What Even Is “Fisherman Core?”
Fisherman Core can go many ways—think classic nautical, quiet coastal luxury, or even mountain-town rugged. For me, it’s somewhere in between all of that. Rope textures, nubby knits, bamboo and weathered wood, sun-faded stripes, hammered metal, raw linen — it’s more about the feel than following any strict aesthetic. It’s practical but relaxed, a little salty around the edges, but still feels polished in that timeless, hand-me-down kind of way.
I think of my grandpa’s fishing hat, the old wicker tackle box that lived in the garage, and mornings spent barefoot on the dock — layered up in someone else’s old sweater. There’s something familiar and grounding about it all.
A Seasonal Mood To Sink Into …
August always feels like that “in-between” month, doesn’t it? You’re still grabbing peaches and tomatoes at the market, but part of you is starting to crave layers again. It’s hot in the afternoon but chilly in the morning. As the light shifts, everything softens a little.
That’s where this whole vibe came from—holding on to the ease of summer, but slowly mixing in textures and tones that lean into the season ahead. Think muted blues and sandy neutrals, warm metals, and utilitarian pieces that feel sturdy but still pretty. This moodboard is about soft transitions and grounding moments.
Knot Pull | Rattan Stool | Trunk | Throw Blanket | Dining Chair | Wall Sconce | Quilt | Cable Knit Half Zip | Salad Tongs | Fish Platter | Beach Print | Canopy Bed |
Mushroom Lamp | Shell Necklace | Shell Planter | Soup Bowls | Bamboo Lamp | Denim Dress | Striped Pouch | Boat Tote
Design + Style Notes
Much of what’s included this month is intentionally versatile. These are things I’d use for hosting a low-key seafood dinner, packing a beach tote for one last swim, or cozying up with a book on the porch once the sun starts to dip. I’m keeping this edit close as we inch toward fall, but not rushing it either.
So here it is—my take on Fisherman Core. It’s equal parts nostalgic, transitional, and ready for whatever the back half of summer brings. I hope it sparks a few ideas for your own home or wardrobe.
Let’s hang onto that summer slowness … just with a little more texture.
Color of the Month: Farrow & Ball ‘Light Blue’
This month, I’ve been gravitating toward Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue—and no, it’s not as “light” as the name makes it sound. It’s a dreamy, chalky blue with a gray-green undertone that shifts depending on the light. It feels like sea glass and foggy mornings and weathered wood all rolled into one. It’s soft and serene, but has enough depth to keep things interesting. Basically, it’s the perfect in-between color for this end-of-summer, not-quite-fall moment.
We used it in our entryway at one of our homes in Portland and everyone loved it! It’s the most subtle blue-not blue — if that makes sense! It’s one of my absolute favorite paint colors.
It also looks great in unexpected places, like a mudroom cabinet, the ceiling of a bedroom, or even trim in a coastal-style kitchen. And, it plays beautifully with natural textures like rattan, raw wood, linen, and antique brass, which is why it fits so well with this month’s Fisherman Core theme.
Clouz Houz Tip: Try it on a ceiling in a sunlit room for the prettiest “sky” effect. Or, the ceiling of a covered porch!
Worn-In, Lived-In, Passed-Down Spaces
Let’s start with what grounds a space—texture, light, and a little bit of quirk.
The Hammered Shell Vase might be my favorite find of the month. Try styling it on a coffee table with matches and palo santo, or use it as a catch-all for keys and little bits. It has that vintage brass feel without being too precious, and the shape is just … good.
I’m always looking for simple ways to bring in warmth, and this Mushroom Lamp does just that. I picture it on a side table in a guest room or tucked in a reading corner. Speaking of lighting, this Bamboo Lamp has a weathered, lived-in look you’ll be drawn to. The shape is classic, but the finish gives it character. BONUS: it’s cordless and less than $40! Wowza!
This Wall Sconce is a standout piece. The perforated brass shade adds instant character, while the rope-wrapped arm gives it a nautical-meets-vintage feel without leaning kitschy. Display it flanking a bathroom mirror, lighting up a hallway, or even layered into a cozy bunk room. It’s unexpected in the best way, and ties perfectly into that collected, fisherman-core look.
A Canopy Bed makes a statement without being flashy. It feels a little coastal, a little traditional, and would look amazing with layered linen bedding and a throw casually draped at the foot. Honestly, I’ve always wanted to canopy bed for our room!
And a few more items you’ll love …
The shape and tone of this Cane-Back Dining Chair totally delivers that sweet, soft silhouette we’re seeing everywhere. It has a timeless feel that’s casual but elevated — exactly the kind of piece that would sit around a driftwood table or tuck under a breakfast nook in a sun-flooded kitchen.
Floral Quilts bring in that feeling of comfort and nostalgia. They have a vintage market vibe, but feel fresh and usable for every day. The pattern is delicate, the colors are soft, and it’s the kind of piece you’ll want to have draped over your bed year-round. We just selected one for our Sun Valley Saddle House project, and I’m excited about the character it’s going to bring to the guest room.
The Vintage-Style Storage Trunk feels like something you’d inherit from a grandparent! And, that’s exactly why I love it. Style it at the end of a bed, or use it as a coffee table in a more relaxed family room. Functional, nostalgic, and adds instant history.
The Fisherman’s Granddaughter Look
I’ll always have a soft spot for a good knit, and this Cream Fisherman Sweater is everything you want this time of year. Chunky, cozy, timeless. Throw it over a swimsuit, or pair it with jeans and boots come fall. It’s giving summer house meets bookstore date. Can’t go wrong with any of these sweaters from Jenni Kayne!
This Navy Denim Polo Dress is such a sleeper hit. It’s polished enough to wear out, but easy enough for everyday. Add a pair of sneakers or your go-to sandals and you’re good. It was one of our best sellers in July on the Nordstrom sale!
Accessories are where you can have fun with this vibe. The Seashell Necklace feels like a treasure you found on vacation. I wear it layered with my simpler chains, and the color palette is subtle enough to wear even when summer ends. Just picked it up for our trip to Hawaii and can’t wait to wear it with my swimsuit to feel little extra. ❤️
And, not to play favorites but the Striped Knit Pouch from Amazon is one of those pieces that instantly pulls a look together. It’s giving market mornings and easy breezy days. Toss it in a beach tote, or style it as a clutch with an oversized sweater.
Objects That Tell Stories
This Fish Dish is one of those tiny touches that’ll make you smile. Place it by the sink for rings, or in a guest bath with a little bar of soap. It’s playful but still tasteful, and the soft glaze makes it feel artisanal.
This Stoneware Bowl Set can be used for seafood pasta, peach cobbler, or late-night cereal. The mix of blues and reds reminds me of old French countryside pottery and adds instant charm to any table.
On the more functional side, this Canvas + Navy Boat Tote is forever a staple. It fits all the essentials, has structure, and doesn’t try too hard. I keep one by the door packed and ready for weekend road trips or farmer’s market hauls. Love that you can customize them … they make for such cute gifts!
Nautical Rope Ball Drawer Pulls are a fun and subtle nod to the fisherman-core theme. Love these for mudroom cabinetry, kids’ dressers, or even a guest bath vanity. They add texture and charm without trying too hard—and it’s those little details that really make a space feel thoughtful.
And then, there’s this Woven Throw Blanket—cool tones, classic pattern, and just heavy enough to keep nearby for breezy nights. Drape it over a bench, the back of the sofa, or tuck it into a basket by the firepit.
This is a gorgeous set of Salad Tongs with silver shell handles. Functional, yes—but also the kind of piece that makes even a simple weeknight salad feel a little bit like a beachside dinner party.
That’s it for this month’s edit! Just a little mix of what’s been inspiring me lately as we ease out of summer. I’m holding onto the slower pace, reaching for cozy textures, and soaking up these in-between moments while they last. Hope a few things in here sparked an idea or two for your own space or style.
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