AT HOME WITH
What makes a house a home?
We’re exploring inspirational women with enviable abodes packed full of personality and joy. This month artist Mary from maryfsaunders invited us and our signature silk cushions into her Virginia digs to share her colourful eye and eclectic treasures, curated under the discerning gaze of her familiars, Thomas & Tim.
ON COLOUR AND PRINT
I am an artist and this just comes naturally to me. I instinctively know what patterns and colours go well together...I try different things and either it works in a pleasing way or it doesn't! It's a feeling, and I always go with that!
ON INSPIRATION
I find inspiration everywhere... nature of course...nature is the most consummate artist! I also love looking through design books and one of my favourites is 'More is More' by Hutton Wilkinson about the famous design icon Tony Duquette. He is the epitome of maximalist style.
ON INVESTMENT PIECES
This is something that I have always done! I come from a family of collectors and I grew up in a house filled with art and antiques. I love antiques and I have some wonderful family pieces, but of course I want to add some more eclectic and colourful things to the mix. I think a house filled with only antiques can be a bit stuffy, so adding the more whimsical and artsy pieces create an exotic, eclectic look that I love so much. For example, pairing an antique chair with Hayley's tropical leopard pillow is a match made in heaven!
ON INTERIOR ADVICE
Buy what you love and it will work!
