A Review: A House in the Country by Peter Pennoyer, Architect and Katie Ridder, Interior Designer

[@cooperwesley1536]

The most beautiful homes I see are always the most colorful. I will never understand modern America's obsession with all things bland and neutral. It's absolutely baffling. Thank you for featuring it.

[@pear_jules4013]

The neutral palette, minimalist decor home is already phasing out.

[@cooperwesley1536]

@@pear_jules4013 Thank god!

[@Kuttar-jm2ce]

Neutral is easy to put together. Colour and pattern requires lots and lots of coordination so that objects do not coĺlide. Neutral is a single note. Colour is a symphony of hues. Neutral is instantaneous. Colour is collected over time and over generations

[@alisadotson8403]

@@Kuttar-jm2ce that's it neutral is so easy to put together which why I considered a very lazy way to decorate

[@claudiadorsett1860]

I always enjoy your book reviews and have the pleasure of owning more than a few of the same tomes. Your even toned, unhurried speaking voice is a bonus calming effect that prevents me from letting my imagination ranble so far that I would miss your story. I hope you continue these reviews far into the future as none of my girl friends have the same tastes for books on decorating and you have a kindred voice.

[@thetartantopiary]

What a thoughtful comment. Thank you. I hope to continue the reviews also.

[@annettehowell9392]

Your guest room is so lovely. The book was interesting, and the architecture of the house was nice, I found the wallpaper used and bold colors a bit overwhelming for my personal taste. Can't wait until next week have a great weekend and week ahead, take care.

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm getting a lot of comments about the wallpaper. Most people agree with you. I hope you have a great weekend!

[@joannlessner1551]

Liked your guest room much more than this week's book!

[@brenschilling3529]

What a stunning guest room! I love the bed linens you chose Mary. They complement the room and the peacefulness of the bedroom nicely.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate your comment!

[@brenschilling3529]

@@thetartantopiary What lucky guests that are able to stay in such a luxurious bedroom! You are the ultimate hostess by welcoming us into your home with each vlog. The new bedroom makeover rivals The Ritz Carlton, The Waldorf-Astoria and The Willard! How beautiful - such a reflection of you.

[@s.barlow7062]

You are my kindred spirit buying or inheriting furniture you love with no purpose in mind. Some how at sometime, we always find a place for what we love.😊

[@vcgreer]

Your presentation of the books you choose to review is excellent. But to be completely honest I especially enjoy the after chat. The French chest and the mirror are wonderful finds. I’ve always preferred a collected space to a decorated space. Your guest room is lovely.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the encouragement and agree about the "collected" instead of "decorated".

[@heidim6468]

Mary you know what I love about this room, the color of the paint. Some rooms have wall paper and some don’t. I love that you did paint. Everything looks so great, rug and bedding and wall decor look beautiful together. Great job on the whole room.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate that. I did consider wallpaper, but I tried to think outside of the box without jumping too far out of it. 😄

[@noncompliance1922]

Your guest room is lovely. Living in the rural Midwest one rarely comes across the beautiful antiques you have been fortunate to acquire. Therefore my home is a mixture of what I have dubbed "eclectica". It is more on the masculine side with some elegance thrown in for the unexpected. I enjoy seeing the beautiful feminine side when you share it with us. Thank you...

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! I often think my inner decorator is a man, but I do have moments when my feminine sides bursts into action.

[@alexandra2jerry]

We are currently building our new home so I’m having great fun collecting everything for the guest room. I started with new twin headboards which I had reupholstered in a French yellow cotton pretty pattern similar to a Toile. There was enough left over for me to cover the large lamp shade for the lamp which will go on the dresser in between the two beds as you have done. I’m pricing the sheets and coverlets and am shocked at at how expensive they are. I’m afraid my wallet will only stretch to the best my local department store can offer (I’ve already spent $350.00 on pillows! ) 💕😊💕 Thank you for so many wonderful ideas Mary such as the little snack box, I’ll add a whole host of goodies 👍😂👍

[@thetartantopiary]

I played the budget game too. You have headboards!!! I’m a little jealous, as I spent more on bedding than I originally planned, I’ll have to wait on headboards. The beds that were in the room previously were given to my daughter. Have fun with your room. It sounds very sweet!

[@rosariopaiz6158]

Wow .! Love love the garde so beautiful.

[@mouriefeeney1903]

This book review really got my decorator juices going with ideas. Simply put, I really loved this book! Mary, your guestroom is very nice and you did a superb job on the decorating and thank you for taking us along. Your own home is like a book review of it's own and love seeing all you do. Have a nice weekend and we will see you next wk.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate the thoughtful comment. You have a delightful weekend too!

[@janicekeisler9225]

Hi Mary! As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I wanted to walk through the lovely flower paths and go inside. Although some of the wallpaper and colors would be too much for me to live with, I could still appreciate the beautiful color choices. The antiques were beautiful, especially liked the bedroom with ornate black bed. The gardens are beyond lovely. Your “new” guest bedroom is wonderful and invites one to come, stay, and relax. Appreciate that you shared the sources for it too. Thank you so much Mary. I will definitely give this book another look.

[@thetartantopiary]

I did appreciate both the authors passion for their profession and their homelife. A lot of people agree with you on the wallpaper.

[@elizabethlara4070]

I enjoyed this book review, stunning property, decor and gardens! Well thought out. The guest room came our lovely and enviting! I love the french hand painted chest!!! Thank you for sharing your guest room sources. Have a wonderful weekend Mary!

[@thetartantopiary]

I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. Thank you!

[@theresabyrd4122]

Beautiful book. Your guest bedroom is so well done. Love the colors! I am available to test it out for you anytime 😂😂

[@elbacar4838]

👍

[@thetartantopiary]

You are sweet. As my daughter was critiquing the bedroom (in only a way a daughter can) she told me the beds were too high. I told her that usually my guests don't fall out of bed. She didn't laugh. 😄

[@tc7486]

I just love this guest room! It’s perfect!

[@carolynratliff1380]

Again…so pretty. Can’t wait for the Mario book….he is one person I would have loved to have known. Hugs carolyn from Columbus GA

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes, I do appreciate him in many ways. It was a great book and was just released last week. I finished it today.

[@lindablauw9362]

Just exquisite, so thoughtful, elegant and comfy

[@nancyharte4058]

I truly enjoy both the book reviews and your personalized comments and experiences.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- your thoughtful comment does mean a lot to me!

[@hikingwiththedog6078]

That guest room is such an inviting creation!!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@prettypetals1]

Luuuuuuv,luv,luv your guest bedroom! Your taste is just my style and impeccable! Oh who would want to leave a guest bedroom like that? Not I! So very cozy and pretty princess! Beautiful! :-)

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much. ❤️

[@jeffcarnes3898]

Hi Miss Mary! The book was really nice and I enjoyed your narration - as usual. The guest room is very attractive and love your selections of furnishings and accessories. I agree, linens make the stay over memorable. I was fascinated to hear about next week's book on Mario Buatta - can't wait! Thanks again for always providing quality content - you're the best!🌹🌹🌹

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate your encouragement and your kind words. I finished the Mario Buatta book today. It was just released last week.

[@TheFairwinds1]

your guest room is just...*sigh* ...so welcoming to...relax. Well done!! I relate to your son's (& yours) sense of humor...(I'm older than you...more pillows...) franki

[@thetartantopiary]

YES- I find I have a designated pillow for specific parts of my anatomy. I remember, especially in college, sleeping like a log on anything (with or without a pillow). Those days are gone!

[@TheFairwinds1]

@@thetartantopiary I neglected yo wtite...I do luv tg5e b/w striped wallpaper

[@kathie8930]

Love what you did with the guest room. The colors are divine.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate the kind comment!

[@brendasanchez-ic2ld]

I so agree with you with regard to nice bed linen. You are the perfect host. Thank you for sharing.

[@thetartantopiary]

That is very nice, thank you for watching.

[@grandaflora4191]

Your guest bedroom looks beautiful and very cozy.

[@mariesmith9507]

Thank you Mary I like the paint in the wall.

[@hildalopez1252]

Beautiful but so busy... The gardens are gorgeous

[@glendalafont1561]

I love your personal segments and that bedroom is stunning.

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad you enjoy the personal side of the book reviews. I appreciate your comment.

[@rosariopaiz6158]

Fabulous the room looks great , thank you for sharing, as always you make a great presentation , thank you again.

[@missmurrydesign7115]

Utterly charming...

[@johnmyers7008]

Interesting book and video. Your guest bedroom is lovely! Thank you, Mary!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for watching. I agree, this book was very interesting.

[@brandontodd3799]

It's beautiful...... But a lot of color upon color upon color upon pattern upon pattern.. don't know if I could do it on the daily

[@thetartantopiary]

I understand that. During an open house this week my mom walked into a foyer with a similar style as this book. The floors were a green and white checkerboard pattern. She immediately had to sit down and complained of a headache. I took her for ice-cream afterwards, as that cures everything! 😄

[@valerievrettos3472]

I agree. I thought that the architecture, the gardens and most of the individual items were beautiful. However, I found the color and pattern combinations to be unsettling. Your sweet guest room was the calm after the storm for me.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

The book by Pennoyer and Kidder is beautiful! I would love a garden like that! I have been bringing in more flowers and plants this fall, but I think I need to do more. I did recently put anise in a vase, and I did put some of my hydrangeas in a pitcher. As far as pillows go, I love many, many pillows. Where do I put them? Some people put them in a basket, and some people put them in storage for a bench at the foot of the bed when it is time to go to bed! I got the hanging closet 6 tier shelves. Mine was $25 at Kohl's. They are in a few other places. I am happy with mine. My pillows have handwork from Mom, and friends and one I did for Mom that came back to me when she died, and handkerchiefs from my grandmothers. I won't put them on the floor, and this solution helps my closet organization. If the chests you have in the guest rooms are empty, then of course that is a great place for pillows people don't use at night when they are sleeping. They are too lovely to put just anywhere!

[@thetartantopiary]

I love this. Thanks for sharing and I appreciate the way you care for your treasured items. 💗

[@CharlotteFairchild]

@@thetartantopiary I love your show!

[@mdmnyc41]

I always look forward to your videos. I particularly enjoy your soothing voice and seeing which piece of Elizabeth Locke jewelry you're wearing. Your guest room is scrumptious and causes me to reconsider mine: I think I need a redo especially since those colors you chose are my favorite and the drapes are to die for. I would feel like I was in heaven if I found myself staying in such a room. You have such a talent for choosing colors and decor.

[@thetartantopiary]

You are very kind, thank you. I knew I wanted these drapes the minute I saw them and the room evolved around several things, but especially these drapes. I wanted trim and knew they would be expensive. When I saw these were available as retail, but still had that bespoke look, I knew they were perfect.

[@MattieDianeMunson]

Love Katie’s house

[@thetartantopiary]

I love how they took the best of new and old designs and managed to make them coexist in a seamless way.

[@dulcerush735]

Saying hello 👋 from Las Vegas, Love, love the beautiful book❤ And the guest bedroom is so tastefully done, love the elegance,softness and tranquility of it❤ I knew it was going to turn out perfect as soon as I saw the mirror:) Should be in Yosemite by Monday. Cash up with you later. Just had to take the time to see about the guest room:)

[@thetartantopiary]

Hello- I hope you are having fun. I'm sure you are. Thank you for the kind comments and be careful as you roam the country!

[@dulcerush735]

@@thetartantopiary thanks I have to say there’s an unpleasant change going on. Specially if you go in a store to buy something:( Not how I remember as a child growing up. Not the same:( The natural beauty of the land is incredible, a blessed by God country for sure hopefully it will stay like that always. We should be at Yosemite tomorrow God willing.

[@talycaorsi7887]

Beautifully as always!!!

[@lindaschmitz9318]

I enjoy your videos immensely and hope they continue. 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

I hope to continue them also Thank you for the encouragement.

[@psin0373]

Hi Mary, I've been a fan of your Essex bedding from Neiman Marcus forever. Truly a timeless classic. Thank you so much for sharing your world with us!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for watching. The Essex bedding also has a beautiful blue toile. I almost went with blue and pink as my colors just so I could use it.

[@vickeypierce293]

The book has some beautiful pics Love your guest room I too seem that the older I get the more pillows I have on my bed lol

[@thetartantopiary]

It really does make a difference. I have 3 pillows that vary in shape and size that I cannot live without.😄

[@user-uv4fb2jw3z]

ДЯКУЄМО ЗА ВАШУ ТВОРЧУ ПРАЦЮ❤❤❤🎉

[@maryschlotter108]

Lovely, lovely, lovely! Your ideas and thoughtfulness behind your choices for the guest room were wonderful. Yes I find as I “ mature” ☺️ more pillows are welcomed! Looking forward to reading the book ! Thank you Mary.

[@thetartantopiary]

You're exactly right..."mature". Also, the wiser I get the more pillows I need. 😄

[@gladysbrewer7420]

Wow , so beautiful ,You did a wonderful job ❤ !

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that!

[@juliecarns]

This is a beautiful book with a fabulous cover; the kitchen is wonderful as are the bathroom(s). I wonder if interior designers see people making safe choices in regards to color and pattern -so they find great joy in making out-of-the-box choices. Your guest room is luxurious! Julie 🌷

[@thetartantopiary]

Hi Julie- I think you may be right. Some designers do go for bold just to make a statement. I have found the designers with "longevity" have the ability to think outside of the box and still make rooms comfortable and beautiful to the prosaic consumer.

[@barbarastephenson6885]

I think Mary has a strong following! I bought some of the books based on the review! They are terrific.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I try not to display a strong opinion when reviewing the books. As with many things, they are all subjective. I try to let the book reflect itself. In the coming weeks are 3 books that I have been highly anticipating and will probably lose the stiff upper lip!😀 The upcoming books on Mario Buatta and Ralph Lauren will be 2 of those! They are both giants, in my opinion!

[@barbarastephenson6885]

@@thetartantopiary you do Mary. No worries. Knowing some of the history of the houses, places etc., is fascinating. That brings the book to life.

[@danielpierce6327]

May I recommend a video topic that I believe would be of interest to all of us and more out there. featuring the style of Queen Elizbeth II since its been one year since her passing or that of king Charles III and his Highgrove estate. However its just my little KZbin comment but I'm finding these video's very interesting almost like my little 15 min break back to my childhood and my great grandmothers decorating that brings me home in a way.

[@traceygartrell3419]

Loving your inspiration

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad! Inspiration is what it's all about!

[@andrewmagnussen8218]

Splurged on the Italinate chest,was worth it,it makes the room,and is ainvestment that ca go into any room,living room,dining room,bed room,hallway.Allways buy what you love and the piece will tell where to place it.

[@thetartantopiary]

I knew I loved it as soon as I saw it. You are right. My husband asked where I would put it and I said "it will find a spot" and it did.

[@kimclarke5018]

I see you have cards from architectural watercolors. I own many of their cards including the alphabet ones as well. They are so fabulous.

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes, I'm so impressed with this shop and their gallery. I would love to decorate a child's room (or any room) with the alphabet art.

[@carolynratliff1380]

The guest room is beautiful…can’t believe your mom said color gives her a headache……moms!!!!!!

[@thetartantopiary]

And then we grow up just like them! 😂

[@amyjones2490]

What an inviting room. It may be hard to get guests to leave if they’re that comfy 😅

[@thetartantopiary]

I didn't think that far ahead. Although, my husband talks so much that could be my secret weapon.😄

[@melaniemorris7757]

Your guest room is lovely! ( I also have a love affair with pillows!)

[@thetartantopiary]

I will have to say, I have a specific pillow for the head, the torso and the legs. I tried a body pillow for a while, but ended up going back to my trusty three. 😄

[@christinahand973]

Do I anticipate your videos? Guess who the first viewer was today!

[@thetartantopiary]

I LOVE it! You’re the best!

[@carolynratliff1380]

Ms Mary ….I wanted to ask you…when pillows are monogrammed in the master bedroom….do I put my initials first or my husband’s…his name is Terry….our last name is Ratliff….mine is carolyn…..so what initial goes where????? Thankyou…..hugs carolyn from Columbus GA

[@thetartantopiary]

Hello- the bride’s name is first (far left), followed by the joint surname (middle) and to the far right is the husbands name. CRT This is the way it was explained to me and Southern Living also supports this placement! 😃

[@kaywallace6139]

Pretty house but I don’t care for the wallpaper she used throughout her house.

[@thetartantopiary]

My husband said the same thing.

[@guldenaydin9918]

🌈💝

[@bwiseok]

Oh so lovely. The color is perfect in the bedroom. Can I spend the night with you? Just kidding.

[@thetartantopiary]

If you bring the tea and scones I will provide the room! 😄

[@brendawood6712]

Over decorated, not my taste

[@debcunningham5011]

Oh yes! Cannot wait for your next review…Mario Buatta is everything…and so is your lovely guest room!🩷Absolutely heavenly!🩷

[@thetartantopiary]

He was a true master. 💗

[@annettehowell9392]

Your guest room is so lovely. The book was interesting, and the architecture of the house was nice, I found the wallpaper used and bold colors a bit overwhelming for my personal taste. Can't wait until next week have a great weekend and week ahead, take care.

[@thetartantopiary]

Many comments have echoed your statement. The wallpaper is not working for most people! Thanks for watching and commenting!