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300 Years at Blenheim, Home for the Holidays Showhouse, and a Topiary Tutorial

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300 Years at Blenheim, Home for the Holidays Showhouse, and a Topiary Tutorial

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 300 Years at Blenheim, Home for the Holidays Showhouse, and a Christmas Topiary Tutorial. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

300 Years at Blenheim

There are few stately homes that captures the imagination quite like Blenheim. Blenheim Palace isn’t just another stately home—it’s the stately home, the reigning monarch of Britain’s aristocratic abodes. As the ancestral home of the Churchill family for over three centuries, it stands as a triumph of baroque architecture and English heritage. In her captivating new book, Blenheim: 300 Years of Life in a Palace, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, a twelfth-generation Churchill, takes us on a rather exclusive tour of the palace, offering insights that only someone with such enviable credentials could.

Blenheim exterior photographed by Hugo Rittson-Thomas
Setting the scene for the family dining room are tapestries from the Art of War series woven in Brussels by Jerome Le Clerc and Jacques van der Borght. In the beginning, tapestries were attached to the walls of the palace with hooks and rings. In the 1930s the hooks and rings were gradually replaced by press studs. Today, the press studs are being replaced with Velcro strips. Photographed by Hugo Rittson-Thomas

 

Designed by the dynamic duo of John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor in the early 1700s (both protégés of none other than Sir Christopher Wren, naturally), Blenheim is a masterclass in grandeur. With stonework that defies time, furniture fit for royalty, and tapestries so exquisite they’d make even the Louvre a tad envious, the palace is an ode to craftsmanship. Not to mention the gallery of artistic masterpieces by the likes of John Singer Sargent and Joshua Reynolds.

A portrait of Louis XIV over the fireplace in the Second Stateroom. The tapestry depicts the Siege of Bouchain. Photographed by Hugo Rittson-Thomas
The imposing marble doorcase was designed by Hawksmoor and carved by William Townsend and Bartholomew Peisley, a local master stonemason. Photographed by Hugo Rittson-Thomas

 

Lady Henrietta doesn’t merely dwell in the grandeur of the palace’s formal staterooms and expansive gardens; she offers a rare glimpse into the family’s private quarters. The book guides readers into the family apartments, where secret corridors whisper stories of illustrious guests, and even downstairs to the staff quarters, complete with a bell system so iconic, it could have inspired Downton Abbey.

A tapestry from the Alexander series dating from the early eighteenth century. Alexander the Great is depicted in a chariot as he makes his triumphal entry into Babylon. Since Blenheim has been open to the public, the rooms are subject to extra traffic and dust, so conservators have ensured the light levels are kept down to keep the environment as stable as possible. Photographed by Hugo Rittson-Thomas
This south-facing bedroom had a partial facelift in 2016 using the existing furniture but replacing fabrics and some upholstery. Photographed by Hugo Rittson-Thomas

 

With its sumptuous photography and Lady Henrietta captivating tales, 300 Years at Blenheim is a sophisticated journey through one of Britain’s most iconic homes. Whether you’re an aficionado of baroque architecture or simply indulging in a touch of aristocratic daydreaming, Blenheim Palace leaves us longing for an invitation to tea in the stateroom.

Home for the Holidays Showhouse

While we’ve only just started anticipating the impending autumn, we couldn’t resist sharing Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ announcement of the 2024 Home for the Holidays Showhouse. This year’s showhouse offers a fascinating blend of history, set in the iconic former Buckhead residence of legendary golfer Bobby Jones. Once the very place where Jones helped envision Augusta National Golf Club, the 1929 Colonial home has been thoughtfully reimagined to honor its storied past while embracing contemporary living.

A dream team—Firelight Homes, Tish Mills Interiors, architect Kirk Design, and landscape architect Floralis Design—has worked wonders on the 1.5-acre Atlanta landmark, breathing fresh life into the space. Originally a gift from the City of Atlanta after Jones secured his 1930 “Grand Slam,” the residence has been expanded while still retaining its historic elegance.

Iconic spaces, like Jones’ study where the Masters tournament was conceptualized, have been meticulously preserved, alongside sleek new features like a two-story grand hall, a family room with a coffered ceiling, and a hidden scullery off the modernized kitchen. The original entrance on Northside Drive has been restored as a back door, leading to a lush garden and aquatic oasis—complete with subtle nods to Augusta National.

Come November, designers will transform the interiors of this storied home into a festive oasis, perfect for holiday celebrations. Running from November 21st to December 15th, the showhouse will feature a host of events and activities, with all proceeds benefiting the Atlanta History Center. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to this exciting event. See you there!

Christmas Tree Topiary Making

On the note of holiday spirit, Parker Kennedy and Julianne Taylor are teaming up for a special pre-holiday crafting session. On September 10th, join these two tastemakers in Charleston for a festive afternoon of Christmas tree topiary making. Guests will have the chance to create their own charming topiary, perfect for decking the halls. And the creativity doesn’t stop at Christmas trees—this technique can easily be adapted for other delightful décor projects!

If you cannot attend the class, click here for a tutorial Parker Kennedy shared with The Glam Pad!
You can also visit here to tour their home, The Governor’s Mansion, dressed for the holidays!

Spots for this event are limited, and all materials and supplies are included. To reserve your spot and join in the fun, contact Parker Kennedy via direct message here.

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Shop this week’s inspired finds!
x Natalie
Follow TGP on Instagram: @theglampad
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieealdridge

Chad Graci Transforms a Builder-Grade Lake House

Andrea
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Chad Graci Transforms a Builder-Grade Lake House

Working with architects Ballou Design Group, interior designer Chad Graci transformed a classic lakefront property creating the ultimate in an elegant indoor/outdoor lifestyle, and proving that a lake house can still be elegant and far from cliché.

Built in the early 2000’s, the house was standard Builder fare. However, the lot is truly wonderful, sited on a shallow peninsula that juts into the lake at Canebrake in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The clients are a young family that hunts, fishes, and boats regularly, and Graci and his team were engaged to transform a basic house into something more special that could serve as a stylish but durable backdrop to their everyday indoor/outdoor lifestyle. This included a total kitchen and primary bath renovation, an addition, as well as an outdoor pavilion that needed to have seating, storage, and a full outdoor kitchen. Let’s take a look at the results!














Such a beautiful lake home! Timeless and classic, it will never go out of style.

To learn more, please visit Chad Graci Interiors and follow @graciinteriors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. You can also click here to see a beautiful historic New Orleans home he designed, and here for an elegant Mississippi beach house.

The Tom Scheerer Compendium

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The Tom Scheerer Compendium

Tom Scheerer, celebrated for his “Relaxed Modernism” style, is known for crafting interiors that are both sophisticated and elegant without a hint of pretension. After more than three decades, Scheerer has established himself as one of America’s most illustrious designers. Now, he’s winding down his firm, and handing off more and more of the business to his employees. In celebration of his distinguished career, Vendome Press has released The Tom Scheerer Compendium, a two-volume set adorned with a sleek caning-patterned slipcase, offering insights into dozens of projects ranging from tropical getaways and tranquil retreats to country houses and city apartments.

Each of the featured projects reveals the fierce intelligence, impeccable sense of proportion, and encyclopedic knowledge of design history that inform Scheerer’s deceptively effortless work. In a New York Times review of Scheerer’s first book, Tom Scheerer Decorates, design journalist David Netto describes it as “a highly personal exploration of the vanishing art of great American design, as pioneered by Van Day Truex, Billy Baldwin and Albert Hadley. Scheerer . . . is perhaps its most expert proponent today.”

Today we will take a peek inside The Tom Scheerer Compendium..

Tom Scheerer began his decorating career in the mid-1980s, after graduating from Cooper Union with a degree in architecture. He formed his own firm in 1995. He is the subject of Tom Scheerer Decorates and the author of Tom Scheerer: More Decorating. His work is regularly featured in Architectural Digest, Town & Country, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. He is regularly named to the AD100 list of top interior desiners. He divides his time between New York, Paris, and Harbour Island.

Written by Mimi Read with photography by Francesco Lagnese, The Tom Scheerer Compendium confirms Scheerer’s inclusion in the American design pantheon. It is available for purchase via Amazon.

Bringing The Park Back to Park Avenue, The Barns by Ali Mahon, and Etiquette with Holly Holden

The Glampad
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Bringing The Park Back to Park Avenue, The Barns by Ali Mahon, and Etiquette with Holly Holden

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 Park Avenue’s proposed redesign, The Barns by Ali Mahon, and etiquette with Holly Holden . Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Bringing The Park Back to Park Avenue

While we often lament the loss of homes and historic buildings (including this latest Park Cities Dallas tragedy), every so often, we get to celebrate their revival. This week, New York City unveiled plans to “put the park back in Park Avenue.” Despite its reputation as one of the world’s most coveted addresses, Park Avenue has become more of a bustling, car-centric corridor than the serene boulevard it once was.

Department of Transportation

Originally known as Fourth Avenue, it was a far cry from the ritzy image we associate with it today. In the 1830s, the avenue carried the tracks of the New York and Harlem Railroad, a gritty start for what would later become synonymous with elegance.

By the 1850s, a clever transformation was underway. The railroad cut through Murray Hill was concealed under grates and grass, leading to the birth of Park Avenue in 1860. With its own numbering system and 1 Park Avenue cheekily placed at 101 East 34th Street, the avenue began to take shape.

Department of Transportation

The real shift came in 1871 when the Harlem Railroad merged with New York Central, and Grand Central Depot opened. However, the lack of separated crossings led to chaos. Enter Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1872 with a plan to sink the tracks between 48th and 56th Streets, cover them up to 97th, and create a grand boulevard. By 1888, Park Avenue had fully emerged as the elegant thoroughfare we know today.

Department of Transportation

By 1925, the avenue was lined with luxury apartments, and the original design featured a 56-foot-wide central promenade with walkways, benches, and lush plantings. Today, however, that promenade has shrunk to a mere 20 feet, now serving as little more than a picturesque traffic island. With increased traffic in the city, in 1927 the medians along Park Avenue north of Grand Central were reduced to create an additional lane in each direction. Today only one of the original medians remains on 96th street.

 

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A post shared by Robert Khederian (@notenoughangers)

 Due to failing infrastructure beneath Park Avenue, the City of New York and the MTA are undertaking the repair of the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed, which stretches from East 46th to East 57th Street. To fully rehabilitate the shed, the cover spanning these blocks will need to be removed—presenting a unique opportunity to restore Park Avenue closer to its original grandeur. The city’s plan includes widening the medians to create more space for pedestrians, adding seating, landscaping, and potentially a bike lane.

Park Avenue Redesign Proposal

We’re eager to see how this plan unfolds and excited to witness Park Avenue reclaim some of its original charm. But we can’t help but wonder—what will happen to the traffic?

The Barns by Ali Mahon

Ali Mahon, originally from Riverside, Connecticut, has traveled far and wide, with stints in New York City, San Francisco, and Palm Beach. Her journey as an antiques dealer began in 2006, driven by a passion for early American painted furniture and folk art. With a discerning eye for pieces that are one-of-a-kind, often handmade, and rich in history, Ali has now founded The Barns.

This charming shop, housed in a restored barn on her Riverside property, reflects her love for collecting and decorating with antiques that tell a story. Inside, you’ll discover a carefully curated mix of American, English, Swedish, French, and Italian treasures, from baskets and textiles to folk art and home accessories. Each item within the shop feels personal and deeply curated. A true treasure trove where history and style converge!

If you find yourself in Riverside, CT, be certain to give The Barns a ring to make an appointment to shop.

Etiquette with Holly Holden

Even the most polished among us occasionally need a gentle nudge in the etiquette department. Enter Holly Holden, a true connoisseur of manners, who has teamed up with the venerable Scully & Scully to bring a touch of refinement to Instagram. In a series of charmingly succinct videos, Holly shares her wealth of insider tips and tricks, making the art of gracious living more accessible and enjoyable than ever. Lesson No. 1 has just debuted, and we are already eagerly anticipating the next installment. With Holly as our guide, even the smallest details of etiquette feel both essential and delightful!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Scully & Scully (@scullyandscully)

Holly Holden
Holly Holden

Click here to see more of Holly Holden via The Glam Pad, and here to see our partnership with Scully & Scully in celebration of their 90th anniversary.

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Bright Color and Garden Exuberance Turn a 1990s Home in Birmingham Into a Radiant Wonderland written by Stephanie Hunt for Veranda.

Dries van Noten: A Designer’s Interior World written by Kate Finnigan for The World of Interiors.

Shop this week’s inspired finds!

x Natalie
Follow TGP on Instagram: @theglampad
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieealdridge

Inside The Enchanted World of Designer Charlotte Gaisford

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Inside The Enchanted World of Designer Charlotte Gaisford

Charlotte Gaisford is a fabric and wallpaper designer who lives on a farm in rural Northumberland, England. She runs her international business from a wooden studio and some converted barns, surrounded by the comfort of her thoroughly charming home. Despite growing up with an interior designer mother, it wasn’t until Charlotte was 47 that she returned to school to pursue her artistic passion. She then went on to begin her eponymous wallpaper and fabric business, and it quickly gained a cult following. We are delighted to share a glimpse today into Charlotte’s enchanting world!

Charlotte Gaisford

Charlotte began her career in Paris painting real airplanes and turning them into “Japanese Zeros” from WW2. This was the film “Empire of the Sun” by Steven Spielberg. Armed with a tiny photo of a Japanese Zero as reference she set out and worked at various airfields around Paris. Charlotte never saw the film for years and when she did she was surprised at how prominent the planes featured in the film.

Just before Charlotte got married she had her own paint effects business which took her all over the UK and even across to Europe. She was lucky enough to have quite a few of her houses featured in interior magazines, she even had a front cover featuring her red drawing room in “Antiques and Home” magazine. She also presented and appeared in various TV shows for Sky and BBC 2.

After the birth of her two sons, Harry and Richard, she set about starting an on-line business called Crafty Computer Paper Ltd. This company sold all kinds of unique, artistic papers for the domestic home printer. Charlotte had found a gap in the market and this was the only company of its kind in the UK. She built it up over a period of 8 years and then sold it in 2010 to Specialist Crafts who are a large stationary company based Leicester.

From 2013 onwards Charlotte participated in a three-year degree course in textiles and fashion at Newcastle College. Although many of the jobs she did during her previous life were art related she had never been to art school before. The flood gates of creativity were opened and Charlotte enjoyed every minute of the course. Although she was a mature student, this did not seem to matter, and there was always a great atmosphere in the Studios. Charlotte obtained a first class honours degree.



 





Thank you, Charlotte, for making this world a more colorful and charming place!

To learn more, please visit charlottegaisford.com and follow @charlottegaisford on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. You can also read a primer on “How to Decorate like Charlotte” here.

And click below to watch a delightful tour of Charlotte’s Northumberland home!

“Balletcore” and Our Favorite Niche Fragrance, Odette Parfum Co.

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“Balletcore” and Our Favorite Niche Fragrance, Odette Parfum Co.

Last December, Forbes magazine reported that a quiet revolution is underway in the evolving world of fragrance as “niche” perfume brands are rivaling their mainstream counterparts and experiencing a surge in demand (source).  “This shift,” Forbes wrote, “signals a broader change in consumer preferences, where personalization and uniqueness in scent are increasingly prized over the familiar and widely recognized.”

At The Glam Pad, we have been seeing this same desire for personal expression within the design world, particularly with the rise of social media platforms, such as Instagram, which facilitate the connection with others possessing unique interests. Online communities are formed, bringing together individuals from across the globe who otherwise might not have a single kindred spirit in real life who shares their passion. This explains the rise of certain trends (or “anti-trends” as we like to call them) such as the much-lauded Grandmillennial movement and ensuing interest in needlepoint, for example. Another “trend” we are having fun exploring is “balletcore” which particularly appeals to me as a former ballerina and lover of all things pink, graceful, and classical.

Image via Odette Parfum Co.

Entrée Odette Parfum Co., a niche perfumerie based in North Carolina conceived from a deep appreciation for the art of ballet and a desire to translate that grace, emotion, and storytelling into fragrances.

“My journey into perfumery was born from a personal quest for a signature scent that I just couldn’t find anywhere, said founder Odette Fontaine, a self-taught perfumist who spent a lifetime obsessed with all things fragrance. “This led me to create my first formula, Pas de Chat. The process of developing it was entirely self-taught through extensive research, countless trials, and a fair share of error.”

Odette’s debut fragrance named for “step of the cat”, a beautiful leaping step in ballet, is a seductive and tempting scent that is both sensual and unexpected. The refined combination is perfect for date night or any night, serving as the perfect accessory for unforgettable moments.

Odette believed there were others out there who would resonate with her point of view, and was eager to connect with them through fragrance. Each parfum is crafted to tell a story, much like a ballet, inviting the wearer into a world of sensory poetry. Odette finds inspiration from specific ballets, confections, and her favorite place in the world — Paris. It is easy to fall down the Instagram rabbit hole and into the enchanting world of @odetteparfumco which focuses not only on the history and culture of ballet, but also a world of artistic fantasy with references to old master paintings, European architecture, ornate passementarie, vintage perfume bottles, elegant swans, Greek mythology, Marie Antoinette-inspired buttercream cakes, and Madeleine de Proust. This visionary feast sets the stage as the perfect backdrop for Odette’s line of perfumerie.

Other fragrances in the collection include Coup de Pied, Petit Gâteau, Rose Adage, Moulin Rose, Grand Battement, Madeleine, and more in the works. Additional details and notes can be found here.

NAMED AFTER A PRINCIPAL STEP IN BALLET the incandescent scent ignites the senses. Coup de Pied’s seductive, moody undertones give way to warm honey, creating an aura of vanilla incense. This fragrance is an invitation to use the indulgences you’ve been saving.
This “little cake” is a lived-in, cozy scent that isn’t overly sweet. The delectable blend captures the essence of Parisian bakeries and comforting treats, conjuring warm memories and creating fresh ones while building a feeling that’s impossible to keep to yourself.
INSPIRED BY THE ENDURING CLASSIC BALLET SLEEPING BEAUTY. With a little bit of mystery and effortless complexity, it’s easy to fall in love with Rose Adage, a slow and leisurely movement. A budding romance of rose petals, cream and velvety musk develops over time to create a luxurious story that’s ready to be told—a tale of sophistication, elegance and mystique.

ABOUT THE BRAND
The casual elegance of a cashmere coat draped over a theater banquette. The comforting warmth upon entering a French patisserie. A frenzy of powder puffs, cold cream, pattering silk slippers, and crushed velvet curtains. These are the moments that inspire perfumer Odette Fontaine, whose evocative creations transport us to the glamour of a theater dressing room, to a wistful reimagination of the past, and to the grace and fantasy of the ballet.

Odette threads together memory, fantasy, history, and illusion to offer a suite of scents inspired by the language of performance, romance and aesthetics of ballet.

BOTTLED PASSION
Odette shares a forename with the fearlessly romantic swan queen from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Drawing inspiration from dance’s insistence on the relationship between bodies in space, Odette Parfum Co. invites you to share a bit of yourself with those around you through scent, to leave your trace, to invite someone closer, or simply to envelope yourself in warmth.

inspiration via @odetteparfumco

Samples are available for purchase, so you can try before deciding on your favorite scent! I have tried almost every one of Odette’s masterfully-blended fragrances, and it the only problem is narrowing them down! I’ll be wearing Moulin Rose this fall, along with Pas de Chat and Petit Gâteau. Which scent will you choose? To learn more and to place orders, please visit Odette Parfum Co.

GIVEAWAY!

Odette Parfum Co. has graciously agreed to give away a “Pas de Trois” Parfum Trio of three exquisite 10ml rollerball fragrances! Simply follow @odetteparfumco on Instagram and make sure you are signed up for The Glam Pad’s enewletters (here) to enter. One lucky winner will be chosen on Tuesday!

The Design of a Country Estate, Studio McGee’s Fall Collection, and The Glam Pad Goes to London

The Glampad
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The Design of a Country Estate, Studio McGee’s Fall Collection, and The Glam Pad Goes to London

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 Cathy Purple Cherry’s latest book, The Design of a Country Estate, Studio McGee’s Fall Collection, and The Glam Pad’s exciting London news. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

The Design of a Country Estate

For over thirty years, Purple Cherry Architects has been a leader in creating extraordinary residences across the United States. Whether it’s a timeless traditional home, a sleek modern retreat, a sprawling multi-generational estate, or a serene weekend getaway, the firm is dedicated to the art of designing exceptional living spaces. At the helm is Cathy Purple Cherry, a visionary architect whose passion for art and design was ignited in her childhood and further refined through studies at renowned institutions like the Corcoran School of Art, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Maryland. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Cathy has built a firm that masterfully blends cutting-edge technologies with innovative materials to bring her clients’ dreams to life.

Williams Residence, Maryland

In her latest book, The Design of a Country Estate, Cathy Purple Cherry takes readers on an immersive journey through the creation of an opulent Mid-Atlantic country estate, which boasts four fully-equipped kitchens and thirteen en suite bedrooms. That is a lot of house!

Williams Residence, Maryland
Williams Residence, Maryland

This meticulously crafted book not only explores the grand scale of the main house, guesthouse, and seven outbuildings but also delves into the intricacies of developing such an extensive project. From the earliest planning stages to the final touches, readers gain insight into the thoughtful decision-making process that defines every aspect of the estate—from the selection of materials to the strategic placement of buildings to enhance walkability and functionality.

Williams Residence, Maryland
Williams Residence, Maryland

Rich with inspiration, the book offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of luxury residential design, making it an invaluable resource for both design professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of architectural practices or simply seeking inspiration for your next grand project, this book is a must-read, capturing the essence of what it means to create a truly extraordinary home.

Williams Residence, Maryland
Williams Residence, Maryland
Williams Residence, Maryland
Williams Residence, Maryland

Studio McGee’s Fall Collection

As the Dog Days of summer wane, autumn eagerly lingers near, and Studio McGee’s latest collection is ready to embrace it. If you haven’t yet explored McGee’s namesake brand, McGee & Co., you’re in for a delightful discovery. Created by the talented interior designer Shea McGee, the brand effortlessly marries modern farmhouse charm with rustic elegance, offering everything from plush sofas and inviting chairs to meticulously designed table lamps. This season, McGee introduces a cozy touch with subtle Halloween-inspired elements, perfectly embodying the spirit of autumn.

As we shift from outdoor living to the warmth of indoor gatherings, now is the ideal moment to consider adding pieces that encapsulate the charm of fall. Crafted with the holidays and entertaining in mind, the new collection skillfully balances structured silhouettes with soft, feminine details, creating a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for hosting guests. Each item transitions seamlessly into existing decor, making it a foolproof addition to any home. We could not be more excited for the fall and for this collection! Shop the full line here.

The Glam Pad Goes to London

This week at The Glam Pad, we have some thrilling news to share! Our executive editor, Natalie, is embarking on an exciting new chapter as she prepares to move across the pond to London. A talented interior designer with a keen eye for detail, Natalie will be taking her passion for design to new heights as she begins her masters studies at the prestigious Royal College of Art. We couldn’t be more proud of her and look forward to seeing how her experiences in London will inspire her work.

Though her academic pursuits will keep her busy, Natalie will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the content at The Glam Pad, bringing with her a unique London flair. We’re thrilled to have her insights and influence as she navigates one of the world’s most iconic design capitals. Be sure to stay tuned as we chronicle her journey and share updates from her adventures in this vibrant city, offering you an insider’s look at the latest trends, timeless classics, and everything in between from the heart of London to the English Countryside.

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Visit the Glamorous World of the Ladies Who Lunch in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” written by Cathy Witlock  for Frederic.

Designer Melissa Rufty’s Low Country Pied-à-Terre Is a Tale of Two Cities written by Katherine Owen for Veranda.

A Charleston House Restored with Old-Fashioned Charm written by Mario López-Cordero for Frederic.

Shop this week’s inspired finds!

x Natalie
Follow TGP on Instagram: @theglampad
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieealdridge

A Botanically Inspired Georgian Villa by Sean Symington

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A Botanically Inspired Georgian Villa by Sean Symington

Nestled within a charming Somerset village just beyond the city of Bath, England, lies a sun-drenched country villa boasting a captivating setting. Sean Symington‘s clients purchased the romantic Georgian villa, set back from the road and concealed  within a picturesque landscape of foliage, leafy trees, and walled gardens. The sprawling gardens served as an enchanting muse for the interior design, delivering inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty.

“We underwent an entire interior refurbishment including spatial reconfiguration and bespoke joinery,” said Sean. “The brief was to bring this ‘garden’ feeling from the exterior into the interior. To achieve this, we opted for a palette of soft greens, pinks and yellows which mimic the flowers found on the property.”

Sean incorporated a bounty of flora and fauna by means of fabrics, art, and wallpaper to ensures a nod back to nature in every room. The outcome is a light, welcoming and airy family home which is respectful to its surroundings and architecture. Let’s take a look inside!

Such a beautiful, botanically inspired home! To see more, be sure to explore Sean’s Coach House project, which serves as the guest house to the main property.

And to learn more about his work, please visit Sean Symington Interior Design and follow @seansymington on Instagram.  You can also read The Glam Pad’s Style Profile Q&A with him here!

Before & After: Lauren Lowe Transforms a ’90s Mishmash House

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Before & After: Lauren Lowe Transforms a ’90s Mishmash House

When a young Chicago-based family decided to trade city living for the suburbs after the birth of their third child, they initially wanted to find a beautiful old home with plenty of charm. They fell in love with picturesque Winnetka, Illinois and began looking at early 20th century homes. The wife is an art historian who loves antiques and architectural detail… but not, as they discovered, the amount of work required for historic renovation. Instead, they settled on a home custom built in 1992 with a large yard and a layout that best suited their growing family.

Like many 90s homes, this one felt simultaneously too new, yet dated… a mishmash of styles that didn’t blend with the history of other homes in the area. The owners wanted to create their very own “new old home” but without the headache of undergoing a full renovation, as they desired to be settled before school started.

After
Before

To unlock the home’s potential, the owners turned to Atlanta-based Lauren Lowe of Lauren Elaine Interiors. Lauren — who specializes in interior architecture, maximizing the use of space, and creating a layered mix of old and new — was perfectly suited for the task. Lauren went for an “additive” approach, reusing and reimagining existing elements. Moulding and wainscoting was installed along with custom bookshelves, fluted pilasters, custom window treatments, and a bevy of beautiful fabrics and wallpapers.

In the entry hall, the existing lower wainscoting was enhanced with picture-frame paneling coated in Farrow & Ball’s Borrowed Light. The paneling stretches up to the height of the first-floor ceiling.

Before

In the kitchen, well-crafted cabinetry was left in tact, but the corbels and other ‘90s “flourishes” were removed, and a new island was added.  Countertops were replaced with white marble and matching backsplashes. Above the range, 19th-century framed Delft tiles were placed to incorporate an old world element.

Before


The dining room was made to feel more intimate in scale by adding a wall of bookshelves with Neoclassical detailing to hold the client’s vast collection of art books and provide storage for tableware. A custom Edgar-Reeves pendant was added for warmth, and the walls were painted “Blue Gray” by Farrow & Ball, a beautiful hue that varies in color depending on the light.

Before

Massive windows throughout the home span from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, surrounded by crown molding. So as not to distract from their beauty, Lauren added ceiling-mounted drapery rods.

Large walls provide ample space for a growing art collection, including a series of 19th-century German architectural engravings, a framed photograph by Christopher Simon Sykes, and antique oil paintings.


The existing powder room’s existing vanity and mirror were given a fresh coat of paint (Contented by Sherwin Williams). Cole & Son’s Acacia wallpaper was added along with a Visual Comfort sconce topped with Fermoie shades.

Upstairs, each boy’s room was decorated with consideration to individual personality…

The walls of the primary bedroom were kept white to remain quite and serene.

In the primary bathroom, the existing built-ins in the master bath were clunky and outdated, plus there was a mess of soffits. In efforts to streamline the walls and ceiling, Lauren and her team designed a wall of clean built-ins hidden by picture frame molding that houses linen storage, a coffee bar and the door to the walk-in closet. They removed the upper piece of the existing vanity and continued the picture frame molding around the rest of the bathroom.

Waterworks fittings were added and Soane shell sconces in polished silver. The marble is Carrara and wall paint color is Farrow and Ball White Tie.

Primary bathroom before…

Primary bathroom after…

The added wall of built-ins can be seen here.


Antique Aubusson tapestries grace the second-floor landing alongside wall brackets from Ballard Designs, and a trio of paper flowers from John Derian’s The Green Vase and a vintage bench in a Rose Tarlow stripe.

Woodwork is painted in Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball.

An expansive lot located just a few blocks from the shore of Lake Michigan was the icing on the cake.

With kid-friendly touches throughout, this “new old home” now perfectly suits its current inhabitants and provides the perfect backdrop to their collections of antiques, family treasures, and treasured memories yet to be made. And it provides tremendous inspiration to anyone who also wants to incorporate that certain je ne sais quoi of old home living into their modern abode.

For additional information, please visit Lauren Elaine Interiors and follow @laurenelaineinteriors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. You can also click here to read a Style Profile Q&A we conducted with Lauren!

Photography by Aimée Mazzenga. Styling by Benjamin Reynaert.

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, Josh Young’s Artful Home, and The Potting Shed Murder by Paula Sutton

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Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, Josh Young’s Artful Home, and The Potting Shed Murder by Paula Sutton

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 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, Josh Young’s Artful Home, and The Potting Shed Murder. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas

Dallas design aficionados, prepare yourselves: the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club has just announced that the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is making a stylish return to Dallas for its fifth consecutive year. Only a grand address would suffice for such an anticipated anniversary, and this year’s Show House has claimed the prestigious 2999 Turtle Creek Boulevard as its 2024 home. Doors will swing open to the public for three weeks starting Friday, October 25—so mark your calendars, and dust off your finest shoes.

Perched in Dallas’s Turtle Creek neighborhood, this French Renaissance-style mansion is the epitome of luxe living. The two-acre estate has a storied past; in the late 1940s, it was the site of the Cipango Club, where Dallas’s elite wined, dined, and danced through the city’s Golden Age. By the 1990s, it had morphed into an office building, and later flirted with the idea of becoming a Mandarin Oriental hotel. Today, the 25,000-square-foot property seamlessly marries historical charm with contemporary flair, offering designers a sprawling canvas for their creative genius.

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas isn’t just about eye-catching interiors—it also supports the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and two local charities: Dwell with Dignity, and The Crystal Charity Ball, a Dallas institution devoted to supporting children’s charities across the county. While this year’s designers have yet to be announced, we are certain the showhouse will be a delight. Stay tuned for more!

Josh Young’s Artful Home

Josh Young, the esteemed artist, designer, and tastemaker, has unveiled his debut book—a refined journey into his world of serene and modern classicism. Set to release on September 3rd, Artful Home is more than just a book; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in Young’s meticulously curated universe, where every detail is a masterclass in elegance.

Photography by Kirsten Francis

Outdoor dining calls for a simple palette. Rattan placemats and napkin rings pair with the natural setting.
The table in the dining room at Sycamore House is set with pops of red.

Organized around Young’s five guiding principles—palette, texture, form, layers, and nostalgia—the book offers an intimate look into his creative process. Whether he’s crafting a painting, designing a room, or hosting an evening that would leave even the most seasoned host in awe, these principles are the foundation of his work. Through these pages, Young provides readers not just with insight into his design philosophy but with a blueprint for cultivating their own beautifully curated spaces.

We turned a vintage dresser found in Chicago into a buffet for the dining room. The drawers are filled with some of my favorite table linens and silverware.
The primary bedroom’s four-poster bed with carved bamboo details structures the room visually and guides the eye.

Visually, the book is nothing short of a feast. It presents a stunning collection of new images from Young’s DC townhouse and his newly unveiled country retreat, Sycamore House, in Virginia. Alongside these visuals are glimpses of his striking portraiture, evocative collages, and abstract works, as well as his passion for textiles, ceramics, and floral arrangements. This inspiring blend is certain to encourage readers to view their own interiors through a more discerning, artistic lens.

In the entrance to our D.C. townhouse, round forms contrast with straight lines.
The exterior of Sycamore House is a symphony of stonework.

Ultimately, Artful Home is an elegant call to embrace one’s own creative vision. Young demonstrates how to translate personal style into any creative endeavor, affirming that the art of living beautifully is a pursuit well worth undertaking. With a career highlighted by collaborations with iconic brands like Williams-Sonoma Home and Jo Malone London, and features in Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, Young’s reputation precedes him. A graduate of Italy’s Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, he now divides his time between Washington, DC, and Virginia, where he inspires with his artfully lived life.

Artful Home is available via Amazon

The Potting Shed Murder

One of our favorite daydreams is to someday escape the hustle and bustle of city life for the idyllic charm of the English countryside—a dream that Paula Sutton, creator of the beloved blog and Instagram Hill House Vintage, has made her reality. Born and raised in London, Paula spent years in the glamorous fashion world, serving as Head of Press for Elite Premier Model Agency during the golden age of supermodels.

But one day, Paula decided it was time for a change. She packed up her life, her family, and her passion for traditionally English interiors—think Nancy Lancaster and John Fowler—and traded city sidewalks for country lanes. Now, Paula revels in her countryside haven, sharing her charming life with her devoted followers. We’ve been ardent fans of Paula for years, and we’re thrilled to see her embark on her first fiction adventure with the debut of her novel, The Potting Shed Murder.

The Potting Shed Murder is available via Amazon

The story unfolds in the seemingly idyllic villages of Pudding Corner and Pepperbridge—an enchanting, fictional enclave nestled in the Norfolk countryside. In this picturesque world, every farmhouse whispers its history, every neighbor harbors a secret, and each secret comes with its own set of twists and turns.

While a work of fiction, the narrative is inspired by Paula’s own enchanting journey from the vibrant streets of South London to the serene beauty of rural English life. On September 17th, Paula will be hosted by Kelling Home for a captivating morning discussion about all things creative. The event will cover her all things Hill House Vintage, The Potting Shed Murder, and a delightful exploration of her favorite interior styles. It promises to be an afternoon brimming with inspiration and charm. If you find yourself in Norfolk, be certain to take part in this lovely event. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paula Sutton (@hillhousevintage)

Click here to take a tour of Paula’s gorgeous home!

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Learning from the Land at Vermont’s Shelburne Farms written by Meeghan Truelove for Frederic.

The Glory Days of Butlin’s: John Hinde’s Photographs on Show in London written by Hannah Silver for Wallpaper.

Shop this week’s inspired finds!

x Natalie
Follow TGP on Instagram: @theglampad
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieealdridge
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