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My Favorite Stops Around Round Top

CLICK BELOW TO EXPLORE MY TOP PICKS FOR SHOPPING, FOOD & BEVERAGES!

Round Top 2.0

Enjoy this in depth Round Top 2.0 guide. IYKYK - Round Top has changed drastically since I last wrote in 2018. Please visit PaperCity’s guide to Round Top and The Vintage Round Top  for great guides to my most happy place in Texas!  I've added a few tips of my own to help Houston folks planning day trips!

Preparing for the Show.

WHERE IS IT?

Round Top is about 90 miles and about a two-hour drive from Houston (quicker if you have a heavy foot... see note about speed traps!). The town has a population of around 90 and is on Texas 237 between Brenham and LaGrange.  Watch for speed traps on 290. Once you're on Highway 237, expect limited mobile reception and the traffic to crawl slowly as you get near town.

DATES & TIMES

-Show is now held three times a year in the winter, Spring and the Fall. Check for dates here.

-Thousands of vendors set up shop on an eleven-mile stretch of Hwy 237 in Round Top with smaller shows in neighboring towns. 

-Every show is different, most open by 9:00am (however some open even earlier) and close around 6:00pm (or stay open until the last shopper leaves)  

BEST TIME TO COME?

Looking for the Best Deals: Come towards the end of the of the show. There will be less selection, however vendors will be more inclined to strike a deal or negotiate with you to get rid of their inventory. (Although, this is not always the case. Many dealers pack up from one show to go to the next, so are not in a position to give major discounts.)

Looking for Smaller, Less Chaotic Crowds: Shop Monday-Thursday. During the week, parking is much easier and the crowd is smaller, making it easier to get from one show to another.

Looking for the Best Selection: Plan to be there Day 1 or before for sneak peeks! Some vendors will be running before the official open date. Pros: Small crowds, spotty shopping - some open, most closed. But you will get a jump on what you find before it gets picked over. Downside: Not everything is open and the prices will be less negotiable..

WHERE TO STAY

Book lodging early! Many B&B/home rentals require a  2-3 night minimum stay. Regardless if you plan to come once or twice a year, lock the reservation in with your favorite B&B or Home Rental. 

Visit PaperCity’s Featured Properties
Visit Round Top Hostie’s Offerings
Stay at Hotel Lulu to be in the middle of it all!

I’ve stayed many times at The Main Street House in Brenham.  Keith, the owner, is super friendly and makes a perfect French Press.

WHAT TO WEAR

Dress comfortably and stylish! Texas weather can be extreme and change overnight, but many days are picture perfect. Shoe choice is key as you will be doing a lot of walking... and walking over rocks, grass, caliche and sometimes through mud.  Sun coverage is also important in regards to staying comfortable while navigating the shows. Wear layers and a light jacket or top to cover your shoulders to avoid sunburn, even if it’s cold. Wear comfortable shoes or if the forecast calls for rain, wear rain boots. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

WHAT TO BRING

Carry a large tote bag to carry water and small purchases.  I often have allergy attacks in Round Top, so I always pack some antihistamine and tissues.  I bring a small measuring tape, notes on what I’m looking for, cellphone (obviously!), for writing photographing purchases including the location, name and booth number of the vendor if you need to pick up your items later. 

If you're on a day trip, you may be looking to save precious shopping time.  I suggest loading a cooler full of cheese, crackers, chicken salad, water, etc.  You can grab a quick bite in your car (with A/C blowing) and avoid the long restaurant lines. Many shows now have food and beverage bars on site, so quenching your thirst or grabbing a snack is much easier!

Use your cellphone to take pictures of the items you bought and left behind to pick up later. Always ask permission before you take photos of a booth and if you plan to post on social media, get the name and contact info to tag the vendor.

Bring cash from home! Although most dealers accept credit cards and checks, cash is always welcomed. There are banks located in Round Top and the surrounding areas of Carmine, La Grange and Brenham and some show sites do have ATMS.

During the Show.

PARKING

Many parking areas are located between and behind the shows along SH 237. Most parking is free, but there are places that offer paid parking for a small fee, typically $5.

NAVIGATING THE SHOWS

If you come for a day trip, get started as early as possible. Since the shows span over an 11 mile stretch, traffic can slow down the process of getting from one to another. Drive to the furthest show and work your way backwards so you are only dealing with traffic on the way back. However, if you have favorite shows, start there first to get the best selection.

The Round Top Register has created a Back Roads Guide with information about show locations, times and dates. You can pick up one in Round Top or click here to view and download the PDF.

NEGOTIATING WITH VENDORS

Some vendors will negotiate, but most are firm on prices. You won’t know until you ask and most dealers expect to be asked. You will have better luck negotiating if you are looking to purchase a large ticket item or a large amount of small items. Remember that these vendors have a tough job so be fair in what you offer.

FINDING YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE

As the saying goes, “One’s man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” We love the hunt, but one issue you have to face when looking for your perfect piece is the decision of when to buy. If you decide to wait and go back later to purchase a piece, it may be gone. The other aspect is that you may buy something in the beginning and then find something even better later so, there is no easy answer. Bottom line: If you LOVE it, BUY it!

TRANSPORTING YOUR PURCHASES

There are several businesses that offer shipping of large purchases but in our experience, the two most reputable are Roll’en Hills and Distinguished Transport. If you aren’t buying large items, simply transport your purchases in the back of your vehicle, in your trunk or even pull a small trailer. If you choose to take your items home with you, bring plastic tarps or blankets to cover the interior of your car in case of rain or if items are dirty, etc.

ROLL'EN HILLS CONTACT INFO
Cindy's Cell : 281 726 2631 or Kevin's Cell:  281 204 7434
2121 South State Hwy 237
Round Top, TX 78954

DISTINGUISHED TRANSPORT CONTACT INFO
Phone: 979 249 3473  or 678 910 1668
2377 South State Hwy 237
Round Top, TX 78954         

Where to Eat.

Restaurants get VERY busy during the show and some require reservations weeks or months in advance. If you know when you are going to be coming, we highly recommend calling the restaurant to find out when they begin taking reservations so you are ahead of the game.

GARDEN COMPANY FEED & FIREWATER The Garden Company is a delicious eatery located in Rummel Square.

ROYER'S ROUND TOP CAFE A Round Top legend, Royer’s Round Top Café is known for its delicious food and quirky atmosphere.

During the show, you can also find Royer’s in Zapp Hall!

TEAGUE'S TAVERN Serving up some good old-fashioned Texas cooking like frito pie and chicken fried steak, Teague's Tavern offers a relaxed atmosphere and live music on the patio on the weekends.

THE STONE CELLAR Speaking of relaxing with a cold one in hand, The Stone Cellar offers a wide variety of craft and local beers with live music every Friday & Saturday—in addition to the most yummy wood-fired pizza!

PROST WINE BAR A great place to grab a glass of wine is Prost Wine Bar. They also offer light bites—like a delicious cheese plate—to snack on while you're there! 

ROYER'S PIE HAVEN Royer's Pie Haven is our favorite stop for a quick coffee and maybe even a slice of pie (okay, always a slice of pie!).

TEXAS ROSE SHOW & CAFE Take a lunch break from hunting down treasures in the fields and stop off at the Texas Rose Show & Café for sandwiches, salads, and friendly faces behind the counter.

MANDITO'S From the owners of Armando's, a Houston institution, Mandito's is Round Top’s spot for TexMex. I love sharing the chicken nachos with a friend and sipping on a spicy margarita (ask for a “dot” of the frozen habanero on top - delish!)

LULU'S Located in Bybee Square, Lulu's historic atmosphere alone is worth the trip, but you can't go wrong with a glass of wine and one of the classic pizza or pasta offerings. Outdoor dining limited - but worth it!

ROUND TOP SMOKE HOUSE Owned by the same proprietor of the Ellis Motel, this new BBQ restaurant is located behind Henkel Square and ain’t your traditional Texas fare. It’s that and then some!

POPI BURGER Popi Burger is located in the charming old general store right across from the the main square and offers delicious burgers, brews and shakes that will make your tummy happy!

JW's in CARMINE

If you're looking for a nice, juicy steak, head 20 minutes the opposite way to find JW’s in Carmine. This true Texan steakhouse is a hole-in-the-wall joint that serves up some of the best steaks and burgers as well as an amazing catfish platter! We highly recommend heading to JW's before you head out of town! 

Most shows and all large ones have “Pop Up” food vendors and beverage trucks!

After Hours.

Several shows offer late-night shopping along with live music. Thank you Vintage Round Top for your recommendations!

The most well-known and rockin’ is the “Junk Gypsy Prom,” held on a Thursday at the Junk Gypsy tent in Zapp Hall. They have live music, vendors and Zapp Hall has a bubble bar with libations.

Prost Wine Bar offers live music and a world class selection of wines by the glass or the bottle.

112 Bauer Rummel Road
Round Top, TX 78954

The Stone Cellar is a personal favorite. It’s known for great live music, dancing, and pizza.  

204 East Mill St
Round Top, TX 78954

The Ellis Motel, located in Henkel Square, is arguably the hippest hang-out in RT. Score a secluded room to lounge and wet your whistle.

Saddlehorn Winery in Burton, is a great spot to sip delicious wine and enjoy beautiful views of their 390-acre ranch. The Black Spanish wine is a must-try! You can add this spot to your list any day of the week, since they are open daily from 11am-6 pm.

Rohan Meadery, located on Blissful Folly Farm, offers a wide variety of meads, wine, and ciders made with sustainably sourced local ingredients. Their tasting room hours are Thursday to Sunday from noon to 6 pm. Stop by for a glass after a day of shopping Round Top!

Blue Mule Winery, a new favorite among Round Top locals, is located about 20 minutes away in Fayetteville. They offer wine tastings - check their website for schedule. The winery is built on the family's homestead, making it a family affair!

Kooper Family Whiskey has made a big splash and is located in Ledbetter, Texas. They too are a family affair and offer tastings and bottle purchase.

 

 

Cover This!

If you have been following me on Instagram, you know I've been picking up furniture from consignment shops with plans on reupholstering.  It's been a while since I've been in furniture buying mode and I'm not super versed in the ways of fabric, so the last few months have been a serious crash course.

If you're set on custom furniture (i.e., a specific piece in the fabric of your choice), get ready to spend some stacks.  I fell down this rabbit hole thinking I would be saving money.   

While treasure hunting, I found two pink chairs that I knew would perfect for my formal living room.  They were a steal at $130/each, but the fabric was worn and in need of replacement.  "Perfect," I thought.  I had been digging in the fabric bin at Paisley House and had several swatches to select from.

 

When I finally selected The Fabric that would wrap around my bargain beauties, I was terribly excited... until I saw the price tag.  $300/yard X 17 yards = over $5,000 for fabric alone.  Can you hear me choking?  Pass the wine.

So my search for the chair fabric continued, but could not get The Fabric out of my head!  On my recent trip to Round Top, I took my precious samples in hopes of finding coordinating accessories.  While digging through towers of pillow covers, a man/angel said, "I can get you pillows in that fabric."  I literally hugged him.  Thanks to Bryan McRae at Botanica my room will include two 22" sofa pillows in The Fabric for under $200!

Thanks also to my new friend Grace Caroline at Paisley House in Houston who has tirelessly reviewed hundreds of text images of my wacky thrift finds and guided me through Designer Fabrics 101.   

Check out this great guideline if you're trying to estimate how many yards a piece would require.  If you're looking to refinish a piece on a tight budget, there are online fabric stores that have a great selection, discounted pricing, and [most of the time] free samples! Yay for free!

 

All About Round Top

Thanks to The Vintage Round Top  and Katie at RoundTop.com for great guides to my very happy place - Round Top Antiques Week!  I've added a few insights of my own to help Houston folks planning day trips!

roundtop.jpg

Preparing for the Show.

WHERE IS IT?

Round Top is about 90 miles and about a two-hour drive from Houston (quicker if you have a heavy foot... see note about speed traps!). The town has a population of around 90 and is on Texas 237 between Brenham and LaGrange.  Watch for speed traps on 290. Once you're on Highway 237, expect traffic to slow to a crawl as you get near the shopping sites.

DATES & TIMES

-The shows are held twice a year in the Spring (end of March/beginning of April) and the Fall (end of Sept/ beginning of October).

-They span over a fifteen-day period with approx. 60 shows on an eleven-mile stretch of Hwy 237 in Round Top with smaller shows in neighboring towns. 

-Every show is different, most open by 9:00am (however some open even earlier) and close around 6:00pm (or stay open until the last shopper leaves)  

-Some shows have specific hours, primarily the shows with paid entry fees.

REFER TO THESE LINKS FOR SHOW DATES:

http://www.antiqueweekend.com

http://roundtop.org/antique_show_info.php

BEST TIME TO COME?

This all depends on what your goals are at Round Top Antiques week.

Looking for the Best Deals: Come towards the end of the third week of the show. There will be less selection, however vendors will be more inclined to strike a deal or negotiate with you to get rid of their inventory. (Although, this is not always the case. Many dealers pack up from one show to go to the next, so are not in a position to give major discounts.)

Looking for Smaller, Less Chaotic Crowds: Visit the shows Monday-Thursday. During the week, parking is much easier and the crowd is smaller, making it easier to get from one show to another.

Looking for the Best Selection: Plan to be there the very first week. It will not only be less crowded, but you will have the widest selection to choose from before it gets picked through in the following, most popular week. Downside: the prices will be less negotiable and not all vendors are open.

WANT TO BE HERE WHEN ALL OF THE SHOWS ARE OPEN?

Marburger Farm (opens the Tusday of the last week) and Big Red Barn (opens the Monday of the last week) are the only two shows that have an entry fee, however the fee covers parking and the entire length of the show. Both have a variety of dealers, however most of them are higher- end and many are European. The booths are styled and easy to navigate. The Vintage Round Top is a Marburger Farm vendor. 

WHERE TO STAY

Book lodging early! Many B&B/home rentals require a  2-3 night minimum stay.

Regardless if you plan to come once or twice a year, lock the reservation in with your favorite B&B or Home Rental. The Vintage Round Top is, of course, RVT's first pick, but if the home is booked already, go through Round Top Chamber of Commerce or VRBO Vacation Rental to find available lodging.  My girlfriends and I stay at The Main Street House in Brenham.  The owner is super friendly and makes a mean cup of french pressed coffee.

WHAT TO WEAR

Dress comfortably and stylish! Texas weather can be extreme and change overnight, but many days are picture perfect. Shoe choice is key as you will be doing a lot of walking... and walking over rocks, grass, caliche and sometimes through mud.  Sun coverage is also important in regards to staying comfortable while navigating the shows. Wear layers and a light jacket or top to cover your shoulders to avoid sunburn, even if it’s cold. Wear comfortable shoes or if the forecast calls for rain, wear rain boots. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.  I tend to have allergy attacks in Round Top, so I always pack Allegra-D.

roundtop2.jpg

WHAT TO BRING

Carry a large tote bag to carry water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.  I tend to have allergy attacks in Round Top, so I always pack some antihistamine.  Use your tote to carry a notebook and pen or use your cellphone, for writing down your purchases including the location, name and number of the vendor you need to pick up your items from.  You can also use your tote to carry smaller items you have purchased.

If you're on a day trip, you may be looking to save precious shopping time.  I suggest loading a cooler full of cheese, crackers, chicken salad, water, etc.  You can grab a quick bite in your car (with A/C blowing) and avoid the long restaurant lines.

Use your cellphone to take pictures of the items you bought and left behind to pick up later. (Trust me - always ask permission before you take photos of a booth and get the name and contact info to tag the vendor in social media outlets.)

Bring cash from home! Although some dealers accept credit cards and checks, cash is always welcomed. There are banks located in Round Top and the surrounding areas of Carmine, La Grange and Brenham and some show sites do have ATMS.

During the Show.

PARKING

Many parking areas are located between and behind the shows along SH 237. Most parking is free, but there are places that offer paid parking for a small fee, typically $5.

NAVIGATING THE SHOWS

If you come for a day trip, get started as early as possible. Since the shows span over an 11 mile stretch, traffic can slow down the process of getting from one to another. Drive to the furthest show and work your way backwards so you are only dealing with traffic on the way back. However, if you have favorite shows, start there first to get the best selection.

roundtopmap2017.jpg

The Round Top Register has created a Back Roads Guide with information about show locations, times and dates. You can pick up one in Round Top or click here to view and download the PDF.

NEGOTIATING WITH VENDORS

Most vendors will negotiate, but some are firm on prices. You won’t know until you ask and most dealers expect to be asked. You will have better luck negotiating if you are looking to purchase a large ticket item or a large amount of small items. Remember that these vendors have a tough job so be fair in what you offer.

FINDING YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE

As the saying goes, “One’s man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” We love the hunt, but one issue you have to face when looking for your perfect piece is the decision of when to buy. If you decide to wait and go back later to purchase a piece, it may be gone. The other aspect is that you may buy something in the beginning and then find something even better later so, there is no easy answer. Bottom line: If you LOVE it, BUY it!

TRANSPORTING YOUR PURCHASES

There are several businesses that offer shipping of large purchases but in our experience, the two most reputable are Roll’en Hills and Distinguished Transport. If you aren’t buying large items, simply transport your purchases in the back of your vehicle, in your trunk or even pull a small trailer. If you choose to take your items home with you, bring plastic tarps or blankets to cover the interior of your car in case of rain or if items are dirty, etc.

ROLL'EN HILLS CONTACT INFO
Cindy's Cell : 281 726 2631 or Kevin's Cell:  281 204 7434
2121 South State Hwy 237
Round Top, TX 78954

DISTINGUISHED TRANSPORT CONTACT INFO
Phone: 979 249 3473  or 678 910 1668
2377 South State Hwy 237
Round Top, TX 78954         

After Hours.

Several shows offer late night shopping along with live music.

The most well-known and rockin’ is the “Junk Gypsy Prom” held on a Thursday at the Junk Gypsy tent in Zapp Hall. They have live music, vendors and Zapp Hall has a bubble bar with libations.

Prost Wine Bar offers live music and a world class selection of wines by glass or bottle.
112 Bauer Rummel, Round Top, Texas 78954

The Stone Cellar has moved to the Old Depot and is known for great music, dancing, and pizza. 550 N Washington St, Round Top, TX 78954

Teague's Tavern offers Texas style comfort food and live music every weekend.
105 N. Live Oak Street, Round Top, Texas 78954

roundtopnight.jpg

 

 

Thinking of a kitchen remodel?

I would love to help with your project!  Did you know kitchens stay at the top of the list when it comes to most popular room to renovate?  Kitchens are the heartbeat of the home, the center of attention, and a worthy investment.  It's a big job, so before you start demo, there are some important things to consider.  Check out these beginner tips if you want to remodel a kitchen.

Set A Realistic Budget.

  • Do your research. Talk to professionals and visit home stores to learn about the cost of items and then figure out what you want, what you need, and what you can afford.
  • Prepare for the unexpected. Set a budget and then add another 10% for unplanned expenses.
  • Consider "hidden" costs. Remember to factor in the cost of labor and materials, as well as taxes and any shipping or delivery costs that might come up. These add up very quickly, so it's important to consider them when you're setting the budget.
  • Quality is #1.  Always buy the best you can afford. When it comes to kitchen renovations, you want to have high-quality, functional items because they are being used daily.
  • Be practical and don't buy unnecessary items. It is tempting to buy gadgets and fancy appliances, but it's better to go with the reliable basics that you know you'll use and get your money's worth out of.

Product Selection.

Knowing what is available in the market can be daunting!  I sell several different lines of cabinetry because not every manufacturer fits every project.  Hiring a professional to help with selections of cabinetry, appliances, and stone materials will help make your remodel enjoyable.

  • Cabinetry.  Talking to a designer about types of cabinetry available will help you decide which product is best for you and your budget.  Cabinetry is available in various price ranges and quality levels.
  • Appliances.  Appliances come in a multitude of finishes, sizes, and performance levels.  Do your research, compile a list of wants & needs and then talk to your designer about working those into your budget and design.
  • Tile & Slabs.  A back splash and counter top can make or break a beautiful kitchen.  Be sure to visit lots of showrooms before making a final decision.  Never select a counter top based on a sample - take the time to view the entire slab!
  • Lighting & Hardware.  I consider these to be the "jewelry of the kitchen".  You can easily change the look of a simple white kitchen with the addition of a modern metal chandelier or a rustic iron fixture.
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Smart Space Planning.

A good designer will make sure things are laid out properly to ensure safety and convenience. Here are a few basics to remember:

  • Counters: Plan to have at least 36" of counter space for food preparation, with 24" on each side of the sink. If you can fit more, do it!
  • Appliances: Leave adequate floor space in front of appliances so the doors can be opened and you can still walk in front of them. 36" to 48" should be sufficient.
  • Walkways: Leave enough room for traffic flow.  There should be 42" between the counters and the island (if there is one) so that people can easily pass by. 
Rule_25_Counter_Space.jpg

Once you know what you want, and what you can afford, you can hire a contractor and get started!  Be sure to ask friends for referrals and don't be afraid to ask questions!  You will be working with your contractor and designer for a few months, so having a good working relationship is the key to success!

Try your best to stick to your plan and try not get caught up in the excitement!  There will be lots of ups and downs along the way, so prepare yourself mentally for some setbacks.  Remember, in the end, it WILL be worth it!  

New Digs!

About 18 months ago, we decided it was time to sell our home of ten years and look for a home we liked, in a neighborhood we loved.  November was a busy month for us, as offers to purchase were flying left and right... we finally settled on numbers and simultaneously sold and bought our old and new homes.  Since November, I have been busy erasing a lot of 1994 from the new house.  Still so much work to do, but happy to be settling back into a more "normal" schedule of work, school, and play.  Thank you to EMC Premier Painters and FLOOR for all your beautiful work!

The mud stops here.

Mud and laundry rooms are one of the utilized spaces in a home, yet are often neglected during the design phase.  If you are building a new house or renovating a home, don't forget to pay attention to this space!  

Things to think about:

  • LIGHTING.  Who wants to fold clothes in a small, dark space? Add a skylight if there isn't a window or, at least, install plenty of overhead LED lighting to make the space bright. I use Aspect recessed LED in my projects.
  • ROUTINES.  Who uses this space?  Are you hanging school bags and sports equipment?  What about mom's tennis gear?  Don't forget pets - dog food storage and a feeding area could help keep Fido organized too!
  • STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE.  Install cabinets of various depths to keep vacuum hoses from tangling, towels stacked, and shoes tidy in cubbies.   
  • WATER.  If you can, put a sink!  Having a space to wash & rinse away dirt just may save your life.  This Blanco undermount is one of my favorites.
  • FLOORING.  Make sure you put a durable product on the floor.  Tile is the No. 1 choice, but be creative and use an interesting pattern or texture.  Tile comes in finishes that look like natural stone, wood and even brick!  What I wouldn't give for a herringbone brick floor in my mud room!

The light, for less.

Recently I've been on the hunt for new lighting to update our breakfast room.  I have had the same matching light fixtures hanging over the table and sink since we reno'd the house in 2006.  In my search, I've found some great "get the look for less" items .  Check out the lighting below that is currently offered at World Market and Anthropologie... you may be surprised to find which is the better deal!

Where didya get that?!

I have a problem with just saying "thank you" instead of shouting out the discounted price of a seemingly pricey item.  

Girlfriend: OMG.  That rug is amazing!  Is it new? Where didya get that?
Me: YES!! Isnt' it great!?  You won't believe - I got it at XYZ for less than $300!! 

Who doesn't love the look of a highly styled room!?  It's the designer price tag that gets us all choked up.  My friends and clients are amazed at the great interior accessories, art, carpets, lighting and furniture I find.

My husband loves the rock-bottom prices.  

I've decided to offer Personal Buying to my services.  Let me do the digging for you! I will scour antique stores, thrift shops, local HomeGoods (Oh, how I love HomeGoods!), and Round Top Antique Fair so you don't have to!  Give me a call, send me your Pinterest board, and let me start hunting for some treasures to get your home on-trend and in style! 

These are faux beautiful!

Everyone loves the look of marble, but not the price tag.   It is a great option for applications where you don't want high maintenance products or when you don't want to throw down a ton of cash.  Think laundry, craft or mud rooms, second homes, rentals or flips.  Still not SWOONING over the idea of laminate? Keep reading to see some great faux options that will get you around that $60-$100/sf invoice.  

Calcutta - The Real Deal.

Calcutta - The Real Deal.

Formica's FX180 line offers some great looking sheets in popular marble, travertine and granite finishes.

Wilsonart HD raises the bar with it's line of realistic options at a killer price of under $15/sf!  They offer hundreds of designs including contemporary graphics.

The best part is you can purchase these products locally at Lowe's or Home Depot!

Black Friday

I'm getting in the holiday spirit and offering my own Black Friday special!!  I'm giving two hours of design consulting with every local in-home design consultation (a $200 value) OR I will refund 100% of your in-home consultation fee when you purchase cabinetry (a $300 value).  You pick.  Message me before Nov 28!!

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Selecting Great Hardware

Selecting hardware is like deciding which jewelry to wear to compliment your little black dress. Hardware isn't cheap, so making the burden of making the best choice can be stressful as you become overloaded with images of pulls, knobs, and finish options.  You may be dizzy because the choices seem endless... and they are!  A designer will help narrow the selection.

First, start with the cabinetry finish and style.  Do you want the hardware to blend or make a statement?  Do you need a contemporary or traditional style?  What other metal finishes are being used in the room (appliances, lighting fixtures, doorknobs, windows)?  Now consider size and scale.  If you have 54" high wall cabinets, don't use a tiny knob in the bottom corner of the door.  Large drawers need either one wide pull centered or two smaller ones.  Don't be afraid to mix styles and finishes - this makes the cabinetry look more custom and interesting.

Here are some great vendors to check out:

      Liberty Hardware  |  Hardware Resources  |  Top Knobs  |  House of Antique Hardware                                                        Amercok  |  Richelieu  |  Eclectic Ware

Round Top Antiques Festival

If you know me, you know I love beautiful things, the thrill of the negotiation, and the hunt for treasure.  All these come together in a perfect trifecta twice a year in Round Top, Texas.  My sweet husband graciously takes over packing lunches and reading good-night stories to our children so I can drive 90 miles to the best antiques festival in the state!  This year I joined some girls from Dallas and stayed at the sweet Ant Street Inn.  This adorable Inn is located in downtown Brenham and sounds like a sorority house once all the ladies return to kick up their feet, sip wine, chatter about their purchases and strategize about the next day's itinerary.  Relishing cheese, wine and a dinner of twice-baked potatoes from Lisa's Aunt Nancy was my favorite time of the day.  I loved catching up and laughing with these ladies!

We kicked off the day at Blue Hills where I met Michael Lawlis and purchased a great looking side table for the beach house.  I can always use more surface area to rest a wine glass or two!

My favorite stop is Arbor Antiques where I always find gorgeous goodies.  I was sad to learn that the Mexican Shirt lady is going out of business.  She had all her inventory 20% off!   I fell in love with a sold item from Susan Horne Antiques, but am crossing fingers that she can source another.   My friend bought a stunning pair of French needlepoint arm chairs from Maison Pernoud that will look amazing in her new home's foyer.  

On my final morning, we hit one more road-side tent and Nancy found a lovely pair of vintage sconces from Galveston!!  My heart sank as I did not see them first...  That sweet woman let me purchase them for Bowen (thank you, Nancy!)!!  I also found two wooden tennis racquets for less than half the price where I saw them at Arbors, so I picked those up as well!  I plan to send them on to House of Lamps so Nancy can work her magic! 

Tapestry Beige

"Tapestry Beige?  Yes or No?!  Should it take three days to respond to this question?" ranted a friend, completely frustrated with the responsiveness of the designer she hired to help with her soon-to-be-stunning Tanglewood renovation.    

I have two girlfriends suffering from designer issues.  Julia's large Memorial renovation began over a year ago and I'm not certain it's actually completed to her satisfaction.  [Sigh.] Elizabeth has a more manageable scope of work, but a tight deadline to get moved in.

Both girls hired professional interior designers and both girls called me with the same flustered conversation and asking for confirmation that terminating services was the right move.  My heart sinks as I empathize with their frustration and disappointment over color choices, material pricing, and general lack of professionalism.  After listening, I have to agree it's time to move on.

I have a very short soap box to shout from because I am not a full-service designer.  I specialize in floor plans, cabinetry and kitchens because those are what I'm really good at!   I do not accept jobs that I do not have time for or that I do not have the capability to execute with excellence. Ladies and Gents, please be mindful and realistic when you hire any professional to assist with your home projects.  Ask for references.  Ask for pictures of their work.  Ask what you get as a client.  Make sure your expectations clear so everyone is on the same page!  

I hope these tips help you in deciding on which designer to hire!  In the end, listen to your instincts, they're usually right.

Back-To-School Blues?

If you're like me, you're anxious about getting the kids (and yourself) back into the school swing.  Every mom is chattering about demanding homework schedules, after-school activities, and school expenses.  What can you do to make this year better?  Think about some organization and space planning for your kids rooms, play areas, and homework / craft centers.  Send me a photo of the space you want to transform and I will give you some design suggestions.  I may even feature the before/after here!!

Here are some great examples of kid-friendly spaces to inspire learning and productivity!  Setting aside a special place for studies or reading.  This lets your child know that schoolwork is a priority!  Clearing  a corner of the cluttered breakfast bar probably isn't going to encourage concentration.  Give your child his own table with colorful containers full of pencils and bins for materials needed to get his work done.  

Being organized and ready to tackle the task at hand will alleviate everyone's stress and get you closer to baths, bedtime, and that well-deserved glass of wine.

 

Happy Easter, Pretty Tables

We're all using our kitchens to entertain family and friends this weekend.  Go the extra mile and spruce up your dining table with some fun tableware like these from various local retailers... some are even kid-friendly melamine!