Greetings!
With Memorial Day around the corner and the weather heating up, we at TRV thought this week's newsletter should focus on Outdoor Living. Check out these design resources for ideas and inspiration to spruce up your outdoor space for summer.
Design Resource Report
Marshall Lee, principal of Marsh Garden Decor, (8719 Katy Freeway, MAI Houston & 355 Iris Avenue, Ste. D, New Orleans, LA) has a background in landscape architecture and he was kind enough to take a little time to talk about outdoor design. The inspiration for Marsh Garden Décor stems from the lavishly adorned gardens, courtyards, patios and piazzas of Italy, France, and England-countries where the tradition of art in nature is centuries old. Their inventory speaks to an enchanted garden aesthetic.
TRV: What do you love about decorating outdoor spaces?
ML: I love designing and working with different plant materials. Watching the plants grow and mature through the years is something I receive great satisfaction from. They take on different forms as they grow and as the seasons change.
TRV: What's an easy way to spruce up an outdoor space?
ML: Purchase a few interesting urns or planters and always keep them potted with fresh material. It's a good way to add texture and color to an outdoor space and the easiest way to change the look. I like to change my container plantings each season.
TRV: Any plant recommendations?
ML: I'm a true southerner at heart when it comes to plant materials. I like azaleas, camellias, and crape myrtles for foundation plantings. For texture, I suggest aspidistra, maidenhair fern or hosta. A summer favorite is the caladium.
Stone Restoration
Stone looking shabby? Call the doctor-the stone doctor. His name is Wes Bowden, and he'll restore, repair, and refinish any and all of your natural stone. He uses diamond pads that work like sandpaper, cleaning, refinishing, and polishing your stonework, whether it's a marble dining table that's seen better days or a flagstone path around the pool. Stone that sits outside, whether it's a high-traffic path or a secluded sitting area, can require a little extra care to keep it looking good. Wes suggests that stone be cleaned and sealed to prevent growth of mold and algae and keep it protected from the elements. One quick cleaning can keep your stonework looking sharp all summer long and many months after. Contact Wes Bowden at 713-858-7736 or wes@houstonstonedoctor.com.
Eclectic Architecturals (www.earchitecturals.com)
1201 Champion Way, Longview, TX, plus four Dallas locations. 903-234-0016 (www.earchitecturals.com) EA owners Sharon and David Cox love the eclectic style of interior decoration-mixing modern art with antiques. Their inventory is gathered from primarily the Americas, France, Italy, Spain, and Asia, and their 11,000 square foot gallery/warehouse is stocked with an eclectic blend of unique art and old historical pieces that make a statement for the home or garden. Sharon has a ton of out-of-the-box ideas for outdoor decorating. Here are some of her tips:
- Take one of EA's antique chandeliers and swap the wiring and bulbs for candles. The look says drama and romance when mounted over an outdoor dining table.
- We have several columns, primarily from Asia, that are made from teak and are perfect for using outdoors. Use them to build a gazebo or a pergola for your yard.
New to TRV
metro retro furniture & mid century modern (
www.metroretrofurniture.com)is bringing their mid-century modern aesthetic to TRV. They have
one of the world's largest inventories of vintage furniture and accessories, with more than 3500 items from which to choose, and they have pieces to suit every budget. If you're a collector of 1940s to 1980s design, you'll love their classic retro furniture. And their outdoor stock is swoon worthy. Visit the
Houston showroom at 2215 Washington Avenue or head to
405 Preston Avenue in Pasadena, TX to their
30,000 sq. ft. warehouse or surf their impressively stocked web site from the comfort of your couch.
Designer Spotlight
Partners
Alice Wilson and
Tom Stovall come from diverse backgrounds: Alice once practiced as an attorney and Tom
started his career in flowers and has most recently been immersed in the world of furniture, both antique and contemporary. Both have had long careers in design and just this year these two friends have joined forces to let their strengths shine.
"Tom is extremely well versed in antiques and furniture while I love color and fabrics," says Alice.
In the spirit of reuse and renewal, Alice and Tom pride themselves on their ability to rethink the old and make it new, always working to retain the old world charm of historic homes, but equipping them with modern comforts for today's lifestyle. Case in point, the recent renovation of a late-'30s River Oaks home. The design team gutted the house but preserved its historic qualities, even keeping its original footprint. Then they got technical and went for the utmost in smart-home technology. Everything from the lights and sound system to the front gate and even the shower can be controlled via remote. The Jetsons would be proud.
Being a lover of textiles, Alice suggests
updating your fabrics to bring some punch to an outdoor space. With so many indoor/outdoor fabrics on the market today, you're bound to find something you'll love. For more information on Alice Wilson and Tom Stovall Interiors, visit The RedVault (
www.theredvault.com).
To-Do List: A weekly rundown for what to do around town
We announced the Super Sale happening at Memorial Antiques & Interiors (www.maihouston.com) on the blog here (http://theredvaultblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/sale-at-memorial-antiques-interiors.html), but here's your reminder. Stop by their annual sale anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. through Saturday, May 22, for sales of up to 50 percent off! Tell them The Red Vault sent you, and you'll get an extra 20 percent off any single item priced at $100 or more!!
News and Announcements:
Showroom ScoopSharon and David Cox of
Eclectic Architecturals (
www.earchitecturals.com) are in France as you read this newsletter, collecting treasures to bring home to their store. They hope to have lots of great new pieces on display by late June.
Houston Design Center Cruise Party Update
Showrooms went all out for the HDC Cruise event last Wednesday night. We went everywhere from Tokyo to Cabo, taking in the sights. And we got great pictures from TRV standout Design House. They went all out, taking their Tokyo theme to the extreme. Here are a few photos, but check out the blog (www.theredvault.com/blog) for more pics from the event.
Have a great weekend!
Have comments or suggestions for us, call Ginger Wheless 713-661-6300 or email ginger@theredvault.com
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