Akin to a baker's dozen, my
Farmer's Dozen is a quantity of a dozen or so questions - a series of
questions with fellow designers, authors, tastemakers, friends and
Southerners alike.
1)
You were named one of Traditional Homes Top 10 New Trad Designers for
2012. In these days of contemporary modern designs, how do you encourage
clients to adopt your style (which is like mine: traiditional,
comfortable, yet chic)?
Even with the push in the Design Industry to take more risks
and go contemporary, there still is a substantial demographic of clients---both
young and old---that prefer a more traditional look. I’ve also found
that many clients who are looking for that modern slant tend to gravitate
towards what I like to call Updated Classics, and by that I mean design
that is, at its core, very traditional but still extremely functional
and never outdated looking. I feel that great design---like fashion---should
stand the test of time and that means blending the tried-and-true with
fun modern inspirations.
2) If you were a color, what would
you be and why?
A pinky coral. It’s one of my favorite hues because it gives
off a cheerful and happy vibe, but it’s simultaneously classic and
sophisticated.
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| flowers at my rehearsal dinner |
3) What are some of your favorite
heirlooms? What do you love about them? How have you incorporated them into your
decor?
To be honest, I don’t have any heirlooms in my New York apartment, but the pieces
in my parents’ home that surrounded me in my childhood left their
impression on me. When my grandmother died, we inherited many of the
beautiful pieces that adorned her Mediterranean-style home in Palm Beach.
I was very close to her, so these heirlooms became very dear to me and
helped me keep her memory alive.
My favorite thing about the pieces we inherited was that they truly
imbibed her personality and spirit. She had exquisite taste in
china and silver and used them often to entertain. We also had many
silver-framed photographs---all black and white and dating as far back
as the early 20s---depicting many events and her impeccably lady-like
sense of style. As a child I often tried to recreate these scenes and
developed a passion for arranging tablescapes. If I could trace back
to a point in time when I first discovered my love of Interiors, I think
it would be during those first couple years after she died. Based on my experience,
I think that if you are lucky enough to have heirlooms, then it is essential
to weave them into your design, as the memories associated with them
are completely unique and cannot be replaced.
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Photo of my grandmother (flanked by my Dad and uncle) at her dressing table.
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4. Describe how you've brought Southern style with you into the Big City.
To me, the hallmarks of Southern style that I embrace are those
of hospitality, graciousness, warmth and comfort. Fortunately, these
are traits that you can bring with you everywhere, whether it be in
your home or how you approach your life in general.
5. What's your favorite
pattern?
Chinoiserie is a favorite and one of the most versatile patterns.
The Western interpretation of the East adds a whimsical and exotic flair
to just about any space. For example, Gracie panels are fabulous in
a foyer in a traditional Upper East Side apartment, while a Quadrille
two-tone fabric take on Chinoiserie meshes perfectly with the laid-back
style of a beach cottage.
6. Where is your favorite get-a-way?
For a quick escape from the city, I’d have to say East Hampton. As clichéd as that sounds, you
really can’t beat the spectacular beaches there. Add to that the classic
New England architecture, lush gardens, and the endless supply of quaint
shops and restaurants---it truly is a charming and unique town.
7. Your Christmas card was adorable. And it was so nice to get something in the mail that I could hold in my hands. Describe your ideal stationary--what should stationary convey about a person?
Stationary is a great way to express some personal flair. I
love thick flat correspondence cards with piped edges and lined envelopes
and always use a thick, inky, black pen.
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| by Cranes |
8. What was the last meal you made in
your home? Who did you share it with?
Sticking to simple, basics, but using quality, is key when
cooking in my tiny New York City kitchen. I like to make spaghetti---with
homemade sauce of course! I serve it with a simple Bibb lettuce salad
with Bronson Van Wyck’s Arrowhead Farms’ champagne vinaigrette for
a convenient touch of elegance. This cozy, classic meal is a low-stress
way to relax with my husband after a long day at work.
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Arrowhead Farms Salad Dressing
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9. What's your favorite garden
flavor? How do you incorporate it into your favorite dishes?
My obsession with anything and everything peppermint is kind of a
running joke in my family. My absolute favorite way to enjoy
it would be in the form of Pink Peppermint Ice Cream. It was a Birthday
ritual of mine and my family’s to make it with an old-fashioned ice
cream churner and serve it with chocolate cake
10. Who inspires you?
My mother. She truly has a talent for creating an atmosphere
that is homey and welcoming. Even now that my sisters and I are grown
and out of the house, she still takes joy in updating our house and
making it festive for the seasons. Family is very important to her and
she does a wonderful job of making our home the perfect gathering place
all of us.
11.
We met in Cashiers, one of my favorite places, and you've married into
one of my very favorite families. How do you incorporate a sense of
FAMLIY and PLACE into your design work?
I think this almost goes hand-in-hand with my answer to the previous
question. I view Interiors as the backdrop or setting for memories and
happy times spent with family and friends. That being said, I
strive to create spaces that are family-friendly while still incorporating
great style. You never want feel like you can’t actually live in a
room and I think that can often happen when designers prioritize fashion
and esthetics over the room’s use or the clients’ lifestyles. Interiors
should welcome their inhabitants and visitors and encourage them to
linger and enjoy the space and each other’s company.
12. Favorite scent?
I actually have two: In the winter, I like scents that remind me of
a cozy fire or something with a hint of spice; and in the summertime,
I like citrusy scents.
13. What's on your coffee table right
now?
A stack of my favorite design books, some fresh cut flowers
and a Dipyque candle.
Allison sounds like my kind of girl!
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