Every time I travel, it’s a shift in perspective and refresh for my soul. This year I traveled to Italy’s Amalfi Coast with my family and close friends in the last days of summer before the school year kicked back in. We enjoyed plenty of good food, fresh sea air, history, culture, art and artisan-watching. From the hand-painted tiles to the ancient architecture, everywhere I went the experience sparked curiosity and new design ideas…

See the beautiful image above? It's one of my favorite places in the world: Ålesund, Norway. Most known for its Art Nouveau architecture and incredible views of surrounding mountains and fjords, I know it as one of the most welcoming places on earth.  My husband Steve’s parents hail from Ålesund and a town just across the fjord, Langevåg, and we’ve spent many glorious summers in Ålesund, Langevåg, and other Norwegian locales, surrounded by family.  With each trip to Norway, I come home refreshed and newly inspired.