By Casa de Suna
Published Oct 30
Welcome to our latest series, Behind the Heat with Casa Picosa, where we dive into the routines of our community and explore how they find balance and inspiration in their daily lives.
As we settle into autumn’s cozy embrace, we’re excited to share the seasonal rituals and inspirations of a true fall enthusiast. This interview delves into the cherished autumn traditions, decor philosophies, and culinary joys of a Hudson Valley local who fully embodies the season. From apple-picking nostalgia to creating a home rich with layered textures, Hélène Heath brings warmth to every moment. Her insights on savoring autumn, from curated tablescapes to slow countryside mornings, are sure to inspire. Read on for her thoughts on the little moments that make this season feel so special.
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QUESTION 02What is your favorite autumn tradition?
There are almost too many to list! Autumn is my favorite season so as soon as the temps start to drop, I want to do all the things. I grew up going apple picking every year so that’s always a good nostalgic one. But in more recent years I’ve really been enjoying making a day of turning over the seasonal decor around my house (we don’t talk about the pumpkin budget, lol).
QUESTION 02Tell us a bit about your neighborhood / city – what does an ideal day look like for you?
I live in the countryside about 2 ½ hours north of New York City in a bucolic region called the Hudson Valley. It's farmland meets mountains shouldered by the majestic Hudson River, where a range of small, charming towns stretch for hundreds of miles alongside it. I’m right outside the small but mighty town of Hudson, a particularly well-preserved historic gem in the area that’s become equally known for antiques and its restaurant scene over the years. Its ideally situated railway station has made it a hub for visitors while giving us locals very easy access to NYC, which perfectly balances my peaceful rural life and periodic urban cravings. An ideal day would be one of relaxation and taking things slow: starting it off with a piping hot cup of coffee while sifting through the latest issue of Architectural Digest, puttering around the garden with no clock hanging over my head, a long walk or hike with the dogs, and spending hours in my kitchen cooking dinner. The latter is one of my favorite rituals: I put on a favorite guilty pleasure podcast, pour myself a glass of wine, and get to chopping.
QUESTION 04What is your favorite part of your home? How do you make your house feel like a home?
I’ve become quite the homebody since moving here several years ago from New York, and as a typical taurus, I love nesting. This to say: it’s very important for my home to feel cozy, comfortable, and above all, personal and reflective of my husband and me. I lean maximalist and love to layer textures, colors, and materials. Intentionally collected vibes are my jam - decor that tells the tale of its inhabitant’s path, filled with objects and furniture that’s been accumulated over the years, picked up from travels, inherited from family, unearthed in an antique shop, etc. If you come to my house, I can tell you the story behind each item in every room. This is of course a practice in patience, which is a tough feat in today’s culture of immediacy, but my favorite homes (including my own, if I can say so) are always the ones that feel lived in and reflective of the person’s journey.
QUESTION 05What is your favorite Casa Picosa flavor? How will you be cooking with it this season?
As a hot sauce enthusiast, please don’t make me choose! Let’s put it this way: each has their ideal food pairing, but the most versatile and universal is the Sweet Hally P - packed with flavor, zingy acidity, and less of a kick than its siblings. But I don’t discriminate when it comes to hot sauce and I put it on everything.
QUESTION 06What are five things from the Casa de Suna shop that you’d love to add to your tablescape this season?
I love pieces that add warmth and character to a table, and each of these does just that. The splatterware serving dish has an artisanal feel that makes any meal feel like a feast, while the twist candleholder brings in a touch of sculptural elegance. The footed glass strikes the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern style, and the burlap runner and napkins add that beautiful, down-to-earth country vibe.
QUESTION 07What is inspiring you these days? An ingredient, an artist, a destination, something you’ve recently learned, anything…
Color! After a lifetime of white walls, I’ve decided I can’t stand them anymore and want to paint every room in a different color. I’m done with being a white wall person.
QUESTION 7What’s your go-to autumn dish that always impresses your guests?
Every year, I make my maple apple crisp to much acclaim. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
QUESTION 9Favorite flowers for a tablescape?
Depends on the season and the occasion. I love a series of poppies in bud vases during warmer months, baby’s breath in the winter, and olive branches or eucalyptus during the holidays.
To discover more inspiring stories and routines from our amazing community, be sure to check out our other interviews in the Behind the Heat series, and don’t forget to share your own traditions with us by tagging #casadesuna!
