"When I decorate for myself, I tend to use antique and vintage furniture almost exclusively, and whether or not people realize it, I think it has an effect. Every space feels collected and unique— its comfortable, beautiful, and I hope, inviting."
- Meg Braff
Not too many people understand color as confidently as Palm Beach-based decorator, author, and longtime friend of Leontine, Meg Braff. A Mississippi native and mother of four boys, Meg founded her eponymous interior design firm in 1994, with projects spanning private homes, country clubs, and retail stores across the United States and the Caribbean. Fluent in color and pattern play, with a special fondness reserved for rattan, Meg cheerfully creates spaces that are layered, warm, and welcoming.
That same vibrancy shows up in her personal style. An avid collector of vintage designer clothing and jewelry, Meg’s has a closet that is every bit as enviable as her interiors. She’s no stranger to entertaining either. A consummate hostess, you might catch Meg throwing a last-minute cocktail party on a balmy Palm Beach evening in February.
That spirit of entertaining extends to her two storefronts in West Palm Beach and Locust Valley, New York. Brimming with furnishings and decor, including an impressive selection of antique treasures, each location features a lively seasonal line-up of events, including women’s trunk shows, mahjong and needlepoint classes. The West Palm Beach location on Georgia Ave is especially active, home to Meg’s celebrated biannual designer book signings & breakfasts. It also serves as the showroom for Meg’s custom wallpaper and fabrics line.
Brand collaborations encompass decor, art, and fashion; most notably, Weezie Towels, Wildwood, Wendover, The Lacquer Company, Sue Sartor, and Sarah Bray Bermuda. The author of two books, Meg’s second title, Gracious Interiors, arrived earlier this month.
We were delighted to sit down with Meg to talk about her love of color and print, her approach to at-home entertaining, and why she returns to Leontine again and again. Read on for our conversation, and if you’re in Palm Beach this fall, we’d love for you to join us at Meg’s store on November 12th & 13th for a special trunk show.
As a top client of Leontine, what keeps you returning for your discerning clientele?
MB: I just love working Jane Scott and the team at Leontine to create custom linens for my clients. Its wonderful to be able to offer something truly unique, and perfectly suited to the space we have put so much effort into designing. Their linens are not only beautiful, but the very best quality.
What remains true about your personal Leontine linens?
MB: They all still look fantastic, even after years of use! I am not super precious with my linens, and they still look as fabulous as when I first received them.
How would you explain the selection process or the Leontine Experience?
MB: Nothing compares to Jane Scott’s sense of creativity when it comes to linens. On several occasions she has taken me in a whole new direction, mixing up embroidery and appliqué on a bed, threading color in various ways from sheetings to the duvet and to the pillows. A one pattern bed I had in my mind might suddenly become a mix of complimentary patterns and colors, and to great effect. I remember shopping for table linens for a big new house with Jane Scott and a client… we pulled out every sample she had, and figured out so many dining scenarios in one big session. It was amazingly productive!
(photo: Zeke Ruelas)
What do you love about the Leontine Experience?
MB: I really love the opportunity to be creative, to be inspired by a shape in a fabric or a motif I’ve seen in architecture or in garden furniture. Talking about a design, then seeing it illustrated in a rendering, and then the final product is an amazing journey and always worth the effort.
(photo: Nicholas Mele)
What’s a feature of your home that guests always notice?
MB: When I decorate for myself, I tend to use antique and vintage furniture almost exclusively, and whether or not people realize it, I think it has an effect. Every space feels collected and unique— its comfortable, beautiful, and I hope, inviting.
(photo: Carmel Brantley)
Who taught you how to entertain?
MB: My mother taught me to entertain, she loved to host her friends for dinners and parties and all sorts of get together, and amazingly did it all herself— from the planning to the flowers, to the cooking. Incredible! Her example of gathering her friends and family together really had an effect on me, and I love to host my friends whenever I can. It’s a true showing of love and care to welcome people into your home and I am always happy to do it.
What’s the most meaningful heirloom you own? What’s the story behind it?
MB: I don’t use them all that often, but I have a set of China that was actually hand painted with a monogram by my grandmother, with a beautiful gothic gilt W. Its relatively simple- white China with a little scalloped edge and gold border and even though it’s not my last name any longer, I love seeing it in my cabinets and pulling it out from time to time. My mother has given me so many things over the years, but this set is particularly special to me.
Do you have a signature design element or hosting ritual that you always incorporate into entertaining?
MB: I do tend to decorate a table the way I design a room, I typically like a patterned tablecloth, often from my line of fabrics, or a vintage cloth picked up at an estate sale. I always have linen napkins, usually embroidered with my monogram or with a fun decorative motif. I love colorful glassware mixed in with more traditional goblets, I’ve got all sorts of colors to pull from, and love to scatter colorful votives amidst fresh flowers. Layers of color and texture look great on the table just as they do in a room.
When hosting overnight guests, what special touch(es) do you include that makes it ‘feel like home’?
MB: When I’m hosting friends, I always make sure the guest room is ship shape, with flowers at the bedside, some new magazines or books I think my guest might appreciate, and a few snacks, just in case. The bathrooms are always stocked with anything they might have forgotten, a beautiful candle, and a fluffy robe.
What is one entertaining “rule” you happily ignore?
MB: I am a pretty relaxed host- I do try and get as much done in advance so there is no stress for me or my guests. Whatever makes you happy as a host will ensure a successful gathering.
What do you hope people feel when they walk into your home?
MB: I hope people feel relaxed, comfortable, happy, welcomed, when they enter my home. Our homes are so personal, and I do enjoy being able to share that aspect of my life with my friends and family. My home is really all about entertaining and enjoyment, and I think it shows.
What are your favorite pieces of your bedding collection?
MB: I really enjoy the oversized euros and big bed pillows, they make quiet mornings in bed so enjoyable, propped up catching up on the news and responding to emails. I also love the satin bed jackets that Leontine makes- they are so old school and elegant and instantly make you feel put together even if you’re still in your pajamas. They make a great gift as well.
How many pillows do you have on your bed?
MB: Oh boy… We typically have 4 sleeping pillows, and then 3 euros, a couple of decorative pillows (often in an upholstery fabric from the room), and a boudoir pillow or two. Its sounds like a lot, but it’s really just right!
