The Glam Pad is delighted to welcome John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon, co-founders of Madcap Cottage, for a very special “Day in the Life” video tour! Join Jason and John as they take you inside their enchanted world, full of whimsy and wonder, and learn what the life of an interior designer really looks like.
Madcap Cottage is a global lifestyle brand known for its whimsical, sophisticated use of color, prints, and patterns paired with an overarching spirit of accessible, approachable fun. John and Jason capture a passion for a life well lived that is always on trend and yet forever timeless. Madcap Cottage encompasses numerous lifestyle-driven product categories that range from rugs, lighting, and fabric to wallpaper, tabletop, bedding, dog products, candles, custom furniture, and more sold through robust retail channels—all based upon John’s original paintings and sketches. And stay tuned: There are many more categories in the works!
Please click here to enjoy the video tour! We have also included some of our favorite images of Madcap Cottage interiors below…
SHOP THE MADCAP COLLECTIONS!
Co-Founder John Loecke says, “At Madcap Cottage we create products that are absolutely fun—but also fresh today and tomorrow. We want to put a smile upon your face.”
Madcap Cottage has been featured in InStyle, People, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, HGTV, the Food Network, Hamptons, Country Living, Coastal Living, House & Garden UK, Traditional Home, Architectural Digest Russia, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and New York magazine, among many others.
You can read and see more about their work via previous articles from The Glam Pad by clicking the links below… And for ongoing inspiration, please follow @madcapcottage on Instagram.
Hill House Home may be famous for their widely popular Nap Dress® (the most comfortable thing you can possibly wear in this 100ºC + Texas heat) but they actually first launched as a bedding company in 2016. After moving into her first adult apartment, founder Nell Diamond had difficulty finding beautiful linens that were also affordable. Her goal was to create a sanctuary that lifted her spirits after a long day of work and design products that would bring beauty and joy to everyday rituals. Hill House Home has since extended its collection to include home goods, accessories, baby & kids, bridal, and apparel including the beloved Nap Dress®.
Based in New York, Nell recently commissioned her longtime friend, CeCe Barfield Thompson – a favorite of The Glam Pad – to design the SoHo office. CeCe swathed the entire space with romantic prints, all-over florals, feminine frills, skirted furniture, and wall-to-wall carpet to perfectly reflect the “fairytale mood” of the brand.
Nell wanted people to be transported when walking into the SoHo office. The vibe of the entrance is an old-school ladies’ dressing room, complete with fainting couch, curtained wardrobe, and frilly dressing table.
For Nell’s private office, CeCe chose a palette of pinks, greens, and blues, rounded out by midcentury French furniture and whimsical touches like a Jean Roger ceramic frog planter. The floral trellis block print was enlarged from a Hill House Home dress motif.
The meeting room is minimalistic in style to allow Hill House Home’s various prints and products to shine on their own.
Next is the design studio, which doubles as the fabric library. It is covered in Hill House Home’s lovely Pond Floral pattern.“It was important to me that it felt as serious as a boardroom, but still has details like scalloped lamps that keep it true to us,” CeCe told AD. She also custom-designed an armoire for the space, placing a pinboard inside and lining the drawers with Hill House Home prints.
“Hill House Home isn’t a neutral brand—it is unabashedly feminine,” CeCe told AD. Yet practical, everyday living was also a priority, and she made sure everything was durable enough to withstand visits from Nell’s young children and for various team gatherings (with lots of food!) to be held in comfort… It is a perfect representation of the same easy-going spirit that embodies Hill House Home.
Photography by Lesley Unruh courtesy of CeCe Barfield Inc.
SHOP THE LOOK!
To see more of CeCe’s work, as featured by The Glam Pad, please click the links below.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we explore a rare auction of Monet via Christie’s, Chanel’s Métiers d’Art collection, and Toile galore. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Each year Chanel releases a Métiers d’Art collection highlighting traditional craftsmanship and the exceptional savoir-faire of the Maisons d’art. Virginie Viard, Creative Director and successor of Karl Lagerfeld, presented a second exhibition last week at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence to celebrate the release of the new ready-to-wear collection now available in Chanel boutiques worldwide. The Métiers d’Art show takes place annually in a tribute location that showcases the intricacies of the collection, all of which could not be done without the many workshops abroad that provide the house with handmade lace, embroidery, fabrics, and much more.
The backdrop of Firenze combined with a distinctly French house made for an unrivaled dichotomy. Artistry, passion, and beauty are the best words to describe the divine site of the show. The rarefied world of Chanel always leaves me breathless.
In a rare sale set for June 28th, Christie’s will offer Monet’s Nymphéas, Temps Gris. Produced by the artist in Giverny, France in 1907, the Nymphéas, Temps Gris is one of a series of fifteen works in which Monet used a vertical format to depict the reflections of light, color, and movement within his water lily pond. During the year 1907, Monet went through a period of extreme creativity. He utilized a variety of painting techniques within the series to better capture his subject thus forging an unforgettable series.
The painting has only had two significant public showings since its creation and has otherwise been in private hands. The auction will take place in London and the painting is expected to surpass the $35,000,000 – 55,000,000 estimated value.
As an interior designer, Schumacher is a constant go-to for projects. Not only are they rich with history having been founded by Frederic Schumacher in 1889, but the company remains at the helm of innovation within the industry. This past week I was lucky to attend the showroom debut of Schumacher’s latest collaboration collection entitled Cul-de-sac with fashion designer Victor Glemaud. Known for his bold knits and vibrancy, Glemaud honors his roots within the collection drawing from his Haitian background, favorite reads, artistic inspiration, and fond memories.
A favorite of mine is the Toussaint Toile. This Toile de Jouy illustrates the life of Toussaint Louverture through scenes of his valiant liberation of Haiti. Glemaud’s homage to his Caribbean heritage combined with a touch of whimsy makes this large-scale, traditional toile modern and fun. The collection as a whole has a classic appeal with a distinct edge, very reminiscent of Glemaud’s daily work.
You are in for a treat today as we have arranged a special video tour of Malvern House, built in 1914 by by famed architect Ogden Codman Jr. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Malvern House is the home of designer Lee W. Robinson, founder of the Lee W. Robinson Company, and his wife Babs.
In 1897, Ogden Codman Jr. and Edith Wharton co-wrote The Decoration of Houses which is known to this day as one of the most important decorating books ever written. All of these principles were incorporated into the design of Malvern House. The landscaping was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture and co-designer of Central Park.
Commissioned by Babs’s great-grandparents, Codman completed his design of the house in 1914, and building was completed in 1922. The home stayed in the family until 1992 when it was sold to the former Kentucky governor’s wife. In 2007 Babs and Lee purchased the home, which had become vacant and neglected. Lee spent two years bringing the estate back to life, incorporating furniture and treasures that had been in the family for generations. Using original Olmsted blueprints, in 2011 they began to restore Malvern’s 15 acres of grounds and gardens. Once the overgrowth was cut back, long-buried brick walkways were unearthed and the skeleton of the Olmsted plan emerged and was brought back to life.
Click here to watch the video, and here to learn more about the rich history of Malvern House, including how Babs’s family was saved from an ill-fated trip aboard the Titanic in 1912!
Below are a few of our favorite images of this exquisite home…
You can also see Malvern House decorated for Christmas in all its festive splendor here. To learn more about Lee Robinson please visit his website, and for ongoing inspiration and information, please follow @leerobinsoncompany on Instagram.
With Father’s Day just around the corner we’ve scoured the Internet and asked the men in our lives “what they are loving right now,” so you don’t have to! Whether your dad is an avid golfer, grill master, fitness enthusiast, loves going to the beach, or spending time at home, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect gift below. To make things even easier, we’ve included gifts at every price point. Happy Shopping!
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
This week we explore new collections, the Cotswolds, and classical reads for children.
I have been an ardent follower of Carly Kuhn, creator of The Cartorialist for many years. Her tongue-in-cheek drawing style combined with chic and relatable content stole my heart from on the onset. Starting in television, Kuhn accidentally found her way into a career as an artist. The Cartorialist has collaborated with brands and companies such as Prada, Dior, Capitol Records, Oscar De La Renta, and The American Ballet Theatre just to name a few. And the Glam Pad couldn’t be more excited about her whimsical new wallpaper collection and boutique!
Now, a year in the making Carly has debuted her latest venture, The Cartelier. The Cartelier is a boutique dedicated to the distinct artistic style of Carly Kuhn. But rather than living on a screen or a page her work now comes to life within the home with the launch of a wallpaper collection. Featuring parading peacocks, whimsical chairs, and spunky stripes, her debut collection is just the beginning of what is to come with The Cartelier.
Not only are the wallpaper prints charming conversation starters, but they encapsulate the very essence of Carly and her company. From the unique scrapbook-like images, mouth-watering Instagram feed, and even the enchanting text, the brand has a vintage quality that reminds The Glam Pad of our love for embracing the past.
“Putting My Eyes On” was inspired by beauty advertisements from the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. This design can be applied more literally to the walls of one’s powder room, or if you’re looking for intrigue and mystery, perhaps one’s sitting room, just to remind one’s guests you have your eyes on them.“Whimsy Chairs” wallpaper was inspired by her love of antiques, specifically the chair that seems to inhabit a personality all on its very own… “Little hand written descriptions of each chair adorn the pattern, along with a crossed out line or two, as if I came and drew directly on the wall. Perfect for your sitting room, cheeky vestibule ( yes, a vestibule can be cheeky), or the pretentious library one wants to show off to their houseguests. Fun tidbit, my signature is hidden in most designs as a little nod to my fellow New Yorker Al Hirschfeld and his ‘Nina’s,'” said Carly.
If you are not in the wallpaper market, you can still own a part of The Cartorialist by purchasing a framed print!
From one collection to the next, Rubelli, the treasured Venice based fabric house, has released its latest collaboration with non-other than English artist and designer, Luke Edward Hall. Marrying the world of classical Venezia and the whimsical artistry of Hall, the collection boasts a careful balance of tradition and play. Each print has an ironic quality that genuinely works in an array of environments. I am already feening to get my hands on some yardage.
If you are not familiar with the work of Luke Edward Hall, take a gander at his impeccably eclectic countryside cottage in the magical Cotswolds of England. Its artistic forays of Hall are endless. Not only is he a successful artist, but Hall has also given his golden touch to interiors around the globe, published two books with another title on the way, has had numerous product lines with the likes of Ginori and The Rug Company, and is a regular columnist for The Financial Times, all at a mere thirty-three years old. Phew!
Take a closer peek at his charming home through Living with Style!
Shop some of our Luke Edward Hall favorites!
In book worm news, The Glam Pad was delighted by the overwhelming response to our classical inclusions last month. We were shocked to learn from Lee Cordon, founder of Do Say Give, that each year over 200,000 children’s titles are published. That is over 550 per day! This statistic reflects a stark reality of a consumption society that is quick to banish the “old”. Now, we are all for the new and exciting, but the classics stand the test of time for a reason. Cordon puts it beautifully, “So many of these books have the things we want filling our children’s minds: captivating illustrations, beautiful language, and stories that encourage imagination and curiosity in children.”
In this spirit, Cordon has founded the Classic Children’s Book Club. June 6th kicked off the start of the first annual book club but with the go-at-your-own pace program, the list can be enjoyed anytime within the six-week program and beyond. Her mission through the book club is to cultivate a love of reading classic texts. While school is out for summer, there is no better time to promote strong reading habits and take a break from screens. And the icing on the cake? Cordon is offering TGP readers a 20% discount with code THEGLAMPAD!
With a storied past and incredible ability to shake up the industry, Schumacher has launched its first-ever capsule outdoor furniture collection, Schumacher Editions. Handcrafted in Italy through the eyes of three young designers from Denmark, Finland, and Brooklyn, the collection contains an array of pieces perfectly designed for everyday and entertainment. So often outdoor dining furniture can appear as an afterthought, uncomfortable, and maybe even impractical. The success of the collection is found in its simple lines reminiscent of modern indoor dining furniture with ease of comfort. And it would not be Schumacher without the addition of fiercely spunky prints in playful colors. Take a look!
It’s no surprise that Americans adore their pets, but you may be surprised that 66% of American pet owners allow their precious pets to sleep in their bed, and 58% in relationships admitted they prefer to share a bed with their furry friends rather than their significant other, according to a poll commissioned by Sealy mattress company.
I am one of these people, and to be honest, I’m not surprised by the findings of this poll. What shocked me was that there are very few products for people who want to cuddle on the couch with their kitty or take an afternoon nap with their precious puppy on what I lovingly refer to as “the new dog bed” (i.e. your bed).
So, in 2019 I launched Fursatile, a lifestyle brand with a mission to “connect people and pets beautifully” with home decor designed and curated for pet lovers like myself.
If you are one of the 68% Americans who let your pets sleep in your bed, you’ll probably understand why I designed the Fursatile Step Ottoman. I’ve never been a fan of traditional pet steps, and since I couldn’t find what I needed on the market, I designed the patented Step Ottoman. It’s so much more than just a pet step. It’s a beautiful piece of furniture with the most unexpected features. In short, it was made for people and pets and can be used as extra seating or steps.
Riley the Frenchie loves his Fursatile Step Ottoman
And if you’re tired of stripping your bedding or scrubbing your upholstery, you’ll love the Fursatile Protective Cover. Think of a “protective barrier” for your bedding, couch, or chairs that is pretty and is made with a highly resilient fabric from Italy that is soft, beautiful, and durable!
I know that some of you are probably aghast with having a pet in the bed. Choosing to sleep with an animal is a personal decision. If you’re interested in understanding the pros and cons of sleeping with your pet, this is a great article! Ultimately the decision depends on you, your pet, and your unique situation. One thing I think we can all agree on is that most of the pet products on the market are not #verytgp. As a self-proclaimed “dog-obsessed design lover,” I think we should have it all! A beautiful home where everything has been perfectly appointed, including the products for our four-legged BFF!
As the newest member of The Glam Pad, I have asked Riley (TGP founder Andrea’s French Bulldog) to be the Chief Product Tester & Dog Model Extraordinaire of our FAVORITE LUXURY PET DÉCOR. Not everyone wants a dog in their bed, which is fine. My only request is that you show grace when viewing our selections. Each product started as just an idea for these women entrepreneurs, and after a lot of time, money, and hard work – their design came to life.. for the love of fur babies.
Phoebe is Andrea’s 19-year-old rescue Chihuahua, and she asked to make a brief guest appearance. Phoebe adores her Porthault-inspired heart bowl from Indigo Home. The bowls come in all sizes and colors, and can be personalized with your pet’s name! We also love the matching treat canister. All products are hand-painted with love by our friend Dana Mahnke.
Next up… The SPCA recommends crate training your puppy (please see guidelines here), and we have two recommendations…
Say goodbye forever to ugly wire crates! Clearly Pet’s Lucidium Dog Pens are a game changer. No wires, no bars, and there is plenty of room for Riley’s fluffy bed, his bowls, and toys. Your furry friend stays safe from chewing on potential dangers throughout the house, but doesn’t feel like he is in jail. It has also been a lifesaver as we struggle through potty training. Please note, the bottom of the pen is open, so you will need to add protection. This plastic pan has saved us from countless accidents, I highly recommend it! Clearly Pets also has a list of suggestions, but the pan is still my top choice.
Pretty Kennels is the ultimate in glamour when it comes to dog crates! You can tour the beautiful home of founder Paige Wilson – and read our Q&A – here. We keep Riley’s Pretty Kennel in our bedroom and he loves sleeping next to us at night. Handmade in the USA, these exquisite Lucite crates are truly works of art. I love the touch of Hollywood Glamour it adds to the room! To learn more and to place an order, please visit prettykennels.com and Etsy. Please visit the SPCA for additional information on crate training and how to choose the correct size crate for your dog.
In closing, below are some of my favorite tips for living elegantly with pets!
Tips for Living Beautifully with Pets
Finding ways to make your home pet-friendly is easy…and you don’t have to sacrifice your sense of style. Remember, your house is your home…a haven. It doesn’t need to look like an old-school doghouse!
Clean out a cabinet or drawer and section it off for your fur baby’s food, leashes, toys, etc. I keep all of my pup’s belongings in an antique armoire and a drawer in an Italian console. Using your furniture as storage is a beautiful alternative to traditional pet storage, which looks like it was made for a cat/dog and tends to be an eye sore.
Don’t be afraid to really “live” with your pet. I, for one, can’t get enough puppy cuddles. Keep a small lint roller in your car and a larger one (or two) in your home.
Invest in a vacuum that can clean every nook and cranny of your home. I am obsessed with the Dyson Detect V15 cordless vacuum. It’s engineered for a home with pets, and it can convert to a handheld for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery.
Stay true to your style & find ways to “pet-proof” your upholstery and bedding.
Performance (aka pet-friendly and family-friendly) fabrics change how people live. What makes these fabrics so appealing? Most have properties that make them stain resistant, water repellant, odor-resistant, and some are even bleachable.
You can have beautiful silk bedding, a linen white sofa & have pets! A must-have for every home is The Fursatile Protective Cover. It is made from an Italian performance fabric, and it acts as an extra barrier of protection over all the places your family likes to snuggle.
There are two lovely books we recommend for additional ideas and tips on welcoming pets within the well appointed home:
And for ongoing inspiration on how to live elegantly with pets, please follow @fursatile on Instagram.
According to the American Pet Products Association, seventy percent of U.S. households own a pet, and 90% of them see their pet as part of the family (source). The Glam Pad celebrates the much-needed merger of the pet industry with interior design. What are your favorite chic pet products for the home?
Today The Glam Pad is revisiting a favorite Palm Beach home designed by Jack Fhilips. Decorated to perfection in shades of blue and white, it is hard to believe Jack completed the entire home in a mere six weeks. While this turnaround is most likely impossible in today’s environment it is fun to reminisce. Jack shares his collective process…
“The client wanted the house to look like it had been done over time instead of the six weeks we had,” he said. “Most of fabrics are Brunschwig & Fils and had quick turnaround times. Six week projects of a large scale are not impossible. It takes a massive crew working together and around each other. A lot of the fabrics were all weather proof materials due to the proximity to the water. The nautical effect played into it as did a special traditional approach. The client did not want your everyday transitional look of today.”
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. Written by Natalie Aldridge
This week The Glam Pad travels across the pond to attend the Chelsea Flower Show and celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. With both events occurring within the same two weeks, London is brimming with festoonery. The world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show was held by the Royal Horticultural Society on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marks a momentous 70 years on the throne.
The Glam Pad adores gardens and all things floral, so the Chelsea Flower Show is particularly exciting for us. Held May 24th – May 28th, the show displays unrivaled horticultural and landscaping feats by garden designers from around the globe. The show dates back to 1913 when it was formally known as the Great Spring Show. Not yet the royal affair it is today, it drew gifted exhibitors yet experienced many tribulations for its first few decades. Between two world wars, depressions, and other global strains, the show wavered between success and despair. Cancelled during the Second World War, the Chelsea Flower Show resumed in 1947 to great success and went on to become the globally recognized event that it is today.
Take a peek at some of the highlights from the show!
Strolling about the streets of Chelsea this time of year feels almost like a dream. To honor the occasion, storefronts, homes, and businesses alike throughout the posh London neighborhood take the opportunity to adorn their facades in imaginative and dazzling floral displays. Much like window displays during the holiday season, nothing is too grand or extravagant when it comes to the vignettes that capture the hearts of those who pass by.
I had the chance this past weekend to visit my old stomping grounds and favorite spots around London, all while taking in all the exquisite flower displays. Here’s a look at some of the displays gracing the streets of Chelsea!
February 6, 2022 marked the Queen’s 70 years of service to the United Kingdom, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. On April 21, 1947, her twenty-first birthday, then Princess Elizabeth delivered a radio address from South Africa where she declared her devoted service for the remainder of her life. She has since become a much-loved figure across the globe. Throughout her 70 years on the throne, she has advanced countless patronages and charities serving causes such as education, wildlife, and foreign relations.
While the official date marking the Platinum Jubilee has passed, the festivities are set to take place from June 2nd through June 5th. The Glam Pad cannot be in London to celebrate but we would like to reflect on Queen Elizabeth’s extraordinary life through iconic images of her storied past.
In interior design news, CeCe Barfield has launched her latest tabletop collection, “Summer Garden.” Inspired by lovely sunny days in the garden, each piece has been meticulously designed and crafted, and is perfect for entertaining indoors and out. Wildflowers and climbing vines are painted on porcelain, embroidered on Belgian linen, and carved on silver-plated cups. Wicker baskets and vases add natural texture. Warm, colorful, and designed for layering, just like Cece’s elegant trademark interiors!
Drum roll, please… Elle Decor has announced the A-list class of 2022. Each year the magazine, a mainstay of the industry, carefully select the top emerging and established talent to join their coveted A-list. The Glam Pad looks to the A-list with much excitement as it allows us to discover designers we may have otherwise been unaware of. It is also a momentous occasion to celebrate the recognition of such talent across the globe. New names this year included Billy Cotton, Nicole Hollis, and Frances Merrill.
Two of our favorite Instagram follows – Atlanta-based @covermeinivy and @stuffymuffy – are joining forces to contribute a lovely tour for The Glam Pad today. If you don’t already follow them on Instagram, you will want to do so immediately… then join us for a delightful garden tour!
For a family keen on entertaining, their revived historic home in Haynes Manor serves as a resplendent setting for all manner of occasions.
Set on a generous corner lot in one of Buckhead Atlanta’s most sought-after neighborhoods, a stately Georgian home beckons admirers to imagine the splendor that awaits within its ivy-covered walls. “Bellemonde” was one of the first four homes built in Haynes Manor in 1929 and has been painstakingly restored to its former grandeur over the years with special attention paid to the landscape. The latest iteration of outdoor updates preserves the home’s original architectural elements while creating a comfortable backdrop for the family’s active lifestyle.
The couple enlisted Stan Dixon of D. Stanley Dixon Architect and Land Plus Associates to establish a sense of privacy from the street and foster a seamless connection to the outside. A tiered garden elevation was transformed into the present pool and slate porch design that acts as an extension of the home’s living space. The gracious main level opens onto the lush turf landscape through multiple sets of Palladian doors, marrying Georgian splendor and modern amenity. Atlanta’s mercurial seasons are tempered by intuitive heating and cooling solutions on the porch where the family enjoys endless summer days and crisp autumn afternoons alike.
Retaining walls framing the property become an opportunity to root the home in its surroundings with espalier pear trees, Boston Ivy, creeping fig, and climbing roses. Gibbs Landscape Company maintains the flourishing layers, tending to their myriad needs from grass growth to shrub pruning. Rows of neat boxwood and freely forming ferns line a quiet pathway along the playroom’s original windows that, as designed in the 1920s, swing open to let in the natural symphony of rustling trees. With two young daughters and a brimming social calendar, the couple always has an excuse to welcome a crowd. From impromptu pool parties to formal fundraisers, Bellemonde’s elegant grounds continue to inspire respite from the bustling city life just beyond.
For ongoing inspiration, please follow @covermeinivy and @stuffymuffy. And stay tuned as they will be contributing more garden tours for The Glam Pad!