Greetings!
We all know the rhyme: April showers bring May flowers. So this final weekend of May, we're celebrating all that blossoms and blooms. Browse our design resources for floral trends and ideas, and don't forget to check out the blog for even more design dispatch.
Design Resource Report
Mecox Gardens (3912 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX. 713-355-2100. www.mecoxgardens.com) Mecox has seven additional locations, including Dallas, East Hampton, Manhattan, Palm Beach, Los Angeles, Chicago, and the flagship emporium in Southampton.
The Highland Village store is the largest of the eight Mecox showrooms, boasting more than 8,000 square feet of space dedicated to quality home and garden furnishings. Their goal is to achieve balance between the indoor and out, and whether you're in the market for spectacular one-of-a-kind antiques, unusual re-editions, or a classic Mecox design, you'll find the best quality the world has to offer. Flowers are blooming in unique places around the Mecox showroom.
"We're seeing a lot of natural adaptations of floral design," says John Tucker of Mecox. "For example, these clamrose pieces make a strong accent."
We also found a pair of beautiful candelabras with a floral motif, bright accent pillows, bold botanical prints, and an interesting end table.
Be sure to stop by the store this week and peruse their new shipment of Asian accessories, decorative objects, and furniture, which arrived Thursday, May 27.
Shabby Slips (2304 Bissonnet, Houston, TX. 713-630-0066. www.shabbyslipshouston.com) Shabby Slips has made a name for itself in the design world by pairing exquisite fabrics with classic design to create stunning one-of-a-kind pieces. But it is more than a custom furniture store; it is a custom interior design boutique. Owner Renea Abbott opened Shabby Slips in 1991, and since then the store has become a go-to place for all that's stylish in Houston décor. Throughout her design projects she combines traditional proportions and elements of classic design with her take on modern luxury. Her Bissonnet showroom is stocked with exceptional accent pieces, furniture, and accessories, and they have some stunning interpretations of floral design on display.
Flowers are a great way to brighten any room, and these crystal sconces are a literal translation.
We also found a carved marble lotus plate and a bold Florentine mirror.
Found (2422 Bartlett St., Ste. 5, Houston, TX. 713-522-919. www.foundforthehome.com) As Found owner Aaron Rambo notes on their web site, "We simply collect items that speak to us, regardless of provenance." Well, Rambo and co-owner Ruth Davis have been out collecting, and just last Saturday their new shipment came in. It's full of interesting industrial pieces, as we've grown to expect from Found, plus beautiful French chairs and other accessories.
In this eclectic but refined showroom, floral inspiration showed up in a subtle way with this pair of French hat displays whose spindles give a nod to fauna.
More bold were these architectural fragments and this industrial lamp that is softened with a graphic, floral shade.
Stop by to see what surprises their newly stocked showroom has in store.
Insider Interview
Selena Mackay and Larissa Pineda, Mackay & Associates (2155 Bissonnet, Ste. 101, Houston, TX. 832-597-2303)
Selena Mackay of Mackay & Associates has always had a passion for art, design, architecture-anything creative. Though she has been working in the interior design world for more than a decade, her degree is in fashion, and it is that experience that has given her an expert eye for combining fabric, color, and texture. Recently, her daughter Larissa Pineda joined her at Mackay & Associates, making it a mother-daughter endeavor. For this week's Insider Interview, we got Larissa's input on floral trends.
TRV: What floral trends are you seeing in the design world right now?
LP: Floral patterns are more geometric, more modern, and brighter colors are being used.
TRV: What are some tasteful tips for incorporating floral into a space?
LP: When it comes to floral patterns on wallpaper or fabrics, the scale is very important. Stay away from small and beady because it looks crowded and outdated. The larger the pattern the better.
TRV: What's your favorite flower?
Peonies for formal living rooms and Casa Blanca Lilies for everywhere else in the house. They are beautiful and make the entire house smell wonderful and fresh.
TRV: Any final words of floral advice?
LP: Don't overdo it!
See some of Mackay & Associates' exceptional work below:
New to TRV
Area (5600 Kirby Drive, Ste. N-5, Houston, TX. 713-668-1668.) Area is a one-stop shop for all your decorating needs. They carry everything from gorgeous furniture and antiques to art and lighting, and they have an impressive array of accessories and art books.
Imago Dei (6817 Flintlock, Ste. A, Houston, TX, Houston: 713-466-9990 Austin: 512-705-6005) Imago Dei is one of Houston's finest art studios. The talented staff creates stunning murals, finishes, and art from old-world to contemporary themes. Their work is something to behold, and though seeing it in person is preferable, check TRV for selections from their portfolio.
Headlines & Favorite Finds
Haute Furniture
Selena Mackay of Mackay & Associates is in the process of developing her own furniture line, and her background in fashion design is coming in handy. She is applying the couture techniques and principles she learned in art school to the fabric for her furniture. She is in the planning and prototype stage, but she expects the line to be available in six months.
Favorite Find
This gorgeous antique Italian 12-branch chandelier at The Gray Door is dripping in class and style. The gilt metal frame has a beautiful timeworn patina and is decked out with lavish crystal prisms, drops, and flowers. It's a fantastic statement without being over-whelming or pretentious. This is definitely the only piece you will need to showcase your favorite room. (3465 W. Alabama, Houston, TX. 713-521-9085. www.graydoorantiques.com)
Have a great weekend!
Have comments or suggestions for us, call Ginger Wheless 713-661-6300 or email ginger@theredvault.com
& 
