Hmmm... where to begin with this one? This space is packed full of inspiration.
Home and Gather
Much of Home and Gather is inspired by things I cannot see. I'm a feely type person. I crave spiritual-ness, whimsy, peace and quiet. I tend to gravitate towards darker colors and cloudy days. I will always prefer cloudy Fall day over a sunny Summer day. My favorite band is Fleetwood Mac and I've been obsessed with Stevie Nicks' style since...well forever. There is something about women who tap into their dark energy that is so fascinating to me. Dark doesn't have to mean bad or evil. To me, designing with wood tones and bold colors gives off the vibe of confidence and assuredness. Don't get me wrong, I cannot get enough of a fresh White room and working with White and cool tones is refreshing. I may be Stevie Nicks obsessed but I am also a die hard glitter, rainbows and butterflies Taylor Swift fan. Mental health needs soft bright colors and in my home, I tend to design with a brighter palette. But here in the space, I wanted the women who walked in to feel confident in a room so bold. To feel their beautiful feminine energy in a room full of black, florals and wood tones. It's a place to laugh loudly and say what's really on your heart. You're welcome here and all the colors that make up you are welcome here, too.
So with that said, here's where my external inspo came from.
Both Photos - Charleston, SC. Photo Credit: Unknown
- Charleston, South Carolina -
How do I describe my love for this city?! It's a LOT. I'm a history nerd and this town is seeped in American History. My husband and I have spent hours just walking through the streets of Charleston marveling at the 100..200..300..year old homes. Down by what's called 'The Battery' are some of the oldest and most preserved homes. They are gorgeous. Something almost all of these homes have is actual working flame lanterns as porch lights. I knew without question when I first saw one of these lanterns that I *had* to have them. The charm of an actual flame lighting the walkway is so historic, so romantic, and so elegantly rustic.
While I still plan on using real lanterns in my own home, I knew running actual gas lines and installing these lanterns in Home and Gather would be a nightmare, let alone the cost of doing something like that, or even getting approval to do so from the powers that be...would be slim to none. So no, you won't find actual flame in the space hanging from the ceiling; but you will find ten simple historic chandeliers with bulbs that mimic flame (Well, when I finally get in the right bulbs. Right now our bulbs are normal ones because the flame ones I originally ordered made the space look like Halloween. Long Story.) Anywho, soon the right ones will be put in and my lantern look with be complete.
Church and Union, Charleston, SC. Photo Credit: Church and Union
- Church and Union, Charleston -
Church and Union is an old Cathedral Church that has been turned into a restaurant in Charleston. It's hands down top 3 one of the most beautiful spaces I've ever been in. The grandness is something that can only be experienced. While I don't know if Church and Union associate with the beliefs that was once held there, you can most definitely feel the power that comes with the spirituality that the space once encapsuled. My last time there in 2021 was with my husband for a date night. Going after dusk makes the old church straight up magical. The ceiling is painted black, and in white are the thousands of words hand painted making up all the text from 'The Art of War'. The room is lit up by lots of candlelight and everyone is dressed in their best evening dinner party attire. The entire look speaks to me on another level. It's sophisticated, magical and rugged.
You'll notice in Home and Gather the ceiling is black and for evening events, lots of candle light can be seen. This was inspired by Church and Union and while I obviously can't make Home and Gather in to cathedral church, I can create a sliver of the magic that comes with it. I'm always striving in the details.
Chruch and Union 2021 - Date Night, DJ and I
- Holland, MI -
Many know my family lived in Holland for several years. My heart pulled me back home to the White Lake area but a part of me will always be in Holland and in the place I grew as a new wife, mom and design enthusiast. The downtown charm and pride there is something to be admired. Each shop is so very taken care of with so much attention and dedication. I wanted to bring that amount of dedication and care to Home and Gather right here in Montague, too. I wanted another space right here in our community that is loved and taken care of for years to come. 
Spring Sweet, Holland MI. Photo Credit: Spring Sweet
- Spring Sweet, Holland MI -
Spring Sweet is the prettiest little boutique of décor and women's clothing. On the second floor of the boutique is a bridal shop that is everything you imagine when you think of trying on Wedding dresses. This past November I had the incredibly fun time of wedding dress shopping here with my soon-to-be married sister. It was everything little girl's wedding dreams are made of. The boutique is designed in a way that seems perhaps accidental but perfectly curated. Whites, Creams and Blacks are the majority of the colors. The space itself is not big but it's so cozy and still spacious. Tucked in the back of the shop is a small floral area full of live flowers to create your own bouquet. It's so incredibly charming and sweet. 
Spring Sweet, Holland, MI. Photo Credit: Spring Sweet
Wedding Dress Session with my Sister - Spring Sweet November 2022
In Home and Gather you'll notice the walls are not white but a creamy off white. I didn't want any stark colors. Pairing the off white with the black accent wall makes the space feel cozy yet still spacious- just like Spring Sweet. If you look closely, you'll notice the walls sparkle. This is because I totally added glitter to the paint. I may work with lot of dark colors but I'm still a girl that loves a good sparkle. When the sun is going down in the the shop, the walls glitter and shimmer in the light. It's so cool and such a fun little happy detail.
Home and Gather
Willow Room, Chicago Ill. Photo Credit: Willow Room
- Chicago, Illinois -
Chicago has some of the best architectural designs in the world. It's easy to get caught up in the fast paced life of downtown but if you're ever there any time soon, stop and look up. Look at the amazing details on some of the oldest buildings. It steals my heart every time. I'm a sucker for an old brick building. I love the crumbliness of worn bricks laid 100 years ago but are still holding a structure together strong. I love the uncompromising grittiness of the city. The music, the soul and the history. It's something that can only happen with time and lots of passed down memories. 
Willow Room - Chicago, Ill. Photo Credit: Willow Room
The brick wall in Home and Gather is a nod to cities like Chicago or New York. It's the strength in room and the constant. It takes the elegance down a notch and marries it together. You'll notice when you walk in that most days I'll have a collection of Frank Sinatra or Etta James playing in the background. The music ties it all up together like a bow. 
Home and Gather
Bringing this all together wasn't easy. Charleston to Holland to Chicago. Southern historic charm meets Midwestern beach town meets an old soul city. Complete opposites but together they create something so very unique and wonderful.
So next time your inside Home and Gather, any detail you notice is most likely not accidental but purposeful. Most likely that very detail is derived from a place filled with meaning and a story.
XO - Keri