TSG’s beloved shop owner Jeannette Whitson’s amazing blue library is featured on the cover of House Beautiful, as is her whole house. Jeannette owns Garden Variety in Nashville, and has an impeccable eye for unique patina wares. Her home features unsealed brass fixtures, farm sinks, tufted upholstery, and sweet country-ish prints.

Garden Variety, 615.509.2145.

It’s officially June. Summer is upon us. The hydrangeas aren’t in bloom yet, but they will be soon which is always something to look forward to. June marks the time when you can start to think about slowing down, enjoying the warmth and indulging in refreshing Summer cocktails, poolside.

We’ve rounded up our favorite things about this month, and have included some TSG resources that will help you take our suggestions.

1. So yes, the dream is to have a pool in your backyard. And it may actually be that you’re finally ready to take the plunge, as it were, and put one in your garden. If this is the case, Howard Design Studio out of Atlanta, GA are experts at designing swimming pools in garden contexts. 404.876.7051.

2. Don’t you want to just stare at these gorgeous floral creations that Roost Flowers and Design post on their blog? This organic floral farm is all about free flowing, casual and, ultimately, very pretty arrangements. Based in Virginia Beach, VA; 757.615.3502.

3. It’s time to embrace your free time. May we suggest taking a trip to San Francisco and staying at the elegant Hotel Drisco?

4. In a way it feels a bit taboo these days to unabashedly embrace the convertible, but let’s be honest: they’re completely fun and sexy. You don’t have to pony up the cash for one, either, as we’re pretty sure Todd Events will hook you up with a rental for a fun party you should throw yourself anyway.

5. Tunics and hats. That’s all you really need this summer. For an investment piece, you can’t go wrong with this yellow top, from Marissa Collection in Naples, FL. 800.581.6641.

6. June is not a time to suddenly tap into your intellectual side. We encourage you to feel the freedom to go for a beach read. And here are some guilty pleasure suggestions.

7. If you’ve spent anytime reading foodie or hip parenting blogs these days, you’ll know that the popsicle is all the rage. Of course, we’re not talking about bombpops or freezies . The new lovely popsicle is homemade, usually out of a frozen mixture of yogurt and fruit. A perfectly refreshing, healthy treat for summer. That said, we couldn’t find any of our restaurants offering popsicles — yet. (They’ll catch on). But at Carter’s kitchen in Charleston, SC they’ve got the grown-up version in spades. 843.722.5908.

MASTER CLASS

Responsible for designing some of the most famous mansions in the country, Horace Trumbaur’s limestone palaces and townhouses for the super rich defined a new elegance in American cities and seaside resorts.

He created enormous, grandiose spectacular houses which line Bellevue Avenue in Newport, and are speckled throughout the East Coast. Even 40 years ago there were still remnants of the society which built these great houses. His attention to detail and understanding of scale are unparalleled, he is truly in a category all his own.

Glen Fries Associates are out of Princeton, NJ and specialize in  creating an enduring design that respects the vernacular within a classical framework. Think a total contemporary version of the spectacular estates epitomized by Trumbaur. What is great about the firm is their inclination towards subtlety. Less is more, without going to minimal. And they’ve got a range, mastering classical colonials to Tudors. In other words, the taste level is there in spades.

609.924.8700.

William Jay was based in Savannah and was very influential in creating the style we now refer to as Georgian. He built Greek revival–style public buildings and fashionable neoclassical houses for the city’s wealthiest residents in Savannah. Pictured above is the Richardson-Owens-Thomas House (1819), a commission he received through a family connection, features a Regency-style side porch supported by foliated consoles.

Although his houses date back to the 1800s, he was ahead of his time as they absolutely stand up today in their elegant aesthetic.

Based in the Palm Beach area of Florida, Thomas M. Kirchhoff architectural firm is all about updating neo-classical designs that fit the needs of the modern house owner. They’re clearly students of the past, perfecting details original to the various schools of European and Southern architectural practice. We love that they’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. No frills, gimmicks, or cheesy color combinations. They still to the fundamentals, and are successful because of it.

Office is in Jupiter, FL. 561.575.9994.

FAVORITE FABRIC

Linen. Don’t you want to just drape yourself in it during the warmer months? The fabric has a light, airiness that lends itself to a more casual aesthetic. The texture of linen gives it a durability, which in decor is fun to play off of more delicate furnishings. We’ve rounded up all things linen in anticipation for the addition of Summer slipcovers and wardrobe updates.

Libeco Linens is a Belgian company that for the past 150 years has transform flax into unique linen products. Their craftsmanship is to top notch and their passionate commitment to creating the purest of linens is unparalleled. C & A Camp in Charlottesville caries Libeco, including a variety of their products such as their scarves, totes, table linens and pillows. Call 434.973.5555 to see what’s in store today.

When you think of linen, draped, unstructured hippie dresses come to mind, and there’s a place for this look. But we also love the idea of structured pieces made from linen. Case in point: this equestrian linen blazer and Giada tuxedo shorts from Coral in Charlotte, NC perfect his look.

There’s nothing like the casual comfort of linen slipcovered furniture. It’s perfect for summer, we say fill your house with it and dress up areas with pillows. Order custom upholstery from And George in variety of linens they have to choose from. We’re particular to the sofas they have on offer.

Greek key patterns never go out of style, and we think this linen pillow is no exception. These Sabot linen napkins come in every color of the rainbow; perfect as gifts or for yourself. The monograms are especially unique. All available from Maze in Chicago, 847.441.1115.

There’s nothing like vintage French linen of the casual nature. And let’s be honest: who can resist that classic blue strip? These french linen napkins come from Trouve in Pheonix, AZ, 602.778.9777.

(Image sources available via our Pinterest boards)

IN THE GARDEN

The roses are starting to bloom. If you’re fortunate enough to have roses in your garden, you understand the importance of getting the most enjoyment out of these special flowers. The best way is to bring your garden inside, according to Jan Roden, an aesthetically astute expert on all things house and garden. Here are her tips on roses for your enjoyment this Friday.

“The early morning blossoms are best to pick, gather a single beauty or a bundle.  Display your buds in containers you’ve collected.”

“The roses are particularly special to me because they remind me of some great classic floral chintz fabrics that i love.”

“Use your heirloom silver, crystal, or a thrift store find, and bring your garden roses inside. arrange casually and Find a prominent place that will allow you to enjoy your blooms and let the arrangement feed your soul as you pass by!”