A Review: The Perfect Room: Timeless Designs...Marie Flanigan with Susan Sully & Rainy-Day Gardening

Flanigan delivers for every homeowner detailed, expert guidance for designing each part of the house, from living rooms to closets, kitchens to baths.
Flanigan looks at the home on a room-by-room basis, identifying common design challenges, offering solutions on how to create rooms that are aesthetically pleasing and efficient. With examples chosen from her work, she shares seasoned wisdom and creative approaches to every decision ranging from building materials and architectural details to furnishings, color, textiles, accessories, and organization.
While her first book The Beauty of Home spelled out her philosophy of design, this new tome provides illustrated examples of design ideas and applications for each room in the house, inspiring readers to create spaces that exceed expectations.
Her firm collaborates on projects from Jackson Hole to Miami. Rooms from contemporary to traditional-style homes are featured including the sun-drenched great room of a Shingle-style house in the Hamptons, a rustic-chic dining room with stone floors and a weathered wood ceiling in Texas, and a paneled living room in Manhattan. For those passionate about interiors and architecture, this wealth of design ideas is a great resource.
P. Allen Smith Hydrangea Care:
• Hydrangeas | Growing T...

[@trueidentitytime2shine862]

Mary, you are so dear! Thanks for being here with us. Thanks for bringing more beauty, joy, love and peace to our lives!!!❤🎉

[@thetartantopiary]

That is a very kind comment, and I appreciate your thoughtful encouragement.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Love your garden art. The music and hearing the rain is so relaxing and serene!❤. I like cloud and foggy days…..it is soothing and peaceful!

[@yvonnerolley9676]

Mary your presentation style and garden and home vignettes create such feelings of serenity

[@thetartantopiary]

I am so glad. Serenity is my goal!

[@garyskibinski1879]

Mary , love your program . The rain in your last video was so refreshing. Here in Ohio we are having a serious drought . Continue your relaxing program . You and your husband are delightful.

[@MourieAnnFeeney]

Beautiful back oasis you have there Mary. 'To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow'. I love the rain ~ sweet kitty. ❤

[@maaamiii6918]

What a lovely rain! We badly need it here in St. Louis. Your garden is magical, Mary. I'm always inspired by your content. Thank you for your weekly offerings.

[@Rj4cg]

Mary, your book review was marvelous. It’s always fun to get a look at another designer’s work. I also enjoyed the look at your new backyard bricked patio. The landscaping changes will be beautiful and lush. I marvel at your garden statues, antique finds, birdhouse, and windows you’ve collected! I am looking forward to seeing your new potting area! Thank your “crew” for doing all the digging!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you very much. I did appreciate the "crew" for their help. They were rewarded with white chicken chili (my son's favorite) and key lime pie (Daniel's favorite).

[@laurapieri6315]

Another lovely video Mary. Yesterday we had a wonderful full day visiting Rock Hall, MD. We sat by the water and had Maryland crab soup, coleslaw and steamed Maryland blue crab with Old Bay. It was so peaceful and quiet; my heart was happy. Waking up today and watching another one of your calming and delightful videos was a treasure. Thank you Mary for sharing your life with us and giving us all a few moments of peace and contentment🙏🏼❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

That makes me happy! Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and your day at Rock Hall.

[@gloriamorgan76]

I have enjoyed very much spending time with you at your home on a rainy day. So special ❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad!

[@cassandrawilliams4717]

I anticipate joining you in your library each week...and I love your presentation and the sound of your voice. I also enjoyed watching and listening to you in your yard, as I scan your property gathering ideas for my own. I especially enjoyed watching the warm rainy day views with a warm beverage of my own. Wishing you well.

[@robinrhea6125]

Your garden is wonderful! Love all the statues!

[@dianayavetz6286]

I liked that this book featured laundry rooms, a baby’s room and a child’s room.

[@kcwatkins4377]

Lovely as always. Thank you and peace.

[@MarySchlotter]

Thank you Mary for another lovely video. What a great garden companion Rosco is. We have a cat whose name is Sirachi that comes to visit every now and again. He is a neighbors cat. He will lay about the garden roll on his back or just sit and watch me weed etc. We always have the same conversation, that he is welcomed to stay but….as soon as he starts stalking the birds, chipmunks and bunny’s he has to go home. He is quite the character though. I have found him sitting on one of the rocking chairs on the front porch just relaxing. When I saw all the shrubs you have to plant I thought I may share something I learned this past summer. I volunteer for two gardens in my town. One of them is at our local library. We had 120 annuals to plant in a flag pole garden. When I saw them all laid out in the design we had chosen I realized this was going to be a long , hot day ending with ibuprofen. A maintenance person for the library came out with two drills and an auger bit. He showed us how easy the holes could be dug by using this,Some of the volunteers resisted and preferred the regular method. I got a quick tutorial on using the auger bit. It was not only great fun but we were done digging and planting all 120 in an hour. The man who taught me how to use the auger said they use larger bits to plant shrubs on the property. So if you haven’t finished planting you may consider this method. The bits are very reasonable about 35.00 for the size we needed. I hope you have a lovely rest of your weekend. All the best, Mary 🕊️

[@nancyconnell8579]

Mary - Your yard looks so serene and comfortable.

[@tc7486]

I agree about the rain. I don’t mind rainy days at all. Unless I have to go out for errands in it. Love your home both inside and out. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. You’re a great book reviewer.

[@psin0373]

Gosh, Mary, thank you for sharing the rain. I miss what you've described so much. As a native of the East Coast, now living in Southern California, I miss the lush green & the sound of rain so much. Ugh. Sunshine 24/7 is so annoying, as times, haha! Lovely book but my heart will always belong to Roscoe. Love that adorable ginger tabby!

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes, Roscoe has that effect on me also. When I'm trying to relax, I will often ask Siri or Alexa to play the sounds of rain, or thunderstorms. It's not as good as the real thing, but it helps.

[@psin0373]

@@thetartantopiary Siri, play gentle rain. I just did it and it's fantastic! Thank you, Mary!

[@lianeabeyta4515]

Your green,, lush , garden has me making plans and having visions of my own oasis I am moving after 52 years in my home, and having major withdrawals . At 73, I will never be able to replicate the history and patina and aged brick and moss , that have accumulated over the years. Its kind of breaking my heart. Especially after seeing your garden art and statues and weathered pots. That is my style. And I adore rainy days, hunkered down in a cozy home with something warm to drink, a fire, ad a great book! Life at its finest.

[@thetartantopiary]

I am sure it's not easy to leave a home of 52 years. You sound optimistic, and I think that is the true soul of a successful gardener.

[@rinskeraphael8755]

Enjoying every minute with you .💞

[@lindamiklos4964]

Oh my gosh Mary your garden is so cool,the trees and ferns,fire pit.A beautiful and zen place.❤

[@janiceturner8827]

Loved this book! Her style is very pleasing to me. Thank you Mary for another fabulous video.

[@thetartantopiary]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@BrenSchilling]

Delightful as always Mary! You and your library fill my week with happiness and your garden with joy. XOXO Bren

[@thetartantopiary]

Aww- that is very kind!

[@mimis5407]

I really love ❤️ your choice of ferns for the new patio area. Such a beautiful place. Rain here is badly needed only 1 inch since August 1.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks, and I hope you get rain soon!

[@elizabethzapac3203]

I just saw the Stephanie Nass house tour on Homeworthy, and I’m really looking forward to seeing your next episode about this book👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@maryannesullivan9585]

... wonderful, Mary. Thank you!

[@sunshinefairy6651]

I love to see your enthusiastic gardening!---Followed by the delightful musical tour and the lovely rainscape. Thanks for a few minutes of calm. My Friday is better now.

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad! That makes me happy.

[@kimclarke5018]

Mary your house and garden are stunning. Well done. Love 💗 the cocktail 🍹 videos with your husband. They are quite entertaining. Thank you again.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I think Daniel and I will be having cocktails in next week's video! 🍷🍾

[@amyjones2490]

I myself love a rainy day and autumn is spectacular here in Michigan. Thanks for sharing your lovely garden with us.

[@thetartantopiary]

You are very welcome!

[@joannlessner1551]

Love your garden and the gorgeous Roscoe! I'd watch for them without a book.

[@thetartantopiary]

I very much appreciate that!

[@carolpipher4839]

🍂 ~Beautiful Mary! You have the perfect "country in the city" lot! 🍃🐿🍃

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I do enjoy both country and city.

[@catherinemathias3456]

I hate weeding as well!!! I wish I could pay a gardner to do that chore. Thank you for your garden tour. You certainly have made the right choices in the plants that define each area of your home! ❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@annclark8573]

Ya can't beat lots and lots of green plants everywhere with just a dash of color in summer.

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes!

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary.....always so nice to visit with you. I enjoyed this weeks review as I am always amazed at yet another designer I'm not familiar with! I love the holly fern and their placement. In my book you can never have too much green. I also love a rainy day especially when I can just stay home and enjoy it. You have an interesting garden with beautiful plantings and I loved seeing Roscoe! Have a wonderful week and I will see you in the next one! Hugs! :)

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, Linda. I love green also, and especially in the winter. It's nice to have plants that remain green when the browns of Fall and Winter seem to prevail. You have a great week ahead!

[@MarinaLay-rn8kl]

Hello. Thanks for the book review and the delightful view of your garden. It is very lovely!

[@thetartantopiary]

Hello, I appreciate that and thanks for watching!

[@mariafusco7899]

I love your garden statuary and accessories!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I do love a good garden accessory!

[@susanalucena9503]

Beautiful garden! Love it!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks so much!

[@CarmenTorres-gf3sg]

Everything looks great like always ❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@PaulaShoaf]

Ohh Mary your home and property are so beautiful , those Interior Designers have nothing over you ! I will be watching the video on pruning Thank you for that ! I would really love to go to Moss Mountain Farms !! I have been praying for rain here it has been so dry and hot for September ,I am over it ..haha! Looking forward until next Friday. Be safe friend ! Paula

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, Paula! I do enjoy the change of seasons and I'm looking forward to cooler days also. I hope you get some rain soon. 💗☔

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

Beautiful book,I love her color choices and her excellent taste in wall paper,. Thanks for sharing another book that I would love to have,BUT I refuse to buy another book till I can figure out my wall of bookcases ,I have said this all summer,but I did work on it most of the day still not happy with it …..not sure why I am having such a difficult time with it . The ferns are a great choice,I would not have thought of that but I am in 7 A and they would not make it here ..This is our worst year gardening,,extra hot and hardly any rain…..I am so ready for Fall ,there is the tiniest bit of color in the trees,it will be a month before we are at peak season.,as always Thanks Mary 🍁🍂

[@thetartantopiary]

That's funny you mentioned that. Bookcases can be difficult. I just read this blog a few days ago and found it helpful. nellhills.com/how-to-style-bookcases-that-tell-a-story/

[@judithparrott1696]

I envy you your mature garden. We are starting a new garden and I am having to learn patience! We could also use a little rain in very warm northern Michigan. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed your review. Rocco is a great helper in the garden.

[@thetartantopiary]

I am fortunate to have mature plants and trees. I often look at these older plantings (magnolias, live oaks, azaleas, etc... and take a moment to appreciate the gardeners who were here long before me.

[@judithparrott1696]

@@thetartantopiary absolutely! We all build on the shoulders of those who came before us. Our house was built on the site of an old barn near Lake Charlevoix. I have two decades old Bridal Veil Spirea that we are building our back garden around.

[@dulcerush735]

❤❤❤❤❤ 😊

[@barbaragodfrey1402]

Love Paul Allen Smith

[@thetartantopiary]

I do too!