I walked right into a fairy tale. That’s the first thought that came to mind when visiting Bethany, founder of the locally-based Arcadian Revival microblog. I thought we’d spend the morning enjoying some coffee together while chatting about their family’s spring and Easter traditions. And of course, I was eager to learn more about Bethany and her hopes for the Arcadian Revival brand. But our visit was so much more. Part history lecture. A little disco dance party. An arts and crafts tutorial. Mini lessons in sustainability. And all bundled up in the warm, welcoming beauty that defines Arcadian Revival.
Arcadian Revival is an Instagram profile dedicated to design and renovations, sustainable living, gardening, and getting back to basics. Bethany’s love for construction and design emerged in her early childhood, while helping her father and grandfather renovate the Ohio home that has been in the family for five generations. Respect for historical details and the stories behind them has most definitely been passed onto Bethany. Weave in her mother’s artistic talents and her ability to creatively upcycle most anything. And it is NO surprise that all of these values influenced her decision to take a new direction. Leaving her fast-paced professional life in NYC (in roles that focused on energy / sustainability to real estate development) to focus on what’s most important to her: nature, togetherness, and the beauty in simple pleasures.
THE PERFECT SPRING SETTING
Every detail of our morning was prepared with such thought and elegance. From the tablescape that incorporated both family heirlooms (i.e. the baby dish found in the rafters of her Ohio home during a renovation, and personalized silver displaying the names of distant relatives).
To yesterday’s craft projec: the hard boiled easter eggs (from our local Firefly Hollow Farm) embossed with real-life violets and ferns. Juxtaposed with the botanical Parterre linens, an up-and-coming brand also created in celebration of the natural world.
Each element of our morning delivered a story along with its beauty. Like the eggs that were decorated with ferns collected from the nature trail adjacent to Bethany’s home. The very same trail created by Adirondack naturalist Orra Phelps, where she once cultured a variety of ferns (now one of the many attractions of the Ora Phelps Nature Preserve in Wilton).
And the tutorial on naturally dying easter eggs with solutions of boiled water and beets, onion, and avocado skins. (not to mention on one of the most gorgeous ranges I’ve ever seen). Just another way she chooses to bring the outside in.
INSPIRATION WITH INTENTION
No matter what product or service Arcadian Revival ventures into, its foundation in sustainability, community and intention is certain. What is also certain is the enjoyment that the fast growing readership has for this inspiring Instagram feed. With captions of Arcadian Revival that read like a classic novel that you’ve just dusted off. And photos that inspire as much as the beautiful words that accompany them.
Following along with Bethany’s family’s journey has inspired me to get back to our roots and find more intention in everyday living. I hope that it does the same for you.