Q & A with Carolyne Roehm

We’ve been wondering if the fabulous Carolyne Roehm needs a lengthy introduction, given the number of fans she must have all over the world, yours truly included…

If you haven’t seen her books about flowers, lifestyle, decorating and entertaining (eleven in all), or followed her career as a top fashion designer resulting in her election as President of the CFDA, or been enchanted by her newly revamped website and blog filled with wonderful ideas and pictures, then you haven’t experienced Carolyne’s passion for beauty and her world of gracious style.

Needless to say, we were thrilled to be able to interview Carolyne as her new book, Flowers, has just been published.  Better yet…  she’s coming to Stamford, CT this weekend to join notable interior and entertaining designers including Vincente Wolf, Amanda Nisbet, Lulu Powers and Annie Falk at Designing Greenwich sponsored by Connecticut Cottages & Gardens at The Loading Dock.  We can’t wait to visit this first-ever show of its kind in Fairfield County, featuring curated collections of fine art, modern antiques, couture jewelry and more from over 35 galleries worldwide.  What a perfect venue for Carolyne to share her style secrets and introduce her new book!  So, without further ado…

1.  What did you want to be when you were a child?
I really wanted to be a fairy princess and only wear “formals” as they were called back in the 50’s and a tiara of real diamonds – I had a rhinestone one that I wanted to wear to school every day but my mother dissuaded me.  I was not sure how to become a princess so I thought I should have a backup plan.  So, at a very early age, I wanted to be a fashion designer.  No tiara but lots of pretty clothes was second best.

2.  What is your necessary luxury?
My necessary luxuries are lots of cut flowers.

3.  What is your favorite decorating accessory?
My favorite decorating accessory is a mass of cut flowers.

4.  Where do you window shop?
Every place…  But my favorite place is Paris, I suppose, but I look wherever I am.

5.  What makes a house a home?
The individuality of the owner, the more intimate personal possessions that reflect the interests and the personality of the owner.  A house needs to feel alive in order to be a home – dogs, plants, flowers, scents emanating from something cooking in the kitchen, music playing, the movement of people in the house.

6.  What is the most enjoyable part of your day?
I love the early morning when the house is quiet, the dogs are gathered around me and I have a cup of coffee in my hand.  I also love the end of the day when the shadows are golden and long… with my dogs around me, sitting next to a cozy fire and a good glass of red wine in my hand .

7.  What is your favorite flower?
That is just too hard – I love them all.  But I shall be traditional and say garden roses and tree peonies.

8.  If you were a cocktail, what would you be?
I am not a big lover of cocktails.  I would prefer to be a great glass of French red wine, either a Burgundy or Bordeaux, because a great glass of wine is memorable and stands the test of time.

9.  If your life were made into a movie, what would be the title and who would play a part?
Calamity Jane Part II.  Lord knows, maybe Robin Williams…  I would like for it to be a comedy.

10.  Name one thing from your “Bucket List.”
I want to swim with dolphins in clear, warm and safe waters.

A big thank you to Carolyne for entertaining us with her answers and inspiring us daily!  If you’d like to see her in person this Saturday, click here for more information and tickets.

P.S. And if you’d like to see us participate in the “Secrets of Design Blogger” panel moderated by DJ Carey, we’re on today at 1 pm!

Photos via Carolyne Roehm and House Beautiful