my early granny like tendencies

A Tuscan Dream in Mississippi

2012-01-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

In America, it isn’t too often that a house has a name, but then again, this isn’t just any house. The estate, Lynnstone, located outside of Jackson, Mississippi near Flora, has an impressive 27,000 sq. ft main house. Inspired by a Tuscan villa, Baton Rouge architect Kevin Harris worked on the project for over five years – and judging by the fine attention to detail – it shows.   Though majestic, the house is remarkably accessible. Each space is filled with antique architectural elements which lends a sense of patina.

I don’t often get to show these types of houses – so this was a real thrill for me when I was sent all these gorgeous photographs – extra large to see all the details.    The house was featured late last year in the Robb Report and once that article came out, I was free to show all the photos that the Robb Report hadn’t. Ah, the beauty of blogging!   The photography by Chipper Hatter is wonderful and I spent hours studying each picture, trying to put it all together.   I only wished I had a floor plan to show – but I hope that you will come to understand how the house flows from the descriptions.

This story is about a dream home – something to look at and learn from.   The interiors are surprisingly warm and inviting, not precious or dressy.   Some rooms are large and expansive, others are smaller and cozy. There are hundreds of ideas to take from this.   Despite its large size, there are only 4 bedrooms, along with guest quarters over the barn. I hope you enjoy studying Lynnstone as much I did – and I hope you find inspiration from it!

Lynnstone is approached from a long, winding gravel driveway. The house sits on 160 rolling acres with views of the treetops that surround the estate. Kevin Harris, the architect, said the landscape reminds one of Tuscany with the hills and trees. From this angle, the house looks like a small village – with all its different rooftop heights and bell tower.

Lynnstone at dusk.   The entrance to the house is at the far left. To enter, you first go through a front courtyard and a bell tower – seen here.

The view of the back side of the estate. Notice on the far right the two Roman temple facades. These house the two guest rooms.   Underneath, through large wood doors, is the basement garage (I think!)

Again, the back side – showing the infinity pool. The two story structure above the Roman temples is the guest suite.

Lynnstone was competed in 2010, after a five year collaboration between the architect and the homeowner. The interior designer on the project was Annelle Primos from Jackson, Mississippi. Harris said the house was designed to match the slopes of the landscape.   The exterior is rustic – a combination of three layers of Arkansas fieldstones, some of which are covered in lichen to make the rock appear aged. The roof is reclaimed 17th century clay tiles.

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The stone steps lead up to wooden doors that open to the entrance.

(Notice here – on the far left is one of the Roman temples that houses the guest room. Under the temples is the garage.)

(ok, I’m dreaming here – but if I lived here – I would leave my car here, and have the butler go park it in the garage. Then I would enter the house here EACH time! I would walk up the stairs, walk through the entrance – walk down the colonnade by the courtyard and then into the house itself. Such a beautiful front entrance – I would want to experience it every time. ok, back to reality.)

A closer view of the stone steps set within the terraced lawn that lead up to the courtyard entrance.

A view of the side of the front entrance. This room is open to the elements – there is no glass in the windows, only wood shutters to keep out the rain.   Notice the charming window near the roof.   Notice also how the foundation stone is darker and randomly placed compared stone on the walls.

Two large wood doors open to the entrance courtyard building. Dozens of gorgeous lanterns like this are found throughout the property.

The entrance to the courtyard. Wood shutters take the place of glass panes.

The view once you enter the double wood doors – your eyes goes past the courtyard to the front foyer inside the house.

The ceiling of the front entrance, a double height room, with more lanterns hanging from the rafters.

To enter the house, you walk through the entrance building, then walk under the bell tower and on down the colonnade with its arched columns.

Looking back towards the entrance building – the courtyard is on the right. This colonnade leads to the interior. Notice the row of lanterns that light the way.

The view from the outside of the colonnade and the courtyard.

Here, in a side view, you can see the entrance room at the left, the bell tower, then the colonnade that runs alongside the courtyard. On the right, stone steps lead down from the house to the grounds.   The large arch in the wall is behind a fountain – see below:

Here is the fountain, as seen by the front entrance. Notice how large the property is from this view.

The view from the lobby in the house, looking back at the front entrance building. The bell tower is at the corner, the colonnade is at the left.   In the center of the front courtyard is a sun dial.   To the right – is the family room. Above it, are the guest quarters.

At the end of the courtyard and the colonnade is the entrance into the house.   Inside the lobby, the rooms surround a fountain in a atrium.   You can just see the atrium behind the windows.

The lobby with its gorgeous stone floors and vaulted ceiling.   The atrium is behind the window.   The dining room is to the right. Such a beautiful space!

The atrium with its elephant fountain. Harris says the homeowner found the elephant in Santa Fe, but the architect was concerned that the “elephant would compromise the integrity of the home." Both the interior designer and the architect had never heard of elephants in Italy.   It was researched and discovered that Hannibal had brought over 37 elephants to Italy during the Second Punic War. So…the elephant was allowed to stay!!

Several rooms surround this atrium including the living room and dining room. You can see into the living room here where the piano is.

The dining room is to the right of the main entrance. The table is from Hendrix Allardyce and the chairs are Belgian, with the owner’s monograms on their seat back. Through the door is the catering kitchen which serves for parties and as a butler’s pantry.

There is a beautiful antique stone mantel flanked by matching mirrors and consoles. To the left, the dining room looks out to the fountain with the elephant. Notice the ceiling treatment in this room – each room has a different treatment.

A close up of the antique double doors that lead into the catering kitchen.

The Catering Kitchen: Quite a kitchen for a secondary one!

At the front entrance to the house – to the right is the dining room and to the left is the living room.

The living room is decorated in creams and off whites. A wood Italian chandelier hangs over this space. On the far right is a door that leads to the library, which leads to the master bedroom suite.   The architect designed the house so that you would need to walk through all the rooms to get around – he purposely left out hallways.   The living room over looks a portico which leads to an outdoor eating area terrace and the infinity pool.

In the living room – another antique stone mantel. The antique tapestry pillows in the living room are from BViz HERE.

Here is the outside view of the living room – behind the arched colonnade. The steps lead down to terrace and the infinity swimming pool.

The living room is up the steps on the left, the outdoor eating area and fireplace is straight ahead.

Off the living room terrace is the outdoor eating area and fireplace. The main kitchen leads to this space.

The view off the terrace shows just how expansive the estate is.

To understand the layout – the living room is behind the white columns in the middle of the house. To the left of the living room is the library, then the master suite. To the right of the living room is the kitchen and the guest rooms in the two Roman temples – above on the second floor is another guest suite.

The house was designed around the outdoor living areas, which follow the slope of the property.

The family/TV room faces the front of the house. It is located off the front courtyard – on its left side – shown here in a nighttime view. The kitchen is connected to the family room and above it is the guest apartment.

The family room. The door to this room lines up with the bell tower and the arched fountain on the side yard.   The flat screen hides behind the large painting on the left. Through the door is the main kitchen and breakfast room.

Next to the family room is the main kitchen and breakfast room.   Along with the dining room, this area is another personal favorite.   The banquette is just gorgeous with its white slipcover and the scalloped back. And I love how the cabinet was made to look like an armoire – notice its perfect proportion to the room and ceiling height. Notice the chandelier and the wood beamed ceiling. AND, the floors! It’s all just so beautiful.

On one side, the kitchen overlooks the outdoor eating area and the swimming pool.   On the breakfast room side, it overlooks the entrance courtyard. I wish I had a floor plan for you!!!!   I’m trying to explain the layout so that you can understand how it all fits together.

The kitchen features Venetian plaster walls, reclaimed wood, and rustic stone countertops, backsplashes, and flooring. There is also La Cornue range.    No overhead cabinets give it a European feel.   Notice the old wood doors that open up the bar area. They add so much texture and authenticity to the kitchen.   Now, a house this majestic would usually have a slick kitchen with granite countertops and tons of cabinetry. I LOVE how the architect and designer nixed this for a true country kitchen that would be found in Italy.

Another view – notice the pantry doors that hang on barn door hardware.

Above the family room are private guest quarters.   The Juliet balcony overlooks the entrance courtyard.   Notice again the gorgeous, rustic ceiling. This really looks like a renovated Tuscany farmhouse.

Close up view of the fireplace and seating area.

The bedroom in the guest suite. Notice the wood floors – how gorgeous they are! The casement windows are another wonderful choice.    Just beautiful. I could live quite happily in the guest quarters and not ask for more.

The library is the room the connects the living room to the master bedroom suite.   The wood cabinets were bleached and then chicken wire was added to give it an aged look. The creams and ivories pick up the color scheme of the living room.

Off the library is the master bedroom suite which overlooks the backyard infinity pool and the acreage beyond. The ceiling is phenomenal – the beams, as in other parts of the house, are reclaimed. The Rose Tarlow Melrose House bed creates a room within a room. Upholstery pieces here and throughout are from the Cameron Collection. The color scheme of creams, ivories and hints of gold repeats that found in the living room and library.

The fireplace features yet another antique stone mantel bought in France. Notice how the window treatments were designed to bring the casements up to the ceiling line by utilizing shades placed under the rod instead of the window.

The bathroom features a large his and hers marble tiled shower that opens off the bathtub.

The MARBLE tub! Amazing.   The bathroom has its own garden and fountain.

There is also a wood sauna (natch!)

Her closet is filled with French antiques, including the mirrored doors.

His closet with wood floors and cabinets resembles a fine men’s shop.

Showing the back of the house again – on the far left, the master bath with its fountain, the master bedroom, the library – then the living room behind the white columns, the outside sitting area with swimming pool and fireplace, the kitchen, the private guest quarters above the family room – and the two guest suites in the Roman temple buildings at the very right. Underneath, I think, is probably the garage and the basement area.

The two guest rooms are housed in their own Roman temple styled buildings.

Both guest rooms’ ceilings are raised to the roof line. They both have stone floors and balconies that over look the countryside.

The second guest room is slightly more feminine in feel with its draped bed.

Of course there is a man cave with a bar!   I’ve studied the pictures for days now and can only conclude this must be in the basement area around where the garage is. Not sure, but if you have a better idea – let me know.

The sitting area in the man cave.

The leather chairs and wood paneling give the room its masculine feel. I love the painting over the sofa!!

Behind antique wood doors is an office/sitting room that for the life of me I can’t figure out where in the house this is!   I’m going to guess this is near the garage where you enter the house.

The room has a definite masculine feel to it – with the deer heads and other hunting memorabilia.

The stables with its metal roof is quite beautiful!

A side view of the columns and roof line – along with its stone walls. Even the barn has fabulous architectural features – nothing was left untouched, no detail was left out.

Inside, charming lighting gives the stables a festive vibe.

Upstairs – over the stables is a guest house (can I just live here?) Yet, another beautiful space. Notice the ceiling and the kitchen cabinetry.

And finally, the living area in the stables. There is also a bedroom and bath. I like the blue trim on the curtains that picks up the blue of the armoire.

I hope you have enjoyed this visit to Lynnstone!   Are you exhausted? I am! I worked on this for four days!!!

A huge thank you to the esteemed architect Mr. Kevin Harris. For more information on Harris, go HERE.

Please visit interior designer Annelee Primos HERE.

All photographs by Chipper Hatter, used with permission. For more information on Chipper’s photography HERE.

A Holiday Weekend Giveaway!

2012-01-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

The Cotton Eye Joe at the Sayles Ranch Guesthouses

You may remember about two years ago, Cote de Texas had a giveaway for a weekend at the Sayles Ranch Guesthouses in Abilene, Texas. The owners, The Browders, had just completed their newest addition to their guest houses, the “Cotton Eye Joe” and wanted to celebrate it with the giveaway. Terry Browder did much of the renovation himself – and judging by the comments, everyone loved it. Since that time, Terry has been hard at work on two new guest houses – The Dance Hall and the Cottage Clare.   He has generously donated another free weekend to the winner of this latest giveaway.

Located in Abilene, Texas, the Sayles Ranch Guesthouses offers a luxurious alternative to travelers. Instead of staying at a local hotel or motel, visitors stay at one of their private houses – each restored by Terry. All of their properties are located about five minutes from downtown in the National Register of Historic Places neighborhood called Sayles Boulevard. The guest houses come in all different sizes, and each is uniquely decorated, no two are alike.

The idea for the Sayles Ranch Guesthouses was born 8 years ago when the Browders realized there were only a few chain hotels such as Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn in Abilene – a moderately sized city of 120,000.   Terry felt there was a need for something “more” for travelers to his city. He and his wife began by buying their neighbor’s house – which they remodeled and furnished and rented out on a nightly basis. They now have 10 furnished guest rentals (with one new one currently being restored) – all within a 2 to 3 block area! Amazing!!

Abilene, a gateway to the west, is located in the middle of Texas, between Ft. Worth and Midland.    Last year, one of my besties stayed at the Sayles Ranch Guesthouse when she drove home from Aspen to Houston.   It was the perfect place to break up the long drive from Colorado.   Abilene has many guest attractions, including a zoo and the world famous Frontier Texas museum.   And there are lots of antiques stores for those who like to shop!

Here is a look at the two newest guest houses. The winner will have her pick of either one for the weekend stay.

I. Cottage Clare

The newest edition to the Sayles Ranch Guesthouses is the charming Cottage Clare. The turquoise and aqua colors hint at what is inside.

The front porch has vintage furniture which overlooks the quiet, historic neighborhood.

BEFORE:   Of course, like all the properties, the cottage started out like this! The roof in the living room was raised to the rafters.

Today, the cottage is a homage to turquoise! At 1800 sq. ft., the 1938 cottage was named after the Browder’s daughter Clare.   It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a living room, family room, dining room and a kitchen. The ceilings were raised in this room to make the area appear larger. Terry found the chandelier and added the turquoise beads to it. The wood floors were painted on a diagonal to visually expand the space. The teal leather chairs came from Z Gallerie.

The bench came from a railway station. So cute! Love the tiled art work above it.

Past the living room is the dining area with its Victorian settee. The toile print was used throughout the ouse for continuity.   The 19th century dresser was limed gray.

In the kitchen, Terry chose to keep the original cabinets because they still look good and fit right in with the décor.

Through the kitchen is the family room, a newer addition, where the painted floor is continued. The large piece is a vintage post office cubby!! Wow. What a statement!

Love the high coffee table too. Terry told me this piece is 17th century. No wonder my eye went right to it. It’s an old Jacobean pub table, pegged and mortised – there are no nails. It’s beautiful and really adds character to this room. I also love the sign above the sofa. The wicker chair is an old Ethan Allen piece that Terry painted gray. I swear – I bought this same exact chair for a client (maybe we should paint hers too! hmmm.)

In the master bedroom, the new reproduction bed was painted gray.

The second guestroom has a comfy bed, again it was painted with a gray wash to soften its color. There are 3 bedrooms in the Cottage Clare.

The guest bath got a darling new, painted console for the sink. Cute chandelier too!

#2 “Dance Hall”

The second guesthouse, The Dance Hall, is quite different than the other guesthouses – it began life as a 1950s two story ballet studio. The Dance Hall takes up the lower level of the building and is just 750 sq. ft. This guest house is perfect for a smaller group – although it does have two bedrooms and a kitchen. The upstairs space is The Hay Loft, which is also a part of Sayles Ranch Guesthouses. A large group that wants privacy could rent out the downstairs and upstairs unit.

The dropped acoustical tiled roof was removed and the ceiling now reaches 10” – a great luxury.

Today, the space has a “loft” like appearance. The tiled floor was removed, exposing the concrete foundation which was painted with stripes.   Doesn’t it resemble a rug?   The cubbie entertainment center came from a turn of the century hardware store. Love the globe collection – it gives a great vibe to the guesthouse. Notice the walls – they are book covers! Terry used this same idea in the Cotton Eye Joe guesthouse, but here he color coordinated the covers.

Here you can see the book covers on the wall. What happened to the pages of the books?   I’ll show that later!

And looking the other way – towards the dining area and the kitchen. On the right – before the kitchen, you can make out a jib door that leads into the utility room. It is hidden in the book covers!!

The table and benches are in the middle of the living/kitchen area.   The table is shaped like a guitar pick. Notice the chandelier has Edison bulbs to give it a high tech look. You can see one of the bedrooms and the bathroom in this picture.

The stainless steel appliances and metal countertops are also high tech looking. Notice the backsplash – it’s pennies!!! Terry used 2,700 pennies for the job – costing only $27.00. Stained glass windows are used for privacy from the nearby street.

Here’s a closeup of the pennies backsplash.

Where in the world would Terry use these doors from a 1957 Chevy pick up truck?

Headboards in the master bedroom!!!

Since the truck is the same age as the ballet studio – and they were turquoise – Terry said he had to use them somewhere. Too cute!!!

This 8 x 10 area serves as the guest bedroom – perfect for kids.

In case you were wondering what happened to the pages from all the book covers used on the wall – well, here they are! Terry put all the pages in this bookcase found in the upstairs unit – The Hayloft.

So, now that you have had time to look at the two newest properties, be sure to check out the Sayles Ranch Guesthouses website – to look at ALL the properties. Be sure to check out the The City Slickers. That one is huge and really pretty!   There is one more new guesthouse coming soon – the original Sayles home built for the original Sayles family. Built in 1889, it’s a Queen Anne Victorian and has six bedrooms. I can’t wait to see that one!

The Browders much have so much fun – running a “hotel” in their neighborhood. It’s an interior designer’s dream come true to own so many houses that you can decorate in all different styles. I would love to do this!   This would be a great idea for someone who lives in the Heights in Houston, or in Galveston – in one of their historic neighborhoods.

GIVEAWAY:

To enter the giveaway – One Free Weekend at either location – The Cottage Clare or The Dance Hall - please visit the Sayles web site and let me know which one of their 10 guest houses is your favorite. Then, come back here and leave me a comment telling me your favorite guest house. That’s it!

The winner will get to pick the weekend stay at either the Cottage Clare or the Dance Hall.

The Sayles Ranch Guesthouses web site is at: http://www.saylesranch.com/our-homes/

Be sure to look at both page 1 AND page 2 of all the different guest houses.

The contest ends Friday night at 11:59 p.m.

A huge thank you Terry for your generous giveaway!!!

A Material Girl Before & After in Dallas

2012-01-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Before and After: Exterior of the duplex located in Dallas.

Through the blog, I get a few emails requesting design work. Unfortunately, many requests are for houses not located in Houston. Since the blog takes up so much of my time, I no longer am able to travel far from Houston for design work.   When a reader doesn’t live here, I try to recommend a local designer, if I know of one. If not, I’ll recommend a designer who does online decorating.   Such was the case with this one reader who wrote that she was moving from Houston into an 80 year old duplex in Dallas.

The homeowner sent me these pictures before she moved in to show me what she had to work with. The duplex had a lot of character - there were hardwood floors and a painted white brick fireplace.

Additionally, there were lots of windows and arched doorways, along with a health addicted former tenant.   Despite the exciting challenge, I didn’t think it would be in her best interest to work with me – she needed someone in Dallas that could take her out shopping and then return to the duplex to bring it all together.

I referred her to fellow designer Emily Johnston Larkin of the very popular Material Girls blog HERE. Emily and her friend Lauren started Material Girls around the same time as Cote de Texas. Emily wrote about Dallas, while Lauren wrote about Houston. Today the blog has grown - there are now six Material Girls who write for it from all over the country.   Emily and I had a special bond – both our spouses are named Ben and both are rabid University of Texas fans.   We would email each other with tales of our respective Ben screaming into the TV over some football loss or win.   So, when thinking of a designer to recommend in Dallas, I knew the homeowner would be a perfect fit with the beautiful Emily.   A positive was that Sarah, the homeowner, and Emily are closer in age and probably closer in design aesthetics. After I made the referral, I didn’t think of it very often. I didn’t even know if they ever connected until a few weeks ago when Emily emailed me with photographs of the finished living areas! I was very pleasantly stunned – to say the least.   Emily said she wanted to keep it all on the q-t until the job was over so that she could surprise me - and surprise me, she did.

Here are the before shots of what the duplex looked like after Sarah had moved in and before Emily was hired. She owned a cute settee, along with a persimmon painted chest.

There was a green sofa in the living area.

After moving in, the one change Sarah made was to paint the walls a soft khaki color. Notice the pretty cove ceiling.

AFTER:

And here is what it looks likes today – thanks to Emily! What a transformation!!!!   Wow.

Another view of the living area and into the dining room. I love the color scheme – the white upholstery mixed in with pops of chartreuse and bright orange. The color choices makes the room look youthful and hip.

Here’s what Emily had to say about the design scheme. The homeowner, Sarah, didn’t have a huge budget, so Emily mixed high and low elements to get as big of a bang as possible. The cowhide rug was Sarah’s, so that was a plus. It was layered over a new sisal rug. Emily says that Sarah said she liked a “Cote de Texas” look – so she knew Sarah would love the sisal and cowhide mixed with a new white slipcovered sofa from….IKEA!   Yes!!! The famous IKEA sofa. Look how good it looks here – at first glance, I didn’t even realize it was from IKEA, I thought they had slipcovered her existing sofa. But as Emily knows, slipcovering an existing sofa is twice the price of a new $389 IKEA sofa. Great choice.   She added two new French inspired chairs from Palacek, along with off white curtains from Restoration Hardware.   The French bench also came from Restoration Hardware which was recovered in a chartreuse velvet from Pindler and Pindler.

The artwork above the sofa are old handwritten notes from Sarah’s grandmother, mother, and teachers that she has kept all these years.   First, she enlarged the notes on a copier, then she placed them in frames bought from IKEA. The notes are a wonderful idea – they add a personal touch to the space, plus they look like a big piece of art when framed and hung like this. Great idea!!!

Sarah really wanted a bricklayer’s table but didn’t want to pay a fortune for what is essentially a rustic piece. Her father came to the rescue and made it himself with the help of a welder.

The modern gold bowl came from Stephanie Anne – a favorite store of Sarah’s in Dallas. This was one high priced accessory – most all other accessories came from Anthropologie and Home Goods.

Emily added glass knobs to the orange chest to dress it up a bit. Notice how all the greens tie in together. The orange of the chest is repeated in the pillow fabrics.

Restoration Hardware curtains soften the window side of the room.

The gold and glass console adds a contemporary touch, as does the white lamp. I love the touch of lilac found in the shade.

More contemporary touches is the gold mirror from Horchow. The vase brings in another touch of bright chartreuse.

The bright pillow fabric ties in with the other pops of color. Behind the chair is a commissioned work of art.

One special touch is the commissioned canvas by Dallas artist Lindsey Meyer HERE.   The art work brings in all the colors used in the duplex.

Sarah collects antiques at Round Top and had inherited some from her beloved grandmother – these were used to give the room patina and character.

More personal touches are the antlers resting in an old silver tray. I love this juxtaposition between fine and rustic.

I really love monograms – a bowl of matches like this is handy for lighting candles and is a great guest gift. Other items to monogram are paper napkins, soaps and guest towels. Pottery Barn has a great selection of gift items that can be personalized with your monogram.

A glimpse into the dining area shows a skirted table with a painted white case, sconces and an unseen chandelier.

The burlap skirt is dressed up with X stitchery and white painted Chinoiserie style chairs. Cute black and white tiled floors lead into the kitchen.

Emily added this following story about the homeowner:
Sarah was very close to her 101 year old landlord, Katie, who passed away this past summer while we were working on her living room (Katie had lived in the unit above Sarah since the 1960’s!) At the urging of Katie’s friends, Sarah took ownership of both duplexes. The décor in Katie’s unit hadn’t changed since the 60’s so Sarah and her dad (through blood, sweat and tears J) renovated it. Once they were done, Sarah buried a letter that she wrote, under the floorboards of Katie’s former duplex that told Katie’s story. Her hope was that fifty years from now, another landlord would find it and know how special the duplex was to both Katie and Sarah.

To contact Emily Johnston Larkin, please visit her web site for all the details HERE.   A huge thank you to Emily and Sarah for sharing the story of their before & after!

Dogs and Birds and Carol Sheehan: Oh My!

2012-01-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

My all time favorite coffee table book is “Living With Dogs.” While I do love its contents, it’s the cover that really does it for me. I have two copies of the books, because with time, the original cover got damaged, and so I replaced it. Of course!

The reason why I love the cover so much is this girl, Georgina (Georgie), my English Springer Spaniel.   This picture is from the story of my house in Houston House and Home magazine.   Ever since this photoshoot, Georgie has been terrorized by cameras and won’t pose for them anymore. Even if I just pretend to take her picture she goes scampering away.   We couldn’t get these two to pose together, so the photographer took a picture of Sammie Jo then, photoshopped Georgie onto to it.   Look how good they match my décor and the book!

The Webbs have long loved springers and Ben’s parents’ last dog was a very overweight gentleman named Duke. When Ben’s father died, his brother Kirk went out and bought this beauty, Quila. Later that week Ben’s older brother Pat got Zorro from the same litter. Of course, a week later, Ben brought home the last of the litter, our Georgie.   All three springers are healthy and are still with us.   Later, Kirk and Shannon got 3 more springers from the same mother. So – you can understand why I love that book cover so much. It looks like it was designed for my house – it perfectly matches my dog and my décor!   Inside the book is just as good – it has everything about the sport of dogs including dogs in design.   Written by the husband and wife team, Laurence and Carol Sheehan, this is just one in a series of sporting books these two have written, along with Kathryn Precourt and photographer William Stites.

If the name Carol Sheehan sounds familiar – she has had a long career writing design books and editing design magazines. She was the editor-in-chief for County Homes when it was at its best. She and Mary Emmerling are friends and together they made that magazine great.   Carol and Mary also wrote many books together – wonderful titles such as this:

One of the many books that Emmerling and Sheehan collaborated on.

Once the Sheehans married, they began writing the series of sporting/design books. There is one on fishing, sports, and gardening.   What I love so much about these books is that they combine the subject with design – thanks to Carol’s first love.

The Sheehan’s newest book, The Birding Life, was recently released.   It’s actually quite topical since birds have been showing up everywhere in design – on fabrics, wallpapers, and framed prints. Sheehan got her start in Houston as editor of a very early design magazine, Houston Home and Garden.   In this book, she returns to her roots – photographing several Houstonians who collect birds or nests. One beautiful feature is Kay O’ Toole’s house, a French enfilade located behind her antique store. These pictures are worth the price of book! Gorgeous!

A vignette from Kay O’Toole’s house – with a bird on the stone epaulet.

Another pretty spread is the home of bird lovers in Florida.   A big surprise was to see famous bloggers Hollister and Porter Hovey’s incredible New York apartment, filled with trendy taxidermy.

Birds in design are quite popular today – you can see this here in wallpaper and fabrics.

This week, we were honored to welcome author Carol Sheehan to the Skirted Roundtable. Carol talks about her books and magazines and her long and varied career.   To listen, please go HERE to the Skirted Roundtable blog.

To order Living With Dogs, go HERE.

And to order the new The Birding Life, go HERE.

So……what title is up next for the Sheehans? Listen to the Skirted Roundtable to find out HERE.

The Casita at the KW Ranch

2012-01-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

The KW Ranch front gates. The main house where Kirk and Shannon live is seen at the end of the gravel drive.

And looking back on the front gates. Across the street is the Southern Rose Ranch where we stayed this past Christmas. Though we usually stay in the casita at Shannon’s ranch, it was booked up with other family members.

The long gravel drive divides the front lawn into two sides, left and right. Past the lawn are the left and right pastures for the horses and donkeys and Bella the cow to roam on. In back of the house is another large pasture for the animals.    Here is the right side lawn looking back towards the front gate. This is the view that the casita bedrooms look onto.

And looking the opposite way on the right front lawn, the casita is hidden behind the large Live Oak tree, right next to the red barn on the right.   Cutting the grass is a major event!!

The left side of the front lawn with its red swing and chairs under the Live Oak tree is my favorite private spot.

My niece and nephew on their horses. I took this picture a few years ago, Caroline is so grown up now! Here you can see part of the main house. The casita is to its right – across the gravel drive.

A BEFORE shot of the casita. The prefab building was on the property when Shannon and Kirk bought it.   It was one room, which started out as Kirk’s office. The other side of the building was used as a tool shed. Connecting to the casita was a covered car port.   Once Kirk relocated his office downtown, the casita was turned into a guest bedroom. Several years ago, the tool shed became a second bedroom and a weekend house for Shannon’s mom, Dottie Wills.   Shannon and her mother always had big plans for this humble building. Since there was no bathroom, guests had to walk across the drive to go inside the main house. Try doing that on a freezing Christmas night! Not fun, I can assure you. After living here for many years, the final renovation took place this past year.

BEFORE shot of the carport.   Now, all the bikes and lawnmowers, etc. are stored in the red barn. Today, this carport is the living room, bathroom and kitchen of the casita.

Another BEFORE picture of the casita. Shannon painted the walls gray and the doors, red.   A sign reads “Dottie’s Casita” in honor of Shannon’s mom. In the renovation, this red door was removed. Now the entrances are on each side where two porches were built.   The right side porch leads to the bedrooms and the left side porch leads to the living area.

The new porch on the right side. This porch looks onto the front lawn and the gate. It was screened in the day I left. The building remained gray to match the main house, but the doors are no longer red. Shannon’s mother likes a much quieter décor palette than Shannon, as you will see. Plus, she is not into Mexican folk art, rather she loves French antiques.

This side porch has doors that lead into each bedroom. All the porch furniture was recovered in new green Sunbrella fabric. Dottie loves gray-green, it’s her favorite color.

Sconces flank each door. Here you can see the vintage iron porch furniture that is painted gray-green. This side overlooks the pasture and barn where Kirk’s vintage red Coca-Cola truck is parked! You can get a glimpse into Dottie’s bedroom here.

The new porch on the left side overlooks the back yard and the red barn. The furniture here is more in keeping with the ranch theme. This door leads to the new part of the casita, the living areas.

The main living area. The walls and ceilings are beadboard – there is no sheetrock in the new addition. The floors are a bronze colored concrete.   The dining area and bathroom are seen on the back right.

Here you can see the tall vaulted ceiling. There are two ceiling fans (this is Texas!) and the wood chandelier from Aidan Gray in between them.   The kitchen is located past the living room area along the back wall.

A night shot of the casita shows the slipcovered sofa and chairs – and the two French chairs that wear a yellow toile fabric. Here you can see the stained glass window in the kitchen. This window has traveled between Wills houses for the past 30 years.

Above the TV are two urn prints with a deer head in between.

The kitchen is an accumulation of furniture – not cupboards. An oval shaped island separates the kitchen from the living area.

A rustic cabinet with a wood top and metal drawers acts as counter space.   The refrigerator and stove are not built in. The dishes are stored in the corner pine cabinet.

The oval island is topped with a thick stone slab.   It holds wine, pots and silverware. Along the back wall is a wood cabinet that hold the sink.

The nighttime view from the other side.

One of the bedrooms is located of the kitchen area.

This old, rustic piece holds the sink with its gorgeous nickel Perrin and Rowe faucet.

On the opposite side of the addition from the kitchen, the bathroom is located through the double door. The sink is located in a gray painted vintage piece with fleur de lis knobs. That’s moi in the mirror!

Another vintage wood piece holds the towels.

The casita is really a home away from home for Shannon’s mother, Dottie.   It has everything she needs here and it is totally independent from the main house.   There’s even a washer/dryer located here behind these closet doors with glass knobs.

The shower was designed for wheelchair access if it might one day be needed. The shower entrance is flat to the floor so that the chair could be easily wheeled in.   The shower is completely tiled in subway sized tiles. A window looks onto the porch and the red barn.

There also a hand held faucet outside the shower – for the future, if need be.

This bedroom is the original office. Over the years it became a guest room.   When the renovation happened, it was painted this dark brown with a light French blue ceiling. Wall to wall seagrass was installed over the linoleum tiles that were once the office’s floor.

Blue accents are found throughout the room. Candlestick lamps came from Indulge.

Across the rice bed is this antique French day bed for extra guests or for a sofa.   The windows have burlap shades.    Two French styled chairs are covered in light linen.

Taken at night, in the corner is an antique Oriental chest atop a wooden base. The TV is located inside here. This door leads to the front porch that faces the lawn and the gravel driveway.

Here you can see into the kitchen and living area. All the space located past the bedroom door is new. That is the space that was once the carport.

I love the day bed with its tall sides. It looks so inviting! The outside fabric is a damask while the interior fabric is a solid. The lamps has a cute slipcovered shade.

Dottie’s bedroom is located on the other side of the guest bedroom. This was once the toolshed part of the original building. It was converted into a bedroom several years ago.   The ceiling was raised to the rafters. Outside the door is the front porch which faces the lawn and gate. The walls and ceilings are beadboard, the floor is wall to wall seagrass. The color of the room is a soft nude/peach.

The bed and chairs are French.   Dottie loves Oriental accents and accessories.   The shades are also burlap, as in the guest room.

I think this chandelier is so gorgeous and I love its medallion.

Dottie uses the French desk to put her make up on.   Through the door is the living area. Again, everything past the door is new – it was added onto the two bedrooms just this past summer.

Just like in the guest room, Dottie’s room has its own French day bed, ready for a grandchild or an afternoon nap. I love that highboy. I think it’s gorgeous.

At the head of the daybed is a French armoire and a tiny French side table.

Did you know that there is a connection between the KW Ranch and the White House?

Shannon’s father and Dottie’s husband, J. Anthony Wills, was a respected and very talented portrait artist who painted many notables from CEOs to politicians to Presidents of the United States.

If you have visited the White House and used the grand staircase, you have probably seen two of Shannon’s father’s portraits that are hanging there.

J. Anthony Wills’ portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower is part of the White House permanent art collection. Notice his hands – they are so lifelike, just incredible. Wills was in total charge of the sitting, from choosing the backdrop and posing position, to even helping his subjects pick out their clothes for their portrait.

Besides Eisenhower, Wills’ portrait of Richard M. Nixon also hangs in the White House.

Here’s a photo of the young artist on the left – J. Anthony Wills – taken in 1945. He had painted this portrait of Charles W. Nash – founder of Nash cars. You might be too young to know about Nash cars!

Prints of Shannon’s father’s four most famous portraits hang in the red library of the main house on the KW Ranch.

Also hanging in the library is this portrait of Shannon – her father painted her and her sister Anthea as a surprise for their mother. Who would have known looking at this young innocent teenager wearing three thin bracelets – that one day she would own hundreds more bracelets that she stored in a Mexican themed closet????

I’ll bet she still owns these three bracelets and ring.

Just kidding!!! No more comments about the closet, please!!!!

I hope you enjoyed seeing the guest casita at the Webbs. As of right now, it’s not a B&B, but I bet one day Shannon will decide to become an innkeeper and open its doors. It’s so close to Round Top, it would make a perfect place to stay while antiquing at the fair.

Pancho says adios from the KW Ranch.

A Closet to End All Closets!

2012-01-02T05:21:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Years!    It always seems to go by too fast especially after all the hard work and preparations. As you know, we spent the holidays with Ben’s family – at his brother’s ranch in Chappell Hill, Texas. His wife Shannon is a wonderful decorator as is her mother. Her father is a portrait artist, so a good eye runs in the family. When Shannon and Kirk first bought the ranch, the house was nice enough, but after a few years, they completely renovated it from the floor to the ceilings – adding all new windows and extra footage. They put in a totally new kitchen, master bathroom, and a large mudroom, along with an office for Shannon and extra space in the living room.   Shannon loves the rustic Texana Ranch look, along with a heavy influence from the south of the border, Mexico, – and a touch of French antiques. She loves bright colors and organized clutter. The change in their house was phenomenal. What was once a typical ranchburger became a showplace of casual sophistication.

This year there were two new additions to the KW Ranch. One was the Casita, which started out as a small shed with an enclosed room and a garage to be born again as a two bedroom guest house that could be on the cover of any design magazine. The second addition was a new closet for Shannon.    Now, it’s not just any closet – the space could be mistaken for a boutique. I might even say that many boutiques aren’t even as cute as her closet!    It’s a dream – a fantasy of dazzling colors and textures, a monument to cowboy boots and designer purses, a jewelry store hidden among furs and Mexican dresses.

The first time I walked into the “Closet” - my jaw dropped.   I was stunned by it all: her collections of bracelets and bags and shoes was amazing. Where had it all been stored before this closet?   The former closet was a very long, extremely narrow space that you had to turn sideways to walk to its end.   It was impossible to find anything in and I didn’t blame Shannon for wanting a new closet.   Now that it’s all complete, I can’t imagine how she managed all these years without it.

So, without further ado….here is Shannon’s new closet. Enjoy!!!

To enter the closet, you first pass this short hallway in the master bedroom. Past here is the master bathroom – which connects to the new closet. On this antique chest, Shannon keeps a collection of perfume bottles with sterling silver tops.

Eagle eyes may remember this bathroom – I showed it on the blog after the first renovation. When you enter the bathroom – your eye is led out the casement windows to the side yard.   The closet is through a door to the right of the tub – and to the left is Kirk’s side of the bathroom and the shower stall. The large bathroom is made up of two distinct areas – one feminine and one masculine.

Upon entering the bathroom, Shannon’s sink is on the direct right. It’s a painted bowl inset into an antique bombe chest topped with an aged piece of marble.

And to the immediate left of the door, across from the sink are these two cases that act as the bathroom’s closet.

Looking back to the entrance to the bathroom. Of course, I took these during Christmas, so all the decorations are still up. This tree is silvery with turquoise accents that mimic the color of the bath’s turquoise ceiling.

Here you can see where Kirk’s side connects to Shannon’s side.

To the left of Shannon’s tub is Kirk’s side of the bathroom, with its wood vanity and two copper sinks.   The shower stall is to its right.

A close up of Kirk’s sink with its Mexican pottery accessories.

The shower can fit several people or more in it. The floor tiles found throughout the house continue up the shower walls. They are mixed with colorful Mexican styled tiles. The towels are all monogrammed with the KW Ranch brand.

Even though the ranch is in Texas A&M University country, the UT Longhorns are represented in the corner tiles.

Here, you can see the vaulted ceiling with the warm turquoise paint.

This large plaster relief hangs on the left side of Shannon’s tub.

While a set of shelves are on the right.

Outside the windows, Shannon placed this sculpture in the garden.

Just to the right of the tub, this small vestibule leads to the closet. The double doors have carved glass knobs while the turquoise ceiling has a crystal chandelier.   For the past several years, while planning the closet, Shannon has been collecting architectural elements for it.

This is the first glimpse of the closet when you walk in.   The ceiling is vaulted like the bathroom and is also painted turquoise. The floor tiles are the same found throughout the house.

To the right behind the chair is the ceiling to floor shoe rack.

Two gray painted chests back to back make up the island that separates the two sides of the closet. On the right, there is a vanity table. At the end of each aisle is a tall window. Hanging from the ceiling is a festive chandelier made up of different colored crystals.

There are three hanging clothes bays – left, center, and right. The two chests are filled with jewelry, fine and costume.

In front of the chests is a red leather bench.

Two tapestry pillows rest against the chests.

And resting on the bench is a tequila bar – by Jan Barboglio.   Last summer Shannon and friends actually had a tequila party in her closet!!

On the left side of the closet is her collection of cowboy boots.

The boots reach from the floor to the ceiling. Amazing!!! Notice her beautiful turquoise concho belt hanging from the cowboy hat.

On the left side of the closet, the chest has glass doors with red flower knobs.

Baskets are lined up for storage on the left side.

On top of the back to back chests are a collection of Catrina dolls from San Miguel, Mexico. These skeleton dolls are used in the Day of the Dead celebrations on November 1 –2, or as it is known here – All Saints Day.   The skeleton image is very popular in Mexican art.

Close of the Catrina pottery which fits in so well with Shannon’s rustic Texan/Mexican design theme.

The mirror also depicts a Catrina doll. Notice the collection of vintage Louis Vuitton luggage on top of the clothing bay.

Shannon collects the metal roses – here one is used in this green cross.

Costume bracelets and turquoise are held in authentic Mexican clay dishes.

Looking back towards the front from the left side. You can see the glass fronted chest and the turquoise painted mirror. Of course there’s a flat screen TV here!

Close up of the mirror that perfectly matches the ceiling and the turquoise jewelry. The door to the right leads out to the bathroom.

Quila, one of their five springers (and litter sister to our Georgie) is watching over her namesake – the tequila bar.

Everything in the closet is perfectly organized. Even the shoes are organized by name brand.

All her Tory Burch shoes are stored together.

Of course if Quila is here, so is Lucy!!!

While Shannon found the two back to back chests in a store, she had her carpenters make this chest. The red rose knobs match those on the chests.

Her “better” purses are stored here – just like you would find in a boutique.

Next to the built in chest is the right side aisle with its vanity.

While the left side chest has glass front doors, the right side chest is left open for easy access. All her costume jewelry is stored in hot pink boxes she found at Target. The pink really pops with the turquoise and reds.

Closeup of Shannon’s costume jewelry.   She has more turquoise that anyone I have ever known!

Every little piece is stored separately.

Atop the right chest – more bracelets and necklaces. Notice the mirror and lamp.

Donna Cummins, innkeeper of the Southern Rose Ranch bought the mirror for Shannon’s Christmas gift this year. It matches the closet so well!   Look at those bracelets!!!!   Shannon NEVER EVER throws anything away.   She’s been accumulating this collection for 30 years now – she just turned 50.

Turquoise and white ring tray. I’ll take this home, thank you very much!!!

A close up look of her beaded necklaces and more bracelets.

Across from the center chests is the vanity desk flanked by crystal sconces. More purses hang from hooks placed throughout the closet.

Atop this bay is her collection of LL Bean bags. Whenever we go to the beach together, we have so many of these bags – thanks to her gifting us a different bag each Christmas. Once we counted them and between us we had over 20 LL Bean bags that all said Webb.

I hope you enjoyed visiting Shannon’s Boutique, I mean, her closet! When we decided to take pictures, her friend, Tikaa Cone, helped clean it up to get it ready for the photoshoot. Tikaa is from nearby Brenham and writes a cute blog called Green Acres HERE. Tikaa told me I should come photograph her closet too. So, the next day, we drove to her house to check it out.

Tikaa also totally outgrew her small closet a few years ago, but she had no room to built a new space. Instead she took the needed space from her bedroom.

She created an entirely new closet by moving the wall several feet out into her bedroom.   Her bedroom is still quite spacious, so it must have been huge before the new closet was built.

Tikaa and Shannon are very similar, with similar tastes. They are both “organized hoarders” as they call themselves. Nothing gets thrown away. I am the opposite. If I haven’t worn it in two seasons – it’s gone.   Here is her closet – it’s long and narrow. She is very girly girly – so she painted it a warm pink.   The left wall is all hanging space, while the right wall is all open shelving to house her purses, shoes and jewelry collections.

Instead of shoes, the vinyl sections hold all her bracelets. Whoa. I really need some new bracelets! I don’t have hardly any and these two girls have thousands of them.

On the ceiling she put in a contemporary light fixture.

Like Shannon, Tikaa’s closet is very organized.

Jewelry boxes and trays and baskets hold her different pieces.

She owns more Louis Vuitton purses than anyone I know.   I should have taken one or two – she would never have missed them!   (Another thing I need – I don’t own even one!!!)

Baskets neatly hold her shoes separated by brand. Here are her Bernardo sandals. (Another thing I need!)

This is her silver sparkly sandal collection.

And, like Shannon, she has a large Tory Burch collection. (OK, I see a theme here – another thing I don’t have one of!!! I am SOOO deprived!)

Her purses are organized by style – here are her straw bags.

And, at the end of the closet is a small chest where she rests her Ipad.   Notice her Catrina head on her mirror, just like Shannon. YES! I don’t have a Catrina head anywhere either!!!!

My closet is such a disaster. Seeing these two closets made me want to redo mine. I want a chandelier and seagrass carpet in mine. I would love to have those Ikea closets with the doors that close up and keep your things dust free. But just the thought of emptying out my closet and starting over makes me rethink that proposal.   Plus, I am not like Shannon or Tikaa. I don’t like to hoard, I like to purge and replace!!

Ok – here is my disaster of a closet! Clothes really aren’t my thing. I’ve said this before, but in the summer I wear white linen and in the winter I wear black wool. That’s pretty much it.   Here you can see my white linen shirts with just two or three colored ones thrown in.

Even my everyday sweats are color coordinated – white for the summer and black for the winter.   So boring!

The only color or pattern I wear is with my scarves and wraps. It’s funny how fashion changes. I used to wear a bandana around my neck – every day.   Then, I went through a phase where I wore a vest – every day. For a few years I wore either red or blue and white striped tees with white shorts in the summer. I don’t wear shorts anymore – ever. Another phase I went through was Talbot’s Irish linen suits – in all different colors and cuts. Today, I mostly shop online only and wear Eileen Fisher. Clothes just aren’t my thing – which is why I probably don’t really care what my closet looks like – though Shannon is determined to help me redecorate mine. We’ll see!!

A special thanks to Shannon and Tikaa for sharing their closets today. Be sure to visit Tikaa’s blog HERE to read about this Catrina gourd that was hand painted by a friend of Shannon’s for her Christmas this year!   It’s a really interesting story.

Next up is the story of the Casita renovation.   It’s so cute – I can’t wait to show you it!!!!

Again, a Happy and Healthy New Years to All!

A Visit to a Bed and Breakfast in Washington County

2011-12-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone’s Christmas was as wonderful as ours! Above is the sweets table that my sister-in-law Shannon sets up each year. Laden with handmade gingerbread houses and peppermint sticks, it’s the focal point of the living room.

Each Christmas the Webbs and the Wills families get together to celebrate at the KW Ranch in Chappell Hill Texas where Ben’s brother Kirk lives the life of a gentleman rancher with his wife and two children. There are horses and donkeys and one cow, but Bella’s just a pet – one of the very few lucky Texas Longhorns that doesn’t have to worry about the slaughter house. There are fancy chickens that have fancy white plumes who lay pastel colored eggs.   There are five English Springer Spaniels and a few barn cats that live indoors. The acreage is planted with bluebonnets and roses, not crops. In other words, it’s not a working ranch – rather a home with acreage where extended family and friends come to swim in the summer and sit around the fire pit in the winter.   A special treat this year was a fireworks show put on by Kirk and Elisabeth’s boyfriend, Rob. It rivaled any professional show I’ve ever seen. Of course, it took 3 trips to the stand just to collect enough fireworks. Thankfully, no one was injured either.

The Southern Rose Ranch, a Chappell Hill Bed and Breakfast

During Christmas, the house is filled with visiting family, so Ben and I usually stay in the Casita – the small guest house. But, this year there were extra guests and the Casita was full, so we opted to stay across the street at the Southern Rose Ranch, a charming bed and breakfast owned by Donna and Steve Cummins. The Cummins were out of town for Christmas, so we had the run of their ranch all to ourselves. The two suite B&B is located in the beautiful and historic Washington County of Texas, halfway between Austin and Houston and close to Round Top.   While we missed the scrumptious breakfasts that Donna serves to her guests, it was fun to pretend the Southern Rose Ranch was all ours – if only for a few days.

The front yard of the Southern Rose Rose is an extra large pasture. The two story main house overlooks the rolling landscape where the cows and horses have staked their claim. Directly across the street from the B&B is the Webb’s KW Ranch – their ranches face each other.   In this picture, you can see how far back the main house of the B&B is from the road. The ranch sits on a total of 33 acres.

And looking the other direction from the Southern Rose Ranch. Sitting on the main house’s front porch you can see across the street to Shannon and Kirk’s KW Ranch.   Everyone in this area uses golf carts to visit neighbors or to go fishing in the lakes.   Notice how the land is slightly rolling.   At the end of this street, the hill gets quite high and the view of the countryside is incredible.

To enter the B&B, you drive down a long gravel road that runs along the back side of the property. A wooden fence and a Welcome Sign mark the entrance.

The B&B consists of two suites that are located in their own building which is painted red with a metal seam roof.   If you are hesitant about B&Bs because you prefer privacy – this is the place for you.   The B&B is completely separate from the inn keeper’s house. It’s like owning your own little house on a big ranch.    The covered porch has rocking chairs to enjoy the view. One room, the Star Suite, is larger than the other with a full kitchen and living room. The smaller room – the Rose Suite – has a kitchenette and a great bathroom.

The view off the porch shows the front pasture and the main house where the inn keepers, the Cummins, live. The open air stone building is an outdoor kitchen/dining room with a hot tub.

To the left of the B&B is another pasture and barn which their cows and horses call home.   The horses were really friendly but were probably wondering who we were!

You can barely seem them, but Elisabeth and her friend Rob, from New Hampshire, bought apples and carrots to feed to the horses. Notice the cute red barn seen in the distance.

Little Lucy had so much fun chasing the horses around, as long as they couldn’t get outside their fence, that is!

Of the three horses, this one was my favorite – so beautiful!

The Cummins raise the unusually beautiful Belted Galloway cows, distinguished by a large white band around their middle.    They are nicknamed Oreo cows and Texas Zebras because of their distinct white stripe.

The baby cows are the cutest!!

One morning the skies threatened to rain. You can just barely see Shannon and Kirk’s red barn with its metal roof in the upper right of this picture. It looks like the Cummins are trying to grow a few baby trees in the pasture.   They probably need more shade for the cows and horses during the summer.

Looking back from the front pasture to the B&B and on the left, the outdoor kitchen and the main house.

The Cummins live here in the main house, a darling two story traditional farmhouse.

But, the stone outdoor kitchen is the real focal point of the ranch. It resembles a pioneer house, without it’s roof. It looks like a true centuries old structure that’s been long abandoned. Log railings lead to the hot tub that is located next to the stone kitchen.

You have your choice of several different BBQ pits.

The structure looks like an authentic 18th century abandoned home that’s lost its roof.   Actually, it’s brand new!!

At night you can sit around the roaring fire to keep warm.

There are “windows” without glass – and a “roof” without a ceiling.

Throughout the property little vignettes are set up, like this seating area near the hand pump and pump house. In the spring and summer, there are flowers and roses everywhere. It’s still very green considering this is the dead of winter.

The area in front of the B&B is cool and shady – great in the summer. There’s even a hammock set up under the Live Oak tree.

We hated to leave, but after a few days, we needed to head back to Houston. Hopefully we’ll stay here again next Christmas. Reserve the two suites for us, Donna!     I didn’t take any pictures of the suites because of course we made a huge mess in them. But below are a few pictures taken from the web site so you can get an idea of what the suites look like. Be sure to peruse their web site if you are planning a stay in the region. It’s a very popular B&B so make reservations ahead of time to insure a room.

The Star Suite has two beds plus a kitchen and living room.

The Rose Suite has a kitchenette with a sitting area and a huge, beautiful bathroom and tub!

The bathroom in the Rose Suite. There is also a separate shower stall.

A nighttime shot of the outdoor kitchen all lit up – so romantic!!!

Watch the video of the Southern Rose Ranch B&B HERE.

Of course the prettiest time to visit Chappell Hill is during the spring when the countryside is covered in Texas bluebonnets. The landscape looks like it is painted with a stroke of purple. It is impossible to describe its beauty. The perfect time to come is the first weekend in April when the Round Top Antiques Fair is held – the bluebonnets are at their peak then.   Round Top is just a short drive from Chappell Hill.

For more information, see the Southern Rose Ranch web site HERE.

Bo’s Christmas

2011-12-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

This is without a doubt the hardest week for me to blog. Not being Christian, there’s not much happening décor-wise that I can show or relate to.   I should probably just take this week off and finish up shopping for Ben’s family Christmas, since no one really reads blogs this time of the year anyway.   I wish I had something personal to write about, but I don’t have a pretty tree to show, or a table decorated for a fancy dinner. There are no wreaths at my house – either with the bow tied on top or on the bottom.   There’s no garland hanging from our stairs nor is there anything red or green or plaid.
Two years ago I wrote about the Webb Family Christmas which turned into a major comment war – 304 people wrote in, many to tell me how obnoxious it all looked. I don’t know if I am up to showing all that again this year! Maybe. We’ll see how it goes at my sister in law’s ranch. Things are different now and less carefree than they were two years ago. My sweet mother in law had a stroke this year, and well, it’s so sad, especially for Ben and his two brothers.   Also, the kids are all growing up – I’m not sure any of the Webb cousins even believe in Santa Claus anymore. And my own daughter will be 21 soon – she’s really too old to get 8 presents – one for each night of Hanukkah.
I used to host our Cohen family Hanukkah dinner every December, but for the past two years my sister has taken over that duty. Gawd, I am having such a pity party here!    It’s really pathetic when the biggest holiday decoration you have is an evergreen scented candle. Yep. That’s it folks.   So, in lieu of showing a menorah and bright candles, I thought I’d check out and see what the Obamas had cooked up this year and boy, what a surprise! It’s a Bo Christmas at the White House.

Although the official theme this year is “Shine, Give, and Share” – a tribute to the troops, veterans and their families – the real star of the White House Christmas is Bo, the black and white Portuguese water dog the Obamas adopted when they moved into Pennsylvania Avenue two years ago. Bo, named after the President’s initials B.O. (what terrible initials!) is the cutest dog there is. Since many children of our servicemen were invited to the White House for the celebrations, I’m assuming the officials thought that Bo would provide some levity to the occasion which for some children might be very emotional.   There is a separate Christmas tree for Blue Star families and Gold Star families –those who have a member of their family who sacrificed their life for our country. Bo, therefore, is a ray of sunshine.     “It’s sort of a ‘where’s Bo?’” First Lady Michelle Obama says. “You’ve got to find the Bo in every room, because he’s hidden everywhere.”   Bo likenesses are made out of felt, licorice and marshmallows, pom-poms, buttons and even trash bags! How the designers come up with all these ideas year after year is astounding.

This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. " border="0" alt="President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, sit for a family portrait in the Oval Office, Dec. 11, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H-F8FQq7y3g/TvJFvUMy8AI/AAAAAAABPHo/eE7OlOI87TY/6516504337_da7256a91c_o_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1028" height="687">

What a gorgeous family! The last official portrait of the Obamas was two years ago, so this Christmas they took a new one.   It’s funny how the baby Sasha always cuddles up with Obama, while Malia, the eldest, always wraps herself around her mother. Some critics of this photo say they look like they are clinging onto each for dear life!   Wonder why they left Bo out of the portrait?

Actually, Bo’s official portrait was taken earlier this year, in the garden with the First Lady. Isn’t he a stunner? He even held out his pretty pink tongue just perfectly.

The first hint that Bo is the star of this Christmas is the official White House Christmas card, featuring this drawing by Mark Matuszak.   There is Bo, warming himself by the roaring fire, like any normal dog would. It’s customary to feature the White House, not the President or First Lady on the holiday card. The drawing is of the White House Library, with its beautiful center table and striped silk curtains.

The holiday card was a drawing of this room – The Library – which houses over 2,700 books. During the holiday season, White House Christmas memorabilia is displayed here. The first president to ever issue a holiday greeting was Calvin Coolidge back in 1927 – when he placed the greeting in newspapers around the country. The first card was sent by Herbert Hoover. This “Bo,” one of five replicas, was created using black and white trash bags!

The start of the season.   The day the White House Christmas tree was delivered, Bo was there to welcome it.

Also there is the First Lady, Malia and Sasha. Can’t imagine how wonderful it is for the girls to celebrate Christmas in the White House! Must be so magical.

All dressed up for the tree lighting.

And here it is this year – the tree all lit up for Christmas.

For the Christmas tours and parties, the real Bo came around to greet the children. I love how he has a red leash – to coordinate for Christmas. Plus, black and white looks good with red! This is where the tour starts – at the East Visitors Entrance.

Walking in, the Cross Hall is decorated with two main trees that flank the doorway to the oval Blue Room where the main tree is. To the left is the entrance lobby via the North Portico. Here you can see the beautiful marble columns and floors. The White House almost looks like a rather large, expansive home in this picture.

And looking from the other way – on the right is the entry to the house at the North Portico. At the left you can see the entrance to the Blue room with the two trees flanking it.

The Blue Room with the largest tree. This is the 18’ 6” tall Balsam fir Blue Star Family tree. The tree is adorned with cards from military family children, along with medals, badges and patches from all the different military branches.

Interior Design critic is turning on now:   I think the White House is in need of an update! It just doesn’t look classic or elegant the way it is currently decorated. I wish that Michael Smith – the Obama’s decorator – could be in charge of a redecoration of all the wall coverings, rugs, and curtains. For instance – the curtain fabrics - I hate the vivid gold mixed in with the vivid blue. It looked so much prettier under the Kennedys when it was a softer French blue.

The Blue Star Family tree – with all the children’s cards and the medals and badges hanging as ornaments.   The chandelier has to be removed in order for the tree to fit in this room.

A Purple Heart used as an ornament on the tree.

This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. " border="0" alt="First Lady Michelle Obama walks with children past the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, Nov. 30, 2011. Mrs. Obama welcomed military families to the White House for for the first viewing of the 2011 holiday decorations. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nc1KxHo9YxA/TvJHDr4EXoI/AAAAAAABPMQ/cyPkTK5bt7U/6538132815_a350085790_o_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1028" height="687">

Mrs. Obama with the children of our servicemen. Dressed in black and white – just like Bo!

The Red Room decorated for Christmas.

`Here you can see the wreaths in the window and the trees in red painted boxes.   The rug has been rolled up on both sides to protect it from the crowds.   Why is Dolly Madison hanging so high above the mantel? Bring her down a few inches or more!

Here is a close up view of the cranberry wreaths and trees. So cute in those red boxes!   Notice how the vase made of cranberries on this table matches the wreaths. Again, the curtains – with the gold mixed in with the red - seem so unattractive.   Can’t there be a more elegant design in this room?

In the Red Room, a small Bo is made entirely of buttons. Notice where his heart is – there is a single heart shaped button!

Another view of the button covered Bo, taken by a visitor to the White House.

The Green Room features trees made out of recycled aluminum.

A close up of the beautiful green silk moiré wallpaper. Notice the two convex mirrors.

This Bo is made of licorice and marshmallows. He sits on a side table in the Green Room.

The beautiful marble mantel, a match to the one in the Red Room.

Uh-oh. Bo is losing some of his licorice!

A bigger view of the room. As in the Red Room, large wreaths are in the window atop smaller Christmas trees.   The bright persimmon fabric covering an original Duncan Phyfe chair is a recent change to the room.   Again, these curtains are starting to really get on my nerves!!!   I’m going to just say it - I think they really are so ugly, so tacky – I’m just shocked they are in the White House. Shouldn’t they be more elegant looking instead of looking like candy confections?

The next room is the State Dining Room – one of the prettier rooms on the state floor. It’s walls are a light stone color and the curtains are a simple design – finally, although they should be more elegant. The rug is a beautiful flowered pattern.   Here two large trees flank the fireplace.

Children of servicemen were invited to make gingerbread houses and do crafts.

Mrs. Obama brought Bo with her to meet the little chefs. Check out their cute hats! The First Lady and Bo really do match – wonder if that was planned.

The traditional White House gingerbread house is set up in the State Dining Room. It weighs 400 hundred pounds and takes two months to make.    Notice Bo is in the front lawn. To the left of the house is a replica of the First Lady’s vegetable garden. What a gorgeous mirror.

A closeup of the house – the details are amazing.

The East Room is the most elegant room – all gilt and creams. Notice the gilt cornices on the curtains. The trees here are pretty and more natural looking.   There are four trees decorated with paper leaves set up in this room alone! Here, the First Lady talks with the children of the servicemen who came to visit.

In this picture you can see the rug up close.

The crèche is set up in the East Room – flanked by two more trees.

An urn set up in the window of the East Room.

A glimpse of the stairway under the eyes of President Truman.

Little Bo ornaments are everywhere – here they are set up in votives on top of a mantel.

The tour continues along to the East Wing, where the windows in the colonnade have alternative recycled paper wreaths and stars. At the end of the hall, arched garland flanks the entry into the East Garden Room.

Looking into the East Garden Room with its own colorful tree.

Bo, made of black and white wool felt, is the star in the East Garden Room.

The ornaments in this area are made of paper. This Bo is the tallest of the five Bo statues – measuring over a majestic 4 feet!

The official program contains the template to make your own paper tree like these. You can get it online HERE.

The most poignant tree is located in the East Visitor Landing. The Gold Star Family tree is covered with personal messages from families who have lost loved ones while fighting to protect us. There is an interactive display, along with stars that members of Gold Star Families can write on and place directly onto the tree. I’m sure the emotions were powerful around this display.

Some of the personal messages on the Gold Star Family tree.

Leading into the displays on the ground floor are portraits of First Ladies and gingerbread houses. I’ve never seen this painting of Hillary Clinton – in a pants suit!

Notice Barbara Bush posed with her beloved dog.

The Vermeil Room has more portraits of First Ladies. The trees are in pots in this room.

My favorite First Lady, ever! Her portrait is gorgeous. Notice how elegant these damask curtains are – why can’t they all be like this????

Patricia Nixon’s portrait is rather beautiful.

And another favorite, Texan Lady Bird Johnson. Notice the beautiful marble mantel. This room looks so elegant and feminine, I’d love to see it in person.

There’s a center table – with two chairs that flank the fireplace, on the right.

Standing in the hallway in the ground level is this darling Bo – with glasses. He is made out of black and white pom poms.

The China Room is another beautiful small room on the ground floor. The portrait of Mrs. Grace Coolidge with her dog is perfect for this spot – with her matching red dress.

More Bo ornaments are placed on the set table in the China Room.



The last room on the tour is the Library, where this year’s Holiday Card was painted. Here, the large Bo made out of trash bags sits in front of the fire.

Bo shows up in the Christmas cookies!

And Bo went with the First Lady out visiting patients at the National Medical Center. Notice how his paw keeps in close contact with his mistress.

And don’t think that Hanukkah is forgotten at the White House. The First Family celebrate it each year – although it was celebrated a few weeks early this year. I love how Mrs. Obama wore blue! Most interesting is the White House kitchenwas turned “kosher” for this event.   Watch the video on how that was accomplished HERE.

Even though Bo was the unofficial theme of this year’s decorations, the true theme is something not to forget, especially during these tough times:
   “The official “Shine, Give, Share” theme is intended to highlight the nation’s troops and celebrate the “countless ways we can lift up those around us, put our best self forward in the spirit of the season… and share our blessings with all,” according to the White House.”
Amen.

Double click on the arrow to see how all the Bo’s were made!!!

The beautiful Bo – relaxes in the even more beautiful West Garden Room or the Palm Room. How romantic is this spot? I’ve never seen this area before – it’s just wonderful. Why can’t more of the White House be as gorgeous? Seeing some of the curtains spurred me on to do a little research:

Today, the Blue Room is a mix of gold and dark blue. I don’t think this can compare to how it looked under the Kennedys. The curtains are so garish.

The Kennedy Blue Room – so much softer, without the vivid blue and yellow. And what a charming skirted table!   Of course today, the rug would be custom made to fit the oval – probably a better look.   Notice how here the paintings are at eye level – yet today they are hanging way too high. Just a little detail that defies design logic. Notice too how beautiful this chandelier is – compared to the one used today. Jacqueline Onassis lamented the new chandelier saying it was not in proportion to the room – exactly Jackie!!!!

The furniture was originally ordered by President Monroe in 1818 from France. Which Blue Room do you prefer?

In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt redesigned the room. Notice the skin rug – too funny! That would never happen today!

Get your blinders out! The Red Room today – here gold and red. The rug is a copy of the one Jackie Kennedy put in the room originally.   It’s very beautiful. The mantels here and in the Green Room are identical. They were moved here from the redesigned State Dining Room.

I like this view of the Red Room – showing the enfilade of the Blue Room down to the State Dining Room.

Compare the Kennedy Red Room with today’s. These curtains are so much simpler, more elegant. It’s amazing the same chandelier is still in this room, as is much of the furniture. Also, the red was more muted in this scheme than it was before and is today. The rug is also the same.

Another view of the Kennedy Red Room.

The Green Room today with its green and white striped curtains and its collection of Duncan Phyfe and Sheraton furniture. The room was refurnished in 2007.

A close up of the vibrant new rug and newly covered chair.

I think this is a very pretty view of the room – showing the gorgeous pair of convex mirrors.   I like the striped fabric – even in the curtains, but it’s just all too much.

The Green Room after Kennedy restored it. The walls were a soft moss green, not nearly as dark as today. The fabrics were white with green toile.

And in another view.   The curtains are so much simpler. Much of this furniture is no longer used in this room.

Had to laugh at an early picture of the Green Room. This was before the fireplace was replaced.   Look at all the slipcovers!!!! OMG! That is hysterical!!!

One of the worst travesties against the Kennedy decorations happened in the Family dining room on the second floor. Mrs. Kennedy found rolls of antique wallpaper depicting the Civil War and hung them in this room. They stayed this way shown above until the Fords came.

Betty Ford hated the antique wallpaper so much she had it removed.   Shown here are the Fords and a young Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

The Carters had the paper reinstalled.

The paper remained through the Reagan administration.

When the Clintons came – the paper was again removed. Such a travesty!!   It’s never been replaced since. I know that Michael Smith would want the paper used – I just wonder why it never was put back on the walls. Mrs. Kennedy placed another mural wallpaper by Zuber in the Diplomat Room. That paper remains there today. Thank God!

The government owns the Blair House – a series of connected townhouses across from the White House. It’s mostly used for overnight diplomatic and private guests.   It’s called the most exclusive hotel in the world!   In a recent refurbishment, several designers were called in – including Mario Buatta. Look how elegant this room is! Such a gorgeous wallpaper and mirrors, pretty fabrics.   Funny to see a Rose Tarlow tea table used instead of an antique though.   But still, it’s time that the White House hires a real decorator, not the one the First Lady brought with her from Dallas or Arkansas, but one with national credentials, who knows antiques and fabrics and can make the White House more elegant and less garish.   Just my thoughts!!   Read the Blair House website HERE. And finally…..

To read more about the history of the White House Christmas, this book by Jennifer Pickens is the definitive source!!!   Order it HERE from Amazon.

Wishing a most Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy and Healthy New Years to you all!!

Sister, Can You Spare A Dime?

2011-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

Woodbourne: Donated in 1926, the main building was once the summer home of philanthropist Enoch Pratt.

Maybe it’s the weather – we had to turn our air conditioner back on this week. Or, it could be the landscaping – my yard is ablaze with pink roses that just bloomed.   Or it could be that in the past two days, the leaves on the trees have finally begun to fall.   Whichever it is – I got a shock when I tried to make an appointment for hair coloring for the following Saturday. “Sorry, we’ll be closed” - Closed? But why? “It’s Christmas Eve.”

I almost fainted. Surely, Christmas wasn’t next week?   I don’t know how it crept up on me, but it did.   Next week?   Hopefully, you are better prepared than I am for this holiday season.    One other missing clue that Christmas was just around the corner was I hadn’t heard from Meg of Pigtown Design who works at Woodbourne.   For the past two years we have written a story about donations for Woodbourne, but it wasn’t until yesterday that Meg finally contacted me to say that the video had gone live.

Woodbourne located in Baltimore, was founded in 1798 to assist children who had suffered in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. Today, Woodbourne is a refuge for children and teenagers who need either guidance or a home.   Those referred to Woodbourne by city and state agencies have nowhere left to go for help. These extreme cases are amongst the most difficult to treat. They might have severe mental health issues, they might be traumatized by physical or mental abuse, or they might be suffering from drug addiction or they might come from homes where drug abuse is rampant. Some youths seeking treatment at Woodbourne actually live there, hoping to reclaim their lives through the excellent treatment and education programs Woodbourne offers.

Each Christmas, these youth are videotaped by a professional – telling what they wish for Christmas. Their wishes are a combination of their hopes and dreams for the season, along with a plea for a particular gift. Meg, along with others who work at Woodbourne, take these donations and go shopping – hoping to fulfill their wish.

This year, the children produced the video themselves – which was the cause for the delay.   I realize that everyone is busy and rushing around, but I ask that you please take the time to watch this short video and if you desire to make a donation to Woodbourne. Each and every penny raised by this video goes directly towards purchasing a gift for these young people who will not otherwise receive a gift.

Their requests are simple, most ask for what our own children have and take for granted. One child asks for a remote control helicopter, another wants a cell phone, one asks for a few CDs, while one teen wants a video game.   One teenaged girl asks for a cell phone…and her family. Hopefully Woodbourne will receive enough funds to grant each child one wish.

There are more requests not shown on the video:   one of the children asks for shoe-strings – not regular shoe strings, but the fat, colorful kind that teenagers put in their sneakers.   Many asked for batteries so they can play their hand-held games.   And as it is each year, a popular request is colored pens and pencils and sketch pads.
This is the third year I have shown the Woodbourne video, and I realize that times are hard right now with our bad economy. Asking for a donation probably isn’t a very popular thing to do. But, if you are able to “spare a dime” – I know these young people will truly appreciate your generosity and caring spirit. You are their only chance at having just a small glimpse of the Christmas that we all share with our families.

To watch the video – just double click on the arrow below. To donate, please follow this link HERE. To donate actual items, look at the wish list HERE.

Thank you so very much for considering making a donation.

A NEW GIVEAWAY–JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

Since I decided to take on sponsorships – which is a nicer way of saying advertisers – I’ve been surprised at the response!   Many vendors tell me that you readers frequently visit their web sites and for that I am so very grateful.   For the first three years of writing this blog, I resisted taking on advertisers for different reasons. Mostly, I didn’t want the blog to look like a big ad.   But last year I decided it was time to step up after realizing that most blogs do have sponsors and they look just fine. Also, I found that I love going to my favorite blogs and clicking on their ads. But then, I do love online shopping.
On my own blog, I think that by keeping the ads just on the left sidebar, they don’t detract, but actually – are a positive addition for those who do like to shop online. I have tried to have only those advertisers whose product is in keeping with the look and style of Cote de Texas.   Lastly, for the past 4 1/2 years of writing Cote de Texas, I find that I spend a majority of my time here, as opposed to doing interior design work, and it helps to make up that lost revenue with the ads.
One unexpected benefit from taking advertisers is that they have been so generous with their giveaways.    I already have a few giveaways planned for the new year, and I anticipate even more throughout 2012.   Be sure to enter these contests – the odds are in your favor to eventually win something!    The giveaways are just a way of saying thank you for reading the blog and introducing you to all the sponsors.

Lewis and Sheron fabrics used in the above photograph.

Today’s giveaway is from a new vendor, Lewis and Sheron Textiles – a fabric and furniture shop in Atlanta that has a very large and quite popular online store. Many of you are familiar with Lewis and Sheron, and probably have even bought fabric from them before.    Their fabrics are discounted and it’s especially wise to check out their stock particularly when you have a large curtain or sofa fabric order before ordering from somewhere else. The savings can be phenomenal.
I thought I would show you a few of my favorite fabrics that Lewis and Sheron carry -

I’m crazy about this gray ikat and think it would make great curtains when designing with all white slipcovers.

For some fabrics, Lewis and Sheron recommends coordinating fabrics, which is a real plus when you aren’t using a designer. This fabric would make great pillows and is a real trend item.

This fabric comes in several colors – I think it would be great on wing chairs or dining room chairs.

A classic ikat in blue and white – I love the recommended coordinates too.

Last year I wrote a blog story on saving money while buying fabrics. Several of the fabrics were from Lewis and Sheron! For instance:

This Carlton V fabric is so beautiful in blue and white. Sara Gilbane.

This fabric from Lewis and Sheron is a great version of the Carlton V fabric – at a discounted price.

This Brunschwig and Fils suzani, Dzhambul, is very popular, as seen on these armchairs in Lonny.

And here, the same fabric used on shades.

Lewis and Sheron’s version is a really close match, as seen below:

Jenny from Little Green Notebook, make her ottoman using the Lewis and Sheron suzani! It looks amazingly the same as the original. I can’t see any difference in the fabrics – except in the price!

Sally Wheat’s living room (before she redid it – it looks nothing like this now!) had two KWID trellis covered vintage chairs.    This trellis is one of the most popular fabrics out there.

Lewis and Sheron’s trellis is a close second. They have several trellis patterns – you can pick which one you think is the best version of Wearstler’s fabric.

I used this brown and cream damask earlier this year in this living room. The fabric came from the Houston Decorative Center.

I think this is the same exact fabric from Lewis and Sheron – at such a discounted price!

I used this fabric for a client earlier this year – which also came from the Houston Decorative Center.

And at Lewis and Sheron – this is a good match, for quite a discount.

So, you can see it is really beneficial to shop the Lewis and Sheron website when looking for fabrics!!

AND, NOW…..

THE GIVEAWAY:

In celebration of their becoming a sponsor on Cote de Texas – Lewis and Sheron is offering a $100 Gift Certificate to the lucky winner.

In order to participate, you must first go to the Lewis and Sheron web site HERE and pick out the fabric you like best.

Then, come back here to the blog and leave your fabric choice in a comment. Be sure your email address is included!

The winner will be chosen this Saturday at 11:59 pm, when the contest closes.

A huge thank you to Lewis and Sheron for the giveaway.