Mieke ten Have, the talented design editor, stylist, and writer who’s worked with top publications including Elle Decor, Vogue, the Wall Street Journal, Cultured Magazine, AD, and House & Garden, has described her style as “Granny-chic.” She’s all about pieces that are beautiful, strange, and conversation starting. Mieke is a wonderful example of someone who is able to have and do it all: She lives between Manhattan, where she grew up, and Dutchess County, New York, with her husband and 11-month-old daughter, Willemien. In addition to her editorial endeavors, she’s also working on a new project involving custom children's clothing (spoiler alert: they’re totally gorgeous). Here, some of her favorite things, design inspirations, and dinner party rules.
Describe your aesthetic in five words or less.
Granny—sometimes chic, sometimes not.
Colors or neutrals.
COLORS
If you could tap anyone, living or dead, to design your home, who would it be?
Could I conjure up a Bunny Mellon/Madeleine Castaing hybrid?
Favorite room of the house to decorate and why?
The great room at our barn. It is a large space with high ceilings, and wonderfully immense beams that give it strong interior architecture, a sense of symmetry, and distinct living spaces within one room.
Hotel or home rental when you’re traveling?
I always prefer to rent a house or apartment because I like to shop for local food wherever I go.
What destination is on the top of your travel wishlist?
Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt
What are the key ingredients to a successful dinner party?
WINE and candles—lots of tapers, nothing scented.
"I am a hoarder, more than a collector, and my predilections include anything that I deem simultaneously beautiful and strange."
Any favorite drinks to serve at home or bring to a dinner?
Ginger snap cider from Kings Highway Fine Cider, my husband’s company. In the summer it’s particularly refreshing and goes with everything.
Any dinner guest pet peeves?
Arriving early! I’m always running behind.
What's your go-to hostess gift?
A floral arrangement that I make in a julep cup or antique vessel.
What was your most treasured wedding gift?
My great grandparents’ silver service. I use it almost every day—not just for “occasions.”
Do you collect anything?
I am a hoarder, more than a collector, and my predilections include pink lusterware, interesting jasperware, silhouettes, verre églomisé anything, Fornasetti, Frances Palmer vases, and anything that I deem simultaneously beautiful and strange.
What design "rule" is made to be broken?
Matching. I hate matchy matchy.
What's your favorite aspect of playing host?
Setting the table!
To you, home is...
A little bit of heaven.
