THE GRACIOUS ROOM

“Be pretty if you can. Be witty if you must. But be gracious if it kills you!” - Elsie de Wolfe

 One of my first showhouses was in Washington DC for their celebrated Design Center.  Southern Accents, a wonderful publication, that I still miss dearly, invited me to design a space for their “Gracious Room” showhouse.  I decided on a romantic approach of well-worn luxury with a French daybed and corona featuring embroidery by Chelsea Textiles. The floors were limed, and patina and texture were celebrated with each element of the composition. Goat leather fauteuils from J. Robert Scott, silks from Scalamandre, an antique rug from Stark, and family photos on the dressing table gave the space a relaxed elegance and sense of personality.  Antiques from Gore Dean, one of the best Georgetown Antiques Shops, completed the story.