Mrs. Blandings used to play this game all the time – she’s hasn’t done it in a long time - so I’m going to borrow the idea! Sorry Patricia – I hope you don’t mind!
OK – here’s the deal. Guess the designer.
Now, just to be fair, no running back to your old Veranda to look it up!!! Play fair and square. Guess who it is.
This should be REALLY easy, actually.
Prize: No prize!!!
(sorry for the bad scan!) The living room is divided into areas – a sunny summer area and a winter area. Above is the summer area with two creamy sofas. There’s a beautiful trumeau above the console.
And at the other side of the living room, the “winter” side near the fireplace. Beautiful table in between a pair of French chairs. That mantel!!!
My favorite room is the dining room with a beautiful round pedestal table and antique Italian chairs. The walls are covered in linen. Only one of the two terra cotta cherubs are seen here. French doors open onto the garden.
Ying and Yang: A beautiful painted French chest with a contemporary painting over it.
The master bedroom has a garden like appearance with greens and creams.
The vanity table is made with a shawl and a skirted fabric. Striped silk curtains.
The owners already owned this painted Italian chest and brought it to their new house. Love the mirror and the lamps.
The architect added an atrium with a glass ceiling that includes a secondary kitchen. The brick walls of the atrium were once the outside of the house.
An 18th century grisaille wallpaper remnant is framed and hung above an antique painted console.
So, that’s it! Any idea who the designer is?
Remember, this was designed over twelve years ago!!
Leave your guess in the comment section.
AND, FINALLY:
We are so happy to announce the adoption of Miss Micki Mantle Webb! Born just ten weeks ago, she came home this Tuesday night. Micki is a member of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Blenheim tribe and has curly red ears with the cutest sad eyes known to man!! The white spot on her black nose should fill in in just a few months.
Celebrating her arrival are her somewhat happy, but not ecstatic, two older sisters: Miss Georgie Herman Ruth Webb and Miss Sammie Jo Sousa Webb.
In loving memory are her two other sisters no longer with us, Miss Reggie Jackson Webb and Miss Willie Mays Webb.
P.S. Mr. Slippersocksman is a huge baseball fan who insists on naming all his female dogs after big, burly Hall of Fame players!! Only a man….
Well, it’s the least I can do. After taking away his ceiling fans and coffee table, letting him name the dogs is worth it.
Mr. Slippersocksman just informed me that Sammy Sousa was actually denied entrance into the Hall of Fame because of alleged steroid use. I guess we have to rename Sammie Jo now. After 11 years. Only a man…
OK, the next contest will be – Rename Sammie Jo Webb!!!
Only ACTUAL Hall of Famers names will be accepted.
P.S.S. I think I need a life.
She is adorable!Unfortunately, my knowledge of baseball is rather limited, so i would not dare suggest a name..
ReplyDeleteI don't know who the designer is, but I love the house. It has to be somebody who does French in a "pretty" way, like Ginny Magher.
ReplyDeleteAs for your dog, I googled "Sam, Baseball Hall of Fame" and came up with three names: Sam Rice, Sam Crawford, and Sam Thompson. My favorite of the three is "Sammy Jo Rice Webb", given the quasi local connection (Rice University) and the intriguing life story of Sam Rice (which includes a letter about a mystery baseball play that he gave to the Baseball Hall of Fame to be read posthumously).
and my father was part owner of Rice Food Markets - that's perfect!! WINNER!! I'll tell ben. Sam Rice. love it.
DeleteWas that the same as Rice Epicurian Markets? The one near Rice Univeristy used to be my FAV market to shop when regularly visiting Houston 10 to 20 years ago. That was where I first purchased Texas Firecrackers. Yum. Drowned my sorrows in a box of those the evening the GB Senior lost to Billo.
Deleteyep. twas it.
DeleteFrank Babb Randolph? My personal FAVORITE. I wish he would have a web site.
ReplyDeleteKaren
P.S. Patricia has been MIA! Cute dog name. You should at least send a signed autographed picture
DeleteYes, I was going to vote for FBR too. If not him I would guess another DC designer based on the architecture of the exterior. Best, Beth C.
DeleteMyra Hoefer is my first choice and Gerrie Bremermann a second never saw that issue of Veranda.
ReplyDeleteOMG you new addition is soooooo cute!!!
I believe the designer those years ago is Pamela Pierce. The palette,the furnishings, the what seems like a southern Texas climate. The florals staged. So my vote is Pam Pierce.
DeleteP.S. What a darling new puppy! Congrats
Linda Hurd
Minneapolis, Boston, Texas Hill Country
One of my favorite Verandas of all time - Without looking can't remember who designer is - but remember loving it .All I can think of is Ginger Barber, but don't really think it is her. I'm going to go look right now - won't tell though!!! The new addition to your family is adorable. Wouldn't attempt to find a name for her, but bet Mr.Slippersocks can come up with a good one. Joni, it looks to me like you have a great life - full of love!! And, you are so very good at what you do. Look forward to each and every post!. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJanice
My dogs have been dead over a decade. Life is so busy, cats are perfect, and numerous here. BUT, there is a goal. Create a life that includes a dog ! Congrats on yours. And keep showing off the dog pics.
ReplyDeleteThe styling of that home has melted me.
And not only because of the perfect vanishing thresholds.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
Tara! Life can be great! But life cannot be "the greatest" without a dog! and please, oh please a rescue!
Deletethere are so many fabulous rescue dogs! any pure-bred; any dog! Oh please do not "buy" a dog!
that "kills" one in a shelter!
Your new pup is beyond adorable. Such fun to have a new baby in the house. As for the designer, I thought of Kay O'Toole but, although it was a decade ago, these lovely rooms may not be layered enough with unique, crusty antiques for it to be her.
ReplyDeleteBest...Victoria
Joni, I think this is his townhouse. Look at the chairs in the atrium. Didn't Loi inherit them? What do you think?
ReplyDeleteKare
So who is the designer?
ReplyDeleteMy first thought would be John Saladino (Because first he is AWESOME, and second the curtains with the tabs are his signature - he usually uses cording though).. Just a wild guess. Boy, little Miss Micki Thang is adorable....
ReplyDeleteOMG, MMM Web is adorable!
ReplyDeleteMy guess is Frank Randolph -- round tables and no chandelier & candles in the DR.
Yes to Saladino. And much, much yes to Micki. As for Sammie Jo. I'd keep the name and use it as a cautionary tail about making bad choices, but seeking redemption. May come in handy for the house training to come. Hope those curtains are at half mast!
ReplyDeleteI don't know and I hate guessing games, because I'm bad at it. I LOVE the brick kitchen though and it even has a brick floor... sigh.
ReplyDeleteThe juxtaposition of the old chest with the modern artwork says Frank Babb Randolph but since you just did a post on him, I don't you would make it that easy. I'm going to say Suzanne Rheinstein.
ReplyDeleteI'm guess Frank Babb Randolph, based on the medallion over the mantle, the soft colors and the leggy chairs. Love that sweet new pup, and especially love the dogs names.
ReplyDeleteThe old against new rings of Saladino.
ReplyDeleteI admit to hoarding design mags and I need to go look for this one! Someday I must part with my Verandas, Southern Accents and Classic American Homes (Colonial Homes before the transition)!
Frank Babb Randolph. The colours are his; especially that distinctive warm, peachy melon. The Italianate vibe. The classic, leggy chairs that one can pick-up and move on a whim or a need. Round dining table, and I don't see a central light fixture... AND all those fresh flowers everywhere! Yep. I say Frank Babb Randolph. It's great seeing how his palette is still distinctive, yet evolved. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYour new addition ... my heart is melting! Mystery designer ... don't have a clue!
ReplyDeleteSammie Jo D'Maggio!
ReplyDeleteCould it be Tara Shaw?
ReplyDeleteOur friends have a Reggie Jackson and a Whitey Ford, one a Golden Doodle, the other a white cat.
You are hilarious Joni.
Linda
I'm guessing Pam Pierce.. Feel like it's not "cushy" to be Carol Glasser. LOVE your pups! Our Cavalier's daddy was straight from Scotland, so he's William Wallace-- or WALLY to our fam. Wally is a 9 year old Ruby colored Cavalier. Hard to find, just like the Black & Tans!
ReplyDeleteCandy Cummings. He really should like it.
ReplyDeleteDon't know the designer, but enjoy the look, even if they are 12 years old.
Dee
Oh poor Sammie! How about Joe Dimaggio and call her Maggie, or Jack Robinson and call her Jackie....but my favorite would be Leroy Paige and call her Satchel...because she needs a name that starts with an "S" so she won't be confused. Can't wait to hear the decision!
ReplyDeleteDee, so true, I was going to mention how well the design holds up from 2001!
ReplyDeleteSuch a timeless look! TTI featured a house recently and it was in serious need of updating but this is luscious! I will go with F Babb Randolph. Too funny about the dog names!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne Rheinstein
ReplyDeleteCharles Faudree............only because you included your King Charles pup!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous rooms and the cutest little puppy! I love them all.
ReplyDeleteAnd my guess is Frank Babb Randolph.
Well, I know it's not Saladino because the sofa arms are rolled.
ReplyDeleteBeyond that I.... look a puppy!!!!
Cutest girl ever!!
Congratulations, Joni!
xo,
p
Hello, Miss Micki Mantle! Delighted to meet you :) I know exactly who designed and decorated that home. Frank Randolph! I actually have that issue of Veranda. I'm visiting Frank on Sunday. We chatted about Cote de Texas last week....can't wait to show him this additional post.
ReplyDeletexoxoxox
Loi
Definitly my friend Frank Randolph, I know where the house is located in Georgetown.
ReplyDeletehi Joni! My first guess because of the classic look and the no curtains in the living and dining rooms (love that btw) is FBRandolph, then Gerrie Bremermann, or Suzanne Kasler.
ReplyDeleteLove Miss Micki! She is adorable- what a lucky girl!
xxojoan
What? No Yogi? Now that's a Hall of Famer!
ReplyDeleteNext time you have a vacancy in your doggie family consider adopting from Cavalier Rescue. The Texas area always has lots of available dogs. Here: http://www.cavalierrescueusa.org Cavaliers are wonderful, loving dogs. Like potato chips, one is never enough! No idea on the designer, but I like it.
ReplyDeleteSarah
How wonderful you say that! there are so many dogs who need rescuing; including beautiful purebreds! It is a tragedy in our country that 3 million dogs (true!) are euthanized every year.
DeleteIncluding pure-breds; including Cavaliers!!
I hope people will consider that first! the internet has helped immeasurably !!!
Puppies are available; and (my personal favorite; young dogs whose owners have died! the breeders swoop in and keep them out of the shelters; and post them and find homes!)!
Wonderful stories!
Hi Joni! I always love seeing the homes and peeping inside, but your new baby has stolen the show! What a little darling! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia;)
What's it say when somebody obsessed with design & decorating recognizes more baseball names than he does designer names--other than that he doesn't really buy current magazines or books about current designers? Actually, I did buy a copy of Veranda once--a long time ago--because the cover showed a room with scabby aquamarine-blue paneling and the same kind of Louis XV trellis-painted cane-back chairs that are in the dining room above. But that was the only time. Most of the designers' names people are putting out there mean nothing to me, and if I do recognize a few of them from seing them mentioned on blogs, I still can't put a look with any of them. Of course, now that a few people have thrown John Saladino's name into the ring, I do see some touches that remind me of him, but what these photos mostly make me think of is a more disciplined & heavily-pared-down version of the opulent Frenchified rooms that Diane Burn used to do back when it seemed her projects were in every other issue of Paige-era AD.
ReplyDeleteOf course, when I played this game at Mrs Blandings, I struck out every time, and I'm sure it won't be any different today. But, like the coach told me when I went out for baseball in eighth grade, "It's not whether you win or lose..."--right before he cut me from the team. But it was OK: my self esteem has never depended on other people's opinions of my abliities. Good thing, too.
Saladino because he is a favorite of mine, it could be. Looks like you have a winner for that adorable doggie. Sam Rice it is! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeletesuzanne kasler is my guess also, love your "babies" jenesegardner@rocketmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy guess is Pam Pierce—just feels like on of her rooms. I think it may have been the statues or architectural pieces in the picture.
ReplyDeleteLove the new puppy, she reminds me of my Janie Parker, short for Lady Jane.
xo, Lissy Parker
Joni,
ReplyDeleteI think the designer is Pamela Pierce.
Your puppy is darling and makes me want to get one. We have 2 dogs so I think Mr. B would say that's a "no". :-)
Karen
Frank Babb Randolph.
ReplyDeleteLots of people voted for Pamela Pierce, but I think that she would have used full-skirted table cloths. Plus, she would not have picked that patterned bed linen. It's Frank Babb Randolph.
ReplyDeleteJoni,
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite blogs of yours. I agree with another reader. I feel it is Frank Randolph and it may be because I remember reading that Veranda over and over again. I loved the dining room too and the cherub. I have been trying to find that Veranda for months now. It was like mental telepathy today seeing that cover ! I loved the painted Italian chest so much. I am in the process of redoing our dining room and I had remembered that picture.
Micki is so sweet. It is precious how you have her little blanket and she is completely off of that -adorable . Not only do I try now to emulate your home, but when my husband came home this eveining, I told him, this is the dog for us. They have the most endearing faces. I really enjoyed the blog today and look forward to more pix in the next couple wks of Miss Micki. Love you-
HI Joni: I think it is Pamela Pierce - and as for your dogs, they are adorable! How about breaking from tradition and calling her 'Boo Boo?' or Bitsy Bug Webb - ;-)
ReplyDeleteI am guessing that the designer of this beautiful home is John Saladino, because of the sophistication of the space! As to the name for the adorable King Charles Spaniel my recommendation is: Steve Carlton--)I'm a Philly fan) or Yogi Berra (just because it would be a cute doggie name).
ReplyDeleteThe baseball player is named Sammy Sosa.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet pup! who cares about the Pam Pierce interiors!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea who the designer is but congratulations on the new member of the family. She is soooo super cute. Oh...how I love puppies! I'm taking care of my aunt's dog right now. She had to go to the hospital suddenly....but will be getting out in a day or two...I've had her little longhaired dachshund with my family of four dachshunds this week. Oh...she is so well behaved...you hardly know she is here. I have to say...I think she is really enjoying being around a bunch of other dachshunds.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is Holden and Dupuy.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it looks like Randolph. First of all, the balconies look just like the balconies in his Washington DC town home. Two living rooms, two terraces and a glassed in structure to connect the two wings makes me think this was two town homes combined to make one larger residence. (Like the affluent folks do in London.) The classical details and colors make me think of Randolph.
ReplyDeleteDoes the "winner" get to come to Houston for a big slurpy kiss from your new puppy?
Hi Joni, Was it Saladino? I love Cavaliers and your new pup is just adorable!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sherry
This was just a year after I opened my shop! Why that is important to me is beyond me but I remember this issue quite well! Your posts are always amazing and I simply strive to be like you. I often strive to not copy you and sometimes get frustrated if I must admit! LOl! You are always one step ahead of me and I am quite impressed! Your knowledge and skill and expertise and enthusiasm can rival anyone! Now, I must draw the line…you cannot make me want another Cavalier…I just won't let it happen! I've owned two…and I've pictured myself with the third to finish it out! My Razzle was my first! He was a tri from the Luxxar Razzamatazz was his full name! Now we have Rosie…and beautiful blenheim and the best dog anyone could ever ask for! As well as a true friend! I just haven't gotten my Ruby yet! But, I am also blessed with my Zoie! She is a Morkie…yes, you heard me…a Yorkie/Maltese! She is precious and best friends with my Rosie girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for such a fabulous design post as well as a personal touch, Joni. You are the best!
Love this fun post J. I have no clue who the designer is. Probably some famous Houstonian I should know from reading your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteMicki is gorgeous!!!! I don't know any baseball hall of famers. Sorry!! I am 0 for 2 I guess.
Ok. I will guess Geri Bremmerman.
Xo Terri
I guess I should read the comments first. Haha. Now I see Loi's. haha. But before I read Loi's note I saw the first few votes for FR and went and looked and sure enough so many of his elements were there even then. Super fun post J. I always learn something here. Xo
DeleteValorie Hart. She did it when she was a fabulous Event Planner in New York in the '80s, and was the darling of the Studio 54 club scene.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deleteshe's zelig
Deletean omnipresent person; a person who appears to be present everywhere, so saith the ninyhammer
DeleteNow the queen of big horn rims and a two packs a day vocals.
DeleteShe has turned herself from Perch's cashier into the K-Mart "decorator."
DeleteMy guess is John Saladino based on the way the curtains are hung (long ties) and the placement of the shawl over the vanity. If it is Saladino his work looks to have evolved quite a bit since then.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness... she is adorable (Micki)!!! Love the curl on her ears! How can you resist?!
ReplyDeleteOh, were we talking about what designer this is (distracted by cuteness)? I would say Pam Pierce.
Leigh
I just saw the breakfast area of your kitchen over at Home Bunch Blog. I recognized it but it did not appear to mention you. Hope you see this. Pam pblapere@att.net
ReplyDeleteI read a good number of shelter blogs and yours has truly become one of my favorites. I learn from you. You are always great about "thinking out loud" and sharing that process with your reader. There are lots of pretty to look at blogs, but only a few who I feel have helped me grow and learn. It doesn't hurt that I also find your humor and take on life quite charming.
ReplyDeleteI vote Frank Randolph, and the new puppy is fab!
i love your dog, i want one but right now i have a lab who is 13 yrs old. Could the designer be your perhaps?
ReplyDeletefor a name how bout yoga berra.
regards
ellen
Hmmmm....Can't be Faudree -not a Staffordshire dog in sight.Suzanne Rheinstein?
ReplyDeleteI hope you do tell! No way Saladino (just my opinion) don't recognize!
ReplyDeletePlease do tell!!
Isn't it long enough?
I am going to guess Ginger Barbers. Love your new baby ! vicky darnell
ReplyDeleteFirst things first - the newest member of your family is beyond adorable. That face! Do people stop in the middle of the street when you take her out for a walk? The designer has to be Frank Babb Randolph. Either that or he bought the medallion above the fireplace from this designer because it looks like the same one that is in his living room now. Also, the iron railings outside the doors appear to be the same, although I couldn't find a magnolia tree in the current pictures. If I win, do I get to join you, Loi, and Frank for lunch when you are in DC? What an experience that would be!
ReplyDeleteME GUSTA EL BLOG...LAS FOTOS HERMOSAS !!
ReplyDeleteY LOS PERROS UN AMOR.
SALUDITOS
charles faudree....love him and love the puppy too!
ReplyDeleteJust hopping by to welcome Miss Micki Mantle Webb! She is too adorable and how lucky is she to find your home & family.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for FR.
Congratulations and enjoy the puppy stage, NB in Ontario, Canada
Miss Peabody Finder and Mr. Sherman Finder (Jack Russell Terriers...) welcome the Devine Miss M to the world!!! You could probably hear them barking...all the way from St. Louis. I need to get a life, too, for actually posting this!!!
ReplyDeleteI am not much into reading, but somehow I got to read nice information on your site. Simple to understand and helpful. We will look forward for your future updates. I will visit here very often.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Loved your living room
ReplyDeletepet meds
Welcome to your new baby! Honestly they really should make those cards. Enjoy those puppy feet that smell like fritos and that sweet puppy breath! My first designer guess is Suzanne Rheinstein. My second one is Barry Dixon. Great fun.
ReplyDeleteCutest little baby girl puppy!
ReplyDelete-linda,ny
Hi Joni,
ReplyDeleteI want the French painted chest AND I love your new puppy and got a kick out of how the MR names them!
My great-great uncle s in the baseball hall of fame. Tim Keefe. Maybe the next one??!! lol
ReplyDeleteShe's the cutest! Question: with your light slipcovers and Cavaliers (whose eyes weep dark brown), how do you keep your slipcovers clean? We have two Cavs at home and our snow-colored slips show the eye stains no matter how much oxyclean I use!
ReplyDeleteI really liked your blog, appreciate the great information about Design agency. Many thanks...
ReplyDelete