The Wren Home founder shares her pro tips
The New Hampshire native brings an eye for architecture and fashion to The Wren, the luxury home decor and gift business she founded in February 2024. Bate worked at a Boston architecture firm for 10 years before studying design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After developing a women’s clothing line and a neckwear company and then moving to Charleston about a decade ago, Bate quickly became involved in the arts scene, serving as chair of the board of the nonprofit Yo Art! Last October, she opened a showroom for The Wren at Wynsum Antiques. Here, Bate shares her summer travel plans and what she’ll pack.
Q Where are you traveling this summer, and what will you wear?
A From Edinburgh, Scotland, we are taking a cruise above the Arctic Circle in the Svalbard archipelago. They will give us warm jackets and waterproof gear. We also make an annual summer tour of the Jersey Shore and New England to visit friends and family and avoid the summer heat in Charleston. I wear comfortable linen dresses by Chakeris Charleston and hats by 120% Lino.
Q What’s one of your most cherished decor pieces in your home?
A An antique lyre clock sitting on our modern marble console table; I love this table because of its shape and simplicity. The lines and proportions are a delight. It is the ideal support, or background foil, for the clock and its rich wood, detailed workmanship, and curved shape. The two complement each other perfectly.
Q Do you have a signature accessory?
A My handbags; I don’t have a specific brand that I “go to.” If I see a shape and style I like, I get it. Although Naghedi is a brand I like because it is sustainable, it is also very stylish, fun, and practical. My latest acquisition was a summer bag from Peserico.
Q Tell us about one of your recent discoveries while traveling.
A The new ceramic line I found in Paris by Audrey Schaditzki; we carry two vases and two cups from her collection.
Q Are you entertaining at your home over the summer?
A I do like to entertain, and I usually set the table with some beautiful Italian jacquard tablecloths, fun seasonal flowers in a Carlo Moretti vase, antique and modern Murano glassware, and porcelain plates from Vista Alegre in Portugal. For more casual dining, I set the table with some Moroccan or Turkish ceramics with woven rattan place mats, tooled leather napkin rings, little handblown glass bud vases, and lots of candles.
