Journal

Many of the common houseplants we know and love live a completely different life in their natural environment. We have modified these plants to tolerate our homes and lifestyles for so long that we can easily forget their history and their role in nature.

The crisp arrival of fall encourages us to warm up our spaces. Summer is all about cool tones, drawing inspiration from ocean breezes, evenings in the garden, and sunny days. As temperatures cool, we naturally gravitate toward earthy colors, rich textures, and warm, inviting palettes.

The tease of the last cool spell will be broken over the opening weeks of September. I’m a cool-weather guy, and I’m not quite ready for a second summer’s gasp. The frost on the pumpkins cannot come soon enough. While we wait for Mr. Jack Frost’s return, the shop is changing its seasonal wardrobe, as they say.

This July, friends gathered in our courtyard for an intimate dinner party inspired by the beauty of a classic Michigan summer. More than simply sharing a meal, guests were invited into an immersive evening where they collaborated alongside the fleurdetroit design team to create a beautifully layered outdoor tablescape while exploring the art of entertaining.

August brings the garden into its most exuberant stage, where towering natives, vivid blooms, busy pollinators, and textured seedheads create a layered summer spectacle.

As July loosens its hold and August arrives, the garden, the field, and the shoppe seem to ask us to slow down—to look closely, refresh what has faded, and savor the lavish final movement of summer.

Summer is in full swing, and Michigan isn’t disappointing. Warm breezes by day and crisp, moonlit evenings usher in beach trips and northern romps. The dog days of loafing and field-tripping are upon us. The fleurdetroit team and I wish everyone a safe summer season.

Some design pieces never truly go out of style. They always find their way back into the spotlight. Splatterware is one of those timeless serveware farvorites, bringing a sense of artistry and effortless charm back to the table. With its playful splatters, hand-finished feel, and perfectly imperfect character, splatterware feels like the kind of piece that has been collected over time.

Recently, we had the honor of hosting the Kenilworth Garden Club to Phillip's private garden, Stratton House, as well as to fleurdetroit. Founded in 1915, the Kenilworth Garden Club (KGC) is a historic Chicago-area civic organization based in Kenilworth, Illinois.

This June, we welcomed guests to the second installment of our collaborative design series, Style Social, with an evening dedicated to Dopamine Décor. Held in the courtyards of fleurdetroit, the event celebrated joyful living through thoughtful design, meaningful conversation, and unforgettable hospitality.

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, and we’ve curated an exceptional collection of coffee table books covering topics any dad would love. A perfect addition to an office, study, or living space, each title celebrates favorite hobbies and interests, making it a thoughtful and timeless gift. We love the idea of gifting a beautiful book and are proud to share these carefully selected titles.

Few places celebrate the growing season quite like Michigan. Each summer, our extraordinary flower-farmer friends fill their fields with delicate, luxurious blooms that simply cannot be found elsewhere. These special flowers are grown for their beauty and fragrance, allowing us to appreciate a fleeting moment in time. At fleurdetroit, we consider it a privilege to design with these remarkable treasures and to share them with our community.