From cozy textures to fresh scents, Cosy House owner Nancy Van Matre offers simple ways to keep the summer vibe alive at home
By Brad Mee
(Photos by Brad Mee)
There’s a certain kind of summer style that doesn’t shout—it whispers. At Cosy House in St. George, owner Nancy Van Matre captures that quiet, effortless magic with a decorating style that feels as timeless as a linen dress on a breezy afternoon. Her approach is relaxed yet intentional, inviting the season indoors through textures, tones and small details that speak of slow mornings, open windows and barefoot ease. It’s summer, easy—and utterly livable.
NATURAL WICKER AND RATTAN
Nothing captures the spirit of summer living quite like wicker and rattan. For Van Matre, these natural materials are seasonal staples—woven into nearly every corner of her shop and home. A vintage chair, a basket by the door, a tray on the coffee table—even the shades of a chandelier and the basket on her retro Schwinn bike—each piece adds texture and breezy, laid-back charm. “Wicker and rattan are timeless,” she says. “Forever pieces that bring that quintessential East Coast summer vibe to any space.”
SLIPCOVERS
“I’m the biggest fan of slipcovers,” Van Matre says. For summer, creamy white slipcovers strike the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity. She embraces their relaxed appeal, letting soft, lived-in upholstery invite you to sit down, sink in, and stay awhile. They’re not fussy—and that’s exactly the point. “Slipcovers let you change the look and feel of a favorite chair, bench, stool, or sofa,” she adds.
BREEZY BEDDING
In the bedrooms, layers of soft, breathable linens and cottons create a cool, airy vibe that’s easy on the eyes—and even easier to relax into. Pale neutrals and light textures evoke sun-dried sheets and lazy afternoon naps, with beds that look—and feel—like a gentle summer breeze. Van Matre’s tip? “Take out your heavy comforter from your duvet and swap it for something lighter.” Then layer it all loosely—mixing solids with soft patterns for a casual, effortless look. “I’m a big fan of stripes—they’re classic like wicker and never go out of style. Plus, they play well with just about any other pattern.”
GREENERY AND FLOWERS
Fresh greens and seasonal blooms bring a quiet vibrancy to Van Matre’s summer spaces—whether real or carefully crafted artificial pieces that feel just as alive. From a sprig of rosemary in a simple glass jar to garden clippings in vintage vases, the greenery is always loosely arranged, never overdone. “I absolutely love daisies,” she admits. Van Matre also has a soft spot for Queen Anne’s lace. She often gathers flowers or branches to place loosely around the home—a bud vase in the bathroom, a fresh stem by the bed—embracing a fresh-picked, informal feel that invites the outdoors in with effortless charm.
CURATED BOOKS
“I love books,” Van Matre says with enthusiasm. It’s no surprise that carefully curated stacks—featuring titles on art, interiors, food and travel—are thoughtfully placed on tables, benches and open shelves throughout Cosy House. During the summer, she refreshes her collection both at home and in the shop. “Bring out your garden books and remember cookbooks,” she suggests. “People really enjoy browsing summer recipes.” But don’t stop at the content—pay attention to the covers, too. “Beneath their glossy dust jackets, some of the most beautiful books have linen covers that feel soft and lived-in—more comforting than photo-laden jackets,” she explains. “While many dust jackets are stunning, some can feel a bit too commercial.”
FRESH SCENTS
Scent is an essential layer in Van Matre’s seasonal story. “ I love fresh and clean scents for summer,” she exclaims. Light and nostalgic, her summer favorites include the clean calm of Fresh Linen, the earthy brightness of Lemon & Oak and the floral citrus lift of Orange Flower Water. And she adds, go for the real deal. Get a big bag of fresh lemons or limes and put them in a bowl in your kitchen. They are instant summer—they’ll last for weeks, are pretty and you’ll use them while you enjoy them.”
Cosy House | 904 W. 1600 South, St. George | becosyhouse.com
