February 2, 2021by Pattie Jo Cambell HankeNo CommentsInterior Design

For the Lady of the House

Lady's study with botanical wallpaper, writing desk and wingback chair

There is no place like home! This past challenging year of the pandemic certainly proved Dorothy right. By this time, we all wish we could click our ruby red slippers together three times and get the hell out of our homes. 

But home we are, like it or not. Together. Constantly together. Lots and lots of togetherness.

As we all get on each other’s last nerve in this place called home, I find myself both yearning for the big wide world out there as well as some serious alone time.

Well, I know I could certainly hide out in style in this beautiful blue and white lady’s study I fell in love with at this year’s Mansion in May designer showhouse (which became Splendor in September.)

A Lady’s Study at Tyvan Hill

The Morristown Medical Center Women’s Association fundraiser landed at Tyvan Hill, a 1928 New Vernon, New Jersey estate with an equestrian countryside history.

Stone farmhouse at Tyvan Hill under a dramatic sky

It was chock full of beautiful rooms decked out by fabulous area interior designers. 

I was particularly inspired by this retreat by designer Susan Farcy.

Study corner with a chest of drawers, wing chair and skirted ottoman

What a lovely, lovely room. 

Blue and White, Always Right

Many of you know how I feel about blue and white. It’s forever!

When you step inside this room you are enveloped in a creamy cocoon of Lewis and Wood wallpaper with those dreamy branches and blue foliage.

White fireplace and framed botanicals against blue and white wallpaper

Classic antiques in dark finishes and grey painted furniture touches make up the functional bones of the room. Farcy’s thoughtful blue and white fabric and wallpaper selections from traditional English houses all mix together to make a space that is understated and elegant.

Pleated lamp and a dark floral arrangement on a leather topped table

Many Moments

Many designer rooms are just styled. A truly great room marries purpose and function with design to create beautiful moments for daily living. Oh, I could surely see myself living in this room.

I would have no trouble working on my laptop at that antique desk in front of a cozy fire.

Framed botanical prints and potted greenery on a white mantel
Basket of birch logs beside a blue and white check cushion

Everyone in my Zoom meeting would enjoy this graceful setting and lovely backdrop.

Chest of drawers with a mantel clock, silver tray and framed pictures

Later, some lucky person could join me for a visit on that adorable blue and white Colefax and Fowler checked fabric covered loveseat. 

Blue and white buffalo check sofa against botanical wallpaper

After writing a quick letter, I might be inclined to take a break, open my mail and stretch out to read on the charming wing chair and ottoman. I love that little cushion from Jane Shelton Fabrics.

Wing chair and skirted ottoman stacked with books and magazines

Across the room I would glance at a trestle table set with a vignette of blue and white ginger jars, ferns, books and family photos. 

Console table with a red lamp and a framed landscape painting
Blue and white ginger jars, topiaries and a framed fox print

The red Hwang Bishop lamp and patterned shade from Sorella Glen may provide the cheerful shot of color I would need on a gray, dreary day.

Red lamp, topiary and framed photographs arranged on a console

I would certainly look up with pride and admire the revolutionary themed original artwork by New Jersey fine artist John Philip Osborne.

Framed landscape painting above a console with lamps and greenery

My little puppy would be snoozing in her charming wicker dog bed from Mainly Baskets with its cushion covered in a lovely print from Heather Chadduck Textiles. 

Wicker dog bed with a blue and white floral cushion

After a productive day, I could step through that arched mirrored door into the en suite bathroom.

Study seen through the doorway with a full length mirror

Love this airy, neutral Sanderson countryside scenic wallpaper.

Powder room with grasscloth walls, gilt mirror and pedestal sink

Time to change into my Heidi Carey robe!

Blue and white block print dressing gown hanging on a hanger

I would then be ready to happily rejoin my household.

I don’t know about you, but I am totally there!

Timeless Design

I had the privilege of speaking with lovely interior designer Susan Farcy. We chatted about the unique atmosphere created from using English wallcoverings and fabrics. Her goal was to have a timeless room that would serve the original lady of Tyvan Manor, as well as a modern woman of today. 

Writing desk with a pleated lamp and an upholstered stool

Beautifully done, Susan!

A Personal Refuge

For every lady of the house out there, I hope you feel encouraged to create the sanctuary space you deserve so much. Whether it is an entire room that needs to be repurposed just for you, or an undiscovered corner that can be warmed with a comfortable chair and a lamp, a designated place to recharge the soul is so important. 

Blue and white lamp beside framed equestrian pictures
Blue check sofa with a bolster cushion under a brass swing arm lamp

Doing this now while home will give you some private time from all of this “togetherness”. It will continue to feed your spirits when we are all back out in the hustle bustle of the world once more. 

I hereby give you permission to put yourself first!

Limelight hydrangeas flowering along the stone house wall

In the hunt for you,

Pattie Jo

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