Life Can Be Lifey…Let’s Revisit WONDERLAND!

We had a busy weekend working on the bath renovation, and we are inching to the finish line! Can’t wait until the dust and these headaches are a distant memories! Last year, a colorful wonder of a design book from Chicago designer Summer Thornton joined my library and energized my spirit when we were freshly moved into our home and overwhelmed with projects. Her book is wildly successful, and today we’ll revisit WONDERLAND and recall the many ways we admire it.

Summer Thornton in orange gown in a lovely interior of her design. From WONDERLAND (Rizzoli, 2022). #summerthornton
Summer Thornton

Summer Thornton WONDERLAND: Mad Beauty!

Opening our hearts to mystery and our minds to more wonder? Always a good idea. Can home become an expression of such wonder? Because I wonder what impossibilities are possible as we grow curiouser and curiouser?

Sure hope you are in the mood to wondrously adventure away from design bondage to rendezvous with a rabbit! Because an out of the box, anything but ordinary decorating book has come along so utterly decadent and scrumptious, you’ll want to live in its pages.

Summer Thornton designed fantasy bedroom with Gracie wallcovering (a scenic lemon-grove), yellow cashmere drapes, and four poster bed. From WONDERLAND (Rizzoli, 2022). Photo by Thomas Loof. #summerthornton #lemonwallpaper
Gracie wallcovering features a scenic lemon-grove panorama in an impossibly beautiful bedroom designed by Summer Thornton in Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022); photo: Thomas Loof.

Sweet cozy Moses in a nickel bathtub, the bold designs, magical backdrops, and uncommon beauty will inspire you to stretch, to dream!

Robert Frost life quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #robertfrost #lifequotes

Meet the Author: SUMMER THORNTON

Chicago-based Summer Thornton’s design work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful and…

Veranda! Featured on the 1stDibbs 50 list and selected by Sotheby’s as one of 20 Interior Designers to Watch, she is truly some kind of wonderful.

What is Her Design Philosophy?

To better understand her work, it helps to be aware of Summer’s refreshing design philosophies. For example,

Instead of worrying about the right way to decorate, DO WHAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT.

Yes! And also:

Summer Thornton fanciful and colorful mood board within her first book, WONDERLAND - photo: Hello Lovely Studio.
A mood board from a fearless romantic…in case whimsy and bold color tingle your jingles.

Forget about any rules and SET YOURSELF FREE TO CREATE.

Amen, sister. At a time in history when so much feels beyond our control, the idea of taking charge is alluring.

Summer Thornton quote from WONDERLAND. #designquotes #decoratingquotes

After all, as Summer writes:

“It’s your home, you make the rules.”

Summer Thornton fanciful and colorful mood board within her first book, WONDERLAND - photo: Hello Lovely Studio.
We finally installed these two double sconces…one went in the hall and one in our bedroom!

What is Summer Thornton’s Creative Process Like?

Clearly, it is imaginative!

Her creative interior decorating process involves bold use of color, a surprisingly psychedelic mix of patterns, and unforgettable moments of edgy irreverent whimsy.

Summer Thornton quote from WONDERLAND. #designquotes #decoratingquotes

In fact, her first book: Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022) features so many whimsical moments of Technicolor bliss, you will likely be awakened to WONDER.

This is the type of design book that spoils you. (Spoiled? At 12, I journeyed on a dream vacation with my best friend to Miami where we visited Barry Gibb’s house, went to see the premiere of Saturday Night Fever, and ate pastries every single day without gaining an ounce…life has rarely been as sparkly since. Hahahahaha.)

Cleo Wade quote on Hello Lovely Studio about love. #lovequotes

WONDERLAND is a get-lost-in-disco-glossy-pages-of-over-the-top-design-joy sort of must own volume, kittycats.

Order a copy of WONDERLAND Here.

Peek Inside Summer Thornton’s Book

Expect excess and whimsy!

Summer Thornton designed bathroom wallpapered with whimsical giant white cranes on a hot pink background. Luxurious marble console sink and FontanaArte mirror. From WONDERLAND: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022). #summerthornton
A whimsical wonderland of a bathroom with stunning architectural details and also giant white cranes. From Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022); photo: Thomas Loof.

And rooms dripping with sophistication.

Summer Thornton designed luxurious and formal interior with skirted periwinkle velvet stools at round table. From WONDERLAND (Rizzoli, 2022). Photo by Bjorn Wallander. #summerthornton
Breathtaking and luxurious design in a palatial apartment with chinoiserie wallpaper, velvet stools, and a round table stacked with books. From Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022) by Summer Thornton. Photo: Bjorn Wallander.

With color stories that will surprise you!

Summer Thornton designed lively saturated green living room with handpainted Japanese mountain scape wallpaper. From WONDERLAND: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022). #summerthornton
Saturated greens create a lively energy in a living room with Japanese mountain-scape hand-painted wallpaper! From Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022); photo: Thomas Loof.

And bespoke details to thrill.

Summer Thornton designed hallway turned art gallery with pale lavender walls, geometric painted floors, and impossibly beautiful architecture. From WONDERLAND: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022). Photo by Thomas Loof. #summerthornton
A boring hallway to a bedroom becomes an art gallery of impossible beauty. Lavender lacquered walls and geometric painted floor. From Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating (2022); photo: Thomas Loof.

Because life lived to the full means something different to each one of us. Isn’t that a wonder?

Summer Thornton designed quirky living room with mirrored coffee table and Art Deco wallpaper. From WONDERLAND: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022). Photo: Werner Straube. #summerthornton
Art Deco wallpaper, kidney-shaped mirrored table, and sumptuous sofa in a townhome’s living room. From Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating (Rizzoli, 2022); photo: Werner Straube.

I’ll leave you with my favorite message of all from Summer Thornton’s book, and I’d love to hear your response to it!

Summer Thornton quote from WONDERLAND. #designquotes #decoratingquotes

Order a copy of WONDERLAND Here.

Funny overwhelm quote from Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquotes #overwhelmquotes #momlifequotes

And mosey on over HERE for another must have for your design library.

Funny dog tweet on Hello Lovely Studio. #doghumor #petquotes

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

4 Comments

  1. Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
    March 13, 2023 / 7:46 pm

    Summer Thorton is an amazing designer. I had not heard of this book, I am off to order one. Have a wonderful week Michele.

    • Michele
      Author
      March 14, 2023 / 2:55 pm

      Your world will be rocked, Elizabeth. What Summer did to her own home is beyond amazing and this is but one of the projects! 🙂

  2. Carole
    March 18, 2023 / 5:33 pm

    Wonderland, Fairyland, whatever you want to call it… I want to move there!

    • Michele
      Author
      March 20, 2023 / 8:04 am

      Yes! It’s where design dreams come true. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing