Southern Dream Home
My ongoing series of Instagram home tours continues, and today I am thrilled to introduce Meredith Lewis. The moment I “met” Meredith on Instagram, I knew we were kindred spirits… and I also fell madly in love with her home, located in North Carolina. So I was thrilled when she agreed to a home tour! With no formal design training, Meredith has created a home worthy of House Beautiful. She loves all things monogrammed, blue and white, and Chinoiserie. She collects silver, china, Herend, and Staffordshire… and she is a skilled needlepointer! Meredith is also an expert hostess, whether it is a pizza party for her children and their friends or a Christmas party for more than 400…. her motto is “have house, will happily host!” I will be right over! Let’s take a look inside and learn more about Meredith…
Q: Your home is so beautiful! What year was it built?
A: Thank you so much! We’re enjoying it! It was built in 1953, even though I think it feels much older. It was built like a fortress and has so many interesting things about it that just aren’t done in new houses, like a large curved staircase down to the full basement, and the attic that has several rooms including a huge cedar closet. (That’s actually one of my favorite parts!) We are only the third owners. It’s informally called the Williams house after the wonderful family who built it. The son of the original owners has come over several times and shared its history with us. He showed us where Ronald Reagan stood when he was here for the Azalea Festival, and the house was on the Garden Tour. He even told us that since he used to be the only surgeon in town, way back before pagers and cell phones, when there was an emergency at the hospital, the police would just ring the doorbell to the side entrance that went right to his bedroom and tell him that he was needed at the hospital.
The chandelier in the front foyer is original to the house. Every room except the living room has a chandelier, even every bathroom.
Q: How and when did you become interested in interior design? Do you practice professionally?
A: I have loved “playing house” since I was a little girl and made curtains for my playhouse and hung plastic plates on the walls. I hosted my first party in the third grade when I had a surprise birthday party for my Mother. I called all her friends and politely informed them what they were to bring. Those sweet women went along with my scheme, showed up as instructed, and we had a great party! I am not a professional decorator by any means, but I do enjoy it, and have loved helping my friends over the years when asked. Sometimes we all need an extra set of eyes to help us see what needs to be done or an extra set of strong arms to help rearrange furniture. I adore doing that!
The living room used to be a very formal room, which we almost never used. It’s where we put the Christmas tree, and the children practice piano, but that’s it. It’s the largest room downstairs and we never used it. After years of my husband saying we should turn it into a family room, I finally conceded. I don’t know why I waited so long! We use this room all the time now. The children’s friends love watching movies and playing XBox in there, and we are finally, for the first time, using our living room.
The butterflies above the fireplace are from a calendar that I purchased in Venice, Italy a while back. It’s always a conversation starter and my children’s friends have named that room “the butterfly room.”
Q: How would you describe your decorating style?
A: I love traditional, classic, colorful, preppy, happy, with an English bent but all Southern. I love the layered look… pretty on top of more pretty! Although, when I visit a friend in their beautifully and minimally decorated home, I think, “How perfect! I love it! I’m going to start all over!” The reality is I could never. I collect, rearrange, and am constantly feathering my nest.
Q: Do you have any favorite furniture and accessories? Do you like hunting for vintage pieces, or do you prefer new?
A: I adore the thrill of the hunt and almost always buy things that are old. I love things that have age and patina, and a few scratches and cracks don’t scare me. They’ll certainly have a few more once we’re done with them! I enjoy collecting Staffordshire, silver (trays, dresser jars, and frames), Herend, old leather books, china, and all the blue and white. I am very sentimental so my favorite things have been handed down, given to me as gifts, or have my children’s finger prints or handwriting on them. The things I would grab in a fire are my children, their portraits and our dogs.
Q: Who are your favorite designers?
A: I love the elegantly layered look of Charles Faudre, the spectacular blue and white and flowers by Caroline Roehm, the wonderfully fun and beautiful use of color by Parker Kennedy, and anything by Ralph Lauren makes me swoon.
We renovated our kitchen three years ago and made it work so much better for our family. We especially love our brick floors. Before, there was an old linoleum floor with no hardwoods underneath. I knew I could never match new wood floors to the rest of the old wood floors in the house, so we chose brick in this herringbone pattern… they’re indestructible.
Q: What is your greatest source of inspiration?
A: I am usually inspired by color or fabric first and then work from there. I can type the name of a fabric I want to use or “green bedroom” into Pinterest or Instagram and find all the inspiration I can handle. I still have my old binder with tons of pictures cut out of magazines that I used for inspiration long before the Internet. I can look back at it and still see pictures that inspired some of my ideas. It could be a paint color that I have used or an arrangement of paintings on a wall that I particularly loved, but many of my tried and true decorating tricks came from those magazines from years ago.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of decorating?
A: Does sitting in the bleachers at my children’s games count as hobbies? No? Well then, let me think… I actually love to needlepoint and have made several belts for my husband and son, and things for our daughters. I love to read, garden, bake, play tennis and walk with girlfriends, and travel as much as possible. If there’s time for those things, that’s great, but what I really want to do is play with my family. We have fun together and spending time with them is time well spent.
The den is actually my favorite room. It is full of things that I love- both my husband’s family and my family’s tartans on either side of the sofa, both our families’ crests, a hide on the floor that I purchased in Montana where we vacation, and many collections. It’s the best room for curling up by the fire and making smores.
Q: What is your process for decorating your home, and what tips would you give to others?
A: I want our home to be beautiful and comfortable and a soft place for my family to land after they’ve been gone all day. It’s filled with things that are so “us”… things brought home from our trips, or handed down from our parents (or “neo- parental” as we call it), or are just beautiful to me. I was helping a girlfriend spruce up her living room the other day and while we were out shopping, we found something she loved. Instead of grabbing it, she lamented, “But I just don’t know where I’d put it.” I almost fell over! You can put something you love anywhere and everywhere! It can start out in one spot and over the years, move to several others. If you love it, buy it! I know husbands everywhere are cringing when I say that, but it’s the truth. If you buy what you like, everything will look good together. If you are not sure what your style is, boil it down to a few words… classic, modern, neutral, colorful… if you see something that fits what you believe your style is, or what you want it to be, get it!
The back porch is my favorite spot to have coffee in the mornings or drinks in the evening. From the porch swing, I can hear the fountain and watch the children play in the backyard.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: We feel so blessed to live in this home and enjoy opening to others and sharing it. This house was made for that! I enjoy having friends over for dinner or having dinner in their homes much more than in a restaurant. I think you get to know people better that way. Our life is focused around family and friends and having people over is a large part of that. We are very social and love entertaining, whether it’s friends and their children for dinner, a church function, cocktails for 100, a Christmas Tea for 400, or being on the Garden Tour and hosting several thousand. I love the planning, the decorating, flower arranging, cooking, (let’s be honest, sometimes it’s pizzas), and then finally enjoying the results! The more you have people over and practice hospitality, the easier it becomes. I joke that I’m party ready at a moment’s notice, and that’s the truth. Have house, will happily host.
Thank you, Meredith, for inviting us inside your beautiful home! I am so inspired by your amazing style…. and your hostessing skills! For a further glimpse into Meredith’s charmed life, please follow her on Instagram.
Leta Austin Foster Revitalizes Virginia’s Historic Milburne
If I had to list on one hand my favorite designers, Palm Beach-based Leta Austin Foster would definitely be included. Her traditional approach to decor is simultaneously fresh and timeless, and her attention to detail is second to none. I love every single project in her portfolio, but historic Milburne in Richmond, Virginia is one of my favorites. And today we are in for a treat, because Leta is going to give us a personally guided tour!
Completed in 1935, Milburne is considered to be architect William Lawrence Bottomley‘s finest work. Commissioned by Walter Robertson, head of the China Lobby, it was frequently used to entertain government leaders and heads of state including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who stayed there on an American visit. Many original pieces of furnishings remain in the Georgian Revival mansion, original paint colors, specified by Bottomley, were closely replicated, and original architectural details were carefully preserved. Leta and her daughter Sallie Giordano painstakingly preserved the past while expertly refreshing the classic grace of Milburne for the 21st century.
All photography below, unless otherwise noted, is by Edward Addeo from the book Farrow & Ball: The Art of Colour by Brian Coleman, published by Gibbs-Smith. All designs are by Leta Austin Foster and Sallie Giordano of Leta Austin Foster & Associates. Notes in all caps below are directly from Leta… Such a treasure!! Now let’s begin our tour!
Completed in 1935, Milburne is considered to be architect William Lawrence Bottomley‘s finest work. Commissioned by Walter Robertson, head of the China Lobby, it was frequently used to entertain government leaders and heads of state including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who stayed there on an American visit. Many original pieces of furnishings remain in the Georgian Revival mansion, original paint colors, specified by Bottomley, were closely replicated, and original architectural details were carefully preserved. Leta and her daughter Sallie Giordano painstakingly preserved the past while expertly refreshing the classic grace of Milburne for the 21st century.
All photography below, unless otherwise noted, is by Edward Addeo from the book Farrow & Ball: The Art of Colour by Brian Coleman, published by Gibbs-Smith. All designs are by Leta Austin Foster and Sallie Giordano of Leta Austin Foster & Associates. Notes in all caps below are directly from Leta… Such a treasure!! Now let’s begin our tour!
Image via The Richmond Times Dispatch
Milburne by William Lawrence Bottomley. Bottomley is considered to be one of the greatest architects of the 20th century.
AN INTERESTING DETAIL IN THIS ROOM IS THE FASCIA ON THE STAIRCASE–NOT ONLY DID BOTTOMLEY DESIGN THAT, BUT HE DESIGNED THE HANGING LAMP TO MATCH THIS FASCIA. THE WALLPAPER IS FROM WATERHOUSE WALLHANGINGS AND THE CURTAINS ARE MADE FROM A FABRIC BY BRUNSCHWIG AND FILS.
THESE ARE THE RATHER GRAND CURTAINS IN THE DRAWING ROOM–THEY DIVIDE THE ROOM INTO TWO, AND THEY ARE THE FIRST THINGS YOU SEE AS YOU ENTER THE ROOM FROM A MATCHING DOORWAY ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROOM. ALL OF THE ANTIQUES ARE QUITE FINE AND THEY WERE EITHER IN THE FAMILY OR I FOUND THEM. THE RUG WAS DESIGNED BY BEAUVAIS CARPETS TO MATCH THE ANTIQUE CHANDELIER VISIBLE IN THE NEXT PICTURE…
HERE IS ONE HALF OF THE DRAWING ROOM, THE HALF CENTERED ON THE FIREPLACE. ALL OF THE COLOURS WERE IN THE “BOTTOMLEY PAINT BOOK,” A NOTEBOOK KEPT BY BOTTOMLEY, AND OUR GREAT LUCK WAS THAT FARROW AND BALL HAD A MATCHING COLOUR FOR EACH OF THEM. YOU CAN SEE THE RUG AND A BIT OF THE CHANDELIER MENTIONED ABOVE. THE BLUE DAMASK ON THE WING CHAIR WAS A NEW WEAVE OF THE SAME FABRIC WHICH WAS ORIGINAL, AND WAS MADE BY LE MENACH IN TOURS. THE PRINT FABRIC IS A BENNISON SILK TUSSAH CALLED “CHINESE FLOWERS.” THE SPORTING DOGS PAINTING IS AN ARMFIELD, AN ANCESTOR OF THE HOUSE’S NEW OWNER. THE SECRETARY WAS IN THE FAMILY.
THIS IS A DETAIL OF THE DRAWING ROOM FIREPLACE. BOTTOMLEY CARED SO VERY MUCH ABOUT THE DETAILS AND THEY JUST MELT THROUGH THE HOUSE–NEVER JARRING, ALWAYS PERFECT.
THIS IS A VIEW FROM THE DRAWING ROOM, THROUGH THE DINING ROOM, INTO THE BREAKFAST ROOM. ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS ABOUT THIS HOUSE IS THE USE OF WONDERFUL MAUNY WALLPAPERS. WHEN WE FIRST SAW THE HOUSE, I LOVED THE WALLPAPER IN THE BREAKFAST ROOM–I KNEW IT WAS BY MAUNY. BUT IT WAS BEYOND REPAIR, SO WE HAD MAUNY, NOW PART OF ZUBER, REPRINT THE PAPER. THEN WE CHOSE ANOTHER MAUNY WALLPAPER FOR THE DINING ROOM (AND FOR OTHER ROOMS UPSTAIRS). WE HAD GREAT FUN DOING THIS.
THE INCREDIBLE OVERDOORS (A MATCHING PAIR FACING EACH OTHER) ARE JUST ONE DETAIL IN THE BEAUTIFUL WOODWORK OF THIS ROOM.
THIS IS THE DINING ROOM; NOTICE THE INCREDIBLE FIREPLACE EXTRUSION–EVERYTHING IS ORINAL EXCEPT THE WALL SCONCES WHICH REPLACE CANDLE SCONCES–THERE WAS NO ELECTRICITY IN THIS PART OF THE HOUSE, AND ALTHOUGH SHE WAS FILLED WITH GUILT OVER DOING SO, I PERSUADED THE OWNER’S WIFE TO HAVE THE CANDLE SCONCES REPLACED BY THESE BEAUTIES BY ISABEL GLOVER. THE BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL CHANDELIER I FOUND AT MR. ALEXANDER’S IN THE BOTTOM OF THE MANHATTAN ANTIQUE BUILDING ON SECOND AVENUE. HE ALWAYS HAS SUCH BEAUTIFUL THINGS.
THE TABLE AND THE SIDEBOARD AND THE OVERMIRROR WERE FAMILY PIECES; THE PAINTING OF JANE ALSTON HANGING OVER THE FIREPLACE IS AN ANCESTOR OF THE OWNER’S WIFE, AND ALL OF THESE ARE SET OFF BY THE MAUNY PAPER, “LE FAISON ET LE BLE.” ALL MAUNY PAPERS ARE OLD BLOCK PRINTS SO THEY ARE PERFECT IN HOUSES LIKE THIS ONE.
MORE OF THE LOVELIEST WOODWORK IMAGINABLE–USED TO SHOWCASE THE CLIENT’S MOTHER’S COLLECTION OF ENGLISH PORCELAIN. THE HORESEHAIR ON ALL THE DINING CHAIRS WAS A GREEN AND CREAM ONE FROM CLARENCE HOUSE.
THE PLASTERWORK IN THE HOUSE, USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WOODWORK, WAS EXTARORDINARY. BOTTOMLEY HAD PLANNED THAT THE CORNICE RAIL AT THE VERY TOP WOULD BE IN GOLDLEAF ON THE WHITE, BUT MR. ROBERTSON WAS GETTING QUITE TIRED OF ALL THE EXTRAS ON THE HOUSE, SO HE VETOED IT. BOTTOMLEY USED GOLD RADIATOR PAINT INSTEAD, WHICH WAS QUITE CHEAP, BUT IT ATE AWAY AT THE PLASTER, THUS THE DENTILS ARE MISSING. WE SUGGESTED HAVING THE PLASTERWORK RECAST, BUT THE CLIENT SAID SHE WANTED TO KEEP IT THAT WAY AS A LITTLE “HISTORICAL MOMENT.” NOTICE THE INCREDIBLE WORK DONE BY THE PAPER HANGER.
THIS IS THE BREAKFAST ROOM WHICH IS ALMOST A MINIATURE OF THE DINING ROOM. THIS IS THE WALLPAPER WHICH WAS REPRINTED FOR US BY MAUNY, A REPLICA OF THE ORIGINAL. THE CHANDELIER WAS ANOTHER OF ISABEL GLOVER’S WONDERFUL PIECES.
AS IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM, BOTTOMLEY USED BUILT IN CHINA CUPBOARDS. THE YELLOW CHINA IN THE CUPBOARDS WAS THE CLIENT’S MOTHER’S BREAKFAST CHINA.
THIS IS THE BUTLER’S PANTRY WHICH LEADS TO BOTH THE DINING ROOM AND THE BREAKFAST ROOM–HERE WE KEPT THE ORIGINAL CABINETRY AND REPAINTED IN THE SAME BRIGHT CHEERY RED THE FLOOR. THE LIGHTS ARE FROM ANN-MORRIS ANTIQUES IN NEW YORK CITY AND THE HOOKED RUGS IN THE HOUSE ARE ALL ANTIQUES FOUND BY ME.
OFF THE TERRACE LEADING TO THE OFFICE IS A MEN’S LOUNGE AND POWDER ROOM. THE WONDERFUL STANDING LAMP INSIDE IS FROM ANN-MORRIS ANTIQUES, AND THE SCONCE IS FROM PAUL FERRANTE.
THE WROUGHT IRON PLANTERS AND THE FURNITURE ARE ORIGINAL TO THE HOUSE, JUST REPAINTED. AS YOU CAN SEE BY THE LEAVES ON THE FLOOR, IT IS FALL, SO NOT FERNS ARE IN THE PLANTERS.
A CLOSEUP OF THE SCONCE IN THE MEN’S LOUNGE. THE BEAUTIFUL WALLPAPER IS A “TILE” DESIGN IN AN INDIAN TREE PATTERN IN TONES OF RED FROM ZUBER. THEY HAVE BEAUTIFUL NON-MURAL WALLPAPERS.
THIS IS THE ANTEROOM OF THE CLIENT’S OFFICE. IT HAS A LIGHT AND AIRY WALLPAPER FROM FARROW AND BALL TO TONE DOWN THE DEEP BLUES AND BROWNS OF THE RUG. THE PAIR OF ANTIQUE CHINESE CHAIRS WERE BOUGHT AT MRS MC DOUGAL WHICH WAS PART OF HINSON, NOW SADLY DISCONTINUED.
THIS IS A WALL IN THE MASTER BEDROOM DONE IN A WIDE AND INVITING BED WHICH WE BOUGHT AT LOUIS SOLOMON AND HAD REPAINTED. THE HALF CANOPY AND THE PANELS WERE PLAIN DOTTED SWISS BUT WITH GREAT HEMS AND HAND-SMOCKING AT THE TOP. THE BED UPHOLSTERY IS PIERRE FREY, AND THE LOVELY LITTLE BERGERE HAS A LE MENACH FABRIC.
A CLOSE-UP OF ONE OF THE PAIR OF CHAIRS SHOWS THE LE MENACH FABRIC AND THE TINY WELTING CORD AND TAPE TRIM FROM PASSEMENTERIE IN NEW YORK. THE DETAILS OF THE DOTTED SWISS-TYPE SHEER UNDERCURTAINS SHOW HOW WE DO A DEEP HEM WITH A TINY RUCHE EMPHASIZING IT. THE OUTER CURTAINS WERE MADE FROM ANOTHER PIERRE FREY FABRIC WITH ANOTHER TRIM FROM PASSEMENTERIE. THE LOVELY ANTIQUE HOOKED RUG WE FOUND FOR THE ROOM, AND YOU CAN ALSO SEE THE WONDERFUL SHEPHERD AND SHEPHERDESS WALLPAPER FROM MAUNY, OF COURSE.
THIS GUEST ROOM, WHICH USED THE ORIGINAL CANOPY BEDS FROM THE HOUSE, IS ANOTHER MIXTURE OF MAUNY IN BOTH THE WALLPAPER (WITH A WHITE GROUND) AND THE CURTAIN AND UPHOLSTERY FABRIC (ON A LIGHT BLUE GROUND). BECAUSE THESE WERE DONE ON THE OLD LOOM AND BLOCKS, THE FABRIC IS ONLY 22″ WIDE–FORTUNATELY THE WINDOWS WERE TALL AND NARROW.
THE BED CURTAINS WERE DOTTED SWISS AS WERE THE DUST RUFFLES. ALL OF THE LINENS AND ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WASTE PAPER BASKETS CAME FROM MY BOUTIQUE IN PALM BEACH. THE SILHOUETTE IS THE OWNER AS A LITTLE GIRL IN RICHMOND.
HERE IS A CLOSE-UP OF THE MAUNY FABRIC. NOTICE HOW SIMPLE IT IS–THESE WERE FABRICS MADE FOR BEDROOMS AND THE LIKE. NOTICE THE NATURAL COLOURED MATCHSTICK BLINDS IN THE WINDOWS–I USE THESE EVERYWHERE AS SUNLIGHT IS A TRUE ENEMY OF FABRICS, WALLPAPERS, FURNITURE AND FLOOR FINISHES, AND RUGS. BUT WITH THEM, ONE CAN STILL LOOK OUT THE WINDOWS.
ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL PIECES OF HARDWARE USED IN THE HOUSE. ALL OF THE DOORS HAD THEM, AND LIKE THIS ONE, MOST OF THE DOORS WERE PAINTED IN “POINTING” by FARROW & BALL.
A VIEW IN THE CHILDREN’S NURSERY WHICH HAS AMAZING APPLIQUÉD CURTAINS (ALL THE FABRICS ARE LE MENACH) AND THE APPLIQUÉD LITTLE CHAIR FROM A. SCHNELLER IN NEW YORK (GENIUS UPHOLSTERERS!) THESE FABRICS WERE APPLIQUÉD TOGETHER TOO, A TRICK WE USE A LOT AS IT MAKES AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT FABRIC. ALL OF THESE WERE MADE FOR A ROOM AT THE KIPS BAY SHOWHOUSE, AND WE SOLD THEM TO THE CLIENT AT COST RATHER THAN THROW THEM AWAY. THE WALLPAPER WAS FROM BRUNSCHWIG AND THE RUG WAS FROM STARK. THE ROCKING HORSE WAS THE CLIENTS’ WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD.
Thank you so much, Leta for this incredible tour! What a masterpiece!! You can read more about Milburne in the book Farrow & Ball: The Art of Color. It is also featured in Leta’s book, Traditional Interiors, which I reviewed here and can be purchased here. To learn more about Leta Austin Foster & Associates, please visit her website and make sure to visit the Leta Austin Foster Boutique the next time you are in Palm Beach!
Design Crush: Eric Ross Interiors
Based in Franklin, Tennessee, Eric Ross Interiors embodies that traditional Southern style I simply adore. I have followed Eric for some time on Instagram, and after reading his charming Q&A with my friend Paige at The Pink Clutch, I was eager to see more of his work.
Eric has been decorating rooms all his life, but professionally for over 15 years. In 2009, he began his eponymous firm working with clients in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and beyond. When asked how he describes his design style, Eric explains, “My personal design style is traditional, but my job isn’t to design what I like – It’s to listen to clients and help them discover what they love and respond to. I do believe that ALL good design is informed by the past.”
I couldn’t agree more! Eric has also stated that he is single handedly trying to bring back florals and ruffles… Eric, consider me your partner in crime! Let’s take a look at a few highlights from his portfolio…
As featured in Southern Style, Spring 2016
This sunroom, featured in Traditional Home, was designed for a client who shared a mutual adoration for the late Charles Faudree.
2015 Junior League of High Point Showhouse
Isn’t his work amazing?! To learn more about Eric Ross Interiors, please visit his website where you will want to watch this delightful video interview (click on ERI Master Series: About Eric Ross). You can read a Q&A with Eric at The Pink Clutch, and please follow him on Instagram and through his new blog… He always has the best posts. Now let’s bring on the florals and ruffles!!
Lycette Designs Is Bringing Needlepoint to the Millennial Generation
Needlepoint is making a comeback! Over the last few years, companies such as Jonathan Adler, Tory Burch, and Furbish have released darling needlepoint pillows, and needlepoint smoking slippers, such as those from Stubbs & Wootton are all the rage. This spring, Gucci launched a collection of the prettiest needlepoint bags you ever did see! However, according to the National NeedleArts Association, the average age of a needlepointer is 61… This is a statistic 25-year-old Jessica Chaney, founder of Lycette Designs, is working to change. Born in New England and raised in South Florida, Jessica began to needlepoint at age 12. As a student at George Washington University, she worked part-time at a needlepoint shop where she met other young women curious about a pastime their grandmothers enjoyed, but unable to find canvases that sparked motivation. This inspired her to design hand painted needlepoint canvases that are colorful, cheeky, and fresh.
I met Jessica about a month ago via Instagram and fell in love with her whimsical Palm Beach style. She was in the process of launching Lycette Designs – a needlepoint design company dedicated to traditional pastimes with a modern, playful elegance – and I was intrigued to learn more. After confessing that I had never tried needlepoint, Jessica offered to teach me. I was a little intimidated, but after just one afternoon together, I am officially hooked! Various studies have suggested the repetitive action of needlework can induce a relaxed state like that associated with meditation and yoga. These meditative qualities can lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate. In today’s 24/7 digital world, I find it is truly the most relaxing way to unwind and decompress… all while creating a lovely work of art.
“Lycette is the girl who finds humor in every situation, tries to be polished, yet always spills on herself, thinks flaws are endearing, and a smile is contagious. Lycette values homemade gifts over gift certificates, and snail mail over email.”
~ Jessica Chaney, founder of Lycette Designs
With a history dating back to 1500 BC, needlepoint has enjoyed a following amongst royalty and First Ladies including Princess Grace, Barbara Bush, Betty Ford, the Duke of Windsor, and Marie Antoinette. Other notable needlepointers include fashion designer Jules Reid, author and design blogger Jennifer Boles, blogger and designer Jenny Schnabl Brewster, and pop singer Taylor Swift. Renowned interior designers and society ladies such as Elsie de Wolfe, Mario Buatta, C.Z. Guest, and Bunny Mellon famously incorporated needlepoint pillows with witty sayings into their classic, old-school interiors. They add a sense of irreverent whimsy and serve as conversation starters.
C.Z. Guest’s collection of needlepoint pillows, recently purchased by Madcap Cottage.
Elsie de Wolfe was known for her “bon mots” and she had a penchant for proclaiming them upon needlepoint pillows… via Lynn Byrne.
Determined to ensure this art form – which was passed down to Jessica from her great grandmother, Edyth Lycette, continued to her generation, Lycette Designs was born. “I developed the concept of Lycette by creating a company that reflected the values of my great grandmother, grandmother, and mother. Lycette is a combination of humor, grace, whimsy, intention, sass, and elegance,” said Jessica.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: All sorts of places, Pinterest, classic interior design, and travel are probably the three main places that provide me with my subject matter; however, I also find inspiration in the humor that derives from difficult situations, and difficult people. The best stories, and sayings, come from cringe-worthy situations.
I was also inspired by designer Mario Buatta’s use of sassy needlepoint sayings in almost every room he decorated. Needlepoint accessories (pillows, stools, rugs) are a staple of classic interior decorating. I wanted to create canvases that would hopefully inspire others to use needlepoint in their own interior decoration.
via Lycette’s Instagram
“Not Tonight”… says Mario Buatta.
Mario Buatta, Kips Bay Showhouse – 2006
(On pillow: Missing: Fisherman – Husband and Dog. Reward for Dog)
Q: How old were you when you first started to needlepoint? What is your favorite creation to date?
A: I was 12 when I first began to needlepoint, and it was then that I stitched my favorite project. I competed in show jumping, and the chicest competitors sported needlepoint belts (think Georgina Bloomberg and Jessica Springstein). When their horse glided over the jump, their show jacket would elegantly lift to reveal a colorful needlepoint belt. I was enticed by the glamour of it! Of course, being a preteen and wanting to mimic these elegant women, I immediately bought a belt canvas with a flamingo design. I still have that belt! In fact, I secretly rejoice when I get the stomach flu, because afterwards I can JUST buckle my 13-year-old belt.
Jessica’s custom needlepoint belts.
Q: Are there any famous needlepointers (living or deceased) who you admire?
A: There are so many, it’s hard to choose! Having managed a needlepoint shop, and now as a canvas designer, I find that needlepoint and strong women go hand-in-hand. My favorite needlepointer is Princess Grace of Monaco. For me, she is the epitome of demure elegance, classic beauty, and silent strength.
Princess Grace, via Lycette
Q: What are your goals for Lycette?
A: I would love for Lycette to become synonymous with an elegant, cheeky lifestyle. Late night barefoot dinner parties, colorful silk scarves knotted around tan necks, champagne splashing onto an embroidered caftan, and needlepoint pillows that become ratty with love. I hope to bring back pastimes that require devotion of time and intention. Pastimes that show and symbolize love through the final product, whether it is a gracious thank you note, a needlepoint pillow, or a dinner menu reflecting your guests’ favorite foods. More than anything, I want Lycette to encourage other women to start their own businesses embolden by their passions.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in taking up needlepoint for the first time?
A: Patience, a sense of humor, and a glass of white wine (clear liquids won’t stain the canvas)! I would look for a larger mesh canvas (13 is preferable), and little to no shading. As a beginner it is important to remember that perfection is subjective, and mistakes create flaws that are quirky and enduring. Your first piece will not be your most beautifully stitched, but why would you want it to be? That leaves no room for improvement!
Q: Once a needlepoint project is complete, how do you go about turning it into a beautiful pillow, belt, bag, etc.? Any tips?
A: Finishing needlepoint on one’s own is tough! I refuse to attempt it, as I am convinced I will end up with a twitch. However, one’s local needlepoint shop is available to finish all needlepoint projects! For leather goods, I recommend Hilltop Leather. They are fantastic! They create reasonably priced keyfobs, belts, and coasters in a plethora of colors.
via Lycette’s Instagram
via Bunny Mellon‘s estate
Needlepoint pillows available from Tory Burch, inspired by ones in her childhood home made by her parents.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of needlepointing?
A: Although I am 25, most of my hobbies can be found in the pamphlet of a retirement home. I enjoy painting, horseback riding, croquet, tennis, and decorating. I love basking in the sun, whether it be on a chaise lounge, in the saltwater, or upon the saddle of a horse. However, my absolute favorite hobby is entertaining. I am most radiant when planning a menu, choosing linens, and organizing a vase of fresh flowers.
via Lycette’s Instagram
As you can see, Jessica is an absolute doll, and I am eternally grateful to her for introducing me to needlepoint. It is a delight to meet such a lovely young lady dedicated to maintaining “old fashioned” traditions. I can also attest that Jessica is an excellent cook and writes the most beautiful handwritten notes… in cursive, and on engraved paper. And she is in the process of renovating her first home – an adorable Palm Beach chic pink bungalow! I just love her! Thanks to Jessica, I am nearing completion on my first needlepoint creation, and next on the agenda is a custom belt for my husband and a pillow for my son’s nursery.
Hand painted canvases from Lycette Designs are available for purchase through Bloomin’ Stitches, Needlepoint.com, and your local needlepoint store. Jessica will reveal additional designs next week, so stay tuned! For daily inspiration, you will want to follow Lycette on Instagram and Pinterest. And you won’t want to miss Jessica’s blog, which truly showcases her sparkling humor and witty personality.
A Classic and Elegant Southern Cottage
There are certain people you meet with whom you immediately connect, and such was the case with Marsha Mason. We were introduced through Instagram via Laurie Byrne (aka The Preppy Paper Girl), whose Instagram account is one of my daily reads. Located in Columbus, Georgia, Marsha’s home is traditional and formal, yet warm, cozy, and inviting all at once. Southern charm at its best! We share a love for collecting blue and white porcelain, antique Staffordshire, sterling silver, and Herend. Marsha also has an impressive collection of fine art. After getting a sneak peek Marsha’s “tiny cottage in the south” on Instagram, I was dying to see more and I was delighted when she agreed to a home tour and Q&A!
Before we begin our tour, congratulations to Blair, the winner of the fabulous Herend bunny giveaway! You will surely be inspired by Marsha’s impressive collection! Thank you to everyone who entered the contest, and for more chances to win, please visit the Herend USA Facebook page… Each day this week on the Herend USA Facebook page will be a chance to win one of Herend’s brand new fishnet figurines just introduced last week at the New York Tabletop show. The five pieces selected range in price from $175 to $350 and, of course, are all hand painted and have 24kt gold accents. All you must do to enter is “like” and “share” the post to you own timeline, and the following day a winner will be selected at random. Five days, five chances to win! The first post and chance to enter will appear this afternoon (EST).
Now let’s begin our tour… Images are courtesy of Marsha’s daughter, Eliza Morrill Photography.
Q: Please tell me about your design background. Are you a professional decorator? And how did you develop your sense of style?
A: I have absolutely no formal training in design, it simply turned out to be happy accident that I love decorating. I am drawn to color, pattern, and texture and I am definitely not a minimalist. I can certainly appreciate a calm, monochromatic room, but as hard as I try, I cannot live in one. I loved everything Charles Faudree did and I’m crazy for Timothy Corrigan.
Q: Please tell me more about your impressive art collection.
A: Several portraits are family portraits. My former husband’ s father was a great collector of art and we were fortunate to inherit some of his pieces. We in turn began our collection when our budget allowed and continued to collect for years. Some pieces are very fine and others are simply pieces that spoke to us. I remember once purchasing a piece thinking I needed to push my boundaries and buy something different. It’s only a small piece but each time I walk by it I think “Big mistake!” My best advice is to buy only what you love.
Q: We clearly share a passion for Herend and Staffordshire figurines and blue and white porcelain. Please tell me more about your collections, and what other treasures to you enjoy collecting?
A: I collect Herend figures in blue, green, and pink. I have a friend who has collected for years and she literally has a house full of them. I so admired her collection that about 10 years ago my daughter started my collection for me and I’ve never looked back. I’ve also collected blue and white transferware and Staffordshire figures for about 30 years. I find that at this point I’m teetering on the edge of “Wow what a great collection!” and “Wow she’s a hoarder!”
Q: Where do you find inspiration? And who are your favorite decorators?
A: I find inspiration just where I’m sure everyone else does… Instagram, Pintrest, these books that are being published that are full of gorgeously beautiful rooms, and constantly scouring antique shows and shops. I’m amazed at how many incredibly creative people there are out there. And every time I go into yet one more uniquely beautiful home it makes me think I want to throw everything out and start all over again!
Q: The hand-painted murals in your home are divine. Please tell me more about them!
A: A fabulous local artist, Jo Farris, painted the murals in the entry hall. When we bought the house it was an absolute dog. It was in terrible shape and was ugly beyond belief. It was Jo’s idea to paint the Gothic windows to mimic the windows in the room, and then we filled them with birds. I never tire of this room!
Q: How did your beautiful silver collections begin?
A: I collect silver dresser jars, perfume bottles, brushes, mirrors, frames, trays etc. I really can’t remember when I started but always loved the beauty of the workmanship of the chasing. I’ve had to slow the collecting to a trickle because there is no room left on the trays, and no room left for another tray. For some reason I have an affectation for putting everything in my home on a silver tray, feeling it makes it look that much more inviting.
Q: I love your bed linens! Who are they by?
A: The heart European shams are D. Porthault and the small squares are Ralph Lauren that I had monogrammed locally.
Q: What is your favorite/most cherished item or collection in your home?
A: Without a doubt, my most cherished item is my five grandchildren. I know it sounds hokey, but let me tell you as the Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” There are a lot of pretty things in the world and you can always get more. But the babies in this picture are priceless.
Thank you, Marsha, for inviting us into you exquisite home! It truly belongs on the cover of Veranda or Traditional Home! If you are interested in learning more about Marsha’s design company, Wildwood Design, please contact her through Instagram.
And congratulations again, Blair! Your bunny will be mailed this week.
Don’t forget to visit the Herend USA Facebook page Monday – Friday this week for five more chances to win!
