We are pleased to have Designer Sally Wilkinson back for a mini-style guide on her always unique take on setting a scene. As a continuation of our Holiday tablescape Style Guide with Sally, here she shows us how contrast creates harmony to bring refinement to a “not too perfect” transitional table setting for the end of summer.
Merging sensibilities of her Southern upbringing and training in classical design principles in the US with her present life in London as a designer, Sally brings a polished and cultivated aesthetic that is best understood from her quote for Homes & Gardens:
“There can be a tendency in the U.S. to favor schematic, structured schemes,” she says. “Here, I learned that embracing a slight sense of imbalance makes for more interesting, dynamic design. There’s no fun in everything looking perfect.”
In her latest tablescape for Marigold Living, our earthy kalamkari Hana napkins and bold ceramics are layered alongside airy block-printed Florence linens and soft florals — proving that opposites don’t clash when tied together with care.
Discover how Sally blends textures, tones, and stories into a summer tablescape that feels effortless, refined, and uniquely personal.
“…it’s all about contrast”
“…the softness of the florals and linens…balanced with the earthiness of the terracotta and the dark-toned ceramics”
Q: There’s a soft, refined energy to this table setting, but it’s far from overly sweet. How do you strike that balance?
A: For me, it’s all about contrast – the softness of the florals and linens feel even more inviting when balanced with the earthiness of the terracotta and the dark-toned ceramics.
“…It is best not to lock yourself into one ‘theme’ or color palette”
“…there is a lot of editing that goes into getting the end result right.”
Q: You’ve beautifully paired earthy, bold accents seen in the kalamkari napkins, wall plates and cherries, with softer hues seen in the block printed tablecloth, florals and other decorative accents. Many people hesitate to mix these opposite tones, fearing they might clash. How do you find harmony between richer colors and airy pastels?
A: Thank you! I try to look for a shared undertone and play around with proportions. For a table setting, I like to play around with several objects rather than locking myself into one ‘theme’ or color palette and sometimes am surprised by what ends up working together. Even for a small vignette, there is a lot of editing that goes into getting the end result right where it feels good, and not too perfect.
Seasonal food and flowers are always a good jumping off point
“…but avoid the obvious seasonal motifs or a theme”
Q: Do you build your tablescapes seasonally? This feels like summer but not in an expected way. Was that mood deliberate?
A: Yes, but I like to avoid the obvious seasonal motifs or a theme. For this particular set up, I started by going to my local market and buying the cherries. Seasonal food and flowers are always a good jumping off point!
Incorporate at least one handmade element to bring in warmth
“…collect slowly – antique plates and objects help a table feel more naturally layered rather than staged.”
Q: Nothing feels overly styled or deliberate, yet everything comes together in such a curated, intentional way. Do you have any sourcing tips for those looking to cultivate this unique aesthetic in their own space?
A: I think the key is mixing items of various places and times, collecting slowly. Antique plates and objects help a table feel more naturally layered rather than staged. I also love incorporating at least one handmade element to bring in warmth and more of a story.
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