**Hi, I will have my normal “Things I am loving Thursday” post tomorrow, Friday as well as announce the giveaway winner! **
Good morning! Lots of excitement here today!! Sit down, grab another cup of coffee and be prepared to be wowed! This is a long but “worth every word and picture” kind of post! I am so excited about this interview today featuring someone who was referred to in 1988 as “One of the great American designers” by House and Garden, and let me tell you they weren’t kidding! Say hello to…..
Leta Austin Foster
It is actually a funny and ironic story as to how this interview came to be. About a year ago I was going through one of my Farrow and Ball books, and noticed a few extraordinary rooms, I then noticed the rooms I was attracted to were by the same designer. I made note of the name, Leta Austin Foster and stored it in my memory bank. Mind you this is WELL before I had a blog or even knew what one was! Fast forward nearly a year later, and as many of you know I interviewed Fairfax and Sammons, the wonderful Architectural firm a few months ago. I got a very large and positive response in both comments and emails as everyone was so excited about their incredible work. I had fun going through the many emails and comments that followed. About five weeks ago I wanted to clean up my email box from old mail so was scanning to see what to keep and what to delete and a wonderfully kind and lengthy email caught my eye…….from Leta Austin Foster? THE Leta Austin Foster whose work I so admired a year ago? Was Leta actually reading my blog? I promptly wrote her and YES it was the same Leta I hoped it was! Kathy Sue from Good life of Design once said it and its so true….you just never know who is reading your blog…..I practically did a back flip across the room!
This dynamo of a person was beyond gracious, and her talent knows no bounds. One thing led to the next and she graciously agreed to grant me an interview. After spending almost 3 hours on the phone talking to Leta who was in Maine at the time, I felt like I saying goodbye to an old friend. It is very clear to me why she is highly regarded both with her colleagues and her esteemed clientele. I love her energy, savvy insight, incredible knowledge about design and architecture, hearing her regale me with her life experiences….it was all such a wonderful treat. We hope and vowed to meet next time either of us are in the others neck of the woods and I will be sure we do Leta!!
A little background on Leta….
Leta has an incredibly successful business that has stood the test of time for nearly 35 years. She has offices in both New York and Palm Beach and works alongside her very talented daughter Sallie whose work was also featured in the Farrow and Ball book. In addition, all three of her girls inherited the “good taste” gene and have each gone on to their own highly successful design careers. Besides Sallie, there is Elizabeth, yesthat Elizabeth as in Elizabeth Dinkel and then there is Eliza who practices out of Florida! Classic traditional is the style that appears to be Leta’s forte but she is well versed in many styles as you will see. I know you will be as excited over her work (if you are not yet already a fan) as I was the first time I laid eyes on her fabulous rooms. Enough talking, lets all drool together over her amazing work….
As if this hasn’t been enough of a treat, Leta is also generously offering a signed copy of
Farrow and Ball’s book, The Art of Color
in which many of her fabulous spaces are featured!! To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment here and I will announce the lucky winner on Friday!
And now the interview of this talented dynamo……take note lots of great information and advice here.
How long have you been practicing as an interior designer?I have been in business since 1975. I started off with Colefax and Fowler.
What region do you do most of your work in? Is it all residential or have you worked commercially as well?I have worked all over the United States, coast to coast. I have worked in France and Italy and would love to work in England. I have done a few commercial jobs but would love to design a store!
What is the furthest you have traveled for a job?I have been to San Francisco and San Juan island (off of Washington State) in the U.S. and abroad, I have gone to Europe. I have many repeat customers, those who own 2 or 3 homes and often I have done more than one house for a client.
How would you describe your signature style?I guess most would say I am a traditionalist but I am really happy with anything. If you look at photographs of my work, some is extremely traditional (such as the big Richmond house featured in the Farrow and Ball book) or either of the two houses in the Fairfax and Sammons Book, American Houses. But some- if you look on our website, you will see them, such as the townhouse in Florida with the China Seas fabric on the loveseat and sofa and the white shutters, is more what I would call contemporary classic. I actually love doing flat-out contemporary which we are doing now in a house in Hobe Sound for a young couple who are much more hip. But I will probably never like just all off white furniture with some modern pieces thrown in= you see so much of that in magazines now, and all these houses look alike.
Do you have a “go to” paint color or palette that is a “sure thing”?I most certainly do. I love blue and in particular love pale powder and Borrowed Light, both Farrow and Ball colors. They have really wonderful colors. I love warm rooms too and think those look best in the city. Gray is one of my all time favorites however!
Where do you find your design inspiration?Oh, from all kinds of things. It can be a fabric, a wallpaper, a painting. I am inspired by the works of Stanford White and Karl Larsson, also through great books. And of course nature, take for example a hibiscus, not necessarily my favorite flower but the colors are so beautiful they might inspire you to wonder how that color might work in a room.
Favorite design book and design icon? Billy Baldwin, to me, the greatest designer of the 20th century. He never compromises and has tremendous talent, he is just amazing as is Nancy Lancaster.
For books, I love the Billy Baldwin books as well as the Alberto Pinto book, they really answer every question you might have.
What is the most timeless color palette to decorate with?Gray! It can be a cool gray or a warm gray, it goes with everything. I have used gray and white with black and white stripes and with yellow and its just so beautiful.
What are two or three accessories that everyone can afford that can add a little panache to their interiors? Flowers for sure, and other wonderful things found in nature like leaves and branches. Adding greenery to a room makes it feel so fresh and clean. It is something anyone can do. And pictures, everyone loves looking at pictures of family and friends, from special occasions. If you can’t afford silver frames, get lucite ones which work with anything and when you are able switch them out to silver.
For a novice who cannot afford the services of a designer, what are two things that you would suggest that they do?First thing you absolutely should do, invest in the very best mattress you can afford. If you take care of it and turn it once a month it will last forever! Then to buy the best sofa you can buy, you can upgrade it with a better fabric down the road or change things around by adding a slipcover for the summer.
Do you have a favorite design era or style? If so, what is it?
Yes, I do, late 18th century French. But to do an actual reproduction in decoration would be so costly. A signed Ebeniste furniture is beyond most peoples budgets but you can buy Swedish antiques usually quite reasonably and paint them if if you wish. I love all the fabrics, they are so beautiful but often costly. You can then use French fabrics from sources such as Braquenie (throuhg Pierre Frey) or Christopher Hyland who has large selections of toiles and printed fabrics. A good source for less expensive French prints is Nicole Fabre.
Whats your feeling on the following very popular trends right now, reclaimed wood, chevron in fabrics, gray and starburst mirrors?
I love the wood found in old buildings, they have that glorious patina which is so gorgeous. Love Chevron, its been around since the time of the Egyptians, it is especially wonderful in bold woven fabrics like those with cashmere. You know I love gray and adore starburst mirrors, they are so versatile and I use them often.
What is your opinion on the use of wallpaper? I love wallpaper! I favor the old block prints like those by Zuber et Cie and Farrow and Ball.
Any advice when using wallpaper?Yes, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a good paper hanger. Actually, that is my basic philosophy; good labor is the most important thing of all. It is so foolish to buy expensive fabrics, or papers and then have poor labor make up the curtains, cover the furniture, hang the coverings on the walls. I can see poor labor across the room especially with wallpaper.
Do you like the idea of mixing styles and periods or are you more of a purist?Absolutely, if that is what the client wants! A period room is great for a showcase Today’s living is more informal and its about comfort and really living in and enjoying our homes, so that is a priority.
How has interior design evolved from lets say a decade ago? Branding! All these young people want to brand themselves and its just a much more popular way of marketing today. Labor is much more and
Biggest mistake people make when designing window treatments is…..
When they make a treatment that doesn’t move! In addition to looking pretty, they should have a purpose and be functional.They should work so that you can allow natural light into a room. English decorators like John Fowler always made sure his “worked” and his books demonstrate this well.
What kinds of things does your firm do to adapt during these economically challenging tough times?We keep some things simple like using plain linens on upholstered furniture and allowing the pillows or accessories to change things up. We use “workhorse’ fabrics, those that will stand the test of time. We also change things around by making slipcovers so that you can change the look by season without having to change out the furniture.
What do you think of Million Dollar Decorators?If it applies, do you have a favorite character? I haven’t seen it yet, but keep hearing so much about it. I really want to watch it next season.
Whats your favorite room in a house to design? Definitely the bedroom!
Who would be your dream client? Dream location?I am so lucky, I already have several dream clients! Ones I love so much that I get excited when I wake up on the days that I am going to see them. For some of my clients, I am on house number 3 or 4 and for one, I have done 9!!! These are people who understand me and whom I understand. I guess if I could have anything in the world, I would have one of them buy a house in Paris and let me do it- or a country house in Italy or England, or really anywhere they want to be!
Thank you Leta! Click here to visit her website and see more of her exquisite work as well as visit her store chock full of goodies hand selected by this incredible style maven.And thank you all for stopping by, hope you enjoyed this interview. To be eligible for this giveaway all you need to do is leave a comment here telling me which room you liked or what you liked about the interview! The winner will be announced on Friday. Good luck and hope you have a wonderful day.
She is talented! And so are you! As an interviewer Tina you are great! Love her style and great advice she sounds like she’s a walking encyclopedia of knowledge- would love to win!
Fantastic and insightful interview, Tina! You obviously had a wonderful conversation with Leta. She’s as gracious as she is talented. Have a lovely day, Tina! ~ Wendi ~ xo
I just love when serendipitous events occur.. and you had a marvelous happening stumbling on Leta’s email… thx for the introduction to Leta’s portfolio…amazing talents & legacy. Your interview was enlightening…
Oh, great interview, love her comment about hiring good labor. So true, and I can see you’ve done this yourself in all the wonderful tradesmen that have done such detailed and quality work in your own home. Janell
If I could only choose one style of design to live with, I think this would be it. So timeless for those of us who may have to live with our choices for years despite the things that come and go with the latest trends. [email protected]
Such beautiful, elegant rooms. I love wallpaper and plan on getting a few rooms papered soon — I will do my research on finding a skilled wallpaper hanger. Great point!
Thank you for introducing us to Leta! I love her gorgeous style and design and many of the wallpapers she’s used are wonderful. Both of you are such talented designers and so inspiring to me in designing my own home.
Such an amazing interview of someone with so much talent. I absolutely adore Leta’s use of pattern and colour and am so with her on the 18thC French and grey. Fabulous!!!
I enjoyed reading this interview, it was all great advice. I have Farrow & Ball paint in most of my rooms, but have never read this book. Thanks for providing us with another fun and enjoyable interview!
I can see why you two connected – especially when she said she loved using blue! 🙂 What a fantastic, down to earth woman – thanks Tina for the insight into this talented designer!
Enjoyed the interview; couldn’t agree more about how important good tradesfolk are and as I look around my house I’m pleased to hear the opinion that gray is timeless, because I have a lot of shades of gray around here and I don’t want to repaint any time soon! Would love to read about color though in the book!
Tina, what a great interview. I love her work. She has a timeless style as a designer and as a person. she seems very sweet.. Love your blog and I added you to my blog roll.
Awesome interview,but more awesome is that she was reading your blog and then emailed you! What a dream! And, you deserve the recognition and relationship! Your dream home is bringing soooo much more to your life than you ever probably expected! What a blessing!!
Beautiful interview and beautiful rooms! I love that you ask the questions that people would not, for instance about the econimic dowturn and it’s impact on her designs, or how to get a designer look when you cannot afford a designer.
I agree with the above comment, you need to have an online magazine…in your spare time (ha, ha). But seriously, I think that your talent knows no bounds, you offer suggestions and products that are affordabel in these tough times for anyone. You also showcase high end products and designers and fabrics, and sources so that readers can share in your experience and keep this information for the future as they can afford. Just as Leta suggested with the frames.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful designer and your talents as well.
Tina, I enjoyed reading the interview with Leta and she gave great advise. I have been looking at blue paint samples so I will check out the two she recommends. Hugs, Sherry
Thank you for sharing Leta’s beautiful work with us, Tina. It’s great to hear from someone with such a wealth of experience. It’s so exciting when you hear from someone you admire who is reading your blog – that has happened to me a few times and I am so flattered and excited when it does! xx
I love twin beds and so I really loved the four poster twin beds. The chandelier was perfect for that room. I also loved the dining room with the white coral chandelier and light blue chairs – stunning! Wonderful interview and I will enjoy discovering Leta Austin Foster’s website.
Ahh! What a fabulous interview!! I absolutely love her work. I had the exact same experience when I was looking through the Farrow & Ball book. Her rooms jumped out to me as extra special before I even realized they were all by the same person. As I’ve learned more and more about designers since I’ve started blogging, I have to say, she is my number one favorite. I could keep gushing forever, but I really do admire her so much! Thanks so much for the interview!
What a wonderful post, Tina! I loved every bit of it and her work is definitely something to admire! There wasn’t a picture I didn’t love and it’s always fun to read an interview like this and get to “know” these incredible designers that we admire from afar on a more personal level! Thanks for bringing that extra touch to it! Sincerely, Carolyn Bradford
I too, have long admired the work of Leta Austin Foster! Seriously, I love everything that she does! I really enjoyed looking through the photos of a few of the homes that Ms. Foster has designed…absolutely gorgeous!
Ohhh my goodness…I’m just trying to imagine a three hours phone visit with Leta! I bet you were beside yourself! Hehe! Thank you sooo much for doing the interview and sharing it with us. It was really interesting!
Well dear lady, how very thoughtful and generous of you…to offer a signed copy of Farrow and Ball..The Art of Color! I would love to have it! Thank you, sooo much Tina!
Love Leta – have been a fan of hers for years – in fact that first image has been in my files for as long as I can remember. She has been successful for so many years for good reason – and F&B pale powder, Zuber, Braquenie – yes please! Just went to a little trunk show she had this summer – in addition to the big decorating jobs, she also carries a bevy of beautiful gift items!!
My mother in law who lives in PB knows Leta and she is indeed very talented and well regarded. I do love her classic style and enjoyed hearing what she had to say, a lady of real wisdom and great advice. I like her answers to the “practical questions” as well so thanks for asking those Tina. This was very well done, your writing skills are so enjoyable to a reader, do you have a journamlism background by chance? Would love to win this book!!
What a great interview, one of the best I have read on any designer in a long time. Thank you for the introduction to this incredibly talented designer! I love her philosophy and cannot agree more about “you get what you pay for” in terms of labor. So true and I have had to learn the hard way now I know better! Her rooms are just dreamy and I got some great ideas just looking at the pictures. That dining room with the light blue chairs is a dream and my personal favorite. This was a really well done and thorough interview, thank you to you both.
Very interesting and informative interview. Some great tips too. I love her rooms, very timeless and classic, nothing trendy about them, which means they stand the test of time. She’s been in the business 35 years she’s obviously got the right formula.
Okay, Tina, if you are offering, I’ll take the library with marble fireplace, elegant bookcases and starburst mirror. I especially like the hit of color and casualness of the two acid green garden seats used as end tables.
Leta’s work is timelessly beautiful. I was so excited to read that two of her favorite colors — F&B’s Pale Powder and Borrowed Light — were two I used in my own home, the former in my master bath and the latter on the ceiling of my family room.
Your interview offered some very interesting insights into the thoughts and preferences of a woman who has had an enviable career. Thank you for sharing her work with us.
OMG. What exquisite taste and rooms my sweet Tina! AND THAT GREEN DINING ROOM reminds me of a mansion I used to CLEAN MANY YEARS AGO while putting myself through college! It was in Boston…seeing this reminds me of those wonderful days, working for these wonderful people. Anita
Wow, every room is fabulous! My favorite is the bedroom with the aqua check side chairs. The touch of turquoise on the footboard and hint of crisp green in the ceramics at the far end ,pop the color scheme and really blend a scrumptious color scheme. I would have a hard time leaving that room in the mornings! Leta Austin Foster has a keen eye for color and balance of pattern. I agree with her statement of buying a good mattress and a good sofa. I love using slip covers on a sofa… it really extends the life of the sofa and gives a nice change for the seasons. A classic style really never goes out of style and slip covers satisfy our desire for change. I really enjoyed this interview and the photos that accompanied it. Thanks!
TINA, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YET ANOTHER WONDERFUL”FRIEND” with all of us. I am imagining a beautiful, warm and relaxing HOME while looking at room #6—the small hallway. I would like to pass through this space and look out the window and be enveloped by the calm elegance this small space promises. Thank you and enjoy the day and this amazing fall. Nancy
Gorgeous interiors! I love the way you “did a back flip” you really crap me up! haha! This is such a terrific interview! I wonder if Michelle Obama reads your blog for inspiration! You really hit the jack pot!
So much to love here! Let’s see…the rooms I like most are the room with the sunburst mirror & green garden stools, and the room with the pair of chairs & curtains done in the blue check. Quite spectacular, I think!
Tina, Once again you have highlighted a great talent! You truly are gifted as an interviewer, asking questions I never thought of but love knowing the answers to.
Leta is such an incredible talent! You can easily see why she has had such an enduring and successful career. I’ll bet there will be a home in Paris just desperate for her touch!!!
Very beautiful work. I really love that turquoise bedroom with the colorful wallpaper at the beginning of the post. Great interview! Love that she uses wallpaper and my favorite comment, “I can see poor labor across the room….”.
Assuming this contest is open to residents of the U.S. so since I am abroad for now, just wanted to leave a comment to say her work is truly beautiful. Very timeless and classic. I love her style and really enjoyed getting a more personal take behind such a talented designer. It is always so great coming by here, wish I could more often. Thank you for sharing this delightful designer with us. I am going to keep her name handy as my daughter (who lives in Boston) is redoing a beautiful old home and is soon going to be interviewing designers, she would love her style. Thank you.
How exciting for you, Tina! To be honest, I was just as thrilled when you answered my e-mail message last week. 🙂 Thanks for sharing yet another wonderful interview with us. I’ve been thinking about trying F&B’s pale powder or borrowed light but was unsure…now I definitely will. I especially love the way Leta uses window treatments…simply beautiful. Have a wonderful day! Valerie
Such an interesting interview, Tina, of a delightful woman. I used to call on them in Palm Beach when I worked for Scalamandré years ago…they were good customers but I always spent more in their darling shop than I ever made!
What a fabulous interview, Tina. I absolutely love Leta’s work and am always fascinated by the beautiful bedrooms she does, so I was happy to know that is her favorite room to decorate. Well done, my friend!!
Thank you so much for the interview. I loved hearing the story about how your connection came about! Leta’s designs are lovely and classic. Really would enjoy the book to learn more about her…thanks for the chance! [email protected]
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**Hi, I will have my normal “Things I am loving Thursday” post tomorrow, Friday as well as announce the giveaway winner! **
A little background on Leta….
Wow! We had the same thought today. I’m also interviewing an interior designer!!! 🙂
I loved this interview and seeing her designs. It’s always great to know what these talented people think about design, life…
Wishing you a very blessed day, Tina.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
what good advice indeed.
you are so clever.
i think you should be an online magazine!!!
xx
She is talented! And so are you! As an interviewer Tina you are great! Love her style and great advice she sounds like she’s a walking encyclopedia of knowledge- would love to win!
Fantastic and insightful interview, Tina! You obviously had a wonderful conversation with Leta. She’s as gracious as she is talented.
Have a lovely day, Tina!
~ Wendi ~ xo
Wonderful interview! That photo with the blue curtains swept to the side stopped my in my tracks. GORGEOUS!
I just love when serendipitous events occur.. and you had a marvelous happening stumbling on Leta’s email… thx for the introduction to Leta’s portfolio…amazing talents & legacy. Your interview was enlightening…
Oh, great interview, love her comment about hiring good labor. So true, and I can see you’ve done this yourself in all the wonderful tradesmen that have done such detailed and quality work in your own home.
Janell
If I could only choose one style of design to live with, I think this would be it. So timeless for those of us who may have to live with our choices for years despite the things that come and go with the latest trends. [email protected]
We are building a new home and would love to use this book for guidance……what beautiful designs!
Tina,
Thank you for sharing the work and interview of this talented designer. The rooms are stunning.
Have a great day.
Teresa
xoxo
Such beautiful, elegant rooms. I love wallpaper and plan on getting a few rooms papered soon — I will do my research on finding a skilled wallpaper hanger. Great point!
Thank you for introducing us to Leta! I love her gorgeous style and design and many of the wallpapers she’s used are wonderful. Both of you are such talented designers and so inspiring to me in designing my own home.
Such an amazing interview of someone with so much talent. I absolutely adore Leta’s use of pattern and colour and am so with her on the 18thC French and grey. Fabulous!!!
I enjoyed reading this interview, it was all great advice. I have Farrow & Ball paint in most of my rooms, but have never read this book. Thanks for providing us with another fun and enjoyable interview!
My favorite is this room:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VpzVsZCVfP0/TpA2jhmytHI/AAAAAAAAL9I/FOiAYLWYtjA/s640/LR_14.jpg
I like that she said gray is timeless!
cytljjb @ gmail com
I can see why you two connected – especially when she said she loved using blue! 🙂 What a fantastic, down to earth woman – thanks Tina for the insight into this talented designer!
Enjoyed the interview; couldn’t agree more about how important good tradesfolk are and as I look around my house I’m pleased to hear the opinion that gray is timeless, because I have a lot of shades of gray around here and I don’t want to repaint any time soon! Would love to read about color though in the book!
Robin
happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com
Tina, what a great interview. I love her work. She has a timeless style as a designer and as a person. she seems very sweet.. Love your blog and I added you to my blog roll.
I love her style, great interview!
Awesome interview,but more awesome is that she was reading your blog and then emailed you! What a dream! And, you deserve the recognition and relationship! Your dream home is bringing soooo much more to your life than you ever probably expected! What a blessing!!
Great interview and lovely photos of Ms. Foster’s work! Love the bedroom with the blue headboard and blue drapes 🙂
Oh wow! GORGEOUS rooms! I love how patterns are mixed (plaid and flowers). I’d love to win the book!
Beautiful interview and beautiful rooms! I love that you ask the questions that people would not, for instance about the econimic dowturn and it’s impact on her designs, or how to get a designer look when you cannot afford a designer.
I agree with the above comment, you need to have an online magazine…in your spare time (ha, ha). But seriously, I think that your talent knows no bounds, you offer suggestions and products that are affordabel in these tough times for anyone. You also showcase high end products and designers and fabrics, and sources so that readers can share in your experience and keep this information for the future as they can afford. Just as Leta suggested with the frames.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful designer and your talents as well.
Have a wonderful day!
Amazingly talented and creative family. I enjoyed reading this post – thank you for sharing.
Tina, I enjoyed reading the interview with Leta and she gave great advise. I have been looking at blue paint samples so I will check out the two she recommends.
Hugs,
Sherry
Thank you for sharing Leta’s beautiful work with us, Tina. It’s great to hear from someone with such a wealth of experience. It’s so exciting when you hear from someone you admire who is reading your blog – that has happened to me a few times and I am so flattered and excited when it does! xx
Love all the rooms. You’ve made me take a new look at blue! Thank you for the interview. Kathy in Wisconsin
I love twin beds and so I really loved the four poster twin beds. The chandelier was perfect for that room. I also loved the dining room with the white coral chandelier and light blue chairs – stunning! Wonderful interview and I will enjoy discovering Leta Austin Foster’s website.
Ahh! What a fabulous interview!! I absolutely love her work. I had the exact same experience when I was looking through the Farrow & Ball book. Her rooms jumped out to me as extra special before I even realized they were all by the same person. As I’ve learned more and more about designers since I’ve started blogging, I have to say, she is my number one favorite. I could keep gushing forever, but I really do admire her so much! Thanks so much for the interview!
What a wonderful post, Tina! I loved every bit of it and her work is definitely something to admire! There wasn’t a picture I didn’t love and it’s always fun to read an interview like this and get to “know” these incredible designers that we admire from afar on a more personal level! Thanks for bringing that extra touch to it!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Bradford
this is a fabulous interview! these interiors are stunning!
Love Leta and her “grown-up” elegance… So lady-like and lovely!
I love the look of the bathroom! That vanity is beyond gorgeous! I love the wallpaper in there too! Amazing and drool worthy!
Hi Tina…
I too, have long admired the work of Leta Austin Foster! Seriously, I love everything that she does! I really enjoyed looking through the photos of a few of the homes that Ms. Foster has designed…absolutely gorgeous!
Ohhh my goodness…I’m just trying to imagine a three hours phone visit with Leta! I bet you were beside yourself! Hehe! Thank you sooo much for doing the interview and sharing it with us. It was really interesting!
Well dear lady, how very thoughtful and generous of you…to offer a signed copy of Farrow and Ball..The Art of Color! I would love to have it! Thank you, sooo much Tina!
Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
Love Leta – have been a fan of hers for years – in fact that first image has been in my files for as long as I can remember. She has been successful for so many years for good reason – and F&B pale powder, Zuber, Braquenie – yes please! Just went to a little trunk show she had this summer – in addition to the big decorating jobs, she also carries a bevy of beautiful gift items!!
My mother in law who lives in PB knows Leta and she is indeed very talented and well regarded. I do love her classic style and enjoyed hearing what she had to say, a lady of real wisdom and great advice. I like her answers to the “practical questions” as well so thanks for asking those Tina.
This was very well done, your writing skills are so enjoyable to a reader, do you have a journamlism background by chance? Would love to win this book!!
What a great interview, one of the best I have read on any designer in a long time. Thank you for the introduction to this incredibly talented designer!
I love her philosophy and cannot agree more about “you get what you pay for” in terms of labor. So true and I have had to learn the hard way now I know better!
Her rooms are just dreamy and I got some great ideas just looking at the pictures. That dining room with the light blue chairs is a dream and my personal favorite.
This was a really well done and thorough interview, thank you to you both.
Very interesting and informative interview. Some great tips too. I love her rooms, very timeless and classic, nothing trendy about them, which means they stand the test of time. She’s been in the business 35 years she’s obviously got the right formula.
Great interview and fastinating woman. She’s had a successful career and it’s easy to see why.
Okay, Tina, if you are offering, I’ll take the library with marble fireplace, elegant bookcases and starburst mirror. I especially like the hit of color and casualness of the two acid green garden seats used as end tables.
Leta’s work is timelessly beautiful. I was so excited to read that two of her favorite colors — F&B’s Pale Powder and Borrowed Light — were two I used in my own home, the former in my master bath and the latter on the ceiling of my family room.
Your interview offered some very interesting insights into the thoughts and preferences of a woman who has had an enviable career. Thank you for sharing her work with us.
Best…Victoria
OMG. What exquisite taste and rooms my sweet Tina! AND THAT GREEN DINING ROOM reminds me of a mansion I used to CLEAN MANY YEARS AGO while putting myself through college! It was in Boston…seeing this reminds me of those wonderful days, working for these wonderful people. Anita
I have this F & B book..love it
My favorite room was the last photo of the beautiful bathroom. Great interview.
Wonderful rooms…and timeless.
How amazing that she found you after you had noted her name…I love amazing coincidences like that! Great interview, as always!!
Another great interview! Loved reading what she had to say. You know I’m a big lover of anything Farrow & Ball!
Wow, every room is fabulous! My favorite is the bedroom with the aqua check side chairs. The touch of turquoise on the footboard and hint of crisp green in the ceramics at the far end ,pop the color scheme and really blend a scrumptious color scheme. I would have a hard time leaving that room in the mornings! Leta Austin Foster has a keen eye for color and balance of pattern. I agree with her statement of buying a good mattress and a good sofa. I love using slip covers on a sofa… it really extends the life of the sofa and gives a nice change for the seasons. A classic style really never goes out of style and slip covers satisfy our desire for change. I really enjoyed this interview and the photos that accompanied it. Thanks!
TINA,
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YET ANOTHER WONDERFUL”FRIEND” with all of us.
I am imagining a beautiful, warm and relaxing HOME while looking at room #6—the small hallway. I would like to pass through this space and look out the window and be enveloped by the calm elegance this small space promises.
Thank you and enjoy the day and this amazing fall.
Nancy
Most of her rooms have her favorite color blue woven into it someway! Fabulous!!
Gina T.
Gorgeous interiors! I love the way you “did a back flip” you really crap me up! haha! This is such a terrific interview! I wonder if Michelle Obama reads your blog for inspiration! You really hit the jack pot!
So much to love here! Let’s see…the rooms I like most are the room with the sunburst mirror & green garden stools, and the room with the pair of chairs & curtains done in the blue check. Quite spectacular, I think!
Tina,
Once again you have highlighted a great talent! You truly are gifted as an interviewer, asking questions I never thought of but love knowing the answers to.
Leta is such an incredible talent! You can easily see why she has had such an enduring and successful career. I’ll bet there will be a home in Paris just desperate for her touch!!!
Bravo to both of you!
xoxo Elizabeth
Oh! In case I win, my email is [email protected]!
Thank you so much for this interview and examples of Leta’s elegant, classical design work.
l absolutely love the beautiful blue bedroom !
Very beautiful work. I really love that turquoise bedroom with the colorful wallpaper at the beginning of the post. Great interview! Love that she uses wallpaper and my favorite comment, “I can see poor labor across the room….”.
Thank you for an introduction.
Rooms are absolutely stunning.
Have a great day.
V Viera
VT Interiors
LOVE that last dining room… just perfect. She is truly talented and I loved reading the interview!! xo
I didn’t know Leta’s work before this post, but t is amazing! I just can’t get over some of those rooms!
Stacy
Stunning work!
wow… what a talented designer! beautiful spaces!
Good morning Tina, I would also have done a back flip across the room! (:
Great interview, Tina! Leta is very talented! Beautiful, timeless rooms. And she loves gray – now that is my kind of girl!
Well done my friend. Looking very good!
Warm hugs,
Mon
Assuming this contest is open to residents of the U.S. so since I am abroad for now, just wanted to leave a comment to say her work is truly beautiful. Very timeless and classic. I love her style and really enjoyed getting a more personal take behind such a talented designer.
It is always so great coming by here, wish I could more often. Thank you for sharing this delightful designer with us. I am going to keep her name handy as my daughter (who lives in Boston) is redoing a beautiful old home and is soon going to be interviewing designers, she would love her style. Thank you.
How exciting for you, Tina! To be honest, I was just as thrilled when you answered my e-mail message last week. 🙂 Thanks for sharing yet another wonderful interview with us. I’ve been thinking about trying F&B’s pale powder or borrowed light but was unsure…now I definitely will. I especially love the way Leta uses window treatments…simply beautiful. Have a wonderful day! Valerie
Such an interesting interview, Tina, of a delightful woman. I used to call on them in Palm Beach when I worked for Scalamandré years ago…they were good customers but I always spent more in their darling shop than I ever made!
Such a great interview… Lots of great advice!!
Thank you for sharing Leta’s lovely work with us. Jane
Another great interview! I enjoy reading what designers are thinking and what inspiers them. Thanks.
I love the Chinoiserie Dining Room … so beautiful and serene!
bebettcruz (at) yahoo.com
What a fabulous interview, Tina. I absolutely love Leta’s work and am always fascinated by the beautiful bedrooms she does, so I was happy to know that is her favorite room to decorate. Well done, my friend!!
Thank you so much for the interview. I loved hearing the story about how your connection came about! Leta’s designs are lovely and classic. Really would enjoy the book to learn more about her…thanks for the chance!
[email protected]
What a wonderful interview, Tina! Leta’s work is incredible, and I enjoyed learning more about her. Thank you 🙂
Hi Nice posting, I agree This design is really good. You got good collection keep it up. I pass this blog to my friends
Your blog is so beautiful and thanks for sharing all these information… happy to be your newest follower!