Whenever I need inspiration or a little creative direction, I always turn to Instagram. My curated feed full of interior designers and tastemakers shows me how the big names style their homes, clothes, and even food. This serves as a blueprint for bringing my own creative vision to life, or at least a starting point for something inspired. Sure, a post about x can spark an idea for something completely unrelated, but sometimes I come across something so original I just have to recreate it perfectly.
Take, for example, this creative outdoor table setting idea by the colorful and lovely Matilda Goad. She's the design guru behind lifestyle brand Matilda Goad & Co., and I love her style: colorful cottagecore with a modern, whimsical twist. Scalloped patterns and bright blues blend with farmhouse windows and patterned walls. It's a little Parisian, a little rustic, and very English. So charming, and so chic.
In a recent video, Matilda showed off her trademark style and finesse with a clever (and super affordable) DIY that's sure to instantly liven up any garden party this season — and, as a shopping editor with a craft problem, I set out to track down everything you need to recreate it.
Matilda's DIY starts and ends with a glass hurricane and a rustic chalk pen, which she uses to add a touch of glamour to simple candle accessories. She painted some flowers on her creation, but the possibilities are endless here: stripes, polka dots, Halloween pumpkins – let your imagination run wild.
“A quick way to freshen up your table this weekend,” the designer wrote in the caption. “All you need is a glass hurricane and a few easily accessible chalk pens. I went for a wildflower design, but it's nice not to be too precious about it.” The secret to success? “Keep your hands inside to prevent smudging.” (You'll need a hurricane that's open on both ends to do this, but don't worry, they're easy to come by.)
Even if you do smudge, you probably won't have a hard time erasing your wrong marks. Almost all chalk pens are water-based, so you can erase your drawing with a wet cloth. This is good news for insecure or indecisive artists (me) who often end up messing up their designs or changing their minds without fail.
You can get everything you need for this DIY at the links below: The glass hurricane lanterns I chose were purchased from Amazon, but you could also replicate Matilda's look by purchasing the Sunburst Pillar Candle Holders, which are quite pricey though.
Chalkola 8 Pastel Liquid Chalk Markers
Price: $12.95
Previous price: $20.95
I chose this set of chalk markers because their cool, earthy colors match the palette Matilda uses so well. This 8-pack is water-based, non-toxic, odorless, kid-safe, and reportedly washes off clothes. My favorite shade? Well, it's a tie between dark hunter green and mustard yellow.
Price: $13.64
Size: 8 inches tall
Like the Matilda hurricane, this one is open on both ends, making the decorating process that much easier. You wouldn't expect there to be much variation in quality for a product like this, but just for reference, this particular option boasts a 4.5-star customer rating from 1,789 reviews and is also an “Amazon Recommended.”
Mega Candle Unscented White Round Pillar Candle 1 piece
Price: $12.97
Size: 6 inches tall
You may already have some in your home, but if you don't, this pillar candle will definitely do the trick (it should fit inside the lantern I've included on the left side of this block – I checked the dimensions).
6 Chic Glass Hurricanes for Your Table
Price: $49.50
Size: 10″ tall
This curvy hurricane sleeve from Pottery Barn is playful and feminine, and not only is it open at both ends, but the curvaceous silhouette adds a little wow factor, making it the perfect canvas for a Matilda DIY.
Serenade Hurricane Candle Holder
Price: $79
Previous price: $119.70
Though it might be a bit tricky to paint, the Serenade doesn't need much in the way of decorating. In fact, you can leave this lantern as is and use it as an inherently charming centerpiece or table accent. The silver base matches current metallic decor trends, and the hammered glass will add an extra glow to your candle.
Rudy Sculpture Hurricane
Price: $58
Size: 10″ tall
In this case, the focal point is three gold-colored panels evenly spaced around the base of the hurricane, elevating the glass vessel off the ground. If you're not in the mood for painting, I'd love to see the piece filled with decorative rocks to add volume and height.
Price: $72
Size: 5.25 inches tall
London-based design studio LSA always fascinates me with their modern glass pieces that are minimalistic yet never boring. This time I'm obsessed with their stacked, asymmetrical lanterns inspired by postmodern architecture. It's a unique and exciting piece that I've never seen before. It comes with an unscented candle.
La Soufflerie Foot Hurricane
Price: $60
Size: 8.6 inches tall
If you're looking for cool California-inspired homewares, be sure to check out Nickey Kehoe, where words like “vintage” and “handmade” take on new meaning. This footed hurricane is from Parisian glass studio La Soufflerie and is made from recycled glass. The result is a super thick, durable texture that oozes craftsmanship.
Price: $98
Previous price: $128
Size: 9.4 inches tall
I'm always on the lookout for new wicker home accessories and this Tofino Hurricane from Serena & Lily fits the bill perfectly. Perfect for a garden party or coastal design scheme, this beautiful candle would look lovely with a little chalk marker painting around the glass. Alternatively, if you prefer a clear canvas but still want to embellish, try swapping out the white pillar candle for a pale blue or sage green.