Beautiful Design & Other News

 

I wasn’t going to show another Houston designer so soon, but it makes sense because of the connection between Ashley Goforth and her former employer, Shabby Slip’s Renea Abbott.  Ashley worked for Renea for a few years and you can see how much she learned from the master. Because Renea is THE MASTER. 

Oh my gawd.  No one gets it so right like Renea.   She has an incomparable eye for choosing gorgeous antiques for her clients and her shop.   She refined the art of slip covers over 20 years ago and today – her slips are more like works of art.  And art.  She choses the most perfect works of art to enhance her interiors.  Her upholstery furniture is beautiful.   Her light fixtures, her accessories – all wonderful. And finally – her interiors are masterful! 

A trip to her shop rivals a shopping excursion  anywhere.   Simply put, Renea is talented and she has “it” in spades.  Besides her talent – she has charisma – with an infectious personality and a beautiful face, along with a knack for looking good without really looking like she tried, she’s the whole package and a very attractive package of talent and personality.  So. Yes. I’m in awe.

The other day I saw a room on Pinterest that I hadn’t seen before and it took me back to Shabby Slips’ portfolio – it  had been a while since I last visited their web site and with three new projects – it’s  pure eye candy.  

Here’s a glimpse:

 

This is the photo that stopped me in my tracks on Pinterest.  I mean – that ottoman!!!  This is what sets Renea apart from other pretenders. That ottoman!!!!   Stunning.

 

And it’s not just the ottoman, but I love the art work.  And the sofa – with the extravagant gilt frame.  And the perfect club chairs.  And the white curtains with the trim that flanks the sofa.  And the light fixture.  Perfection!

 

 

And this bedroom – in black and white – with brown.  Notice how the wood stain picks up the gilt color in the mirror and the light fixture and the tiger pillow.  Little details like that are note worthy.   See how the chests pop in the room – and without using a tacky yellow fabric, she brings the hue in with furniture and architectural elements.  It’s so elegant and sophisticated. 

 

OK.   Yes.  I know.  I know.   What Is This?!?!?!   Besides the most gorgeous hunk of marble ever.   A sink.  Only Renea.  And notice the restraint in the sconces.  She knows when to keep it quiet so the marble and mirror shine.  Just beautiful.

To see the rest of the house, visit Shabby Slips’ web site:  HERE.

 

In this second house – the living room has very dark gray walls with white sofas and silk tiger velvet mixed with beautiful antique mirrors and statuary.  Very chic tables sit under the mirrors.  And that painting.  I love it! 

       

Another view – where you can see the graphic prints on this wall.

 

The dining room continues with the dark walls and white fabrics.   In this room, an antique console keeps the room from being too contemporary.  It’s a mix – a ying and a yang – modern furniture mixed with antique pieces that are handpicked by Renea for their beauty and their uniqueness.

 

In the kitchen – a wall of white tiles next to the deep gray cabinets.  I like how just the tops are exposed – to show off a few white pieces, without too much of the clutter of open shelving.

 

The master bedroom has the deep gray walls with a fabulous chandelier – and an oversized bench in white leather.  The dark walls are unexpected here – against the rustic beams, but that’s why it works so well.  It’s not what you would expect – it’s a surprise and it makes a bedroom more interesting.

 

Another view shows off the extraordinary mirror – and notice the wood bed. 

To see more of the house – go HERE.

 

For this beach house – the aesthetic is more relaxed and tropical.  Here two slipcovered sofas sit near breezy sheer curtains and antique stools.

 

The breakfast rooms shows off Renea’s signature slipped covered chairs and a wood table.

 

This powder room is another unique one.  Notice the console and the wall faucet.   And I love the mix of the Venetian style mirror with the brass.

To see more of this house go HERE.

 

Shabby Slips is located on Bissonnet in Houston – Renea has set the shop up in vignettes that look as nice and finished as in a house.

 

That chair!  Wonderful pops of orange velvet.  And I love the tufting on the antique settee’s frame.

 

Besides the main shop, there is the large annex out back.   I see so many things I would love for clients!!

 

       Can’t make it to Houston?  You can go shopping on their web site – here is a sampling of their antique furniture.    To see more and get directions, visit the Shabby Slips web site – HERE.

A huge thanks to Renea Abbott!!

 

Next: everyone’s favorite stylist and designer, Eddie Ross, has a book coming out this October!  I got an advance copy and it is a great how-to book on estate sales, accessories, restoring antiques, decorating and styling – all the things that Eddie Ross is famous for.

 

Here’s a picture from Eddie and Jaithen’s country house – Pine Hill.  Filled with goodies acquired over the years – Eddie explains how to get the same treasures – point by point and what to do with them afterwards.   I loved all the tips and I really loved getting to see their fabulous country house!! 

To pre-order, click on the book below:

 

And finally – if you are a long time reader, you will know that Houston interior designer Ginger Barber is involved with rescuing horses – abused and neglected ones, through the horse sanctuary Habitat for Horses.   Ginger not only raises money for Habitat for Horses, but she also gives her personal time, working at the stables, feeding, cleaning, and nurturing the horses back to health.  It’s not easy work, especially in the hot Texas sun, but it is an important labor of love and devotion for Ginger.

 

A few months ago over 200 abused, starved and neglected horses were seized in Conroe, Texas.  A judge gave the Houston SPCA protection over the neglected horses, and of those, he placed 20 pregnant, sick mares with Habitat for Horses.  The original owners of the horses tried to retain them – but the judge ruled against the couple, citing the inhuman treatment and extreme cruelty they subjected the horses to. 

Habitat for Horses will do everything possible to save and rehabilitate these 20 mares and all the other horses already under their care.   Their motto is “no horse should have to suffer neglect and starvation.”

Go HERE to watch a short video about these 20 horses and Habitat for Horses.

To read the story about this in The Examiner – go HERE. 

As you might expect, Habitat for Horses is in dire need of donations to help with the rehabilitation and medical treatment of these mares.  If you could find it in your heart to make a donation, please go HERE.

Thank you so much for your generosity.