Traditional Interiors: Leta Austin Foster, Sallie Giordano India Foster

Leta Austin Foster is among House Beautiful’s most influential interior designers of the 20th century, and has been hailed by House and Garden as one of the “100 Greatest Interior Decorators.” Whether it’s a 19th-century Virginia family home or a modern South Florida country club, Foster believes that any space can be beautiful and comfortable at the same time. This philosophy has inspired the design of countless homes across the country. With an eye to fine detail, Foster (headquartered in Palm Beach) and two of her daughters, Sallie Giordano (New York City) and India Foster (Palm Beach), have created comfortable, gorgeous living spaces.

Brian D. Coleman, MD, divides his time between Seattle and New York. His articles have appeared in magazines ranging from Old House Journal, where he is the West Coast editor; to Period Living in the U.K. Brian is the author of seven books on the decorative arts, including the recent titles Farrow & Ball and Cottages.

Erik Kvalsvik is a photographer of architecture and interiors. His clients include major national magazines and museums as well as leading architects and interior designers. He has been the principal photographer of more than a dozen books, including Barry Dixon Inspirations. He lives in Washington, D.C.