By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

July 2026

Your Nantucket home is part of your identity. It’s an anchor and a refuge, a link to the past and a hope for the future. It’s where we gather friends and family. The island comes alive in July. The hydrangeas are in bloom, family and friends arrive, and every corner of the house—from the front porch to the backyard garden—becomes part of daily life.

Not that long ago, the old rambling houses along Hulbert Avenue were referred to as beach cottages. They were furnished for relaxing summer vacations. Faded slipcovers on slouchy couches added to the casualness of these homes, encouraging the same air of informality. Now, the style of decorating is tidier, or a more studied-relaxed style, rather than one that evolved generation after generation. Shabby Chic was a refined version of decorating that fell into that category. With summer upon us, taking a relaxed attitude about our homes will put everyone in a good mood. 

Look for ways to make life easier, improve comfort, save energy, and create beautiful spaces for yourself and to share with others. When everything works smoothly the result is a carefree summer. There are many innovations that enhance summer living: transforming decks into outdoor rooms, rechargeable lighting for evening entertaining, outdoor kitchens, smart shades, native gardens, and flexible guest spaces combine beauty, practicality, and the effortless hospitality that defines Living Nantucket.

1. Make your deck a comfortable living space. Think weather-resistant rugs, ceiling fans, rechargeable table lamps, and comfortable upholstered furniture designed for the outdoors. Homeowners are creating outdoor dining rooms, living rooms, and even offices. 

2. Motorized shades can be controlled from a smartphone or programmed to open and close automatically based on sunlight and temperature. They help reduce cooling costs while protecting furnishings from fading. Check them out in Home Furnishings. 

3. Eliminate clutter from cords and devices with hidden charging stations: Kitchen islands, bedside tables, and mudrooms incorporate concealed charging drawers and wireless charging surfaces. It's a simple upgrade that eliminates clutter from cords and devices.

4. Wellness Spaces at Home: Homeowners are creating meditation corners, yoga rooms, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Look for a small space to transform into a personal retreat. Summertime is “when the livin’ is easy.” However, it can get a little hectic with multi-generational get togethers or weekend guests. Wouldn’t it be heavenly to escape to your personal retreat for an hour? 

5. The kitchen has become the most important room for social gatherings. A secondary prep kitchen or pantry can be a godsend. Of all the rooms in my house, the one most used and appreciated is my room-size pantry.  These spaces hide appliances, coffee stations, and entertaining mess while keeping the main kitchen clear of clutter, where guests casually gather while meal prep is happening. 

6. Native plant gardens require less water and maintenance while supporting pollinators. On Nantucket this means embracing beach grasses, hydrangeas, bayberry, and other coastal plantings. Create a gardening tool basket with new hand tools, gloves and a retractable hose from the Garden & Tool Shed. 

7. Summertime on Nantucket means guests are coming. If you don’t have a separate guest room, a pull-out sofa bed in a den or office will accommodate occasional guests. Plan the closet to work for office and guest room. Housewares offers a myriad of organizational products.

8.: Cordless lanterns, table lamps, and pathway lights instantly create ambiance without electrical work. Sconces look elegant on the deck or patio and encourage extended evenings when the sun goes down. This is when memories are created. In future summers every sentence will begin with, “Remember when we….”

9. Mudrooms with a Purpose: Today's mudrooms have become command centers for the home with charging stations, package drop zones, pet-washing stations, and organized storage. 

10. Outdoor Kitchen Beyond the Grill: Pizza ovens, built-in beverage refrigerators, smoker stations, and herb gardens are transforming patios into complete entertainment destinations. A fire pit creates an intimate gathering spot.

11. Color Drenching: Painting walls, trim and ceilings the same color is trending, and hydrangea blue is still the most popular paint color in Nantucket homes. Bring a flower petal to Marine to perfectly match your paint color. These bushes bloom in pink, white and wine, but the blue hydrangeas are showstoppers. We’re convinced they aren’t as big, blue and beautiful anywhere else in the world. They provide a perfect motif for any decorating scheme. Fill a lightship basket with blue hydrangeas and set a table with red and white linens for the 4^th. For a barbecue, use navy blue washcloths as napkins and tie with red ribbons. After the barbecue, toss into the wash. Craft Tip: Place petals between paper toweling and press under a pile of books to dry. Use a petal to decorate place cards, invitations or greeting cards by adhering to the card with a drop of Elmer’s glue.

12. Aging In Place: As more people plan to stay in their homes longer, they’re adding thoughtful improvements such as curbless showers, wider doorways, better lighting, and attractive grab bars. 

13. Screen doors and window screens deserve special attention in July. A torn screen may seem minor until the mosquitoes arrive. Replacing damaged screens is an inexpensive project that immediately improves comfort.

14: Outdoor showers are a Nantucket necessity. Check plumbing connections, tighten loose fixtures, and replace worn showerheads.

15. If a major renovation is on your horizon, summer is an excellent time to gather ideas, meet with contractors, and develop a realistic timeline before the busy fall building season begins.

Summer’s here. Enjoy every moment!