Gorgeous, blond, lithe and with a reputation for impeccable, elegant style, the actress—who shares on-screen DNA with Blake Lively—makes no secret of the fact that family is the center of her busy world. Here, Rutherford takes pause in front of her most treasured objets to talk motherhood and collecting for the home.

Tell us how you came to own this precious object.
I went to a Marlene Dietrich auction at Sotheby’s years ago. Everyone wanted the clothes, of course. I stayed and bid on the screen and a triangle-shape side table—a gift from Dietrich’s friend Ernest Hemingway. I’ve had the pieces ever since.

How do you live with your heirloom?
The screen is used behind the B&B Italia sofa, so we look at it everyday. I’ve been too busy to hang it on the wall!

Who in your life has most influenced your personal style and taste?
Actresses like Catherine Deneuve and Grace Kelly. Vogue magazine in all its foreign edition languages. Oh, and my mother!

[Fill in the blank] Whenever I look at _________ I can’t help but smile.
My children, Hermes and Helena.

What’s the best part of your day?
Cuddling with my children wherever we are. Hearing their voices. Hearing the word “Mama.”

What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received?
My children’s artwork. In fact, I’m making a whole wall of it.

What was your last purchase that you hope will mean something to you 10 years from now?
My Hermes bags. Not only are they a great investment, but my daughter will love them.

LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL PERFORMED BY Beastie Boys, first recorded in 1986

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LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL PERFORMED BY Tom Waits, recorded in 2002

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LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL PERFORMED BY Michael Jackson, first recorded in 1982

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LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL PERFORMED BY Judy Garland, first recorded in 1939

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[Photography courtesy of Wikimedia]

Before you commission a portrait, which requires some commitment of time as well as expense, you must plan ahead. Here are five important points to consider:

Decide Where the Painting Will Live Unlike photographs, which we´re likely to change over time, a painted portrait usually has a permanent place in a room. Figuring out its location early will help you narrow down which artist and style you prefer for the portraiture.

Choose a Medium Knowing in advance whether you prefer charcoal to watercolor or ink to oil will help you find the best artist for the job.

Select a Size Determine the dimensions you desire as early as possible. This is one of the first questions the artist will have for you.

Get to Know the Artist´s Work Take a long, hard look at various artists´ previous work by visiting their studio or gallery, viewing photographs of finished portraits, or checking out a website where their work is on display. The portrait that you commission would be unique, of course, but each artist has a distinctive style and that´s unlikely to change much from one work to the next. Make sure their style appeals to you and get recommendations, if possible, before you make a final choice.

Find Out How Much Time is Needed Some artists will only work from life, and if you want an oil portrait, it may require multiple sittings, either in a studio or in your own home. This isn´t a realistic option for young children who will having trouble sitting still. Some artists do work from photographs, but might need a sitting before putting on the finishing touches.

For more tips on how to capture your best memories and other home decor advice, check out my book LIVING WITH WHAT YOU LOVE.

[Painted portrait by Napoleone Parisani courtesy of Wikimedia]

LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL PERFORMED BY Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, first recorded in 1962

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LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL PERFORMED BY Sam Cooke, first recorded in 1964

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LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL PERFORMED BY Johnny Mathis, first recorded in 1957

LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL PERFORMED BY The Velvet Undergrounds, first recorded in 1969

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