Emily Keneally, founder of women’s fashion brand Alice Walk, in her Massachusetts home
Welcome to our first From Behind the Front Door, a new series taking us inside the homes of entrepreneurs and tastemakers who embody classic style and inspire us with their eye for design and beautiful spaces.
We’re beginning with Emily Keneally, founder of women’s fashion brand Alice Walk. At her coastal home in a small town south of Boston, Emily shares a glimpse into her personal style, the spaces she has created and the inspiration behind the brand she has grown from New England to Nantucket and Aspen.
About Emily
I live in Cohasset, MA, a small coastal town south of Boston, with my husband, Chris, and our two young daughters, Madigan and Camille. I started Alice Walk 10 years ago – so crazy to think it’s been that long! – originally a custom clothing concept, but it has since evolved into a ready-to-wear line focused on high-quality, timeless wardrobe staples. We primarily sell through our website, but also have two retail stores – one in Nantucket and one in Aspen, which just opened this past spring.
Emily’s family room with a meaningful piece of artwork above the mantel
How would you describe your interior style and where do you find inspiration?
I’d describe my style as classic and traditional, but with a fresh, unfussy feel. I love warm, inviting spaces with thoughtful pops of color and a little bit of fun. I tend to gravitate toward texture, clean lines and beautiful finishing details to pull a room together – nothing too precious or overly decorated. If I do a print, it’s almost always geometric!
I think, like most people, I always have my antenna up and find inspiration everywhere – through travel, magazines, old homes, Instagram, Pinterest, and even textiles I come across through work. I recently went on the Hingham Historic House Tour and came back with so many ideas! Being in the clothing industry definitely influences the way I think about interiors, too. I’m drawn to many of the same things in both – texture, proportion, color, and those small finishing details that make something feel special.
What’s your favorite room / space in your home, and why?
I think my favorite room is our sunroom, just off the living room. It’s a tiny space, but really cozy and filled with natural light. The original intention was for it to be a little coffee / cocktail room, but it quickly morphed into a play space for our girls – which, honestly, I love just as much!
Fun, kid-friendly kitchen for Emily, her husband and their two girls
What are some things in your home that you are currently loving?
Rug in Camille's room (pictured below): I found my daughter's nursery rug at a wonderful little shop in Maine, so don’t have a link for it - but have linked something similar. Its mix of colors makes her room feel cheerful and cozy, and it hides a lot of toddler life!
Art above Camille's crib (pictured below): I brought this print home from my last trip to India and framed it for my younger daughter’s room. We went neutral for most our painted wall colors, so I love bringing in colorful art that has some story or memory tied to it.
Camille’s nursery with special pieces sourced from a small shop in Maine and a recent trip to India
Painting above the fireplace (pictured above): We have such a vibrant local artist community here on the south shore, which has been so fun to get to know. This piece is by the very talented Mary Louise Clark, who passed away a few years ago. It has been on (now permanent, ha) loan to us from my parents since we moved in. I love it so much. I’ve linked the South Shore Art Center here as one great place to source local art.
Powder room wallpaper and Visual Comfort sconces (pictured below): The wallpaper is Schumacher Deconstructed Stripe and most of the sconces in our house are Visual Comfort - super classic and well made.
A classic powder room with a fun Schumacher wallpaper
How do you hope guests describe your home?
Warm, inviting, unfussy, and comfortable. Our home is filled with local art and little things we’ve picked up on our travels, so I hope it also feels personal and very us. I’d love to think they’d say super neat, too — but that’s usually not the case!
Thank you to Emily for joining us on our very first From Behind the Front Door series! I have adored and worn almost weekly Alice Walk pieces. Think effortless everyday closet staples — that last. Now through November 15 you can use code G&G15 for 15% off everything on the site! Shop it here.