As three of our hand-tufted rugs - Birdsong Yellow, Dreams of the Jungle and Leopard Palms Light – make their TV debut, we share the story behind their colourful new roles.
We were delighted when Broadway actor and dancer Robert Hartwell contacted us about adding three of our rugs to his new home which at the time he was renovating and filming for the now released US TV series, Breaking New Ground. The show documents the renovation of Robert’s plantation-style house in Massachusetts. As the performer’s aim was to fill his new home with colour, pattern, and joy, we knew it would be a perfect match.
"‘The house had been on the market for years, everyone would see the sheer amount of work and be scared to death. When I walked in, I knew I had found home."
The six-part series follows an emotional journey for the Broadway star, who renovates a 200-year-old house, which he bought in 2019, from top to bottom. Built in 1820, the property had been on the market for some time, largely because of the huge amount of work it required.
‘The house had been on the market for years,’ Robert explains, ‘everyone would see the sheer amount of work and be scared to death. When I walked in, I knew I had found home.’
Following huge challenges to make the structure sound, work started on the interior, which is nothing short of fabulous. ‘‘It’s about drenching the place in colour,’ Robert says. And that is just what he has done.
Robert worked with Courtney McLeod of New York City-based Right Meets Left Design to create a luxurious, flamboyant, welcoming and deeply personal interior. Respecting the history of the house, while turning it into a colourful space filled with joy, is at the heart of this project. And three of our hand-tufted rug designs were chosen to feature: Birdsong Yellow in the parlour; and Dreams of the Jungle and Leopard Palms Light in the primary suite.
Family Focus
The first episode reveals that several rooms in the renovated home are dedicated to members of Robert’s family. The front parlour, known as Paulette’s Parlor, opens the series and is in memory of Robert’s much-loved aunt, Paulette, who sadly passed away in 2020.
Filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, with restored original glass panes, Paulette’s Parlor is a dream of a space. Purple toile wallpaper wraps around the room, while a restored fireplace is a striking focal point. The grand piano, a four-tier, waterfall-style chandelier and sumptuous furnishings add to the sense of theatre.
Bringing colour and tactile comfort to a honey-toned wooden floor, our chinoiserie-inspired Birdsong Yellow is a beautiful balance for the purple toile. The jewel-like details, including parakeets, magnolias, orchids, and chrysanthemums, bring nature to life through vivid colour in a design that is both soothing and inspiring. The colour of happiness, and inspired by the grace of Japanese culture, Birdsong Yellow is a perfect fit both visually and spiritually for the space.
In search of serenity
Episode 3 shines a spotlight on the Primary Suite, a stunning, serene area, which includes a bedroom and en-suite that are nothing short of fabulous. The word ‘haven’ springs to mind - this is more than a place to sleep; it is a sanctuary to rest, reflect and recharge creative batteries.
In the lounge-like en-suite, white, floor-to-ceiling curtains waft gently, framing huge, square-paned windows. The elegant space is painted a deep teal blue, seen again in a sumptuous sofa. A large, white, freestanding bath sits between two windows on one side of the room, facing the original restored fireplace surround on the opposite wall. In the centre, on a beautiful wooden floor, Leopard Palms Light is positioned directly beneath a gold-stemmed chandelier with outstretched arms strewn with delicate droplets. The effect is magical.
Leopard Palms Light, inspired by designer Tony Duquette’s flamboyant film sets, is so perfectly at home here, she looks made for the space. Regal, gold-etched leopards stalk through a jungle of colourful orchids, lotus flowers and chrysanthemums, combining colour, pattern, and intricate detail with a soft, pale wool base.
Follow your dreams
In the primary suite’s bedroom, Dreams of the Jungle sits just beneath the high legs of a slim, white four-poster bed. Colourful peacocks, the Bengal Tiger, Chital Deer and Langur Monkeys bring the look and feel of the Indian jungle to life in the stunning light-dappled space, adding softness to the polished wood floor. The rug’s colours are picked up in the bedcover and cushions, while white furniture and wardrobes shine Hollywood-bright against a deep ochre painted wall and patterned wallpaper. A large gilt-framed mirror and delicate chandelier work in harmony with the rug’s black and gold tones.
The overall look is dramatic, yet restful; the whole drawn together by bold flashes of colour and pattern, all beautifully balanced. Every piece has been chosen to instil happiness, light and joy. The result is dreamlike – sumptuous and luxurious; but it isn’t luxury that says, ‘look, don’t touch’; this is luxury made to live in, to spark joy at every turn, designed to enhance life.
We recently chatted to Robert about his home inspiration and just why colour is so important to him.
Why was it important to you to fill this home with colour?
Ms. [Oprah] Winfrey gave me the nickname "Black Boy Joy" while we were developing our TV show Breaking New Ground. So, colour HAD to fill the home. Joy for me isn't found in beige, but daring and boldly audacious colour drenching. I also work from home, so I needed the walls to inspire me to create my greatest work - that takes colour.
Where does your interiors inspiration come from?
When I'm traveling, I love staying in boutique hotels. The designers in those spaces usually take risks that corporate designers would never. So, I find inspiration from the textiles they use and how they lay their rooms out. It's also fun to feel the different energies that international designers bring to their spaces - I find they live for more play, fun and joy than we do here in the States.
How did you come across small, independent, Scottish designer Wendy Morrison and her colourful creations?
The wonderful world of Instagram! Also, my designer told me from our first meeting that one of her dream rug collaborations in the home would be Wendy Morrison. I love research, so when I found Wendy and learned that there was a story behind each design choice, I knew we had to partner together. Beyond the jaw-dropping designs of her rugs, it's her exquisite panache for storytelling that keeps me in a constant swoon.
Did the style of your home evolve over time, or did you have a clear plan of what you wanted from the start?
My designer taught me so much. I have a clear personal style and point of view, but Courtney opened my eyes to concepts, styles and pattern play that I could've never imagined. She is a master at colour and brings a client's personal essence into a home. It was clear from the moment I saw her portfolio that she was the designer for me. Also, our Phase 1 presentation at her studio I believe will go down in the books as one of my favourite creative moments of all time - we were in giddy design heaven together. Her brain is a wonderland!
Is it true that some of the rooms in your home are dedicated to members of your family?
Every room is dedicated to a family member. I didn't get here alone, so I can't stay here alone. It's a gift to have their love reflected in the design and energy of the space.
Why do you feel Wendy Morrison’s designs are such a great fit for your home?
With Wendy you're going to experience not only delicious design, but you also get story, whimsy and conversation. There isn't a moment when someone doesn't stop in my parlour and talk about "Birdsong Yellow". They want to know all about the animals in the other Wendy Morrison rugs in the home as well. It's delightful! Also, the feeling is supreme luxury under your feet. They're so pretty, however you don't want to step on them!
Do you have a favourite room?
My study is a very special place. I'm actually writing to you from it right now. There is a Wendy Morrison that I have in my cart as we speak for this space! Once you start with Wendy Morrison, you can't stop!
How does your finished home make you feel?
I feel so full in my finished home. There is a peace that comes over your body in this space. When I work, live, or entertain here, I'm constantly reminded that all things are possible and that is a supreme gift that I'm grateful we've been able to share with Wendy and the team.
US audiences can watch Breaking New Ground on HBO Max. Follow Robert Hartwell on Instagram for news on international screening, as well as to see more of his home and journey. @breakingnewgroundtv @sirroberttakespics
Designs Featured In Robert's House
