You’ve spent decades creating interiors that celebrate classic elegance and tradition. What first inspired your path into interior design, and how did your journey begin?

My respect for 'Old School' elegance was a gift from my parents. My British father’s sense of tradition and my mother’s classic style—she entertained with such elegant ease—formed the foundation of my aesthetic. Growing up, we moved every two years to locations ranging from Germany to Taiwan, treating every new residence as an opportunity to appreciate unique architecture and gardens. Later, my formative years in Richmond, Virginia, truly kindled my love for Southern graciousness.
Having renovated four historic homes of our own—including 'Fox Hall,' our c.1803 Federal in Farmington, Connecticut—I felt a calling to preserve heritage by creating interiors that are inviting, timeless, and tailored... all without any 'velvet ropes!' When our c.1845 Georgian colonial graced a magazine cover after my first showhouse, chaired by the legendary Mario Buatta, I was hooked. I believe rooms should 'evolve' rather than look 'decorated.' When the details tell a story, you’ve created a space so welcoming that guests never want to leave.

The bedroom is one of the most intimate spaces in the home. What elements do you believe are essential for creating a bedroom that feels both beautiful and restorative?

I truly believe a bedroom should be an oasis of 'Pretty and Proper' refinement. A pair of reading lamps is a must, along with a few captivating books and magazines, a cashmere throw, puffy-soft down comforters, and a medley of pillows- from soft to firm. And the icing on the cake? Crisply pressed bedlinens!
To create a space that feels both beautiful and inviting, I always rely on the 'Three L’s':
Lighting: It must be soft, layered, and inviting—never harsh.
Layout: I find a sense of calm in a room anchored by symmetry.
Linens: The true cornerstone of elegant comfort.
There is an unmistakable peace that comes from a bed dressed in beautifully splendid linens. Whether I am at 'Fox Hall' or 'Fox Worth,' or designing a client’s bedroom, my goal is always to create a space that is as much a visual delight as it is a cocoon of comfort.

You often describe fine linens as the 'jewelry' of a room. How do patterns like 'Angel Skin' or 'Treccia' contribute to the overall character and story of a home?

I think of fine linens as the 'jewelry' of a room—that essential, polished detail that makes a house feel truly loved. I’ve always been drawn to the 'Angel Skin' and 'Treccia' patterns because they possess an old-world soul that resonates so beautifully within a classic interior. To me, these linens are about more than just decoration; they are about honoring the heritage of a space and creating an oasis of lasting comfort."