Nantucket by Design: Where Travel, History, and Home Come Together

Apr 27

In this episode, I explore how real-world experiences — especially travel — can deeply enrich our homes and design choices. I introduce the fourth skill of my Slow Style framework, "Enrich," and talk with Bill Richards and Marla Mullen, co-chairs of Nantucket by Design 2025.

We discuss how honoring a sense of place, like the spirit of Nantucket, can shape meaningful interiors, and why in-person events like this are so powerful for design enthusiasts. Bill and Marla give us a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s theme, Interwoven, and what makes this four-day celebration of design, art, and history truly unforgettable.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sat down with Bill Richards and Marla Mullen, the brilliant co-chairs behind Nantucket by Design 2025. Our conversation touched on so many of my favorite topics — how travel shapes the way we design, how meaningful experiences infuse our homes with soul, and why gathering in person can be truly transformational for design enthusiasts.

How Travel and Curiosity Feed Authentic Design

In my Slow Style framework, there’s a fourth skill that goes beyond learning about materials or layouts. I call it Enrich — and it’s all about living a richly textured life.
That means following your curiosity, getting out of your usual bubble, and bringing those real-world experiences into your home.

Bill and Marla couldn’t agree more. We talked about how you can certainly find inspiration in books, magazines, or your favorite cozy armchair, but nothing compares to getting out into the world. Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a museum visit, or a big international journey, these experiences fill you with fresh ideas that make your home yours, layered, personal, and real.

Think of Designing a Room the Way You Assemble an Outfit

Marla shared a moment that really resonated with me. A client once walked through a project she designed and said, "I just want to wear all these rooms."
That comment clicked something into place for Marla: designing a space is very much like assembling an outfit. It’s not about following trends or picking a color because it’s in style. It’s about asking, How do I want to feel in this space? And what story am I telling about myself here?

Some rooms might feel like a perfectly tailored little black dress — effortless, classic. Others might feel like a bold, celebratory gown — full of color and energy. And some spaces are like your favorite pair of sweatpants — casual, comforting, and broken in with love.
It’s an intuitive, emotional process that moves beyond just "what looks good" to what feels right.

How to Capture a Sense of Place Without Going Cliché

Bill talked about the importance of designing homes that respect and reflect the location they’re in, especially somewhere as iconic as Nantucket.
That doesn’t mean plastering seashells everywhere or using blue and white just because it’s "coastal." It’s more about capturing the feeling of the place — the light, the textures, the atmosphere — and letting that spirit live inside your home.

For instance, Bill described buying an old boat storage building in Nantucket and thoughtfully restoring it. He softened the rustic feel with muted woods and white paint, kept architectural nods to the island's heritage, but made sure the inside still felt inviting, relaxed, and livable, not like a museum.

Little touches like locally woven Nantucket Looms textiles, vintage sailor’s valentines, or art by island artists quietly infuse homes with authenticity without screaming "theme."

Why In-Person Design Events Are Pure Gold

We also discussed why it’s so important to step away from screens and engage with the design world in real life.
Instagram and Pinterest are fun (believe me, I love them too), but nothing compares to being in the room, touching fabrics, seeing color palettes in natural light, and hearing the passion in a designer’s voice.

Nantucket by Design offers exactly that.
You’re not just attending panels; you’re walking historic streets, visiting boutiques, meeting artists, weaving baskets, boating around the harbor, and chatting over cocktails with other people who are just as obsessed with design as you are.

These personal, tactile experiences sink deeper than scrolling ever could — and they stay with you long after the event is over.

A Peek Inside Nantucket by Design 2025

This year’s Nantucket by Design event (July 14–17, 2025) centers around the theme Interwoven, tying beautifully into how history, craftsmanship, and culture shape design.
Some highlights we talked about:

Panels with leading designers discussing island legacy, historical homes, and how fashion intersects with interiors
A fashion panel featuring big names like JJ Martin (La Double J) and Veronica Beard, moderated by Elle Decor
Workshops like basket weaving or painting with local artists
Boat rides aboard a Hinckley yacht (yes, please!)
Dinners and cocktail parties hosted in beautiful private homes and historic settings
Antique show crossover events, where you can preview rare finds and shop thoughtfully

Tickets go fast — and if you’ve ever dreamed of combining a New England summer getaway with a design lover’s fantasy, this is it. (They’re even offering some discounted hotel options through the NHA if you need help planning!)

Travel to Create a Home That Tells Your Story

Designing a home you love isn’t just about paint swatches and floor plans — it’s about gathering experiences, weaving them into your spaces, and telling a story that’s uniquely yours.
Talking to Bill and Marla reminded me that getting out into the world — whether it’s traveling far or just exploring a local gallery — is one of the best things you can do for your creativity.

Nantucket by Design captures that spirit perfectly: immersive, beautiful, deeply connected to place and history.
If you’re a design enthusiast looking to enrich your home and your life, this event might just be the perfect next adventure.

Until Next Time

-Zandra