Ask Katie: My Favorite Place I’ve Lived, Where I Shop For Gabe, If We Will Adopt Again, and More!

Where is your favorite place you’ve lived?

This is a tough one because, as longtime readers know, I’ve lived in several cities in the U.S. and abroad. I think every place was fitting for specific periods of my life, but if I had to choose one it would probably be New York. I lived there twice: in the East Village in my early twenties and on the Upper East Side and Williamsburg in my late twenties. I miss the museums, the theater, the restaurants, the style! Simon and I talk about retiring someday in a cozy apartment on the Upper West Side. We shall see…!

When decorating a living room, what do people overlook to make the room feel warm and inviting?

What a smart question! I would say they often overlook the importance of good lighting. Make sure you incorporate multiple light sources in a room (limit overhead lights and instead opt for table lamps–my favorites are from Bunny Williams Home—and floor lamps) and put them all on dimmers if possible. Also, as I learned from the Danes, nothing beats a flickering candle (love these ones) or two. In general, it’s important to add layers to your interior…rugs, pillows, throws, accessories! Don’t make things too tidy, perfect, or formal feeling if you want your guests to walk in and feel relaxed. Have a bar set up where they can fix themselves a cocktail. Fill your shelves with beautiful books about things that interest you. Play some soft music in the background. And remember that fresh blooms or a potted tree or plant will instantly add charm.

Where is your favorite place to shop for kid’s clothes?

I don’t dress Gabe as stylishly as you might imagine (he loves to play in the mud so I don’t put him in anything too precious!), but I’m happy to share my favorite sources. I love lots of pieces from the Cat & Jack line at Target and I stock up on Ralph Lauren polos and Patagonia jackets whenever they’re on sale. I love Janie & Jack for shorts and Minnow for swimwear. He also wears lots of joggers from Old Navy and Gap. For shoes, he’s almost always wearing Vans or Natives, though I did just order him these rain boots and they’re super cute. For pajamas, he has the classic Hanna Andersson stripes in just about every color (they’re great quality and often on sale). I also recently ordered him two pairs of Lake Pajamas and they just arrived and are insanely soft!

Do you miss having a pixie cut? Will you ever go back?

Several of you asked me this one! While I loved my pixie, I don’t see myself ever going back. In my twenties I had the cheekbones for it, but now that I’m almost 35 (!!) I don’t know that I could do it justice. I have a bob now and think it’s a happy medium. I grew my locks fairly long after the pixie just to experience long hair again, but ultimately, I like to keep it short and chic. My hair is super thick–I do miss getting it buzzed a barber shop and it air drying in minutes!

Would you consider adopting another child?

This is something we talk about often and truthfully, we’re undecided. Most of the time I feel like we’re complete with just the three of us (Gabe loves when we do a big family hug and shout “the three musketeers!”), but I also would love for him to have a sibling. Sometimes I find myself perusing the online profiles of children waiting to be adopted through foster care and want to open our home to all of them. In short, we will reevaluate in a couple years. Thankfully we have good friends here in Greensboro with children close to Gabe’s age that already feel like family. I promise to keep you posted!

How to incorporate different styles of furniture in a room, but still look classic and sophisticated?

Great question! Mixing furniture styles and periods is essential in creating a sophisticated interior, but it can be tricky. I think it’s all about balance. If you have a skirted slipper chair consider placing it next to a side table with lovely legs (the ruffles of the skirt beside the elongated legs make for good mix). If you have a granny chic sofa with lots of tufting or bullion fringe, consider placing a streamlined coffee table in front of it (the minimalist lines of the table would create balance). Aim to incorporate a true mix of finishes in your room: upholstery, ceramics, metals, woods, lacquers, and so forth. Too many vintage or antique brown wood pieces in a room can make it feel dark and heavy, but an item or two of mahogany or walnut injects a space with history and character. Consider placing a sculptural plaster table lamp (exhibit A and exhibit B) in a traditional setting, or conversely, a vintage Imari lamp in a modern space. It’s the juxtaposition of different periods and styles that adds interest to a space. The most timeless interiors strike the perfect balance and transcend a specific time period.

Is it challenging to be married to someone from another country?

This question made me smile. I suppose it can be! Our biggest obstacle was getting Simon a green card when we wanted to move back to America so we could begin the adoption process (we waited 13 months!). Mostly I just find his British-ness amusing (his English accent, though slight, is a regular source of teasing). There are also perks to the situation! I love that my in-laws are in London giving us an excuse to visit frequently (well, in non-covid times). Simon has lived in America for over 10 years total now so while there are things about him that are intrinsically English (his love of tea!), he’s fairly well-assimilated to American life and culture at this point.

I hope you’ve found this Q&A session with my wonderful readers helpful!
If you have questions feel free to email them
to me at katie@katieconsiders.com
and I’ll try to answer them in a future post!

And of course,
there’s a new Daily Hunt live here!