Jackie and the Biltmore

What do Jackie Kennedy and the Biltmore have in common? A wedding veil. 

Jackie’s first cousin married into the Vanderbilt family and wore the same wedding veil in their weddings. A tiara of lace and orange blossoms anchored their family veil. 

The name "Biltmore" is derived from "Bildt," a Dutch town with citizens of Vanderbilt ancestry, and "more," an old English term referring to rolling, mountainous countryside. 

Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt for George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, the Biltmore Estate was and is still America's largest private residence. Over 175,000 square feet (more than four acres of floor space), the 250-room French Renaissance chateau includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

Nestled on 8,000 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (though the acreage during George Vanderbilt's life was approximately 125,000 acres - including property later sold to the government to create Pisgah National Forest) its grounds (75 acres of formal and informal gardens) were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted the son of America's first landscape architect and designer of Central Park, the grounds of the U. S. Capitol as well as the parks in the small town where I live! An early influencer of everyday beauty right under our noses. 

Biltmore was a pioneer in sustainable land use practices and has long operated its farm and field-to-table program. Biltmore is also credited as the Birthplace of American Forestry (Biltmore.com).

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George Vanderbilt married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in Paris, and their home was first opened to friends and family on Christmas Eve, 1895.

The inspired interiors include imported pieces from sourcing trips to Europe and an impressive art collection - Can you spot Renoir’s “Boy with Orange” on the hidden door in the picture?

Credits: Photos of the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier & John F. Kennedy, September 1953, were captured by Toni Frissell and Lisa Larsen All other photos are my own.

Bringing Culture Home: Amparo Fine Living

What’s in a name? To say the least, Amparo is a colorful sanctuary of unique cross-cultural experiences. Blending heritage, hibiscus tea, and hummingbirds with inspiration from her home town of Monterrey, Mexico, and travels across the world, Mariana Barran de Goodall and her husband Taylor Goodall bring it all together in their new home store in Mountain Brook’s English Village. Their latest creative venture offers a wide selection of unique and artisanal finds guaranteed to brighten your day. Read on to discover more of the special story behind Amparo Fine Living.

Amparo

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For the now Texas-based needlework artist, Mariana Barran de Goodall, Amparo Fine Living is not her first rodeo.

On Heritage and Hibiscus 

After receiving an MBA, in Australia, Mariana moved to Texas where she and her husband live and stay busy with their numerous creative ventures. Only a few years ago, in her late 20s, Mariana drew on her roots to found Hibiscus Linens. Her first business, named after her mother’s beloved hibiscus tea served frequently during home gatherings growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, honors a centuries-old hand stitching artisanal technique she was taught in school as a child. You can find these creations online (where you can also purchase patterns or take a virtual class!), in the storefront in Houston, and now at Amparo. On the website, she describes:

“Our fine linens are handmade with classic shapes in a wide range of fabrics for all styles and uses in the modern home.” 

The couple’s most recent venture began in 2019 with the grand opening of Hotel Amparo, in a 300-year-old former mayor’s mansion in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, recently named the number one boutique hotel in Mexico, and second in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine’s list of Top 100 Hotels in the World. You can purchase the artisan pottery made in collaboration for the hotel’s restaurant at Amparo, pictured below.

Amparo’s logo mark portrays a shield with a hibiscus flower at its center.

Hand-embroidered colorful masks by Mariana

On Store Experience: 

As welcoming as her mother’s hibiscus tea, those who enter the store are greeted by a prismatic journey of color and light. Lyn Garrett, Mariana’s mother-in-law and store manager, along with the charming Elizabeth Hamn help ensure a lovely experience to help you find what you are looking for or simply explore the many treasures Amparo offers. Infinite variations of texture and colors characterize this unique craftsmanship of items in the store. Rich in color and texture, a sampling of these delightfully captivating finds might include beautiful French paper by Antoinette Poisson of Paris, Spanish hummingbird art by Tomas Ramirez, or vibrant Portuguese soaps. Because owners Mariana and Taylor choose to work with local artisans, it’s easy to see how visitors will find themselves quickly transported through a worldly experience inspired by relationships and personal connection.

Antoinette Poisson paper goods made in Paris. 160 white pages made of vellum paper cream colored; journal cover imprinted with hot foil.

Looking Ahead…

Always seeking ways to connect and inspire, Mariana looks forward to developing a special experience for interior designers and textile enthusiasts through offering a selection of wall coverings and textiles for the home in the store soon.

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Hummingbird Art by Tomas Ramirez. The significance of Hummingbirds in Spanish culture dates back over four thousand years to stories within Mayan culture.

Upcoming News and Store Hours:

Amparo Fine Living is currently holding regular hours Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm with masks and social distancing practices in place. Call, visit online, or stop by with your mask to meet the charming women of Amparo, and mark your calendars for a special Hibiscus Linens truck show beginning on September 10th!

To keep up and stay inspiration no matter your location… visit one (or all) of the links below, you’ll be glad you did! 

Online: Amparo Fine Living Website / Instagram

Keep up with all of Mariana’s creative ventures on her Instagram

A big cheers to the Amparo team on their newest adventure and best wishes for continued success in years to come! We can’t wait to see what is in store!

Article written and photographed by Maison de Carolyn

The Gardener's Cottage: Unfolding of a Mountain Oasis

Beloved by locals and a must-see spot for travelers in the area, The Gardener’s Cottage greets all who enter with a sensory and welcome embrace. Follow me behind the floral curtain of this magic spot with owner, Libby Endry, as she graciously shares the delightful journey of how it came to be and why it offers much more than the name may first lead you to believe. Spoiler alert: the story involves pastry school and her mother’s famous lemon pound cake recipe at the end!

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”

Audrey Hebpurn

In a time where we are distinctly connected by a desire for moments of hope and inspiration, stepping into this charming home and garden shop provides a breath of fresh air. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains around the corner from the historic Biltmore Estate, in Asheville, North Carolina, The Gardener’s cottage is thoughtfully designed inside and out to take your mind off the beaten path. I had the pleasure of speaking with Libby recently about her ownership experience and, though it would be near impossible to cover every delightful detail here, my hope is this taste serves to whet your appetite to experience for yourself!

Painting of The Gardener’s Cottage by original owner and artist, Bee Sieburg.

On the beginning and owning a shop at age 22

Growing up in sunny Florida, the decision to build a mountain home in North Carolina began a special journey for Libby’s family, ultimately introducing her to The Gardener’s Cottage’s original owners, mother-daughter artist duo Bee Sieburg and Molly Courcelle, who founded the shop with a focus on floral and garden design in 1997 and have stayed dear friends over the years. 

After studying merchandising in college, Libby followed her heart to New York for an internship before moving to Asheville in 2004, where her sister Laura was living and working for Bee and Molly at the time. Fueled by her love to bake, she enrolled in pastry school noting she did not have concrete intentions to stay in the area long. Things quickly changed a few months after arriving when Bee and Molly decided they were ready to sell the shop, and she and her sister saw this as a sign to do something they’d always wanted to do: run a store together! “It felt meant to be” Libby explained. With the floral design side of the store already built in place thanks to Bee, Libby was eager and excited for the opportunity to put her merchandising skills to work expanding the shop side of the business.

Sarah Mollere, store manager and details mastermind!

On the store today

Today, assisted by a talented team, you may find store manager, Sarah Mollere, brainstorming with Libby about ways to navigate this unique time with creativity and dedication. Libby expresses with gratitude and sincerity, “Sarah has been my right arm during this unusual time and I couldn’t have gotten through this time without her. She’s the definition of a team player.”

On staying creative in unprecedented times

When asked about navigating new changes each day, Libby reveals, “when situations like this arise, it makes me more motivated and it challenges you to come up with something out of the box and creative.” Libby shared when the first stay-at-home order was issued that her team stayed busy by asking what they can do to keep people inspired during this time and take their mind off of something so serious. For Libby, the natural answer is one which furthers The Gardener’s Cottage’s consistent intention of making their customers’ homes and surroundings look and feel beautiful.

On composition and style

Libby helps put together a happy arrangement in the store.

“We have a lot of fun putting custom compositions together and finding unique elements that set things apart.” Often the best part, Libby explains, is in the details of helping others. In addition to floral and garden services, Libby and her team enjoy going above and beyond in the thoughtful process of putting creative compositions together. Sometimes this can look like assisting customers with the “placement of plants… or what type of centerpiece would look good where.” Although Libby would describe The Gardener’s Cottage’s style as naturally elegant, she won’t neglect an opportunity to add a touch of whimsy to a design. She explains this can be “as simple as a timeless arrangement chock-full of maidenhair ferns or more complex with elements that add something unique.” The detailed and playful approach and personality of both the pieces and people at The Gardener’s Cottage make customers eager to return and often lends to friendships that feel like family.

On the store atmosphere

This passion for detailed client involvement blends effortlessly into the design and experience of the shop itself. “I'm motivated by people’s experiences'' Libby explains. And visitors from all corners of life who enter the shop are greeted with a welcome and sensory embrace, “Don’t let the name fool you” Libby advises as she describes how you don’t have to be a plant lover to enjoy wandering through the space. With thoughtfully curated local art, unique interiors finds, books, antique treasures and more, the charming two-story indoor and outdoor space is designed to offer “something for everyone” and abounds with constant entertainment. 

On the magic of the holidays

The holidays are a special time at The Gardener’s Cottage, Libby explains. “I love turning the shop into a cozy space when the weather starts to cool...bringing in whatever feels good.” This time of year also rings in a joyful holiday tradition, hosting a store event filled with friends and completed with a celebrated assortments of her mother’s baked goods made with love in her home kitchen in Florida. With a smile, Libby shares how her mother is somewhat of a celebrity for her cooking at the store. So popular are her treats that the demand for recipes resulted in a cooklet! As a special gift for us, Libby graciously shared the recipe for her mother’s delicious lemon “Pound Cake for Bee”!

On Inspiration

“We are lucky to have such beautiful nature here. I find inspiration in every season!” From the golden change in leaves with the cooler fall weather to the sparse twiggy foliage of winter and bright colors of spring, you will find Libby bringing the outdoors in to create new experiences all year round. Examples of this are reflected by bespoke pieces locally commissioned and inspired by the rustic cabins of Cashiers, to custom floral arrangements including her favorite flower, camellias!

Our conversation closed with a question provoking both a timely and timeless response… 

“What do you think gardens can teach us about hope?”

Without hesitating, Libby replies by quoting “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” attributed to fellow gardener and humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn. Libby explains being in nature is a “simple way to feel grounded and connected.” A rewarding act of reaping what you sow, the process beautifully echos what we are all trying to do: build a garden for a better tomorrow, filled with hope and love for generations to come and enjoy. 

Thank you, Libby, for this special conversation and the love you put into your work. If you find yourself in Asheville, don’t miss the chance to fall in love with the Gardener’s Cottage for yourself! You can find Libby and her team posting inspiring blooms and unique finds on Instagram or Facebook, and through their website!

For now, experience the magic from your kitchen with Libby’s mom’s lemon Pound Cake for Bee!

Visit the talented mother-daughter duo, Bee and Molly, at their studio in the nearby River Arts District!

Photography: some photos were taken by Maison de Carolyn and others were generously granted use by The Gardener’s Cottage. All rights belong to owners. Contact to learn more.

Wild Things Flowers & Curiosities

Wild Things Flowers & Curiosities

Take a look behind the scenes of this charming shop with Owner Carolyn Chen…

Filled with an air of whimsical possibilities and floral perfume, a walk through this enchanting store in Homewood, Alabama, will leave you feeling inspired in more ways than one. In celebration of their one-year anniversary, Wild Things Flowers & Curiosities owner, Carolyn Chen, sat down alongside floral artist, Erika Keel, to share with me more about life behind the boutique and bouquets.     

Offering floral workshops, curated finds, private gatherings, editorial styling and floral delivery, the women of Wild Things know a thing or two about great design. And lucky for us, they love to share this passion and knowledge with others.

“Flowers are such a gift” Carolyn explains. “We love to help our customers be creative, to make people smile and be happy.”

A great example of this kindness is found during their social media event “season of giving giveaways” where a number of floral arrangements were sent to friends and families in need through nominations by their loved ones during the holiday season.

“Flowers are such a gift”

Carolyn Chen

When asked to describe the best part about the workspace, eyes immediately land on beloved shop dogs, Maple and Ginny. “They help us all” Carolyn notes with a smile. “They make the atmosphere better.”   

From books to bath salts and unexpected vintage finds, Carolyn’s thoughtfully curated boutique is all about the details. As you travel past these finds to the back of the store, you’re likely to find Erika, Holly, Caroline, or Carolyn leading a workshop like “Blooms & Bagels” where you and your friends can learn to assemble alluring arrangements while sampling delicious local bagels and mimosas.

Carolyn’s advice for beginner floral arrangers?  Bend the rules. “However you like [the arrangement] to look is how it should look” she explains. Often in their floral workshops, Carolyn is asked: “did I do this right!?” She replies by encouraging her students to see there are no right or wrong rules in floral design. To follow rules would be missing an opportunity to be creative.  Just have fun! Sometimes the best outcomes happen by complete surprise.

What is a typical morning like at Wild Things? The day begins with a team meeting to “go over upcoming floral deliveries and a walk through the store to make sure the aesthetic and merchandise is ready for the day.” Carolyn feels it is important to have a piece of everyone on her team represented in the shop which is why she makes a point to rotate who goes to market each time.

How does she find inspiration? As a graphic design grad and art history lover, Carolyn draws inspiration for her floral designs from the seasons as well as her favorite impressionist painter, Renoir. Carolyn is responsible for the design and branding of the store, and this same creativity is made evident as she and her team infuse color and curiosity in every venture.

What’s next for Wild Things? Specializing in thoughtfully sourced materials, the team looks forward to building relationships with floral vendors in Holland this year to be able to import flowers directly from the region.

To mark its one-year anniversary, Wild Things will host a celebration where you’ll have the opportunity to meet these fabulous floral artists yourself as well as enjoy discounts through the entire store. Come explore the store yourself and find inspiration for your next gathering - and perhaps even sign up for a floral workshop!