If you haven’t seen the Sheldon Harte-designed home in the latest issue of House Beautiful, please check it out here. Furnished with numerous finds sourced by yours truly, the Sonoma wine country home was a project for a dear client of mine. With their open mind and the impeccable taste of their talented designer, the result is elevated yet full of rustic, natural beauty. After shopping in my showroom, the duo agreed they were going to need more, and wanted to see where it all came from. I agreed to take these amazing clients on a buying trip to England, France and Belgium. In addition to lots of fun and great food, we managed to acquire some of the greatest finds in my career of sourcing antiques for clients.
From the orangerie planters in the humble yet spacious open-air entrance, to the architectural industrial lights in the media room, we found so many pieces that felt destined to be a part of the home. The collegiate library table that seats ten family members and friends in the outdoor lounge, the pair of sideboards in the great room to accompany world class art, the huge and unexpected dining table to enjoy farm-to-table delicacies, the carts from fabric mills in the guest house that any guest would love to wheel home, the fun and conversational accessories for both the youngsters and grown-ups to enjoy and appreciate, the numerous sculptures to admire, the functional pieces for the master bedroom and bath to start and end their day with, not to mention the rock crystal coffee table by Lanvin to marvel at in the living room…the list goes on.
One of my greatest joys has always been finding exceptional pieces for my clients that they will live with, enjoy and cherish for a lifetime. Working with this family on their home has epitomized that joy, and the spread in House Beautiful furthermore reminds me how fortunate I am in my career to help furnish the homes of friends. To be able to give them spaces which feel thoughtful, unique, and fun is truly a joy.
Photo: John Merkl for House Beautiful.