The One Thing You Need This Summer

Five talented designers tell us about their one splurge this season.

Ready for a quick summer update? Local pros share that one special purchase they can’t live without.

Erin Gates, Element Interiors

What: A crisp white quilt to swap in for my heavy duvet on these hot nights.

Why: My current apartment is too hot and after years of suffering under a duvet, I needed lighter weight bedding.

Where: I got mine at Homegoods for $50! It’s great! But this one from West Elm is very similar.

Tom Murdough, Murdough Design

What: Barlow Tyrie “Horizon” chairs and table

Why: My wife and I live in a 1850’s farmhouse in Lincoln and it complements the traditional architecture with a mix of modern / contemporary and traditional furnishings. This set is a contemporary version of the classic folding chair, but with the synthetic mesh. The teak weathers to grey. The overall effect is an elegant simplicity, understated, very functional, very comfortable, and an ideal setting for dining and drinks with friends.

Where: Didriks, chairs listed at $679 each and the table is listed at $2,199

Christina Stetson, The Cottage

What: Indoor Outdoor Swing

Why: My best friend has a house on lake Winnipesaukee and I bought her one of these swings for her birthday. She loves it! Not to mention I get to enjoy it when I’m up there too. We hung it on the back porch so she can sit out rain or shine and look out on the lake in comfort and style. The pillows make the swing much more comfortable than the traditional hammock swings and the sunbrella fabric won’t fade or mildew. They come in bright and sophisticated colors to go with any decor including indoors (my friends in Brooklyn have them in their living rooms). I gave her a bright one to stand out from the landscape and to match her vibrant personality.

Where: The Cottage, $175

Heidi Pribell, Heidi Pribell Interiors

What: Cairns Teak Side Table by Interlude Home

Why: The combination of teak wood and cracked resin looks like wood with amber—it’s fantastic.

Where: You can buy it through Heidi Pribell Interiors, $900-$1,100

Kate Maloney, KMI Design

What: Glass oil lamp

Why: It’s carved emerald green glass base with a clear glass top to it—I couldn’t resist the green emerald color. It feels elegant and decorative but also allows me to see my friends across the table as
the sun goes down. And who knew it would be so functional—the flame continues to burn even if we have a breeze. It’s by far my buy of the summer!

Where: Brimfield Antique Market ($50, a bargain!)