Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Holly Holden's 'The Pretty and Proper Living Room'


Holly Holden lives in one of the most prestigious historical mansions along Farmington, Connecticut's Main Street.  I have admired this home daily for several years as I cart my children to the town's elementary school.  Farmington is a quintessential New England town filled with tree line streets, friendly faces and many talented folks (read New England, Dawn Lombardi Style here). 

Holly's house, built circa 1803, is called Fox Hall.  It has sprawling gardens and immaculately manicured bushes.  It's set on a plantation of land that is impressive and breath-taking. 
Courtesy Holly Holden
 But this post isn't intended to be about Holly's fantastic homestead (though an entire post could be dedicated to it). 

I wanted to introduce you to interior designer Holly Holden herself and her recently published book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room.   

Holly's book started as a list of helpful hints she began jotting down for her daughter, Alexandra.  Holly had been designing stately houses for decades at this point so she was well-equipped to offer a suggestion or two.  What transpired was "The Pretty and Proper Living Room", a beautiful memoir of photos and tips on how to create the perfect "big girl" house.  It can be used as a reference guide to formal decorating and is an enjoyable and easy read. 

Holly's style is tailored and timeless.  Her work tends to convey a traditional old school elegance, one with flair and stature.   She has served as the head designer for three historic Farmington renovations: The Porter Memorial, The Barney Library and The Farmington Country Club.

Here are some of Holly's interiors:


Courtesy of Holly Holden
Courtesy of HGTV Blog Holly's Living Room at Foxhall



Courtesy of Holly Holden
Courtesy of HGTV Blog

Courtesy of Scully & Scully Holly at a book signing


Courtesy of HGTV Blog  Holly's Living Room at Fox Hall
Courtesy of Holly Holden
Courtesy The Pretty and Proper Living Room Facebook Page


Courtesy The Pretty and Proper Living Room Facebook Page

Courtesy of Scully & Scully
Of course, I must admit that I fell in love with Holly's personal affinity towards pink!  I'm a color person myself and she is always dressed to the nines in vibrant color!  So fitting that her book color is pink as well. 

If you're interested in purchasing or reviewing more about Holly's book, please visit her website here

Note: Vivid Hue Home was not paid for this review and is not endorsed for any sales of this product.  I just love the fact that Holly's a local in my home town of Farmington, Connecticut and is so talented! 



3 comments:

Andrea said...

OK, I'm adding this book to my Christmas wish list!! Thank you for introducing me to the fabulous Holly Holden, I am heading over to check her out now!! This is so up my alley!

XOXO,
The Glam Pad

Vel Criste said...

Oooh, thanks for the info on Holly, another book to add to my collection!

gibbygoo56 said...

So beautiful! Thank YOU for sharing.