COTE DE TEXAS: The Story of One Perfect House – Part III

The Story of One Perfect House – Part III

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The gorgeous interior designer Carol Glasser poses in her former bedroom.  I still want that robe!

 

A while ago I wrote about The One Perfect House – or what I thought for me is the perfect house.  This Perfect House was owned by Houston interior designer Carol Glasser, who as you all know, is someone whose taste and style I greatly admire.  For years, Glasser lived in this wonderful house, small by some standards – 3196 sq ft – but perfectly sized for me.   The house was built in 1935 and is located in River Oaks, Houston’s most exclusive neighborhood.  Glasser of course changed the house over the years  – adding onto it and redecorating it – making it that much more special with all her touches.   When buying the house, Glasser overlooked its traditional Georgian facade, drawn instead to its beamed ceilings and iron railing on the stairs.  She added a master bedroom suite and renovated the kitchen - increasing its size and turning it into a French styled keeping room with imported  Provencal floor tiles.  She added a wonderful back vestibule that lead to the romantic curving stairway.  She landscaped the backyard creating a lush oasis with a swimming pool.  The garage became an office with a bedroom above.   The Perfect House was published in several national magazines and design books – and with each showing, Glasser tweaked it, changed it, and made it just a little bit better.  A year or two prior to selling her house – she had totally remodeled it one more time.   Her once warm yellow painted English styled living room now sported newly installed Venetian plaster walls.   The wall to wall seagrass was removed, exposing the wood floors.  The room became more streamlined, less cluttered, more French. 

   

With each change Glasser made over the years, I hung onto each detail.  I studied each photograph, comparing the before and after.  What did she add?  What did she sell?  What did she change?    The last metamorphism of The One Perfect House was my favorite – a peach and cream living room with an antique oushak rug along with gorgeous fabrics and curtains.   I was stunned when after totally revamping the house, Glasser put it on the market.  Whoa!  I wanted it!   I would have sold my left kidney to own the house, furnishings included - of course.  But, alas, Carol didn’t need an extra kidney and I sadly watched as it quickly sold, wishing I was the lucky new owner.   As I wrote in the original story The Story of One Perfect House HERE, I detailed how much Carol Glasser influenced my own design aesthetic.   I started my own collection of blue and white transferware after seeing hers in magazines.  She was first in town with Bennison fabrics and I followed her lead.   She had seagrass before anyone else did.   I bought a birdcage because she had one.   I bought red toile because she did.   I collected English smalls because she did.   She bought Kenneth Turner candles, I bought Kenneth Turner candles.  I also bought red paisleys, just like Glasser.    I could go on and on how I tried to clone my aesthetic into in hers, rather unsuccessfully I’m afraid because true genius is not so easily stolen.   I can’t tell you how many times I drove down her street at barely a crawl, hoping for what?  For her to run outside and see me and invite me in for coffee and a tour????  hehe Probably.  I don’t know.  I was a crazed stalker who deserved to be arrested!

 

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Everything she touches is a visual treat.  Roses in Glasser’s back yard.

Glasser’s Perfect House was sold to a single woman with impeccable style herself – though her aesthetic was totally different than Glasser’s.   The new owner stripped the house bare, the walls were painted white, and the furnishings were as sparse as the accessories.   I know all this because the new owner decided to sell The Perfect House just a few years later and the pictures of the house were put on the internet.   Again, while I screamed “MINE” – I watched as yet another new owner staked claim to my dream house.

 

 

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Entry Hall Vignette #1

 

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Entry Hall Vignette #2

Now, I wonder if it is cursed?   The third owner has recently put it up for sale, yet again,  and the pictures are, yet again, made public on the internet.   Are they just trying to torture me?    It’s like they are saying, “here’s your chance AGAIN, don’t blow it this time!”  Ben thinks it’s funny.   I wonder how long it will be on the market this time?  Should I pretend I can afford it just to walk through it with a realtor?   Do realtors do credit checks before they let you to traipse all over properties you can’t afford?   

But seriously, this gives people like you and me another opportunity to study design.   How often can one can see the evolution of a house with three owners, each with their own certain style?  I wonder will the new owner change the contemporary mantels back to their rightful traditional style?  It would s0 hospitable if the new owner would let me in to photograph all her changes!!!   But, I doubt that will happen.  Maybe Owner #4 will quickly sell it too.     Until then, here again, is The One Perfect House.  First, I’ll recap the changes that Glasser made to her house over the years.   (Because really, I can never get enough of looking at those wonderful photographs!)   Next, I’ll show each room first under Glasser, then under owner #2, and now under owner #3.     And no, I STILL cannot afford to buy this wonderful house, although I really do belong there and deserve to move in myself (if only my accountant and husband agreed!)

 

 

 

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A very early view of the living room – yellow walls, blue and white striped dhurri rug (wow – so many years before Somethings Gotta Give!!), red toile and paisley, lacquered black coffee table, and wood mantel.

 

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Later:  subtle changes with installation of seagrass topped with an accent rug, painting over the fireplace.  English country manor style decorating at its best. 

 

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Same photoshoot as above:  Glasser stands on  her romantic iron railed, curving stairway.   Lots of warm reds and yellows – veddy English inspired.  I remember drooling over this photoshoot – those roses!!  That toile perfectly draped.  That smile!  Hey, I’d be smiling too if that was me standing there.

 

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Later:  more subtle changes – the bench gets upholstered in antique toile, the faded oushak rug is added, the mirror replaces artwork, and the putti make an appearance – years before anyone was buying them.  Notice how the draped toile in the previous picture was used on the bench – along with the trim.   Leftovers were used for pillows. 

 

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The last redecorating:  cream walls, seagrass removed, antique oushak added, peach and cream colored fabrics. – no more red.    Beaumont and Fletcher toile fabric covers the two armchairs while striped curtains replace the former chintz ones.     

 

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Close up of painted French chairs and screen. 

 

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Gorgeous – just gorgeous!!!!  Notice the wood mantel has been replaced with an antique marble mantle (not sure if this is marble.)  The mirror makes another appearance here, along with the putti.  The beams are so pretty.

 

 

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A French trumeau now hangs over the sofa.   The look is more clean lined, less cluttered- more French feeling than English.  Notice the gorgeous Italian chandelier.  Glasser uses real candles in her lighting fixture.

 

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The dining room/library remains red throughout Glasser’s time in the house.  For each photoshoot, the chairs and table cloths are swapped out to create new interest.   Here wonderful wicker chairs surround a paisley covered gate leg.  Yes, Carol used gate legs so I used gate legs.  God, this is so embarrassing to admit how much I copied her!!!   Glasser’s pillows are almost always antique tapestries.  Yes.   I use those too – though not as much as she does.

 

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Another view – Glasser always uses antique accessories only – stacks of wonderful old books, boxes, blue and white porcelains, baskets, tapestry pillows – all the things that made her house warm, cozy, livable, and uniquely Glasser’s.

 

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Later, the paisley was replaced with ticking.  Santos became more important in her decor.

 

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For this later photoshoot, chairs from the kitchen were used along with a French quilt.  The red or persimmon walls were a constant.

 

 

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In the Keeping Room – she used wicker furniture, toiles, stripes, and blue and white transferware.  This room was inspirational to many who loved her collection of transferware, myself included.

 

 

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At this photoshoot, French chairs with burlap (before it was trendy) were used instead of the wicker.

 

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Glasser’s signature look  that inspired so many collectors.  The famous Welsh 10’ long dresser. 

 

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At this more recent photoshoot, the wicker was moved to the sunroom and was replaced with this set of more streamlined furniture.  The blue and white transferware was mostly put away (prompting me to do the same!  I’m such a terrible copy cat!)  The check curtains have been replaced with toile.  And the reds look softer, more persimmon – perhaps to blend in with the peach in the living room?  

 

 

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Glasser collected the real deal – antique creamware before anyone else.  We all bought reproductions.

 

 

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Colefax and Fowler chintz and red toiles and checks – an early version of her breakfast area.

 

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Later, more sophisticated French antique chairs with Bennison toile replace the slipcovered ones.  Although the shade looks the same, I wonder if it’s different than before, again more orange than red.

 

 

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The sun room with the older wicker furniture now in gray.   I adore that lampshade!  I copied that too! 

 

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The sunroom – with all the beautiful white pottery and antique iron buffet.   This mirror was moved here from her bedroom.

 

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The romantic back vestibule with the antique wire plant stand.  Yep, I copied that too!    I always loved her tole trays.  Don’t ask.  Of course – I bought those too.  That clock!!!

 

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The bedroom – all Bennison – Roses pattern.   This room stayed pretty much the same with just a few changes over the years.  Why mess with perfection?  And yes, I used this pattern on some chairs in my living room.   Yikes!   I never realized how many ideas I stole from Glasser!    Should I send her a commission?

 

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Later Glasser style.  She has such a flair for accessories.   Just beautiful.   I believe this picture was taken in Glasser’s guest room. 

 

 

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Glasser’s backyard – ready for a photoshoot.

 

 

One Perfect House – Three Owners:

 

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Glasser:  The exterior was always rather simple.  Not much landscaping out front and no center sidewalk.  I would have changed the sunroom – either added a pitched roof or another story.  Not sure – I’d hire either Kurt Aichler or Kirby Mears for their opinion!!

 

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Owner #2 – a new brick walkway was added.  New paint color.  New metal awning over the front door.  New lighter roof.  New trees.  New landscaping around the front windows.  Prettier?!!

 

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Owner #3 – everything remains the same as under owner #2, just more grown out landscaping.

 

 

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Glasser:  Living Room:  this photo always puzzled me – where are the Beaumont and Fletcher toile chairs?  I do love these armchairs with the trendy antique linens, but I do miss the peach toile chairs.      I also miss the small tray coffee table shown in the professional pictures. 

 

 

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Owner #2 – totally different.  No curtains, no accessories and the walls are white white.   I love the seagrass, the upholstered chairs, the linen sofa, the lighting fixture.  It just looks a little too bare for my tastes.

 

 

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Owner #3 – I really like this.  The seagrass stayed.  I like the floating chaise.   It looks pretty and restful to me. 

 

 

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Glasser:    Sunroom.  Again, different from the photoshoot.  The lampshades are changed, the buffet is different.   It just shows how wonderful professional photographers are compared to real estate photographers!

 

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Owner #3:   Sunroom.  Not my favorite style of antique furniture.   I like the portraits and the seagrass.

 

 

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Owner #3 – the entrance hall looking into the dining room.  This is the only picture of the entrance hall.  I never realized the doorway into the dining room was arched. 

 

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Glasser:   Of course her dining room is red, but I wonder if she maybe toned down the red and made it a little more orange to go along with newly peach colored living room?   Not sure.  I suppose this is how she kept it normally when there weren’t photographers around:   the wicker chairs pushed to the corners, the gate leg table sits like a center hall table. dressed just with books and a yelloware pot? 

 

 

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Owner #2 – the red is now gone, replaced with the white or bone colored paint.  It appears the floors were also refinished with a darker stain.  The sparseness is evident here with the shelves – they look barely filled.  I love the chairs – elegantly slipped in white linen.   No chandelier – yet it looks like there might have been one, judging from the hole in the ceiling.  I wonder if this table stayed with the house?  It looks remarkably like Glassers.  The kitchen is off to the left. 

 

 

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Owner #3 – is that a marble globe/light fixture?  Never saw anything like that before.  And the marble table is too contemporary IMHO for the house.    Here the room looks more like an entry hall than a dining room or library.  

 

 

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Glasser:  Keeping Room.  Awwww.    Love.   Love the toile curtains.   I noticed the ottoman is now checked – not solid.  This is such a charming room. 

 

 

 

 

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Glasser:  view to the kitchen and breakfast area.

  

 

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Owner #2 -  the room was painted lighter, whiter.  It’s so sparse – it almost makes me wonder if this house was staged for the real estate photographs?   And did the owner buy Glasser’s set of wicker furniture?   Hmmm.



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Owner #3 – I like the slipcovered sofa.   This room really looks completely different than it during Glasser’s time or Owner #2.  Look at the mantel!! Whoa – when was that changed and why?  It’s so contemporary!!

 

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Glasser:  the kitchen was not my favorite room – I don’t care for butcher block, or the cabinet stain.  But I adore all her kitchen accessories. 

 

 

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Owner #2 – ok, she is the one who redid mantel.   I think that is a huge mistake.  

 

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Owner #3 – I really do like that sofa!  

 

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Owner #3 – here you can see all the new appliances and the new back splash that Owner #2 put in.  Gone is the beautiful blue and white tiles that Glasser u. 

 

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Owner #3 – used a simple garden style table and chairs.   I like the colors, the whites and grays. 

 

 

 

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Glasser:  the beautiful all Bennison Roses bedroom. 

 

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Across from the bed, the charming bamboo desk.  Glasser really helped popularize this Bennison pattern.  After her bedroom was published, there were several other bedrooms shown in magazines with all Bennison Roses bedrooms too!

 

 

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Owner #2 – it looks like she used a Rose Tarlow linen for the windows.  I miss the curtains in other rooms of the house.   The mantel was changed here too.   This room is so pretty and again so different from Glasser.

 

 

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Owner #3 – it looks like these owners used the same curtains as #2.  I think the living room and the bedroom are both the prettiest rooms in #3’s version.  I love their end tables and headboard.    The bedroom is such a beautiful space with all the windows and the fireplace.  Of course, Glasser added this room onto the house. 

 

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Glasser’s master bathroom.  I would love to be able to study her vanity!  I bet she has the most beautiful smalls from England and France.   You can see her horn cup collection on the man’s side of the bathroom. 

 

 

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Owner #2 took out the mirrors and replaced them with a Louis Philippe antique mirror and one candlestick for accent.  I do like this much better than the wall to wall mirrors that were there before. 

 

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Owner #3 – again, a small mirror – not quite as graceful as the Louis Philippe.  Notice she uses a ghost chair also.

 

 

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Glasser:  the house only has two bedrooms and two and 1/2 baths.  Another bedroom is upstairs in the garage.  This is a rare picture of Glasser’s second bedroom, rarely photographed before.  I think the French chair was once in her living room. 

 

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Glasser:  This looks like a landing area outside the guest bedroom.  I love this set of antique looking wicker. 

 

 

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Owner #3 – childrens room – really cute.  

 

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Owner #3 – what a darling playroom.   This must be the extra landing space upstairs. 

 

 

 

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Glasser:  the space above the garage was used as a guest bedroom.  Never published before. 

 

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Owner #2 – this owner redid the garage space and turned it into this bright and cheery bunk room.  If I lived here, I would use this as my office OR let Elisabeth use this as her bedroom.   Love this.

 

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Glasser:  her backyard was as wonderfully designed as her house.  I notice the iron buffet that was in the sunroom is now between the two French doors. 

 

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Owner #2 – the lighter paint certainly makes the backyard look different.  The romantic back door now sports an awning.   If I moved here, I would probably add onto the house above the sunroom.  I always thought that needed to be done to balance out the exterior. 

 

 

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Glasser:  another photograph of her back yard for the photographer.  Look at the roses climbing up the by the French doors.  

 

 

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Owner #2 – you can see the garage with the bunk room above it here.  I wonder if she added the spa?  

 

 

 

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Owner #3 – the pool looks a prettier color here – more blue, less green.   I miss Glasser's backyard furniture.

 

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Owner #3 – view of the pool again. 

 

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Owner #3 – a view of the remodeled garage.  It looks like there is another room in the garage on the ground floor. 

 

I hope you have enjoyed this latest chapter in The One Perfect House and I hope the new owners will appreciate this house and possibly stay longer than a year or two!   I know I would. 

 

To read the HAR report on this  house, go HERE.  To read my original story on Carol Glasser  and The Story of One Perfect House, go HERE.

 

71 comments :

  1. Wow, Joni I loved your original post on Carole and love this one as well. So many beautiful images and you are always so charming and funny.

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  2. Joni, you had me with that first picture of Glasser in that paisley robe!

    I can't find anything in any of the Glasser shots that I don't absolutely adore. I can see why you went nuts over this house. And that keeping room! I could just move right in with the fabulous fireplace and all the neat texture and fabrics and transferware. Her living room, her dining room, her bedroom... comfortable and classic. Love the vignettes in the hall, too. Her style and her home have a great deal of warmth. I love all the layers, and I think they are very well done.

    Thanks for sharing this. I also enjoyed seeing the other incarnations of the house, but hers is my favorite, hands down.

    XO,

    Sheila

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  3. It is so amazing to see what others do to a home. Since we move so often I am always wondering 'How did they decorate the room?'...I want to tip toe through and see the changes.

    With this home a few changes I love, but this is one where the original is the best in my opinion.

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  4. Wow, I was ready to turn in for the night and decided to sit back with a bowl of chocolate gelato instead while the photos loaded. Interesting to see all the changes with this house over the years. Glasser's later interiors of this house are gorgeous. The biggest disappointment was to see that Glasser's climbing roses no longer appear at the back of the house in the subsequent photos. I would love to have roses like this on my house!

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  5. Joni,

    You have out done yourself here! How amazing to have pictures of three owners styles in one house. A great fun post loved it!

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  6. Beautiful!! Incl. Glasser herself--wowwwwww!

    I love her rendition of a sweet Georgian, and I love it all french-i-fied up, too! I can't choose!

    I am also convinced that the large globe is one of those security-camera globes you see in the likes of Wal-Mart and other bigbox stores–– you know where they say "Code 9 on aisle 1463, Code 9" (And at that time everyone knows that some chick just pocketed a bag of Cheetos under her 'Tweety and Me' t-shirt) ;)

    xoxo,

    Andrea

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  7. I too loved Carol Glasser's home and her design style. I bought red toile, covered a sofa and a chair...etc. etc. Loved your review of all the owners and truly wish you could purchase the home next! I know you would do it justice!
    Thanks for the fun and detailed information on all the transformations of the home.
    Why don't you have Carol do a interview with the ladies of the Skirted Roundtable!

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  8. Joni, I can see why you love this house! It was beautifully decorated when Glasser lived there. Now it is way to stark and contemporary for my taste. I hate that they changed the mantle.
    xo, Sherry

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  9. Thanks for the amazing tour! I just sat here for about an hour and devoured every one of those photo's. I lost all sense of time and now my kids are running around and need my attention. Great escape!!! When's your next post??

    Ruthie

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  10. Joni,
    How do you do it? What a post!

    I lean towards the remodeled design. It's cleaner, more up-to-date. But, really both were fun to see.

    -Ann

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  11. I was just about to hop off to bed (45 minutes ago) when I saw your post. So worth staying up to read! What fun to see what other's have done to the home. Personally, I love the earlier versions of the "Perfect House", I know more sparce interiors, more neutrals and gray is all the range right now, but I do still LOVE blue & white transferware (I'm taking donations if you aren't sure what to do with yours :)), lots of collections, red toiles and checks. I've enjoyed each and every post you've done on this house. I do believe it's calling your name. Or maybe that's the blue globe chadelier thingy screaming to be taken down!

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  12. Oh, Joni. How I wish you could get your hands on this place. It seems to need your touch... you two seem made for each other!!

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  13. A classic Cote de Texas post by the much beloved Joni Webb! Once again, Joni, you demonstrate why we adore you so and keep coming back again and again and, frankly, why you are THE BEST there is!

    Carol Glasser ROCKS. Her interior design is gorgeous and timeless. Love it. I want to see more of what she does.

    If there were any justice in this world, you would be Owner #4 of this lovely home and we, your loyal fans and readers, would have the opportunity to see what you would really do with this property.

    Alas, there is no justice.

    But there is the internet; there are blogs; and there is the unique and irreplaceable JONI WEBB.

    Again, THANK YOU for bringing beauty and charm, humor and authenticity to our crazy, challenging lives!!!

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  14. I loved this tour and your comments and I always have to go over your posts several times! Thanks so much for giving us all these trips!

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  15. Wow, I have to spend a few hours going through all of it; I love elements of each; interesting as always to see the individual take on a property...

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  16. Interesting post Joni! Glasser's style is not my personal favorite, but she pulled her look together more fully and successfully than the other two, which were both pretty darn nice. Your blog is one of the all time greats. Thanks.

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  17. Funny, seems like several of us were off to bed when we saw this post. wow, I could go back and study the rooms that Carol did for a while. I loved it all but the final of the living room was perfect! Just gorgeous. I love all the antique smalls she uses. Too many people, designers included invest in fabulous furniture and lighting and then use new accessories. I love finding things at flea markets even. Anything that has character and doesn't look brand new is better as far as I am concerned. Oh my what kind of globe light fixture and table is in the dining room now? We could talk about that for a while. Thanks so much for this great post. It was done in true Joni style.

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  18. What beautiful pictures to study, coming back again and again, always seeing something new. Thanks Joni.
    Oh and just how did you copy that lamp shade ? I loved it too!
    Beth

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  19. Goodness gracious! You outdid yourself, Joni! Talk about organized, interesting and well executed! Love this post!!!

    Still working on my "perfect house." :)
    Linsey

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  20. Looks like Glasser was the only owner that was totally committed to the house. The other two owners did everything white and pared down. When I see this, it makes me think that they are only living in the house temporarily and will move on one day...as they did.

    Nice research and post.

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  21. You need to meet Carol! This is truly a labor of love - love for houses and for the style of Carol's designs!

    Since pools are on my mind, I found your comments to be interesting. If I had my way, I would have a nice light pool that looks like the Carribean, but I have heard that my landscape architect has a preference for more sophisticated, darker toned pools. I love the greenish color of the pool when Carol was at the house.

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  22. I still much preferred Glasser's inteiors to the new owners, especially the backyard and her flower displays are to dream for!!

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  23. Three owners, three very distinct and personable styles.

    There are so many elements to be commended however I personally feel the addition of the ceiling 'ball' fixture is an unforgiving transformation. Childhood candy called black balls and jaw breakers come to mind. :)

    The home itself is wonderful and the backyard an outdoor haven that I know would beckon me.

    Super post Joni and thank you for the informative and delightful tour. -Brenda-

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  24. Just beautiful, Joni! Thanks so much for sharing and I will have to go back and look at your other posts {as well as relook through these pictures}. I can see she took more care decorating the exterior backyard of the house ~ probably because they spent more time in the back then the front. I do like what owner 2 did though with the front.

    As for the house and its multiple times on the market, it looks so warm, welcoming, cozy, inviting in all the other pictures {I don't really care for #2 & #3's decor} ~ perhaps the house was happiest when she was living there!

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  25. Joni, You are such a doll, so real and I love the way you just admit to copying carol. We have all copied a great ideal , why not! Loved this post, when I first saw it, I stopped, went and made my coffee and toast, then came back and took my time. I love Breakfast at Joni's. Thanks

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  26. Dagger in my heart when those blue & white tiles disappeared!

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  27. what an amazingly inspiring, comprehensive, and enlightening post! Thank you so much!
    i'm amazed at the difference in the decorating. Do you think it's "style-related" or "time-related", as everything now is so much simpler...
    would love to hear your thoughts.

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  28. Well;
    I will be pulling for you Joni. Maybe you should buy a lotto tix?
    It may be your lucky day.
    I like a little old and a litle new, but you are right the house is perfect!
    Thanks for the comparison / contrast!
    L.

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  29. What a great read! I always imagine how new owners would translate a house, and I really enjoyed seeing the comparisons in Houston's "perfect house". I think that's why I love design so much....it's as varied as the personality of a homeowner, and it's always something new. It is a beautiful home, and you really should have it!

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  30. Joni,
    What fun to get wrapped up in your saga! Your writing is so honest, descriptive and FUNNY! I adore your very detailed and analytical posts with such great photographs. Keep on doing what you do. We, your devoted readers, eat it all up. A wonderful way to start my day, thank you!

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  31. Wow Joni - another terrific post on Carol Glasser's design sensibilities. I can't thank you enough for introducing her and her style to me, via your blog.

    Also, you are so self-depecating! In my opinion, most good design is an off-shoot and/or translation of other people's ideas, but with a new and interesting twist. What you have done in your own home is an original way of reinterpreting Carol's ideas. And after all, she certainly got her ideas from seeing other inspirations (French chateaus and Italian villas would be my guess!)

    I have an idea - why don't you write a book with Carol on her interiors. Then, after you make a mint, you can buy her old house the next time it comes up for sale?! : ) I'd love to see your take on the Perfect House.

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  32. Joni,

    I love this post! It's so neat to see the evolution of the house. I really like what the second owner did to the exterior but not so much the contemporary interior. I agree with you about the sunroom - is that the master bedroom side of the house? Maybe owner #4 will take your advice and add onto it. Maybe owner #4 will hire you to design the interior - almost as good as living in the house yourself, right?

    Kelly@40isthenew30

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  33. Wow, a really great post. I love all the color and warmness in Carol Glasser design. I showed a few of the shots to my hubby and his first response was - would you really want to clean all that stuff - and where is the TV??

    Well, I loved it, although the other two owners did well with their decorating, it didn't appear to be lived in and there was no warmth - something Carol achieved with her colors.

    Great post!!

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  34. Joni, this post is you at your very best--all detective work and analysis! Your trademark reading glasses must have come out of your hair and onto your nose to assist in identifying all of the subtleties that the rest of us would otherwise have missed. It's always a good day when I see there's a new Cote de Texas post! Thanks so much.

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  35. In addition to my previous comment, I have to say I LOVE the way you used the two scenic lampshades - one on either side of your loveseat. They frame the seating area so beautifully - almost like two pieces of art.

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  36. Joni,

    Thanks for the great post! I love Carol's style, too, and it is really fun to scroll through the pictures of her house in the different phases. Thanks for putting this together for us!

    I love the posts you do like this! They're as good as, if not better, than spending the same time with my favorite shelter magazines.

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  37. Hi Joni,

    What a dream to live in a house that looks like this! I could easily adjust to being surrounded by such beauty. And it looks comfortable and cozy to boot.

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  38. Dear Owner #4,
    Call Joni... she is the ONE!!

    Joni, this was like an archeological dig... peeling off layers and examining the evolution of a house.. just a wonderful wonderful read... I too miss the climbing roses and the original mantel... they belong with this house and are missed. Another great one girl!

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  39. Wow.

    I sit her moved, transfixed and transformed by this post. If I were teaching design and wanted to demonstrate how color, fabric, texture and accessories transform the "feel" of a space, I'd use your blog post. By comparing and contrasting the same space over time, you have educated my eyes. Again and again, I scrolled up and down, back up and down again, then up and down tracking how each change impacted the entire design.

    I also love how you own up to being inspired by another designer. It reminds me that we never diminish ourselves by giving another a compliment.

    Between today's post and "Another Kitchen ala Sally Wheat," I am inspired to make changes to my own home, embracing the ideas and aesthetics that make my heart sing.

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  40. Such fun comparing all of the versions of this fabulous house!!

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  41. This was so much fun to see the difference in peoples taste. I prefer Carol’s more stuff taste but prefer the lighter colors of owner number two. You put so much effort and time into your posts Joni and it’s much appreciated, simply fabulous!

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  42. Joni you need to buy a lottery ticket...and post your love for this house on a board with pictures (the secret)...it worked for me...I drew up sketches of my dream kitchen layout and a few other things I wanted in a condo and 2 years later late one evening I found a condo on the internet just like the sketches, went to see it 2 days later, made an offer, bought it 3 days later... the secret works...
    Amazed by the passion that comes from your blog, I really think if there is an open house you should walk through it...I am not sure but maybe you won't like the layout, pictures can be deceiving you should see it in person, there could be something wrong if the house is sold so often? (or not) Anyway, if you have a chance you should get inside...

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  43. Garden, Home and Party said...
    I have several of Glasser-house pages from various magazines (Veranda, Southern Accents?) and I too love every room! So inviting and so beautiful. Thank you for sharing, I hope you get to tour this home one day, if not own it. :-)

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  44. Hi,
    I have three photos of this house that I ripped out of a magazine. I didn't see these pictures included in your original post. I don't remember what magazine the images are from, or what year they were published, but it was probably in a December issue because it looks like the house is decorated for Christmas.

    I scanned these photos, and uploaded them to flickr. Here are links if you are interested in seeing them:

    www.flickr.com/photos/50767171@N03/4791044616/in/photostream/
    www.flickr.com/photos/50767171@N03/4790412227/in/photostream/
    www.flickr.com/photos/50767171@N03/4790412123/in/photostream/

    - Liz

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  45. Of all three, Glasser's house wins hands down. Love, love love it and all her variations!

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  46. If only I could buy this house and move it to where I live...I would love to make a cocktail mix of the different styles (not much of owner #2 though)shake it and add a good part of my personal style. Let me dream.

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  47. Fascinating post, and very timely for me, too, as I just found a house that I moved out of 10 years ago for sale online. It had been extensively renovated and I thought certain things were done well while others were real head-scratchers. (Really, you replaced all the brushed nickel finish hardware, including the shower enclosure, in the beautiful master bath I had then just renovated with brass finish?)

    Interesting that that house only has two bedrooms in the main house.

    Has Carol Glasser's current home ever been published or featured here?

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  48. Oh Joni, how awesome would it be if Owner #4 hired you to do every last room?? I would just SQUEAL with happiness for you!!

    Great post!!

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  49. I had a photo of Carol's family room with the first round of wicker, red check curtains, and cupboard with transferware in my idea files for years and years.

    Unless I missed something along the way, it's been awhile since her work was featured in a major magazine. I seem to recall a vacation house she designed with Mary Emmerling somewhere in the SW. It too was beautiful.

    Track her down, Joni, and then tell and show us what she is up to these days.

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  50. Joni! You are too funny! Love your stalker comment! It's not a bad thing...really a compliment to whoever you're "stalking."

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  51. Thank you all of you! I'm waiting patiently for her new house to be published! come on Veranda!!!!

    thank you for all your kind comments.

    Joni

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  52. Love Carol Glasser's style! Thanks for all your detective work!

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  53. owner #3 is in the wrong house...needs a mid century modern style...maybe Ms. Glasser will come to the rescue and buy it back!!! Great post as always!!!

    Have a Wonderful Wednesday Joni!

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  54. Great post Joni! I loved seeing the transformation of this house, though I didn't adore all of the details of each transformaion- if only the owners had asked for all bloggers to weigh in on their decisions! So shocked to see those gorgeous fireplaces go, but I do LOVE the painted Kitchen cabinets. I guess we're all on a quest to make our homes our own, no?

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  55. Dreamy dreamy pics! I love the way your posts are full of photos. I totally get why you are fascinated with this lovely and charming house. I could live in any of the photos above... old version or new version. Beautiful!

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  56. Joni,
    I've read this 2x now. I'm amazed at the level of detail and research you've done! This is a great house. Re Glasser: I love some of the elements and her collections are fab. It does seem a bit over patterned for my taste...even tho I love all of them individually. BTW I think the bench she reupholstered in the living room is not the same as in the 1st photo (legs). I think that one shows up in her bedroom at the foot of the bed. Love her kitchen, again lovely stuff, but too much to take in. On the other hand the next 2 owners are WAY to spare. CG's library/dining room used the shelves, love the red. And that awful globe(?) light from #3. Did like #3's kitchen table set.
    #2 did a nice job on the garage, bedrooms and bath.
    Only CG's backyard fits the house, but then I like to garden. Her house color was better too.
    I agree I'd pop up the sunroom.
    Don't hesitate to just go look, don't they have open house showings in Texas? Too bad you can't buy it ... the love is sure there!

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  57. Joni, I LOVE that house! Needs another bedroom, don't care for Glassers cupids (or Puttis). That birdcage shows up in 3 or 4 different places. And I am really thinking #3 owners are satinists or alien worshipers, did you see the wierd throne thing with wall circle in the kids room? Wierd. I wouldn't buy it after seeing that stuff in there.

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  58. Wow ... beautiful house and you did an amazing amount of research! Glasser's stuff was certainly beautiful but I LOVE the bedrooms that owner 2 and 3 did. Very simple but beautiful.

    I don't like the super modern items in the house. That black globe looks like a constellation thing? You know it shows light through and you see the constellations on the walls, ceilings? Maybe not but that's what it looked like to me. And it is totally out of place in that house!

    Wish you could live there! I know you would do amazing things to that house!!!

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  59. Oh Joni, this is one of your best posts ever! I have to run right now but will come back. This was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XO, Pinky

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  60. WOW. What a fun, fascinating post. You are a genius...you pick the most amazing subjects and take the time to gather all that info/pics. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Your blog is better than any book on the best seller list and def better than any coffee table out there! When are YOU going to do a book? Pretty please? My coffee table yearns for some Joni sassification...

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  61. Such a fabulous house! Loved this post. Just days ago I just ran across the magazine tear sheets that I have saved for years of this house when it was first published. I remember studying the pages for hours! She is such a talent! Not to mention gorgeous! Can NOT wait for her new house to hit the stands!
    Have you ever met her?

    Fabulous research, as usual, on your part Joni!
    joan

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  62. Joni, I think you might know this house better than the last two owners!!! Amazing images and the amount of research you did to put this wonderful post together. It is a great house and it looks as if it has been loved by all three owners. Lets face it though it would be hard to beat the style of Ms. Glasser!!! Enjoyed this post immensely, thank you,Kathysue

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  63. The whole house is very classic. I was very impressed to your classic design. The colors of the house complements with the color of the furniture’s. Great work.

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  64. Home run post Joni!
    I loved seeing the transformation of the house with each new owner--my favorite is Glasser's!

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  65. What a feast for the eyes! I'm just swooning over the yellows and reds. Those poor stark walls just make me want to cry. I've often wondered what might happen to our house if we sold it, as every young homeowner here in the M Streets (Dallas) wants a neutral, modern interior. That's it -- I'm never selling!! Thank you for the gorgeous photos, I'm sure I will look at these again and again.

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  66. Someone has an uber house-crush! I can't say I blame you one bit, though. I melted like butter- seriously, turned to mush- as I scrolled through these photos and continued to read your descriptions. This is what homes in heaven look like, I'm SURE of it! It truly does have a soft, easy, ethereal presence. (At least the original decor did- it was probably my favorite and the best executed and fitting of the three). If you're game, I will sell my kidney as well and we can go in together on it! Just kidding. Obviously I wouldn't share. ;)

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  67. Hi Joni,

    Spectacular post as always! This one should really be published as a great coffee table book! I loved every single image (although, like you, the mid-century pieces are not my favorites).

    You'd look great in Carol's robe! ;)

    Bill

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  68. After all these posts you should be given a personal tour!

    I'm wondering if that big, black light fixture in the library lights up to represent the constellation of the stars? It looks like something I've seen used in science classrooms. Michele

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  69. I think we should start calling you Sherlock Holmes de Texas. Great detective work. I like different rooms belonging to all the owners and can't choose a favourite era. The back of the house is so much more beautiful than the front, in Carol's time anyway.

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  70. I went on quite the journey there. Agree with you that the exterior ought to have been let alone.

    Could they keep moving because of the odd dimensions of the house? Like how brutally honest you are about copying and the driveby :)

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