The internet gets the credit for connecting me to Madeline. I found her beautiful account, & knew we had to work together. She lives in such a beautiful way in the way she dresses, how she spends time with her family & adorable little boy Beau, & her thoughtful approach to restoring their 1800s Kentucky farmhouse: September Hill. I can confirm she is all that & so much more in person, and I’m so glad to now call her a friend.
Madeline is a wealth of inspiration, so I am thrilled to get to share a glimpse of her life and a Thanksgiving moment.
name: Madeline Brown
occupation: cancer research and I do interior design and styling on the side. both bring me lots of joy!
tell us about…
kd weave goods chosen: chocolate braid detail napkins & the tan striped hand towel
this space: the dining room.
we just renovated this space not long ago, painting it two historic blue colors; lighter on the walls and a shade darker on the trim. it features my grandmother's antique dining table, that I have many fond memories gathering around through the years, reupholstered dining chairs in a white and chocolate brown linen print, and a wall of Audubon bird prints that are some of my favorite pieces in our home.
this tablescape: it all started with the dining room and the antique Aubusson tapestry, then the beautiful chocolate braid napkins from kd weave, and the rest started coming together! I love to lay a few textiles out in the room or space I’m going to use them in and then start pulling pieces and dreaming up the details! I never want a tablescape to be so formal it isn’t fun, so I immediately ordered velvet mushrooms and John Derian asparagus candlesticks for some fun quirkiness. Added my great grandmother's silver, as well as silver serving pieces, and salt and pepper shakers for some shine! I then pulled out antique brass candleholders, and an antique chinoiserie ginger jar, and finally I always want to include natural elements, so I grabbed some moss, foliage, and dried hydrangeas from the farm! this mixed all together made the most wonderful fun yet formal Thanksgiving table to gather around with our loved ones!
what story do you want your home to tell?: our home is over 200 years old and has rich history. it's very important to us that as we are lovingly restoring it, the home feels timeless and we let the house tell the story of its own history through its character. we also want it to tell the story of our young family through thoughtful curation of decor. we have a heart for hosting and gathering family and friends at the farm. my hope is that this is always the place everyone wants to gather and that it feels warm, feeling fresh, chic, and always inviting to all.
favorite…
song: this time of year I have “Crowded Table” by the Highwomen playing on repeat! I love the sentiment and message behind it and it truly echos how I feel, the more the merrier at our table and in our home this season!
plant: rosemary! I love the look and smell of the plant, and the addition of the spice to my favorite dishes, especially during the holiday season. I like to have a couple plants in our kitchen!
go-to recipe: my husband is the cook in our family and whatever he is cooking is always a treat! I do love to find and come up with the recipes! speaking of rosemary, one of our very favorites during the fall and winter months is our take on steak au poivre: filet medallions with a rosemary a poivre sauce over weisenberger mill grits with parmesan cheese (a Kentucky product and the best fluffiest grits out there!)
gift to give: anything vintage or antique! I love sourcing vintage or antique finds for friends and family they feel extra special and unique.
destination: my family goes to the Isle of Palms Sullivan’s Island area outside of Charleston every year. there’s something so charming about the low country from the architecture to the food and the shopping! during this cozy time we also love to book a mountain getaway and we love the Highlands/ Cashiers in North Carolina for that! beautiful mountain scenery, great food, and great antiquing! it can’t be beat!