COTE DE TEXAS: Veranda’s The House of Windsor

Veranda’s The House of Windsor

 

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Just a short blog today to tell you about Veranda magazine and The House of Windsor.  I’m really loving Windsor Smith these days.   I love what she is doing in design – all shine and blues, silks and zebras, hand painted wallcoverings, and gray and white marble.  I only wish she was on Million Dollar Decorators, which by the way, if you aren’t watching you should!  It’s the best TV right now and the only show I really stay home to see.  Tuesdays, Bravo, 9:00 pm CST.  (Twitter hashtag: #milliondollardecorators – the tweets are even better than the show!)    Windsor would be a perfect fit on the Bravo show and I hope they ask her next season.   Right now though, she is concentrating on the new Veranda show house which is really all her baby.  The house, located in L.A., was designed by Windsor and will be open to the public on the first.   Pictures won’t be in Veranda until October, but if you live in L.A., you can go see the house July 1 – July 17.   From the few pictures on the web site, it looks fabulous and oh so Windsor with the white and gray marble, rough luxe wood floors and white walls.

 

 

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This isn’t Windsor’s first foray into showhouses with Veranda.   She designed the master bedroom in their last house – Greystone. 

 

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This is the back of the Veranda house that Windsor designed.   The floor plan is VERY VERY different.  Windsor likes atypical floorplans and using rooms for multiple purposes.   Her own house also has a very different floor plan.  She turned the living room into a pool room for her sons.  There is no dining room, rather it’s been turned into a lounge area. 

 

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The dining room in Windsor’s house was turned into a sitting room with a table on the other side for eating. 

 

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This rare shot shows the same room with the sitting area on the left and the table on the right.  The chandelier hangs over the room, not the table.  You can see straight into the kitchen where there is the main table used for eating.   I can’t remember where I got this picture from – but I love seeing this angle.  In the House of Windsor, the dining room is also the library – I’m sure that will be a room to see.

 

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In the Veranda House of Windsor – the entry hall runs from front door to back.  Filled with white and gray marble, it looks stunning here, seen in its raw state before construction was even finished.  Windsor is really into the gray and white marble floors – and who can blame her?  They are gorgeous.  Now, in truth, the gray marble is actually Bateig Blue, which is a limestone, but who wants to be so technical?  Still, if you do want to duplicate this look – don’t go in asking for gray marble.  Ask for Bateig Blue limestone. 

 

 

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In Windsor’s own house, her entry hall has the same beautiful floors.   Just gorgeous.  Here, you can see into the living room turned into pool hall with its black walls. 

 

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And, looking down at the floors from the second level.  The gray and white marble is so much fresher and youthful looking than classic black and white.   I would give my second born to have an entry just like this!

 

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Friend and fellow designer of Windsors from Dallas, Michelle Nussbaumer who owns Ceylon et Cie, has similar floors in her own entry.   Hard to tell if these are light brown or Bateig blue limestone – but either way, it’s lighter than black marble and that is really what looks so fresh. 

 

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In the Veranda House of Windsor – next to the long entry hall with the marble floors is the living room.  It has herringbone patterned wood floors that give it a Rough Luxe look.  There is an antique looking mantel on the right.  Past the living room is the master suite.  The master suite is unusual in that you first must enter it through the bathroom and closet!  

 

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In the House of Windsor, Carrera marble was used at this fireplace.  The background is herringbone black.  The mantle is so beautiful.  I can’t wait to see the finished photos of the house!!!  I wonder if all the bathrooms have this same marble in it?

 

 

 

 

 

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Here is the floor plan.  Notice the master bedroom – how you must first go through the closet and bathroom to reach the bedroom.   The dining room says it is also a library – so it’s probably lined with bookshelves.    Now, if I had designed this, I would have put double doors in the living room opening into the entry hall.  That way, you would get an enfilade effect from the back hall to the master bedroom courtyard.  But what do I know?  

 

 

Here is a list of designers who furnished the rooms.  Stellar!   Besides Windsor, there is Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Peter Dunham (another one who needs to be on next season’s Million Dollar Decorators, Kathryn Ireland And Tara Shaw.

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And speaking of Tara Shaw – the next post on Cote de Texas will be a giveaway from our sponsor The Bella Cottage and TARA SHAW!!!!!   Look for it tomorrow!!!  It’s a great giveaway, I promise!!!

 

 

38 comments :

  1. What a delight! I am crazy about out of the ordinary floor plans, especially a dining room/library combo. This post was a real treat.

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  2. I love Windsor Smith's work, particularly her own kitchen. I never tired of seeing the images.

    Also loving Million Dollar Decorators although I have to say I was shocked by Martyn's use of someone else's image in Daisy Fuentes' living room. He should have created the feeling of that Havana room somehow without reproducing that image. I think that lacks integrity. I am in love with Kathryn's maid. I hope she'll get her own show!

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  3. Love, love, LOVE the grey and white marble floor, but what I'd really give my first born, second born, a kidney and probably a lung to boot in order to have......that fabulous round three seat sofa in the middle of the entry!! Now that is and entry and a sofa to adore! Gorgeous.

    And I too am addicted to "Million Dollar Decorator"! Can't get enough of it, wish it was on more than once a week.

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  4. I love Windsor's design aesthetic and really, who needs a formal dining room nowadays anyway? I think everyone eats in the kitchen now. I really love the idea of switching rooms around - really makes sense. When I watch 'House Hunters' on HGTV, it always makes me laugh when couples talk about what they want in a home, they almost always say, 'a formal dining room' as if they will be entertaining and having parties every week! You know once they move in, the room is never used. So touche Windsor!! Thanks for this interesting post Joni!

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  5. I love Windsor Smith, and she is the nicest person. I have written about her before.
    I can't wait to see the entire home!
    Thank you for sharing these images, Joni. These rooms are beautiful.
    Now, on to Million Dollar Decorators. I LOVE IT! I missed it last night and can't wait until in the morning to see it, and I missed the tweeters too! A riot they are!
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  6. The furnishings in the photos look great. But I do not like the architectural floor plan at all; I do not think it lives up to its full potential.

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  7. Joni that pink and gold is luscious!! Really gorgeous design works!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  8. Ok...I admit it! You are my newest love in the blog world now!!! I've seen your posts before but then when I saw your blog on Vicki Archer, I knew I loved you!!!! However...this post on Windsor Smith is to die for!!!! You always seem to bring something so wonderful to us! I also truly loved yesterdays blog...thanks for your insightful posts and inspirations! I would love for you to visit us at our blog... vintagemulberry.blogspot.com or our website....mulberryheightsantiques.com
    Carolyn Bradford

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  9. OMGosh, what great pictures. I can't wait for the magazine. And the next giveaway - Hot Dog!!!

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  10. Joni, I am a major Windsor fan. She does this elegant pared down traditional with a twist, that I love. I especially love her blues and whites and pinks. Romantic without the clutter, classic but unusual. She's a genius and I agree would be amazing on MDD, which I am loving, by the way.
    xo Terri

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  11. Joni... I am giggling... you said Windsor will be open to the pubic :O)
    Love this post! Tara Shaw told me she's using my favorite armoire in her room! I did a fantasy post on the armoire in my bedroom... I only wish!

    Jan

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  12. ok ok , i corrected the vulgar typo. didn't notice that. even after warned there was a typo and i reread it again and still didn't see it.

    but it's fixed now! sorry if you all missed it.

    Joni

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  13. I was taught to not say any thing when one can not say something nice. Best just to say that "if" I was given the budget of this house the floor plan would be very, very different.

    A person could live in the square footage of this home's floor plan.

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  14. Haha, Joni you are so clever, you would give away your second born. . . I love those floors too! Can't wait to see that show suite!
    x
    Maria

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  15. I think the floor plan is the BEST I've ever seen! I love the master suite and the front and back courtyards. I am so looking forward to seeing the magazine, but mostly the dining room / library...my favorite combination of rooms! Eating and reading...my two favorite things. PS...I have to agree with you Joni, that the door in the center of the living room would've made much more sense.

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  16. I too have an atypical floor plan, inspired by Ina Garten's open kitchen,everyone loves it! Am obsessed with Virginia Mary Brown's
    home in Houston area (Tupper Lake, perhaps?)designed by Dillon Kyle. The
    home is featured in the July/Aug issue of Traditional Home. The brick
    floors, barn doors and grey and white
    palette are to die for! Can you put your investigative skills to work and get us more pictures & info?

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  17. Since I live in LA must go to see the home, and will! Grand post! I look forward to your next post. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  18. There are so many logistical problems with that floor plan, I lost count. Aside from what Joni mentioned about having to walk through the closet and bath (no tub?) to get to the master bedroom, you also have to walk through the office/bedroom to get to the guest suite. Not very useful if you have more than one guest. I also dislike how the entrance to that whole wing is smack dab in the middle of the great room. I could go on, but I'm sure seeing the house with the furnishings will mitigate my frustration with the floor plan.

    Thanks for the post, Joni. I'm planning a trip to L.A. for July and will add this to my list of things to do.

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  19. How exciting! I have really been enjoying Million Dollar Decorators. I hope it makes it to another season. Thanks for sharing this great insider's look into the making of a showhouse.

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  20. Im kicking myself-becasue EVERY July we go to LA to visit and this is the one year decided to go to Key West, FL instead- *sigh* I would have loved the see that house!
    And speaking of MDD- OMG!!! I LOVE that show!!! I have to DVR it and wait till the kids go to bed -then I turn it up loud and hang on very bit of it! LOL

    Cant wait to tune into tomorrow w Tara Shaw giveaway- LOVE her! just saw that her stuff is now being sold on Layla Grayce too!

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  21. Beautiful! Joni, thank you for sharing these amazing photos. I am now picking up my tongue and wiping the drool away.

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  22. Love every image, from the neutral ones to the bold colors ones.
    (Fortunately your second born does not know about your desire...Ha ha anyway Elizabeth is safe!)

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  23. Love the house! The rooms have a balance of sophistication and whimsy which is so important to keep a house interesting.

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  24. I love Windsor's designs and that house is amazing! I'm with you she should be on million dollar decorators, I just love that show. I can't wait to see what Tara Shaw is giving aways love her stuff but I can't afford her. Wonderful post and I'll be back tomorrow!

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  25. I would love to tour this house in person. The floors are just exquisite. Can't wait to see what these great decorators will do. I have a feeling it will be more on the practical side rather than like an art installation. (You know how some of those NY showhouses turn out!)

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  26. The first pictures freaked me out a little... it seems out of a horror movie! :-)

    I love this post though. It's so interesting and got my attention.


    Wishing you a beautiful long weekend!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  27. The first pictures freaked me out a little... it seems out of a horror movie! :-)

    I love this post though. It's so interesting and got my attention.


    Wishing you a beautiful long weekend!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  28. Looks fabulous!! I love Windsor's work - it's elegant but eclectic and very distinctive. Love the marble and herringbone floors. Can't wait to see the finished house!

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  29. Oh, I would love to see that house in person! I cannot wait to see it finished. Windsor would be a *fantastic* addition to Million Dollar Decorators!!

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  30. Can't wait to visit on Friday!!! xo Brooke

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  31. wow!!! Live too far to visit but thanx for sharing!

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  32. can you tell me where they got the upholstered killim table/bench made? It is terrific.

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  33. This was so neat to see - not only because you have such amazing talent but also because it was so inspiring to see what a big change great design can make in any space! Beautiful - absolutely beautiful!

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  36. those drapes are a beautiful color.

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  37. The master bedroom is delightful with its cream and bone colors!

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