BEACHY AND BREEZY A local designer's tips to add texture and warmth to your space.

GLAMOUR GRIT &

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GROWING HERBS IN THE HOUSE

EMILY MILLAY PHOTOGRAPHY D E S I G N

COZY COASTAL

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TOASTING MANIFEST MANICURES AND MIXOLOGY

NICOLE PIER HASN’T LOOKED BACK since opening Coco Concepts interior design studio on Cleveland’s West Side in 2018. Her portfolio consists of more than 20 projects that blend texture with coastal coziness. “I’m really influenced by the water,” Pier says. “I want to feel like I’m on a vacation; in my home I want to feel relaxed and comfortable.” In this Lakewood home, the Zen is eminent. While dark wood and an airy atmosphere set the stage for the neutral palette, Pier honored the family’s love of nature by pairing textures. For example, the round, earthen claylike side table, procured from Wild Iris Home in Avon, complements the stone hearth, while fluffy tassels soften straight lines within the space and bespeckled pillows add dimension to a cream gray couch.

BETTING ON BEACH

This bedroom floats out of the cream crest of a rolling, lazy wave. The print on the bedding is reminiscent of tiny bubbles, an invitation to be pulled into the surf. Pier designed this Westlake retreat with her clients — a Connecticuter and Massachusettsan — in mind. It's a place to keep calm and peruse morning reading, while also recreating East Coast energy. “I Pier wanted this always ask the bedroom's color palette client where they and textures to reflect a like to spend beach-bound vacation. time. If it’s the beach, if it’s the mountains, a city ... just incorporating that into your house is really fun,” Pier says. The headboard is woven seagrass, a perfect match to the driftwood-colored hardwood floor Pier hopes to install soon. “Having these subtle details and elements keeps it interesting and unique.”

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FLORALS AND WHORLS

An “elevated casual experience” awaits at the dining room table in this Bay Village home also designed by Pier with variety in mind. The centerpiece itself is a crisp and lively ode to topiary, reinforced by numerous floral patterns within the space — from the backs of the chairs to the ceramic candleholders with pleated, flower-petal edges. “[My clients] love flowers,” Pier says. “Incorporating florals is a big part of their home.” And the blooms don't stop in the dining room. The kitchen was also freshened up with the garden-like spirals. Seamstress Pam Novak of Avon Lake handstitched the table runner for Pier using Shiraz in Citrus by Clarke & Clarke, the same fabric used on pillow covers and upholstery throughout the home. In design, Pier explains, texture repetition works to create a beautiful, cohesive look. “If there’s a nice fabric that we can use, like as a runner, that’s a part of another space in that room, I like to tie that all in together."

TRANQUIL FUNK

Sunlight bounces off the glass tabletop while a vase sprouts playful flowers and ceramic jars reflect and ground the luminosity. This westfacing room in Avon Lake is where Pier’s clients perform their coffee ritual, and Pier wanted its textures to help them ease into the day. Starting with a patterned mint green chair, Pier then toned the space down with neutrals. She keeps the rhythm interesting with characters like the rattan center table. Its texture is enhanced by the invading light for an overall softening effect. “There’s loops and more depth to it than just something completely solid,” Pier says. The hammered metal table and stand are a shining example of balancing the space. “Whenever I’m going through fabric books, I catch myself always touching every single fabric. I think that’s such an important sense.”

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GARDEN

STAYING ALIVE

From basil to rosemary, here’s how to keep your favorite herbs going strong all winter long.

Caprese salads. Fresh-muddled mint in your mojito. Rosemary roasted potatoes. The joys of the season don’t have to end when summer does. Instead, these herbs can all overwinter indoors. And it’s easier than you’d think. Jennifer Hihn, the owner of River Plant Co. in Rocky River, offers tips for keeping your herb garden thriving throughout the winter.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary is a more sensitive herb that likes to stay a bit on the dry side. When maintaining your rosemary plant indoors, opt for a window that faces south. Otherwise, a grow light might be needed.

BASIL

The good news is that you can have even more basil as it’s one of the easiest plants to propagate — a fun end-of-summer project for kids. Simply snip off a basil stem and place it in a glass of water. It’ll grow roots in a couple of weeks and can then be planted in soil. “Put it in a nice, sunny spot and keep it watered,” Hihn says. “Basil likes to be kept slightly damp.”

MINT

This herb is relatively low maintenance yet adds a refreshing smell to one’s garden — or sunroom. Mint can adapt to any soil, but grows and develops best in moist, well-drained soil with compost mixed in.

GROWING TIPS

Be sure to bring your herbs in before the first frost of the fall.

Herbs that are planted in the ground can be dug up and replanted in a pot.

Place your plant in a south-, east- or west-facing window. North is a no-go.

Give your herbs a good once-over with organic Neem Oil before bringing plants in. “Neem’s the best one at knocking out bugs,” Hihn says.

Don’t fertilize. This is your herb’s dormant period. It’s like someone making you eat a burger at 3 a.m.

Water wisely. If your home is humid, for example, it will require less water. Gauge how dry the soil is about a half-inch below the surface and water accordingly.

Rotate plants occasionally to prevent them from bending toward the light.