Beth Hunt is an artist and calligrapher based in Oxford, Mississippi who has a passion for pretty things including traditional interiors, beautiful tablescapes, flowers, fun dresses, whimsical art, European splendor, and of course, calligraphy. Today Beth welcomes The Glam Pad into her beautiful Grandmillennial home for a tour and a look at some of her exquisite work!
“Calligraphy found me before I even knew I was looking for it,” said Beth. “What started as a love for beautiful letters turned into something much bigger—creating pieces that become part of people’s stories.”
Beth’s story began as a child wistfully filling notepads with doodles of flowers, ribbons, and ladies in 18th century French court fashions. Though she had never left the southern United States, her pen allowed her imagination and dreams of faraway times and places to flourish. At 12 years old, Beth received a calligraphy pen for Christmas, and a love of this ancient art of lettering was born. Art and French were her favorite subjects in school, and she dreamt of what life in France was like.
Following graduation from the University of Mississippi, Beth took a leap of faith and moved to France. Employed as an English teaching assistant to junior high students in the Parisian suburbs, she took every opportunity to travel, visit museums, and absorb the French language and culture.
In 2009, while living in Washington, DC, Beth started her calligraphy business after friends began asking her to address their wedding invitations in her “nice handwriting.” In 2014, Beth suffered a tragic accident that left her with a crushed right leg. Bedridden for 16 months and unable to live independently while undergoing around 30 surgeries, art was a source of comfort. It was during this time that she discovered the iPad Pro + Apple pencil, and began using the Procreate app to create hand-drawn, digital artwork.
“While I enjoy working in traditional mediums, the ease and portability of my iPad makes it a practical and surprisingly versatile tool for bringing my artwork to life,” she explains. “My iPad accompanies me to doctor appointments, carpool lines, and airports.”
Over the following years, Beth addressed thousands of envelopes and taught hundreds of students calligraphy through her in-person and online classes.
“I’m self-taught and while that’s an important part of my story, it also came with a ton of frustrations along the way,” said Beth. “My goal in teaching calligraphy is to help people bypass the frustrations I went through and get to the good part: enjoying it and using it to bring beauty into their lives.”
Beth’s students have ranged in age from 9 to 93, and they’ve all had one thing in common: the desire to learn this art form, she says. “It’s not good handwriting, it’s not talent – sure, those things don’t hurt, but at the end of the day, if you truly desire to learn it, you can!”
Today Beth’s story continues, finding beauty in everyday living and seeking inspiration and adventure through travels with her husband and two children. Her work has been featured in national publications such as USAToday.com, Delta Magazine and Food Network Magazine. In addition to being an advocate for the arts, Beth has a passion for classical music, Christian education, floral fabrics, and French pastries.
To learn more, please visit Beth Hunt Designs and follow @bethhuntdesigns on Instagram. In addition to her exquisite calligraphy, Beth offers original art including custom hand-drawn silhouettes, framable paintings and prints, hand-painted Easter eggs and Christmas ornaments, stationery, Christmas cards, wedding invitations, scripture cards, branding and licensing opportunities, and calligraphy classes.
Thank you, Beth, for all of your inspiration and for joining us today!
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at Chic Dogs, Martha Stewart’s New DIY Collection, and The Chairish Emporium at Bergdorf Goodman. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Chic Dogs
1984: A butler serves a meal to a table of dogs in a Knightsbridge restaurant to mark the launch of a new dog food. (Photo by BIPS/Getty Images)
For centuries, dogs have trotted beside the world’s most stylish figures, proving that sophistication isn’t just for those on two legs. From regal courts to the front rows of fashion week, these four-legged tastemakers have charmed their way into history, effortlessly embodying elegance, charm, and a touch of star power.
In Chic Dogs, released this month by Assouline, Paris-based Robert Williams — Luxury Editor at The Business of Fashion — takes readers on a delightful journey through time, celebrating the fashionable and famous canines who have left their paw prints on culture. Whether it’s Maria Callas, the legendary soprano, gracefully gliding through the streets with her poodle, or Winston Churchill sharing a cigar-side moment with his bulldog, this book spotlights some of history’s most iconic human-dog duos.
Photography provided and published with permission by Assouline.
Beyond its parade of well-heeled hounds and their equally glamorous owners, Chic Dogs offers a playful yet insightful look at how dogs have long been imbedded into the fabric of taste and identity. From the lapdogs of European aristocracy to the social media darlings of today, these four-legged companions have always been more than pets, they’re confidants, muses, and sometimes, the real stars of the show.
Fiona Campbell-Walter, also known as Baroness Fiona Thyssen-Bornemisza, wearing a white crepe dress by Nina Ricci with a saga mink hooded cloak, while walking two borzoi dogs outside of the apartment of shoe designer Roger Vivier in Quai d’Orsay, 1966. (Photo by Cecil Beaton/Conde Nast via Getty Images)Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) with two corgi dogs at her home at 145 Piccadilly, London, July 1936. (Photo by Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Portrait of actress Audrey Hepburn riding a green Schwinn bicycle with a small dog in its basket. (Photo by Cecil Beaton/Conde Nast via Getty Images)
Brimming with stunning visuals and sprinkled with delightful anecdotes, Chic Dogs makes a compelling case that style isn’t just about what you wear, it’s also about who’s trotting loyally by your side. Whether you’re a devoted dog lover or just someone who appreciates a touch of glamour, this book is an irresistible tribute to the most fabulous pets in history. Published by Assouline, we are crushing on Chic Dogs!
Martha Stewart’s New DIY Collection
Martha Stewart hardly needs an introduction. A lifelong champion of creativity and craftsmanship, she has inspired generations to pick up a paintbrush, a glue gun, or a sewing needle and make something beautiful. Now, after a five-year break from the crafting world, she’s returning with a new collection that invites makers of all skill levels to explore their creativity with ease. In partnership with Marquee Brands, she’s launching a fresh line of high-quality acrylic paints and accessories designed to bring projects to life, one brushstroke at a time.
“I’ve always believed in the transformative power of making something with your own hands,” Martha shared in a press release. “I’m pleased to offer paints and accessories that help crafters of all levels make exquisite projects.”
Developed alongside Plaid Enterprises, the collection is as versatile as it is vibrant. Whether embellishing a set of wine glasses, adding a personal touch to fabric, or breathing new life into an old piece of furniture, these paints are designed to adapt. Their rich, creamy consistency allows for smooth application on a range of surfaces, including wood, glass, ceramic, metal, terra cotta, paper, and canvas. With finishes spanning satin, metallic, pearl, and glitter, there’s a shade and texture for every project. And practicality hasn’t been overlooked, these paints are both dishwasher safe and machine washable, ensuring that finished pieces stand the test of time.
With this new launch, Martha once again proves that crafting isn’t just about making things, it’s about the joy of creating. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or someone picking up a paintbrush for the first time, this collection is an invitation to experiment, play, and turn the everyday into something extraordinary.
Bergdorf Goodman just got a little more fabulous. Chairish, the beloved online marketplace for one-of-a-kind home treasures, has set up shop on the seventh floor, bringing a curated mix of vintage finds, antiques, and exclusive artworks to Manhattan’s most iconic retail destination. Open through May 5th, The Chairish Emporium is a shopping experience as chic as its surroundings, featuring pieces from top-tier dealers and designers like Nate Berkus, Meg Braff Designs, Show Pony, Eerdmans, and more.
Photography courtesy of
“The world’s most legendary luxury retailer is the perfect setting for Chairish’s immersive shopping experience,” says Anna Brockway, Chairish’s President and Co-Founder. “We’re thrilled to showcase our most sought-after vintage dealers and artists in this exciting collaboration.”
More than just a pop-up, the Emporium channels the spirit of discovery, with two artful vignettes designed to delight. The Zebra Room pays homage to classic New York cocktail lounges, featuring painterly works, curated vintage gems, and pieces from artists like Manuel Santelices and Alice Ford. Meanwhile, The Hamptons Shop captures the effortless elegance of an ‘Out East’ getaway, with dreamy color-field paintings and a spring-ready tabletop collection.
With Scalamandré textiles adding an extra layer of refinement, and an irresistible mix of art, decor, and design finds, The Chairish Emporium makes it easy to bring home a piece of vintage magic with no treasure hunting required.
Make sure to stop in and shop this beautiful space!
There are few museums that capture the imagination quite like Dennis Severs’ House. In fact, I do not believe there is another museum in the world quite like it. Artist David Hockney once described visiting Dennis Severs’ House as “one of the world’s five great experiences.”
Photographs courtesy of Lucinda Douglas-Menzies.
When Dennis Severs arrived in Spitalfields in 1979, he didn’t just buy a derelict house—he slipped into another century. Saved by the Spitalfields Trust, the house became the setting for his grand illusion: the home of an imaginary Huguenot family who had supposedly lived there since 1724. Rather than simply restoring it, Severs conjured a world where history lingers in the air, blurring the line between past and present.
After purchasing the home, Dennis moved into 18 Folgate Street with nothing but a candle, a chamber pot, and a dream to create his fantasy world. Modern conveniences were an afterthought; his goal was to resurrect the past as a living, breathing museum. From the moment he occupied the historic property, the house wasn’t just where he lived. It was his grand obsession and life’s mission.
Originally hailing from sunny Southern California, Dennis had always been captivated by historical dramas. So much so that he packed his bags and moved to London just five days after finishing high school in 1967, calling the city “love at first sight.” Known as an eccentric and enigmatic figure, he initially purchased a horse-drawn carriage and offered tours around Hyde Park and the West End under the wonderfully grand tagline, “See Something Different Graciously.” Years later, his stable near Gloucester Road was demolished by a developer, forcing him to move on.
He bought the brick George I terraced house in 1979 with the goal not of restoring it, but of bringing it to life. He began sleeping in each of the house’s ten rooms to uncover their spirit and determine what they should become. He then set out to create what he called a “collection of atmospheres.” In 1980, just one year after purchasing the house, he opened its doors to the public and began telling the story of the imaginary Huguenot silk merchant family.
From then on, the house became woven into the fabric of Spitalfields and London at large, with Dennis often giving tours himself, famously instructing visitors, “Feel, don’t think; look, don’t speak… open yourself to the experience you are going to have.” Sadly, Dennis passed away in 1999 at the age of 51. The museum was then acquired by the Spitalfields Trust, which continues to own and operate the house today.
Visiting the museum is a sensory experience like no other. Guests enter under the directive of silence, allowing the cleverly hidden sounds of domestic life to bring the house to life. Lit exclusively by candlelight and the glow of fireplaces, the house feels as if the imagined Huguenot family has just stepped out—or may be lingering in the next room.
Unlike so many house museums that feel meticulously preserved, sometimes to the point of sterility, Dennis Severs’ House is a masterpiece of patina and atmosphere. Every room feels profoundly lived-in, its carefully curated details unfolding like frames from a period film, each glance capturing a scene suspended in time. Perhaps the most enchanting is the light blue bedroom, where a grand canopied bed draped in tassels commands the space, while blue and white ceramics line the opposing wall, flickering in the candlelight.
The house’s deliberate staging draws visitors into its illusion, with sagging ceilings on the top floor suggesting a descent from the affluence of Huguenot silk merchants to the squalor of a Victorian slum. Each room shifts in mood and atmosphere, charting not just the imagined family’s fortunes but the layered history of Spitalfields itself.
True to Severs’ vision, the house remains free of electricity, aside for one electrical extension for the small gift shop tucked in the back. Adding to the magic is house manager Mick Pedroli who continues to meticulously reset each scene daily for visitors, just as Dennis would have.
Historical accuracy takes a backseat to storytelling, and that’s precisely what makes the experience so extraordinary. To step into Dennis Severs’ House is to surrender to another time, another world.
You can learn more about Dennis Severs’ House here, follow @dennissevershouse on Instagram, and be certain to pay visit to this gem next time you’re in London.
For Texas-based interior designer Christian Ladd, restoring old homes in Amarillo’s charming Wolflin Historic District is a passion. In 2022 Christian fell in love and married local philanthropist Clay Stribling, and they began renovating a beautiful 1940s Dutch Colonial in the neighborhood to be their forever home. Sadly those dreams were cut short nearly as quickly as they began when Clay lost a sudden battle with cancer in October 2024.
After receiving the diagnosis last March, Christian chose to reduce her client work, suspend social media posting, and spend as much time her husband as possible. As she begins the process of picking up the pieces, she cherishes the joy of her marriage, “If you can momentarily catch this kind of love, then you must grab it, embrace it, and know you were lucky enough to experience something others might never experience. I had him only briefly; however, that time was priceless,” she said.
As she returns to work, Christian has also listed her beautiful home for sale and has begun a new renovation. “This home was a monument to our marriage, a place where we would grow old together,” Christian reflects, “It’s time for it to find another family who will love it as much as we did.”
Today we celebrate Christian’s home with a love letter…
“Clay let me make all the design choices, even to my detriment occasionally,” Christian jokes. “He even let me paint our entry hall lilac, which takes an incredibly confident man to walk into a lilac foyer daily. He let me accidentally double the budget and handled it gracefully, and we shared the happiest of memories in our home, even at the end of his life. It will forever be the house we built together.”
Christian and Clay renovated the entire home, maintaining all the delightful architectural features and updating everything needed for an old home to function like a new one. The new kitchen was moved to the center of the home’s north side, nestled between the dining room and the den at the back.
The house is painted throughout in Farrow & Ball’s White Tie. Christian painted the ceilings, trim, and walls all the same color for cohesion, emphasizing the decor along with the couple’s extensive art collection.
“Clay had two stipulations, and that was it,” said Christian. “He needed an espresso bar and his bourbon bar, which I happily obliged. So we have two wet bars.”
The color palette throughout the home draws mainly from the art. For instance, the living room features moodier pieces from some of the couple’s favorite artists, which inspired the regal aubergine silk taffeta draperies. The Baker chairs upholstered in a custom Groves Brothers print played well with the colors in the art. However, more playful works of art are displayed in the kitchen and den, allowing the opportunity to pull more pastel fabrics into the color palette.
The home is filled with a mix of old and new, antiques, and heirlooms. “I have dozens of china sets and plenty of silver, so I needed ample storage,” said Christian. “Additionally, I wanted to display them in an organized manner.”
“I designed the arched china cabinets to separate the kitchen from the dining room, making them accessible from either side, which allows you access to china pieces from either in the kitchen or the dining room,” she explains. “The paint on the china cabinets and bookcases was color-matched to the Pierre Frey wallpaper in the dining room. The dining room chairs are slip-covered in a Perennials fabric since we occasionally spill red wine at a, shall we say ‘festive’ dinner party.”
The outside of the home was repainted in Farrow & Ball’s White Tie to complete the cohesiveness of the colors. All the exterior doors were painted in Farrow & Ball’s Selvedge blue, which adds a pop of color and sets the tone as you enter the home. “We added six Bevelo gas lanterns, reminding us that although we’re in the Texas panhandle, Charleston is just one flight away,” said Christian.
“We adore this house. It sits in an old neighborhood with brick streets, large trees, and plenty of charm. My favorite part about the home is its curb appeal; you drive up, smile, and know you’re home, and it feels like a home.”
Thank you, Christian, for sharing with us today. Your strength, grace, and bravery in the face of adversity is truly an inspiration. We wish you all the best and look forward to following your new renovation and latest projects.
To learn more, please visit Christian Ladd Interiors and follow @christianladdinteriors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. Click here to read a Style Profile Q&A The Glam Pad conducted with Christian in 2018, and additional information about the home can be found here.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at The Supper Club with Lydia Menzies, Printemps debut in New York, and The House of Hackney Spring Collection. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
The Supper Club with Lydia Menzies
For those who believe a beautifully set table is just as important as the meal itself, The Supper Club with Lydia Menzies is a book not to be missed. This gorgeous lifestyle book is a love letter to the art of entertaining, filled with inspiration from Menzies and the entertaining-loving community that she has built, The Supper Club.
Host – Leigh Gale
Photographs courtesy of Adam Kuehl.
Host – Leigh GaleHost – Leigh Gale
More than just a book, it’s an experience that welcomes readers into a world where thoughtful details, curated tablescapes, and imaginative party themes turn any gathering into something extraordinary. From intimate dinners to festive celebrations, the book is a treasure trove of ideas that blend elegance with creativity, showcasing how entertaining can bring people together and create truly memorable moments, all in the name of good fun.
Host – Leigh GaleHost – Gina Saunders of Gaines JewelersHost – Leigh Gale
Lydia Menzies, celebrated tastemaker and newly appointed Contributing Editor for Southern Lady magazine, shares her insights on hosting with heart. She proves that entertaining isn’t just about setting a pretty table. It’s about warmth, connection, and making every guest feel welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned hostess or simply looking to refine your entertaining style, The Supper Club is filled with practical advice and whimsical inspiration to make every gathering feel effortlessly elegant.
With its beautifully curated pages, this book is an invitation to embrace the joy of hospitality where creativity flourishes, traditions are honored, and every guest leaves feeling like family. The Supper Club with Lydia Menzies can be ordered here, and click here for information on how to become a member of The Supper Club.
Printemps Comes to New York
What happens when a storied Parisian department store meets a grand Art Deco landmark in New York? Enter Printemps, making its bold Manhattan debut inside the 1950s-era 1 Wall Street. If you’ve spotted taxis swapping their signature yellow for a striking green branded with the cryptic phrase Not a department store, consider it a playful wink from the French retailer, teasing its arrival.
This ambitious venture — led by Laura Lendrum, formerly of Gucci and Saint Laurent U.S., and architect and interior designer Laura Gonzalez — seamlessly blends French savoir-faire with New York’s architectural grandeur. But this isn’t just a Parisian transplant. Printemps is redefining the department store experience, curating a world where fashion, luxury, and gastronomy converge, with five distinct dining destinations by star chef Grégory Gourdet. At the heart of it all is the Red Room, a once grand banking hall, now a dramatic shoe salon.
The store is being designed like hospitality project, more akin to a high-end hotel or private club, somewhere you’ll want to linger, perhaps all day. There will be no brand-run shop-in-shops, no single-label beauty counters, no rigid price-tiered floors. Printemps owns the inventory, hires the staff, and curates the experience down to the finest detail. Unlike Bergdorf Goodman or Saks, where pricing dictates placement, here, luxury will be fluid. Price will not determine placement on the sales floor.
With this opening, Printemps is making a bold bet at redefining what a department store can be in a city where retail is in flux. Get ready New Yorkers, the doors officially open on March 21st!
The House of Hackney Spring Collection
Spring is just around the corner, and as we await the first blossoms of the season, fresh inspiration is in order. Enter the latest chapter of Anima Mundi by British textile house House of Hackney, inspired by ancient plants.
This season’s collection of fabric, wallpaper, and décor draws from the wild beauty of nature. The house is in full bloom with botanical prints, verdant hues, and natural materials.
For Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper, “Carnival” season begins on January 6, immediately after the Christmas decorations come down. For almost a century and a half, New Orleans revelers have held myriad fêtes to celebrate Carnival on Twelfth Night, the final day of Christmas also known as The Feast of Epiphany or King’s Day. It is traditionally celebrated with King Cake, a circular shaped pastry, much like a brioche, with colorful icing on top, usually in Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. And as Fat Tuesday approaches, New Orleans is in its full glory with parades, formal balls, feasts, and parties.
Today, Michael and Quinn cordially invite The Glam Pad to share in their festivities! As two of New Orleans’ most beloved hosts, concert pianists, and authors of Classical Shindig, this dynamic duo is known for their spectacular Mardi Gras celebrations. After kicking off the season with Twelfth Night Supper, Michael and Quinn also host a King Cake Tea, Yardi Gras, and Lundi Gras, culminating with a formal dress-up dinner on Mardi Gras (which translates from French to “Fat Tuesday”). Any celebration leading up to Mardi Gras is “Carnival,” explains Michael. “If you say, ‘What are you going to dress as for Mardi Gras?’ it means the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.”
Welcome Michael and Quinn!
“First of all, we always talk about when Quinn moved to New Orleans that the color combination which represents Mardi Gras (Purple, green and gold) look horrible together,” says Michael. “The city is filled with the color; signs, shirts, cakes, flags, cups, you name. So Quinn was determined to figure out a tasteful way to combine those colors and I think he did a good job with it.”
Twelfth Night Supper
“Certain carnival balls take place on given nights of the season, and that has been going on since the mid 19th century. Twelfth Night is the official start of the season. It takes place every year on January 6th,” Michael says. “A very posh and private ball takes place that night but if you’re not going to the ball, there are ways people celebrate. They start that day by buying a traditional king cake which are sold between 12th night and Mardi Gras. It’s a brioche style cake (much like a cinnamon roll) and sometimes with filling and other times plain. Each person has his or her own favorites.”
He continues, “All bakeries in town sell king cakes and they’re all decorated with the colors purple, green and gold. A plastic baby is hidden in one piece and whoever gets the baby has to buy the next king cake. We had this tradition all through grammar school. I recall that one friend found the baby three weeks in a row and his mother refused to let him eat another bite of king cake and sent him to school with a piece from home.”
Colorful beads surround a Bernardaud Elysee tureen celebrating Twelfth Night. “We incorporated beads as decorations,” explains Michael. “As you know beads are thrown from floats and they’re plastic and not so pretty. Quinn found beads from around the world; Turkey, Greece, Japan, etc. He uses the fancy beads for table decoration. Then we throw beads over all of our busts in the house or statues to liven them up.”
A traditional New Orleans King Cake sprinkled with purple, green, and gold sugared powder is served on a silver platter along with purple, green, and gold macarons from local bakery Sucre. The macaroons are served on Vieux Paris footed desert plateau with green filet plates. Yellow roses, tulips, and green viburnum are arranged in an Old Paris corbeille alongside purple French monogrammed napkins.
Lundi Gras
“On Monday night, the Proteus Ball takes place with a sea theme. Thus, we entitled our dinner ‘Delicacies of the Seas.’ Our Monday night dinner was a big seafood event,” said Michael.
Sea-themed colors of aquamarine and green are used to complement Creel and Gow nautilus, anemone, starfish candles, shell salt cellars, and place card holders. Gold coral cutlery is from Au Bon Marie, Paris. Wedgwood transferware decorated with marine life is from the estate of Mario Buatta.
Yardi Gras
During Covid, the mayor canceled all celebrations including the city-wide street party on Mardi Gras, all fancy Mardi Gras balls, and all of the street parades. The craftsmen who depend on the holiday for their business were devastated. Thus, many of the designers of floats started creating images to go on houses. And, the term “Yardi Gras” was invented. “Basically if we could not catch beads from floats at least we could design our houses to look like floats,” said Michael. “The tradition caught on and now throughout the city you see houses festooned with Carnival decorations. It’s a lot of fun. That explains the outside decoration.”
“Quinn was king one year of his Carnival krewe,” Michael continues, “and during Covid we were allowed gatherings under 15 people, so he got together with the captain of his organization along with the captain’s daughter to celebrate the day of the parade.”
A gladiator statue is laden with carnival beads from various parades.
The table is decorated in purple, green and gold with Mardi Gras beads, purple hydrangeas, and French monogramed linens dyed purple. There are traditional oyster plates, silver goblets and gold trimmed china. The cutlery is a gold coral pattern from Au Bain Marie on Rue de L’université in Paris. Also on the table is a former king’s crown filled with the flowers and some mini-carnival floats. The table runner is an authentic Japanese obi belt that belonged to Quinn’s family. When he was growing up in the Arkansas delta, it was a big deal to have an authentic obi for the table.
For desert, lemon soufflé cake is served (recipe in Classical Shindig). It is yellow served on green plates and topped with blueberries to give it a purple, green, and gold touch.
MARDI GRAS
A formal Mardi Gras dinner is served including Oysters Bourguignonne, Crabmeat Maison and Filet de Boeuf Gras, a Carnival tradition. Recipes can be found in Classical Shindig.
From the outdoor statuary to the indoor busts, all receive the Mardi Gras bead treatment.
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Thank you Michael and Quinn for sharing your Mardi Gras traditions with us today! Such spectacular and exquisite festivities, I’m inspired to throw my own Mardi Gras party next year, Texas style. 🙂
In her new book, Aerin Lauder Living With Flowers, the legendary hostess and style icon shares ideas for how to incorporate flowers into every aspect of our lives. Released this week by Rizzoli, Living With Flowers highlights Aerin’s philosophy on entertaining and décor, inspiring both special occasions and the everyday moments with beauty and joy.
Aerin has a deeply personal love of flowers, which was passed down to her by her celebrated grandmother, Estée Lauder, as well as her mother, Jo Carole Lauder. Living with Flowers shares the many ways she brings flowers into her home including fresh bouquets, floral patterns on wallpaper, fabric, tabletop pieces, and perfume from her AERIN collection along with classics from Estée Lauder. Whether it’s an arrangement of daisies in the kitchen to welcome friends or family for dinner, or a single stem on her desk to brighten the workday, flowers are an essential part of Aerin’s home and lifestyle.
With creative ideas for designing arrangements—from embracing the simple elegance of a neutral palette or incorporating a whimsical mix of color, to enhancing your holiday décor with seasonal blooms—Aerin generously shares her favorite tips and secrets.
She also takes readers through her homes, showing how she brings the garden indoors through her decor. Elegant floral wallpaper in the dining room feels classic and timeless, floral curtains in the bedroom are romantic and luxurious, while her contemporary floral-patterned tabletop collections add effortless, yet modern florals to her entertaining.
Reflecting her unique blend of beauty and ease, Aerin’s floral designs and decor offer endlessly inspiring ideas for how readers can integrate flowers into their own homes to create inviting and personal spaces.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at This is Home by Jeffrey Alan Marks, Luke Edward Hall x The Lacquer Company, More is More and Less is a Bore: The Iris Apfel Collection, and Some Updates. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
This is Home by Jeffrey Alan Marks
Jeffrey Alan Marks is known for his effortlessly chic interiors, where California cool meets classic refinement. In his second book, This is Home, he invites us into ten stunning residences that reflect his signature mix of relaxed luxury and timeless elegance.
Since his first book, The Meaning of Home, and Million Dollar Decorators, Marks has married, become a father, and embraced a deeper understanding of home. This personal journey is woven through the book, showcasing spaces that are as livable as they are beautiful. From his 1925 Montecito beach cottage to a breezy Bahamian retreat, a working Los Angeles horse farm, and his family’s Greenwich home, each project is a masterclass in layering with clean lines and comfort. His admiration for British architecture, shaped by his training in England, adds a refined touch to his laid-back California aesthetic.
Throughout the book, Marks shares expert advice on blending old with new, proving that the most inspiring homes aren’t just designed, they’re lived in! This is Home is a must-read for anyone who believes a home should be both stylish and deeply personal.
Luke Edward Hall x The Lacquer Company
Luke Edward Hall has long been a maestro of modern whimsy mixed with classical English, conjuring up decorative delights that turn the everyday into the extraordinary. His sprightly designs, always in rich color and playful flourishes, have graced everything from textiles and tableware to wallpaper and even a wildly charming Parisian hotel. Now, Luke Edward Hall brings his exuberant aesthetic to The Lacquer Company, unveiling a collection that pays homage to his love of Regency style.
The assortment brims with personality, featuring elegantly proportioned tables, a chest of drawers, trays, mirrors, and other home accents, all in lively combinations of emerald green, pillar-box red, crisp white, and an especially debonair pairing of chocolate brown and powder blue. Trompe l’oeil detailing nods to the bold geometries of Regency design, lending these sleek silhouettes a graphic, architectural flair. This collection is proof that classic style is best served with a twist of wit!
More is More and Less is a Bore: The Iris Apfel Collection
In January, we marveled at Unapologetically Iris, Christie’s auction of the beloved style icon’s personal collection. Now, Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers is keeping the celebration going with More is More and Less is a Bore, an exuberant auction capturing the singular spirit of Iris Apfel. Featuring over 600 lots of her dazzling apparel, accessories, and eclectic home décor, this sale offers a rare chance to own a piece of her legendary world. Items are sourced primarily from her storied Palm Beach residence, where she passed away last year at the age of 102, as well as her New York home. In true Iris fashion, the auction will be preceded by exhibitions at four Doyle galleries nationwide.
A true original, Apfel turned maximalism into an art form, layering haute couture with flea market treasures, draping herself in bold color, rich textures, and enough jewelry to make even the most extravagant feel underdressed. Her oversized glasses, fearless combinations, and unapologetic individuality redefined what it meant to be stylish, inspiring generations to embrace their own eccentricities.
Following the success of the Christie’s sale, this auction is another extraordinary opportunity to take home a piece of Iris’s inimitable style and personal history. Because, as she taught us, more is always more. Stay tuned for more!
Some Updates!
Last week, we sadly reported the closing of the historic Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas. Today, there’s a small update on the matter. A lease dispute involving a small patch of land beneath the store’s escalators has now been resolved, with the landowner deciding to donate the parcel to the city.
Despite this resolution, Saks, the parent company of Neiman Marcus, has decided to move forward with the store’s closure. While we are deeply saddened by this, we’re still holding out hope that something might change.
On a happier note, the Lilly Pulitzer Men’s Stuff collection is now available to shop!
The Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach has opened its doors for its eighth year, transforming 1125 North Flagler Drive into a dazzling display of design. Set in the charming Providencia Park neighborhood, this year’s edition features 23 top designers and architects crafting spaces that blend innovation with a timeless Palm Beach touch. Today, we’re rounding up some of our favorite standout spaces.
Nickolas SargentNickolas Sargent
Originally built in 1937, the beautiful 7,706 square-foot home boasts ample living space with five spacious bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and an expansive outdoor area including inground pool. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Intracoastal Waterway, this residence offers sweeping views of the clear blue water and nearby Palm Beach Island.
Beyond the eye candy, the event serves a greater cause—raising funds for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. For nearly 50 years, it has drawn the best in design while raising over $30 million to support educational programs for thousands of children.
This year’s Show House is helmed by Chairs Steele Marcoux and Ellie Cullman, with Jonathan Savage and Billy Ceglia as Vice Chairs. With a powerhouse lineup of designers, the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach is an unforgettable showcase of style.
Let’s have a look inside with photography by Nickolas Sargent and Carmel Brantley.
Open through March 16th, the Show House is a must-see for those who appreciate interiors with flair. To see before pictures, click here… What a tranformation! More information and tickets to the Kips Bay Decorator Show House can be found here!
Named by House Beautiful magazine as a “design talent to watch” and a “timeless designer” by The Scout Guide, J.P. Horton caught our eye with his classic style, passion for Wedgwood, and his exquisite fabrics, wallpaper, and grasscloth collection. He also happens to have cut his teeth working with some of the top design legends in the country – including Charlotte Moss and Michael S. Smith – before founding his namesake design studio, J.P. Horton Interior Design, in 2017.
Raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, J.P. Horton grew up with an appreciation and passion for Southern design & architecture. He completed his Art Foundation studies at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and finished his education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design. As an interior designer, it is J.P.’s goal to not just make a home beautiful but as functional as possible, paying attention to every detail that goes into completing each project.
We are delighted to feature J.P. at The Glam Pad today for a Style Profile Q&A. Welcome, J.P.!
Photography by Julia Lynn, Trevor Tondro, J.P. Horton, and Gordon Gregory
J.P. Horton
Q: When and how did you first become interested in interior design?
A: I was always interested in homes and constantly rearranging my childhood bedroom growing up and, to give a millennial answer, when the computer game The Sims came out I became obsessed with creating houses and interiors for my Sims way more so than actually playing the game. As I grew older and entered high school I became very interested in filmmaking and actually stared in an independent film my sophomore year. I was very fortunate to attend a public high school that had magnificent art programs, and I began taking filmmaking classes and making movies while in Drama class to the point of getting a scholarship to SCAD for filmmaking. After starting college, however, I quickly realized the film industry in itself was not meant for me and that I really kept gravitating towards the set design. I am a very visual person and still to this day can envision how a home or interior will look completed and photograph. I love how multiple different areas of the art industries collaborated and combined to create a film (the set designer, screenwriter, costume designer, cinematographer, actor etc) which in turn is also how a house is put together with the different craftspeople and talents working to produce a space. From furniture makers, drapery workrooms, lighting manufacturers, rug weavers, textile designers and so forth. So reflecting back it makes sense to me how one avenue led to the next.
Q: Tell us a bit about your career path. Did you take a traditional path to becoming an interior designer?
A: I did take a traditional path to becoming an interior designer. I majored in interior design and graduated with a BFA from VCUarts and got a job out of college at a prestigious old design firm in Virginia called Stedman House, where I trained under a senior designer and gleamed off of him and saw how the industry worked first hand. From there I went solo for 5 years in Charleston, SC and really established my firm and point of view, but when Covid hit I did some self-reflecting and realized working alone in my guest bedroom was a little depressing and took an incredible job offer to be a senior design for Michael S. Smith out in LA. I worked for him for about a year and learned an incredible amount (do’s and dont’s) working on projects I would have never had the opportunity to do otherwise (like homes and a hotel for George Lucas, Tyler Perry, and the like.) After leaving his firm, I had a small blip working for Christine Markatos before realizing I belonged on the East Coast, back home in Virginia. I have been back in my hometown of Charlottesville, VA since – where I relaunched my namesake firm and textile line while also working some with my mentor, Charlotte Moss. I am always looking to learn more, while expanding my offerings, as this industry encompasses a lot.
Q: How do you define your style?
A: I lean more traditional and love to layer my interiors so that they look and feel collected over time. Each project is tailored to each client’s individual style of course, and I do enjoy mixing modern elements with more traditional ones but I certainly would never call myself a minimalist. I think one should get the most use out of a space as possible and if living in small apartments my whole adult life has taught me anything it is how to be effective at space planning!
Q: Who are your top five interior designers (past/present)?
A: Bunny Williams for her incredible sense of space planning, style, color, and business savvy. The fact that most of her staff has remained at her office and she has named Elizabeth a partner speaks volumes about her character as a boss and leader. Miles Redd has such an incredibly informed approach to design and his use of color. Marham Roberts for his attention to detail and ability to blend styles seamlessly. Charlotte Moss for her use of color and focus on the details as well but also her business sense; always thinking of the next chapter for her career and always expanding her offerings. Roger Banks Pye’s work still rings true today and was a talent lost much too soon, designing interiors that are timeless but effortlessly creative.
Q: Where do you enjoy sourcing antiques and art?
A: Local antique malls and junk shops. I am very lucky to have a plethora of them in Virginia and can find much better prices for items than online.
Q: You are known for your artistic perspective, what do you most often look to for artistic inspiration?
A: I often look to nature for color inspiration, but I also get a lot of inspiration from shopping for antiques. The shape of a vintage piece of furniture, the colors and pattern from a piece of China, even artwork can inform space planning and use of color for a room if you break it down into its components.
Q: What are five everyday luxuries you could not live without?
A: Nice towels, they never last but are worth the investment. Good central air – after living in LA where AC isn’t standard I appreciate it much more. Living and working in the same town as my family. Education – I am always watching documentaries or reading design books and taking Create Academy courses that further my understanding of design. Fast food & coffee, its a guilty pleasure and usually gets me through a busy day!
Q: What is one fail-safe design element that every room should have?
A: Lighting. I think that is a common answer for a reason. Lighting should be varied throughout a room, from the ceiling, to the walls, to the side tables, keeping in mind how the room is being used throughout the day. A big no no in my book is to have only overhead lighting and almost no lamps. Who wants to watch TV or read a book with a spotlight over their head?
Q: What is your favorite design or coffee table book?
A: Picking one is almost impossible. I love “Billy Baldwin Decorates” as it really is almost a textbook on how to design a home. I have a copy at home and my office.
Q: What are you working on next that we can look forward to?
A: I have a few local projects starting this year, if all goes to plan, as well as another in Charleston. A new textile collection should be released by Spring, with my sales representation also expanding to New England this year. (We currently are in the Southeast, midwest, and West Coast.) I have also begun working on my first book proposal which will encompass works from numerous contemporaries and living legends alike. Stay tuned!
Thank you, J.P., for joining us today! We loved learning more about your career, and we want one of everything in your fabrics and wallpaper collection!
