William McClure

On the list of people that I am obsessed with - I have to add William McClure. I have long admired his style (and his art and antics!) on instagram, so I was excited to learn more about him when I saw that he was featured on Paloma Contrera’s new podcast: Conversations with Creatives.

My main takeaway from the podcast, was the word gumption. More than anything, William McClure has the confidence to be himself, put his work out there - and GO for it. Although today he is a much lauded creative, and his work his been seen in esteemed publications such as Elle Decor, William’s first job was with the State of Alabama Board of Heating and Air Conditioning. As he writes in an interview with Flower Magazine - “one day I woke up and thought, “What am I doing with my life?” and on a whim I reached out to [architect] Bill Ingram.”

I am so inspired by the way that McClure uses antiques in a way that feels modern and fresh, and how he is constantly changing and re-styling his home. It has been so fun to watch his career evolve, and to follow along as he transforms one home after another. William’s interiors (always complimented by his own artwork) has evolved through the years to become a bit more modern and minimal, although common themes run throughout: white lacquer paint, sisal rugs, white linen upholstery, excellent lighting - and of course great art and antiques. His current residence is a rambling farm house in Alabama, and he has essentially been pouring white paint over every inch of it - for tremendous effect. I suggest you follow his adventures - here!

Here are some of my favorite W.M. spaces

For a piece of William McClure’s magic in your home - you can shop his art, pictured here!

108" X 72" ABSTRACT PAINTING ON CANVAS

48" x 60" MIXED MEDIA ABSTRACT ON CANVAS

24" x 24" OIL ABSTRACT

36" X 48" OIL, ACRYLIC AND CHARCOAL ABSTRACT ON CANVAS

Design - Billy Baldwin

Years ago, when I was first stepping into the interior design industry, someone gave me the book Billy Baldwin Decorates. I have to admit, that it has taken me years to actually crack it open and give it a thorough read. While we have so many sources of inspiration available to us, there is something about diving into a real, live, book that feels so refreshing.

Billy Baldwin’s style resonates with my own design sensibilities on so many levels. His work is formal and traditional, but never too stuffy. He deftly combines furniture from different periods, allowing each piece to have a moment - while still creating a sense of harmony in the room. His use of parsons tables, the allure of glossy lacquer walls, the perfect touch of chintz, the practicality of slipper chairs, the power of a well-placed vase of star-gazer lillies… I could go on. As a designer, I find so much value in closely studying his work!

Deeda Blair’s D.C. Dining Room

Here are some of my favorite Billy Baldwin pearls of wisdom - gleaned from his book.

“One of life’s greatest pleasures is living with the pictures you love. ”

— Billy Baldwin

“Nothing is interesting unless it is personal. If you really like something, you can usually find a place for it - but maybe not the one you had in mind.”

— Billy Baldwin

“Suitability is the quality that makes things durable. Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style.”

— Billy Baldwin

SHOP THE LOOK

Arbre De Matisse Throw Pillows

Slipper Chair

Christopher Spitzmiller Lamps

Vintage Chippendale Mirror

Park Avenue Cocktail Table

Round Skirted Table

Tea Leaf Topiary

Turkish Pillows

Outdoor Planter

Telephone Table

Design - Aldous Bertram

I have had Aldous Bertram on my mind for a while. First of all, he is so handsome and talented. But also - his instagram feed is so fun to follow. Peppered between his posts of his own interiors, and his work (notably the collaborations with Amanda Lindroth) - he features the most beautiful historic homes and architectural details. Aldous is a classic multi-hyphenate, and his work as an artist, decorative painter, and designer has me captivated. His work and interests are whimsical, yet firmly rooted in classicism — and I can promise that if you follow him, you will go down more than one rabbit hole learning about this or that palazzo or neo-palladian pile.

I have to admit - Palm Beach is on my short list of places where I would love to live. If not for the antiquing alone… Here is a glimpse into Aldous’ Palm Beach apartment as featured in House Beautiful (a few months ago!). The title of the editorial “The World is His Canvas” - is so fitting, It is also a good directive for all of us, as I feel the most interesting interiors are pulled together from bits of one’s life — and if you are lucky, experiences from all over the world. I love the personal, eclectic vibe of his collections - from shells to porcelain to prints which he bought by way of some serious sleuthing on e-bay!

An Chinoiserie expert who has a PhD from the University of Cambridge in Chinese Influence on English Garden Design and Architecture - Aldous has a book coming out in 2021 with Vendome Press called “Dragons and Pagodas.” Until then, you can have a tiny piece of his world by purchasing one (or three!) of his prints.

To inject some Aldous Bertram style into your home…

Chinese Chippendale Bamboo Chairs

Peter Dunham Fig Leaf Pillows

Riverwalk Mirror

Shell Console Table

White Orchid and Wicker Cachepot

Chinese Famille Verte Foo Dogs

Design - Bowood

As this is place for my to wax poetic about the things that I love, one of the the things that immediately comes to mind - is the beautiful Bowood fabric by Cowtan & Tout.

I dream of the Bowood bedroom that I am going to design for myself once we move into a new house. Whenever I excitedly show my husband a classic floral fabric, he tells me that while he doesn’t love chintz, but he loves me, and I love chintz - so he accepts the chintz.

GORGEOUS LIVING ROOM BY JUSTINE CUSHING

Bowood so so classic and beautiful, and even more endearing because of the story behind it. As the story goes, John Fowler found a scrap of fabric in the home he was decorating “Bowood House” and he had it replicated by Colefax & Fowler.

One glimpse of the fluffy white roses in the gorgeous Capability Brown designed gardens and you can see where the inspiration came from.