Summer Simplicity: A Kitchen Vignette with Wicker, Greenery and Coastal Charm

I love my kitchen.

I love everything about it because every detail was intentionally chosen, from the quartz countertops to the cabinet hardware. After losing our home and having the opportunity to rebuild, I designed this kitchen exactly the way I wanted it: simple, functional, and timeless.

The space features shaker-style cabinetry painted in Sherwin-Williams Worldly Gray, a color very similar to Martha Stewart’s beloved Sharkey Gray. Paired with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and clean architectural lines, it creates a look that feels both classic and calming.

One comment I often hear when people see photos of my kitchen is, “Are you still decorating?”

The answer is no. This is decorated.

I think many people enjoy displaying collections, appliances, and decorative pieces on their countertops, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. We all create homes that reflect our personalities and lifestyles. For me, however, I’ve always preferred clean countertops and uncluttered surfaces. It’s not that I dislike things—I simply don’t enjoy visual clutter.

In fact, one of the reasons I designed this kitchen with so much cabinet storage was so I could tuck away appliances and everyday items when they weren’t being used. I wanted the countertops to remain open and functional, allowing the beauty of the materials and the architecture of the room to shine.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t decorate. :) Instead, I prefer to create intentional vignettes that add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.

This summer arrangement is one of my favorites. A woven wicker tray anchors the display and introduces natural texture against the smooth stone countertops. Airy asparagus ferns bring movement and life, while a piece of white bird’s nest coral adds a subtle coastal touch that reflects my love of seaside-inspired design.

But my favorite element is the vintage demijohn nestled inside the smaller wicker basket.

I purchased it from a wonderful woman who specializes in sourcing vintage and antique coastal treasures. For months, I searched for just the right place to display it. When I assembled this vignette, I knew immediately it had found its home. The wicker tray frames it perfectly, allowing it to become part of the arrangement without competing with the simplicity of the space.

For me, that’s what good decorating is all about—not filling every surface, but thoughtfully choosing pieces that bring joy, tell a story, and contribute to the feeling of home.

This vignette captures everything I love about summer decorating: natural textures, fresh greenery, coastal influences, and plenty of breathing room. Simple. Warm. Intentional. Just the way I like it.

Because sometimes the most beautiful design choice is simply leaving room for the eye—and the mind—to rest.

Do you prefer a minimalist countertop, or do you love displaying your favorite appliances and collections? There’s no right answer—just the style that makes your home feel like you.

The Salad That Tastes Like Summer: Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad

My favorite salad is one that comes together in minutes and tastes like the season in a bowl. And this Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad is one of those recipes.

Every summer, I find myself returning to the same flavors: sweet watermelon, crisp cucumbers, fragrant mint, tangy feta, and just enough red onion to add a little bite. The combination is refreshing, colorful, and perfect for those hot days when turning on the oven feels like too much effort.

What I love most about this salad is its simplicity. There is no fancy dressing or complicated preparation. The ingredients do all the work, creating a balance of sweet, salty, cool, and bright flavors that feels like summer on a plate.

Whether you’re hosting friends on the patio, bringing a dish to a backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a light lunch, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cubed watermelon

  • 1 English cucumber, sliced

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice

  • Salt and pepper to taste— I love a flaky salt like Sal de Colima

Directions

Combine the watermelon, cucumber, feta, red onion, and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and gently toss to combine. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving.

Fresh, effortless, and full of summer flavor.

Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that leave us more time to enjoy the season.