Inside Caitlin Wilson for Petite Keep
A Timeless Keepsake, Designed with Heart (and some florals)
I’m so excited to finally share a project that is truly close to my heart—my collaboration with Petite Keep. As a designer, I’ve always been drawn to the idea that beauty and meaning can coexist, and this collection brings that vision to life in the most sentimental way.
Together, we created a line of Keepsake Trunks that blends timeless charm with the delicate, personal touches I love. Whether it’s preserving baby memories, family heirlooms, or milestone mementos, these pieces are meant to hold the things that matter most—beautifully and intentionally.
In the Q+A below, I’m sharing more about what inspired this collaboration, the design process behind each detail, and how I hope these trunks become part of your family’s story, just as they are part of mine.
What drew you to collaborate with Petite Keep, and how does this partnership reflect your design philosophy?
I love the charm of a keepsake trunk—thoughtfully created for each child or occasion, and especially something personalized. As a mother of five, I love that my children will certainly pass down some things on to the next but there’s something meaningful about preserving each child’s memories and keepsakes in a way that feels special and uniquely theirs. I think it’s important for them to preserve and cherish meaning and memories of their own. I love the way Petite Keep is helping to create and nurture the tradition of what our mothers and grandmothers used to call a “cedar chest”. I inherited my mom’s cedar chest and actually painted it (sadly with a terrible color) when I was newly married, but the intention is the same and the bespoke capabilities are so special. My design philosophy has always been rooted in tradition and have always been aspiring to weave beauty into the everyday—and this partnership captures that spirit perfectly.
How did you approach designing the prints for the Petite Keep Trunks, and what story do you hope each one tells?
We curated a few of our beloved, best selling prints alongside fresh new patterns—each thoughtfully chosen to complement and elevate existing textiles. Every detail tells a story of beauty and intention, because even storage deserves to be lovely. After all, only the best should hold your most cherished memories.
As a designer and mother, what role does sentimentality play in your work?
Sentimentality is at the heart of everything I create. As a designer and mother, I believe the most meaningful spaces—and objects—are the ones that hold memories. Whether it’s a pattern inspired by a vintage textile or a piece designed to celebrate a special moment, I’m always thinking about the feeling it will evoke. Beauty matters, but beauty with story—that’s what truly endures.
Looking back on your bridal experience, what keepsake or moment would you have tucked into a Petite Keep Trunk?
Looking back, I would have tucked away the little details. The invitation, a ribbon from my bouquet, the perfume I wore that still brings it all rushing back. Those delicate, often overlooked pieces tell the truest story. They’re the things you reach for years later and suddenly feel it all again.
Do you have any favorite personalizations - fonts, thread colors?
I’ve always loved a classic monogram—it’s timeless and personal, the kind of detail that never goes out of style. When it comes to thread colors, I’m drawn to a contrasting or complementing tone in a french blue or deep green. It’s a versatile classic that adds just the right pop on so many textiles, from soft blush tones to crisp whites. Pink is practically neutral and always works for a pop on a floral print but still full of personality.
What do you imagine your children discovering years from now inside a Trunk from this collection — and what feeling would you want that moment to hold?
I imagine them opening it years from now and remembering moments and putting together the pieces of their story—a favorite toy or dress up they wore on repeat, a handwritten note from a grandparent, a worn ribbon from a birthday party. Small things that capture a moment in time. I hope it feels familiar and comforting, like a quiet reminder of how much they were loved and how sweet life’s little moments are.
Designing this collection was such a heartfelt process, and I loved bringing my signature prints into the world of keepsakes. You’ll find three very special patterns in the collection:
Sarah Jane – a soft blue floral that brings classic elegance to a personalized moment.
Chloe – a sweet, feminine print full of delicate charm, perfect for celebrating little girls and the early days of childhood- and unsurprisingly our bestselling print.
Horse and Jockey – a spirited, equestrian-inspired design that adds personality and playful tradition—ideal for boys, sports lovers, or simply a twist on the timeless.
Each trunk tells a story, and my greatest hope is that they become part of yours. Thank you for letting me share something so meaningful with you.
With love,
Caitlin