Walls is your fifth book. What makes walls so interesting?
It is amazing what paint can do to the mood of a room. It creates an ambiance, it transports you to another world. It is poesie in action! Paint has changed so little through centuries and is still very relevant today
What kind of research is involved in writing this type of book? How do you gather information and decide what gets cut and what ultimately makes it into the book?
Lots of research is involved with this kind of book, from all over the world and starting with Antiquity. It is a subject dear to my heart that I know a lot about. It is a follow up of sorts to my first book, The Best of Painted Furniture, and I have curated a show on that subject.
What makes it into the book has to be representative of a style, a country or a period: Sometimes it shows similarities in various countries, other times it underscore the differences. Images have to be interesting and fit with the historical narrative and the story that I am telling.
You wear many hats, including designer, author, antiques expert and hostess. Is there one you feel suits you best?
I like the diversity of the things that I do. They all feed one another, making each thing better. My knowledge of antiques and design is tremendously helpful in my job as a decorator. It gives me insight that others may not have.
In design, what do the French do best? Where does American design excel?
The French are extremely creative and free spirited, the Americans are more organized and pragmatic.
It seems that you also like to entertain. What’s your go-to dish when you’re having guests over for dinner?
It all depends on my mood of the moment, the season, and the time of the year, the weather, and the number of guests. I am not even mentioning the dietary constraints of so many. Some classics are always a great success, such as chocolate mousse, or pot de crème, ile flottante, and pot au feu. For a winter night, pork roast with apple and prunes, mussels with white wine & shallots, potatoes gratin, great soups, and vegetable casseroles. So many things, so little time…
What makes the French so chic?
Un certain je ne sais quoi. A love of life, an appreciation for the small pleasure, great attention to details and the fact that they like to do things their own way, regardless of what anybody else thinks.
What inspires you?
Everything: history, colors, nature, friends.
What is it about Connecticut that made you decide to call it home?
A certain quality de vie, the beauty of nature around, and a fun social life!
What are your favorite places in Litchfield County?
Skiing at Mohawk Mountain, my pool house, Bridgewater Chocolates and Three Oaks in Litchfield, and the farmers market in the summer.
What do the walls of your home look like?
Some have antique wallpaper, others are painted great colors varying from lavender to yellow or peach. I would love to have a great mural or frescoes somewhere, maybe one day soon.
So what’s the story with your front door? Is it the same color as when we shot the house in October 2008?
Yes, still that strong apple green. I love it. It seems to have been a subject of discussion for some people. It is fun.
Give us 3 tips for decorating your home.
– Have a great floor, it can be a carpet or a painted floor, make it interesting, start your room with it.
– Use colors that flatter you. Your home has to show you in your best possible frame.
– Build your knowledge in order to be able to mix things up, and make your décor as personal as possible.
You aren’t afraid to use bold colors. How do you keep them sophisticated?
I like colors a lot. To keep them sophisticated, try to only have one bold color at a time, and mix with it some more subdued colors as an accent.
What is your favorite building in France?
Probably Versailles and Le Petit Trianon.