dungan’s work.His work is a masterclass in the art of contrast. Rough against smooth, old against new. The tension between those surfaces are what gives his spaces their extraordinary sense of calm and permanence. Did I mention he has a new book coming out in September Soulful Home? I already have mine on pre-order. We will be interviewing him here on the blog in August! Can’t wait for that. His book the Nature of Home (still completely relevant) is a fan favorite in our house.

Outfits of the Week

I am loving color this season but I never tire of black and white. They are basically a dare. Textural accessories are how you answer it. A raffia bag, a rope belt, or a stack of natural stone bracelets is where the magic happens.

The fabulous Wyeth hat was the inspiration for this splurge Mirth skirt and top outfit. Shoes from Vivaia, wonderful bag from Sezanne, bracelet and earrings from Etsy. A textural mix of high and low.

Splendid is having a sale on sale, these pants, and shirt are part of it-lucky us! Sandals I have on order, Bembien bag, Machete earrings, Wyeth hat, and sunnies from Raen.

Zara has some great finds lately, always love a polka dot (pant), a top that looks like an antique, a bag from H&M, Naturalizer sandals at a great price, hat from Nordstrom Rack, Machete earrings and fun Sardine sunnies that I shared on IG.

Beth Webb-Master of the Collected and Layered

Beth Webb designs seduce you slowly, layer, by layer, texture by texture.

If you have been following me long you know I am a big fan of Beth’s. We interviewed she and her husband Chuck Hanovich for Ageless Style series here. You can find all of the other posts and mentions about Beth Webb here.

The Anderson Paso-The Castle Re-Imagined

The development firm of Covelop Company (owned by two Cal Poly Alumni) has reimagined what was once a pretty uninspired tasting room known locally as “the castle”,The Anderson in Paso Robles is the kind of transformation that makes you believe in second acts what was once a forgettable tasting room is now one of the most beautifully considered dining spaces on the Central Coast, with interiors and outdoor spaces that feecarefully curated. “From sunlit lunches to fireside dinners and rooftop sunsets, “The Anderson Paso Restaurant is designed to become part of the daily rhythm of Paso Robles, welcoming both locals and visitors into a space that feels as easy as it is memorable”.

Texture doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive it just has to be intentional. One boucle pillow. One linen blazer. One rough-hewn bowl on a smooth marble counter. These are the small decisions that quietly elevate everything around them. I hope this week’s finds give you a few ideas for adding a little more dimension to your home, your wardrobe, and maybe your weekend. As always, I’d love to know: where do you lean toward texture first your rooms or your clothes?

Recipe of the Week

Simple weeknight dinner recipe.

I am a sucker for a great noodle salad and a lean pork chop. This week Steve grilled these Hoison Glazed Porkchops from Butter your Biscuit, and I made a take on Kim from Northern California Style’s Noodle Salad. I add whatever vegetables I can grab at the grocery, snow peas, edamame, bean sprouts, persian cucumbers etc. I try to make it as healthy as possible. I couldn’t find soba noodles so I used Trader Joe’s whole wheat spaghetti and it was great! The salad keeps well for leftovers. I have even added chicken or shrimp and made it a one dish meal.

Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie. They are in Singapore and Paris respectively. I know they will have a lot to report!!

Classic Casual Home

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