TASTEMAKER Q&A + GIVEAWAY

The designer, tastemaker and altogether stylish Charlotte Moss shares her inspirations and favorite things. Charlotte is and always has been devoted to seeing the World around her. She’s an avid reader, photographer, and scrapbooker, taking pictures of her travels and everyday life. She splices these images together in mood boards that help inspire her work. Above is an image of one of her own collages that she made of garden cutouts. Her book Charlotte Moss: A Visual Life: Scrapbooks, Collages, and Inspirations showcases the entire collection. Charlotte has been a great supporter of TSG from the beginning, and we’re grateful for her support, and continue to look to her as we cultivate our brand.

(*We’re giving away a signed copy of the gorgeous book to one lucky Scout Blog reader; leave a comment telling us which SCOUT GUIDE you’re most excited about and you’ll be entered for a chance to win!)

Where do you go for your inspiration?

The simple answer would be to get on a plane and go somewhere you’ve never been to explore and discover. In the absence of plane tickets I try to do this: just slow down. BE PRESENT. When you see, REALLY see, what’s around you then you can get inspired. For me it’s long walks someplace unfamiliar being the “flâneur”, kayaking, and sometimes just puttering around the house.

Favorite artists and art you love? 

• Helen Frankenthaler in the living room
• A Braque in my study
• A Bonnard in the morning room
• A Joseph Cornell shadow box for my office
• And a photo by Irving Penn or Avedon

A favorite quote . . .
“Think big.”

Any favorite recipes at the moment?
My favorite recipe is always the last one that worked really well! It’s always the tried and true. One that you can whip up at a moments notice and that’s always a crowd pleaser. (Or anything with a fig!)

What are your summer must-haves?
For wearing: I’m always adding to my collection of kaftans, hats and chunky jewelry. For decorating: new accessories and new items for entertaining outside. At roadside stands: bunches of country flowers, blackberries, tomatoes of all description and fresh corn.

(Above, Charlotte’s extensive collection of objet d’art and wares used for outdoor entertaining in her Long Island garden.)

How do you relax?
Reading and coffee in bed on a weekend morning with no schedule. Relaxing can be a wander through a museum or through a field picking wild flowers. Going to antique and flea markets for the sport of it – that’s relaxing too.

What you are currently reading?
• Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative by Ken Robinson
• Madame Jumel: Influential Women in History;
• Red Thread Thinking by Debra Kaye;
• Poetry by Judge John Charles Thomas
• But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria by Julia Reed

Where is your “happy place”?
Physically a ‘happy place’ can be a morning in the spa or reading for hours on the screen porch in the country. Emotionally a ‘happy place’ can just be spending time with family or a friend.

(Above, Charlotte’s relaxed back-yard)

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO?
Those people who pursue big ideas whether it’s education reform in America or building schools in Africa. Young doctors and researchers dedicating their lives to cures. The people making a difference in our lives and in the our future. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by people like that in my life.

Here’s how to win…

Comment below telling us which SCOUT GUIDE you’re most excited about!

One winner will be chosen on Monday, June 24th at 10am EST. Open to US only. You will win a copy of Charlotte’s book and your choice of one Scout Guide.

Classic design meets global awareness.
Zink has created well crafted, timeless bags and accessories designed towards the chic adventurer.
Created by the grandson of Robert Zink, the award-winning weaver of Nantucket baskets,
Ben Freeland started this line of modern American classics as a way of harkening back to earlier times when people dressed to travel.
Throw this boxcar on your shoulder when you jet off to your next destination.
The local brand is based in Austin, TX and apart of the TSG Austin network; buy the bag here or call 512.502.5836

SEE ALL THAT WE’VE SCOUTED

inspired interiors

When it comes to your front door or your foyer, first impressions count. The best entry halls make a strong statement and set the style for what’s to come.  Some homes have entry spaces labeled “foyer” on the house plan, while others make do with a front door that opens directly into the living area. No matter what setup you have, visitors get their first sense of your home at the entry.

For decorating purposes, this can be an intimidating thought. Be inspired by these stand out foyers, many of which have a flair for the dramatic.

Not all of us live in spaces that have grandiose entry hallways. That said, your foyer shouldn’t be neglected. To make a bold statement, hang a salon grouping of art floor to ceiling. Or make the space more practical, like a mud room. Line up boots by the door, keep umbrellas out, and baskets near by for storage. Form can (and most of the time has to) meet function in this part of your house.

Mary Evelyn McKee has mastered elegant, Southern charm. The TSG decorator is based in Birmingham and has been decorating homes there for years. Known for her taste level and love of antiques, her spaces always have a timelessness about them. The foyer above is no exception: gorgeous architectural details, small scaled slipper chairs, and intentionally placed antiques. It’s not stuffy or overly sophisticated, rather the decor feels completely welcoming. Call 205.879.7544 or check out her furnishings shop, Mary Evelyn.

This is a place to have fun! Consider a skirted table and bold wallpaper, like Tom Scheerer did in his foyer in the above left image. And fresh flowers or happy plants are a must. It welcomes your guest and makes the house feel lively.

(Image sources via our Pinterest Board)

COLOR STORY

Amethyst. An enchanting jewel tone that is popping up in decor, fashion and gardens. A purple variety of quartz, the gem itself gains a violet hue that really can vary from a true purple, to an almost lavender. It’s romantic and dramatic, and works quite well in small doses. The alluring shade is bound to add mystique and drama to any space or outfit.

Enough with traditional clear glass, talk about boring! Make your drinks taste better by with the Amethyst Water Glasses that have a gorgeous, smoky shade. Available from And George in Charlottesville, call 434.244.2800 to purchase.

Textured leather is all the rage, and we love this Mini Gypsy Crocodile Crossbody purse, perfect for a night out, but versatile enough for everyday. And don’t you think it’s great to add a purse that’s not just plain old brown? Take a risk with this shade from Zink in Austin.

Based in New Orleans, painter Alexis Walter’s mixed media abstracts are expressionistic gems. Layers upon layers of paint, gestural strokes, and color palettes that are both rich and muted. We love this piece that is the amethyst color family. Call 504.568.0316 to set up a studio visit.

We love us some Roberta Freymann, and at Sassnova in Washington D.C. they have her latest finds. This beach bag and tunic are perfect for summer, and the bold color is fun for any outfit.

And now for an actual gem: the Amethyst adorned lacquered black box and the Amethyst votive candle holder are geodes all the way. They come from Judith Ligioes Designs in Naples, FL who specialize in flashy decor. Shake it up a bit and add these to your collection of wares and keepsake boxes. Call 239.430.6811 for more information, or to get design consultation.

Sorab and Roshi make incredibly crafted jewels using precious stones. Think clustered and slightly chunky, but with a sophisticated, modern twist. Our Greenwich editor was able to get behind the scenes look at their process, check it out here. In the mean time, buy their jewels. The Chalcedony & Amethyst group is one of 8 suites that make up the 2013 Collection.

(Image sources via our Pinterest boards)

One of a kind, crafted by shop owner Roderick Coles.
Hand acid wash finish. Mood light. Slightly Extraterrestrial.
Cylindrical shape adds presence and weight. Stand-alone or as a pair.
Available from The Curious Orange Store in Charlottesville, VA.