Owning a home on Nantucket is a sign to many that they have truly “made” it. But the real work begins after the purchase. An island dwelling can be an oasis, an escape from the hectic pace of American life. But how do you find your unique voice and personality to your new house your new home?
Inspiration comes to our island this week with the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) event Nantucket by Design this week, through August 6. A major summer fundraiser for the NHA, these events celebrate the best in creative design with engaging lectures, unique discussions, and fun gatherings, with a theme of Celebration of Home.
Now in its seventh year, Nantucket by Design celebrates the island’s unique influence on American design, delivering an exclusive experience and raising money for the NHA to continue its commitment to steward and preserve the heritage of Nantucket. This year’s events will offer curated keynote and panel discussions, exclusive cocktail parties, an online silent auction, and collaborative design work of New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) and Kean University – Michael Graves College students. Participants will also enjoy the continued partnership with The Nantucket Summer Antiques Show for a Preview Party August 4. Exciting new additions to the line-up include a Fashion Show and master class breakout sessions, offered in intimate settings, covering floral design, entertaining, and decorative arts.
“For the past two years, as we’ve all been tethered to our homes, our appreciation of where and how we live has grown exponentially. This year, we celebrate not only how our homes offer us comfort and security but allow us to express our personal style and passions with others through our decor, gardens, and entertaining,” commented Stacey Bewkes and Olivia Charney, chairs of Nantucket by Design 2022.
This year’s award-winning line-up of interior designers, tastemakers, and artisans include Alex Papachristidis, Tara Guerard, Keith Robinson, Christopher Spitzmiller, and Ashley Whittaker.
Alex Papachristidis is keynote speaker at the August 4 Design Luncheon. Born and raised in New York City, he got his first big commission while a student at Parsons School of Design and never looked back. Establishing his firm in 1987, he finds decorating the most fulfilling career. His second book, Living an Elegant Life, will be released later this year.
Taking part in the Design Panel on August 5, Tara Guerard is an American Southern event designer and planner. She founded her own company, Tara Guerard Soiree, in 1997 and a letterpress invitation company, The Lettered Olive, in 2009. She is recognized as one of the Nation’s leading tastemakers and is a top wedding planner. She is the author of two books: Southern Weddings and Weddings by Tara Guerard.
Another design Panelist Keith Robinson has been a tastemaker and a leader in the creative community of Atlanta for more than three decades and founded his event design and production company, Gloriosa Design. He was a contributing editor for Veranda Magazine from 2016 to 2018. Currently, he acts as the Executive Director of Gardens & Culinary at the helm of Dunaway Gardens, a property listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Design Panelist Christopher Spitzmiller began his career creating his oneof- a-kind lamps with a crew of skilled artisans in 1996 in Washington, D.C., then moved to New York City in 1999. The lights are of timeless appeal and luxurious quality. As of late, Christopher has expanded his designs to tableware and other ceramic accessories.
Design Panelist, Ashley Whittaker, is described as the “neo-traditionalist.” This New York City decorator’s hallmarks are classic taste and chic sophistication, characterized by tailored rooms incorporating charming detail and engaging play on color and pattern. Her first book, The Well-Loved House, was released last fall.
As of our press date some tickets Nantucket by Design, please visit nha.org or call 508-228-1894, ext.130
