This spring mood board reflects friends and family gathering together — perhaps for a high tea experience or a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, such as a baby shower. The soft blues and greens are punctuated by dainty purple plumes. Along with several sentimental treasures, the collection transports us to a springtime secret garden. (Do you spot the gate key?) With a little imagination, this scene — beautifully curated by Britta Newton-Tarron — beckons us to come inside. The shadows dotting this image could even represent sunshine peeping through the garden trees.
This mood board’s collection of colors, fabrics, trims, paint swatches and small mural samples connects directly to the designs Megan Pittman applied to her family’s dining room. However, it is Pittman’s longtime friend Newton-Tarron whose talents “spring” to life in this presentation. Using Pittman’s swatches and samples as her foundation, she layers fresh blooms and cherished collectibles with historic family photos. Generations of babies, mothers and siblings appear in the black-and-white prints. Creatures join the party via fine porcelain delights, such as the Limoges birdcage, Herend bunnies, cuddling swans and butterfly-adorned Versace plate. The collection is as sweet as the sugar cubes nestled inside the Wedgewood bowl. Not by chance, the sterling silver teaspoon sitting on top comes from the Pittman family’s collection. In the corner, a miniature tea set dates back to a long-ago family visit to Japan.
Newton-Tarron and Pittman have been friends for decades. They know each other well, thus their styles blend seamlessly. At its heart, this mood board celebrates springtime as well as the various seasons of life. Our family provides the roots and nourishment from which we can grow, while our friends show up consistently during life’s greatest moments, making them even better.
