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Welcome

“As a resident of the world of design since birth, I’d like to take some time to celebrate some of the people and things in that world that I admire. I hope you come along for the ride. And, as my name has really taken a beating these last couple of years, -thank you Mr. Bezos, - feel free to think of me here by my nickname: Lex. And, please also enjoy this completely un-recognizable and years old headshot.” - Alexa Hampton

Jay Reardon

Jay Reardon

If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? We love our home on Isle of Palms, SC but also our second home in Athens, Ga that is down the street from our daughter Meghan and her family and three grandchildren.

Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I shared it with my brother. Two twin beds with a book rack on the headboard for nighttime reading.

What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? When we were first married (50 years ago) we bought a Baker tortoise-shell bamboo brass table we have used in all of our homes throughout the years. Timeless.

In the history of design, if you could hire any designer, who would it be? Our daughter, Meghan Garrard.

No room is complete without proper lighting that is adaptable for the room’s various uses.

People think of me as serious, and I am but I am really, just passionate about whatever I choose to engage in

Things you omit from:

  • A flower arrangement: Cactus

  • An hors d’oeuvre platter: Cheap Cheeses

  • A bar cabinet: Licorice Flavors

A song for:

  • Dinner at home: Pandora’s Calm Station

  • Working at your desk: Bruce Springsteen ‘Let your Motor Run ‘

  • Going for a run: ‘Amarillo by Morning’ George Strait

Biggest Vice? Overeating

If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy?
Cooking gadgets and grilling tools

Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Conservative, textured and tonal.

Who is your star crush? Tom Hanks

What is the one thing you would never decorate your home with, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Chrome

If there were a fire, and you could only take one thing what would it be? Albert Sack

For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Classic design that was well built.

Mark Hampton working at his desk in the country. The desk was later produced by Hickory Chair.

A Few Favorites:

  • Movie: Old Yeller

  • Book: Tom Sawyer

  • Scent: Rosemary

  • The fabric you always come back to: Khaki

  • Dream project: Completing our home in Athens, Ga

  • Meal: BBQ, Collards, Corn

  • Drink: Gin and Tonic

  • Hotel: The Barbizon in NY (closed now) but they made me feel at home while traveling

  • Destination: Tuscany and Ireland

  • Artist: Monet

  • A cause near and dear to me: The Salvation Army

  • Thing to collect obsessively: Recipes

  • Era in the history of design: Federal Period

  • Museum: Museé d’Orsay

  • Paint Color that always looks great: Weathered Gray

  • Favorite person to follow on Instagram: I don’t

  • Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Paddington was our Favorite Dog, now gone. He was a VERY Small Yorkshire terrier with a BIG Heart that soothed and comforted me for fifteen years.

Zoe Feldman

Zoe Feldman

Bronson van Wyck

Bronson van Wyck