By Leslie Linsley

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

July 2025

Time for backyard games (badminton anyone?), picnics on the beach (with that new Father’s Day Yeti cooler) and relaxing expectations of “home neatness”.  Summertime brings out the kid in all of us. And while Nantucket has become quite sophisticated, we have not forgotten how to experience the simple pleasures of small-town living.  We’re reminded of this when everyone comes together for the 4^th of July parade on Main St. A visitor to the island once remarked, “I almost cried watching grown-ups participating in the water dunking event with such abandonment and glee. It is such a pleasure to share in these simple celebrations with my children.”

It's July and our only concerns are having enough beach towels for our guests and replacing rusty beach chairs with new ones from Housewares. July gives us permission to slack off. But you’re relaxing in your new beach chair, surrounded by the smell and sounds of the ocean, eyes closed, do a little “house dreaming.” What small improvements could make your home look and function better for your lifestyle?  A Nantucket style home contains something unexpected, an element of surprise in a room. Inspiration is simply seeing something ordinary in a new light, or from a different perspective. 

A few years ago, we added a small porch to the back of our house. It provides a nice transition from being away and coming home. A porch is an extension of indoor living but can be treated as a room that’s fun and carefree. Use colorful weather-treated cushions and throw pillows, flowering potted plants, casual furniture, even a “kitchy” sign. 

Create a private outdoor spot with a small table and chair for your morning coffee, a place to read or have a chat with a neighbor. Porches are places where time can still be measured by the rhythmic back and forth of a wicker rocking chair, and how much lemonade has been consumed. Garrison Keillor once said, “The porch is our viewing platform and observation deck…. The bridge of our ship.” What the outdoor café is to Parisians, the porch has been to so many Americans.  An old Nantucket activity was called, “Watching the Pass.”  Imagine your perfect porch while relaxing at the beach and make it a reality in the fall.

There are many new products designed to enhance the look and ease of living. One such product is custom window treatments by Hunter Douglas called “PowerView Automation.” You can automatically control your window treatments with the press of a button, a tap on your mobile device, or your voice. You can program your shades or blinds to lower or rise at scheduled times to give your home a lived-in look when you’re away. Visit Shamona in Home Furnishings to learn more.

Paint is the most effective form of flattery. Use the subtle colors of the island for inspiration. Benjamin Moore’s “Sailcloth” is an interesting shade of white and works well in both natural and artificial light. "Atrium White" with a hint of rose (think rose-covered ‘Sconset cottage), provides an “easy to live with background” for almost any furnishings. Lovely in a bedroom.

Many shades of gray imitate the subtle illusion of Nantucket fog. Farrow & Ball’s "Down Pipe" is rich with a contemporary feel and a good color for a home office. "Mole’s Breathe" creates contrast for woodwork or ceilings. 

"Dimpse" is a cool, blue-gray for a contemporary, minimally styled interior. Pair it with "Pavilion Gray" for an urban feel. "Elephant’s Breathe" has a hint of lilac, very edgy with warmth. "Skimming Stone" and "Charleston Gray" make a nice combo. Pick up color chips or small sample bottles in Marine's paint department.

Nothing says Nantucket style like a blue and white color scheme. It exudes summertime freshness and never goes out of style. Take inspiration from our periwinkle blue hydrangeas, known among locals as Nantucket’s official flower. (Bring a petal to Marine's paint department for a perfect match). As we sail into summer relax and savor every minute. And, when summer becomes a memory, make your dreams for home improvements come true.