Rachel Blindauer
Coastal Sanctuary: Designing a Luxury Home That Breathes with the Sea

Coastal Sanctuary: Designing a Luxury Home That Breathes with the Sea

by | Apr 22, 2026 | Interior Design

THE HOUSE THAT REMEMBERED THE WATER

Nantucket coastal living room designed by Rachel Blindauer with natural materials and ocean-inspired palette

There is a house on Siesta Key that I think about often. Not because it was the largest project or the most expensive, but because of what happened the first evening after we finished. My client—a woman who had spent thirty years in a traditional Colonial in Connecticut—walked barefoot through her new living room, past the rattan console and the woven pendant light that cast a lattice of shadow across the plaster walls, and stopped at the open French doors. The Gulf breeze moved through the room, lifting the linen curtains just slightly, and she turned to me and said: “This is the first home I’ve ever had that feels like it’s breathing.”

That is what coastal design, at its best, can do. Not the coastal of seashell motifs and navy-striped pillows—though there is a place for those—but a deeper, more considered approach where the architecture, the materials, and the furnishings all defer to the same source: the water, the light, and the rhythm of a life lived near the sea.

“Coastal design isn’t a theme. It’s a relationship with a place.”

BEYOND THE CLICHÉ: WHAT COASTAL SANCTUARY ACTUALLY MEANS

The word “coastal” has been so thoroughly commercialized that it takes deliberate effort to reclaim it. In luxury residential design, a coastal sanctuary is not defined by its palette (though palette matters) or its accessories (though they play a role). It is defined by how the space interacts with its environment—how it admits light, channels airflow, and uses materials that feel native to the shoreline rather than imported from a catalog.

This means rattan that is hand-woven and beautifully scaled, not mass-produced and flimsy. It means linen that drapes with weight and texture, not polyester that merely looks the part. It means lighting that filters and diffuses the way sunlight does through sea grass—which is precisely what the Marin Woven Wicker Ceiling Light achieves. Suspended above a dining table or in a foyer, it creates an atmosphere of filtered coastal light that no recessed can will ever replicate.

THE RATTAN REVIVAL: CRAFT, WARMTH, AND TEXTURE

Coastal grandmillennial style living room with rattan and woven textures by Rachel Blindauer

Rattan has resurfaced in high-end design with a sophistication that would have surprised even its most ardent champions a decade ago. The material—a palm that grows in tropical forests and has been used in furniture making for centuries—carries a lightness and warmth that heavier woods cannot achieve. But the new generation of rattan pieces is anything but casual.

The Hamptons Wicker Scallop Console Table is a case in point. Its scalloped detail and refined proportions give it a formality that works as beautifully in a Nantucket foyer as it does in a Sarasota great room. It bridges the gap between relaxed and refined—which is, ultimately, what coastal sanctuary design is about.

Similarly, the Marigot Rattan Table Lamp and the Cala Rattan Floor Lamp bring handwoven texture into a room without tipping it toward resort-wear. Paired with brass hardware and crisp white plaster walls, rattan becomes a grounding element rather than a decorative afterthought.

LIGHT AS A DESIGN MATERIAL

In coastal homes, light is not just a practical necessity—it is a design material in its own right. The quality of light along the Gulf Coast is markedly different from the light on Cape Cod, which is different still from the light in Southern California. A well-designed coastal home responds to its specific light: large windows placed to capture morning east light, sheer linens that soften harsh afternoon sun, and fixtures that create warm pools of gold after sunset.

This is why I gravitate toward woven and rattan lighting in coastal projects. The patterns they cast—dappled, organic, ever-shifting with the sun’s arc—echo the natural play of light through tree canopy and water. It’s a subtle effect, but it’s the kind of detail that makes a space feel deeply connected to its site.

BUILDING A COASTAL TABLESCAPE

The dining table is where coastal living comes into focus. I think of the table as a landscape in miniature—and in a coastal sanctuary, that landscape should echo the textures and rhythms of the shore. The Sonoma Rattan Charger is a piece I use constantly: it adds a woven, organic layer beneath dinnerware that immediately softens a formal setting without making it feel casual.

Add hand-thrown ceramics, linen napkins in faded sea tones, and a low arrangement of dried grasses or local shells, and you have a table that feels like an extension of the environment rather than a break from it. This is the goal: continuity between inside and out, between the designed and the found.

REFLECTIONS: MIRRORS IN THE COASTAL HOME

Mirrors in a coastal home serve a dual purpose: they amplify light and they frame the landscape. The Palma Rattan Gold Vanity Mirror, with its woven rattan frame and warm gold accents, does both. Placed in an entryway or a bathroom, it bounces light deeper into the room while adding a textural element that feels native to the coast.

The key to mirrors in coastal design is choosing frames that feel organic. Avoid cold chrome or stark black—reach instead for materials that carry warmth: rattan, brass, natural wood. The frame should feel like it belongs to the room, not like it was borrowed from a different house.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can coastal design work in a non-coastal location?

Absolutely. Coastal sanctuary is a feeling, not a geography. The principles—natural light, organic materials, a connection to the outdoors—translate beautifully to lakefront homes, mountain retreats, and even urban apartments that want a sense of calm.

How do I keep coastal design from looking like a beach rental?

Quality of materials and restraint. Choose fewer, better pieces. Invest in handwoven rattan over machine-made. Use a sophisticated palette—warm whites, sand, sage, driftwood—rather than the expected blue-and-white. And always, always edit.

Is rattan furniture durable for daily use?

High-quality rattan is remarkably durable. Look for tight, consistent weaving and solid frames. Our pieces are designed for both beauty and daily life. With basic care, rattan ages gracefully for decades.

What colors pair best with rattan and wicker?

Warm whites, soft creams, sandy neutrals, and sage greens are ideal. For contrast, deep olive or navy can create a sophisticated backdrop that makes rattan glow.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

Something for Everyone

The pieces Rachel returns to, again and again

Elevated Living Starts at Our Shop

Travertine, Brass, and the Quiet Power of Natural Materials in Modern Interiors

Travertine, Brass, and the Quiet Power of Natural Materials in Modern Interiors

by | Apr 15, 2026 | Interior Design

A STONE WITH A STORY

Travertine and natural stone materials in a luxury interior designed by Rachel Blindauer

There is a particular moment in every design project when a room stops looking assembled and starts feeling inhabited. More often than not, that shift comes down to material. Not color, not layout, not even the furniture itself—but the substance of the things within the room and what they communicate to the hand, the eye, and the subconscious.

Travertine is having that moment in 2026—though to call it a moment feels reductive. This is a stone that has been used in architecture for over two thousand years, from the Colosseum to the Getty Center. Its appeal is not trendy; it is geological. Each slab carries the record of mineral springs and ancient water, visible in its pitted surface and veined warmth. When you place a travertine vessel on a console or a pedestal table in an entryway, you are not just decorating. You are grounding a space in something older and more permanent than any season’s color forecast.

“The best materials don’t need to announce themselves. They simply make everything around them feel more considered.”

WHY NATURAL MATERIALS ARE DEFINING LUXURY IN 2026

After years of high-gloss lacquer, engineered surfaces, and the sleek anonymity of contemporary minimalism, there has been a meaningful pivot toward materials that carry provenance. Clients are asking not just what something looks like, but where it comes from, how it was made, and what it will feel like underhand in ten years.

This is not nostalgia. It’s sophistication. The most discerning homeowners I work with in Sarasota, Nantucket, and St. Louis share a common instinct: they want their homes to feel grounded. They want warmth without excess, texture without clutter, and permanence without heaviness. Natural materials—travertine, brass, hand-carved stone, woven rattan—deliver on every count.

TRAVERTINE: THE STONE THAT WARMS A ROOM

Styled luxury interior with natural materials, wood, and stone accessories by Rachel Blindauer

Unlike cooler marbles, travertine reads warm. Its tones range from creamy ivory to honeyed caramel, and its naturally pitted surface creates a tactile quality that polished stone cannot replicate. In a living room, a pair of Drift Form Bowls in travertine on a coffee table becomes more than decor—it becomes an anchor, a grounding gesture that invites touch and slows the eye.

The Solenne Travertine Pedestal Table achieves something similar at a larger scale. As a side table or a sculptural accent in an entryway, it carries the visual weight of stone without the mass of a slab. Its clean geometry lets the material speak—and travertine, when given the floor, is remarkably eloquent.

BRASS: WARMTH THAT DEEPENS WITH TIME

If travertine is the grounding note, brass is the golden thread. It catches light, reflects warmth, and—crucially—develops a patina over time that makes it more beautiful with use. In an era when so many finishes are engineered to remain static, there is something deeply appealing about a material that improves with age.

I use brass selectively but consistently: a pair of Vitruvian Travertine and Brass Bookends on a shelf, the brass collar of the Monolith Table Lamp on a nightstand, the rim of a catchall tray on an entryway console. These are not statements. They are connections—small moments of warmth that unify a room without dominating it.

VESSELS AND SCULPTURAL OBJECTS: THE ART OF THE USEFUL BEAUTIFUL

One of the design principles I return to most often is this: every object in a room should earn its place. A vessel can hold branches or stand alone as sculpture. A bowl can serve olives at dinner or sit empty on a console, beautiful in its curve and weight. The Linea Arc Vessel and the Eclipse Plinth Vessel both occupy this territory—they are functional enough to use and sculptural enough to admire.

This dual purpose is what separates decorating from designing. A decorated room has things placed upon surfaces. A designed room has objects in conversation with the architecture, the light, and each other. Natural materials make this conversation easier, because they carry inherent visual interest. You don’t need to add more when the material itself is doing the work.

HOW TO LAYER NATURAL MATERIALS WITHOUT OVERWHELMING A SPACE

The key is restraint with variety. Choose two or three dominant materials—say, travertine, brass, and linen—and let them recur in different forms across the room. A travertine lamp base, a brass frame, a linen throw. The repetition creates rhythm; the different forms prevent monotony.

Avoid matching everything too precisely. The beauty of natural materials is their irregularity—the way one piece of travertine differs from the next, the way brass ages differently on a lamp than on a tray. Let those differences breathe. They are what make a room feel collected rather than catalog-ordered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is travertine durable enough for everyday use?

Absolutely. It’s been used in architecture for millennia. For home accessories, its durability is more than sufficient. Sealed travertine resists stains well, and its natural pitting means small imperfections only add character.

Does brass tarnish?

It develops a patina, which most designers consider a feature, not a flaw. If you prefer a bright finish, a gentle polish restores it easily. Lacquered brass maintains its shine longer.

How do I mix natural materials with a more modern aesthetic?

Natural materials are the bridge between modern and warm. Use them as accent pieces—a travertine bowl on a glass-topped table, brass bookends on a minimalist shelf. The contrast is what makes both elements sing.

What’s the best way to start incorporating natural materials?

Start small—with one beautiful object, like a stone vessel or brass tray. Let it live in your space for a while. You’ll find it draws other choices toward it naturally.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

Something for Everyone

The pieces Rachel returns to, again and again

Elevated Living Starts at Our Shop

What to Do With Stone Scraps: 6 Elevated Ideas

What to Do With Stone Scraps: 6 Elevated Ideas

by | Apr 10, 2026 | Interior Design

Most people see a scrap. I see an opportunity.

After a kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel, you’re often left with beautiful but awkward stone remnants—too small for counters, too large to toss without guilt. Maybe it’s Calacatta marble from a sink cutout, or a sliver of soapstone that once bordered a backsplash. These aren’t waste. They’re raw material for design moments that whisper instead of shout.

Below are six refined ways to reimagine leftover stone into something sculptural, useful, and surprisingly luxe—no landfill required.

1. Vanity Trays and Catchalls

The easiest and most elegant way to repurpose stone is also the most versatile. Have your fabricator cut remnants into rectangular or oval trays, honed to a soft finish. Use them for:

  • Corralling perfume on a vanity

  • Holding a decanter and glass on a nightstand

  • Organizing soaps and brushes near the sink

These small pieces bring cohesion when repeated throughout a home. I often use marble trays in entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens—allowing materials to flow, rather than feel disjointed.

You can also find similar stone trays and accessories in The Shop, ready to ship.

2. Inset Shelves or Niches

If you have a solid chunk of stone, consider embedding it into a niche—especially in a shower or near a soaking tub. A deep slab of quartzite can act as a luxurious shelf, while something like travertine adds organic texture to modern walls.

For tonal harmony, pair with muted plaster or limewash—both of which I explore in The Best Paint Colors for Each Seasonal Type.

3. Sculptural Bookends or Plinths

Small, upright remnants—especially those with unique veining or edge profiles—can be cut into rectangular blocks to use as bookends. Or stack two to three as plinths for sculpture or ceramics. In a room of wood and fabric, these raw materials ground the space and add weight—both physically and visually.

4. Side Table Tops

If you have a larger remnant, such as a leftover island or vanity piece, consider turning it into a custom side table top. You can place it on:

  • A vintage iron base

  • A wood stump

  • A lucite cylinder (for modern contrast)

This works especially well for circular or organically shaped cuts that wouldn’t suit a kitchen—but shine as a one-off piece.

For more furniture styling inspiration, read My Favorite Coffee Tables—and How to Style Them.

5. Backsplashes for Small Spaces

Don’t overlook the powder room or bar area. A stone remnant—whether a sliver of black marble or pale quartz—can become a high-impact backsplash behind a sink or open shelves. When used in these jewel-box areas, the stone’s pattern takes center stage.

You can also pair it with a simple faucet upgrade. If you’re not sure how to select one, see Choosing the Right Kitchen Faucet Isn’t Just About Style. It’s About Sanity.

6. Fireplace Hearth or Mantel Accent

Even narrow strips of stone can be used as edging or hearth details. I’ve used leftover soapstone and slate beneath a firebox opening, as a low modern hearth, or even as a minimalist mantel shelf. These small touches feel tailored—custom, not custom-ordered.

Elevation Through Intention

Repurposing stone scraps isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about attention. When you let every material find its highest and best use, you’re no longer designing by checklist. You’re curating with care.

If you’re unsure how to integrate leftover stone—or want help designing a space that honors both material and mood—book a 2 Hour Design Consultation. Whether virtual or in person, it’s a chance to bring clarity, vision, and timeless solutions to your project.

And for more ideas on reimagining architectural elements, read Second Lives: Elegant Ways to Repurpose Architectural Salvage.

Get Started Today

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a consultation.

New Client Inquiries

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
The Art of Layered Lighting: How to Light a Room Like an Interior Designer

The Art of Layered Lighting: How to Light a Room Like an Interior Designer

by | Apr 8, 2026 | Interior Design

THE LAMP THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Layered lighting in a luxury interior designed by Rachel Blindauer

It was a single lamp that changed the entire feeling of the room. A client in Sarasota had spent months perfecting her living room—the right sofa, the right rug, the perfect shade of warm white on the walls. And yet, something felt hollow. The space photographed well enough, but at dusk, when the overhead recessed lights clicked on, the room went flat. Shadows disappeared. Depth vanished. Every carefully chosen texture lost its dimension.

I brought in one sculptural brass lamp, set it on the console behind the sofa, and turned off the ceiling lights. The room exhaled. Suddenly the linen on the cushions had grain. The travertine on the coffee table caught a warm glow. The painting above the fireplace seemed to lean forward, as if it had been waiting to be properly seen.

“Lighting is not about brightness. It’s about mood, depth, and the way a room makes you feel at 7 p.m.”

WHY MOST ROOMS ARE LIT WRONG

The most common mistake in residential lighting is also the most pervasive: relying on a single source. Whether it’s a central chandelier, a bank of recessed cans, or a lone floor lamp in the corner, one-note lighting flattens a space the way a camera flash flattens a face. It erases the very qualities—shadow, warmth, dimension—that make a room feel alive.

Professional lighting design works in layers, each serving a distinct purpose but blending into a cohesive atmosphere. Think of it the way a painter thinks about value: you need darks, mid-tones, and highlights to create depth. A room needs the same.

THE THREE LAYERS EVERY ROOM NEEDS

Layer One: Ambient Light — The Foundation

Ambient light is the baseline—the soft, general illumination that lets you move through a space comfortably. In high-end residential design, this rarely comes from recessed cans alone. A flush mount like the Aurelia or a statement chandelier like the Marais provides ambient light with character. The goal is warmth without glare, presence without dominance.

I often recommend dimmer switches on every ambient source. The light you need at noon is not the light you want at dinner. A room that cannot modulate its mood is a room that only works at one time of day.

Layer Two: Task Light — The Workhorse

Task lighting is purposeful. It’s the reading lamp beside the armchair, the desk lamp in the study, the pendant over the kitchen island. It should be bright enough to serve its function without competing with the room’s atmosphere. The Atelier Table Lamp, for instance, delivers focused illumination with a sculptural silhouette that earns its place even when it’s off. That dual purpose—functional and beautiful—is the hallmark of a well-chosen task light.

Layer Three: Accent Light — The Storyteller

This is where rooms become extraordinary. Accent lighting creates drama: a picture light washing a painting in warm gold, a table lamp casting an intimate pool on a vignette, a lantern in an entryway establishing mood before you’ve taken three steps inside. The Monolith Table Lamp in travertine and brass does this beautifully—its material catches and diffuses light differently depending on the hour, creating a living quality that overhead lighting simply cannot replicate.

MATERIAL MATTERS: WHAT YOUR LAMP IS MADE OF CHANGES HOW IT LIGHTS

Bold statement lighting with natural materials in a Rachel Blindauer interior

One of the most overlooked aspects of lighting design is material. A lamp’s shade, base, and structure all interact with light in ways that ripple through the entire room. Rattan, for example, creates a woven pattern of light and shadow that can make a coastal bedroom feel as though sunlight is filtering through palm fronds. The Marigot Rattan Table Lamp does exactly this—it doesn’t just illuminate; it animates.

Brass and marble, on the other hand, absorb and reflect. The Axis Table Lamp in marble and brass anchors a surface with material weight while bouncing warm light upward. Travertine adds an earthiness that pairs with everything from moody dark walls to crisp white plaster.

When I select lighting for a project, I’m not just thinking about wattage or scale. I’m thinking about what happens when light meets that specific material in that specific room at that specific hour. It’s one of the most intimate decisions in the entire design process.

A ROOM-BY-ROOM GUIDE

The Living Room

Start with a chandelier or flush mount for ambient light, add table lamps on consoles or side tables for accent warmth, and finish with a floor lamp beside the primary seating area for task lighting. Aim for at least four to five light sources in a standard living room.

The Bedroom

Ambient light should be soft—a pair of sconces or a flush mount on a dimmer. Bedside table lamps serve double duty as task and accent lighting. The Marais Table Lamp, with its elegant woven silhouette, is one I return to again and again for bedside placement: it’s tall enough to read by, sculptural enough to anchor a nightstand, and warm enough to wind down with.

The Entryway

This is where first impressions live. A lantern or pendant sets the tone the moment someone crosses the threshold. The Belvedere Lantern, with its architectural lines and warm finish, creates the kind of welcome that makes guests slow down and notice.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How many light sources does a room need?
A: A well-lit room typically needs three to five sources across the three layers: ambient, task, and accent. The key is variety—different heights, different directions, different intensities.

Q: Are LED bulbs warm enough for luxury interiors?
A: Yes, when you choose the right color temperature. I recommend 2700K for living spaces—it produces a warm, candlelit quality. Avoid anything above 3000K in residential settings unless it’s a dedicated task area.

Q: Should table lamps match in a room?
A: Not necessarily. Coordinated is better than matched. Choose lamps that share a material palette or scale but differ in silhouette. This creates visual interest while maintaining cohesion.

Q: What’s the biggest lighting mistake homeowners make?
A: Over-relying on recessed ceiling lights. They’re useful for general visibility, but they flatten a room. The solution is always to add lower, warmer sources—table lamps, floor lamps, sconces—that create depth and shadow.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

Something for Everyone

The pieces Rachel returns to, again and again

Elevated Living Starts at Our Shop

How to Grow a Moss Lawn—a Low-Maintenance Grass Alternative That Thrives in Shady Yards

How to Grow a Moss Lawn—a Low-Maintenance Grass Alternative That Thrives in Shady Yards

by | Apr 3, 2026 | Interior Design

Moss lawns are a beautiful and eco-friendly alternative to traditional grass lawns, especially in yards with limited sunlight like in Lincoln Ma. Whether you have a shady yard or simply want to try something new, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow and maintain a moss lawn.

The Advantages of Moss Lawns

Moss lawns offer numerous advantages over traditional grass lawns. First and foremost, moss is incredibly low-maintenance. Unlike grass, moss does not require mowing, watering, or fertilizing. This makes it an ideal choice for busy homeowners who want a beautiful lawn without spending hours on maintenance. Additionally, moss lawns require very little sunlight to thrive, making them perfect for shady yards or areas with limited sun exposure. Furthermore, moss lawns are drought-tolerant and can survive dry spells without the need for irrigation. This not only conserves water but also reduces your water bill. Lastly, moss lawns are visually appealing and add a unique touch to your landscape. The lush green carpet of moss creates a tranquil and soothing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation or hosting outdoor gatherings.

Choosing the Right Moss

Selecting the right type of moss is crucial for the success of your moss lawn. While there are many species of moss, not all of them are suitable for lawn purposes. Opt for low-growing moss varieties that can withstand foot traffic and are adaptable to different soil conditions. Some popular moss species for lawns include Haircap moss (Polytrichum commune), Cushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum), and Sheet moss (Hypnum curvifolium). These mosses are hardy, vibrant, and relatively easy to establish. Consider consulting a local nursery or moss expert to determine the best moss variety for your specific climate and yard conditions.

Preparing the Soil

Before establishing a moss lawn, it is essential to prepare the soil properly. Moss thrives in acidic soil with a pH level between 5.0 and 6.0. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level of your yard. If the soil is too alkaline, you can lower it by adding elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate. Follow the instructions on the product for the appropriate amount to use based on your soil test results.

Next, prepare the soil by removing any existing grass, weeds, or debris from the area where you plan to establish your moss lawn. Use a garden rake to level the surface and create a smooth base for the moss to grow. Avoid compacting the soil, as moss prefers loose and well-draining conditions.

Planting Moss Seeds

Once the soil is prepared, you can start planting moss seeds to establish your moss lawn. Here’s how:

Create a Moss Milkshake

To help the moss seeds establish and adhere to the soil, create a moss milkshake. In a blender, combine a handful of fresh moss, buttermilk, water, and a pinch of sugar. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. The buttermilk acts as a natural adhesive and helps the moss adhere to the soil.

Apply the Moss Milkshake

Using a paintbrush or a sprayer, apply the moss milkshake evenly over the prepared soil. Make sure to cover all the desired areas where you want the moss to grow. The thickness of the moss milkshake layer will depend on the specific moss species you are using, so refer to the instructions provided with the moss seeds.

Provide Adequate Moisture

Moss requires consistent moisture to establish and thrive. After applying the moss milkshake, mist the area with water to provide moisture. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can promote the growth of algae or other unwanted plants.

Patience and Maintenance

Growing a moss lawn requires patience, as it takes time for the moss to establish and spread. Be patient and avoid walking on the newly planted moss to allow it to take root. Once the moss starts to grow, it will require minimal maintenance. Moss lawns generally require watering only during periods of drought and occasional removal of debris or leaves that may accumulate on the surface.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a lush and vibrant moss lawn that adds natural beauty to your outdoor space. Remember, moss lawns are not only visually appealing but also environmentally friendly. So, go ahead and give it a try. Embrace the beauty of moss and enjoy a low-maintenance lawn that thrives in the shade!

Get Started Today

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.

New Client Inquiries

Something for Everyone

Rachel’s curated collection of furniture, decor, and kitchen items accessible through Amazon.

RACHEL BLINDAUER'S AMAZON STOREFRONT