Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Design

A May Design Mix

The May Edit

Everything catching our eye right now + a few things we’re actually using on repeat!

Light, airy bedroom with two black metal twin beds dressed in crisp white bedding and floral accent pillows, set beneath a sloped beadboard ceiling with a large paper lantern pendant and soft neutral tones throughout.
Design: Clouz Houz

Welcome to the May edit. This is everything we’ve been drawn to lately. There are some things we already have and love, others we’re saving, thinking about, and some that we just can’t stop coming back to.

If I had to sum up the vibe this month, it’s that in-between feeling where everything starts to shift. We’re leaning into slower evenings, more time for leisure drives through the country, cooking cleaner, lighter meals … but still wanting things to feel layered and lived-in at home.

Style-wise, I feel like I’m pulled in two directions right now. On one end- soft, neutral, breathable pieces that feel easy for the heat. And on the other… color. Specifically orange 🧡

Sherwin-Williams Copper Wire paint color swatch in warm terracotta brown tone

I have a feeling we’re going to be seeing it everywhere this summer. From fashion, poolside, even in interiors. We’re actually painting our guest bathroom Sherwin Williams “Copper Wire,” which feels like a bit of a shift from last year’s butter yellow. A little bolder, a little more playful.

And, I’ll be honest, I want to start wearing more of it. It works with my skin tone and hair, but I rarely think to reach for it — unless we’re revisiting early 2000s outfits, which might be where this is coming from. 😂

Anyway, this is what we’re into right now. Some practical, some aspirational, all things that feel right for this season.

Collage titled “The May Edit” featuring curated home decor and lifestyle items including floral pillow, rattan pitcher, brass wall sconce, wooden dresser, leather drawstring bag, blue patterned plate, yellow bandana, navy trousers, ceramic planter, glassware, gold signet ring, and Elemis cleansing balm in a neutral, classic style palette

Floral Tray | Stoneware Planter | Paper Plates | Bandana Scarf | Satin Pants | Daffodil Candle Holder | Floral Pillow | Chocolate Drawstring Bag | Brass Sconce | Wood Nightstand | Tulip Glasses | Wicker Vase | Navy Towel Shorts | Signet Initial Ring | Elemis Cleansing Balm


Allison’s Shoutout

Now that the Kentucky Derby has come and gone, I have to say, it’s still one of those events I’ve always wanted to experience in person.

We’ve been to a few themed parties over the years (dressing up, watching the race, leaning into the whole tradition), but I can only imagine it’s a completely different feeling actually being there.

Collage of Kentucky Derby fashion featuring women in elegant dresses and statement hats, including wide-brim hats, floral prints, structured silhouettes, and pastel looks at a horse racing event

There’s something about the Derby that just feels so special to me. The energy, the history, and of course, the fashion. I love seeing all the elaborate dresses, hats, and headpieces … it’s one of the few events where people really go all in.

I was especially keeping an eye on Renegade this year, and was really hoping they’d pull through. But hey, 2nd place isn’t too shabby! It was a very exciting race. 

It definitely has me thinking about what I’d wear if I was there. And naturally, it has put me back in a sundress mindset. These are the pieces I reach for the most this time of year, and now being in Tennessee, breathable, easy dresses are basically a necessity heading into summer.

Right now, I have my eye on this stripped Zimmerman dress and this striped knit maxi (can you tell I’m loving stripes right now?) 🤍


Derrick’s Shoutout

Any Your Friends & Neighbors viewers in the house??

I’ve been watching this one (via Apple TV) pretty regularly lately. Season one was excellent, and I’ll admit, I don’t usually have high expectations for second seasons. But so far, it’s off to a strong start.

Your Friends and Neighbors cover art

Allison and I usually catch the new episodes over the weekend, and it’s become one of those shows we actually make time for.

Also … Jon Hamm. I feel like he’s this generation’s George Clooney. Just one of those guys who somehow keeps getting better with age. (If that’s what a middle-aged heartthrob looks like, I’ve got some work to do!) He’s been popping up everywhere lately. I did miss him in Landman, but I like him much better in this.

Trying not to give anything away, but the way the story is unfolding so far has sparked a lot of conversation. Plenty of theories out there, and I’m not entirely sure where it’s headed yet — which I appreciate.

Curious if anyone else is watching, and what you think is going to happen next?!


Kaylei’s Shoutout

I’ve been really drawn to this Jean Munro hollyhock print lately. I usually lean toward hand-blocked prints and 100% linen, and I’m not typically a maroon or burgundy person, but this one feels softer somehow. A little more subtle, a little more lived-in. It just works.

Vintage-inspired floral fabric pattern featuring muted burgundy, blush, and sage green flowers on a soft cream background.

I first spotted it in House & Garden in this pantry and couldn’t stop thinking about it. It has that layered, collected feel we’re always chasing.

Charming English-style kitchen with blue striped walls and ceiling, a floral Roman shade and sink skirt, brass shell sconce, and layered vintage decor for a cozy, collected look.
Design: Nicola Harding

Also, this might be a little “woo woo,” but it made me think of my Grammy. She used to have us make little dolls out of hollyhocks in the garden, which felt very magical at the time. So, now I think I love this print even more because of that.

I found a video on how to make them if you’ve never seen it before. It’s actually kind of sweet and fun!


Emma’s Shoutout

If you know me, you know how excited I’ve been about PopUp Bagels finally opening in Chicago. For anyone who hasn’t heard of it, it’s a pretty simple concept. They do hot, fresh bagels sold by the dozen with a rotating lineup of “schmears”… but the way they’ve built the brand is what makes it so good.

Two hands holding oversized bagels in branded “Popup Bagels” cups, each piled high with whipped cream cheese—one plain bagel with green spread and one poppy seed bagel with a tan spread—shot outdoors in warm sunlight.

They’ve been popping up in different cities, and their marketing + collabs are honestly what got me hooked before I even tried it. Everything they do just feels really intentional and fun.

I went for the first time last week (waited for the opening chaos to die down 😅), and it did not disappoint. Got the spicy scallion schmear and their new Sabatino truffle butter (both so good … I’m a savory girl). Ended up ordering a dozen bagels because I was overly excited — but honestly, no regrets. Perfect for easy breakfasts during the week.

I’d wanted to try the Nashville location when it opened but never made it, so having one in my neighborhood now feels like a big win.

Very curious to see what they come up with next in terms of flavors and collabs! I’m quietly their biggest fan at this point and mostly just fascinated by how they’ve built the brand.

A closer look at May favorites

Yellow bandana with black paisley pattern and soft frayed edges

The accessory I’ll be wearing on repeat

I’ve been seeing this bandana everywhere lately, and for good reason. It’s such an easy way to make an outfit feel styled without trying too hard. This one comes in so many colors, but I ordered the yellow for spring and summer. It just brightens everything up. I’ve been tying scarves on my bags, around my neck, even on my waist… It’s one of those little pieces that goes a long way.

Blue ceramic dinner plate with white floral border pattern

The entertaining shortcut that still feels elevated


These blue printed paper plates completely fooled me at first. They look like ceramic but are actually disposable. I love having something like this on hand for summer hosting, especially for outdoor dinners when you want it to feel special but not overly precious. The pattern is so charming and layered, it instantly makes the table feel styled. So many fun colors and styles!

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm in glass jar with silver lid

The skincare staple I keep coming back to

I used to use this cleansing balm religiously, and after trying other things for a while, nothing quite compared. It melts everything off at the end of the day but still leaves your skin feeling really hydrated, not stripped. I recently added it back into my routine and remembered immediately why I loved it so much. It’s one of those products that just works and I won’t be living without!

Small white ceramic planter with pedestal feet and subtle raised trim

The piece that adds life to a space

I just picked up this stoneware planter and already want another. It’s sitting on my kitchen counter right now, and I’m planning to add a small topiary to it. The shape and finish feel classic but still fresh, which is exactly what I’m always looking for. I can already tell it’s going to move around the house with me. Got the medium size!

Floral patterned throw pillow in muted green, cream, and soft yellow tones

The detail I’m drooling over

We used this Lee Jofa fabric for the pillows in our upstairs guest room, and it ended up becoming one of those subtle moments that really makes the space. We carried it into the bathroom as well on the pedestal sink skirts, so you get this quiet continuity when you look through the rooms. It’s soft, layered, and works so beautifully with all of the creamy whites we’ve been using. If you’re curious about our full bedding recommendations or how we finished the bathroom, we’ve shared more over on Instagram and LTK. Don’t miss out, make sure you’re following!!

***

If I had to pick a favorite from the May edit, it’s probably the pieces that feel the easiest to live with. The ones you don’t have to think too hard about, but somehow end up reaching for all the time.

This edit felt a little more playful than usual, which I think is a sign of the season. Letting things be a bit lighter, a bit less serious, and just leaning into what feels good right now.

Curious what you’re all drawn to this month, or if there’s something you can’t stop thinking about lately 🤍

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We opted for this 9x12 natural fiber jute rug in our den.

Honestly, the weight, the texture, the tone, it just works.
I’ve actually repurchased this rug multiple times for my own home, which says everything. It’s one of those foundational pieces that instantly grounds a space and layers in that warm, collected feel.

If you’re looking for a neutral that doesn’t fall flat, this is always one I come back to.

Comment “LINK” and I’ll send it your way🤍
This is one of those things I feel very strongly about.
Scale is one of the fastest ways to elevate a room... and one of the easiest to get wrong. I see it all the time: a space has beautiful pieces, but something still feels off. More often than not, it’s because everything is too small.

Our coffee table is a good example. It’s intentionally larger because it helps the whole seating area read as one zone. It visually connects the sofa and chairs, gives everyone an actual surface within reach, and creates one strong focal point in the middle of the room.

If it were smaller, we’d need extra little tables to make the layout function, and all of those pieces would start competing with each other.

One larger piece often creates more calm than several smaller ones.

Save this for your next room refresh, and share it with someone who’s trying to figure out why their space feels off.
Finally using our kitchen... and it feels so good 🥹

We don’t take this for granted for a second! Having a fully working kitchen again truly feels like such a gift. It’s always been the heart of our home, and after so many months without it, being back in this space feels extra special.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know Derrick and I are major foodies.

And over the years, he’s become such an incredible cook... his recipes just keep getting better and better (lucky me ☺️).

There’s something about cooking at home, slowing down, and gathering around a meal that just feels like us again.

Would you guys want to see more of what we’re cooking, like we used to share?