Carleton Varney knows and loves Middleburg. "It's so beautiful there, and my assignments for the Orstroms and many others in The Piedmont have resulted in highly valued friendships," he remembered fondly as he talked about his new book, 'Houses in My Heart.'

As much an illustrated biography as an interior design volume, Varney's welcome into many of his favorite projects is delightful tour and behind-the-scenes peek at residences of stylish luxury, resorts around the world and President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter's charming log cabin.

Mr. Varney does not believe in good taste… or, in bad taste for that matter. But he does believe that a decorator's taste should never "be imposed on a client. A decorator should guide and advise." Although his ambition was to be United States Ambassador to Spain, it was his impeccable taste and style, not his Spanish language facility that formed the focus for career. And what a career it is.

From Joan Crawford's and Ethel Merman's homes to the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, the Grand Hotel on Michigan's Mackinac Island and the many residences he's designed on the Island of St. Croix, Carleton's respect for his clients and love of color and courageous combinations is amply evident. His love of primary colors and pastels, bold and discrete patterns, crisp tailoring and enough fringe and frills for a dozen cotillions, combine to create living spaces that are a real pleasure to inhabit. Carleton simply rejects all that is impractical, uncomfortable or drab.

As president of Dorothy Draper & Co. Inc, the oldest design firm in the nation, Varney takes his responsibility to give back as seriously as he takes his assignments for his clients. For many years he has been actively involved with the Alzheimer Foundation organized by Princess Jasmine to honor her mother, Rita Hayworth. This year, he is serving as national chairman for their gala next season and, as he emphasized, "…I am always seeking individuals who would like to help us!" His love of his family is legendary. His eldest son Nicholas is a jewelry designer whose pieces are available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman in New York or at nicholasvarneyjewells.com. His son Sebastian's design work is available at Sebastian Carleton Varney Limited at the Washington D.C. Design Center, in London and in Palm Beach. And his son, Seamus, is a noted woodworker who lives in Florida.

On November 18th, Carleton will be signing his new book at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. "We're in a wonderful spot," he exclaimed. "I hope everyone will stop by to see us!"

For those who may believe glamour has seen its better days, Varney begs to differ.

"Young people who grew up in an era of little glamour have discovered it. I just finished a project for a new New York nightclub called "Ella" that will remind anyone who remembers it of the Stork Club. My nephews Josh and Jordan Boyde have partnered with Darin Rubbell to create a club that is truly spectacular. "Glamour will never die!"