SOUTHERN CHARM

Mary Ann Beardman, co-founder of Bailey & Hart Interiors, reflects on her life in Lake Forest and a special connection to Forest & Bluff early in the magazine’s 25-year history

Some might call Mary Ann Beardman a quintessential southern belle. Even though she’s lived in Lake Forest for about three decades, her roots in Louisville, Kentucky, and that timeless design aesthetic influenced the life she would build on the North Shore.

“I started my career with a design studio in Lake Forest. After a number of years, a friend approached me regarding opening a business with her,” explains Mary Ann, who is married with three children and seven grandchildren. “We used our maiden names for the store and Bailey & Hart was born.”

Around that same time, JWC Media Publisher John Conatser was starting the first of many magazines, Forest & Bluff.

“I knew this would be a great idea for advertising. Many small businesses do not realize the importance of budgeting for advertising,” she reflects. “I had built that into my business plan. It worked! John was always a delight to work with and had great ideas.”

The business grew and eventually she bought out her partner.

“We had three other designers at the shop,” Mary Ann continues. “Having a store and maintaining a client group is a lot of work. But I so loved meeting new people and helping them in the journey to create a lovely living space.”

Nearly a decade ago, she retired to focus on her health and time spent with family, particularly her grandchildren.

“Designing is very physical between moving furniture, buying trips, and many visits to homes,” she says, noting that she had been also living with multiple sclerosis until that point, which ultimately made it challenging to continue at that pace.

Looking back, Mary Ann has nothing but fond memories for the life she created here and the design business that helped accouter so many North Shore homes.

“What a wonderful and wild adventure I had,” she says. “I met so many lovely people along the way.”

For this 25th anniversary issue, we are proud to honor Mary Ann and share a few of her favorite things.

Favorite interior designer? James T. Farmer’s style is classic southern charm. This is my personal style for my home and the types of antiques and fabrics that I grew up with. It is not for everyone, but it is for me. My parents’ home was decorated this way, with family heirlooms and a friendly charm. Best trip for design inspiration? I love High Point Market in North Carolina because every designer worldwide is there twice a year and you have the ability to view every manufacturer. Favorite weekend getaway? Louisville, Kentucky.

Other than the one you founded, local store or boutique you love most? M On The Square. Your perfect fall North Shore weekend? Grab a couple of my grandchildren and walk on the trails around town. I cannot walk a long way but my 9-year-old grandson, Charlie, is always ready to push me along and help me. Thing you always listen to in the car? News radio. Favorite place to take a long walk? Lake Forest Open Lands trails.

Celebrity you’d most like to have dinner with? Anthony Hopkins. The North Shore’s best kept secret is? Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest. Favorite local restaurant and go-to order? I love Scottie’s because the owner, Scottie, is so friendly and accommodating. I usually order the salmon or the petit filet. The atmosphere feel like a “neighborhood” restaurant. Favorite thing you’re watching right now? Slow Horses. I adore a good British spy thriller and Slow Horses is a somewhat dark comedy. Gary Oldman is the lead. The acting is incredibly good and very “British.” Based on MI5 agents who were disgraced or failed. Very suspenseful. Favorite way to stay active? Take a walk or spend time with my grandchildren. What’s on your nightstand? Lamp, books, medications, note pad, creams, phone, and more books. Vacation you’re looking forward to this year? Raleigh, North Carolina, to visit my son and his family.