By Leslie Linsley

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

September 2026

On Nantucket we always used to say, “September is the best kept secret.” But with social media there are no secrets anymore. However, the island gets a little less crowded, a lot less noisy, and the beaches are waiting for us to ease into the fall season.  As we collectively exhale, we notice the things we didn’t want to deal with in the summer. Your house might not be too worse for wear from sandy feet, wet bathing suits and the washing machine on overdrive, but it’s time to pay attention to some of the most satisfying projects that make a house feel fresh, cared for and ready for another season. During the summer, a Nantucket house belongs to everyone. In September, it becomes yours again.

Several years ago, I wrote a book, Upscale Downsizing (Sterling Publishing) for Country Living Magazine. As summer fades it’s time to do a little streamlining. Decluttering will make your home feel lighter. Assess how you lived this summer and how you might upgrade for next season. And that is one of the pleasures of September. There is time. Time to notice. Time to plan. Time to repair. Time to make the house better. But most importantly, time to enjoy it.



Downsizing can lead to upgrades and while you may not know exactly what you want, you probably know what you don’t like. Get rid of old pots and pans and other kitchen gadgets and utensils that have lived past their prime and replace with exactly what you need  Everything should have a purpose, even if that purpose is to make you feel good. It’s an art to choose things well rather than often. My favorite daily “go to” pan is an 8-inch, non-stick Made In CeramiClad frying pan from Housewares. Use the original paper composite epicurean utensils with it. 

A Fresh Start
This morning I received an envelope from my book agent. I have just signed a contract for a new Nantucket style book with Abrams Publishing and there was an announcement in Publisher’s Weekly magazine. She also included an article about soon-to-be released Interior Design books. One was entitled “Maxing out on Dopamine Décor.” The home décor craze next season is hard to imagine in a Nantucket home but apparently, more is more and maximalism is on the rise. For those interested in enlivening your homes you might consider brightly colored pillows or a chair in the bedroom. Maybe this trend will lead to painting a bedroom or office in an unexpected bright color. Benjamin Moore Citrus Blast is an elegant shade of orange (think Hermes)! Sun Kissed Yellow is a knockout for a child’s room, a powder room or a kitchen ceiling. It’s a new direction to consider. Might be fun! 

Practical & Easy

Murphy’s Oil Soap has long been trusted to clean wood floors and furniture. But its uses go far beyond. With its gentle, plant-based formula and fresh lemon scent, this affordable product is a secret weapon for more than just hardwood. 

1. Revive greasy kitchen cabinets

2. Mix a few drops with warm water, dampen a cloth and wipe down your leather items. It removes dirt and conditions the leather without leaving it greasy.

3. Use the same technique to remove fingerprints and food spatters on your fridge, dishwasher, or oven. Leaves a subtle sheen. 

4. Polish stainless-steel appliances:

5. Spot clean area rugs: Mix a few drops into a spray bottle with warm water, mist the stain lightly, and blot with a clean cloth. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

All In the Details

This summer I went on the House & Garden Tour in the Brant Point area. My “take away” was that wallpaper is back in style and can make the tiniest powder room elegant. Wallpaper was evident in each house. One wall of a bedroom was covered with a subtle print, a dark brown background with red flowers covered walls and ceiling in a bathroom. The sculptural lighting fixtures proved interesting focal points.

Move To The Outside

 The summer sun and salt air can be hard on a Nantucket home. Check the exterior paint, trim, shutters, doors and windows. Look for places where paint has begun to peel or wood needs attention. The deck and porch deserve a good cleaning and check for loose boards, railings or stairs. Outdoor furniture can be cleaned and stored properly, and cushions should be protected so they'll be ready for next summer. Before you close up the house or head back to your other life, take one more look around. Fix what needs fixing. Paint what needs painting. Put away what needs putting away. And then sit down. Enjoy your home. That’s what it was built for.