When entertaining a large gathering, I utilize the space under the “Mene” bronze sculpture of horse and jockey by placing our collection of Fox-head goblets and derby cups. Mint juleps, anyone?
It has been said that one will meet a handful of people in their life who will share their magnanimous advice or touch one’s life in an impactful way, even though it may seem insignificant at the time.
After 45 years of marriage, and after recently celebrating the wedding of a dear friend, I was inspired to share with you the advice that a dear friend, Marie deButts, gave me when I was a young bride. We met at the Deep Run Hunt Club, outside of Richmond, Virginia. She was twenty years older and I admired everything about her. On our long, glorious rides, I asked questions and relished her answers. We discussed everything, from how she furnished her plantation, to what design advice served Marie well. Here are two pieces of advice that I took to heart. Nothing earth-shattering, but in reality, these have impacted my life in a most positive way, which is the reason I am sharing them with you. Please share them too if you know of a young lady or gentleman just starting out!
COLOR:
Marie said to choose one, or possibly two, colors that you love to wear and build on them. Your entire wardrobe will blend well together forever, and the color you choose will become your trademark. Her color was red. Well, you already know my color. I love pink as much today as I did as a bride! From shoes to handbags, accessories, coats, and dresses, pink and green reign in my dressing room closet.
The same holds true for the colors in one’s house. Mummy loved cobalt blue, which I have also incorporated in various aspects of design in Fox Hall, from blue and white Chinese rugs to Canton porcelain, and a pastel blue bedroom. When my husband and I had a portrait commissioned of our children, they were dressed in tones of blue, which would have complemented just about any room at Fox Hall. While one of my daughters adores coral and turquoise, the other one is attracted to shades of yellows and pinks, which are incorporated in their wardrobes and interiors.
Atop our Hepplewhite mahogany card table is a collection of Meissen vases and Imari porcelain, placed under the English oil painting by Edwin Fox. This is another nod to the cobalt blue theme in our front hall.
THEME:
Marie’s prudent tidbit of advice was to include design elements that you adore, and make them a theme to build upon in your house. She had a “running horse” gold belt buckle that enhanced her outfits. I was inspired and thought to myself, horses and foxes, perhaps by osmosis, or by my ancestors who definitely passed the horse obsession gene along to me. Thank heavens my darling husband, Stuart, has supported my interest in British sporting art, silver foxes, hunt scene breakfast porcelain and accessories, and an 1803 house named Fox Hall!
In my television series, I spoke about the porcelain room at Blenheim Palace, which features retired porcelain patterns. Having one room dedicated to one theme is another way to give your house a unique and enchanting detail.
What speaks to your heart? Whatever theme you choose, it will subtly give an insightful glimpse to others about your life experiences, travels, personality and it will tell your story. A house filled with good stories is rich with authentic patina, adding to its enchantment to others, and is rewarding to your eyes, too!
(And Marie, I thank you for your advice and I hope that you are galloping through the clouds of heaven on your handsome grey horse!)
The front hall at Fox Hall features my grandmother's cobalt blue Chinese rug which I inherited. Notice in the far corner is “Team Holden,” an antique bronze piece from Normandy, which we purchased in Paris. It gives us great joy and serves as a happy memento each morning as we descend the staircase.