The Real Society Socials No. 11 {Summer Johnson}
Meet Summer, a vintage art collector, an exotic accessory enthusiast and a lover for all things preppy, polished and whimsical!
To really get a feel for Summer's design aesthetic and curated collection of goods, we asked her to answer a few fun questions!
We are so honored you welcomed us into your home. Why Society Social?
I was drawn to Society Social’s quirky sense of sophistication—polished and elegant yet always imbued with a touch of playful whimsy. I wanted to create a space that allowed me to (affordably) live out my retro Palm Beach fantasy, and SS designs embody that style’s incredible combination of swank and easy-going luxury.
Your home beautifully balances a flair for color with a pop of prep! Tell us about that!
I started with some preppy staples that would serve me for a lifetime, such as a classic white Charlotte Sofa with navy piping, a trellis sisal area rug, and a proper Palm Beach Sedgewick Bar Cart. Then I brought in some lively kicks of color and pattern and a few whimsical creatures to make the space feel a bit more frisky and spontaneous.
Featuring our Uptown Ottoman in a gorgeous navy with fun pumps to match!
Is there a story behind your elephant end-table? It's fabulous!
I wanted to mix in some worldly objects and an elephant end-table seemed like the perfect exotic accessory. My friends and family tease me about my rapidly growing “zoo” of animal accents—monkeys, dragons, dogs, horses, elephants, an alligator, a cheetah, and a crab.
We're all about a welcoming entryway, and yours is just that! How did you go about styling this stunning space?
My concept was to weave my treasured family heirlooms—Persian rug, cane collection, and tortoise bamboo stool—into a modern aesthetic. I knew I wanted the space to have that flicker of English formality, but I also wanted to keep the mood lighthearted. One piece that does the trick is the minimalist console, which I threw a bit out of symmetry for visual interest and to create more wall space for future art finds.
You have mastered the art of trinkets and trays! Do you have a favorite decorative accessory?
My pair of blue-and-white Staffordshire dogs.
We love that one pup sits on top of our Pineapple Raffia Box "throne!"
I collect...
Ginger jars, vintage watercolors, and shells.
Tell us about your vibrant art collection surrounding your Sedgewick Bar Cart!
I’ve developed a passion for collecting vintage art from flea markets, galleries, and art fairs around the world. The larger middle piece—an original 1940s watercolor painting of stucco houses in Mexico—was bought at a flea market in San Francisco. I try to always buy and display original art, but I often end up mixing in quality prints that compliment the colors in my original pieces.
Favorite cocktail?
Cucumber and rose gin and tonic.
Favorite bloom?
It’s a tie between hydrangeas and peonies!
What is your favorite thing about your bedroom?
Definitely my headboard! I wanted something whimsical yet not overly frilly, but since no specific model existed, I sketched out my own design and had it custom-made by the owner of a local home design store.
We love how Summer's Colorblock Velvet Pillows in Deep Teal & Navy compliment her whimsical headboard!
Give us one decorating tip and one entertaining tip!
Start with a few staples then gradually layer the space with more color, pattern, and texture. I try to always send my guests home with a keepsake that will remind them of the party. When pressed for time, handwrite a recipe of a dish or drink that will be served during the party on fancy notecards and hand them to guests as they leave.
Can't you tell she was a lovely hostess? Summer, thank you so much for inviting us into your home! You are our style soul sister and the most perfect example of why we do what we do :) For all of those striving to live a Palm Beach lifestyle regardless of location, be sure to follow along with Summer on her blog, Girls in Madras!
Cheers!
Photography by Karen Palmer Real Estate
