September 29, 2013

Secret Source Revealed

Today I'm going to share a secret source with those of you who live in Dallas!  

I have worked hard over the years to build a team of craftspeople who bring my designs to life and make my client's homes look incredible.  Every job requires the talent of a "village" of craftspeople like painters, carpenters, installers and upholstery and drapery workrooms.  I am lucky that I have had designer-friends and other people in the trade share their secret sources with me, so today I am going to pay it forward!


Meet Bob Wilson...

Bob Wilson of Unique Upholstery in Dallas (near Fair Park)
If you have furniture that you need to reupholster then this is your man!  I first met Bob when I was working on a project a few years ago and my client's friend had recommended him.  I was a little nervous to try someone new and to be honest his workroom is a little off the beaten path, but his prices were too good to resist so we decided to take the risk!  And, I am SO GLAD that I did!

I am a big proponent of reupholstering antiques or other old furniture that you love and just aren't ready to part with.  It is such a great way to breathe new life into a piece of furniture that already has history and character.


I am such a "detail" girl and I need workrooms who I can trust to pay attention to the small things like trims, pleats, flanges, contrast welts, etc.  Above is a pair of "bergeres" aka french chairs that Bob recently reupholstered for one of my clients.  I requested a 1/2" flange with pleated corners on the cushions and a gimp trim along the frame... they turned out beautifully!

In addition to being a talented upholsterer... Bob may just be the sweetest man I have ever met!  Please call him at (214) 827-8262 and don't forget to tell him that I sent you.  Enjoy!

Bob Wilson | Unique Upholstery
1615 S HASKELL AVE

DallasTX 75223
(214) 827-8262


September 16, 2013

The Birth of a Home


I have had such a blast working with a wonderful Dallas couple on their new home over the last year, and I can't wait to show you the finished project in a few weeks!  Floorplans, mood boards and mountains of samples and sketches have slowly transformed into the reality of a beautiful home that they plan to spend the rest of their lives in.

mood boards, samples and construction drawings for Del Roy project
Here is the story of where our journey began...

Take an attorney who is an art-collector with a heart that beats for clean modern lines and personality pieces... add a wife and mama with an impressive collection of antiques and heirloom treasures who has traveled the world with her family and loves to entertain... insert a designer (yes, that's moi) who is passionate about the art of mixing periods and styles... and you end up with a beautiful home that is the best of both worlds!

I will be posting a few more teasers before the great reveal.  So come back soon!

March 1, 2013

Rustic Charm

Living and working in Texas, I often get clients who want to decorate with a nod to their Lone Star roots without feeling like they live at the cattle ranch.  Is it possible to blend rustic pieces with a fresh and updated design palette?  YES!  The key is to bring one or two simple elements into each room, but always paired with simple classic elements and clean lines.  This look very is comforting and inviting, so kick up your boots and look around for awhile!


This reclaimed wood wall has the perfect blend of tones and patina in each board.  I am actually installing an accent wall just like this in one of my client's houses in a couple of weeks.  I hope ours turns out this great!

I fell in love with the goatskin stool the first time I saw it at Mecox Gardens a couple of years ago.  This is for the Metropolitan Cowboy.

This console table is "faux bois" which is actually poured concrete.  This would look great in an entryway or hallway.

Barn doors are a fabulous way to bring either a rustic or equestrian feel to any home.  They are suprisingly versatile and can range from very raw and natural to super slick and modern in style.  FYI I do NOT like this rug.

For you animal lovers out there, here is a nice "faux antler chandelier".  Stick to simpler lines when it comes to these so they don't get too busy and heavy.
The Barn Light Electric company has a plethora of restyled barn light fixtures that make farm life look chic.
                                     
It is no secret that I LOVE a good hide rug.  Some of my favorites include natural ivory, brindles and really any solid colors.  This one is so yummy! 
These petrified wood stools couldn't be cooler!  These would be amazing spread around a patio or even used as stool around an al fresco dining table.

I am so enamored by the beauty of horses.  Natural Curiosities has a great collection of equestrian beautry shots that will take your breath away.  They can be framed many ways, but my favorite is mounted on slubby linen in an acrylic museum frame.

Relaxation ranch style.  Enough said.

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