We stumbled upon this stunning estate for sale in South Carolina over the weekend via Pricey Pads and just had to share… The listing appears to already be under contract, but we still cannot help but daydream. Bonny Hall was built in 1897 and is located in Yemassee, SC. The main house boasts 6,000 square feet with six bedrooms and eight baths nestled under a canopy of ancient live oaks next to the Combahee River. You can read more on this exquisitely restored 86-acre estate here. And for more South Carolina charm, please click over to Friday’s post. Enjoy!
Nestled just outside the charming city of Charleston, interior designer Kristin Ellen Hockman’s journey into the world of design commenced at an early age. Her formative years were filled with visits to fabric shops and antique stores, where an insatiable curiosity drove her to participate in the design of her childhood bedrooms. She attributes this innate passion to her mother, who played an instrumental role in nurturing her design sensibilities right from the very beginning.
Kristin defines her style as a blend of tradition and approachability. Her goal is to create spaces that not only captivate the eye but also beckon you to live in them. This ethos is beautifully reflected in her own home—a historic gem dating back to 1852. Surrounded by the enchanting allure of formal gardens rumored to be crafted by the renowned Loutrel Briggs, Kristin’s abode stands as a testament to her distinct yet timeless design flair.
Embracing a recent transition to a rural lifestyle, Kristin offers us an intimate glimpse into her world—one where bees buzz, farm animals frolic, and her baby toddles as Kristin cultivates herbs, tends to her vegetable garden, and embarks on new ventures like her latest project, @shopottar.
Welcome, Kristin!
Kristin Ellen Hockman with her husband and daughter, Astrid
Q: What drew you to your current home? Can you tell us more about it?
A: We had been living in Charleston for a couple of years and felt it was finally the right time for us to purchase a home. We were mainly looking for a home downtown and then serendipitously stumbled across this one. We took the drive out to see it (about 35 minutes from downtown Charleston) and instantly fell in love with its potential. We knew we wanted to purchase an older home but never thought we would find something like this! Built in 1852, our home is a true example of southern Greek Revival vernacular architecture. During the early to mid 20th century, the Roosevelt family (a cousin of FDR) owned it and created the most beautiful formal gardens said to have been designed by renowned landscape architect, Loutrel Briggs. When we moved in, the gardens were completely overgrown but we are slowly breathing new life into them.
Q: When and how did you first become interested in interior design?
A: Interior design has been my calling for as long as I can remember. I have vivid memories of when I was little, drawing up floor plans for how I thought my parents should re-arrange the furniture in the living room and constantly moving items around my own bedroom. My mother was so supportive of my interest in design and cultivated my passion for it very early on. I would go to her and say, “I want to paint my bedroom pink and get a matching gingham comforter” and she would always respond “Let’s do it!” – this positive reaction and support of letting me express myself was (and still is) everything to me. Interior design really became our hobby together. We would visit antique shops, go to the fabric store, sew pillows together! I am eternally grateful for this because it led me to where I am today.
Q: How would you describe your design style?
A: My style is traditional but approachable. I am a lover of antiques through and through however I do like to pepper in a bit of playfulness. It is very important to me that a room be inviting. I want spaces to be lived in and not just admired.
Q: Who are your favorite designers?
A: Renzo Mongiardino, Robert Kime, Christopher Gibbs, Rose Uniacke!
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming project, @shopottar?
A: Ottar is a passion project / creative outlet I am trying to squeeze in between taking care of Astrid and my design projects! The first launch will be this fall and will consist of a collection of antique and vintage Swedish herbarium specimens all paired with mixed media frames I have created myself. I have also been working on a few art prints for children’s rooms that I hope to launch by the end of the year. It has been such a labor of love, and I am so appreciative of all the support I have received thus far.
Q: What are some of your preferred garden ingredients you like to incorporate into your culinary creations?
A: We have a delicious green pizza we love to make that includes many ingredients from the garden- kale, spinach, arugula, basil and nasturtium leaves. Nasturtiums, in my opinion, are the most underrated plant! They taste delicious (both the leaves and flowers are edible), are incredibly easy to grow, self seed, and really elevate any dish.
Q: Living on a farm, you must have a deep connection to nature. How does this connection translate into your design work?
A: Since moving to the country, I have become incredibly connected with nature and even more so since having Astrid, and that plays a huge role in why I am so drawn to antiques and vintage pieces. They are leaps and bounds friendlier for our environment and really stand the test of time so I always try to veer away from any trendy new pieces that will be tossed in a landfill after a few years. And of course, I am inspired by color in nature. I have been craving autumn and seeing the leaves slowly change colors. It is such a cozy and nostalgic feeling, so I recently painted our family room a crisp marigold in an effort to emulate this feeling year around.
Q: Has there been a particularly challenging aspect of your home renovation?
A: Renovating an old home is always like opening a can of worms. You find one small thing you want to change, but in order to do that, you must first change five other things. It’s a chain reaction any time you set out to do a renovation!
Q: Can you share an example of how you’ve worked to enhance certain unique architectural characteristics in your home while integrating some modern elements?
A: It is extremely important to us to keep the integrity of our home and its original architecture. One example of this is our kitchen. When we moved in, our kitchen was still the original kitchen that was added to the back of our home in the 1930s (before that time, there was no kitchen inside the main house). Needless to say, it was time for it to go. However, to honor the original design, we kept the same floor plan. To be completely honest, it is not my ideal layout (there are many moments where I wish we had a huge kitchen where we could gather and entertain) but it was very important that we honor the original layout that was designed by Simons & Lapham. So, we stuck with the galley kitchen in the same original layout but modernized it with all new cabinetry, flooring, appliances, etc. It has turned out to be such a beautiful and timeless space.
Kristin, thank you so much for joining us today and allowing us to glimpse inside the enchanted world you and your family have created! You are truly an inspiration in so many ways! You have brought fresh vibrancy, endless charm and delight into your beautifully restored historic estate, and we cannot wait to watch as your new business, Ottar, comes to life as well.
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 Beata Heuman’s 188 Hammersmith Road, Shelia Bridges for Williams-Sonoma, and Miles Redd for Create Academy. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Beata Heuman’s 188 Hammersmith Road
The Swedish-born, London-based Beata Heuman has established herself as one of the most sought-after interior designers in the industry. Renowned for her imaginative interiors, marked by a profound sense of style and a distinctly Swedish sensibility, Heuman got her start under famed British designer Nicky Haslam and established her eponymous firm in 2013.
Fast forward a decade, and Heuman has undertaken a remarkable venture: the transformation of an overlooked 1820s structure in London, with a fascinating history. Located at 188 Hammersmith Road in London, this building originally served as a “country” villa, strategically situated for convenient city access. Over the years, it underwent a captivating metamorphosis, evolving from a private residence into a vibrant hub for various clubs and societies. In 1904, it came under the ownership of the Constitutional Club, frequented by illustrious figures like Winston Churchill. In 1977, the building experienced a brief revival when The Mardi Club transformed it into a lively ballroom dancing school before falling into disrepair.
Scheduled to open its doors on October 9th, 188 Hammersmith Road will serve as the new headquarters for Beata Heuman. The first floor will house the ‘Shoppa’ showroom, showcasing her own designs alongside a carefully curated selection of antiques. A cozy library and inviting drawing room will also be found on the first floor, while downstairs is a charming kitchen. Upstairs, you’ll find the bustling interior design studios where all the creative magic happens.
Following years of meticulous renovation and an abundance of care, 188 Hammersmith Road will stand as Heuman’s cherished jewel and a valuable resource for designers and enthusiasts alike. Appointments can be scheduled here. They have an exciting open day slated for Monday, the 9th, from 10 am to 5 pm. If you happen to find yourself in London, don’t miss the opportunity to pay a visit!
Sheila Bridges for Williams Sonoma
Sheila Bridges, the renowned and award-winning interior designer celebrated for her Harlem Toile de Jouy artwork, has joined forces with Williams Sonoma Home for an exclusive collection of tabletop essentials, housewares, and decorative pieces.
Images courtesy of Williams Sonoma.
Bridges’ iconic Harlem Toile draws inspiration from the traditional French toile style, characterized by pastoral motifs dating back to the late 1700s. However, her interpretation breathes new life into this classic pattern by infusing it with the vibrant essence of her cherished New York neighborhood and her discerning design sensibilities.
Here at TGP we have long song our praises for learning platform Create Academy. Our unwavering commitment to the pursuit of beauty and excellence drives us to continuously seek new skills and ideas making Create Academy the perfect avenue to do so. From A-list industry leaders like Nina Campbell, Kathryn M. Ireland, and Amanda Lindroth, the platform beautifully covers subjects like decorative arts, interiors, and gardening.
Miles ReddMiles Redd
Create Academy has announced an excited new addition to they roster, legendary designer Miles Redd. Known for his dramatic and über chic interiors, Redd established his New York-based firm in 1998 after working alongside luminaries like John Rosselli, Bunny Williams, and Oscar de la Renta. Drawing inspiration from fashion and art, his work earned accolades, including Elle Decor’s “A-List” and consistent recognition in Architectural Digest’s esteemed “AD 100” since 2012.
In his course Redd will delve into the creation of his signature ‘cosy glamour’ aesthetic, offering insights on crafting spaces that seamlessly combine comfort and luxury. From conceptualization to sourcing, he will share insider tips on utilizing unique color pairings, mastering patterns, curating decor, and expertly crafting stunning interiors. The course information can be found here and will be released in the coming weeks!
When a London client commissioned designer Sean Symington to makeover her weekend retreat in the English countryside, she requested something joyful, pretty, and full of florals… Something entirely different from her contemporary city home.
“A challenge for me was that we wanted it to be youthful, fun and colourful but the client had a lot of inherited brown furniture that she wanted to incorporate,” Sean told House & Garden. “We needed to lift it as it couldn’t all be antique so we mixed styles to keep it eclectic, adding in fresh touches in the fabrics, as well as accessories from the likes of Pooky and Vaughan.”
The house was in structurally sound condition, but it needed a major cosmetic facelift. Updates included freshening kitchen cabinets with “Red Earth” by Farrow & Ball, adding a pink rolltop cast iron tub in a bathroom, and enveloping each room with endless yards of bold and cheerful fabrics. “When it came to patterned fabrics, our client was happy to be adventurous with colour in this house as she’s not there all the time,” said Sean.
Let’s take a peek inside with photography by Chris Wakefield.
Sean Symington was born in Canada, where he worked until his early twenties. He moved to London and began working for Sam Todhunter and then David Collins, before establishing his own firm. The Glam Pad adores that he prefers “older properties – they have more soul, character, life to them and history.” We look forward to sharing more of this up-and-coming designer’s work!
It’s not every day that one has the opportunity to showcase a dear friend. Known to many as RudyThePrep on Instagram, Rudy Saunders has been one of my closest friends since my early days in New York. I’ve always admired his unwavering dedication, distinctive personal style, and remarkable ability to transform any space into a sanctuary. In his role as the Design Director at Dorothy Draper & Co., Saunders couldn’t be better suited or more deserving, embodying the spirit and talent of his predecessors, Dorothy Draper and Carlton Varney.
As an exceptional designer, Saunders also lends his creative prowess to his sensational needlepoint line known as R! by Rudy, available exclusively through Lycette. A true multi-talent and the embodiment of the life of the party, he possesses the remarkable ability to infuse everything he touches with his distinctly Rudy style and beauty.
Today, we invite you to step inside his colorful paradise – his exquisite Upper East Side apartment. At just 375-square-feet, Rudy proves that lack of space does not prevent grand style. Have a peek!
Photography by Trevor Parker Photography
As much as we adore Rudy’s delightful apartment, he is in the process of moving into a larger one, and The Glam Pad cannot wait to share his next adventure.
Additionally, I cannot help but to feel an immense sense of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead in Saunders career. His unwavering dedication, distinctive style, and the magic he brings to every space he touches have already left an indelible mark. Rudy Saunders on a trajectory to continue influencing and shaping the world of interior design.
For continued inspiration, be certain to follow @rudytheprep on Instagram.
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 Leslie Banker’s latest book, Think Like a Decorator, Nina Campbell at Dialogues on Design, and a Jacobean country manor for sale.
Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Think Like a Decorator
There is nothing we love more than curling up with an inspiring new design book. Released in March of this year, Think Like a Decorator, by talented interior designer Leslie Banker, has been one such book that we cannot get enough of. Raised in New York City, Leslie garnered an eye for the extraordinary and a keen philosophy on interiors early on. Her mother was the renowned designer Pamela Banker who established her own design firm in 1966 – Pamela Banker, Inc. – which she paused while assuming principal designer roles at McMillan in the 1980s and Parish Hadley in the 1990s.
Courtesy of Leslie BankerPhotographed by Mark Roscams
Fulfilling her dreams, in 1999 she joined her mother’s renowned design firm. After Pamela’s passing in 2013, Leslie valiantly carried forward the family business, nurturing enduring relationships with clients who had entrusted the firm with their homes for generations.
Photographed by Max Kim-BeePhotographed by Max Kim-Bee
In Think Like a Decorator, Leslie opens the door to her treasure trove of design secrets. She skillfully guides readers in uncovering their own design preferences, encouraging them to express their unique style. From selecting the perfect paint color to cherishing family heirlooms, she helps readers through their design projects.
Courtesy of RizzoliPhotographed by Max Kim-BeePhotographed by Max Kim-Bee
Adding a touch of wit to the mix, Leslie engages in lively Q&A sessions with TGP favorites and renowned designers such as Alexa Hampton, Tom Scheerer, Amanda Nisbet, Katie Ridder, and Christopher Spitzmiller. This book is a roadmap to creating truly personal interiors. Be sure to add this one to your reading list!
Nina Campbell at Dialogues on Design
Nina Campbell is design force who truly needs no introduction. From her early days at Sybil Colefax & John Fowler to her illustrious career beyond, Campbell has provided us with endless inspiration. As one of the world’s most recognized designers, her impressive portfolio spans hospitality havens like the Connaught Hotel, the renowned Annabel’s private club in the heart of London, opulent residences for distinguished British and Jordanian royals, and beyond.
On October 3rd, Nina Campbell will join host Dennis Scully of Scully & Scully at the New York School of Interior Design’s Dialogues on Design series for an insightful conversation on her career, evolving design philosophy, evolving industry trends, and insights into how she harmonizes classic and contemporary styles. With her delightful wit and charm, spending an evening in the company of Nina Campbell promises to be an unforgettable experience! If you find yourself in New York, tickets to the event can be purchased here.
A Jacobean Country Manor For Sale
As the weather gradually turns, we find ourselves enchanted by the search for autumnal inspiration, especially in homes that evoke the seasonal sensations we crave. This week, we stumbled upon a picturesque Jacobean country manor that has recently been listed on the market. Named Mears Ashby Hall, this historic residence was built in 1637 and was once owned by the renowned Stockdale family, known as the Stockdale Baronets.
Images courtesy of Savills.
In 1859, Henry Stockdale undertook an expansion of the estate by introducing the East Wing, a masterpiece designed by the talented Anthony Salvin. As time progressed, Mears Ashby Hall achieved fame during the vibrant 1980s when it became synonymous with hosting captivating operatic performances, all thanks to the dedicated efforts of Frederick Stockdale. Nevertheless, the chapter of the Stockdale family’s association with Mears Ashby Hall came to a close in the 1990s when the property changed hands, and their new principal residence became Hoddington House.
Nestled within a charming village, this historic country estate is a harmonious blend of Jacobean grandeur and Victorian sophistication. It’s bones are unbelievable. Truly something out of a novel. The home even comes with some fascinating lore. According to local legend, the estate has a long tradition of witchcraft. Just in time for Halloween. Let’s have a look inside!
Earlier this month, The Glam Pad featured the exquisite portfolio of Tennessee-based Todd Richesin Interiors. We are delighted to have the founder, designer Todd Richesin, back today by popular request for an exclusive garden tour! Today, he is sharing a video tour of the lushly-landscaped grounds surrounding his beautiful Knoxville home. While landscaping is simply a hobby for Todd, his talent is second to none, and we loved taking a virtual stroll around his very own 3.5-acre slice of heaven. Welcome, Todd!
Thank you so much, Todd, for joining us today… Such inspiration! To learn more, please visit Todd Richesin Interiors and follow @tr_interiors on Instagram.
Step into the captivating world of Caitlin Kah Interiors. Based in sunny Palm Beach, Florida, Kah is an emerging interior design luminary renowned for her ability to seamlessly blend tradition and contemporary elements in her designs. Her humble and client-focused approach to design results in authentic interiors that resonate with her clients’ needs while still allowing her unique vision to shine.
Caitlin’s remarkable journey began at Parsons School of Design in the heart of New York City. Before establishing her own design firm, she played a pivotal role at the prestigious Kemble Interiors, a firm acclaimed on Elle Decor’s A-list and included in the esteemed AD100. Now at the helm of her own firm, she has left her mark on residential and commercial spaces across the United States and even internationally.
Let’s explore her impressive portfolio and see what inspires her! Images courtesy of Carmel Brantley.
Welcome, Caitlin!
Q: Tell us a bit about your career path. Did you take a traditional path to becoming an interior designer?
A: For my freshman and sophomore year, I attended Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and played on the golf team. After my sophomore year, I interned at the New York office of Kemble Interiors and realized that was what I wanted to do. I transferred to Parsons in New York City and stayed at Kemble for about ten years before going out on my own. I worked mostly out of the Palm Beach office.
Q: Where do you source inspiration and or mentorship?
A: Inspiration is everywhere in Palm Beach! Just walking to pick up a salad at lunch can be an inspiring walk. I have so many wonderful friends and mentors in the industry and I would be lost without them!
Q: What are five everyday luxuries you could not live without?
Q: Have you ever had a decorating disaster that you can laugh about now?
A: Yes, I think we all have! Celerie used to always say there are no design emergencies- which is true and always good to remind yourself of that in the moment.
Q: How do you define your style?
A: Sophisticated and elegant, yet practical and comfortable.
Q: What is one fail-safe design element that every room should have?
A: Somehow a touch of chocolate brown seems to work in almost every space! Also, lamp lighting instead of all overhead lighting.
Q: What has been the most challenging (and the most rewarding) part of developing your business?
A: Most rewarding is always pleasing our clients and the camaraderie we have in the office within our team. Most challenging would be that it can sometimes be lonely to be the only one making big tough decisions.
Q: If you were to have a dinner party with five designers past or present, who would they be?
A: Jeffrey Bilhuber, Tom Scherrer, Sister Parrish, Polly Jessup, and Mimi McMakin.
Q: Let’s talk about beauty products… What is your favorite splurge and your favorite save?
A: I splurge on monthly facials at Tammy Fender and love all of her products. I have also been loving everything from Drunk Elephant lately. I save on body moisturizer- Lubriderm does the trick for me!
Q: What are you working on next that we can look forward to?
A: Currently, I am working on designing the interior of the Julia Amory shop in Palm Beach. She is a personal friend of mine and I love her personal style for fashion and interiors! We are also designing an amazing home in the Bahamas on Harbor Island from the ground up. Selecting everything from the tile to the fabrics has been an amazing experience and we cannot wait to see the finished home. And a new build in East Hampton and lots of exciting projects in Palm Beach.
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 upcoming Ann & Gordon Getty Collection sale at Christie’s, Soane Britain’s new showroom, and Bauble Stockings’ holiday collection. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Ann Getty’s Wheatland
In the world of art and design, the name Ann Getty shines brilliantly as a testament to both humble beginnings and extraordinary achievements. Together with her husband, Gordon Getty, she curated one of America’s most prestigious collections of fine and decorative arts. However, amidst their illustrious life journey, Ann never lost sight of her roots. Born in 1941 to a dairy farmer’s family in Sacramento Valley, California, she moved to the quiet town of Wheatland at the age of twelve, where her family owned a peach and walnut farm.
Images courtesy Christie’s Images Limited 2023.
Through her life’s remarkable chapters, Ann Getty’s unwavering commitment to her family’s legacy stands as a beacon of devotion. Her tireless efforts in restoring and transforming her childhood home into what is described as ‘the grandest farmhouse in northern California’ by Jonathan Rendell, Deputy Chairman at Christie’s Americas, evoke a sense of timeless elegance.
Christie’s has now unveiled the grand finale of the illustrious Ann & Gordon Getty Collection. Following the resounding success of previous installments in October 2022 and June 2023, this October will be a splendid showcase of timeless elegance when the contents of Wheatland go up for auction. The live sale will take place in the heart of New York on October 18th and 19th, accompanied by an online sale that concludes on October 20th.
The collection showcases Dutch Old Master still lifes by luminaries like Balthasar van der Ast and Nicolaes van Veerendael, alongside a treasure trove of Delft fruit, a nod to Getty’s Dutch heritage. Noteworthy English furniture and decorative arts, including pieces by Chippendale, Langlois, Ince and Mayhew, and Matthew Boulton, grace the halls. The sale is a true testament to a life dedicated to preserving beauty and heritage!
Additional information on the sale can be found via Christie’s.
Bauble Stockings Holiday Collection
As we approach the holiday season, The Glam Pad eagerly anticipates the festivities, particularly family traditions and of course, the decoration. With that in mind, we are thrilled to offer a first look at the Bauble Stockings 2023 Collection! Bauble Stockings, a company close to our hearts, are meticulously hand-stitched with needlepoint expertise, proudly representing fair trade practices originating from Haiti.
Through Good Threads Needlepoint, a certified Benefit Corporation, we extend vital support to our community of over 1,000 stitchers, most of whom are single mothers, and their families. This support includes essential provisions such as meals, tuition, books, housing, and a variety of other services. With each purchase, proceeds are dedicated to benefiting the Joan Rose Foundation located in Jacmel, Haiti.
These stockings are more than just decorations; they symbolize the love and warmth that make a home truly special. Each stocking is an heirloom, designed to be passed down, emphasizing the beauty of creating lasting memories. It’s the perfect time to start or expand your stocking collection! This year’s collection can be found and shopped here.
Soane Britain
Located on a treelined street of the Upper East Side brimming with architectural heritage, Soane Britain has officially opened their new showroom. Founded in 1997 by Lulu Lytle and Christopher Hodsoll, Soane began with the idea of producing finely crafted furniture with the enduring quality reminiscent of the finest antiques. Soane took its first steps in Christopher’s Pimlico Road shop basement, launching a meticulously curated collection of British-made furniture and lighting designs, adhering to the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Named after the legendary architect himself, Sir John Soane, the company has since expanded significantly, unwavering in its commitment to quality and the traditions of British handcrafted production. Lulu Lytle passionately champions local British craftsmanship and manufacturing. She emphasizes the importance of preserving these crafts, likening it to protecting endangered species.
While the showroom may not be the company’s first New York location, it is the first space that is a true reflection of Soane and its indelible vision of beauty. The showroom is available for visit by appointment only. More information on Soane Britain can be found here. And be sure to follow Soane on Instagram for on going inspiration and glimpses of Lulu’s adorable pup, Panther!
Mario Buatta (1935–2018) is undoubtedly one of the most influential and important decorators of our time, and The Glam Pad is over the moon for the newly released book, Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator, by Emily Evans Eerdmans.
When renovating and decorating our current home, I pored over Mario’s first book, the “Buattapedia” aka Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration, written by Eerdmans in 2013, and I set about “Buatafying” every inch.
In Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator, Eerdmans evaluates several of his final projects and provides readers a masterclass in decorating à la Buatta. Eerdmans, who over the years became a protégée of the late decorator and one of his closest friends, has created an authoritative assessment of his work and a valentine to preserve his legacy.
The Glam Pad is delighted to welcome Emily today to share additional insight behind her creation of this magnificent book! But first, an overview…
Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator
Released this month by Rizzoli, Anatomy of a Decorator presents the design tricks and decorative life of Mario Buatta, one of America’s most famous interior decorators. Drawing upon Buatta’s vast archives and revealing the foundations of his work, which include hundreds of presentation boards, more than eighty scrapbooks chronicling his career, and correspondence with clients and such design notables as John Fowler and Sister Parish, Anatomy of a Decorator illuminates the designer’s work with a focus on influences, process, and evolution. Never-before-seen archival material is culled to present the design master as someone who remains impactful in today’s world of maximalist interiors.
Chapters include a close look at the important figures who guided his trajectory, including Nancy Lancaster, Rose Cumming, Keith Irvine, and Albert Hadley; an assessment of how the designer catapulted from Staten Island without a college degree to become a household name; and a breakdown of Buatta’s design vocabulary and how-tos. Ribbons, needlepoint, fine English and American antiques, floral chintzes, blue-and-white porcelains, lacquerware, botanicals, vibrant color combinations, and whimsy abound.This book is an essential addition to the libraries of design aficionados and for anyone who, like myself, wishes to “Buattafy” their home.
Turn to page 161 in Anatomy of a Decorator to learn how to create Mario’s signature blue bows!
Welcome Emily!
Q: You write about the genius of Mario in your book:
“Interior design, or decoration as Mario preferred to call it, is an art that requires the genius to imagine the possibilities of a space. It is also a business of coordinating thousands of details….” you state. “Mario made his astounding trajectory appear effortless, but of course it was not. He notably worked for years with one or no assistant and yet was able to juggle several enormous projects for important and often demanding clients at the same time, and with great success. Meanwhile, he was also out nearly every night at dinner parties, Mortimer’s — the Upper East Side’s high-society bistro — charity galas, and industry events. It was a staggering achievement of diligence and energy.”
How did he do it? What specific attributes or factors do you feel contributed to this exceptional feat?
A: As a true extrovert, being around people – going to parties, talking to people constantly on the phone – fired him up and energized him. He also was passionate about his work and almost obsessive about making sure each detail was carried out the way he envisioned. I am sure that is one reason why he ultimately found it easier to not have assistants – as it took less time to do it himself than explain it to someone else to do. He often said that when clients hire him, they get him.
Q: Mario clearly loved to surround himself with interesting people who — like himself — possessed big personalities and a grand sense of humor. How were these same characteristics manifested within his design creations?
A: If you compare a Mario room from the 1980s to one by John Fowler, it is much more exuberant and a bit more exaggerated – more color, pattern, ruffles. I think this naturally fits his more expressive personality but also that it was what Americans wanted.
Q: When going through his estate, you mentioned finding bundles of letters received from Mario’s mentor, John Fowler. What a treasure trove you possess! Any thoughts as to a possible third book? Or even a museum of sorts?
A: My biggest hope is that Mario’s archive will find a home with an institution.
Q: What was the most surprising or insightful discovery you made through his estate?
A: Finding the John Fowler letters and understanding the extent of Fowler’s mentorship of Mario was absolutely thrilling. Also studying his collection of auction catalogues and his notes within made me better appreciate how much of a connoisseur he was.
Q: As one of Mario’s closest friends and the custodian of his estate’s archives, how do you plan to ensure the preservation and perpetuation of Mario’s legacy for future generations?
A: That is a tough one. I’ve lived and breathed Mario for the past five years and this book is in a way my final valentine to him. I have been so moved by the response to his auctions and this book so far – I am hopeful his contributions to design history will be remembered for awhile.
Q: You also inherited Mario’s “keys to the kingdom” in terms of his decorating approach and detailed techniques. How does this knowledge influence and inspire your Decoration Consulting business, particularly considering your successful implementation of his style in your work?
A: One of the things that bonded us was our shared affinity for the English Country House style and the importance of collections. I am always asking myself, what would Mario do? Also, like Mario, if you want a beige minimalist space, I am not your person.
Q: Mario liked to say a home is like a scrapbook of its inhabitants’ lives, and like a garden that continues to grow and evolve over the years. You also offer a specialty in Collections Management. How do you assist your clients in building the stories of their lives?
A: A collection should bring joy and reflect its owner. It’s not about buying some props to fill up space. Some clients find the idea of collecting intimidating and have no idea where to start. But often if they look around, they already have something to build upon picked up on travels, inherited, or related to a favorite hobby. Then it’s on to displaying them in an dynamic way!
Q: I don’t think it was coincidental that the “Grandmillennial” movement followed immediately after “Buattacon” – a term coined to describe the overwhelming media sensation created by the auctions of his possessions. How do you predict Mario’s influence will continue to evolve?
A: Technically Grandmillennial as a style term was coined the year before Buattacon – but I do think it solidified it as a real trend. Sotheby’s told me they couldn’t believe how many young people came to view the auction which was amazing to hear. I do think we are in a moment where both maximalist and minimalist aesthetics can co-exist and thrive, due to social media algorithms reinforcing what we naturally like. Collectively we are going through more difficult times with more bad news daily – it is a natural human instinct to want to surround oneself with things that comfort – which is what Mario was all about.
Q: Mario has left an undeniable legacy. What legacy do you wish to leave?
A: The external validation of seeing his name in print meant everything to Mario. My motivation throughout this all is that his name lives on and he isn’t forgotten.
Thank you, Emily, for joining us today, and for this beautiful valentine to my favorite decorator of all time. As a child of the 1980s, Mario Buatta was at his height during my most formative years, and the highlight of my career was interviewing him in 2017 before his passing. He told me something that I will never forget, “I look at my book, and I look at my past jobs and they all look the same to me because they all have the same feeling – they don’t have the feeling of having been done yesterday. You can’t put a date on them. There is something in my brain that works that way.”
Mario Buatta is one of the few decorators in history whose work has remained effervescently timeless for over six decades. His interiors stand the test of time, and Anatomy of a Decorator is a wonderful primer for anyone who admires his style.
As an exceptional designer, Saunders also lends his creative prowess to his sensational needlepoint line known as 
Q: Let’s talk about beauty products… What is your favorite splurge and your favorite save?
The collection showcases Dutch Old Master still lifes by luminaries like Balthasar van der Ast and Nicolaes van Veerendael, alongside a treasure trove of Delft fruit, a nod to Getty’s Dutch heritage. Noteworthy English furniture and decorative arts, including pieces by Chippendale, Langlois, Ince and Mayhew, and Matthew Boulton, grace the halls. The sale is a true testament to a life dedicated to preserving beauty and heritage!
