A Review: Alexa Hampton; The Language of Interior Design & I Answer Your Questions

[@suzieq2493]

Mary, so glad you decided to start a KZbin channel. I look forward to your videos every week. I think you have the perfect voice...you should consider narrating children's books. I think your home is beautifully decorated. I would hire you! Looking forward to the new library room

[@sarahlynnmarkham2760]

As do I.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much! The funny thing is...I was hired to do the narration for a book on tape. It was a children's book entitled "Topsey the Blind Sea Turtle" Thanks for watching and always being supportive!

[@suzieq2493]

@@thetartantopiary Your voice is very soothing and children would respond to that😊

[@rinskeraphael8755]

The book is 14 years old and yet stunning modern. Thanx for Posting Mary. Lying in bed with the flu , enjoying your video’s✨💖✨

[@thetartantopiary]

@@rinskeraphael8755 Oh no- I hope you are feeling better soon. It was about this time last year that I got Covid. Three weeks in bed is NO fun! I hope you are up and about quickly! Stay hydrated and watch something that makes you laugh. That really helped me!

[@judithparrott1696]

It is amazing to me how much we seem to have in common. I have been collecting books for over 30 years as the budget allows. I have a small library in my home but the books are in every room. In addition to interior design I collect books on history and knitting designs. My Scottish ancestry is the McAlpine clan. The first Scotsman to come to the US arrived at Michilamackinac in 1764. He arrived as part of a British regiment. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@thetartantopiary]

@@judithparrott1696 I have reviewed two of Bobby McAlpine‘s books. Not only might you be a distant relative of his, but you may also enjoy his books. There is something about the Scottish blood that runs thick. Thank you for your comment! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😀

[@moniquemckenna6795]

Anyone having a stressful day should log on to your channel and I guarantee their stress will disappear in the first moments, and maybe they will enjoy learning about home and garden design. Your music and calming voice make the experience one that I look forward to. I love when you feature a book and I know I have it, then find it and sit quietly and go through the pages again, and always be inspired. Thank you

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that very much. I really enjoy content on KZbin that I know will calm and inform. I feel as if I'm multitasking two important things. Thanks for commenting and letting me know.

[@richardmorrow5060]

I came upopn your channel accidentally. And have enjoyed it ever since.

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad. Thanks for watching.

[@sarahlynnmarkham2760]

Mary, you just make this native Florida girl smile with your nod to the coast and traditional southern decor and design. This new year we are finally remodeling our house in order to prepare for our "empty nest years" as our eldest son is out of college living up in Augusta, GA and our sweet daughter is up in Tallahasse at FSU. Your childhood memories and love of your grandmother ,entire family and friends give me hope and make me feel I am not alone. Thank you for all the calm and encouraging words during such an extraordinary time in our country. I'm currently enjoying - House Beautiful Live Colorfully per your book review and consider you my unofficial interior design mentor. lots of love to you and your's. 🦜💙🐚💓🐚💚🐚💛🦜

[@thetartantopiary]

Well, I am tickled pink by your comment. You are so thoughtful, and I appreciate you sharing this. The "empty nesting" years can be tough. When my youngest (a junior in high school) goes to college I will cry! We may have to meet in Charleston to discuss it! 😁

[@sarahlynnmarkham2760]

@@thetartantopiary I will meet you in Charleston with a monogrammed hankie for you. I do believe we are the same age as I graduated college with my Social Work degree in 1992. 💙🐚💙

[@lianeabeyta4515]

Am I really the 1st? Oh... how I love Christmas decor... but oh.... how I hate the take down! Every year I say next year I will pare down. Then I open the first box and its game on! Haha I also collect books, especially decor and gardening and have them everywhere. Its hard to have a library in a 1,148 sq ft house! But, its nice to dream. Happy 2024

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes, dream! Even if it's one wall that is dedicated to book shelves. I've seen several designers use an entire wall in their dining room for a library, Carolyne Roehm and Alex Papachristidis did this, and it was ingenious.

[@britori1481]

My “Alexa” device enjoyed this review thoroughly by adding her own commentary while I listened to yours! Should have picked a different spot in the house to watch your video. I have this book and found the author Alexa offers so much advice- almost as much as my electronic Alexa.

[@sherylgergen6672]

Hilarious!

[@thetartantopiary]

I actually gave that some thought and tried to use "Hampton" when referring to Alexa Hampton, but it sounded odd to me! 😄

[@ldavis8]

Mine loved it too! Too Funny!

[@carollee4356]

I am looking forward to the process of building your library . Love your vlog!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! I'm excited and a little nervous.

[@psin0373]

Love that Q&A voice over, Mary! Very interesting! Fridays can't come soon enough. Love your channel.

[@thetartantopiary]

You are kind to say that! Thank you!

[@sherrycatanese4312]

Mary, so happy you chose to share a book by Alexa. She is so uber talented and has such a neat personality, from the times I’ve seen her in an interview at her home, etc. A really lovely book. It was fun to get to hear more about you and your life! Thanks for sharing you world with us. You are a delightful person!

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate your kind comment. Thank you for sharing that!

[@DiGrace44]

Mary, you outdid yourself with this video. I always love seeing your beautiful home and hearing snippets of your life. There's a glimpse of a sheep in your living room and I'm wondering where you got it. This week's book is absolutely inspiring and lovely. Thanks for sharing.

[@thetartantopiary]

This sheep was left over from my son's nursery. The theme was Noah's Ark and we had animals everywhere: lions, kangaroos, penguins, etc.. I kept a few and the sheep was one of them. It is very sturdy and my son would often ride it. It's made by a company called "Hansa".

[@DiGrace44]

Thank you

[@janekgorane1750]

Mary! I'm truly inspired! What a journey! Thank you for answering the questions with such eloquence , clarity, and poise. To some extent, you are still teaching. We have benefitted from these Friday sessions. I can not even put it into words. May 2024 be a super awesome year for you and your family.❤ It was great to see Sir Daniel enjoying his tea time! Thank you, Mary🙏

[@thetartantopiary]

Your words of encouragement mean a great deal to me- thank you!

[@annmiller7977]

Enjoyed your book this week! You’ve answered some of the questions I was wondering about too! Have a nice weekend! Your tree was so beautiful!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you!

[@sherylgergen6672]

Thank you for the review on a beautiful book. I enjoyed hearing the bits and pieces of your interests and choices made in your life. It is fun to watch you put your special design skills and creativity to work in everything you do🌺

[@jenniferm5486]

Hi Mary. As always I thoroughly enjoyed this week’s video. Your channel is definitely one of my favorites!! I look forward to watching every Saturday morning!! Have a great week!!

[@thetartantopiary]

I hope you have a great week also. Thank you for letting me know this. I always appreciate the encouragement!

[@silviaperdomo8215]

It's always a great treat to watch your videos! The icing on the cake was a glimpse of your sweet kitty. Thank you

[@sharonchilds3871]

Alexa is definitely one of my favorites. Great review. Your design project is going to be exciting,I can’t wait to see the process and finished product. Thanks for allowing us to get to know you better. Have a great weekend 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for watching. I hope you have a great weekend also.

[@mouriefeeney1903]

Hello Mary. Perhaps it is time for you to rethink Interior Designing ~ you are perfect for this because you love it so. I really enjoyed this book review and watching you disassemble Christmas decor but mostly enjoyed hearing about you and your other homes and past decisions in life. I look forward to hearing from you each week and inviting you into my own home. Bye for now...till next week.

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that and I am sincerely grateful to be invited into your home as you watch the reviews. Thank you!

[@asianangie7209]

How wonderful and admirable! Something told me you might’ve been a teacher! Your channel was great from the start but even better now that we see more of your personality and of course, your adorable husband! I love the inspiration photo and look forward to seeing the library come to life! Also love the story about grandmother’s book! What a treasure!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you!

[@lynnedwards6278]

I look forward to your videos. so much have I learned for you in the last year. Thank you for sharing your knowage in decorating.

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that and thank you for letting me know.

[@barbaradzitko1826]

Enjoyed the Q&A Mary. I love decorating for Christmas, but I hate to take it down. Everything looks so bare.

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes- I feel your pain. I have to light scented candles and listen to Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole to help my psyche, especially in January.

[@debrahalcrow1933]

Wonderful and informative video. Thank you for answering so many of your viewers questions. Your voice is perfect for these videos. Your husband adds a bit of whimsy and delight to your videos. The felines warm my heart with your love and care for them. I really enjoy the review of the interior design books but love your ideas in doing projects in relationship to the book you just reviewed. Looking forward to 2024 and your videos.❤

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad. I look forward to 2024 also. Thanks for sharing the time with me!

[@PaulaShoaf]

Hi Mary , I am thrilled to have found your channel .. I love seeing these decorating books that you are sharing, what a dream that would be to have a designer do one room at least for me! I truly enjoy and hearing about you so delightful ,I hope you share more of you own style for I love the traditional look myself, however it is harder to find or so very expensive ! Blessings, Paula

[@amyjones2490]

I really like Alexa’s style and thoroughly enjoyed your q and a. I used to watch the Nanny just to see the floral arrangements. I dabbled in arrangements classes myself.

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes- I remember the flower arrangements and the window treatments from The Nanny!😁

[@bettylowdermilk4296]

Just loved hearing about your journey. So enjoy all your videos. Love the book reviews and sharing part of your world with us. Always so fun to see your lovely home and what you are updating and how.

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so very glad you enjoy the videos. I appreciate your comment.

[@sheilaball3693]

Really look forward to your you tube posts Mary. Thank you for continuing to inspire us all. Xx

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I appreciate you letting me know!

[@rosariopaiz6158]

Thank you, I appreciate all the explaining on the subject on how you choose the books , and how you started the KZbin videos , also was nice to see the way you put all your Christmas decorations down , nice , neat .

[@thetartantopiary]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and I always appreciate your comments!

[@fitzhugh9409]

Mary, Your buddy from Wallace. If I am not mistaken the house you renovated in Wallace was the Zibelin house I think. Mrs. Helen Zibelin Farrior (former mayors mother) was my next door neighbor in Wallace. I grew up in the old Dr. Lee Dees home. enjoy you so much! Fitzhugh

[@alexandra2jerry]

Thank you Mary for another lovely video. The Q&A session was a brilliant idea, but the fun bit was at the end seeing your hubby with your cat, oh so cute. 🥰👏🥰

[@thetartantopiary]

They are both cute and a menace at the same time. 😁

[@dianayavetz6286]

Thank you for sharing your background and choices in life. I can see how you would be a great teacher. I really love your channel and look forward to watching the library take shape. Happy New Year!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnmyers7008]

Mary, you and your videos are a joy to behold!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, that means a lot to me!

[@TheFiown]

Another lovely vision ! Happy New Year my dear, looking forward to many more insights ! Hugs xxx

[@thetartantopiary]

Hugs back to you! I hope you have a wonderful week and thanks for watching!

[@coleenstarling1217]

Every week I look for your new review video. I love design and strive to make our antebellum home a place of grace and beauty. I learn so much from you and the books you feature. My home and I are both a work in progress! I must say you are a gifted journalist.

[@chefMags]

Enjoy your channel. I have started my interior design book collection.

[@sweett1996]

Lovely! Cant wait for next week!

[@maureenlee-grant5773]

Mary, thank you for another thoughtful book review; they have all been informative, encouraging and motivating. I was initially drawn to your channel by the way you present information, the calming effect of both your voice and background music, your musings, humor and "how to" segments. I loved your Q & A this week. The teacher in you shines through every time. That part of your background is no surprise to me, a former teacher myself. I love to hear stories of people's journeys and how they found their calling; yours encourages and motivates. I see your heritage embedded in the Tartan Topiary. Thank you for sharing. Blessings always.

[@thetartantopiary]

You are very thoughtful to share that, and I thank you! I appreciate your encouragement and blessings in return!

[@pjc2262]

I enjoy all your reviews! I too have a long passion for interiors. I purchase designer books as well, so it’s nice to see the previews on your channel. Helps me decide on my future purchases. BTW, I love your home and all your antiques! I’m a fan as well! Thank you for your videos! It’s really enjoyable!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate your design passions and I'm glad you enjoy the channel!

[@jeaninesarrge8159]

Thank you for this review, I'll probably purchase this one! (I got Traditions of Christmas 🎄🎄🎄) I'm so glad you started this channel... I have an art/floral design background, but have always enjoyed interior design; the books you share are so helpful and inspiring 💐. Have a great weekend!!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I do have a respect for floral designers. It takes a special eye and strong fingers! 😄

[@heatherderganc5984]

Awesome video! But I enjoy them all! Can’t wait for next week!

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad, thanks for letting me know.

[@yvonnerolley9676]

Your teaching and design skills support your channel to be inspirational

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that!

[@laurabyrd9903]

Mary thank you so very much for sharing your life your family with us for someone that cannot get around like I would like to laugh so much fun that I could share with you and enjoy thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a awesome and very special person. oh yes and your husband too let’s don’t forget him.

[@thetartantopiary]

No- we can't forget him! 😁 You are a kind soul to share this comment with me. It makes my heart happy and I appreciate it more than you know!

[@daphinejohnson5218]

Great video, love the music and voice is so soothing, thanks.

[@dianeoneal4183]

As always, Mary, I love this video! You explain everything so well in your very soothing voice! I look forward to each new review and seeing your home and gardens, as well. Thank you!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@grandaflora4191]

Keep doing what you do. We enjoy it all. Congrats on your You Tube success❣️

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@patriciaflores2776]

Hi Mary 👍great book review love the cover & the story .thank you for sharing and taking us along the den remodel process.☕💐🌞

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for watching!

[@claudiadorsett1860]

I just tuned into your channel sometime early 2023 so I have your back editions to look forward to. Don't you just love that "One Man's Folly" by the late Furlough Gatewood? And Charles Faudree, don't get me started on that precious man. Please keep on reviewing, planting, baking, etc and anything else exciting you get up to. Love to see your videoes (is that spelled right??).

[@thetartantopiary]

Furlow Gatewood was a unique man and a consummate preservationist. I loved his passion and desire to save! Yes, precious is a good description for Charles Faudree. He was a kind and gentle soul. As I hear stories about him, he apparently had a very clever wit, as well. I'm glad you appreciate them also. Thanks for the encouraging comment.

[@jameshaun7]

Thank you Mary!!!

[@khurramkhurshed9427]

Breathtaking interiors ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@annettehowell9392]

I enjoyed this week's book very much, the beautiful photographs and traditional decor and use of architectural architectural design. Hope your new year is starting off very well. Until next week, can't wait.

[@thetartantopiary]

Many thanks and I hope your new year is a great one!

[@chemokiki]

As I consistently purchase a frightening selection of interior books, I've come to often rely on your previews before I buy. It helps so much as I used to peruse real bookstores being a brick and mortar personality. Since Covid so many have closed and I am selecting online. Your channel has shown me what I really want on my shelves, tabletops, chairs and any spare space. Thank you for this idea of reviewing them! Can't wait for the de Gournay book as I have put if off in favor of rooms already using their papers but it's definitely on the list. As is the the Zuber tome. Thanks again and Happy New Year!

[@thetartantopiary]

Both of these books are keepsake books. The Zuber book could be a history book. The de Gournay is breathtaking, but more of a picture book. I'm so glad you find the videos valuable!

[@loretta7851]

Love all your videos! Thankyou

[@ldavis8]

I really enjoy all of you videos, but my Alexa device loved this one and answered you every time you said her name! So funny! Keep the videos coming. Do more with James Farmer....like him.

[@thetartantopiary]

I thought about all the Alexas while doing the voice over for this video, but it sounded odd to just call her "Hampton". James Farmer is one of my favorites also. Do you have a book in mind that I haven't reviewed?

[@lilacwaterfall6376]

Absolutely love your❤ channel. Toronto, Ontario Canada

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad. Thanks for letting me know.

[@claudinedenys5237]

Absolutely lovely stylish interiors which are not going to date

[@thetartantopiary]

I agree!

[@belindawilliams3713]

Yes I enjoy yr videos , they r v educative and passionately created

[@jameshaun7]

I’m glad you did!!!

[@jogillies9150]

Your content is stunning! I admire your talents.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@maryjimdale7031]

What a wonderful video. I feel like we could meet for a coffee one day…..something of a tall order given I’m live in Australia! Thank you for sharing.

[@thetartantopiary]

We'll meet halfway one day! 😄

[@dulcerush735]

Beautiful 😻 Awesome video:) Thank You Mary. Love your porcelain tea set, I have a special place in my heart for people that appreciate beautiful porcelain. Many years ago I had a student and her husband was the great grandson Charles Dickens. Maybe great great🤷🏻‍♀️, she would always talk about it. You are a very special lady. Looking forward to next week.❤ I had my husband watch you take down the Christmas tree 🎄;)

[@thetartantopiary]

I kept your beautiful ornament out and placed it on the foyer table. I really treasure it and your thoughtfulness. You are a very special lady too! The story of your student's husband being a great grandson of Charles Dickens is impressive. See you next week.

[@dulcerush735]

@@thetartantopiary of course you were hired to read a children’s book. You have a beautiful, soothing voice, that can be your other job😊 Can you sing? If you do. I would imagine that it would be romantic songs from the 60s-70s.

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary, I remember your first videos and yes, I was so happy when you decided to add your voice! I also was interested in interior design and would comment like you on homes or apartments I admired on tv. I loved "I love Lucy's" apartment and "That Girls" apartment (especially the arched kitchen faucet) to mention a few. It was fun learning some facts about you and I look forward to hearing about Daniel. Have a wonderful week and I will see you in the next one! Hugs! :)

[@thetartantopiary]

Some of the most fun sets for me to inspect, as a child, were soap operas. I loved The Young and the Restless sets and Dallas. The arched kitchen faucet is a fun memory. When our house was used for the movie and TV shows I really enjoyed talking with the set designers. They were very interesting.

[@dianehewitt579]

I enjoy this channel so much!

[@thetartantopiary]

I am so glad! Thank you-

[@kenyadixon7632]

I would like to tell you that you have made me purchase waaaay too many books. Thank you 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

I get it- I love the story of Thomas Jefferson selling his book collection to pay off debt and instead of paying the full debt, he bought more books!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I really like the traditional style of decorating! Traditional never goes out of style in my opinion.

[@thetartantopiary]

I totally agree and this book is almost 15 years old!

[@pamelaprivette5361]

Loved your video!

[@sharonmbayabu1042]

I need this book 😊

[@prospeaker58]

OMG! You have no idea as to why watching this video was so hard! You said “Alexia” so many times MY Alexia was having a fit! lol!!!! I can’t recall you saying any other authors name so often throughout the video! lol!! I had to keep yelling ‘cancel Alexia!’ 😂

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Whenever you say the word Alexa, our Alexa starts talking!!!

[@bwiseok]

Wonderful

[@rogerhughes8998]

Where did you find those darling Blackamoor and gold tables? I LOVE them!

[@thetartantopiary]

They came from Scotland by way of Italy. I love them too! (an anniversary gift) Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers

[@lonenugget4301]

Looking forward to your library project and did I miss the outcome of your chase lounge project or is that forthcoming? Great video as always!

[@thetartantopiary]

I GOT IT TODAY! I will be featuring that in the next couple of weeks!

[@lonenugget4301]

​@@thetartantopiarySo excited!

[@barbarastephenson6885]

Love your videos. You are very talented- I learn from the book previews and your thoughts. Thank you! What is the orange kitty’s name? Is he/she new?

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad you find the videos useful! The orange kitty is Roscoe. He is 4 years old and we've had that rascal since he was a kitten. Bobbie, aka Barbra McHairy Whiskarpants is our newest cat. She was a foster cat that adopted us about a year ago. You'll see her occasionally. 😺

[@barbarastephenson6885]

@@thetartantopiary I love pets. I had an orange tabby kitty growing up. He lived 22 years- his name was Peanuts. He was lovely. Yes, like all your viewers, I get a lot from your videos. You are very talented Mary. I am surprised that you have not been approached by HGTV. I have purchased some of the books based on your reviews, and they have been well worth it. 🩷Hugs to Roscoe, and Bobby aka Barbara MH Whiskarpants.

[@marylou3995]

I thought the accent was Europe! Not Scottish. !

[@carollee4356]

I am looking forward to the process of building your library . Love your vlog!

[@dianehewitt579]

I enjoy this channel so much!

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad, thank you!