On Kime

Whispers have always surrounded Charles, Prince of Wales. Less scandalously, he was said to have been a pick of the Queen Mother. Charles apparently inherited the Queen Mother's robust country attitudes. He is often photographed in kilt and sporran roving Balmoral hills. The Queen Mother enjoyed fishing and often called bones digested from a catch, "the salmon's revenge." 

An attitude, often shared by country people in the United States and Britain, is a regard toward an anachronous house. One has often seen Charles' appreciation of traditional design. He restored Dumfries House terrifically as showcased in Architectural Digest. 

Writer's favorite Dumfries room, the sitting room designed for Prince's use:

Prince isn't alone in renovating. He's hired top experts bringing to life royal times gone by. One designer, Robert Kime is a standout.

Robert Kime has been decorating for almost his entire life. Kime has worked with a good many royals- they must be the discreet clientele his website speaks of. 

Most notable he attains this symbolage:

Yes, Kime is royally appointed to the Prince of Wales. 

Kime's worked on such renovations as Clarence House for his majesty:

Kime is royal decorator by way of accrued knowledge. Kime is world traveler and antique doyen. He has leveraged his collected pieces from all over; his cultivated style into courtly positions. Still Kime is ever grounded. 

Kime told the Telagraph, "My belief is that provided the proportions are right, a room should work, whether it is for a gardener or the Queen of Spain." 

This easy sensibility is also a factor that's led to Kime's success. 

One can see it in his own home, an old village hall in Oxenwood, Britain:

One spots easily Kime's signature look- threadbare rugs, plaids, faded primary colors and pieces that have stories. 

That's a very integral and interesting part of traditional anything. Traditionalists love a story whether it be behind a gesture or a lamp. 

Kime expresses his flair for history in his fabrics, wallpaper, furniture, carpets and lighting- Kime has his own line. 

His designs always have a hint of Victorian; a hint of another world.

Now, isn't that so British of Kime!

A Georgian Visit

On weekend road trip friend, Elizabeth, and writer travelled to Washington, Georgia. From Tennessee, Wallaby clad; Boat and Tote in hand, Beth and writer journeyed to antebellum land. Said journey was a bit taxing- lost twice. But, as the scenery turned to cotton and columns, arrival was unquestionable. The five of them rushed to greet- Robert, Douglas and their dogs (Kingston, Turtle and Winston). And, writer rushed to greet hosts (especially Winston- pick and goddog).  

These fur children boasted fantastic digs. Writer must refrain from running on about the doggies (corgis- a favorite and royal breed). This post is for house- a late eighteenth century farmhouse- handsomely decorated. Douglas, an equestrian, and Robert, an antique doyen, had bedecked it in a most traditional fashion. Beth and writer could only say, “1980s Martha Stewart!” That’s a commendation by the way.  Just take a gander, as we say in the South. . .

The living room:

Notice the profusion of needlepoint pillows, prints and paintings depicting country life and the Chippendale desk chair reclaimed from shed. Aren’t the red walls lovely!

Rugs, rugs; rugs:

Staffordshire and antler:

Hunt board with blue and white:

And writer with a miniature horse D takes care of:

Thank you D and R for a swell stay; hope writer wasn't too intrusive.