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From Mark's Desk
As we go through life, it's important to hit refresh every once in a while. For me, my recent trip to the UK was the opportunity I had been waiting for to feel renewed and inspired. It ended up being the perfect pause from my everyday work life. While in England, I was lucky enough to tour the most incredible country houses and gather references for Orange Hill Farm, the Georgian-inspired home that I'm in the process of building.
On my desk right now is a scheme inspired by my travels. Looking back, Chiswick House, Holkham Hall, and Houghton Hall stood out to me as the most inspiring places we visited. The proportions of the architecture and all of the details have really stuck with me. Since Jasper Conran's recent sale at Christie's, his exquisite collection at New Wardour Castle has also been on my mind. I'm dreaming up simple white palettes that let elegant and refined Georgian or Palladian architecture shine. William Kent is another design figure that I admire. His sense of classical restraint in the realms of architecture, furniture, and gardens is something I strive for. I love a mix of casual linens, flowering plants, and natural fibers with a backdrop of over-the-top moldings, beautiful stonework, and gilt accents. As I get back to my LA routine, I'm pausing to reflect on the fact that beauty can be found in the grandest of estates or the simplest of moments.
BEAUTIFUL THINGS
MDS FOR SCHUMACHER
The Mark D. Sikes for Schumacher line of luxurious fabrics consists of modern takes on my go-to favorites including a pretty chinoiserie floral, a smart ikat, a playful paisley medallion, and, of course, stripes. Proving the power of pattern, each piece is designed to mix and match in fresh color groupings including blues and whites, neutrals, and reds.
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MDS FOR CHADDOCK
MDS FOR CHADDOCK
More Classics, my new lighting collection, is a continuation of the first collection with Hudson Valley Lighting. It features recurring themes like painted shades and spherical forms infused with a British sensibility for a captivating second act.
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CELEBRATE
CHISWICK HOUSE
@chiswick_house
One of my favorite stops on our tour, Chiswick House is a villa in the neo-Palladian style that was completed in 1729.
HOLKHAM HALL
#holkhamhall
I was completely stunned by the glorious entrance hall of Holkham Hall, a Neo-Palladian style house built by William Kent in the 18th century.
HOUGHTON HALL
@houghton_hall
I will remember experiencing the sumptuous interiors of Houghton Hall for a long time to come.
CLIVEDEN HOUSE
@clivedenhouse
We were lucky enough to stay at Cliveden House while in the countryside. The gardens were absolutely beautiful.
ORANGE HILL FARM
@orange_hill_farm_
Follow along on Instagram as we continue to develop the complete vision for my future home in Ojai.
VIV HAXBY
@thestatelyhomeguide
We owe our amazing tour of the countryside to Viv Haxby, our brilliant tour guide. She made all of this brilliant and easy. Contact her if you want a beautiful experience.