COTE DE TEXAS: J. Randall Powers - Houston's Finest

J. Randall Powers - Houston's Finest

 

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Imagine the man who owns this closet - could there be anyone neater?  Just admire how he hangs all the white shirts on the left  - nary a print to mess up the order.  On the right, the light colored jackets are hung on the bottom rung, the darker jackets are on top.   And style?    Admire all those orange Hermes boxes, stacked neatly on the back shelf.  Yes, indeed, the man who owns this closet has great style.  On the top left shelf, Louis Vitton luggage is stored - something tells me its the real thing, no faux LV for this man.  Don't miss the mannequin in the center, with ties around its neck.  There's even a ceiling fan for those hot Houston days.   What a closet!  This space says this man has taste and style - oozing out from every pore.    The owner?  J. Randall Powers, or Randy, as his friends and clients call him.  Debonair and handsome,  interior decorator Powers is poised on the brink of superstardom, and Houston gets to claim him as a favorite son.

He's young.  He's been in the business for less than two decades.  There's nothing he can't tackle - there's no style he can't do, and he does it all extremely well.   Whether it's transitional, or ultra contemporary, eclectic or traditional, classic or chic - he does it all with style and aplomb.  The darling of the society set, his wit and personality make him fun to be with and work with.  His clients come back for more.   He's been published a zillion times - including a cover of Elle Decor, the equivalent of an Oscar in the design business.   Powers is without a doubt the hottest designer in Houston, bar none.  Everyone wants to hire him, and half of Houston already has.  Fabulously successful, his star is bright, so bright it might blind you - but that would be sad, for how would you enjoy his wonderful portfolio?    So, here, for your pleasure, is just a small sample of his work.  Powers recently launched his web site - be sure to visit it here and enjoy!

 

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The Oscar:  the cover of Elle Decor,  2007.   This magazine featured Power's work again this year.  Other publications he's been in are Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and Paper City - to name a few.

 

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House #1:   This high rise apartment featured in Elle Decor is the same room as shown on the cover - styled differently.  Elle Decor is notorious for staging their covers.  Which look do you prefer?  The cover or the  space shown here?

 

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Another version of the room.  I prefer it this way, but with the blue pillows!   The stunningly gorgeous cabinet and the coffee table were both designed by Powers.   Note the mix of furniture style: the antique stools with the more modern tables.  Powers' success lies in his restraint.  His interiors are never cluttered.  Each piece is placed with careful deliberation.

 

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Another living space in the high rise apartment.  Again, a mix of old and new - no set style - just a collection of beautiful pieces.

 

 

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The same room in the high rise apartment, styled differently.  Art work is a passion for Powers and is always an important element in his designs. 

 

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A seating area in front of the windows - notice the gorgeous Biedermeier chairs.  .

 

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Again, antiques mixed with mid century modern in a soothing vignette.  Powers' strength lies in his ability to pair desperate styles in wonderful combinations. 

 

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The master bedroom - simple, yet elegant, as each space in this high rise is. 

 

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A close up of the bookcase in the master bedroom.  The books are placed with the spines facing inside - leaving the gold leaf of the pages to glisten.  This treatment caused so much interest with letters to the editors - that Elle Decor featured Powers' bookshelves  in a later issue.  

 

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Here, in a different home, Powers again used the same technique for books.  It is a great tool to unify and soften the loud colors created by books.

 

 

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House #2:    The entry to a high rise apartment once owned by Powers -  he has since moved on.  Here is classic Powers at work:  a fabulous antique chest with exuberant hardware juxtaposed with pop art.  The contemporary lamp balances out the bronze.  Powers has amassed an important collection of art as his interest in the subject has grown.

 

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A vignette in Powers' former high rise apartment.   All fabrics are white which lets the furniture frames take center stage.

 

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The same view at night, overlooking the city of Houston.

 

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The dining room resembles more of an art gallery than a place to entertain with dinner parties.   This is a wonderful way to treat a dining room in today's age when most dinner parties take place at restaurants.

 

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Another space in Powers' former  high rise apartment.  The unique root chair is accented against the sleeker elements in the space.

 

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The same space, styled differently. 

 

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The master bedroom - again, all white and creams.  A large sunburst clock is the focal point above the bed.

 

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Powers, as many interior decorators do, has moved quite a few times.  Follow these two antique chairs on their journey from house to house.  Here they sit before a beautiful chinoiserie chest.

 

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Here, they sit across a brass table.

 

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House #3:    And here the antique  flank a fireplace.  This room is fabulous.  Notice the two oriental chests with large vessels on top.   The floors are are ebony stained - the furniture appears to float above it.   This room is heavenly!  Perfect job by Powers!    The living room is located in an historically important house which was renovated and remodeled by Powers.  For his efforts, he was honored with the prestigious Good Brick award by the  Greater Houston Preservation Alliance.

 

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The exterior of the house that Powers renovated.  Built in 1929 by Katharine Mott, the house had suffered several unsympathetic additions that Powers sought to rectify and make less conspicuous and more in keeping with the original design.  Mott's houses are famous for her lavish use of tapestry brick,   asymmetrical facades, casement windows, and designs done on a large scale.   

 

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This picture shows the rear of the house with the addition that Powers renovated, adding the intricate brickwork that Mott houses are famous for.    Upon completion of the remodeling, Powers and his partner sold the house and moved on to the high rise apartment, which also has since been sold!   Typical of many interior designers, is the need to change their environment as their aesthetic is always evolving.  Oklahoman Charles Faudree is the winner in that department, though.  He's moved over 20 times during his career. 

 

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A sitting room next to the living room above.  You can just see the oriental cabinet in the doorway.

 

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I love this!  I believe this room belongs to the Mott house.  I adore this - the accent chinoiserie chair is gorgeous.  The mix of  the shades and curtains, the warmth of the wood against  the light upholstery fabrics,   the adorable bamboo foot stool and the wonderful oriental box all  help make this room warm and inviting.   This photo shows the breadth of Powers' talents - his ability to go from stark contemporary to wonderful classic English Manor design. 

 

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The dining room in the Mott house.  Again, English Country style all the way.  The light fixture appears to be the same one as used in the high rise apartment.   The urn is seen in the high rise too, but the table and chairs are long gone, replaced by the more sleek and sophisticated look that Powers lives with today.

 

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This picture of a library came from Powers' web site.  I'm not sure, but I believe this may be from the Mott house!  The style matches the English Country Manor look of the rest of the house.  I love the lamps in the bookcases.  But, the painting is my favorite element in the room.

 

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And finally, the kitchen in the Mott house.  White carrara  marble (which is scarce and impossible to find today!), period tile, farm sink, commercial style range, and white ironstone collection make this an authentic kitchen for a house built in the 20s.

 

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House #4:   Featured in Elle Decor magazine this year is this house  -  Powers'  latest home.  Powers and his partner lusted after it for years and finally were able to buy it.  Here, the living room is shown.  Notice the famous two antique chairs on the back left.   Powers' own designed coffee tables are used at each seating group.  Again, white fabric allows the art work and accessories to take center stage.   The dining room is seen through the open doorway.

 

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The living room is made up of two seating areas - this is the one on the right.  The series of works on paper are by Cy  Twombly.

 

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The left side - this painting by Peter Sullivan is phenomenal.

 

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The dining room -  j'dore the oversized lantern!  The table is Dessin Fournir and the chairs are by Knoll.

 

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The library:  the coffee table is vintage Kalef Alaton, a personal favorite of Powers.  Notice people:  the sofa is Z Gallerie!!!!!!  The zebra pillows are Oly Studio.  This proves that good style can be affordable and had by anyone with the eye to find out.  The painting though, is for the lucky few:  Jean-Michel Basquiat.

 

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The study's armchair is by Dessin Fournir.  A Biedermeier sofa, upholstered in white.  Notice the scale - the height of the statue plays off the tall armchair.  Interesting, as always!

 

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The master bedroom -  the bed floats in the room in front of the fireplace.

 

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The guest room.  The bed is from Ironies.   The nightstands are from West Elm!  Again, good style has no price.

 

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House #5:    This home was published in Paper City.  Designed for clients who live in an English style townhouse complex - it's a favorite of mine.  The living room, all creams with touches of black.

 

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The dining room's square walls were curved by Powers.

 

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The kitchen, warm and inviting - I love the dark subway tile against the creamy yellow cabinetry.  The room is wallpapered in stripes.

 

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The other side of the kitchen is a sitting room. 

 

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I think this is my favorite room Powers' has ever designed!  The standout is the lavish use of one print:  Colefax and Fowler's Chinese Toile in brown.    My favorite wallpaper!  This inspired me to use it in my own powder room.  I love the touches of chinoiserie in the room.  The night tables are English chests. 

 

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The desk in the bedroom is covered with quill boxes.

 

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A closeup of one of the night stands.

 

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Here is a shot from Powers' web site.  A bathroom - does it get any better than this?  The chair!!!!!!  The marble wall behind the tub.  The hidden shower with it's seafoam glass tiles.  The acrylic table.  Perfection!

 

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House #6:    And finally - this summer House Beautiful featured this home designed by Randy Powers for  Andy Singer and his wife, Gayle.  Singer is the owner of  Visual Comfort, the trade lighting company whose retail outlet is Circa Lighting.   The house is the culmination of several years work for Powers and the Singers - which ended in a lasting friendship between them.  Powers has designed a line of lighting for Visual Comfort.   Though several bloggers featured this house before, no article on Powers could be complete with the inclusion of this wonderful home.   A clear departure from the contemporary look so many of Powers' clients want - Randy says that he loved getting the chance to do a traditional design.  Here - the family room.  A large back to back sofa divides the room into two areas, one for TV watching and one for lingering around the fireplace. 

 

 

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The fireplace side of the living room.  The kitchen sits behind the arched brick wall.  Seagrass matting covers the floor.  Rogers and Goffigon striped fabric.

 

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My favorite room in the house - the breakfast area.  Bennison fabric on the pillows.  Love this room!!

 

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The front study.   Again seagrass matting, white walls, and crisp brown fabrics.  The Peak Of Chic spotted a visual connection between Bill Blass' style and this room.  I see it.  And quite a compliment too!   The walls of the house are filled with beautifully framed prints. 

 

 

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At the front of the house, across from the study, is the dining room.  All lighting fixtures are of course from Visual Comfort!  Love the lantern sconces. 

 

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Another view of the dining room.  Of course I adore the skirted table buffet.

 

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The study.  Area rug placed over the seagrass.   The mix of furniture  styles in this room is unusual and exciting.  Notice the wonderful striped wallpaper.

 

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The guest room, adjacent to the study.  Paisley covers the upholstered bed.  Again, a collection of framed prints provides interest.  Notice how Powers used a pedestal to break up the expanse of prints. 

 

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The covered loggia, an outdoor room next to the swimming pool.  Very inviting.

 

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The master bedroom.   I love how Powers placed the settee in front of the bed creating an intriguing vignette.   Again, framed prints line the wall behind the four poster. 

 

 

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And finally - the master bathroom.   The focal point of the room - the cabinetry.  Only Powers could take what is usually a boring part of a bathroom - the linen closet - and make it a highlight.  Flanking the bullseye window, two columns of shelves meet in an arch.  The round shape of the window is repeated in the back of the chair's shape.  The sunburst mirror in the window is genius! 

 

I hope  you have enjoyed seeing the diverse and prolific portfolio of J. Randall Powers.  Young, with years ahead of him - the possibilities for the future are endless!  Imagine another decade or two or three of work - how exciting to think about!    Powers' has done Houston proud!   Good luck Randy - we can't wait to see what you've got up your fashionable sleeves!

52 comments :

  1. Little wonder he is in such great demand. I especially love his eye for really good art. Great post Joni!

    -Lana

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  2. Beautiful, elegant, splendid........to see Mr. Powers' work is a treat indeed. You are so good to us and I am so in need of kindness with all that is going on. Thank you again.......Ginny

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  3. Beautiful!! I love coming here. Thanks for all your work.

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  4. Fantastic! I'm off to check out his website now...

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  5. Great blog! Mr. Powers is a blinding star! I love his work. It has a certain beaute' (have to go with the French word for you Joni!), as does your blog!

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  6. Joni, as usual, your post inspires me to take a huge shovel to my rooms and start afresh. But how to choose? So many, many interesting rooms. And of course, I LOVE the artwork (and the ceiling fan in the closet!). Thanks for a bit of home too ;-)

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  7. What gorgeous style and eye! Love his art, and those antique chairs of his are divine! Feast for the eye...going back and looking again!

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  8. The closet is to die for...
    Every time you feature a designer, I want to change my style. I don't think it is because I can't commit, I just think each and every one shows such beauty in their work that I am swayed by their genius. Speaking of genius, you are and so are your posts. I am not joking when I say my heart starts to beat a little faster when I see you have a new one up. Thanks for all your hard and beautiful work. xoxo, MB

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  9. You know I love the chinoserie chest !!
    What talent you have in Houston.

    Regards,
    RF

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  10. I'm drooling at all of this, especially his use of very large contemporary artwork. The closet is fantastic and the mannequin with the casually draped ties keep the space from looking obsessive-compulsive. But maybe that was just a staging thing? Hmmmm.

    I especially love the dining room as art gallery with the fabulous crystal chandelier hanging low to the table.

    - Suzanne

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  11. Ok - I feel lightheaded. I think this is my favorite post that you have done. Fantastic! I love the mixture of light and dark elements in every room. Aaaaahhhh! Thank you!

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  12. WOW! His work is amazing. I loved seeing all the pics Joni.

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  13. Love that nighttime view of Houston. And the covered loggia--I want a covered loggia next to a swimming pool! I could live in a space like that.

    Oh, and the kitchen with the dark subway tile is beautiful, too! Lots of oohing and ahhing as I went through this post. -Julia :-)

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  14. Am I envious of that pristine closet, filled to the brim with Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Cartier, and Dior? No! ... ok, YES! But I have to say this very stylish man has a gift that far exceeds his affinity to closet accessories! What a gift it is! My favorite room of the lot was the living room *(believed to be of the Mott house) with the accent Chinoiserie chair and coral decor pieces. I've always admired tall coffee tables with room for ottomans or trunks below. Not to forget that amazing bamboo shade ... who would have thought to hang a mirror(?) from one? I see he almost constantly uses the plexi columns ... good choice in this room and the play of geometrics with patterns (Paisley) ... just gorgeous. Thank you Joni, he's definitely going on my favorite list!

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  15. Fabulous post!! Out of the first 2 pictures for the cover.. I prefer the 2nd one...This post really illustrates his diversity! WOW! I love the master bath in the last home, the built ins for towels etc.. at the bricked archways! and the loggia!!! and the....!!!!! :)

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  16. Interesting work, but he lost me with the perverse notion of arranging books with their gilt-tipped pages facing outwards. A concept that says quite clearly, We Do Not Read These Books. It's all about display and styling. Ideal for this moment in time.

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  17. Wow! I thought that I was looking at a Home in the Warwick Towers High rise before I saw an outside shot of the Galleria area! Nice High Rise. My Daddy lives at the Warwick.

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  18. How does this ASID issue effect him and others like him? (he is brilliant by the way)

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  19. Another gold medal post. Loved those Biedermeier chairs. He truly has 'the gift' and a fabulous eye. Thanks for the great read Joni...you made my morning.

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  20. I first met Randy nearly 20 years ago when he worked with my girlfriend as an intern at Krispen here in Houston when it was located in the Galleria Two. He was actually shy back then, which is hard to believe today. He was driven and had a good eye way back then and his success has mirrored his dedication to his craft. Bravo Randy!

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  21. This post certainly make the argument for buying classic pieces in neutral colors. He sure knows how to reinvent the wheel! I loved seeing the progression of his various homes and his re-use of all of his antiques (Those antique urns must be worn out ). Great post - as always....

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  22. FABULOUS entry today, Ms.Joni! I will have to go back and study these wonderful photos again and again! There's alot take in! I especially loved the paintings! Scrumptious!

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  23. Mega post alert!!! Joni, your eye for the stylish and lovely is quite impressive. Loved this so much.

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  24. whoa. this guy is not only amazing, but prolific.

    when you get to see so much of one person's work, you really see the wide expanse of talent.

    impressive and inspiring.

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  25. WOW, what's not to like! My favorite room is the same as yours! The GORGEOUS bedroom with the canopy bed and textures. I have so many posts to catch up with!

    Karen :)

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  26. What an informative post...I have read his name in many magazines, noted he was from Houston, but did not know much about him.

    I see that he likes Dennis & Leen - I see several of their products throughout the house.

    In the Circa Lighting house, is the chandelier in the dining room from Circa? It is definitely not the Paris Flea Market chandelier. It looks a lot like the Niermann Weeks chandelier. What do you think?

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  27. Can I tell you how much I love Randy's work?? OK, a lot!! I just organized my closet and thought it looked spiffy, but now that I've seen Randy's I realize that I have some more work to do!

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  28. I love the Mott house kitchen!!!!!
    Joni it is time for that book deal! When are these publishers going to wise up?

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  29. My eyes are spinning. I LOVE this guy.....I am not a huge fan of ED, but I kept this issue and culled the rest b/c I just loved the feature on Powers. You say young, how young? Young like me, young? I would consider him a prodigy in that case b/c I can't imagine having such a strong clear vision of his design sense and such excellent skill and refinement at such a young age...that just can't come completely naturally. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself as I go along ;)

    ~A

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  30. Oh Joni, such a wonderful post. So beautiful - I weep.

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  31. i hardly know where to start with the compliments on this post! every time i visit your blog i feel more and more educated on the interior design world, and am SO inspired by all these interiors! his style is very much my style ~ a clean simple mix of modern and traditional. i'm especially in love with those Biedermeier chairs!! thank you for such a wonderful array of rooms!

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  32. Its so great to see a designer's work put together like this to really see their style. I love how Randy mixes chair styles in rooms - gorgeous! Fab post. Tracey x

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  33. Wow! Thank you for the profile on Randy, Joni. I'm not sure I'd get to know him if not for your thorough feature. I noticed three main elements to his design: symmetry, his use of art and the use of just a few, bold pieces. I can't wait to see more of his work.

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  34. He has such a clean style. And I do see a strong Bill Blass-ian influence, which is always a good thing. Wonderful post, as always!

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  35. I really enjoy your blog and have it on my favorites list. Thank you so much for the time it takes you to share. vickydarnell

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  36. His design and decor is stunning - I love the fact that he works with and understands the importance of art and and that he arranges an eclectic combination of furniture together. I am probably in the minority but I find his treatment of books, while visually preferable, too contrived. Call me messy, but I want to be able to select a book and see the spines in all their colour and glory. Apart from that, move me in tomorrow....

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  37. Ahhhh, to have the space for a BACK-TO-BACK sofa....

    :-)
    Layla
    The Lettered Cottage

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  38. Thanks again for such an informative post. All his rooms are beautiful! The Mott kitchen is my dream kitchen. gorgeous.

    Thanks for taking the time to comment on my fireplace! I love the idea of painting the ceiling! It might take me a month or two, but I will post pics when done!!

    I tried to donate this morning, but it looks like your Donorschoose.org project was funded! Congrats, you raised $1077!

    I will look and find another project, in appreciation for all the help you have given to me and so many people through your wonderful blog.

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  39. Joni,I love Randy's style and of course his love of art as an integral part of Interior Design. Would you send him to my blog to take a look at my works of art.....I am currently working on a 48 x 36 abstract.

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  40. Wow, what beautiful work! Quite a range of interiors and they are all amazing.

    Thanks for sharing and turing me on to another hot designer.

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  41. What can we say, the man has talent! We like the room with the coral in it best... maybe it's the bursts of color (we love our colors!) but that kitchen is lovely also. It would be interesting to sneak into Powers closet and swap a few things around and see how soon he notices! Oooh... if only we could be a fly on the wall if that ever happend!
    Karla & Karrie

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  42. Lovely Lovely Photos! Have a nice day! Daisy~

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  43. Awww... too much lovely images but I'll never tire of them. You are really generous with your postings Joni. Loved the info you are sharing. A really excellent post.

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  44. Well plainly I'm the odd man out in this discussion.
    These rooms bear the stamp of The Professional Designer. Personality isn't allowed. Not a breath of quirkiness or charm either. Quite soulless in fact.
    Yet ideal for photography. That is the whole point.

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  45. Gosh, his work is amazing. What an extensive post. Thanks for all the hard work and for adding a new name to my decor vocabulary! One word - WOW!

    xo Terri

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  46. I love what he does to a room! I find a peacefulness in them. That lamp over the island - love it. And that couch with "two faces" - so unique. I feel like a voyeur peeking into other people's homes. :) Fun...

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  47. i just love love love your blog.Great inspirations.I cant decide which photo or which post i like more.Great job

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  48. The closet in the first picture looks great, but the ceiling fan kills it. It makes it look very suburban - as if he lives in a tract house in the suburbs and has turned the spare bedroom into a closet.

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  49. Wow… love that home furniture…. It's so elegant & stylish.

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  50. We have just hired Randy to do our apartment in New York and his energy and creativity is amazing!

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