COTE DE TEXAS: A Reader’s House

A Reader’s House

 

 

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Interior designer Megan Megas’ house – her interiors are an inspiration for the reader’s own house.

 

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Megas’ dining room – the reader is looking for chairs like these.

 

I got an email from a long time Cote de Texas reader who told me how hooked she was on Megan Megas’ house – featured here and in the magazine Antique Shops & Designers HERE. Megas is Pam Pierce’s long time assistant who is now taking on her own design jobs.  The reader, Toni (like Joni!) – really loves Megas’ aesthetic – particularly the eclectic mix of contemporary and old with textural and organic pieces.  She sent along a picture of her living room to show me – and – wow!   I really loved what she has done with it and asked her to submit more pictures.  So, here is the reader, Toni’s house, located in a smaller Texas town:

 

 

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Beautiful dark hardwoods, a black front door and a lantern great you.

 

 

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Against one wall is an old vintage print of Houston that Toni bought from Hong @ Hien Lam!  This print was left in the warehouse when the Lams bought it – there were originally two of them.  Now, why didn’t I ever notice the print???  Toni says she’s wanted it for 3 years and finally got the nerve to ask Hong about it.  I love the beige rug against the hardwoods and the collection of stools. 

 

 

 

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Close up of the print.  Toni says it’s her pride and joy.

 

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I love the large French olive oil jar.  I want one so badly!  She bought this one from Hien Lam Home.

 

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Across the benches is this beautiful marble topped table – the architectural fragment under the cloche comes from The Two Lucys at MAI, Houston.

 

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Walking into the living area – the ceiling is vaulted, double height with tall windows and beams.  There is a fireplace on the left side and a large dresser and trumeau that anchors the room on the right side.  Isn’t this smashing?!!!!  This is the picture Toni first sent me when I went nuts over her house!  I love the mix with all the textures – the antiques and the vintage pieces, the light woods and all her accessories. The light from the tall windows near the ceiling moves around the room and makes it look different  at certain times of the day.  On this day – the sun was bright and the house was particularly bright. 

 

Now – how old do you think Toni is to have amassed such a nice collection of beautiful furniture that looks so wonderful?   Would you believe she is only 28 years old????  That’s right!  She is 28 and is a stay at home with her 2 children –  3 years and 1 year.  Now…what were we saying about ageism?????

 

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Her sofa is slipped with a beautiful waterfall skirt – and is in a linen, made by Hien Lam, of course!  Love the coffee table and the rug and how the colors of both are repeated in the assortment of pillows.  Across, the two wing chairs in a striped fabric add a dressy touch. Hien Lam upholstered or slipped all the furniture in the house.

 

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Notice the difference in the light from the previous picture?  Such a great atmospheric touch. The fireplace is painted white bricks.

 

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And looking towards the back.  Toni has ordered new, thin curtain rods, but they aren’t here yet – so she said to not look at these!  OK, we won’t!  I love her pillows – especially those in the wing chairs – so cute. 

 

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In this picture -  you can see the tall windows that let in the light – and the dark wood beams on the vaulted ceiling.  I love that #3 pillow – it really catches the eye.

 

 

 

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This piece came from her parent’s ranch – I love it with all its wonky drawers.  The trumeau was made by James Farmer according to Toni’s design.  James is the go-to furniture man in Houston.  He can make anything look older and better.  Plus he can make things – like this mirror.  He made the lamps in my own family room, btw.  Contact James through his facebook page and he’ll get back with you!  I love the trumeau he made.   Reflected in the mirror is the hall leading to the bedrooms – where the sunburst mirror hangs.

 

 

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The jar is also from Marburger Farms in Round Top.  The brown cabinet under the flatscreen is Toni’s grandmother’s piece. 

 

 

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The altar sits on the painted brick fireplace hearth.

 

 

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This hutch was black until James Farmer transformed it and turned it into a gray Swedish fauxtique!  Like that word I just made up? 

 

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Inside the hutch is a collection of shells and crowns and books.

 

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The industrial styled table next to the sofa came from the Round Top antique show – at Marburger Farms.

 

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Love the sconces that James added to the trumeau for that authentic looking touch. 

 

 

 

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The dining room connects through the living room.

 

 

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The dining room is next to both the living room and the kitchen.  Against the back wall are fabulous lockers that Toni designed a metal base for them to sit on top of.   Inside the lockers are:  ironstone, antique silver pitchers, old glassware, antique cutting boards, rolling pins from Bill Gardner as well as new canisters and appliances.

 

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The lockers sits atop the custom base Toni designed for them – such a great looking piece!!! And what a clever idea!

 

 

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Toni’s mother bought the table at an antique store 20 years ago for $45.  Steal!  The French chairs are from Restoration Hardware and Toni really doesn’t like them – she says she wants chairs like Megan Megas (pictured at the top of the story) – and is curious if anyone knows where she can find them?  Did you look at Thompson Hanson?  I know that Artesia Collections carries them too.  Love the print shade. 

 

 

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The kitchen is separated from the dining room by a beadboard covered counter.

 

 

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The flower filled crown came from San Miguel Allende.

 


 

 

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Toni remodeled the kitchen with Cesar stone countertops – in lieu of the concrete ones she really wanted, but didn’t think they would clean up easily with two babies.  She picked the honed Cesar stone and she said it’s hard to clean up anyway! Always go with your heart!!!  Farm sink, bin pulls, and Carrera marble backsplash. 

 

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The beadboard bar – here you can see how the kitchen connects back to the entry hall.

 

 

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To order a butter plate like Toni’s go the left side of the blog – after the ads – and you’ll see where you can order one!!  I love them!!

 

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Tony found San Pasquale, the patron saint of food, in Santa Fe.  Beautiful farm sink and polished nickel faucet.  Such rainy days in Texas.

 

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Leading from the kitchen back to the entry and living room into the bedroom hall and this vignette – a Lucite stool and large sunburst mirror. 

 

 

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The master bedroom is dominated by Toni’s grandmother’s vintage headboard – originally it was blue velvet, but Toni changed it to natural linen.  The ottoman-champagne crates at the foot of the bed are from Judith McClellan.   The Clint Eastwood photograph is much loved and much hated by various members of her extended family.  It comes off and on the wall at different times.

 

 

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Without the photograph – better or not? 

 

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The bedside tables are old wire trash cans with galvanized tops made by Vieux in Houston.

 

 

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Across from the bed is another fireplace with a chair and ottoman and zebra rug.

 

 

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The chest is another product by James Farmer.  Toni said she lost her phone and the only two numbers she cared about losing were James and Hien’s phone numbers!

 

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The painted fireplace across from the bed.

 

 

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The seating area with the zebra accent rug.

 

imageThe oldest daughter’s room in pink of course.  James Farmer did the fancy chest for her room. Such a pretty painting.

 

 

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She has the cutest tent – love the pink and white striped shade.

 

 

 

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The nursery is in whites and grays. 

 

 

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And finally, Toni says about her house:  “It’s still a work in progress. I once told my hubby, to me picking the right things for this house are like finding a significant other, you have to make a connection with it, it’s going in your home, you have to look at it every day.   If you don’t love it, it’s got no business there.” 

As good a design philosophy as any!        

 

Thanks so much to Toni for graciously opening her house to us!      If her house is this great when she is 28, I can’t wait to see it when she is 48!

192 comments :

  1. Nothing looks like it needs to be done. it looks finished and fabulous. I sent the link to my daughters, they will love it. Another great post.
    Karen

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  2. WoW, speechless, you have some talented readers!! The print of Houston is fabulous and I love the horse print in the family room and Clint would be there all the time:) So many lovely and unique items. Thank you Toni and Joni!!!

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  3. Wow, this is a 28 year old's house. Just gorgeous.

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  4. Love the home--Every piece of it!! I cringe when I think of what mine looked like at 28! Its beautiful!

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  5. Beautiful home! thinking of my home at 28 it is amazing - good job. Thank you for sharing.

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  6. Thanks for the great link to the Antique Shops and Designers Mag http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/c5f2ca79#/c5f2ca79/1. Are any more online and free to view?

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    1. yes! go to their web site there are all the magazines online there. i love the magazine = the ads are just as pretty as the stories.

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  7. I would leave everything as it is - gorgeous! Since you asked, I like the room better without Clint though. Thanks for your great posts. It's always nice to see you in my inbox.

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  8. Love it. Love that she mixed in so many family pieces. And she has two small kids! I do, too, and I really enjoyed seeing such a lovely family home. I like her rooms better than the two inspiration rooms!!!

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  9. Great job ! I liked the oldest daughter's bedroom best!

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  10. Love her house. I would like to know where she got the glass pastry shelf standing in her kitchen sink window???? Beautiful house--- Joni you do a great job of letting all of us in on everyone else's lifestyles--- I appreciate it so much that I am willing to dwell on your site until it makes me so sick I want to burn my house down. Keep up the good job--

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  11. Wow! Makes me a bit depressed about my own house.

    I like Clint. Its a surprise, and a pop of color.

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  12. What a beautiful house, I lingered on all of the photographs. I especially love the sofa and wing chairs and also the beautiful lucite stool. This makes me want to get my act together and do some decorating!!

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  13. I fully agree with Joni - it's a stunner! Certainly not typical of a 28 year old - I was still in an apartment that didn't even have room for a dining table at that age! I would love to get an update on her house every five years to see how she evolves her personal style! IMO, Clint should stay on the wall because he reflects the owners' personality. I'm trying to make my own mother understand that as stunning as her house looks, I don't know WHO owns it because she doesn't have anything in it that isn't straight out of a magazine.

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  14. This is my favorite house you've ever shown! I love love love it! It is gorgeous and looks like a truly comfortable home. What a vision she has. I love that she's incorporated her grandmother's more ornate pieces. I could stare at these pictures forever!!! I am so inspired by this home. Personally, I like the RH chairs she has with that table of her mother's better than the other ones. And I like Clint too, although I think it's hilarious that she takes him down sometimes. You know, this home was put together with such love that I don't even feel jealous-- it makes me happy for the family that lives there. Thank you for sharing!!

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  15. Hey! I have the same coffee table, although it's a lot, lot darker! I love the pics and will be coming back to linger! We just moved into our house near Dallas and are slowly getting it pulled together. Love all the brightness and will TOTALLY be using the photos in my ongoing convince-my-husband-to-paint-our-pink-brick-fireplace-grey. Someday, I will prevail.

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  16. I love love love it! Will have to go back and study everything again. ;)
    xo~
    T

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  17. What a beautiful home. The owner, so young, is certainly talented. Love all of the rooms, especially the bedrooms. I have a question, Joni. Do you know why the television in the living room is placed where it it? I was trying to figure out who could watch it from that position. Wanda

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    1. I think it's on a swivel. the tv bothers me a little - probably it should be on the console where the trumeau is - or in the hutch and move the couch to the other side. that's where i would put it - in that swedish hutch hidden, and move the couch over. that way it wouldn't be so noticeable.

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    2. I wasn't there the day the tv went up. Boys will be boys and something about a glare?! Also, my guy says he can see it from the kitchen? I'm not a tv watcher much, so I didn't care. It acttually got plans to be taken out all together, so, I guess that's y it's never bothered me much, because I've always known its fate! But yes, I agree that it looks like its hanging in outer space up there!

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    3. And yes to the swivel.

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    4. oh, hahah!!!! i never take a picture of my family room where you can see the big huge tv - people probably think i dont have one, but i do think you could hide yours in the hutch if you ever wanted to - and just put fabric behind the chicken wire when the door is closed. jmo.

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    5. Great idea! If we don't move it soon, I'll probably consider that. Thanks :O)

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  18. Just gorgeous! I am curious though as to what is used to clean and maintain her gorgeous hardwood floors. I have these same floors in my house and I hate them because no matter what I use to clean them they have a dull appearance and foot prints always seem to track on them horribly and they are less than a year old. I had them professionally installed (not a DIY project) and have been using what was recommended but I'm not a happy camper and I thought I would love hardwoods! I love them in her house!!!

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    1. I don't know about her floors or yours but I do know that dust is falling continuously and coats the floors. Dark floors show that dust and therefore every footprint shows. I found the dark floors impossible to deal with, to keep. I would never choose dark floors again.

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    2. Buy a Roomba and program it to run when you are gone or asleep! Or vacuum once a week with a Dyson.

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    3. Sweeping...like, 50 times a day. And method hardwood floor cleaner mixed in water that I get at Lowes. Happy Cleaning!

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    4. My last house had dark floors. Learn to love your swiffer!

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  19. I'm super impressed with the feel of the place - from the black door welcoming you in, to the use of her grandmother's prizes and her parents' wonky cast-off, to the ingenious fabrication for lockers in the dining room, to Clint Eastwood's photo (such an icon!). It's airy, livable, and obviously loved.

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  20. Joni she really has a great eye at her age. The home has a very collected and layered look, yet fresh.

    I had to laugh about the Clint Eastwood Photography...I do the bedroom would look better with a different work of fine art...if they love it though why not?!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  21. Love this house! Thank you for sharing it. I'm inspired!

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  22. Joni! Another gem! I can't believe what a great eye she has at 28 as Karena said! Love the mix of french, swedish & the touch of industrial! Love it!

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  23. Can't find where to get the butter plate. HELP!!!

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  24. Congratulations to Toni! Her house looks gorgeous! She has a wonderful eye for interior design and decoration!! I love her sitting room! So beautiful!! As you said Joni, her house looks great at her age of 28 and I hope she will send you pictures of her house whithin 20 years! I am sure you will be still blogging then!!

    xx
    Greet

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  25. What a cute house, I love her style!!! I also saved the photos of Megan Megas' home, it is one of my favorites, I love everything about it. I think Clint should stay on that wall, he is so cool.

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  26. Hi Joni, Thanks for sharing this amazing home with us. I had to go back and look at each photo again to make sure I didn't miss anything....BEAUTIFUL!

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  27. Cute house! I am here to answer the CHAIR question!! I wrote Joni myself as I was looking for the Cost Plus chairs (kooboo wicker) and couldn't find them here in CA at the time (I have since gotten them... yay!) However, in looking for a substitute for the Cost Plus chairs I found a chair at Ballard Designs that is very similar to what she is looking for and they are on SALE!! Here is the link: http://www.ballarddesigns.com/malvern-dining-chair-with-cushion/chairs/dining-chairs/209404?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=10

    Good luck!

    Best,
    Sheila Irwin

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  28. What a fabulous house, love the style.

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  29. It is almost unbelieveable that she is only 28 years old and has such FABULOUS taste!!! I LOVE this house and thank you both for sharing it. Her stlye is all hers and I can't get over how collected over time it looks!!!! My home has been collected over time too but I am 35 years older than her:):):) SHHH, don't tell anyone;) Thank you, Joni for featuring Toni and her magnificent home. I ahve been MIA alot because we are moving and building a new home. Have a great weekend. XO, Pinky PS Can't fine where to get the butter plate????

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    1. http://www.joannehudson.com/english-butter-platter.html

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  30. OMG! I love her house! This babe has the styling gift in SPADES!!! I have to go back through and disect every single image or I might miss something! Just beautiful! She has taken some really challenging areas and made them spectacular!!! Toni ROCKS!!!!! I want her to update us on every future change she makes! Hope she finds her coveted chairs!!!

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  31. absolutely delightful mix of rustic metal and wood with crisp white fabrics -- and in a household with young kids, no less! As for that Clint photo... love him, but the br is definitely nicer without it...great post!

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  32. Your place looks great Toni!

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  33. "One is born with taste" (at least that has been my experience!) Wonderful taste she has there! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  34. Wow Toni! You've created such a warm and inviting home. I sure love your kids rooms too! I like your Clint Eastwood picture. Adds something personal and different! I began decorating when I was at home with kids too. Such a pleasure to make our homes an oasis. For your husband too. All the best to you!

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  35. Love Clint! Nice post..........so great to see real homes, as in not designer showcase-these are such meaningful posts.

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  36. OUTSTANDING! OMG! She has done a beautiful job and should be so proud. I took notes because I have been changing things and adding on to my place, using more texture and nautral colors. Toni if you are reading the comments...You Go Girl!

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  37. She should try Mainly Baskets in Atlanta for the wicker. They have amazing pieces!

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  38. What a fabulous house! Although it is clearly curated with a highly disciplined eye, it remains warm and livable. I, too, am amazed at the young owner's level of sophistication at such a young age. As I read about this and that piece having come from mother and grandmother, I recalled my own utter lack of appreciation for such things when I was 28. On the two issues in controversy: (1) I like the RH chairs; and (2) Unless the Clint Eastwood photo has some very special personal meaning for wife, or, more likely, husband, I would put up something else in its place. Neither the color, nor the subject matter is in keeping with the otherwise splendid decor. I suspect that husband gave her free rein to do whatever she liked in the house, so long as he could keep his Clint Eastwood photo, and each has honored that deal. It is probably a private joke between them, and she is simply glad it isn't something worse! Thank you for this wonderful story, which I found delightful and inspiring. Thank you also for the link to the fabulous butter tray. I have long admired yours and wondered if it was antique.

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    1. nice comment - but i think the clint is all hers, not her husbands!!!

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  39. I love their floors. Those were stunning. I think my favorite room was her little girls with the beautiful night stand and pink and white drapes. It is so pretty yet real. I have sliding doors that I hate and cant wait to replace. It made me feel better to see her doors. Also the placement of the tv in the living room. So many young people are putting it over their fireplace. We chose not to, because I prefer paitnings and I just feel like we were making a statement tha tv is our life. I do wonder how they arange the chairs to see the tv? Do they move them? Just a silly question. I really do love the posts of readers homes.

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  40. can't seem to find the link for the "Butter" dish. HELP!!

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    1. http://www.joannehudson.com/english-butter-platter.html

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  41. Hi Toni and Joni, I always love your "readers house" posts, and this is one by far is my favorite! Just beautiful....could you please share where the living room coffe table is from? Thank you! Anette

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  42. what a mixture. poor clint and even more poor pseudo cristal chandeliers...

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    1. and even poorer spelling on your part!

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    2. Oh my land! You totally smoked anonymous! :):):) People are so rude; it's actually discouraging. Great house. Great style. Great age. Well done, Toni:)
      ~Suzanne

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    3. Clearly a simple typo which can be found in almost every comment on this blog. At least it isn't "u" for you, "ur" for your or you are, and multiple use of a single letter for "effect". Smoked? Hardly!

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    4. You mean, as in, "ur sooooooooo petty" ?

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    5. No, as in "ur" so ignorant you can't write in complete words or sentences and each time you post, it is correct something you said in an earlier post. I hope you realllly catch my drift.

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    6. how about there for their or there for they're, your for you're, etc. so many people don't know how to use apostrophes. when you go read comments on entertainment blogs where a lot of young people comment, their spelling and apostrophe misuse is astounding. i think it's from text messaging 24/7 that has ruined their grammar.

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    7. So true. Texting is a grammar killer for sure as is our educational system which is a topic for another blog.

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  43. I absolutely just love Toni's home. There are so many different pieces that I just absolutely love. One is the lucite stools that she has. Any idea where one could purchase those? I really like how she found inspiration and turned it into a reality for her own home. Beautiful.

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    1. Thanks! It came from a local store named Vieux!

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  44. The "Reader's House" posts are always a favorite - just wished they had been around 15 years ago! Toni should be so proud of her home - it is lovely. I also am interested in finding Megan's chairs.(They are not the same as the Ballard chair.)

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  45. This post had me captivated. Toni's home was inspiring, and so much in keeping with my own aesthetic, that I was able to blissfully imagine what my own home could look like one day. Thank you for identifying the sources. It makes the search/hunt that much easier. I will look into Hien Lam too. That sofa slipcover was gorgeous and reminded me of a Renea Abbott sofa I saw. (side note: Renea's Papercity spread was a stunner!) As always, thanks Joni for sharing such beautiful spaces with us!

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  46. fabulous--what wonderful taste & great sense of style she has! i really love seeing a home like this that has a wonderful eclectic mix of contemporary and old with textural and organic pieces.

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  47. SoftSurroundings.com website sells the wicker chairs(search for Martinique Chair)for $295. Cute house.

    Jeanne

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  48. Toni's house is fantastic! I suddenly want to slip my sofa in linen.

    Keri

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  49. If you can't get me on Facebook you can email me at jfarmer762@yahoo.com or call me at 713-398-7657 for painted furniture.
    James Farmer

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    1. Okay, James. ALL my sources for the "antique" two-tiered glass and metal pastry stands are either out of business or out of stock. However, this looks like something YOU could whip up with no problem!

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  50. This is my favorite house ever shown on Cote de Texas! Love it! It is certainly current, but also livable and custom to the family. I can imagine the children enjoying this house - do they have pets? 'Cause I imagine pets, too! This is a great example of taking "runway" ideas and scaling them to a livable home. Love love love it!

    I do like the respect she's given to her heirloom items. And I like Clint. Someone said that it might be a private joke between the hubby and wife - how cute! It is a sign of at least one of the owners' taste - and that's wonderful. And heck, it is in their most private space (thanks for showing it!). I have a framed poster that was critical to my marriage at one time - and it will always be hung somewhere in my house, even if it is no longer to my taste or current color wave.

    Thanks, Toni, for opening your home - and thanks, Joni, for sharing it with us!
    Libby

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  51. I can't seem to find the site where the butter plate can be purchased. Can someone help! Thanks.

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    1. http://www.joannehudson.com/english-butter-platter.html

      be sure to look around, they have butter, lard, cheese and margarine plates too!

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  52. Hello!
    here is the link to the butter tray for those that can't find it! http://www.joannehudson.com/english-butter-platter.html

    Love the home! Just gorgeous!!

    Kristi Ripley

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  53. gorgeous gorgeous! What a treat for my Thursday afternoon, thanks Joni!

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  54. One more thing...this house should be featured in a magazine, be it Country Living, House Beautiful, etc.!

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  55. What's really remarkable about Toni's home is how she totally transforms a home that looks like it started with little detail such as moulding, trim work, casement windows, etc. Not at ALL wanting to sound critical, but on the contrary, wanting to be complimentary of her work. I am completely amazed at how one hardly notices the elements that the builder left out because her style and decor steals the show! At 28, I barely had the resources to design a home of this caliber. However, even if I had, I would have not had the vision and style she does. Bravo Toni :)

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  56. Love this house. The art she has chosen has brought a house that might look too stuffy to life. I love the Houston photo and the Clint photo...he should always be up. The little saint in the kitchen is wonderful as is the pastry shelf in the window. Love that idea. Just amazing. At 28...I was buying stuff at flea markets and garage sales and most of those items are still in my home. People still comment on how much they like them...so I guess I did ok. But I was not nearly this sophisticated. I love it when you show readers homes....

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  57. That first photo really grabbed me. Love her design philosophy .

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  58. While I realize that readers' homes seem to receive a lot of accolades from readers here for their efforts, this reader did have some experience having worked for Pan Pierce and probably should be held to a higher standard. May I suggest that you take James Thompson off speed dial and take a deep breath before investing in another "fauxantique" (I think we have seen a lot of his work lately on this blog without knowing it). Even if your walls are bare, one nice, authentic piece is far better than a phony. I am sure somewhere that could not have escaped the owner if she worked for Pam. If you are in this home for the long term, address other issues such as the sliding glass doors before becoming too hyper over a rod diameter. Get the bones right before filling the space and when filling the space, think quality, not quantity. You obviously are a collector of small items, but do not have the available space to showcase them properly. Do some serious editing and the things you have will become more beautiful.

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    1. You misread - SHE did not work for Pam Pierce. That was the designer, Megan Megas, whose work Joni showed at the beginning of the post.

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    2. Wow, to the Anon above that is not able to get his facts straight ( I suspect you are male, and probably from Charlotte). Before you go lecturing anyone on who to take off speed dial and what to invest in and getting bones right, blah, blah, blah, TAKE some of your own advice ... You take a deep breath and READ the facts BEFORE you start offering your pontificating advice. Also, when YOU post a comment, "think quality, not quantity."

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    3. Hehe. Noted. But, I'd like to say for myself, that why, especially in an economic climate such as this, would I spend THAT much on something that I'd feel like I was married to after buying? My style is still kind of changing so I'd hate to make a commitment like that yet. Also, I have two small children that puch around two mini metal shopping buggies all day running into every piece of furniture that I own. So, really, while the real deal is much more "swanky" feeling, Ive got to be practical at this point in my life. But again, thanks.

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    4. First off - she didn't work for Pam = megan did, not toni - so please read. His name is James Farmer, not sure where you thompson from and do NOT take him off your speed dial. If i have a brown wood table that I want painted light, why shouldn't repaint it? If i can't afford an antique wood trumeau for $2000 - why cant i have one made for $500? sorry, but it makes no sense at all. if you cant afford a swedish hutch but like the look, why not remake something that looks like it? why does it have to be antique or old if you like the lines and the look of a piece. James is an artist. Please don't put people down that you don't know -

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    5. Totally! Thank u Joni! I just went back and read this, all thru. I CHOSE to use James for painting, but James is incredibly talented and builds and creats as wells as paints. And Joni is right again, we have two small children, own two homes, so if I can get a good look for less, I'm gonna!

      Delete
    6. Joni you took the words right out of my mouth. I agree about painting any piece of furniture that you desire and about making your own trumeau mirrors when you can't or don't want to pay $ 2,000.00 I paint mirrors and furniture all day long and they look great and people buy them. Joni I am the one who emailed you yesterday asking where to get the french glass shelf like the one in Toni's kitchen window--- I am the one who told you that I live in Charlotte and build furniture. I am also the one who made the anonymous comment just BELOW the one posted here by Laura July 12th ---about how the anonymous idiot above didn't read the blog correctly --- yes that is me whom you commented about thanking me for being able to read. HE! HE! GIGGLE! Yes I graduated from high school and even went to college. Someone above this replied to that anonymous idiot and indicated that this idiot may be from Charlotte??? I can assure you that was not me--- after all I caught and commented on how confused she/he was to have not read the blog correctly. We have wonderful designers here in Charlotte so I would suspect if this anonymous idiot WAS from Charlotte they are probably too stupid to be any part of the design world in this neck of the woods. As of James Farmer--- love his work!

      Delete
  59. There are definitely some great pieces at work in this home. Perhaps a bit cliche' from collecting every "find" of the moment. However, she is on the right track and perhaps will learn the art of editing and refining with age. The design of Kaye O'Toole would be a good study for this young woman. She is a seasoned collector with a fine eye for placement and design.

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    Replies
    1. I agree! I was thinking of removing some of the more "faddy" stuff soon! I will look into Kaye O'Toole!! Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Yes, Kaye O'Toole is a very good place to learn about placement and presentation. Again, it's not about quantity, but quality and while many designers obviously are also avid collectors, they use their collections in the most interesting ways, often seasonal, or based on their current design scheme. It's always good to learn from the pros.

      Delete
  60. This anonymous comment above that was made just before mine is very confused???? She did not understand anything she saw and commented on--- the FIRST TWO PHOTOS on joni's blog today were photos of Megan Megas' house ---- ONLY THE FIRST TWO photo's --- and Megan Megas' is a designer who worked with Pam Pierce. ALL PHOTO"S AFTER that were of a home owned by TONI -- a completely different person who HAS NEVER WORKED with Pam Pierce. The reason any photos of Megan Megas' home were shown was to relate the fact that Toni likes the design style of Megan Megas --- and how much Toni has been inspired to design her home within the same style as Megan. I think Toni has done a lovely job with her whole home and she deserves credit where credit is due. Pam Pierce and Megan Megas as well as Joni Webb are true inspirations for people like Toni and myself for that matter who have the ability to discern quality, good taste, and fine living. To the anonymous above--- go back and read the blog again -- maybe second time around will help you discern who to give credit to for work done beautifully.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! You can read!!! I bet you might have even graduated from high school????

      And he couldn't even get James Farmer's name correct.

      Thanks again for pointing this all out. And congratulations on that high school reading comprehension certificate!!!! :)

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    2. The James Thompson error was made as I was confused by the name Thompson which appeared in another name at the bottom of the article. Admittedly, I gave a very cursory read to this post, paying more attention to the pictures posted here than the explanation of this reader's design. The reader clearly has spent a lot of money in an effort to achieve a "look" but the question remains perhaps whether it is better to achieve a "look" than be patient and over time achieve both a look and quality investments. Perhaps the pictures don't do the space justice, but it looks like a collection of junk and yes I stand by my observation that some serious editing of some of her collections would go a long way in giving the "look" a bit more presence and importance. I suppose two kids with grocery carts explains a lot.

      Delete
    3. I was nice in my response to u, when I didn't have to be. I acted like I appreciated ur opinion, while giving me own. I'm going to reallllllllllly hope that last comment about my kids wasn't intended how it sounds???

      Delete
    4. " Also, I have two small children that puch around two mini metal shopping buggies all day running into every piece of furniture that I own. So, really, while the real deal is much more "swanky" feeling, Ive got to be practical at this point in my life."

      I essentially repeated your own words as quoted above.

      Delete
    5. What? and why do you think she wants another look than what she has now? huh???? i'd be very happy to have that space filled with what she has - I really love it. AND I'm not alone. I got a phone call from a magazine scout asking for her phone number because she wants to get her house published. That's right. Her house is lovely. Perhaps one day she will buy a gorgeous french antique armoire, but for now, she loves her painted hutch and i do too. It's like my own swedish furniture- that's just vintage. one day, maybe i'll be able to splurge on real 18th century swedish, but until then, if ever, i don't really care. i have the look, the painted piece, the lines, and it's good enough for me. and please, let's leave snarky comments about children out of it. ok?

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    6. The snarky comment was made by your reader, Toni - not by anyone else. In her own words, Toni describes having two children with shopping "buggies" who "punch" around metal shopping buggies all day running into every piece of furniture she owns. Her words, not mine. Can't wait to see the ultimate styling that results from the magazine photo shoot. We probably won't recognize the space.

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    7. It does explain a lot given this look appears to have been achieved by a lot of wear and tear.

      Delete
    8. Having visited Toni's house I can assure you the wear & tear you describe on the furniture is not from her children. She like pieces that have character and are unique. Pieces that can't be found just anywhere. I'm sure when the amazing opportunity of a national magazine shoot comes around some thing will change slightly; but I'm sure her home will be as flawless as it always is. And the only snarky comment I see is the one were the "anonymous" person said it looks like a collection of Junk. But I guess you can make comments like that when you don't have the courage to say who you are.

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    9. Magazine stylist seem to have the talent to improve any space. Who knows, Toni's collection may just cause a bidding war.

      Delete
  61. Do you who the artist is on the Houston cityscape print? It looks, perhaps, like a Steven Besselman, a deceased Houston artist. I would be so interested to know.

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    Replies
    1. i don't know? wow. really? let me see if I can find something out.

      Delete
    2. http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-75530181968358_2207_11997679

      http://www.houstonlandmarkgallery.com/aboutartist1.html

      OMG - YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are right! It appears the art work was cut off at the bottom but it clearly his work. wow. thank you sooo much!!!! hmmm, wonder what it was doing in that warehouse - there were two of them and after toni bought hers from hong she noticed the second one disappeared too.

      thank you soooooooooo much!!!!

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    3. I recognized it as a Steven Besselman (I hope it is) as I have many of his first editions, signed, most of them #1. The drawings were not quite that large. That had to have been reprinted and enlarged. They are all drawings of Houston from the seventies and early eighties. I imagine some of these buildings have been torn down like the "Pussycat Theater." The first one he did was the Old Cotton Exchange Building. Old Houstonites will remember seeing him on the street drawing which was not a common sight there. He had always loved art, but only started making a living at it after he was fired from a job.

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    4. Oh, I forgot to mention that there was another person who admired Besselman and did drawings of Houston in his style, so it could have been his.

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    5. no, this is his you can see it in the link i provided. but, this print cut off the bottom 1/3 of the painting which is trees from the bayou i guess.

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    6. It is a Steven Besselman piece. I am his niece, I know his work forward and backward. He did not "paint" it, he did all of his work drawing by hand. There were large pieces, however, it does seem as this one has been a bit mutilated. What was done? Was this shellacked to something like tacky decoupage? (shaking my head) I believe possibly someone who did not know the Artist, or even the first thing of art itself did this. He, Steven Besselman, also did Not only start his career in art because of being fired from a job. Don't know where you are getting info, but it is incorrect. As for the person with all of the #1 prints....since my Grandmother died in 2008, and didn't know how to use a computer in life, I seriously doubt she posted that comment from beyond the grave. My Mother, Aunt and Myself have every #1 that was ever printed. Thank you. Here's a tip to the owner....every piece has easter eggs, take out a magnifying glass, you will find names of his family and loved ones in nearly every single piece he has ever done.

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    7. Dear Anonymous, I have a piece of your uncle's work about which I would love to get more information! If you would contact me at gmhjr3@gmail.com, I would love to give you some of the details. It is an original piece of an old building downtown that seems to have slipped through the cracks...I have yet to speak with anyone who did anything but tell me that I was mistaken...until they saw it. I aill get the magnifying glass out tonight when I get home:)

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    8. Dear Anon 12:55 AM
      You will probably never see this as you posted your note here a long time ago and I just came across it.
      I don't mean to disagree with you, but it is true that I have a number of Steve's (Steven Besselman) #1 prints. When he first started, he gave me every number one print. Although he loved doing art all his life, he actually did begin his actual "art career" in Houston when he was fired from a job as a restaurant manager at a hotel in Houston which was in The Galleria area. It was a blessing that he got fired from that job! I know this because he told me.
      He did venture into some painting later in his career. These paintings were very different than the drawings of the buildings he did; most were very modern and, well, just crazy! They were surprising even to me because Steve had never liked modern art and here he was, doing some really off beat crazy stuff! (We got in trouble in art class once for giggling in the back of the room when the teacher was showing some modern things to the class.)
      I'm aware that he sometimes put a name hidden in his pieces. My name is in at least one.
      Someday I will probably give all of Steve's work that I have to your Aunt Karen, even though some are signed to me, enface. They mean everything in the world to me, but soon I am going to start getting rid of "stuff." I have too much stuff, and the memories are in my head, and heart.
      The private letters I have, and the cute little silly sketches that were just for me, I will keep.
      Your uncle was a charming, fun, lovely, and unique person who I loved with all my heart, and I was lucky enough that he loved me.
      I hope you got to meet him; he was special and he lit up every room he was ever in.
      Maybe I'll meet you some day. How interesting that we both read this blog.









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  62. Wow! Gorgeoussssssss!
    -linda,ny

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  63. Very intersting and attractive looks we are seeing in Joni's blog these days. However, things do seem to be drifting farther and farther away from French design. Most of the rooms only have one or two items that might truly be considered French. Sigh...

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    Replies
    1. oh Charlotte - not you too!! Dont start complaining. i show as much french as i can find.

      Delete
    2. Sorry, Joni. Even while writing that, I felt like a traitor! However, as you know, my tastes tend to be more traditional. Since I live with the more colorful, golden light of southern California's "Provence", the grays and whites depress me after a while.

      Then there is this weird little rule in my head that a room must have at least 3 items that are distinctly a given style in order to be called that style. Not saying that anyone else must follow that rule, it's just me!

      Still, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog and the homes you show us!

      Delete
  64. I'm so impressed! She's done a really lovely job (yes, especially for a 28 year old). I wasn't going to ask, but I just have to - what is the drapery fabric in the master - I absolutely love it.

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    Replies
    1. Rogers and Goffigan -little compton

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    2. Thank you, Toni, for the reply. One more question, if you have the chance. I love the caesar stone! Can you tell me which pattern it is and why maintenance is difficult? Is it because it's honed? Also, in response to doing structural changes to your home, as someone suggested, I agree with you, that in this economy, unless you're planning to stay in that home forever, it'd be crazy to sink money into it! What you've done is wonderful!

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    3. Thanks! I'm sorry, indoor remember the name, but where I chose it from, the only gd two grey samples and this was the lighter. U should e able to find it anywhere that carries the product, but I'll try to look around and see if I can't find the exact name. As for the care...eek! I chose honed and every oil spots stays around for A WHILE. Even finger prints linger when u put ur hand down. I love it, and shouldn't change it, but make sure u have loads of cutting boards to prepare on

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    4. I don't, not indoor. Sorry. Autocorrect.

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  65. What a lovely home Toni and Joni! :)

    I especially love the front entrance and the bedroom (without the photograph!!).

    xo Terri

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  66. In defense of "Faux Antiques". If you think you are getting something "real" for $2,000.00 then you are off by a couple of zeros. 18th century furniture is way out of the budget of 98% of people and 19th furniture is all copies also. Most of what I paint is 20th century and was inherited from family. The brown wood look is dated, so rather than throw it out I paint it in an antique style to update it to a comfortable worn look that is lighter. The result is that families get to keep grandmas furniture and they don't have to spend a fortune.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for clarifying the 0's. Thought that $2,000 was low even in this economy. I am right with you to have faux you love is better than brown you hate. Love your work, Mr. Farmer. Always a joy to find artisans who love the process of collaboration.

      Delete
    2. James, I agree with you. Personally, this snobbery about "Antique" verus "Reproduction" drives me crazy. This blog is about design not museum curation. As far as I am concerned, design value comes from workmanship, scale, detail and, perhaps, sentimental value not how long a piece has sat moldering on the planet. After all, every antique was once new!

      If a well executed paint job can rescue something with "good bones" from the junk heap AND save money, kudos!

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    3. yeah really - actually unless you have 10,000 minimum you aren't going to get a french antique in houston or swedish either, maybe english or spanish.

      thanks james! come over next week and get that piece if you have time.

      Delete
    4. How then do you explain all the "so-called antiques" that you have in your home Joni and the fact that you tout the use of them constantly on your blog as a way to give texture and depth to a design? Are you shelling out $10,000 with every antique (perhaps faux antique) purchase or do you have Mr. Farmer, the faux antiques mogul on speed dial?

      Delete
    5. well, some of the large antique pieces i have had for a long time, so i didn't pay quite that much, but some were pretty expensive - the armoire in my bedroom was a steal though from joyce horn. she passes on her "steals" to her clients. she only marks up eveything a percentage to what she pays, so if she finds something a little cheaper the customer benefits. this is NOT the case with most dealers - who have set prices for certain items.

      My buffet in the living room was wholesale from tara shaw, but it cost me a small fortune. my hutch, from joyce was again, not that much because i bought it years and years ago. my chand was from tara but expensive. my bakers rack from my mom, so that doesn't count. my coffee table in the family room was a small fortune. so - what's your point? my new swedish pieces were dirt cheap from the lone ranger. most of my mirrors are old, but i do a have few faux mirrors - mostly upstairs. do i use james? you bet i do. i just had a client that a houseful of pine furniture - she wanted painted furniture- so instead of buying new, we just painted the pine and it looks great. her pine pieces were old, some were antiques, but they didn't go anymore in her decor, so we painted them for much cheaper than buying new. so what's your point? why can't you ask without being snarky?

      so - i think toni's hutch is great looking, and the piece from the ranch. do i think her room would look better with a new piece there- a new hutch from century, for ex. hell no. do i think it would look better with an antique armoire? no. not really. i think her hutch is perfect for there. who cares if it isn't period? i don't. i never said that i do. but i do think that an old piece looks better than a new piece, unless you are doing contemporary for example.

      do i care if a piece is painted? no. not if it looks good. why would i care???? i think it's age is good enough for me. you obv. don't.

      Delete
  67. Joni, I loved this post. It's so serene. What a bed! Peaceful and calming yet with many pieces that jump out and make a statement.
    FAB Post!
    xoxo
    Lisa

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  68. Hi Joni-
    Love the post as always you are a pleasure to read. It fascinates me to read about people's homes and how they live a beautiful life in a beautiful home.
    In the market for a new sofa soon- would Toni please share her source? Thanks again. Have a wonderful weekend. Angela

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    Replies
    1. Hien Lam. Good luck sofa searching. :O)

      Delete
  69. Joni and Toni, thank you so much for sharing your home and this post with all of us. I keep coming back from more eye candy! :) I love what you have done with your home. You have such unique touches. They are awesome. I love the religious items you have sprinkled throughout, especially that sweet little guy that watches over you as you cook! I've gotta get one like that for my own kitchen!!!!! There is so much to love in/about your home. Mmmmm mmm good!!!

    Hey Joni, how 'bout you and me go "stalk" her home.....You know, like Vava and I did to YOU!!! LOL You're THE BEST!!!
    Big hugs~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know there are more than one CC out there, but I'm just wondering if this is the CC that I met with Leah?!

      Delete
    2. Hi Toni! Unfortunately, we've never met. But, I must say I wish I did know you. I would LOVE to go shopping with you! :) I need someone to point and tell me where to go at Marburger.....and Hello! Shopping in Houston is loads of fun!!! *wink*wink*

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    3. Oh, just checking :0) And, sounds fun to me!!!

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    4. yeah- cc and vava showed up at my front door one day = it was hysterical. we went out to lunch a few weeks later. my original stalkers.

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    5. Hummm......Do I feel another lunch coming on????? Tee hee

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  70. I love this house. What an inspiration. I am full of ideas. I want to go home and start painting furniture and I would keep Clint off the wall.

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  71. This home was obviously not, in any way, done on the cheap, fauxtiques and all!! It would be ridiculous for her to have precious antiques all over the place with two small children running around. There are beautiful pieces and she has so much style, but what is so attractive about this is that she has created a HOME (as opposed to curating for a museum). I have inherited several pieces I have coordinated into my own home (probably not very valuable, but they have sentimental meaning) and there are a few I am considering having painted myself, if I can figure out what would look best (I wish James Farmer lived closer). One thing I am considering is what you (Joni) did with that one dining room set for a client where you had it painted a light, creamy grey and it transformed the furniture! I have one old French armoire that I have in a corner of our living room and my children are afraid to go near it because I have instilled that fear in them (you have to put it together in pieces and I am worried it will fall apart and hurt them if they were to bump into it the wrong way). I cannot imagine living with a house full of things like this, nor would I want to have an entire room where half my family wasn't allowed to go! Furthermore, any chair I buy is for sitting-- and if you can't do that comfortably, what's the point? Until I have money rolling out of my eyeballs, I would much rather stick to chairs people want to sit in, especially with so many gorgeous options out there that are not antiques!

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    Replies
    1. I loved something that I read in Architectural Digest recently. I'm paraphrasing, but the owner said "If possible, your tables should be old and your chairs should be new."

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    2. Interesting, I had a European antique dealer tell me the same thing. This was after selling a pair of French chairs for $10,000 and the owner had an over weight guest to sit in one of them and it collapsed. While beautiful and coveted, chairs should be purchased with a lot of care and consideration.

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    3. I, too, read recently that a top male designer (might have been Saladino) said that antique chairs are for looks only. For actual use, if you want "the look", the chairs should be sturdy reproductions.

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  72. Beautiful Toni, you have achieved a look that is stunning and very well thought out. I applaud you and your creativity. I was so excited when I got the news that your home was on here.

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  73. Beautiful! Regardless that it may not be meet with everyone's personal taste, it still says 'home' and more importantly must reflect Toni's and her family's. After all, it is them who is living there is it not. -Brenda-
    P.S: Kudos to James Farmer BTW for breathing new life into pieces of furniture that otherwise might be discarded. To quote an old proverb; "Waste not, want not".

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  74. Where have I seen this before?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @anon: Don't think too hard, as we wouldn't want your brain to explode. :)
      @Joni: Just thought I would save you making a comment. Hope you don't mind. -Brenda-

      Delete
    2. i'm wondering what you are thinking about? I think her house is very unique and couldn't begin to confuse it with another. The high ceilings, the wonky drawer ranch utiltarian piece, the revamped hutch, the large contemporary print, the wonderful coffee table, the great metal lockers, the stools in the entry, the vintage headboard updated for today, the pop art of clint - yes, where have you seen this before? the truth is - nowhere. it's totally original. so original a scout called me and wants to publish it in a national magazine. so i'm not the only one who thinks it's wonderful!

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    3. .,... so original a scout called me and wants to publish it in a national magazine. so i'm not the only one who thinks it's wonderful!

      LOL

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    4. of course you won't post your name as this is such an asinine comment. what a total jackass you are!

      Delete
  75. I'm curious if she just painted the kitchen cupboards or added the moulding first? I am inspired by the way it looks and ask because her scalloped trim board over the sink is just like mine yet I have flat cabinet doors. Is there any way you can find out?

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    Replies
    1. The trim was there. I just painted. :O)

      Delete
  76. What a lovely balance of old and new! You mention Toni is going to change the window treatment in the living room and not to look at the curtains, but that's my favorite part. How did she get that kind of twisted, bunched up look at the top? It looks like there might be hooks but the way the fabric is attached looks so casual - I'd love to be able to do that to my curtains!

    ~Pam

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    Replies
    1. Probably by sewing the pleats to the rings on the rod and then letting the pleats fall where they may or not being particularly careful where you place pins if that is the kind of hardware used. It's hard to tell from pictures. This would annoy most people, however, because it changes where the curtains fall onto the floor, including where puddled.

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  77. I'm curious as to what the outside of the house looks like. It's a very unique house.

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  78. I don't usually read comments but I love the look of this house and think Toni did a wonderful job and was hoping she would source the Clint picture in these comments. However, after reading some of these remarks,I'll probably go back to not reading comments. While someone's taste might not be for all, I can't believe the harsh and critical tone some of the remarks have taken. Maybe we should remember just because we are in "anonymous" virtual land doesn't mead we should say things we wouldn't say in person.

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  79. What a good looking home, love the aesthetic! I would kill for those metal lockers...I think they would also look fun
    used as a bar, filled with bottles and glasses. Where on earth did Toni find them?

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  80. Love Toni's aesthetic. I got a lot of inspiration from this post.

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  81. I am always looking for things to put on top of my tall armoire - I've tried ginger jars (looked dated), stacked pictures and books (looked messy), and all kinds of other things. For some reason the empty space just bothers me. So, I'm happy to see what this reader has done with the space - I am going to try something similar. Thank you!

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  82. Is that an Aidan Grey chandelier in Megan's family room??? It's gorgeous!

    *This is by far the best decorating blog ever!!! :)

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    Replies
    1. Curious about the "chandy" in the master bedroom as well. Can't say I have ever seen one like it. It resembles a lampshade in some respects, but it also looks like it may be glass. Doesn't resemble an Aidan, however.

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  83. I'm far too late after looking at this earlier in the week to just now leave a comment, but I really love this house, especially for a young family. You have a great eye, Toni!

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  84. Maybe given the scale, the actual house doesn't feel this way, but in the photos, things seem a bit busy, almost cluttered. Although perhaps, there are areas of peaceful space for the eye to rest that are not busy-- and why would you photograph them? The only thing going on there is rest!

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  85. Ah, I just went back and read some of the rather biting comments... and don't want to be part of that...I'm not an educated design professional; I just know what I would like in my own home. Please take my comment in only that light only.

    Joni, do you also comment as "anonymous"? Very confusing.

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    Replies
    1. No!!!! Never! Wh would I comment anon on my own bllog? If I want to say something I just say it under my own name.

      Delete
    2. Good...It would be a very devious way of increasing controversy and therefore drawing traffic to your blog...not accusing you of it! I think you're better than that.

      Delete
    3. Seriously - it does sound like you are accusing me of that. Why would that draw traffic to my blog - a few anon comments? I have plenty of trolls that leave anon comments as it is. And I have enough traffic from readers that I don't need to try to get more.

      Delete
    4. Sadly, humans like to watch fights. I've read for a while and rarely commented, but lately I have noticed both the contentiousness and the comment numbers increase. Correlation does not equal causation, but I have seen that strategy (build controversy) advised to draw traffic to a blog. I don't want this blog to become the next Brazen or Dooce-- and clearly, you don't either. Sigh of relief.

      I took the time to go back and reread the interaction, and it appears that anon was just cutting and pasting what you had said earlier (the part about the scout contacting you...because why would a scout contact anon?). I had overlooked your saying it earlier, so it appeared anon had information only you would have. My mistake.

      I learn a great deal looking at the photos and following the discussion here, and appreciate the work that you do!

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    5. I'm quite sure that Joni does NOT post anon comments! However, I've said it before and I'll say it again . . . why oh why does anyone respond to mean anons?? How does it help the discussion in any way? If mean anons posts were ignored and left to just twist in the wind, so to speak, I'd enjoy reading the comments a whole lot more.
      Love the house and will post a separate comment.

      Jennifer

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  86. Thanks Joni and Toni! What beautiful work! How fortunate we are that you graciously shared your home with us! ~Kristie

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  87. J,

    this is a clever designer with a keen eye.
    it's so funny no matter how much i am drawn to classic contemporary....
    i always get all warm and fuzzy when i see interiors like this one.
    it's rustic, funky, elegant, and is filled with interesting blends of style.
    i give this an A+.

    love it.
    xox

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  88. This house is rich with style and character! I've already scrolled through it four times and each time I keep discovering new things to love and new ideas for reusing things I have and love... the photos are so inspiring! I especially love the wing chairs in the living room --Toni, could you please share the manufacturer and fabric?

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  89. Back again and again to get inspiration from this very stylish and gorgeous house! Brava Toni! Thanks you Joni, for showcasing it!!!!!
    -linda,ny

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  90. Toni, love your house and admire your refined taste at 28!
    I absolutely love how you've used family pieces in a whole new way.
    My favorites . . . the pair of chairs in the living room, and the older daughter's room. I'm working on my younger daughter's window treatments and am inspired to do something similar.
    Thank you for sharing!

    Jennifer

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  91. I am so impressed that a 28 yr old has this eye for design. At 28 I was barely finding my own style (shabby chic anyone?) and I have just begun to be confident in my design choices here in my own home, and I'm 39! Thanks Joni for showing us this beautiful home. I love the inspiration I get from your blog.

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  92. I'm surprised a few commenters are calling Toni's home "cluttered" and suggesting it needs to be edited. Seriously? I've seen plenty of cluttered in my day, i'd never call her home cluttered.

    To the contrary, I find her mix of family heirlooms along with her carefully collected and curated new/old accessories to be "just right". Without them, it would look like no one "lives there". With them, her home oozes personality. HER personality -- and her family's. It's wonderful.

    Fabulous job, Toni!

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    1. Obviously, a person should surround themselves with objects collected and cherished over time. What does not look like clutter to the human eye on a daily basis, does look like clutter through the lens of a camera. If a magazine chooses to feature this home, be sure to reference this post and compare the changes. The magazine will do serious editing especially the kitchen and the dining room metal cage.

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  93. In 1985 you could find me arriving early to every Carmel city council meeting in hopes of seeing (our mayor) Mr. Eastwood - I later became a property manager and Realtor for a firm where I rented his current wife, Dina Ruiz a house (before they met.) So for me, the photo of Clint in the master bedroom could very well stay. :)

    I am sorry to hear that Toni didn't follow her heart with regard to the counter tops in her kitchen. Especially since I made the same mistake. After opting for Corian's raincloud, because I believed (my husband) Carrara would be too difficult to care for and bust our budget; I found out that just the opposite is true... In terms of budget, at least. Although Carrera is a little fussier in the care department, I've decided NOT to let it out-fuss me! And honestly, now that there are a few etch marks on the slab I put over the island (to satisfy my heart's desire for a little Carrera in my kitchen) I find the marks only adds character - Not everything must be perfect all the time... Wow! How's that for growth?! :)

    In closing, despite the comments suggesting Toni's house is cluttered, I think it's just fine. I learned while there's most to dust, there's also certain warmth that comes from being surrounded by things you enjoy. Not to mention the added visual appeal that comes from our collections. I went through a phase last year where I edited out almost everything I owned, (had four massive tag sales!) in an effort to declutter my life and now, almost daily I find things I miss so much that I'm starting over to replace them (at much higher costs than my original purchases and certainly more than they were sold!) As I add things back to my collections I'm developing more storage areas to store things for rotations. Never again will I discard the fine things I treasure.

    The lesson is to live... Live the way you want to live and regret nothing!

    xo

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  94. Toni, I was so delighted to see your home on Joni's blog. (This is Cathy with Hien Lam Home by the way). It was very kind of you to credit Hien Lam; I just wanted you to know how very appreciative we are.
    Now the Houston cityscape in your home. . . Oh my goodness!!! I too have long admired the two prints in the workroom. After finding the proper space, I asked my husband if we could finally acquire them. Much to my surprise, one (the one I most coveted) was sold! I couldn't figure out who, but I always wondered. Now knowing it's in your home makes me happy; it couldn't have a sweeter owner. I'm sure you love it as much as I love mine. (Yes I do have its counterpart.) Ours does have the artist signature: Karl Hoefle. He's a Dallas artist that drew skyline sketches for Houston and Dallas in the 70's for Southwestern Bell. Hidden in his work are curious and comical scenes such as cowboys chasing robbers along the highway and cement trucks churning "fresh butter." There's always something new to discover and chuckle about. Again, I couldn't be more honored that our pieces are part of your home (emphasis on the word "home," as it is such an intimate and warm sanctuary exquisitely curated with your beautiful finds and perfectly accented by the laughter of your young children.)
    Thanks to Joni as well for always bringing these gems and jewels for us to salivate over.

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  95. Wow! Thanks for ALL of the kind comments. And thanks to those of you that realize my house is just that, our home. I photographed it the best I could considering that, again, it is just our home. It's certainly not perfect and there are most definitely things that I would change, if I could. But, my family and I have fun here. I've got a lot learn and it's an ever changing space!

    As for Clint, he is my husband's "bit of masculinity in a home of estrogen" ;o) He adores, no, ADORES, Clint Eastwood and only asked that his reference be a book placed somewhere about Clint's life. I did him one better and ordered the pic. I am working with an artist from a gallery in Switzerland to have an original commissioned. A gift for his 30th birthday. It is a love or hate thing, agreed.

    Again, thanks to all :O)

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    2. Can you please share where you got the artwork in your oldest daughter's room? I want something like it for my little girl's nursery! Just precious!!

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  96. Toni, could u PLEASE tell me if the lockers r new or old, and if new do u have a source for them. I LOVE this "hutch" and have several places I could us it. THANKS!!!!!

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  97. Joni - Thank you for another inspiring home

    Toni - Your home is such a wonderful combination of family comfort and sophistication. I love the creative way you've played with "found" and "donated" objects & furniture. A question for you...do you know the name of the fabric on your wing chairs. I would like to create a similar look for my two chairs.

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  98. What a lovely home, Toni. There are so many great touches, but I'm surprised no one has commented on the nursery yet. The gray and white looks so tranquil. Plus, angel wings! It's perfection, and I would lift it lock, stock, and barrel if I could.

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  99. Homey and stylish! Great job. Toni, please reply to the question posted earlier re: MBR chandelier - it caught my eye instantly - fantastic! Also, could you tell us where you found the DR printed linen shade? Pretty and practical.

    thanks for letting us into your home.

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  100. The bedroom appealed to me much more without the Clint Eastwood photograph!

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  103. Coming late to this party.. Found this post via pinterest and seriously WOW... So lovely and well done at 28 or 68. My house at 28 was "southwest".. think mauve, peach...ugh... not a good look, lol
    Marcy

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