The New Project

High heat and humidity are synonymous with summer in the southeast. Today’s oppressive cloak of moisture was veritable proof of such. With the car’s air conditioner blasting, I turned the corner and headed down the alley of century-old live oak trees. I had heard about Drayton Hall for years but had not been there. To think Mr. Charles Drayton had contacted me to help him furnish his home was more than exciting. Sporting my seersucker suit, starched white linen shirt and madras bowtie, I was ready to meet my new client.

                Soon the house came into view. "Wow", simply "Wow", sputtered my mind. There was decorative ironwork in the shape of classical music lyres, stone quoins, Ionic capitals, triangular pediments and abundant symmetry. Such were the trademarks of the Italian master, Andea Palladio. Yet, the beautiful limestone trim, double terrace, and substantial red brick all applauded the reign of King George. This stately home was a true hybrid of architectural styling.

                As if the house was not enough to marvel, the property itself, was also of great consideration. While one side of the home exhibited formal gardens, the other contained the Ashley River. With such beauty about, one would think they might be dreaming.

                Ascending the grand staircase, the door opened quickly. Mr. Drayton greeted me and offered entrance. Upon stepping into the home, I knew I had arrived in a very special place, indeed. The interior revealed a cornucopia of architectural details found in most designers’ dreams.  While the ceilings featured sculpted plaster, the walls were cloaked in hand carved paneling and trim. The deep set windows, with their recessed shutters, spoke of a bygone era.

     My mind whirled with potential decorating schemes. Drunken with excitement, I began to share some of my thoughts with Mr. Drayton. I told him of VALOR American Home’s beautiful furnishings which are all made in the USA. His eyes seemed to spark with intrigue. I shared my vision of what the formal living room could become. The white linen and gray mohair fabrics, along with the American walnut tables, all regaled fine furnishings of a classic nature.

                Once the initial tour of the home was complete and I was busy taking measurements of each room, Mr. Drayton offered refreshments. A rather strange spread of bourbon and peanut M&M’s laid before me. Although I chuckled to myself, I was delighted, as I love M&M’s!--- I just never have them in my home.

                Soon, we concluded our meeting.  While I was on my way back to the studio to commence laying out the plans for the home, I noticed my toes were keeping rhythm to a pulsating base beat. It was the sounds of Bruno Mars belting out “Uptown Funk”.  Shaking my head in a daze, I soon realized it was 6 AM and the clock radio had sprung on….The entire project had been nothing more than a dream triggered by a recent tour of the historic plantation. 

                I could only laugh as I headed down the stairs to fix my breakfast.  Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks. There was something on the floor. Alas, it was a green M&M…….

This was a Moment in America.