COTE DE TEXAS: Vieux Interiors

Vieux Interiors

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Hidden away near the Heights in Houston is one of the more delightful and beautiful antique stores around:  Vieux Interiors.   Open for just a few years, Vieux is the brainchild of Benton Lackey and Marty Bratton.  Lackey has long been a fixture on the Houston antiques scene, though he usually prefers to be behind the scenes.  Called by some "a creative genius," Lackey has an uncanny sense of color and texture, which he combines with his love for antiques and design.  After a long stint on his own and more recently at AREA, Lackey teamed up with Bratton to open Vieux Interiors.  Bratton brings along his keen business mind to their endeavor.  Their secret weapon, besides the inventory, is DeWayne Formby.  DeWayne, of course, is the former salesman extraordinaire from Carl Moore Antiques.  Carl and Bert Melnick hired DeWayne, freshly armed with a degree in Interior Design, straight out of college.  Ever loyal, DeWayne stayed with Moore and Melnick for 17 years until they sold their shop.  After spending time as an independent designer, DeWayne was lured back into sales by Lackey who hired him to run his new venture - and who can blame him?  If there is a more personable, friendly, and sweet, yes - sweet! antiques man in the business, I haven't met him.   DeWayne always has a kind word to say,  a friendly laugh, or  a poignant story to share.   With DeWayne at the front door, Vieux Interiors, is assured to remain accessible, a place to go to learn something new about antiques, or just to gaze at the eye candy - without being hassled or pushed.  The consummate gentleman, DeWayne is thrilled to be back in the antiques business, ready to help all his clients, old and new alike.  

Vieux Interiors is a little hard to find, so get instructions before you head out.   Close to the Heights and the Memorial Park area -  stop in and be sure to tell DeWayne HI for me, if you go!!!

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The delightful and ever helpful, DeWayne Formby. 

 

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Ah yes, what a Vieux!  Let's see, I'll take that French sofa with the serpentine back, the urn right next to it, the French wing chair behind it.........and on and on!!!  Now, this is what an antique store should look like!

 

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Nice pair of French arm chairs.   I spy a great wine tasting table on the far right.   And the oriental folding screen in the back looks pretty amazing.

 

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Two major trend alerts:  Concrete garden statuary for inside the home and water gilded candlesticks from an ancient Catholic church somewhere in France, I'm sure.

 

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French cane side chairs and a Murano glass chandelier.

 

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Great urn lamps with paper shades.   I wish you could see the entire painted chest they sit on, it looks really interesting, doesn't it?

 

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I adore these chairs!  And the shutters hanging on the wall, and the crystal chandelier, and the tall wing back chair.  And.....

  

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Antique doors, gold ballroom chairs, and a great pair of candelabra lamps.

 

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Mixed in with all the antiques is a great selection of modern art, as seen here.

 

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But I prefer the antiques, like this massive French armoire, don't you?

 

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Major trend alert II:  Coral!  More modern art -  I really like this piece of art, it's colors are subtle and would look  good in a Belgian interior.

 

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My favorite!  An antique iron French daybed.  I love this!!!  Dewayne, what's my price on this?

 

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The inventory never ends.  Every picture is just amazing, isn't it?  Here, an antique armchair awaits upholstery or, in my case, a great slipcover!  

 

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Another French daybed with silk pillows.  The cabinet looks interesting - I love how it's filled with prints instead of knick-knacks.

 

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New accessories:  glass canisters and blue opaline bowls atop an industrial type table.

 

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OK, I'm in love!!!!   With everything in this picture!

 

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Wait, more?  Beautiful painted French chaise and stool.

 

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And finally, more from their new collection of blue opaline glass, along with a religious statue. 

 

If you go, Vieux Interiors is open Monday through Saturday - though closing time on Saturday is at 3:00 pm.   Call DeWayne at 713-868-5844.  Map to Vieux Interiors is below:

 

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40 comments :

  1. OMG, How beautiful is all that inventory!!!!!!! Lucky Houston. Great post Joni.
    When are you going to do a book?

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  2. Indeed, what a vieux! I'm headed down the highway very soon. Their store is a slice of heaven. Thank you for the "heads up" for another great shop in H-town.

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  3. Oh, boy! I can't wait to go! I picked up their card from their booth at the Urban Market last month but haven't made time to make the trip. It's been so hot these past few days that spending time in a cool antique store sounds like a lovely way to spend an afternoon. And thank you for letting us know about DeWayne. It's nice to hear about what a good guy he is!

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  4. Absolutely stunning! What a beautiful beautiful store. I'm with you Joni, my favourite piece is definately the daybed.

    Anna :)

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  5. I sooo soo love reading your blog -I wish you lived in New Orleans bc I would love you to help me w/ my house in Old Metairie! What a talent you have - thanks so much for all your interesting blog entries!!!! Charlotte

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  6. Glad you like the Viuex!

    And Charlotte - send pics, I'll give you my opinion.

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  7. Joni, If I keep reading your blog I'm gonna have a heart attack! HA!!! Each new post gets my heart a flutter!!!

    Thank you for sharing yet another gem in Houston!!!

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  8. Wow! This place is packed chock full of treasures!!! Joni thanks for another Fabulous tour to make us drool ;)

    Karen

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  9. I would love to visit this shop ! It seems so huge !
    They have wonderful pieces

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  10. What a gorgeous store! Thanks for sharing it with those of us too far away to shop there in person. Makes me think a trip to TX might be in order, though! -Julia :-)

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  11. Wow, I don't think we have anything like this in Boston! Your posts about these stores in the Houston area are just amazing. Everything looks so beautiful and inspiring!! Thanks for sharing, Deborah.

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  12. Wow. What a wonderful store! I would love to spend an afternoon poking around in there.

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  13. Awesome store. Its so on my list of places to check out in Houston. What a small world, LH used to work for another member of the Lackey's antiquing family while in college. LOL.

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  14. I can always come by here to get my inspiration fix for the day.

    Thanks for adding me to your bloglist...I'm honored!

    Rhoda

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  15. Just a not: DeWayne just sent me the most gorgeous hydrangeas ever!!! I told you he was a gentleman AND a gift card to Starbucks!!!! I'm so excited!!! Thanks DeWayne - you're a doll!

    Joni

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  16. Oh Joni, the perfect gift for you...a Starbucks gift card!!! What a nice man. You Joni, are a real treasure for Houston...their greatest cheerleader.

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  17. I swear, Houston must be the most beautiful city in the country! How lucky you are to live there :-)

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  18. I am with you. The daybed is too lovely. Too bad I am here in Phoenix.

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  19. So pretty. I am in love with everything in that one picture too! Have you heard of Euro Trash? I just came across it (did a post on it) and anyways.. I thought of you...the style and some of the pieces seem like something you might like!!!!
    Trina xx

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  20. After reading this post, i think i made up my mind, i going to by a wonderful wallpaper for my room.

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  21. wow! what a store, actually amazing,what a great post as always x

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  22. Your site is great fun! I had no idea that there was a deco style labeled as "Belgian" in Texas. My house decor should fit the label perfectly as I brought over family furniture when I got married eons ago. But ladies, beware of the provenance of much of what you see! When I was in Indonesia I saw whole villages dedicated to turning out the type of furniture and artifacts sold abroad as "antiques". I remember a sign advertising "antiquing while you wait" ! This said, many pieces were very attractive and could pass if you didn't know what to look for. I actually bought a mirror frame I still have and love for $5.00. They sold in the US for $200.00. That sort of gouging does offend me. So when you buy your lovely candle holders, perhaps no more than 5 months old, BARGAIN and love them for themselves and not for any imaginary past grandeur.
    Joni, you have a great eye and I do enjoy your pictures. I also "met" Melissa through your site and she is coming to my house next week to help me resolve my color dilemma, or so I hope. I'll let you know ;-)
    Françoise

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  23. Gorgrous shop!!!! I just wish it were closer so I could shop there......although the window shopping was a real treat too :o)
    ~Des

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  24. "When I was in Indonesia I saw whole villages dedicated to turning out the type of furniture and artifacts sold abroad as 'antiques'."

    I LOVE that! All those ladies thinking they're getting "French antiques" and instead are buying Indonesian fakes...

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  25. I think the fake question is answered by trusting your dealer. Deal with knowledgable people that you know and will teach you what to look for as well as sell it. DeWayne seems to fit that bill!!!!!

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  26. Wow, I can't wait to get in there -BEAUTIFUL store! Yea for Houston!
    -Lauren
    Material Girls Blog

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  27. In the summer of 1981, I purchased an American "high country" candlestand, worktable, and ladderback chair from the most wonderful antiques dealer.....Benton Lackey of Hardscrabble Antiques (out of the Carolinas, I recall). He was exhibiting at a Carolyn Thompson Antiques Show and causing quite a stir with his beautiful wares. Surely, this must be the same Southern gentleman. He had an absolutely fabulous, enormous oil painting of a child with a dog that I passed on. I regret that decision to this day. Thank you, Joni, for alerting us to this gem of a source.

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  28. I'm starting to think Houston may have the corner on the best design stores. I wonder if there's a statistic akin to the most pubs per capita for design stores?

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  29. Sigh...I have to drive to SF to find beauty like this. About 1 1/2 hours. Gorgeous!

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  30. I could spend several days going through this lovely place and enjoy every single minute!

    Beautiful!
    Pat

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  31. PS:
    Joni, thanks so much for adding me to your list!

    Pat

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  32. Ooh La La! What lovely inspiration. I grew up in South Texas. I'm so glad to see the French decorating influence here!

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  33. I posted pictures taken during our local home show tour. Only one home could equal any of the vinettes posted on your blog today. What a beautiful store.

    Thank you for always taking so much time to post such wonderful inspiration. I love it!!!!

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  34. It's all too gorgeous for words. I could kick myself that I didn't move home from France without one of those old daybeds.
    Boo hoo.
    I enjoyed my stroll!
    Becky

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  35. OK....I'm in love with YOU....you have such patience gifting us with so many photos all the time

    I'm still havin a wedding party!!!!!

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  36. Oh BTW the little doll in the sailor dress is my newest grandchickie.....
    Amelie Joelene born Christmas eve and the little doll in the wedding party carrying rings is her big brother Aidan Lloyd.

    thanks for you sweet note.

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  37. Great profile the store is lovely. You are right about the Concrete garden statuary, its gonna be huge over the next few years. I just purchased an antique concrete baby cherub yesterday. I never thought I would in a million years!

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  38. Once again, Joni, we're thinking alike - see my current post!
    Notting Hill is right - Houston does have so many great shops. How lucky for you.

    -Lana

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