This is not to say that everything was hands-off to us. We played in the formal living room all the time but primarily on the floor. And we didn’t mind at all! We would race cars across the floor and set up little toy cities. As long as we cleaned up after ourselves my mother never minded. We had general rules such as no touching the antiques and only bottoms were allowed on chairs and couches. We learned not to touch EVERYTHING unless permitted and consequently I was able to accompany my mom to many home décor and antique stores as a very young and well-behaved child. I am certain that this is where my love of interiors began.

Today when I walk into most homes it looks like the kids’ stuff has completely taken over and some days my own home is no exception. But my boys know that only “tushies” go on furniture- not feet and definitely NOT shoes. They know where they are permitted to hang out and where they must be a little more cautious. They are allowed to jump for a few minutes on their beds if they feel the urge but would never dream of jumping on anything else. And you know what? They (for the most part) understand how important it is to respect other people’s things. I have a few small parties a year and every single time, without fail, my precocious twin Charlie will very politely inform some adult guest that he or she is not supposed to be eating on the couch in the formal living room. It never fails to crack us all up and then Charlie remembers that someday he will be allowed to eat on the couch… maybe. And only at parties!