Design Dispatch | Autumn Outdoor Design

If pressed, I think most people would choose fall as their favorite season—I did some research and found that, in fact, 39% choose fall, with summer at 22%, spring hot on it’s heels at 21%, and winter at 10% according to a Rasmussen poll.

One of my fondest memories growing up was running through the grass at my brother’s soccer games—sidelines dotted with adults tucked into folding chairs, hands stuffed into pockets against the crisp air. Here in the Northern California foothills, we may not get the East Coast leaf intensity, but fall definitely makes itself known: we do get beautiful colors, golden light, and cool evenings that make the season unmistakable.

As an adult, autumn has become less about the sidelines and more about extending outdoor living. Last year, we updated our BBQ area with extra seating and layered lighting, making it just as easy to host in October—or even November—as in June. The trick is setting up with the right pieces:

• Fire features: Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, even tabletop fire bowls are everywhere right now. They’re functional, sculptural, and bring people together. And don’t forget to bring the s’mores!
• Layered lighting: Think soft string lights paired with lanterns or sconces to create depth and ambiance. And have you seen all the cordless lamps that are available now? So great for adding a spot of light outdoors right where you need it.
• Alfresco heating: Slimline wall-mounted heaters, portable towers, and chic propane options extend evenings long after the sun dips.
• Comfort cues: Oversized throws, outdoor rugs in rich tones, and weatherproof lounge seating make it inviting to linger. We ordered these 2 years ago and when we don’t eat at the table, we will lounge on them with our plates on our lap and watch the sun wane. They are high quality, durable and super comfortable- with or without the cushions
• Culinary moments: Pizza ovens, kamado grills, and smoker setups are still trending strong—many families are using them as a weekend ritual. We have a smoker & bbq on rotate but we don’t have a pizza oven...yet! I think they are so great for getting everyone involved in assembling their own and cooking together as a family.

If you want to see how our BBQ turned out, check out this post.
Do you have a favorite way to entertain outdoors? I’d love to hear what it is!

In the Mix | Brown is the New Black

If you’ve been feeling like black is softening in interiors and wardrobes—you’re right. Brown is everywhere right now, and it’s making a surprisingly chic comeback.

This isn’t the muddy brown of the past but a sophisticated update: rich chocolate, supple tan, and rust, layered into palettes that feel earthy yet elevated. The vibe nods to the ‘70s but in a more refined way—think brown with deep rust instead of pumpkin orange, or suede paired with camel instead of avocado green.

I love how grounding it feels. Brown brings balance—warmth without heaviness, modernity without sterility. You’ll spot it in velvet sofas, stoneware dishes, textured walls, and, of course, fashion.

In my search for vintage inspiration, I came across this gem of a ‘70s interior ad for a sofa:

You gotta love the Farrah Fawcett hair!

And on a personal note, I’m currently on the hunt for a brown suede bag to replace my black go-which broke last year—if you have a favorite brand, send links my way!

Are you team brown yet? Do you see yourself incorporating it into your interiors or wardrobe- or is just not your thing.

Read our blog on moody color palettes here for more ways to work with the season’s richest tones.

Off the Clock | Stories From A Secretary, Part II

What started as a “simple clean-up” has quickly become a full-scale restoration. Once Matt began taking the desk apart, we realized just how compromised it was—the old hide glue had given way, the joints were failing, and every piece needed to be carefully disassembled and rebuilt.

The more he’s uncovered, the more fascinating it’s become. Nothing about this desk was machine-made—hand-cut dovetails, wooden dowels, applied carvings, even a custom sliding mechanism for the writing surface. Then came a surprise: stamped into the wood were the words J. Goyard.

If that name rings a bell (it didn’t with us, but good ol’ ChatGpt had some things to say about it), it's because Goyard is the historic French house known for trunks and fine textiles. But this stamp—J. Goyard—leaves us wondering: is there a connection, or not? Is this desk linked to the famed maker, or an entirely different artisan?

We didn’t buy it as an investment, but I have to admit—it’s been fun gathering clues as to its true origins and if it’s from a substantial maker.
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What say you? If you had to guess—do you think our desk is a custom piece, or something tied to the Goyard name?

Stay tuned—Matt has already spotted other markings in pencil (in French, not Italian as we were told) tucked inside. We’re working on deciphering them and connecting with people overseas who might have information.

If you missed last week’s introduction, you can read it here.

🤍 Lisa

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Design secrets this good deserve to be shared...but only with the right people. Know someone who'd love this? Go ahead- hit forward 😉