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Designer Summer Thornton Reveals Her Valentine’s Day Gift List

The Chicago talent curates a romantic assortment of furniture, art, and objects sure to make every design connoisseur’s heart flutter

By Jill Sieracki
Person in yellow dress surrounded by home decor items, including a lamp, rug, vase, plants, and perfume bottle on a soft background.

From her Chicago studio, designer Summer Thornton cultivates a fresh aesthetic, layering a tantalizing array of patterns and rich colors to create cinematic spaces that readily transport clients to a dazzling fantasy world. Artfully refined yet approachable and welcoming, her interiors are a deft reflection of how people want to live today.

That same spirit infuses Casa Rosada, an artisan hideaway she orchestrated in Mexico. The retreat is filled with special craft details that reflect the unique spirit of its setting, while its sumptuous palette of rich blush tones and deep turquoise further elevates its Edenic environment.

“I love pink but please don’t call me girly,” says Thornton. “For Valentine’s Day, please skip the chocolates and jewelry. I want Murano glass, table linens, art, and yes, I’ve received an antique fireplace mantel for Valentine’s Day past.”

Here, a look at what’s on her current wish list for the romantic holiday.

Person wearing a bright yellow dress with brown accents and blonde hair, posing with one hand on hip against a plain background.
Summer Thornton. Photo: Courtesy of Summer Thornton Design
Perfume bottle labeled "Régime des Fleurs" with pink peonies and wooden sticks arranged around it on a white surface.
Régime des Fleurs Little Flower Eau de Parfum. Photo: Courtesy of Régime des Fleurs

1. Régime des Fleurs Little Flower Eau de Parfum

“I love a floral scent with a bit of an edge.”

Colorful traditional textile with intricate floral and geometric patterns in red, pink, yellow, and green hues.
Vintage suzani from Jayson Home. Photo: Courtesy of Jayson Home

2. Jayson Home Vintage Suzani

“You can never have too many antique suzanis. I layer them on sofas, beds, and tables, but never cut them into pillows.”

Vintage wrought iron chair with yellow and white striped cushion placed on brown carpet in a classic room.
Painted iron-scroll bench with cushions. Photo: Courtesy of Cabana

3. Iron Scroll Bench

“I am obsessed with this weird and wonderful shape. I would love this in a bathroom as a ‘nonsense’ chair.”

Pink and brown patterned suede wristlet with a zipper, displayed against a plain light gray background.
Menotti pencil case in Barberini – Blackberry texture by Fortuny. Photo: Courtesy of Fortuny

4. Fortuny Pencil Case

“I live for a Fortuny moment, so I love this little pencil case to throw in my bag for lipstick and other small items.”

Sculptural silver magazine holder with curved design on light background.
Magazine rack by Six Dots Design. Photo: Courtesy of Claude

5. Claude Magazine Rack by Six Dots Designs

“Because I still love a print magazine, I need a place to stash all the current additions. I’m loving anything stainless right now so this serves both purposes.”

Painting of a woman's face in a minimalist style with brown hair, wearing a necklace, looking to the right against a light background.
Alex Katz, Olivia 3, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of 1stDibs

6. Olivia 3 by Alex Katz

“My favorite Valentine’s Day present was a pair of Alex Katz pieces that now hang in our studio.”

Person wearing a colorful checkered coat and sunglasses on a white background.
Marrakshi Life trench coat. Photo: Courtesy of Marrakshi Life

7. Marrakshi Life Trench Coat

“I love a statement coat and this one is perfect for spring.”

Potted plant with brown leaves and pink flowers on a wooden table against a plain background.
Paper Geranium by Georgia Doherty. Photo: Courtesy of Georgia Doherty

8. Georgia Doherty Paper Geranium

“I love paper flowers, which can bring life to a dead corner or a mantel.”

Marble fireplace mantle with gray and white veining against a dark background
Roxburghe fireplace by Jamb. Photo: Courtesy of Jamb

9. Roxburghe Fireplace by Jamb

“Instead of jewelry, I ask for things like fireplace mantels for Valentine’s Day.”

Vintage table lamp with a folded pink shade and a blue glass base, featuring a unique artistic design.
Val St Lambert Midcentury Twisted Blue Crystal Glass Table Lamp with Pink Shade. Photo: Courtesy of 1stDibs

10. Midcentury Glass Table Lamp

“A pretty glass lamp in a luscious color with a pretty pink shade can help get me through a dark winter.”

Two colorful glass tumblers with intricate, abstract floral patterns and glossy finishes.
Set of gold and pink water and wine Murano glasses by La Fornasotta. Photo: Courtesy of Artemest

11. Murano Glasses by La Fornasotta

“I collect Murano glassware, and these are on my wishlist. I dream of living in Venice someday so I’m starting my collection now!”

Modern living room with beige couches, large green plants, patterned pillows, and view of an outdoor dining area with fireplace.
Casa Rosada Photo: Christie Graham
Open tropical living room with pink decor, overlooking a beach and pool, surrounded by lush plants and palm trees.
Casa Rosada. Photo: Christie Graham

12. A Trip to Casa Rosada

“What I really want (and do) every Valentine’s Day is go to Casa Rosada.”