Veere Grenney is one of the great masters of interior design, world-renowned for the homes he has created over the last thirty years, and celebrated for his ability to couple glamour with restraint, sophistication with comfort, and modernity with classicism.
In his latest book, Veere Grenney: Seeking Beauty, the revered English fabric and interior designer takes the reader on a deeply personal journey, welcoming us into his three spectacular residences in Tangier; Suffolk, England; and, for the first time, his new London home. Through in-depth tours we are given unparalleled insight into Grenney’s lifetime in the business of seeking and making beauty. We see not only how these homes developed, but what they mean to him.
Veere Grenney: Seeking Beauty begins with his beloved Tangerine villa—a decade-long labor of love and must-see for all garden enthusiasts, completed with the help of friend and expert in wild garden design Umberto Pasti and a regency gazebo designed by architect Cosimo Sesti. Next, we visit the Temple, his 18th-century Suffolk “pocket Palladian” set within the parkland of Tendring Hall and with views of the fishing lake and geranium-filled garden. Grenney called this picturesque sanctuary home for much of 2020. Finally, with exclusive photographs and annotations, Grenney opens the doors for the very first time to his brand-new London home.
With imagery from the acclaimed interiors photographer, Francesco Lagnese, this elegant book showcases Grenney’s skill in marrying traditional styles with contemporary living, and how his spectacular career has influenced the styling of his personal spaces. Let’s take a peek inside!
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 Book Hounds, Daylesford Living Inspired by Nature, and Refrigerator-scaping. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Book Hounds
Welcome to Book Hounds, a delightful dog-friendly bookstore tucked away in St. Michaels, Maryland. Making their debut into the commercial realm, Michelle Gage eagerly embraced the chance to work on such a unique and charming space. Having partnered on several home projects for the owner—a voracious reader with a hundred-book-a-year habit—they were thrilled to help bring her vision of a bookstore to life. The result? A warm and inviting haven, overflowing with thousands of titles, where children and dogs are as welcome as bibliophiles. The store’s name, a nod to her two black labs, whimsically captures the essence of this joyful new venture.
Keyanna Bowen
The beautiful 1920s Victorian building that houses the bookstore received a charming facelift, now adorned in a welcoming shade of blue that highlights its original architectural beauty while adding a hint of fun. A vibrant lipstick-pink door provides a striking focal point, beckoning both the local community and curious passersby. In designing the shop, the goal was to create a space as colorful, cozy, and inviting as a beloved home.
Guided by the owner’s community-focused vision, Book Hounds was thoughtfully designed to captivate visitors of all ages—whether they walk on two legs or four. Regular book readings for children and their furry companions add a charming touch, making the space not just a bookstore but a gathering place that welcomes everyone. Book Hounds is an absolute must-visit for anyone who appreciates a cozy atmosphere, beautiful interiors, dogs, and, of course, a good read!
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Daylesford Living Inspired by Nature
Two decades ago, Carole Bamford envisioned a farm shop taking root on her idyllic Cotswolds estate, and thus, Daylesford Farmshop was born. What began as a modest seed of an idea has since flourished into what many consider the crown jewel of organic country shops.
Offering everything from garden essentials to exquisite housewares, beauty and fashion finds, and beyond, Daylesford’s selections are as bountiful as they are meticulously curated. Once a well-kept secret on her estate, her treasures have now spread across London and are sought after by discerning shoppers around the globe.
But the Daylesford estate is more than just a shopping destination; it’s an entire lifestyle. The grounds have grown to include charming pubs, cozy vacation cottages, and a health club and spa, all the while staying true to its pioneering roots in sustainable agriculture. Now, in a rare and intimate tour, Carole has opened the door to the estate’s most private corners, from meticulously restored cottages to the lush gardens that inspire her seasonal décor and entertaining ideas with Daylesford Living: Inspired by Nature.
This book isn’t just an inside look at the estate; it’s a masterclass in living well, the Carole Bamford way. With witty, insightful text and stunning photography, it is a charming guide to crafting a wholesome, stylish life amidst the rolling hills of the English countryside. It also happens to be Amazon’s #1 New Release for in Organic & Sustainable Gardening & Horticulture. Let’s take a peek inside!
The dreaded refrigerator clean-out just got a lot more interesting. During a late-night Internet deep dive, we stumbled upon a curious trend: meticulously curated and artistically themed refrigerators. Whether it’s practical yet aesthetically pleasing organization or amusingly whimsical over-the-top displays, we’re fully embracing this phenomenon known as “refrigerator-scaping.” Imagine landscaping, but for your fridge.
The moment we discovered this trend, we couldn’t help but think of Yolanda Hadid’s iconic refrigerator, which made its debut on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and even has its own Instagram profile.
Sure, “refrigerator-scaping” might not be the most practical pastime, but we can’t help but love this playful spin on an everyday appliance. It’s a small thing, but it serves as a delightful reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places—even behind the fridge door.
Amidst the turbulent world in which we live lies the opportunity to create our own personal sanctuary… a respite and retreat for ourselves and our families. Carley Summers Design is a full service interior design studio born out of the belief—and firsthand experience—that home has the potential to inspire healing, safety, hospitality, and growth. The spaces she designs, rooted in the stories and authentic identities of her clients, are built on and for meaningful connection.
Carley Page Summers
Carley founded her namesake studio following years of capturing the narratives woven through homes as an interior photographer. However, Carley’s appreciation for design—the origins of her calling—can be traced back to her time in rehab, where she was given a space of her own for the first time after being homeless. Before she became an internationally renowned designer and photographer, Carley suffered from alcoholism and addiction, spending nights in jail, the emergency room, and rehab. As someone who celebrates recovery today, she knows firsthand the importance of a warm and inviting home. Carley uses her life experience and her craft to ensure that the homes she photographs and designs are comforting, healing spaces to live and grow in. Carly and her team see interior design as an opportunity to cultivate a deeply personal sanctuary that acknowledges our own history and embraces our present.
Sacred Spaces takes readers on a beautifully photographed journey inside fourteen homes, from North Carolina and California to Canada, France, and Morocco, as Summers uncovers the vulnerable stories behind each one: a mother who uses her kitchen to heal her son with food, a woman who found her sanctuary after overcoming childhood abuse, and more. She even offers a tour of her mother’s home and her own. Along the way, each section identifies a type of space that people have created, including:
• The Foundational Home, which features those who have created spaces on a solid foundation for a lasting legacy
• The Wandering Home, which highlights people who were lost in life, lost in travels, but never lost in their home
• The Cathartic Home, which showcases people who realize that when they cannot change the outside world, they can change the inside of their homes to bring comfort through renewal and restoration
This collection is a balm for those seeking refuge in a world fraught with struggle and heartache. Through stories of brokenness, hurt, and healing, Sacred Spaces invites readers to dream of the home that will set them free.
The Max Collection by Carley Summers for River & Bord
Carley and her team have also collaborated with River & Bord, a purveyor of luxury, American-made furnishings to produce a line of modern heirlooms. Each one is inspired by furniture sketches that were hand drawn by Carley’s grandfather, Max, more than 60 years ago. These are timeless treasures designed to last a lifetime!
Let’s take a further look at her exquisite portfolio!
Thank you, Carley, for sharing your incredibly story, we pray it inspires many!
To see more of the beautiful work by Carley Summers Designs, please visit carleysummers.com and follow @carlaypage on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. Her book, Sacred Spaces, may be purchased here.
Since 2005, Christine Markatos Design has been the go-to interior design firm for those who crave a blend of modern chic and classic charm. Led by Christine Markatos Lowe, who brings over 25 years of residential expertise, this award-winning studio transforms spaces into timeless treasures with a dash of wit.
Christine’s magic lies in her ability to mix patterns, colors, and textures, creating rooms that are as distinctive as they are elegant. Her design genius is fueled by a passion for the decorative arts and a love of globe-trotting adventures.
Manolo Langis
Before establishing her own studio, Christine honed her skills at renowned firms such as Peter Marino Architect, Michael S. Smith, and The Wiseman Group. She holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Trinity College and an M.F.A. in Sculpture from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, making her a true artist at the core.
Christine’s work has dazzled readers of Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Luxe Interiors + Design, The Wall Street Journal, and the L.A. Times. Each project tells a unique story with elegance and a playful wink, setting the bar high for creativity and style in the world of interior design.
Welcome, Christine!
Q: When and how did you first become interested in interior design?
A: After a long history of studying fine art in school and completing an MFA in Sculpture at Penn, I returned to New York City trying to sort out the next step in my creative journey. By a stroke of good fortune, I landed a position at Peter Marino Architect and entered the interiors department as the most junior assistant. I learned about design from the ground up by working for the designers and assisted with creating proposals, hand drafting, and organizing design presentations for meetings.
Trisha HarrisonManolo LangisTrisha Harrison
Over time, I was assisting the Senior Designers in any way possible as they executed their projects. By the end of my tenure there, I was the assistant to the head of the department. The design education I received was incredible, from learning about the architectural details to the layering of materials and the museum-quality furnishings and art that were sourced for the clients. I soaked it all up, learning about the decorative arts on the go and was hooked.
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Q: How do you define your style?
Timeless with a California twist. I am known for creating palettes that are infused with color and pattern, from soft and tranquil to bold and graphic. Color influences every aspect of my style and how I create environments for my clients.
A: Who are your top five interior designers (past/present)?
Hard to name just a few, but I love Veere Greeney, Markham Roberts, and Tom Scheerer because their work is refined yet casually elegant, deftly edited, and filled with beautiful details. I admire both Peter Marino and Michael Smith for all the theatrical beauty and incredible collections showcased in their work.
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Q: Where do you enjoy sourcing antiques and art?
A: These days, there is access to everything at your fingertips! So, if you know what you are looking for, it’s easy to go online and discover endless possibilities. For antiques and art, I love sourcing at auction houses such as Doyle and Bonhams, 1st dibs, Chairish, Artsy, and Artnet. Though truthfully, my favorite sourcing happens when I find unexpected treasures at flea markets. Brimfield Flea Markets in Massachusetts and the L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market in Provence are two favorites to mention.
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Q: You are known for your artistic perspective, what do you most often look to for artistic inspiration?
A: I think inspiration is everywhere, from fashion to travel to sourcing from books. My favorite inspiration is found at museum exhibitions. I was recently in London and had the opportunity to see the Sargent and Fashion show at the Tate Britain. Sargent was a portraitist to the upper echelons of late 19th-century society, and his paintings have an ethereal quality to them. What was so inspiring about the show was that many of the dresses and accessories worn for the portraits had been saved and were also on display in juxtaposition with the painting. Swoon-worthy!
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Q: What are five everyday luxuries you could not live without?
A: Le Labo scents, my favorite being Lys 41; candy, whether a piece of chocolate or something sour; listening to music; fresh mint tea in the evening; and a hot bubble bath.
Manolo Langis
Q: What is one fail-safe design element that every room should have?
A: Beautiful lighting. Whether vintage, antique, or contemporary, I believe that lighting is the jewelry of the room. It is worth investing in beautiful lighting to help set the aesthetic of the room. By mixing types of lighting at different heights, you can balance the overall space. The bonus is that when the lighting is right, you look great as well!
Monica WangMonica WangManolo Langis
Q: What is your favorite design or coffee table book?
A: The de Gournay hand-painted interiors book is so inspiring! Not only was I thrilled to have a project included in it, but seeing the creative ways each of their papers and fabrics serve as the backdrop to other designers’ work keeps me revisiting it again and again. And it has a gorgeous cover to boot to add to your tablescape!
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Q: What advice do you have for women thinking of launching their own business?
A: Timing is everything. When you are ready to launch your business, it will be necessary to wear many hats, so be sure that you are available for a multi-tasking type of schedule. I always tell women I mentor that if you are taking a time out, for instance, to start a family, it is better to have one project to keep you still engaged, rather than stopping and then re-starting your business. That one project will keep you current in the market and show future clients that you can balance your family with your work.
Q: What are you working on next that we can look forward to?
A: We have a charming 1920’s house in Southampton that is almost ready to install, a very exciting yacht project starting in Europe, and several renovations currently happening in Los Angeles.
Manolo LangisManolo LangisBespoke Real EstateManolo Langis
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 Giles Deacon collection for Sanderson, Christopher Farr Cloth Celebrating Nantucket By Design, and Emilia Wickstead’s collaboration with Passalacqua. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Giles Deacon for Sanderson
We are always on the lookout for new and exciting fabrics and wallpapers! This week, we discovered the incredible Giles Deacon collection for the British textile house Sanderson. The renowned London-based couture designer has collaborated with Sanderson to create a distinctive range of fabrics and wallpapers, debuting earlier this year. This collection masterfully blends his commissioned artworks with fresh takes on archival jacquards and prints from both his studio and Sanderson’s archives.
The collection features Sanderson classics alongside opulent and reimagined designs, showcasing the remarkable skills of Giles and the Sanderson team. Drawing inspiration from his couture work, Giles incorporates distinctive stripes, industrial influences, and his signature calligraphic ‘G’. Rich with medieval influences, Greek mythology references, and whimsical elements, this collection is intriguing. It beautifully balances nostalgia and innovation, making it perfect for creating timeless interiors. We’re absolutely smitten with this collection. Take a look at some of our favorites from the line up.
Christopher Farr Cloth Celebrates Nantucket By Design
Presented by the Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket by Design celebrates the island’s unique influence on design with engaging keynote speakers, unique discussions, a partnership with The Nantucket Summer Antiques Show, a design panel, and more.
On July 15, the crème de la crème of the design world gathered for this exclusive event, all clad in the signature ‘Nantucket Red’. Guests dined on Maison Margaux tableware atop Kit Kemp’s ‘Time Teller’ tablecloth fabric in ‘berry’, beautifully handblock printed by Christopher Farr Cloth in England. The table setting was a feast for the eyes, featuring embroidered placemats and napkins with ombre tassels, all showcasing the Time Teller fabric.
Adding a touch of whimsy, Lizzie Matthews crafted elegant calligraphed menu cards. The table sparkled with Time Teller fans, Provence Blue plates, amber-speckled glassware, and Maisy bud vases. The delicious local menu, prepared by Chef Kaity Farrell from Fare Isle Catering, was served in the enchanting gardens of The Green Market. It was an event that truly epitomized the charm and elegance of Nantucket By Design.
Emilia Wickstead Teams Up with Passalacqua
August may be approaching, but we’re still savoring summer, and nothing captures the essence of a summer holiday like the breathtaking Lake Como in Italy. British fashion designer Emilia Wickstead shares this sentiment, having collaborated with Passalacqua, an exquisite 18th-century villa on Lake Como recently recognized as The World’s Best Hotel, to create a limited-edition vacation-wear capsule collection.
Passalacqua, one of Lake Como’s most stunning private residences, reopened in June as a 24-suite retreat after a three-year restoration. Perched above the village of Moltrasio, this villa boasts seven acres of terraced gardens that descend to the lake’s shore. With a rich history of hosting renowned figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Bellini, and Winston Churchill, Passalacqua is a testament to historical grandeur. This villa is the passion project of the De Santis family, prominent Italian hoteliers and owners of the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
The collection itself reflects the hotel’s storied past, rich interiors, and picturesque Lake Como setting, all with a distinctive British flair. True to her craft, each piece is unmistakably Emilia Wickstead.
There is nothing that says “summer” more beautifully than hydrangeas, and we have fallen head over heels for the exquisite gardens surrounding the 19th century Hamptons home of Kelli Delaney Kot, editor of KDHamptons… The images she is posting on her Instagram account @KDHamptons are positively breathtaking!
“It’s been a banner season for Hydrangeas in the Hamptons!” Kelli said. “We have 120 Endless Summer and White Wedding Hydrangea shrubs planted at our home, Maple Shade. They wrap around the porch of our 1880 Victorian farmhouse, our pool, and alongside the privet hedge.”
Intrigued to learn more about her boundless blooms, we asked Kelli to share her secrets… We are delighted to learn from Kelli today and take a peek inside her gorgeous garden. Welcome, Kelli!
Hydrangea flowers are stunning and deserve a prime spot in your landscape. To get the biggest blooms, give your hydrangeas the best care from the beginning. Choose a plant that will thrive in your garden’s conditions, and then follow up with proper pruning, watering, and fertilizing. Here’s how to grow beautiful hydrangeas.
Selecting hydrangeas
When planting hydrangeas, start by choosing the right plant for your garden. Consider the available space and whether you want a large shrub-like an oakleaf hydrangea or a smaller specimen for a landscape bed. Also, take note of the sun exposure in the planting area, as different hydrangea varieties have varying sun tolerance. Additionally, decide on the flower color you prefer and consider the soil moisture and your growing zone. If you live in a colder region, select a variety that can survive winter temperatures. For specific care information, refer to the plant listing on the website, where you can find details on the “care” and “overview” tabs to help you choose plants suitable for your garden’s conditions.
Planting hydrangeas
The best time to plant shrubs is in the fall or spring. Planting during these seasons allows the plants to grow healthy new roots without the stress of winter cold or summer heat. For the most part, hydrangeas grow best in full to partial sun in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils (though specific requirements may vary by variety). Some hydrangeas can tolerate less sun, a higher pH, or more moisture in the soil. To plant, dig a hole that is two to three times as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole. Place a spade handle across the planting hole across the root ball to ensure that the top of the root ball is level or just barely higher than the soil around the planting hole. Adjust the depth if needed, then fill in around the shrub with the soil that you removed. There is no need to amend the backfill. Water regularly to establish. Mulch around the base of the plant, taking care to pull the mulch away from the plant stems.
Pruning hydrangeas
Pruning is, for some people, the most frightening and mysterious of hydrangea care. Don’t be scared! At the very least, if you prune at the wrong time or remove too much of the plant, it will grow back.
Here are the secrets to pruning hydrangeas properly:
Wait until plants start growing in the spring to prune back any dead wood. That is the only way to know which parts of the plant survived the winter. Hydrangeas can be slow to leaf out. Be patient.
Know whether your hydrangea blooms on old wood (last year’s growth) or new wood (this year’s growth). There are a few varieties that bloom on old and new growth. As a rule of thumb, you’ll prune old wood bloomers right after they flower (usually in the spring or early summer). You’ll prune new wood bloomers in the spring after the plants start growing. Some of the newer, more compact varieties need little pruning except to remove dead or diseased branches.
Watering hydrangeas
Most hydrangeas need consistently and evenly moist soil. They don’t do well in bone-dry soils or with wet/dry/wet/dry cycles. Mulching helps conserve moisture. Water deeply and infrequently during dry periods to encourage deep root growth. Some varieties handle more water than others.
Fertilizing hydrangeas
You will not need to fertilize hydrangea plants every year. Feeding hydrangeas too much nitrogen can result in lots of leaves and few blooms. You can err on the side of a “lean” growing plan and hold off on fertilizing unless the leaves turn slightly yellow in the centers. If the whole leaf turns yellow but the veins remain pronounced, the plant could have a problem absorbing iron. Test the soil pH. You might have to lower the pH by applying aluminum sulfate.
“TOPBUXUS Restore & Protect Mix is the magic ingredient to keeping all of my boxwoods in supermodel shape here at our Hamptons home, Maple Shade. The hedges framing my parterre garden, and all of the potted & planted boxwoods on the property are sprayed every 2-3 weeks during the summer season. They stay lush, green, and gorgeous!”
Related to fertilizing is the question of bloom color, which, on bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), is influenced by pH. Low pH leads to blue flowers and a higher pH, pink flowers. Some cultivars stay pink, regardless of pH. It isn’t uncommon to end up with purplish flowers, as well.
Why Won’t My Hydrangea Bloom?
There are three main reasons why hydrangeas don’t bloom:
Cold temperatures. Flower buds on bigleaf hydrangeas that bloom on old wood can be killed by winter temperatures, even though the rest of the plant survives. The only solution is to wait for next year. Some new bigleaf varieties bloom on old and new wood, making winterkill less of a problem.
Too much shade. Most hydrangeas need some sun to grow and bloom. If temperature isn’t a factor, it could be sunlight.
Pruning at the wrong time. If you prune hydrangeas that bloom on old wood (bigleaf and oakleaf, primarily) in the spring before they bloom you’ll cut off the flower buds before they open. If you prune shrubs that bloom on new wood too late in the spring or summer, you can cut off flower buds after they form for the summer, but before they open. Late pruning can keep these shrubs from blooming and re-blooming. Try to select hydrangea varieties that can grow to maturity without yearly pruning to maintain an artificially small size. There are so many choices now that you can find a plant that will fit your growing conditions without needing to resort to extreme pruning.
Thank you, Kelli, for joining us today and sharing these wonderful tips!
To learn more, please visit KDHamptons.com and follow @KDHamptons on Instagram. You can also tour the inside of Kelli’s dreamy Victorian farmhouse via One Kings Lane. And stay tuned, as we look forward to bringing you more inspiration from Kelli Delaney Kot!
Interior designer Chad Graci‘s client spent her childhood in Bay St. Louis where she developed a special appreciation for the beauty and charm of the Mississippi coastline. Her family has owned property in the area since the early 1900s, and they envisioned a vacation home where grandchildren could play in the pool, adults would convene on the porch, and everyone could stay under one roof.
Two of her nephews, Regan Kane and Sanders Kane (of Kane Construction) helped with the development and building of the home. Architect Eric Greishaber worked with Chad Graci to design an elegant, not-so-beachy beach house with a youthful feel that will stand up to the wear and tear of sandy feet as well as the southern Mississippi coastal weather. The house is on the water and needed to be flood proof, so all the flooring downstairs is tile or stone.
The exterior was inspired by British West Indies architecture
The client’s collection of English and American antiques served as a starting point for the design which is grounded in tradition but lightened by fresh fun and practical textiles and surfaces. Other elements create a collected-over-time feel to the newly constructed home, including a variety of artwork the homeowners acquired through local vendors and travels, bamboo-inspired pieces in the living room, and straw and raffia details throughout the home.
“I knew she wanted something that wasn’t a cliché beach house look,” Graci said. “Clients come to me for a style that is grounded in tradition but feels fresh, fun, and collected.”
Photography by Sara Essex Bradley
To learn more, please visit Chad Graci Interiors and follow @graciinteriors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. Described by Traditional Home magazine as a New Traditionalist, we are huge fans of Chad’s work and will be featuring more here at The Glam Pad… stay tuned! You can also click here to see a beautiful historic New Orleans home he designed.
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 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, a pink palace in Portugal, and Leandra Cohen for Tressé. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Summer is synonymous with sales, but the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2024 is the standout event we eagerly anticipate each year. Unlike typical sales, Nordstrom offers significant discounts on both past-season favorites and brand-new arrivals. Starting July 15, you can discover fresh pieces at unbeatable prices. Running through August 3, we’re gearing up to fill our carts over the coming weeks to ensure we don’t miss out on any fantastic deals.
Whether you’re seeking new summer essentials or planning your fall wardrobe, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has something for everyone. Let’s dive into our top picks!
A Pink Palace in Portugal
Move over, Barbie Dream House! A pink palace of dreams has hit the market in Portugal. Nestled within enchanting French-style botanical gardens, this magnificent Portuguese palace, built in 1880, is rumored to have ties to Portuguese royalty. Said to have been commissioned by King Manuel III of Portugal for his Spanish lover, this estate is a historic enclave rich in high design and intrigue.
The gardens, designed by the illustrious French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier—celebrated for his work on the Champ de Mars gardens beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Parque de María Luisa in Seville—are a testament to his genius, featuring impressive water features, a swimming pool, and two guest villas.
A complete renovation in 2015 has lovingly restored the palace’s original period details, including the exquisite stained-glass windows, rich wood flooring, and ornate ceiling cornicing, preserving the elegance of a bygone era. This opulent pink palace offers ample bedrooms, bathrooms, and several elegantly appointed reception rooms. The turnkey estate also includes an equestrian complex with 30 stalls, a jumping track, and a 30-room hotel available for renovation, along with two restaurants.
Situated just 2 hours from Lisbon, near the Spanish border, and a mere 5-minute drive from the UNESCO-listed town of Elvas, this extraordinary property stands as one of Portugal’s hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. There are so many possibilities to be had with this very loved estate. Let’s have a look inside.
Leandra Cohen for for Tressé
Leandra Cohen, the New York stylist, founder of Cafe Leandra, and mastermind behind the once cult-favorite fashion blog Man Repeller, is taking her distinctive style and unique approach to new heights. She’s now teamed up with the fashion label Tressé to introduce a collection of irresistibly charming objects and tableware. Known for her flair and originality in fashion, Cohen is seamlessly transitioning into the world of decor and lifestyle.
Picture the chic sophistication of Parisian elegance blending with the edgy vibrance of New York style. This collection, comprising twenty pieces of tableware, is a heartfelt homage to the travel adventures and childhood memories of both founders. It’s not just tableware; it’s a nostalgic journey served on a platter.
Amazon makes near daily deliveries here at The Glam Pad… We are hooked on the convenience and also the boundless trove of treasures just waiting to be discovered. With Amazon’s Prime Day sale in full swing today and tomorrow, we decided to query some of our favorite interior designers and influencers to uncover their top Amazon go-tos! What are your favorite Amazon finds? We’d love to hear in the comments below!
If in a pinch, designer James Farmer turns to Merville brand drapery hardware (mainly rings and French return/wrap around) are a good quick option on the design side. They are available on Amazon!
Merville RingsJames Farmer Photograph by Emily Followill
I love to put together lists for my clients with coffee table books to purchase to start their book collections on design, garden, etc. books.
I also find Amazon as a great resource for last minute party prep – block print tablecloths, cloth napkins and even Italian blown glassware. I’ll use this if I can’t find any of these types of goods locally at the last minute.
Amazon is the perfect resource for design and landscaping books, jewelry organizers, drawer dividers, ribbons for the holidays for decorating the house, live bulbs, dishware, cocktail napkins, French onion soup bowls, office supplies, and more!
TOPBUXUS Restore & Protect Mix is the magic ingredient to keeping all of my boxwoods in supermodel shape here at our Hamptons home, Maple Shade. The hedges framing my parterre garden, and all of the potted & planted boxwoods on the property are sprayed every 2-3 weeks during the summer season. They stay lush, green, and gorgeous!
I pack this storage case when I know I’ll be wearing ties and pocket squares on a trip. The flap also fits rings, cufflinks, and other accessories. It’s slim, nice looking, and reliable.
This was a Christmas gift I gave my brother-in-law a couple of years ago. It’s the Cadillac of cork openers! Great for older, precious bottles that might easily break with a standard opener.
This book is like a crash course in dissecting what makes a successful living space. It breaks down all the visual elements of a home and breaks open the eye so you learn to appreciate the history, craftsmanship and quality of the components. Impressive and useful.
Whether creating a country home, a city apartment, a townhouse, a yacht or a boardroom, Darren Henault specializes in creating a palpable feeling of comfort and intimacy, as well as a sense of permanence. His extraordinary talent for creating luxurious livable spaces has won him awards, accolades and the attention of the most important design publications in the world.
“To me, living beautifully is about editing and figuring out what positive changes to make that will affect how you feel about your home, and ultimately, about yourself,” Darren says.
We are delighted to welcome Darren to The Glam Pad today for a Style Profile Q&A and a tour of one of his most rewarding design projects: the major renovation of his 1800 farmhouse in Millbrook, New York. The addition includes a bright, airy family room with floor-to-ceiling windows, bedrooms and a bathroom for his twin girls, along with a new entryway.
Photography is by William Waldron, styling is by Martin Bourne. Welcome, Darren!
Q: Please tell us about your background and how your career in interior design began?
A: My family was in the textile industry and had mills in both Woonsocket, RI and Lowell, MA. By osmosis I learned about weaving, dying and finishing. Most importantly I learned about color working one summer in the dye labs. However I had no interest in that business or working with my family. Flash forward 20 years and I’m working in advertising in New York. On a trip to Europe with a friends family, the dad (an architect) told me that I had an eye and should be an interior designer. I thought he was nuts. When I returned to New York the head of the interior design department at FIT called me (at the insistence of my friend’s dad) and talked me into taking a studio class. I was hooked.
Q: How would you describe your aesthetic, and how has it evolved over the years?
A: Proust had the ability with a single phrase to make you not just see something but make you feel like you were actually having an experience. It may sound esoteric but I’ve always hoped that people feel something when they’re in a room that I’ve done. I like texture and pattern and layers. I like to consider every surface in the room from the floor to the ceiling. I want to create rooms that beg to be lived in, not just ogled. As I’ve gotten older I’ve hopefully learned a thing or two. I’ve bent from being strictly traditional to enjoying a clean modern influence here and there.
Q: Please tell us about the most interesting or unique project you have worked on.
A: There isn’t a single project. But there are several clients who I’ve done my best work for. Those are the people who push me outside of my box, challenge me to create something new and different, allow me to work with craftsmen who teach me. And they trust me.
Q: We understand you were named among Vanity Fair’s 2013 International Best-Dressed List. How does fashion influence your work as a designer? For example, does a client’s attire reflect the interiors you create for them?
A: My own fashion is incredibly simple. My jackets and shirts are all custom and detailed, my shoes are good, my pants are irrelevant (meaning jeans are fine). Yes, I’m known for the occasional flair but I keep it pretty clean and mean. Honestly, I don’t want to think about what I’m wearing on a daily basis. We’re making so many decisions during the course of the day I like to remove that from my to do list. Surprisingly what a client is wearing rarely has anything to do with how they want to live. It’s odd. I’ve had rock stars who wanted immaculate and tailored homes and I’ve had buttoned down three piece suited wall street execs who wanted to live like a bohemian.
Q: Please tell us about Tent, your new New York City location.
A: It’s an extension of the store in Amenia with one difference. In Amenia I have to be very careful with price point. Not that the New York location is off the charts but I’m able to work with artisans and create lighting, casegoods, accessories that may not be affordable upstate or desirable in a second home. It’s more artisan heavy which I really enjoy.
Q: What designers (past or present) have most influenced your work?
A: The list of people that I’d have to give credit to is vast. If I’ve seen, loved or learned one thing from a designer they’ve influenced my work. Jacques Garcia, Jacques Grange, Nicky Haslam, Frances Elkins, Madeline Castaing, John Pawson, Alexa Hampton, David Kleinberg, Miles Redd, Jamie Drake…..dozens of young people coming up. We all learn from each other.
Q: Over the course of your career, what are the biggest changes you have witnessed within the interior design industry, and what changes do you foresee over the next five years?
A: I honestly don’t think much has changed. Besides talent a designers greatest asset is the craftspeople he works with. Yes everything is accessible via the internet for mass market. But the one on one between the designer and the workroom is where the magic is created. That will never change. In regards to the future, I’m VERY VERY curious to see what AI does. I’m trying to figure out that one myself right now.
Q: How do you create a home that defies trends and will withstand the test of time?
A: My answer to that is how do you create a home that is trendy. If it’s trendy it’s not a home. It’s someone else’s idea of how people should live. OK I’ll say it, “RH is good looking”. But at those prices do you want to live like a million other people? Make it personal, make it yours.
Q: Where do you find inspiration, and how do you like to spend your downtime?
A: That’s easy. One word. Travel, travel, travel, travel, travel
Thank you, Darren, for joining us today, and for inviting us into your family’s exquisite country home!
