THE TIMELESS EDIT
- Colleen Daugherty
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Issue No. 5 - May 2026
A Note from Colleen:
As the landscape in Central Ohio finally shifts into that lush, vibrant green we wait for all winter, I find myself thinking about the concept of "Air." In design, air isn't just about ventilation; it’s about the negative space that allows your furniture, your art, and your family to breathe.
May is the perfect time to evaluate the flow of your home. As we transition from the "closed-in" cozy months to a season of open windows and hosting, my goal for you this month is to find one area of your home that feels heavy and give it some room to breathe. Whether that’s clearing a mantle or rethinking a high-traffic corner, let’s welcome the new season with intention.
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The Curation: The Art of the Seasonal Swap
Refreshing your home doesn't always require a renovation. It requires an edit.
1. Lighten the Textiles It’s time to retire the heavy velvets and chunky knits. For May, I recommend introducing high-quality linens in muted, earthy tones. A linen throw at the foot of the bed or a set of hemstitch napkins for your dining table provides a tactile lightness that feels instantly sophisticated.
2. Bringing the Outdoors In (The Right Way) Avoid the "cluttered garden" look inside. Instead, choose one substantial, sculptural branch or a cluster of monochromatic blooms in a heavy stone vessel. It makes a much bolder, more timeless statement than several small arrangements scattered around.
3. The Functional Patio Treat your outdoor space with the same rigor you apply to your living room. A timeless outdoor area utilizes weather-resistant textures that mimic indoor comforts—think performance fabrics and ambient lighting that allows the conversation to continue long after the Ohio sun goes down.
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Fresh Inspiration from High Point Market
If you followed along on my Instagram Stories recently, you know that I just returned from High Point Market in North Carolina. For those outside the industry, High Point is the "fashion week" of home furnishings. It is a massive, inspiring, and whirlwind experience where we get to see, touch, and test the upcoming collections from the world’s leading designers and manufacturers. Coming back to Central Ohio, I feel more energized than ever. But as I walked through millions of square feet of showrooms, I was reminded of one thing: Trend is fleeting, but quality is permanent. While the market is full of "the next big thing," my focus remained on finding the pieces that fit the Devon Downs Design aesthetic—items that offer a unique perspective, impeccable craftsmanship, and that essential balance of style and function.
MARKET TAKEAWAYS
1. The Return to Warmth & Wood One of my favorite takeaways was the move away from "cool and grey" toward "warm and organic." I saw a beautiful emphasis on natural wood grains—oaks, walnuts, and even burl woods—that feel grounded and soulful.
2. Sculptural Silhouettes Furniture is becoming more artful. We saw chairs and sofas with soft, curved lines and sculptural frames.
3. Performance Luxury A major theme this year was "life-friendly" luxury. The technology in performance fabrics has reached a point where you truly cannot tell the difference between a delicate silk-blend and a durable, stain-resistant textile.
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Design Q&A: "How do I start a large-scale project?"Q: I know I want to remodel, but the sheer number of decisions feels paralyzing. Where do I actually start?
A: This is the most common hurdle! My advice is always to start with function, not finishes. Don't worry about the tile or the paint color yet. Instead, ask yourself: How is my current space failing me daily? Is it a lack of storage? A cramped walkway? Once we solve the "how" of the room, the "style" begins to fall into place naturally. This is exactly why we provide a Welcome Guide—to help walk you through our process of narrowing down those choices so the experience is exciting, not exhausting. |
On the Calendar |
Summer Consultations: Our design calendar is currently filling for late summer and autumn start dates. If you’ve been dreaming of a transformation, now is the time to start the conversation.
The Local Edit: I’ll be out and about in Dublin and the greater Columbus area sourcing for clients this month. If you see me at your favorite local boutique or restaurant, please say hello!
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