COTE DE TEXAS: Paris in Houston, Part I

Paris in Houston, Part I

I've been shopping in Houston this week, just making the rounds of some of my favorite places. First stop is the romantic antique store M. Naeve, eponym for Margaret Naeve, a darling, twenty-something who actually looks more like a teenager. What's most astounding about Margaret being the owner is how does someone so young acquire such excellent taste? M. Naeve isn't the place for those who go for KWID fabrics or trendy colors. Her shop is cool khaki all the way, though Margaret giddily confesses her own apartment is bathed in shades of lilac. Margaret purchased the storefront and it's contents from the older, previous owner, but the store under Margaret's watch never looked this good before. Her impeccable eye helps when she's in France on buying trips. The carefully edited inventory is limited to peeling, painted finishes and pale wood pieces, huge, ancient fireplace mantels, crystal and wood chandeliers, and oversized accessories. What she's bought for M. Naeve is exactly what Houstonians of means, taste, and desire are buying these days. If you lucky enough to hire one of Houston's top designer's - you'll probably be the owner of something from this store.

Margaret's a doll with a bright future ahead of her. It's a pleasure shopping here among such beautiful and exquisite things and not be treated snobbishly or rudely, a rarity in the upper echelons of antique stores these days. She delights in the beauty of her hand picked pieces and her attitude is infectious.


Chandeliers, wood and crystal, pots, and lamps from M. Naeve.

Pale woods are the norm here. Large accessories like this clock face are favored.


Gray painted corner piece, unusual garden chaise, oversized mirror all add to the romance of M. Naeve.


I'll take two of each: sconces and botanicals.


There's a match to this chaise, with the arm on the right side, perfect with a table between them.


Pale woods and lilies, chairs with interesting backs


The mood at the store is so serene, calm, almost hushed, until Margaret's giggles pierce the quiet.


Interesting displays of furniture piled to the ceiling, gorgeous mirror.


Margaret has all her lampshades custom made in Paris, of course!

Besides French furniture, Swedish pieces abound - like this day bed piled high with linens.


Stunning candelabra, table surrounded with chairs with a 'lone star' motif.


The only color - gorgeous green!


Even her flower arrangements are to die for, creamy roses surrounded by lavender colored roses.

17 comments :

  1. I love this store. The first thing that would draw me in are those wonderful roman draperies.
    And of course the boxwood in the Versaille style pots. I like the matched pair of chaise lounges and the set of chairs with the interesting backs. And there is a beautiful mirror sitting on the floor that is a stunner(in the 6th & 7th pic). I love antique French mirrors. What a beautiful store you have to shop in. Lucky girl.

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  2. Wonderful place . How come such a young girl can have such a good taste and above all a good eye

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  3. Nice - have you, CdT, ever thought of having a shop?

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  4. Wonderful and lush blog! You need to take a look at my friend Corey's blog!
    http://willows95988.typepad.com/tongue_cheek/
    She is from California but lives in France! I'll be back soon to take in more of your wonderful posts!
    Thank you!

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  5. Okay...I'm drooling. GOR-geous post - and blog. (I"ll make the time for a thorough read-through - I've come your way today via Brilliant Asylum.)

    What an absolute delight for you to have this wonderful store - and talented shopowner/friend - nearby. Please let us all know when you travel to NYC; I'm sure your blogging pals who live here would love to go antiquing with you - I know I would!

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  6. Wow! Talk about eye candy!
    I'll take the chaise longue and the mirror on it, please...

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  7. Lovely shop, and sounds like a lovely young shop owner.

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  8. I am so envious of this young woman. Owning an antique store has always been a dream of mine. How fun to travel to France for "work". Thanks for the inspiring post today.

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  9. What a gorgeous shop!! It reminds me very much of the ones I've visited in France and Holland! Lovely!!

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  10. Thanks for the eye candy! Love your blog!

    Bonnie

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  11. OOOOOh!! I want it all! I can see why you are mystified at the talent of such a young entrepreneur - she has exquisite taste. I looks like a mellowed version of Bountiful in LA. What a great source for you, I'm jealous.
    Jackie

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  12. Amazing shop with so many beautiful things! Thanks for Sharing Joni!!
    X
    Anna

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  13. Hi Joni! I love, love, love the chaise! I'll have to find this store and check it out! Thanks for the info, as always! Have a good weekend. darla

    http://westwoodranch.blogspot.com

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  14. Hi - thanks everyone! Yeah, I think we all agree - being 20 something is really young to have such a shop! She used to work there for the previous owner, but still, she took it over and made it even better!!! And she's so adorable, cute, and darling, not the blond bombshell type, just a little brunette, who looks French herself. Thanks for all the comments.

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  15. Oh, how beautiful! It's a treaure trove of gorgwous things. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  16. Thanks for the shopping suggestions Joni. Both Houston spots look like such great sources for chandeliers.

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