I Accommodations
General Description
The Personality of the Home
Holly Howard-Interior Decorator
Although Holly Howard was definitely of American stock with a great-grandfather who was Governor of Illinois--she spent most of her adult life in Europe after acquiring her masters degree in Art History at the Villa Schifinoia in Florence, Italy in 1965. She was also Intermountain Five-gated Horse Champion for two years.
While living in Europe, she worked as a designer-decorator for 20 years. Holly was widely published in “Vogue Italia” and many other magazines as one of the finest designers and interior decorators.
She was responsible for the decor of more than 20 franchise stores, scattered throughout Europe each uniquely charming and elegant. At the same time she was decorating the city homes and family estates of clients and friends.
Reflecting on the unique style of decorating that is Holly's, there is always present charm and charisma which coordinate well with the grace and comfort present in her projects.
Old-world charm is indefinable except in the well loved smells of wood burning in fire places, the rich warm tones of the "chiaro-scuro" lighting and the quality feeling that is present the minute you enter the front door.
Holly's unique creative ability is ever present in the rooms she designs. It mixes with the “arty” warmth and gaiety of each of her lovely ambiences.
Papillon Mignon
“Fun” is personified in the name Papillon
Mignon. “Fun” runs true in the peaceful French courtyard, the minute you open the
front gate. There is the sunny breeze from the windows, the country scents, and
the sounds from the countryside. “Fun” is the quality of life the home evokes at
first glance and the expectation of the days to come. Days that are relaxed,
"laid back", just the way you want them!
The Chateau Grounds
Just behind the wonderful closed gate, in the village of Arbonne la Forêt near Barbizon,
is this 1860's French farm house, courtyard and half acre backyard. The
courtyard is green with age old trees and it is decorated with a long table
and bistro
chairs. At the far end there are large crusty white pots and an antique stone well
that is still functioning. Ivy climbs along the front of the farm house and mingles with
the flowers around the windows.
The "granier", or summer living room is the “chambre des artistes”
This is a wonderfully large "atelier" or artists chamber, perhaps named after the owners themselves!
In summer the evening “happy hours” are generally spent in this room. It was originally the barn and hayloft. The ceilings are spectacularly high and the walls are the original stone of the "granier".
Dusk comes with extra glee in this cozy ambiance of antique books in all languages. A marble covered Provence pastry table acts as a bar. There is a fascinating collection of santos statues and other relics. This candle-lit ambiance tells its own story, at least in the beginning of the evening. Tea-lit cross candles line the bar and glow as well from the bottom of altars and from the antiques around the bookshelves. It is fun to linger on bar stools and let the classical music “waft” out the gridded windows and at dusk the evening breezes slide in the large barn door.
Turquoise is everywhere and it is cool, bright and exciting. There are antique hutches, harvest tables, desks, stools, and benches. No less, are the crisp pinks, greens, yellows and reds. There are slashes of color that are in the stripes, on the grosgrain pillows and in the umbrellas, satchels and throws. Not to be out done, are the dramatic effects in the large contemporary paintings by Gary Collins. Wonderful, natural, grainy, burlap pillows, give that “artistic pinch” and “arty” it is! The tables are adorned with pots of paint, antique easels, canvases and chunky brushes. The flower pressing table has specks and special finds from the countryside-and yes there are butterflies!
It is “fun” galore!
If interior decorating makes elegance look easy, it makes the decorating not look like decorating at all.
One feels and is, in fact, in an artist's studio, and where better, than 40 minutes from Paris in the heart of Impressionist country where, all the senses take in the yellow fields of rapé, the tree-lined arcades and the winding cobble stone streets. The outside comes in, “yes”, through the windows but it lives “lushly” in the arty ambiance of the rooms as well.
Big soft chunky sofas are placed comfortably,
where you would expect them. Armchairs and coffee tables are easily accessible.
Everywhere intriguing, arty antiques, pique the senses and curiosity to know
more. Where did they come from? What exactly was their story?
If perhaps from another period, another time, how better to go back and live it
all again !
The Open Kitchen and Family Room is a magnificent large room with a huge
gridded window overlooking the garden and back patio. It is a perfect spot for
the gathering of friends and family and to enjoy wonderful French country
cooking. The antique dining table has a charming row of flowering topiaries
suspended on an old scale and at the far end is a massive stone fireplace that
dominates the stone wall. A
wonderful antique yellow hutch adds great personality and convenience to the
room and the cozy seating around the fireplace encourages great conversation
before dinner.
Every bedroom in “Papillon Mignon” has the lingering “flutter” of the butterfly’s wings-be it in the crisp linen of the bedding, or in the French scents from the candles, the old silver used for accessorizing, or the wonderful Parisian lightly painted furniture. It is all decadence and pure delight!
The baths follow suit and coordinate with the various bedrooms. Unique antiques replace commercial bath fixtures. There are stacks of towels, bowls of chunky soaps, while underfoot, soft layered rugs pamper your toes and perfumed tea lights delight your senses.
(White Bedroom)
Soft ecru antique hutches are accessorized “A la Parisian” with old silver and shinny white porcelains. Chains of pendants and crystals hang here and there, while ecru Aubisson rugs cover the floors. Antique linen doll clothes adorn entire walls in individual window boxes. A delightful old rocking horse makes us laugh. A king sized bed is “oh” so cozy with feather beds and layered bedding. There are fur throws in winter, mataseé coverlets in summer.
Master Bedroom
This magnificent large room is totally done in that most special of “in French colors” of silver sage with natural oatmeal linen. You can’t help but feel as if you’ve just collected sea shells and left them here and there from a special outing. There are antique gray painted pieces of Louis XVI furniture and the walls are hung with original splices of Aubisson rugs. Underfoot the same antique coordinated Aubisson rugs delight your toes. Vats and pots of country wildflowers abounds, and an unusual antique ladder serves as shelving for beautiful old pull toys and stacks of towels. A rare “St. Tuber” holds rows of pointed crystal bottles filled full of: bath salts, soaps, and powders. A toddler’s antique push cart gives charm to a special corner.
Olive Bedroom
This room exudes the feel of a country garden and thoughts of fresh herbs. Fun galvanized accessories mix with pots of herbs. A very large antique bird house, sets the tone on one wall. Fabrics typical of Ile de France’s history are crisp percale and embroidered pique linens and they are layered on a black faux queen-size bed, piled high with overstuffed mattresses. Delightful second story gridded windows look out over the French courtyard, and the heavenly scent of country fields fills the senses, because a galvanized, antique garden shelf holds: potted herbs, and wildflowers.
Turquoise Bedroom
The antique walnut four poster bed gives flair to the pink and turquoise theme that dominates this bedroom. The floral pattern in bright fun turquoise, reminds one of the bouquets of roses, characteristic of Parisian flower shops. An antique turquoise bistro table and chairs, is conveniently placed in front of the fireplace and adds just the right touch of country flavor.
Every room has its own “story”, its own character and personality. “Papillon Mignon” will play with your senses, loop through your consciousness and flutter through your dreams. It will linger and remain far after your departure, as one of the loveliest experiences you can remember.