Custom light fixtures combined with re-upholsterd dining chairs from another home live in harmony in the open kitchen, dining and sitting area.

The owners previously has a stainless steel island countertop and loved the durability so it was replicated here, along with commercial grade appliances as they love to cook. The perimeter countertops are Danby marble.

This buffet was built in to look like a piece of furniture

A fun bar area with wallpaper reminiscent of tile, and an antique pendant of the owner’s hangs above.

The living room is a serene spot in warmer tones of coral, pale sage and linen. I simply ADORE these chairs!!!

A sweet antique game table and chairs and a wood burning fireplace make this a perfect spot to settle in and relax.

The living room connects to a wonderful screen porch with ocean views.

Sitting here the first evening of the shoot confirmed that I need a screen porch in my life! So delightful!

The bright and sunny foyer.

Kinlin Rutherford added some great little details to this house, like this curved ceiling detail.

Just obsessed with this wallpaper and trim combo in the powder room

The cozy primary with its own sitting porch.

Primary bathroom- a mix of marble, wood and v-groove.

OMG I was so excited to use this wallpaper for this guest room!

There’s something seaweed-y about it, even though it’s ferns. Such a fun mix of pattern in here too.

Another guest room, this time in shades of yellow and green.

This guest room was a great mix of antiques/ existing pieces and some new additions.

There are several guest baths, but we just photographed one, as we approached the design of each in a rather similar manner, just mixing up floor and shower tile. Special hardware and a gorgeous water blue tile make this one a treat.

There are two bunk rooms in which we had some fun! This one with a fabulous striped rug and bold tone on tone wall color.

A re-upholtered chair in this fun fern print adds a spot for reading.

I showed Henry this room and he immediately dubbed it the “Percy Jackson” room as the paper is both nautical and has Greek ruins! The amazing ceiling light plays off the theme and the cutest little antique chair was reupholstered in this bold outdoor grade stripe.

Each bunk room has four twin beds- providing abundant sleeping space for littles and bigs alike!

There are a few more exterior shots on the portfolio page, this sweet one shows the lovely mix of materials used in creating a home that fits perfectly into the local aesthetic.

Last but not least, the hard working mudroom, which while compact houses a washer/dryer (not shown), TONS of wooden peg hooks, cubbies AND a built in dog crate!

Please also check out or new Maine project as well! And reach out to us with YOUR project, we’d love to work with you!

To make it extra special, we added gold trim and rivets, and the result is a gorgeous, sleek but classic mirror that would look good in literally any type of decor from modern to traditional. It also would be incredible in a bathroom as well, although the scale is on the large side! Perhaps a smaller version in the future for powder rooms?

You can order it now HERE! Also check out our other designs with Cooper Classics HERE!

While my house looks great, I do notice things here and there that I want to change 5 years into owning it and have started that process. A good example is the stairwell walls, which I just wallpapered in a bold Schumacher striped ikat that I LOOOOOOOVE. I was worried initially it would be too much pattern with the mural in my dining room, but now I am SO happy I took the risk and did it. It feels perfect.

Spurred on by this improvement, I have walked through my house and made some notes on what I wish I had done, and will comment on what I am going to change/ swap/ add! Starting with the dining room:

I just touched up the trim in here when we moved in- and with the paper it’s a bit yellowed because it was oil, so I wish I had redone it in White Dove like the rest of the house. I would LOOOOOVE a high gloss ceiling in here in white, not sure that will ever be in my budget though. The drapes- I do wish I had done chartreuse silk in here for a punch of color. But that would require reupholstering the chairs (UGH- everything is a set of dominos). These grey wool drapes are amazing quality, and they do look lovely…. I’m torn.

In the formal living room, an easy add is the ceiling paint. The drapes I cannot change unless I sell these gorgeous trimmed panels- which I do love- so this requires a bit more of a think. A change also depends on what I do in the family room- I don’t want patterned drapes in both rooms. I may also swap the pillows someday too…

I chose not to do roman valances because I did not want to block more light, as this room is pretty dark despite the ample windows. But it feels a bit unfinished now.

This room is the most pressing- my sectional fabric, despite being indoor/outdoor, has not held up. Between the dog and kids and myself- it’s so dirty and stained. Such a bummer, as reupholstering a sectional is expensive, but I need to do a deeper color or a small pattern. And that depends on the drapes- I pulled this fabric for a client and have become OBSESSED with the idea of using it here- but I also love a good skinny stripe sectional for hiding stains. Choosing is the hardest part for me, clearly.

The mudroom is a little more of a functional issue- the bench portion of the cubbies has been chipping, as painted millwork does with heavy use, so I wish I had done stained walnut there. I also wish I had done real brick floors in a warmer tone instead of settling for this grey faux brick. Painting the ceiling is easy, as would be a window treatment- but since this is Beans’ preferred spot to lie it would probably get ruined.

Why I did not put a disposal in here in the butlers pantry, I do not know. I’m so annoyed I didn’t.

In the primary I actually have pulled the trigger on some additions! I wanted to do a half-tester in here originally but never did. It’s being made right now to match the drapes. I also am doing a new bed in a blush velvet with a fab trim and a slightly lower headboard (I’ll be selling this one, which is great- custom designed in a Holly Hunt outdoor grade boucle, if you are interested!) I’m toying with doing the ceiling in the palest shade of blush too.

Why I never did a pink room for my only daughter in our old house (remember her nursery???) or this house I don’t know, but girlfriend now has OPINIONS and has decided she hates her room and wants a PINK room. Pray for me- I fear this child is going to give me a run for my money, literally. I love her room, and this paper was so pricey, so I am very hard pressed to lean into what I am sure are whims that will change as soon as next year possibly!

Henry has asked for a little update, which he is due, as he has had the same stuff in his room since he was teeny. I basically replicated his room in this house from the last house but changed the wallpaper, which I was never happy with (you can barely see it). He has a fab new bed, but I may change out some items in his room this year since he’s turning 11 (HOW???) Still red and blue but maybe a little more preppy/ masculine.

We added this full bath to basement in 2021 and I can tell :) I went a little more “mod” here and I wish I hadn’t fully done that. Especially the floor. I still love the green shower, and I’m not changing anything here as it’s the least used bath in the house and I have other fish to fry, but just sharing for a “stick to classic” lesson learned story.

So there you have it, all the little tweaks that may or may not happen over time. I see my house as an evolving laboratory as I grow and change as a designer, so stay tuned always- I’ll be selling some great pieces and trying out new things!

We designed this family’s home here in Massachusetts and so when they called us again with the surprise news they had bought this unbelievable property, we were so thrilled. Not only to be called back for a second round of design work (always a wonderful feeling) but also because we were going to be able to work in a style a little out of our normal, traditional-meets-modern vein- which for us was inspiring.

This house was designed by an architect in California, and was ready to go. While we swapped out some lighting, the hard surfaces, baths and kitchen were done and looked great, so no need to reinvent the wheel there. What we did do was play off the vibe the architecture and setting already set for us, with the directive to make this NOT your typical New England beach house. What they were after was a more California cool, sort of 70’s surf vibe. Modern, warm, and a place you can still kick your sandy feet up and feel comfortable LIVING in (especially with kids).

This is a great room, with ocean views all along the far wall of windows. We wanted a natural warmth to be the base in here so we used lots of natural jute, wood, caramel velvet and linen. I am obsessed with the checkered poufs with boullion fringe- not something you’d expect in a Maine beach house and yet SO GOOD.

These clients love to hunt for great art, and this piece from Portland Art Gallery by Anne Sklar was the exact right feel and tones for this modern mantel spot.

Looking out at the ocean and private rocky beach (we collected a lot of pretty rocks on this shoot!). The client wanted to keep the view the star, foregoing drapes and instead installing very minimalist sheer motorized roller shades.

Looking back at the open plan towards the dining area and kitchen, you can better see the ochre and coral palette in the pillows and the AMAZING custom light fixture done by Tracy Glover.

A flatweave rug creates a casual but comfy base for this custom dining table that we paired with antique razorback chairs (we had to locate two identical sets online- a challenge) upholstered in an indoor/outdoor burnt coral red stripe. Can you EVEN with these florals????

As I mentioned, the kitchen proper was complete, so all we added were some great rope counter stools and accessories.

Out the glass doors is the porch, where you can just take a deep breath looking over the rolling grass down to the beach. Truly a magical spot.

Behind the kitchen is the super spacious mudroom- we did add these built ins in this space, mimicking the existing woodwork.

Down the hall is a TV room, which we outfitted in shades of yellow, beige, brown and a hint of coral and black. The sectional is a wonderfully nubby outdoor fabric that for sure has a throwback appeal to it.

Again, those VIEWS.

Another fantastic piece of art selected to complement the scenery and the room itself. Another pair of vintage chairs in a sheepskin is durable and cozy year round.

Across from the TV den in the main entry- with a super funky black iron mirror, rope-wrapped console and suede fringe ottomans. A checkerboard Moroccan rug warms up the floor and calls back to the pattern in the great room. The lamp and custom shade serve almost as sculpture.

What I LOOOOVE about my job is the ability to work in styles opposite of my own home- it is SO fun and exciting to work in a style like this and show that we really can do ANY look. :)

I absolutely LOVE how the primary came out- starting with the incredible striped bed and caramel ikat drapes. Such perfect colors for this soothing space.

The white reeded nightstands pop off the wood panels and complement the ride and fall pendants that were actually existing.

Across the bed you can spot a vintage wicker chest and bamboo mirror with a peek into the bathroom.

Another space, this time more of an adult office and den, with shades of plum, magenta, yellow and orange. This room is SO much fun- from the blockprint roman shade to the purple sofa and funky chair.

We also added this built in wall to look like it had always been here, providing more storage and display space.

The kids bunk room- what colors, DIDN’T we use in here? Such a bright and happy space perfect for the littles in the family (plus some friends!)

We really cleaned out 1st Dibs of braided wicker casegoods :)

I ADORE how moody this guest room came out. It’s tiny, so we painted the wall this deep plum and used an abstract mural on grasscloth on the back plastered wall as almost large scale art. A braided rope bed, tiny retail nightstands and modern brass lamps round it out.

This other guest room was done in coral and green, but not in a cutesy, juvenile way.

We fitted out this laundry room with new cabinetry, tile and the SWEETEST hunter green leaf paper.

A little hallway nook…

A huge thank you to Eliza and Colleen on my team for all their incredible work getting this across the finish line and all our tradespeople for making (multiple) trips to Maine to make this perfect for us and our lovely clients.

I saved a little round up of items that give you the feel of this project in my ShopMy, too. I cannot reveal all the sources for these specific items (the clients pay us for that), but I can suggest some readily available items that will help you get the look!

I was feeling inspired by the new collection, so I put together two quick mood boards for each color way!

You can shop the whole collection here!

Interior Designer

Full-Time  |  In-Person  |  Wellesley, MA

About the Role

Erin Gates Design is looking for an experienced Interior Designer to join our collaborative, energetic team. We take our work seriously and our culture lightly—and we’re looking for someone who does the same.

In this role, you’ll lead high-end residential design projects from initial concept through final installation. You’ll own spatial planning, material and finish selections, FF&E specifications, and construction documentation—while partnering closely with the principal designer, fellow lead designers, and our project management team to deliver an exceptional experience for every client.

This is a hands-on, client-facing position. You’ll manage relationships directly, keep projects on schedule and within budget, and bring thoughtful design leadership to each engagement.

What You’ll Do

• Lead residential design projects end to end, from programming and schematic design through procurement and installation.
• Develop and present spatial plans, elevations, material palettes, and FF&E packages to clients.
• Prepare and coordinate construction documentation with architects, contractors, and trade partners.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships to ensure seamless delivery.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as the primary design point of contact.
• Collaborate daily with the principal designer and project management staff to align on design direction and project status.
• Travel to job sites for meetings, walkthroughs, photoshoots and installations (reliable vehicle required).

What We’re Looking For

• 5–8 years of experience as a designer or senior designer at a residential interior design firm.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Excel, and Studio Designer (or equivalent project management software).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—this role involves significant face-to-face interaction with clients, builders, and installers.
• A sharp eye for design with the ability to bring fresh perspectives while working within the Erin Gates Design aesthetic.
• Proven project management and organizational skills, with comfort managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• A collaborative mindset—you thrive in a team environment and enjoy the energy of working alongside talented colleagues in the studio.
• A reliable vehicle for travel to site meetings. Occasional overnight or long-distance travel may be required.

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture is a plus, but not required. We care most about your portfolio, your experience, and how you work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Medical, dental, and disability insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Work-from-home Fridays.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio or work samples to: info@eringatesdesign.com

Thank you!!!

The Rivet Wall Mirror has been years in the making – from the first sketches I shared with the Cooper Classics team, I knew I wanted a Second Empire or Neoclassical style wall mirror with rivets. I have probably hundreds of images of vintage and antique mirrors saved, and the Rivet is a combination of a few of my favorites, featuring a gilt gold frame, raised rivets and box/outset corners. Looking back at some of the original inspiration and sketches, it’s fun to see how it’s evolved.

The Rivet is so adaptable – fits with many different styles, from traditional to modern, and can go anywhere.

The Rivet Mirror now available on Gates & Co., One Kings Lane, Shades of Light, and other retailers.

Also, we hear you on the leopard print Finlay pullover – we are hoping to restock later this year and even introduce a few tweaks to the designs – hope to have more to share on that soon! In the meantime, it looks like there are a few of the Kids Wellesley Pullover left!

Photos by Sarah Winchester.

With the holidays approaching and finding myself actually hosting not one but two sets of guests, I have been prepping my guest spaces to be as comfortable and hotel-like as possible and thought I would share what I like to add to these spaces that make staying with us memorable (other than being woken up by Henry and Emma!)

This is my current guest room, which used to be our primary bedroom (there are more detail about this space in my new book, also great in a guest room – hint, hint). I love this room, and sleep in here often when Andrew snores like a wild boar. So I know how I want it to feel, which includes small touches I appreciate when visiting someone’s home myself.

Here’s a roundup of some favorites with notes below! Click images for links.

BEDROOM:

• The obvious-fresh sheets and a variety of blankets. People like to sleep at different temps so I like to make sure there are options. Also two different firmness of pillows is a nice touch.
• These non-iron sheets are pretty great and look tidy at all times (and are on sale right now!)
• By the bed, a nice carafe for water, a sound machine (I have a clock/ sounds machine combo in mine), a sleep mask and ear plugs as well as a charging cord with lots of different options on it.
• I also like to have a favorite scented candle (bonus points for cute matches) and some linen spray- this is my current favorite.
• I have a mini Keurig brewer on a tray with coffee pods, tea, shelf stable cream packets and sugar and nice mugs so someone can have a cup of coffee before coming down in the morning or some tea alone before bed.
• If your room is small without any place to put luggage, a folding luggage rack is a nice addition.
• I once stayed at a friends house who had pre-packaged snacks in the guest room like a little minibar and it was delightful!
• If you don’t have window treatments, you can custom size these linen roller blackout shades online for very little- then layer drapes over them when you have some time or budget allows.

BATHROOM:

• I forgot to add this, but a couple fluffy robes is a special touch.
• Fresh towels- may I suggest my collection? :)
• I found these adorable tortoise toothbrushes in bulk on Amazon and I am obsessed. Paired with a mini Marvis toothpaste for a little luxury.
• In little canisters or within a drawer I like to have elastics, razors, cotton pads and qtips, individually wrapped makeup remover towelettes, ibuprofen, bandaids, mini hair styling products and a fresh brush.
• I have full size shampoo and conditioner in the shower and a blow dryer and curling iron also available.

Here’s another favorite guest suite from the book – these clients went bold and fun in their guest space and I LOVE it. Guest rooms are a fantastic place to play it less safe with your design and explore a bolder or different look.

Photography: Kirsten Francis

Because of some added costs and issues during the build, this house is not completely decorated yet but we wanted to shoot it anyways because there are some really great things about this house we wanted to share! And also, it shows that designing a home, one you plan to be in for a long time, can take YEARS and lots of phases and that’s ok! Not many people have the budgets to do everything all at once – and some have decision fatigue (and spending fatigue) – especially after building a home. So while there are still a few more rooms to complete, it still looks fantastic in its current state – let’s dive in…

This home was basically a foundation with plans when we started, so we did help tweak the plans a bit, but one thing that we left was the open family/kitchen/breakfast nook layout. These clients have two young boys and having a big open space for everyone to congregate and hang out was super important. They wanted casual but polished, comfy but not sloppy. A mix of retail and trade sources were used to make this space feel rich and layered but not busy – and certainly not precious.

These chairs are Maiden Home in a mohair and I love them… those ottomans are mine from my house that we brought over for the photoshoot, and they do look SO good here. We eventually want to add simple drapes and woven woods in this space to soften the high ceilings and large windows.

The kitchen – we did tweak the millwork here quite a bit, but stuck to the layout pretty closely. We did a pale neutral cabinet with a walnut island featuring a simple tapered leg, a custom hood, marble counter and splash behind the range, and then an affordable subway all over.

A vintage runner adds a little softness and the pendants are from Visual Comfort – a great vintage-inspired option. The counter stools are custom and trade only.

A great breakfast nook with a durable table, comfy chairs done in a faux leather and a built in that serves as a coffee bar and optimal extra storage for serveware and china.

Easily my most favorite bar we’ve done to date- this moody plum cabinetry paired with this botanical wallpaper and Calacatta Viola marble is EVERYTHING. Add in the mesh grilles and gold leaf ceiling and we’ve got the coolest little bar in town. You get a peek into the dining room which is ALMOST done- just need the window treatments and rug!

You can see a peek into the formal living room in the below right shot, which we did to complement the bar with the same plum color on all trim and millwork and a grasscloth on the walls and ceiling between the coffers. We have yet to do the furniture and windows in here but we have plans!

Around the corner is the formal powder room rendered in the same palette, just a different funky wallpaper! Believe it or not we bought the sink on Etsy from Turkey and had the legs custom made!

The foyer in which we ended up designing the staircase after the original plan was not up to snuff, and then we chose some readily available retail items to dress it up.

The primary bedroom is 90% there- we have a few more pieces we are swapping/adding but the stars here are the ceilings and the window treatments!

A MASSIVE primary bathroom where we elected to do an expansive greige vanity that needed a third mirror, but we wanted it to look more unique rather than three of the same in a row, so we added in a more decorative one and I love how it came out.

A huge shower in a gorgeous Calacatta Gold tile.

The younger sons bedroom with one of our favorite wallpapers and a piece from Libby Silvia Artstyle. And my cute Kassatex bedding, of course.

The orange roman shade paired with this paper is just darling. Off the bedroom, this bathroom with a striped penny tile floor leads into a playroom, as well.

The older son’s room is a little more mature and modern but still fun.

His en suite bath has a favorite plaid marble floor and dolomite shower – a timeless choice.

In the basement is where the fun is – the movie theater! We did not get our framed vintage movie posters in time for the shoot, but try to visualize them on the empty walls :) I love a row of chaises in a movie theater- it is the MOST comfy way to watch a film or big game. An indoor outdoor animal print carpet is super plush and great for sound.

A peek into the mudroom, which is actually quite large – with little vertical pie hole cut outs and a cubby for everyone and then some. The floor is a porcelain checkerboard for durability.

In between the mudroom and the office (partly done!) we have the CUTEST bathroom featuring the wallpaper I’m doing in my entire stairwell in January (!!!!). I love it paired with this gold and white marble hex floor and simple white subway and vanity.

We are currently booking new clients into late spring 2026. If you are interested in working with us, please email info@eringatesdesign.com for more information or fill out our questionnaire HERE.

Photography by Jessica Delaney.

First up, our gorgeous tabletop items from our Reverie Collection, including:

• Ripple / Fluted Marble Reversible Placemats
• Ripple Embroidered Dinner Napkins, Lola Ditz Dinner Napkins
• Ripple Embroidered Cocktail Napkins, Fluted Marble Cocktail Napkins
• Cambridge faux horn Napkin Ring Set
• Sconset Woven Chargers
• The Cambridge Vase in a faux horn (you’ve probably seen peeks of it from our recent photo shoots – it’s SO good).

We wanted to keep the color palette for the table linens holiday-agnostic, so you can mix and match and blend in with any decor theme.

We also designed something new for us – menorahs! Over the last few years when putting together gift guides and holiday decor round ups, I noticed a lack of modern menorahs. I know that this is an heirloom piece, often passed down in families, but for anyone looking for a new menorah for Hanukkah, we have you covered in this fluted marble version (in both Ivory and Grey).

We also have new bath accessories! We worked with the team to update our best-selling Beacon Hill bath collection, now available in a dark grey marble.

We also loved the faux horn resin we used in the table top collection so much, we made it into bath accessories, including a waste basket, tissue box cover, soap dispenser, and more.

All of these items are available now – can’t wait to see how you use them in your homes!

Photos by Jessica Delaney. Styling by Lucy Bamman.

From Erin: “I have worn Dudley Stephens for years, and when they approached me about a collaboration I was thrilled not only to create pieces I felt were missing from my wardrobe, but also make it a family affair, with a stylish option for Emma!

Anyone who has followed me knows I have a deep and true love for animal print, leopard specifically, so doing a fabulous pop-over sherpa fleece that felt elevated to wear with jeans or just level up your athleisure felt obvious!”

As soon as the samples came in, Erin and Emma had to do a little photoshoot to document their matching moment :)

In the next few weeks, we’ll be sure to share more ideas on how to style the fleece, and we’ll be launching another design :) In the meantime, make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Photos by Sarah Winchester.

This was an exciting project because it not only meant working on a historic Beacon Hill townhome, which is a dream, but it was also a chance to work with the team at Patrick Ahearn again.

The clients are recent empty nesters who were moving from the suburbs back into the city, and the husband is a huge history buff, so it was important to reimagine this townhome in a way appropriate to both its storied past and the lifestyle of the new occupants – blending function and beautiful materials, details and finishes together. 

Off the kitchen is an office/morning room and powder room.

In addition to the kitchen and morning room, the first floor features a light-filled family room and formal entry.

On the second floor is the primary suite and a gorgeous office space.

Being in Beacon Hill presents its own set of challenges – nearly all of the furniture had to be brought in by crane through a window on the top floor! I love the timeless look the home has, with some fun spots of modernity – like the patterned drapes in the morning room and the gorgeous marble primary bath.

Photos by Sean Litchfield.

There isn’t much to say beyond thank you, to everyone who has pre-ordered, bought previous books, followed along on Instagram, hired us to design their homes, worked alongside me for years to create these gorgeous spaces, photograph them, edit my first drafts, plan my tour and and especially those who cheered me on when I thought I couldn’t do it. None of this was or is done alone – far, far from it, in fact. I started this business from my one bedroom apartment in 2007 and now here we are, three books, countless homes, several product lines, a new house and two kids! Who would have thunk!

So in celebration, here are some of my personal favorite shots from the book – of the 417 images, these are some that really make my heart sing.

You can get the book at any of these retailers or in person (hopefully) at your local bookstore! And in case you missed the previous two and want the whole set get book one and two here as well! Or come see me on tour – all the dates are listed HERE!

Images: Kirsten Francis, Michael J. Lee.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Step 1: Preorder my new book, “Elements of Timeless Style: Creating a Forever Home”. Not only does it provide lots of helpful advice, it will look very nice on your coffee table or bookshelf :)

Step 2: Watch this video, where I really break it down for you.

Step 3: Add in some cute and practical accessories, frames, book ends, art work, candles, etc. Click the image below for links!