Hill Country House

Design Help Needed!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:15:00 +0000

I don't know about the rest of the country, but here in Texas, old long leaf pine is considered gold. I have a house full of it and am afraid to admit to anyone locally that I am so tired of it! Please don't misunderstand - I have an appreciation for the fine work that was done in building this classic hill country house. I know the materials are special. I just would not have used so much pine had I designed the house. It is literally everywhere - doors, windows, cabinetry in the bathrooms, closets, and kitchen.

In an attempt to lighten our kitchen we have talked about ........ssshhhhhhh........painting the cabinets. We have black granite counters, beautiful stone doorways, some natural light, but not as much as I would like.

When we first moved in I had the ceiling beams whitewashed and the little bit of wall area painted yellow. That gave us a little more light.......just not enough. Now I am just tired of so much pine everywhere I look. I collect images of kitchens I love and long for a crisp, white kitchen or a kitchen of beautiful colors like the one I posted about here.

What do you think of our idea? I am open to opinions and suggestions!

Traveling Dog Love

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:51:00 +0000

My pal, Buddy......making my days a little more interesting all the time!

I just read my friend, Joan's, latest post on her blog, for the love of a house, and was so moved that I took Joan's suggestion to copy it here to pass the word. In this time of discouraging news everywhere we turn, this is a positive story of good people making an impact in the land of dogs. None of us can fix the world, but we can jump in and make things better one step at a time.

If you are an animal lover, or just interested in doing the right thing, you will enjoy reading about these great efforts.

Here is what Joan has to say:

When we moved to New Hampshire we were shocked and surprised to learn that most of the animal shelters here are empty of stray or abandoned dogs. After asking questions and investigating we learned that this was due to New Hampshire's strict spay and neuter laws. While this is true, I think it has more to do with what is acceptable, and in this part of the country it is simply not acceptable to dump a dog, or let your dog run amuck and have liter after liter of puppies. We have lived here for almost two years now, and while we live in a very rural area we have never seen a single stray dog. What we do see is car after car with a dog or two, or three inside.... this is one dog loving state!

We found sweet Ella at the Dallas SPCA which, as of today, has 12 pages of adoptable dogs..... We once thought we would have to drive back to Dallas to get Ella a "sister," but we recently became aware of a shelter in Alabama with an amazing group of volunteers who drive vans of dogs from over-populated shelters in the South all the way to New Hampshire (and Maine) to find their forever homes! The Shelby Humane Society is a shelter who partners with humane societies across the country that are in need of animals to adopt. It's a win/win situation. I am so very awe-struck by the kind hearted individuals who take days out of their busy lives to drive these lucky, lucky dogs states away to find people who will love them. I think they are angels...

Jenifer Wallis & Jenny Miller are two of the angels that will embark on such a trip this Saturday, November 7th... Please click on their blog and read how these two adorable Alabama girls are going to rescue a van full of dogs and bring them to New Hampshire!

Please, please if you can- donate money to this very worthy cause, even $5 will add up and help these shelter dogs! (If you are another blogger please feel free to copy this post and spread the word!) There are three easy ways to donate on the site....

New Hampshire Bound

Stay tuned to their blog as they will also do posts along their journey!

Blogging Break

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:40:00 +0000

On the road again with these cutie pies. Back soon with photos from New England!

Anthropologie - Feeding My Creative Spirit through Osmosis?

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:04:00 +0000

These sweet creations are from Anthropologie in la Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. I visit them every chance I get! I wish I could afford them.

I went crazy for this huge paper ostrich! My daughters and I love shopping at Anthropologie. Sometimes I have to ask them not to talk to me for a while so that I can just wander and look at all of the displays and digest it all.The creativity here truly does feed my soul. I love it. I am hoping I have absorbed some of it as I get ready to set up at the Comfort Antique Show this weekend.

A closer view of another paper big bird - isn't she just wonderful!!

Comfort, Texas is a precious little town in the midst of the Texas hill country. It is about 20 minutes from Fredericksburg and about 40 minutes from San Antonio. I love setting up at this show for lots of reasons. The show is an old fashioned antique show set up at the park in this quintessential small town. The local people support the show and promote shopping in their town as well as at the show. They prepare food and desserts to sell and usually provide lunch or dinner for all of the dealers setting up on Friday. This year we have all been invited to dinner in town at the after we finish set up.

Hope everyone who lives in the area will come buy the show this weekend. It is known for being a great country show full of true antiques - early furniture, pottery, transferware, textiles, folk art......... the list goes on. Come see for yourself - you will be sure to have a great time and my even find a treasure to take home!

Falling Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:45:00 +0000

In her post a few days ago, Joni told about her new French clock that she found at the Marburger Farm antique show last week. She loved it and was so happy with the way it looked above the window in her gorgeous kitchen. Then, quite unexpectedly, only a little while after the picture was taken, the clock just fell - yes, fell.... and broke into a million pieces. She was crushed. She was certain she had hung it securely and still doesn't know why it fell from the wall.

Joni's story brought back a memory for me. It was a number of years ago when we lived in Dallas. I was so excited about my new antique English pine plate rack and could hardly wait to hang it in my dining room. I was a vintage Mexican pottery collecting fool and couldn't wait to have such a great display piece!

I had two young children and time to myself was rare. I remember hanging the shelf one night by myself before everyone was in bed. I used long, big nails and felt sure they were sufficient.I planned to get up early the next morning to have time alone to arrange my pottery.

I had some very special, very old plates and it had taken me quite some time to amass a collection to hang together. I just loved them. I felt the shelf was securely hung on the wall.

The next morning I crept down the stairs quietly so that no little people knew I was up. I climbed up on a ladder in my nightgown and quietly began to arrange dinner plates, salad plates, a few little odd pieces tucked in here and there ..... arranging and rearranging to get everything just right - so balanced and pretty.

Finally I was satisfied and went into the kitchen to refill my coffee cup. I sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy my last few minutes of alone time, and then I heard it. I heard a slow, sliding sort of sound. Not quite sure at first.........kind of like slow motion........and when I realized it was the plate rack sliding down the wall, it was too late. The slow slide evolved quickly to a huge crash and I was horrified! I found my precious pottery collection smashed to pieces on the dining room floor. Surprisingly a few pieces survived with just a few chips, but most were lost.

I have collected more pottery now and still love it. I mix old with new as you can see above. I will never forget that morning, though. In my determination to get that plate rack hung and filled, all in such delicious, but too hurried, excitement, I lost it all.

Big lesson learned, big. My plate rack is now hung with super duper nails and butterfly something or others.....oh, and I did learn a thing or two about patience!

Musings about Life and Coincidence

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Earlier today I was catching up on my blog reading and was amused when I read Joni's latest post on her new collection of beautiful cream ware AND about the clock she bought at Marburger Farm last week for her kitchen.

Joni has exquisite taste. I love seeing what she does in her own home as well as in her client's houses. While I have a true appreciation for the style she loves, I have quite another style.

Mine is quirky, eclectic, folky, maybe even funky (okay, weird). I can't define my style other than it is colorful, casual, sometimes Southwestern, some Mexican and Italian, but not always...... more farmhouse than formal..........I love what I love and that is just me. We both love antiques and share a fanatical interest in design. As different as our personal styles are, we keep stumbling upon similarities between us.

In case you have not read before, I was once married to Ben's (aka Mr. Slipper Socks) brother. Had our timing been a little different, Joni and I would have been sisters in law. As it happened, we found each other through blogging!

The amusing thing about her post was that I had snapped a picture of her clock without realizing it when I took this photo. You see, I loved a lot of the things that dealer, Mary Jackson, from Colorado, had in her space at the antique show. She had a great variety of Southwestern items as well as a very nice collection of paintings and lamps, mirrors, silver trays, folk art pieces, and one particular fabulous old French clock.

I bought several items that just spoke to me from Mary. My choices are not the even close to being similar ! This old, hand carved from one piece of oak, Indian, is a great example of hand made folk art. He just needed to come back to the hill country with me! Do you think he is to redundant standing in front of the painting?

The other item is a very old iron planter with a water bird sitting on it's side. Perhaps a type of heron? Anyway, the planter is painted and resembles majolica in a way. Do not ask me why - I just love it! Sometimes I am attracted to things now that I know in years past, I would have thought were ugly as sin! This piece is one of those things. Like I said, I just love it!! Go figure.

Here she sits, posing on the hearth before taking her spot on the coffee table.......for the time being. You know how you have to move new things around to see where they fit best........and then of course, move them again when the spirit moves you!

Now she has a birds' nest in her planter to keep her warm. She is quite unique, isn't she?

Next I will tell another story on Joni that I could SOOO relate to. It involves the falling clock and some falling pottery (at my house!) - if you haven't done so, read her post about the falling clock here.

Me, MYSELF, and I

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Artist Gabriela Ibarra

"If you like this painting and would like more information, please contact the artist or myself. "

What is WRONG with that sentence? If you do not know, read on.

I know I will really catch some you know what for this post. I have been called a grammar Nazi and I am proud of it! Not really (the proud part) - I certainly do not always get it right, but this is a misuse of the word "myself" that I hear more and more these days and I just have to say something!

I think most who read this will appreciate it as most bloggers aspire to be good writers and want to use correct grammar in their posts.

To confirm my stand , (and since I decided to get all prissy and smug here!) I referenced this website. Here is an excerpt regarding the word in question:

Hi, Grammar Girl. This is Chuck Tomasi, your interim Grammar Guy from ChuckChat.com, home of podcasts too numerous to mention. I hear and see examples of the misuse of the word myself all the time. For example, an e-mail went out from HR like this, “Please contact Squiggly, Aardvark, or myself with questions.” Could you please help listeners know when the word myself is appropriate and when to use a more appropriate word? Thanks!

Excellent, Chuck! Let's dissect what's wrong with that sentence: "Please contact Squiggly, Aardvark, or myself with questions." The simplest way to think of it is like this: How would you say the sentence without Squiggly and the aardvark? Then it usually becomes obvious! You would say, “Please contact me with questions,” not, “Please contact myself with questions.” So when you add in Squiggly and the aardvark, that doesn't change anything. It's still correct to say, “Please contact Squiggly, aardvark, or me with questions.”

Digging into the topic a little deeper, myself is what's called a reflexive pronoun. That can be hard to remember, but just think about looking into a mirror and seeing your reflection. You'd say, “I see myself in the mirror.” You see your reflection, and myself is a reflexive pronoun.

If you care, and if you have misused the word"myself", do not feel badly. I even heard our president misuse it..........on national television!!

So, that being said, "If you like this painting and would like more information, please contact the artist or ME".

Whew - I feel better already. Thank you.

Have a Heart - Posting in Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:41:00 +0000

I am jumping on the bandwagon and posting in pink this month for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sadly, I am sure there is not one among us who has not been directly affected by this disease or had a close friend or family member who has been. I have several friends who have battled breast cancer successfully and several who have died from it. It is indeed a life changer and a heart breaker.

Remember to get your mammogram and click here to support "the breast cancer site", which is a site set up to help women in need - low income, minority, inner city women whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is sometimes limited.

Check my post on Round Top, too, to see cute Janet Romine in her most appropriate pink dress sitting at her pink podium. Love it!!

Round Top, Texas - Great People, Great Antiques

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:53:00 +0000

One of the best things about the antique business is the people! I love the community of folks who have a love of old things. Shortly after arrival at the Coles show on Monday,(one of the many shows opening in the last few weeks) I met the delightful Janet Romine. Learn more about her antique business, "Rubbish" here.

I like to study how other dealers set up their spaces at shows, always in hopes of improving mine when I set up the next time. Regardless of whether the merchandise is something I want to buy, the creativity and work that goes into a good set up is huge! I enjoy the visual education as much as I like the antiques.

Janet has a true talent and I found her space absolutely charming! Unfortunately, I was on sensory overload and a little frazzled from a short night of not much sleep. So, what typically happens with me is that I love the connection and the conversation, then I need to focus on really looking at the details, and then, with all good intentions, I plan to come back and visit some more and maybe spend a little cash with that great dealer.

Cute Janet in her pink Mexican dress, which we discovered we both still love after wearing them for many years!

However, at Round Top (meaning all the shows going on in the Round Top area) there is so, so much to see and sometimes I never make it back to that show. Add to that the hot Texas weather (I'm talkin' hot, sweaty, sticky, "suck the energy out of even hard core antiquers" weather) and often one has to just stop and take a break, even though there is always more to explore!

I had every intention of getting back over to see Janet, but will have to be satisfied for now with checking out her blog . Wow, is she talented!!

Love her knack for display. Notice the scalloped paper hanging along the tables over the black table skirts. Also, I LOVE the tags with random words on them all along the top border of the walls. Believe me, it is not easy to find ways to decorate those ugly pegboards we often have to contend with at antique shows.

Janet loves old flashcards and so do her customers. She has started another business in addition to her antique business and you can read about it here.

To be quite honest, I need to go to her website to understand ALL she does. My brain was fuzzy when we talked and she has such passion and excitement for what she does. I want some of that energy. I know I sound senile, but I really think it was the heat, sleep deprivation, and sensory overload!

Loved the monochromatic scheme of her booth, with just a touch of pink here and there. What a treat to stumble upon Janet and her delightful space. I look forward to following her!

Oh boy - here we go. Tuesday was the opening day of the Marburger Farm antique show. The Texas sign says it all - we do it big here in Texas!

This show has gotten huge and this is just a fraction of the anxious shoppers lined up for the opening at just one of the many tents and small buildings .

Every shop and every dealer must find their niche. Once upon a time, at the fall Fredericksburg antique show, I had the pleasure of spending the show set up right down the aisle from Linda of Willow Nest. It was Linda's first time here and she and her husband, Ludmil, had hopes of moving to our town and opening a shop. As time passed, they realized that this just wasn't quite the right place for them, and they felt a tug in their hearts for the town of Burton, Texas, just down the road from Round Top. They have since opened a fabulous shop in Burton and are quite happy where they have landed.

I was most delighted to see their incredible booth set up at Marburger Farm and had only a brief visit with Linda as they were very busy. I am so happy that they have indeed found their niche. I wish them all the best in their endeavors. I am constantly amazed at the number of creative people I have met in the antique business and they truly fall into this category!

Okay - enough talk on my part. Here are some more of the wonderful booths set up at the Marburger show. I tried to choose a variety to share so that you can see, there is truly something for everyone here!

Loved this booth - a blend of rustic and French and Mexican.................

More beautiful old leather bound books than you could ever need..................

This blue painted demilune table with the gilt fragments just took my breath away!

Gorgeous French furniture and pottery.............

Cutting edge industrial pieces and very handsome lighting..............

I am not inclined to buy circus pieces, but this booth really did have all the old things you remember about the circus or going to the state fair - so full of charm.

One of my favorite dealers, Mary Jackson, from Colorado, had a wonderful assortment of art and accessories.Click photo for details.

More funky and fun, mixed with elegance and whimsy...........

Aren't these urns gorgeous?

I loved the simplicity of this red metal chair next to the glass float and the water bird...........

Love the old barber pole and the Indian rug - again, something for everyone!

Same booth - transferware, tramp art, fine art...............does it get any better?

Oh wait - it does! These large zinc wall pieces were absolutely stunning.

I loved these books covered in old French manuscripts - absolutely charming.

It just goes on and on, and this is just a smidge of all that I saw.................

an amazing faux bois bird house - how cool is that?

I adore these Spanish or Mexican chairs, but the price was waaaay out of my league!

This amazing piece of folk art is the best from Brad and Sundie Rupert, artists extraordinaire from Iowa. LOVE their work!!

Simple, but something about this horse head mounted above the old gate just made me smile.

Walking out of the show, hot and tired and needing to get home........... I stumble upon these French doors - Aahh!! my heart skips a beat......measure, get a price, drool over the detail - the faded green paint, the scalloped trim, the old iron, the detailed inset paneling........ wish, wish, wish I had an immediate need for them ..........begin to talk to myself... "have some discipline, Ann , come on, walk away........walk away. Good bye gorgeous, green painted doors. May we meet again someday".

P.S. For more on this great show, visit Cote de Texas, Velvet and Linen, Beadboard Upcountry, and The Bunny Bungalow

It's All in the Details - Encantado Resort, Santa Fe

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I love new Mexico. I love the way the air smells of burning pinon wood. I love the light in the morning, at dusk, and after an afternoon shower. I love the spicy New Mexican food and the margaritas. I love the art, both contemporary and traditional, whimsical and religious. I love the history of the Spanish and Indian culture. I love the rough and rocky landscape and the gorgeous flowers that grow in the mild climate.

My husband and I have our favorite old fashioned cheap (read: very retro, cool, CLEAN and inexpensive) motel where we typically stay when we go to Santa Fe. My theory is why spend money on a hotel when I could spend it on art, antiques and great food? I am only in the room for showers and sleep - otherwise there is just too much to see and do when I visit.

Reception porch for the resort

This past weekend, however, we attended a conference and had the privilege of staying at the Encantado Resort, tucked into the Sangre de Christo mountains, just 10 minutes outside of Santa Fe. I took tons of photos in anticipation of this post, but alas, my photography skills fail me again, so most of these shots are from the website for the hotel. They are just plain prettier than mine , and capture more in one shot than I was able to.

Love this gentleman waiting on the front bench in front of the hotel. I did a double take every time we walked by (and I did actually take this photo!) I think he was watching us, really. I love that he sits on the bench in front of that great stacked rock, the taut cable wire pulled between the posts, and the beautiful faux bois furniture in front of the fireplace - click on the photo to see these details better.

So, when I visit someplace special like this, I notice every detail - I can't help myself. I am forever saying to my husband "Look at the way they placed that building, or look at that great fence or, on this trip, look at the way the shadows fall on those three chimneys".

Lewallen art gallery on the hotel property

The architecture is stunning. It is simple and elegant and fits the environment perfectly. The reception building, restaurant and bar, and meeting facilities are housed in the main building. There is a spa and a pool, of course, designed to perfection. Charming casitas dot the landscape surrounding these public areas.

Wilson Associates is responsible for the understated and elegant design of the resort. Each casita has it's own private porch, furnished in wonderful heavy wooden tables, chairs and chaises. Unfortunately we had a bit of rain and could not enjoy the porch this time, but nevertheless, what a beautiful spot to have morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day.

Scored concrete floors and beamed ceilings, heavy linen curtains and flat weave Southwestern rugs, contemporary ceiling fans and great lighting, strike the perfect balance of modernism and old fashioned Santa Fe style.

The rooms are simple , but elegant. They include all one needs for comfort - a great bed with wonderful bedding, comfy chairs, a work area, a fireplace (on the opposite corner from the TV) and television, and access to the beautiful outdoors.

The bathrooms are exquisite with heated concrete floors, the deepest soaking tubs I have ever seen, large showers, marble counter tops and beautiful under mounted, rectangular Kohler sinks, great lighting, an abundance of heavy cotton towels.....need I say more?

The bar in the main building is contemporary and very hip, but still warm and inviting. The seating is comfortable and the lighting very, very cool! I wish I had asked about the mirror collection on the wall, but the effect is marvelous.

The meeting facilities are lovely and spacious. We were comfortable and never without a bottle of water, a box of tissue and a bowl of candy nearby. At this point, I must mention the remarkable customer service at this amazing place.

From the moment we arrived, until we drove away, we felt welcome and special. There was never, ever a sense of snobbishness or arrogance. From the two gentlemen who greeted each of us with an umbrella to help us out of our car, to the woman who walked me down to the bar for a glass of ice water when I merely inquired about a water fountain, we found every need anticipated and taken care of with the most gracious of attitude. It really was quite special.

This outdoor terrace sits in the middle of the main lodge. It is a great multi - function space with a huge fireplace and grill area, serving stations, chairs for reading or visiting, as well as dining. A beautiful, subtle water feature sits in the middle flanked by huge pots of flowers, not shown in this shot, but are there now.

The indoor dining room is equally as lovely, again with fabulous lighting, a tall rock fireplace and of course, incredible food. The wine refrigerator sits behind the rock fireplace , is visible on both sides, and is created entirely of glass. Very, very cool.

I love this steel fabricated planter with the copper inset with a contemporary sconce behind it. These are between all of the huge windows on all four sides of the courtyard.

All in all, it was an amazing weekend and I highly recommend this resort to anyone who wants a very, very special experience in the land of enchantment!

My Favorite Austin Boutique on Wheels!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Well this is just about the cutest, coolest thing I have ever seen. Confession first: I read about it on Design Sponge and went promptly to the Adelante website for further information. However, Austin is officially in the Texas hill country, so this post is most pertinent to Hill Country House!

Adelante, a shop started over 30 years ago in San Antonio by Pat Taylor Mason is now owned and operated by her daughter, Tricia Mason Roberts. It has been one of my favorite stops for great clothes, jewelry and gifts, for years. I first discovered Adelante in San Antonio, but now try to stop by the Austin shop whenever I am over that way. Tricia has now started Curb Service, a traveling boutique via a decked out Airstream!

I think the concept of a traveling boutique is so, so clever. You can get the full scoop here. The fact that the Airstream is decked out in the latest in design and color, and that you can also shop the latest in fashion...........well, it's just the best of both worlds!

While poking around the web, I also discovered a new friend, The Vintage Laundress. She is also wild about Curb Service and you can read her take on it here. How much fun!!!

Photos courtesy of Adelante and Curb Service website.

My Friend Leslie, More Amazing Local Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Rainbow Bird

My friend, Leslie, has an amazing creative talent that manifests itself in many ways. I featured her home a while back here and took you through a tour of her lovely home which is chock full of beautiful furnishings and great art. We love a lot of the same things and have been known to choose the same paintings for purchase without consulting each other - so far she's beat me to the punch, but I am sure there will be more opportunities!

Leslie is an artist in her own right and I have such respect for her diligence in painting and learning. I am an emotional decorator, artist, antique buyer and dealer - just about everything I do comes from my heart first, then my intellect - not always a bad thing, but I really admire Leslie's mind. She is intelligent, articulate, intentional, thoughtful, tenacious, educated and focused. She has chosen different subjects to paint to specifically practice her skill. I have included some still lifes, some whimsical, and some figurative paintings to show you her range of talent.

She is also a dear friend and I have wanted to share her work at Hill Country House for quite some time. I have asked Leslie a few questions and interspersed her work along the way.

When did you start painting and what led you to it?

There has always been a part of me that wanted to express and create, but I had neither the knowledge nor ability to even begin. The few times I would actually have the luxury of time to try, I did so poorly that I would give up and just assume artistic talent was something I did not have. So the energy was directed mostly toward the ‘crafts’ I enjoyed, like knitting and needlepoint. I started painting ‘for real’ almost 4 years ago, when Sandra Hulse came to spend a week with Sloan and Debra and graciously agreed to spend time every day showing Debra, Laura and me the basics. She was generous and patient, encouraging and accepting. And we were truly novices. Sandra is a fabulous artist, and a very dear woman.
(Leslie is referring to mutual friends and artists. I had the honor and pleasure of traveling to Italy last year with Debra, Laura, and Leslie.)

Watermelon Wedges

Are you self taught or have you had any instructions?

Both. Sandra gave us such a good grounding in the basics! And she lit the fire beneath with her humility and her acknowledgment of God’s role in creativity. The very first thing she did on the first day was read Rudyard Kipling’s poem, When Earth’s Last Picture is Painted (http://www.readprint.com/work-977/When-Earth-s-Last-Picture-Is-Painted-Rudyard-Kipling). It was new to me, very touching, and very freeing. Several months later, I took a workshop in Taos from a really talented artist, but was so frustrated and conscious of my inability that I left swearing I would never paint again as long as I live. It just did not seem like something I would ever ‘get.’ Fortunately, there is a stubborn streak in my personality, and even if I couldn’t paint like I wanted, the tenacity to keep learning and reading was there. After a few months, I did pick up the brush again and have stuck with it ever since. Last year I took a workshop with Carol Marine that was wonderful. She’s quite the dynamo, and is extremely talented and giving of her knowledge.

How often do you paint and how long does it take you to finish a painting?

I wish I could paint every day, but there’s no way. It works out that I paint in spurts. Sometimes every day or almost every day for a few weeks, then there will be weeks where ‘life happens,’ and there will be no opportunity to paint for a while. But always, I try to stay in the painting ‘mode’ by reading, researching, looking at the art of others, etc.

Jordan on Christmas Morning

This is Leslie's daughter, Jordan. I think is is an exquisite painting of a beautiful young girl.

St. Francis

(This is one of my personal favorites, and I think I may have to steal it out of her house one day!)

Do you have a favorite subject matter?

I would love to work toward a rather abstract figurative style, but I’m just not there yet. So I’m still working on mastering the medium and the basics of values, edges, color, form, seeing/interpreting, etc. Eventually, I’d like to veer more toward being able to express the impact that a subject has on me in a more direct, less incidental fashion.

Regay's Nest

Of course, I love the bird's nest.

Tea & Roses

Do you have a favorite place to work and do you prefer inside or outside?

Debra is very kind to share her studio space with me, and it’s always a pleasure to work there. It’s a perfect setup and a great location. I can paint at home if there’s no distraction, but how often is that? I am NOT an outdoor painter. I think it would be fun, but heat and bugs are too much distraction for me. I like my comforts!

Snuggling

Is there any one artist whose work inspires you?

There are many. I loved Cezanne’s work before I ever knew who he was. I think there are some wonderful artists out there today whose work shows not just talent, but hard work and deep knowledge of both subject and process. That knowledge and understanding is what appeals to me. Georg Miciu –Nicolaevici in Argentina (http://www.georg.com.ar/) is probably my favorite artist. His work is just thrilling.

Pink on Polka Dots

Hide and Seek

Still Life on Stripes

Figs and Pumpkin

What are your hopes artistically for the future?

I’d like to just keep trudging up the learning curve. And it would be very nice to improve my skills while I do. Painting is a sort of therapy …it gets me out of the everyday concerns and out of my own small world. It’s a great blessing. And although I’m really grateful I don’t have to make a living at it, it is also fun when something sells. It’s just a little extra encouragement for the effort and the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve left something behind that is appreciated.

Spring's First Blooms

Peasant with Fruit
(My other personal favorite!)

Could this be Dinner?

The precious little masterpiece was a gift to me from Leslie. I love the naive quality and the use of color. It fits right in with my folk art and Mexican things. What a treasured gift.

Thank you , Leslie, for sharing your talent and thoughts with us! I can't wait to see what you do next!

Ranch Style Re-Do

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:49:00 +0000

I got a nice comment from a reader who included a link to her blog where she features a re-do of a typical ranch style house.

Here is the large family room - nice big space, but quite dated with the carpet, dark paneling and rock fireplace.

Here is a peak of the family room after it was redone. I love the hardwood floors, the light colored walls and the painted rock. To see more go to this link.

http://itsgreattobehome.net/home-tour/

Kitchen Lust

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Kitchen from House Beautiful , August 2009
Photos Julian Wass

This kitchen would make me a really happy girl. Have a great weekend!

Southwestern Elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:08:00 +0000

Upon first glance one might see a typical limestone house with a classic standing seam metal roof. Predictable front porch, rock columns, traditional hill country and probably not all that unique.............so not true!

Like so many things in life, do not judge this book by it's cover! Step inside with me for a real treat.

NOTE: I have just read my post after publishing and must say I am disappointed in how my photos appear. I do not know why, but if you click on a photo, you will get an enlarged version that is of remarkable better quality than those you see here. So, if you are interested, please do take the time to look more closely - this house has many details that for some reason do not show in the pictures shown here. Meanwhile, I guess I had better start shopping for a new camera!

I have wanted to feature this home on Hill Country House for quite some time. My friends, Johnny and Nella, have done a wonderful job of taking a classic hill country house, updating it, and filling it with things they love. Of course, if you have read my blog at all, you know that this is something I am passionate about. Collectors with great taste, they engaged our mutual friend, and local designer, Barbara White, to help them pull the house and their wonderful collections together. Barbara has a strong sense of color, scale and style. She will hunt for just the right antique or piece of art or furniture and will not settle for anything but the perfect item for the job! (She is my dear friend as well, and on a personal level, when it comes to decorating and antiquing, she is a great partner in crime!)

Recently I had the pleasure of having lunch at Johnny and Nella's home in honor of a mutual friend's birthday. Confession : a group of us descended on this house and rushed about in an embarrassingly giddy way - we were all so taken with the remodeling, the furnishings, the collections, and the paintings and I snapped photographs as fast as I could amongst all the "oohing" and "aahhing". There was an energy that day that only a group of crazed women mad for design and art could create! It was a most memorable afternoon.

Johnny and Nella were kind enough to answer a few questions about their home and art.

When did you move to the hill country and how did you choose Fredericksburg?

We moved to Fredericksburg from Cleburne two years ago, after Johnny retired from the car business. We had been coming to FBG for about 12 years as a getaway. We had a couple of different houses here during that time, which made it an easy place to visit frequently on weekends--and bring our dogs. We always knew we wanted to be here someday. It has been like coming home, finally. There is just something about the Texas Hill Country...

(So well said, Nella! there is just something special about this area of Texas.)

What were you looking for in a house and how did you choose this one?

We wanted a little land around us and we love having the 7 acres, but within and warm and friendly neighborhood.

We have enjoyed this property every day and never take it for granted.

While I am the first to admit that I love keeping up with current interior design trends, I also believe strongly that a home should reflect it's owner and his or her interests, loves, passions, and lifestyle. A commitment to favorite furnishings, whether stylish or not, requires confidence and self knowledge. That is probably why I love the houses I feature and especially love my friends' home!

Speaking of loves, one of the things Johnny and Nella and I share is a love of faux bois ."Faux bois" is a French term for, literally, "false wood" and has been around for years. Typically crafted of concrete, it take many forms in the way of planters, birdbaths, furniture, bridges and fences. In the last few years, it has had a resurgence in popularity and while we love the older pieces, (and you can see the large old pieces in San Antonio around town and at the zoo) there have been many great looking new pieces made. As I drove up to their house I noticed a wonderful faux bois birdbath tucked in the trees in front of their house. More than likely it came from San Antonio, Texas and you can learn more about it here .

I wish we had more "before" and "after" photos because believe me, this home is a splendid example of a nice, but very, very dated house that has been completely revived and given new life with the greatest of charm and good taste. Above is the gazebo on the property when Johnny and Nella purchased their home. The house sits on seven beautiful treed acres.

Here is the gazebo today, freshly painted and looking lovely among the oaks.

As we enter the home, it is hard to know which way to turn. To the left is a staircase, teasing the visitor to sneak up for a peek. Curiosity prevails as there are treasures at every turn, displayed in a fine tuned edited way. The decor is simple but elegant, comfortable, but not too casual - just lovely in every sense of the word.

While there is a Southwestern flavor, there is also a quiet elegance felt in this house.

How did you meet your designer, Barbara?

Oh, sweet Barbara White. We met at an antique show, I believe it was in Boerne. Anyway, we met up at a couple of auctions.

Somehow, I just knew she was the right one to help us with our house on Lone Star Lane in Fredericksburg a few years ago, so I gave her a call. She has since helped us with our house in Cleburne and with this house. She is a very talented designer and has become a dear friend.

To the right of the entry hall is a cozy sitting room with just a few of the vintage cowboy boots Johnny has collected over the years - and I do not mean ordinary boots.........just wait.

One pair sit on top of a painted sideboard, along with.........you won't believe, Mexican mezcal monkey bottles - translated, bottles for a Mexican distilled spirit made from the Agave plant. Of course, I love the vintage ones, which most of the collection are, and I absolutely covet the one that is signed by the maker. Click the photo below for better details. Aren't they funny!?

Take a look at this vignette of boots - the colors and workmanship are amazing. They truly are works of art. I just love them!

Where do you find your boots and how long have you been collecting them?

Johnny has been collecting boots for about 10 years. Some he purchased at a boot makers show here in Fredericksburg at the Oak House Restaurant a number of years ago. Boot makers from all over Texas and the southwest came to exhibit their boots. It was great fun. He has researched and bought many of the boots off Ebay and from his many contacts all over the U.S.

This wonderful old chest in the picture below came from the renowned Texas boot man, himself, Tyler Beard. Tyler passed away in 2008, and was an aficionado of Texas homes, boots, Western wear and memorabilia, to name just a few of his passions.

Tyler wrote " The Cowboy Boot Book" and another favorite of mine, "Lone Star Living". He loved Texas and was talented in many areas.

Quick - let's take a peek upstairs before we go any further into the house. First stop is the office where, although work is done, I am not sure I could concentrate for all the amazing goodies stashed up here. This collection just about says it all! Click on the photo for details - there are all kinds of little treasures here including the boots!

Here is a close up of a precious little vignette of cowboy memorabilia.

The cozy guest room upstairs has one of my all time Homestead favorite beds. Many of you know that Homestead, of Carol and Tim Bolton fame, was a huge part of Fredericksburg for many years. The store carried all kinds of fabulous furniture, fabrics, accessories and custom designed iron beds. This is one of those beds.It has always been one of my favorites of their designs.

Back downstairs, in the master bedroom, is another wonderful bed from Homestead. It is a beautiful painted four poster - click to see details. The master bedroom is comfortable and cozy and opens into the most wonderful master bath. The before pictures are shown below and you won't even believe it is the same bathroom as you scroll down!

Glass bricks in the window openings, manufactured marble tub, ordinary shower..............

very dated and ordinary sink and counter area.....................

Can you even believe it is the same bathroom! The glass tiles are just exquisite and the view into the oak trees is peaceful and beautiful! The freestanding tub is perfect in form and scale for this space.

Custom cabinetry and more glass tile make the bath both interesting and calming. The iridescent glass sink (one of a pair) shown below is absolutely gorgeous!

I love the combination of materials in this bathroom. It is a lovely and distinctive extension of the master bedroom.

The amazing painting in the living room was done by Enrique Pescoran Perez from the Cusco School in Cusco, Peru. It is one of several reproductions of different saints painted for a church in Peru.

I love the simplicity and the beauty of the cross over the fireplace. Barbara and Nella found it at the Round Top Antiques Fair.

Here is a view looking back at the front entry from the sun room which is connected to the living room. Each item is carefully chosen and placed to create a serene, well edited room.

On either side of the fireplace are small niches holding items chosen with a very discerning eye. Fine art is coupled with a contemporary pot, with a primitive pot sitting below, while the other showcases more boots and a fabulous old trunk covered in velvet and nail heads.

In the sun room, which sits just off the living room, Johnny and Nella have one of their favorite pieces displayed. Read what Johnny has to say about it.

FAUX BOIS BIRDCAGE " A stunning example of faux bois in the style of Dionicio Rodriguez, a talented designer, folk artist and craftsman. This piece was discovered in a residence in San Antonio by Molly and Robert (last names have escaped me again), where it had been for many years. We've had it about 5 years now and love it! It is large piece, about 6 feet tall.

There is a great book Capturing Nature by Patsy Light, who has researched and illustrated the works of Rodriguez.

The painting beside it is by early Texas artist, Rolla Taylor (1872-1970), who studied under Robert Onderdonk and Jose Arpa. We love his work and have several of his pieces."

On the opposite wall from the faux bois bird cage sits a favorite painting of Nella's.

JOHANNA HEILMAN "Venice"

While attending UT the artist studied in Italy and was inspired by the pigeons in the plazas. She is studying at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont.

Johnny and Nella have a sweet grouping of paintings by Clementine Hunter, a Louisiana folk artist, hanging in a small guest room near the kitchen.

In the sitting area off the kitchen, the painted screen is by artist Meg Davis, whose work you will see in the dining room as well. The painted cupboard is from Good& Co. in Boerne,Texas.

The most Southwestern room in the house, the kitchen, is filed with a wonderful collection of vintage Mexican pottery. Nella and Johnny also collect the pottery of Gorky Gonzales, of Guanajuato, one of my favorites. Below is a wonderful niche in the kitchen where one of the most charming paintings lives. I think this little Mexican girl is just dear, and if it is ever missing, I am afraid Johnny will know who stole it!! Read what he tells us about it.

AGAPITO LABIOS Labios was an itinerate Mexican folk art painter, who was thrown in jail during the Mexican Revolution. The mayor of the town saw his drawings of children, and told him if he would paint his children, he would let him out of jail. He did. Then, Labios traveled Mexico painting these beautiful children with scenes of Mexico for the rest of his life.
The dining room features a large painting by Texas artist Meg Davis. Meg lives in Johnson City, Texas for part of the year and in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico part of the year. Her canvases are typically large, colorful and whimsical, depicting scenes from Mexican life.

This is the table setting for the birthday luncheon. Simple, colorful and delightful. I love the polka doted Vietri plates.

This wooden fixture hangs over the table. I will bet you have not seen this anywhere else and certainly not in the latest catalogs or magazines. I absolutely adore it and if I was going to steal something from this house, it would be a close call between the painting and this light fixture! I am a sucker for birds and that little guy sitting on top is calling my name!

Aren't the colors wonderful - I love pink and orange, mixed with a bit of green and mustard......it works and is perfect for this house.

Last, but oh so not least, is the basement! Originally used as a game room, one might think of it as a small art gallery now, or even a private room where big art deals are made. Whatever it is, it does hold some of the best paintings collected (and often for sale, but that is another story!)

RUFFINO TAMAYO This painting is believed to be by the famous Mexican artist from Oaxaca, who died at the age of 91 in 1991. In addition to painting on canvas and board, he also painted many large murals. He is considered the inventor of "mixographia", allowing a traditional lithograph print to be created in relief for fine detail and volume, which is the meduim for this painting. Very abstract and interesting how the mind of such an artist works Love the humor. Watermelons are featured in many of his pieces.

A beautiful Indian blanket covers the wall adjacent to the Tamayo painting.

While not by the same artist as the one in the kitchen, this little jewel is quite charming.

Thank you to my friends, Johnny and Nella, for allowing me to photograph your home (albeit in a frenzy) and to feature you at hill country house! You know I have loved every minute of it!

"Who Doesn't Love a Parade?" or "I Love My Town!"

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:56:00 +0000

People park their trucks and cars all along Main Street the night before the parade. They gather on tail gates and in the truck beds with friends, family and refreshments the morning of the festivities. Here they are, anxiously awaiting the beginning of the parade!

So, I write this blog because I love design, and architecture, and art, and houses.............and the Texas hill country. Sometimes I get distracted or busy with life. Sometimes I can't think of anything I want to write about - and sometimes I have more ideas than time.

Right now, I have some great (at least I think they are great) ideas for posts, but they require some research, some communication with others, some thought. This post requires no thought - just photos (and a few captions) of our County Fair Parade held last week. It is the quintessential small town parade and I just love it.

A few of the coolest kids on the block got together and created this "float" for the parade. They were all members of the 45 Best Stores in Texas poll taken a few months back.

The Gillespie County Fair is big here - really big. There is no school the Friday of the fair, shops and even banks close during the morning, and people line up all the way up and down Main Street to watch and cheer for their friends. Just about anyone can participate, and boy, do they!!

.

"New Horizons" for people with special needs....

Miss Rhonda's School of Dance!

Local cool dude on his scooter with other bikers from the community, all representing our local scooter store!!

Watermelon princesses from Luling, Texas

Of course, the high school football team - GO Billies!! (The mascot is the billy goat - yes, really.)

Local tennis champ, farmer, and now boxer, Byron, on the float for the new fitness/boxing center!

What's a parade in Texas without some good looking cowboys on horses riding through town?

This year the Gillespie Country Fair Association decided to honor our hospital for it's years of service. The big wigs got to ride in a 1962 Cadillac driven by the car's owner!

Smile, boys, you are in a parade!!

More pretty girls..........these from Comfort, Texas, our neighbor down the road about 20 miles.

Some of the "good old boys" from the fair association.

Locals who give and give and give to our community - very kind and very generous folks!

Yes, more pretty girls - these are homegrown and all hoping to be the Fair Queen!

What's a parade without a marching band!! Again, GO Billies!!

We like to stay healthy and our Wellness Center is here to help us.

Love our SPCA - not sure if this is what this car represented but it sure seems that way!

Cute little donkeys...............

Gotta love the Boy Scouts!

Hey girls, get that beauty queen wave goin'......................

My friend, Kelly, went crazy for this old travel trailer................

I could not begin to catch all of the tractors on parade, but this cute old fella with his great blue tractor with the red tires just captured my eye................

More cute neighbors from Kerrville, Texas, also about 20 miles down the road!

Even our local grocery store, HEB, got in on the actions!

AAhhh, there's our SPCA float!!

Got a cool old car? Come on down!!

Dallas Talent! Renovating an Old Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:54:00 +0000

My blogging friend, Rebecca, over at Gardens, Houses,People posted (August 16, 2009) about this cottage a few weeks ago. I got so excited when I read it. I love seeing older houses in Dallas remodeled and renovated, rather than being torn down for yet another "MacMansion" to be squeezed onto a small lot on already crowded (charming, but crowded) streets. This trend was happening when we lived in Dallas 15 years ago and seems to have continued, much to my dismay.

Rebecca introduced her readers to the young design duo of Sarah and Miles Durham. Their story is quite interesting - go here to read more.

I snatched these photos from Rebecca, (with her permission), but didn't want to copy the whole post, so to see more of this great house, visit her blog.

Just LOOK at this old kitchen! Now look at the next shot at the magic this talented team did on it!!

What a good looking kitchen - fresh, crisp contemporary design. Rebecca has some more great photos of this newly re-done house. Click on over to see them, now!

My FUN Friend and Amazing Artist, Jodie

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Jodie and I became fast friends when our now teen age girls were in preschool together. Often, our girls would play together after school. When the time came to be picked up, one of us would politely say to the one arriving to get her child .... "Won't you come in for a few minutes?"... followed, oh so politely, with, "and have a glass of wine?"

Minutes would turn to hours - we would have wonderful, deep conversations, or laugh until we cried, or talk and cry. Over time, we became dear friends. We both had husbands who worked late and if it was Friday we would completely blow off the dinner, bath, story and bedtime routine and talk until someone got hungry - sometimes one of us, sometimes our girls! Then, we'd thrill them with more play time and pizza delivered!

We have been through many creative efforts together and separately. We've shared the joys and sorrows of marriage and children. My sweet friend now lives in Houston, but our friendship endures.

She was recently in town for a visit, AND to drop off some of her latest paintings to red to be exhibited and sold. She struggles to find the time to paint like many of us do when daily responsibility has to take precedence over our passions . When she does fine the time,though, her talent flows - here is some of her lovely work and more about her, in her own words.....................

"Still Waiting"

"The Eyes Have It"

"Good for You"

"Keep on Truckin' "

"Resilience"

When did you start painting? Actually I started painting pretty late in life. I probably would've started much earlier if I hadn't had a 3rd grade art teacher who ridiculed my mushroom sculpture that I painted with polka dots. Polka dots apparently were not part of the lesson. After that little experience I just assumed I wasn't an artist. The idea of painting stayed in the back of my mind for years but I didn't pick it up again until I was 35. I guess I had had enough therapy by that point to cover the mushroom incident.

How often do you paint? Not nearly often enough. I tell myself I'm going to paint every day, but between the 5 kids, 3 dogs, 2 cats and now one dead fish (may he rest in peace) I have a hard time squeezing it in.

Do you have a studio ? do you always paint indoors? I have an art room in my home, but I prefer to paint outside. Something about the light and the breeze and the freedom from walls really inspires me to move the paint across the canvas. I used to paint outside naked (we had a VERY HIGH fence)...now THAT was freedom. But then age, gravity and a few too many desserts took over and instead of feeling free I just feel like a freak painting outside naked.

Have you had any instruction or are you completely self taught? Thanks to my 3rd grade art teacher, I'm completely self taught.

How do you think your style developed and what inspires you? When I first started painting I painted with a brush but was never satisfied. Much like my life, I prefer the edges to be not so defined, so I moved to painting with palette knives. I love the texture that the knives create and the way I can get a lot of paint on the canvas fairly quickly. I'm inspired by anything that makes me smile. Whether its women laughing or the face of a cow, I want to create art that lifts peoples spirits and encourages them to take a break from the have-to's of life.

Do you have a favorite kind of art or a favorite artist? I love art that makes me smile. Whether its a collage, a sculpture, a photograph or a painting, I want to walk by it and have my heart lifted. I'm a fan of Melinda Hall. Her work captures my philosophy about my own art.

What do you hope to do artistically in the future? What do I HOPE to do??? Well I hope Oprah decides that the world needs to see my work and puts me on her show. That's what I hope. But since there's a small possibility that that may not happen, I guess my other hope would be to just move forward with the artistic process of experimenting with different mediums and continue to get my work out there to anyone who wants to have a little more joy in their life.

"Not Just a Piece of Meat II"

For more information or pricing, please visit red at www.redinfred.com

Blue Trucks and New Work!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Wowza!! I have been playing with Photobucket. I have always wanted to post larger photos but have not been able to because I use a Mac and am a self taught, slow learning blogger. So, when I "get it" I am so excited! This is a painting by my friend, Jodie. I am awaiting her email telling me more about her work and then I will do a full post.

Meanwhile, enjoy this cute, old blue truck!!

P.S. - African Headdresses

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Several people have asked about these wonderful puffy things hanging over the sofa in the Soiree office in NYC. I emailed Callie and she informed me that she and Nicki are actually selling these fabulous, feathered African headdresses!

Photos by Liz Banfield

They can be ordered in many colors: white, pink, purple, orange and brown. They are selling them for $300 and you can email them directly at callie@scoutdesignsnyc.com or nicki@scoutdesignsnyc.com.

Have fun!!

Scout NYC - Part II , The Office

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:26:00 +0000

I mentioned the satellite office in NYC of the event planner, Soiree, in my last post. I am not sure I did the office justice, though, so here are a few more shots of this charming work space.

Decorated by Callie Jenschke and Nicki Clendening of Scout Design, the office is both elegant and whimsical , fresh and modern.

Color is vibrant and interesting texture is abundant.

I read that Nicki found the green chairs at an antique mall in Charleston. This is the kind of thing that keeps antique dealers and collectors addicted to the hunt. We will peruse the worst of antique malls, "just in case"!

The screen adds an element of glamour and I suspect is quite functional at hiding the stuff of daily business.

Small accessories lend texture and form to an otherwise tech setting.

Love the vase - glass with some sort of woven covering - very nice.

Yep, these girls are good, very good.

All office photos by Liz Banfield.

Scout Design - NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Much ado has been made over this green chair, by Haskell Harris here, and by Courtney here.

Scout partners, Callie and Nicki

In fact, you may have read recently at stylecourt about the NYC satellite office of Charleston event planner, Soiree. The new office, decorated by Scout designers, Callie Jenschke and Nicki Clendening, is fresh, colorful and modern.

Soiree office photos by Liz Banfield

Better yet, this duo was able to do their magic on a modest budget. So, enough about the wonderful green chair! Now it is time to make a fuss about the talent behind it!

Callie is an old friend of mine and I am so excited to feature Scout at Hill Country House. You see, Callie grew up in the hill country, left the small town life for college and has established herself in NYC as a very talented young designer.

Callie was in high school when we first moved to Fredericksburg and it has been such fun to watch her become such a sharp and creative young woman. I interviewed Callie via email to get the story behind the great work shown here. Featured is her partner, Nicki's, apartment, a perfect example of their combined great eye and very good taste. I hope you enjoy the photos while getting the full scoop from Callie!

Tell me a little about your background - how you came to live in NYC and what you have been doing there.

I am, as you know, from Fredericksburg, Texas. (Confession–I babysat for Ann's girls Emma and Hannah from almost the first day they all moved to Fredericksburg until they were young ladies!) I went to the University of Texas at Austin and received my degree in journalism and minored in visual design. I have always been a design magazine junkie. I cut my teeth working at Austin Monthly and interning at Texas Monthly during school. I had always dreamed about working for a magazine in NYC so, I moved here right out of school. For almost 4 years, I have worked on and off at Metropolitan Home magazine as well as a short stint at Martha Stewart's Blueprint magazine. I covered the home market as well as produced and styled photo shoot for both magazines and others like Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Everyday with Rachel Ray, O at Home and many more.

Have you always wanted to be in interior design or is this a fairly new interest?

I have always had an interest in design. With a father and a grandfather that are builders, I grew up on job sites and was influenced by my mother who loves to renovate old homes. After cultivating my design eye at Met Home, where I was also mentored by the venerable Linda O'Keeffe, I realized that interior design was definitely a field I wanted to be in.

How did you and Nicki meet and how did you decide to go into business together?

Nicki and I met last year while working on the Greenwich Hotel, a new boutique hotel in Tribeca. I was hired to help buy for all of the rooms, and Nicki was supplying books. It was design kismet! We instantly became fast friends and realized that we loved working on interior spaces together. Our shared sense of aesthetics got us talking about starting a company. After the New Year, we dove right in and just went for it.

When did you form Scout?

Scout was formed right after the New Year. And, we officially began work on our first project–the Soirée office in New York City in late March.

What makes Scout unique?

We're interested in helping people create their ideal environment, be it at their home or their office. We want to create spaces that people walk into and immediately feel at ease, inspired, happy, comfortable, welcome, and inspired. We offer a total soup to nuts approach to design. From the sheets you sleep in, to the glass you drink your juice out of every morning, to the art on your walls, every detail is important to creating a lifestyle for each client. Our ultimate goal is to create spaces that feel like they can grow and evolve with a person's life.

What are your favorite sources?

We are flea market devotees! You can find us every Saturday and sometimes even Sunday mornings scouring the fleas in the city and in Brooklyn searching for the next one of a kind piece.

Is there anything in particular that is your inspiration?

NIcki and I both love traveling and experiencing other cultures and art. Countless museum visits and culture club outings inspire us on a daily basis.

What are your favorite jobs and do you have a typical client?

We love working with individuals, and love developing the creative collaboration between us and the client. Each one has been so different but, the majority of our clients are very successful people who know what they want...when we show it to them.

Nicki's apartment photos by Imogen Brown.

Thanks so much to Callie for sharing Scout's story with us. She and Nicki have a refreshing approach and great design talent.

Scout is definitely a design team to watch and I hope to feature more of their exciting projects in the future!

More Great Texas Modern

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:26:00 +0000

Just a few more great looking Texas houses.

I do not know these houses personally. They are designed by McKinney Architects in Austin.

Besides being a shelter magazine addict, I also scour architectural websites when I have time.

If you live in Texas, you know how nice this pool would feel right now!

To learn more about this firm and their work go here.

All photos courtesy of McKinney Architects website.

Texas Architecture Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:56:00 +0000

I have had this image in my files for years. It is still a dream - a classic Texas modern house built around a courtyard with a simple, rectangular pool.

Another favorite, kept for inspiration..............

A San Antonio courtyard entrance...........love it. All images from Lake/Flato architects in San Antonio, Texas. More to come on Texas architecture. Stay tuned.....................

Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:46:00 +0000

My time in Boston is winding down so today's post will be brief. I have got to get out there and soak up all I can with what time I have left. I feel as if what I have seen and learned in the past few weeks is just the tip of the iceberg in this interesting, vibrant city!

Yesterday's outing was to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, an absolutely exquisite building housing an amazing art collection. The home was built to evoke a 15th century Venetian palace.

Isabella Stewart (1840 - 1924) was born in New York and married Bostonian John Lowell Gardner, Jr. in 1860. Their wide travels inspired a passion for art that became a passion for collecting in 1891 when Isabella's father left her his fortune. Isabella and her husband gathered over 2500 objects of art. They initially amassed their collection to decorate their home. The collection includes paintings, sculpture, furniture, textiles, drawings, ceramics, photographs........the list goes on. The collection is from Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, the Islamic world, and 19th century France and America.

Isabella Gardner Stewart painted by John Singer Sargent in 1888

- Isabella Stewart Gardner, on the creation of her Museum, 1917

I so wish I had been able to take photographs of the collection. This was one of my favorite rooms. The walls are entirely adorned with Spanish gilded and painted leather panels.

The house is built around a courtyard with beautiful flower beds and seasonal plantings. It is covered with glass above the four story building, so one has the feeling of being in a huge greenhouse.
Beautiful decorative arts are scattered throughout the museum - I loved these chairs. There were 4 of them, each with different details.

For more information (and much better pictures) visit the website for the museum here.

All photos and information courtesy of the museum website and guest brochure.