2010 March - Holly Mathis Interiors

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Mar30
Round Top shopping report
Posted in: good shopping
Here are a few of my purchases from Round Top so far…..

I have been admiring these lantern style lights for quite some time, like the ones from Brown, even Ballard Designs has a version but you can’t beat $50 for these at the Seed Box, I could leave them like this or paint them dark. I really really like the shape and style and price! Remember the Seed Box is at the Coles Antique Show near the road in Warrenton. This vendor will back to the area in the fall for the Urban Market in Houston.
Today I picked up this little chair at La Bahia. It is the perfect size and color. I’ve already found a spot for it in my living room.
And this piece of crazy quilt. I have no need or place for this textile BUT when I spotted it and saw the good price I knew I could not leave it there. I am always suggesting clients look for things like this to hang over the fireplace or sofa. It will give some instant history and character to any room. You can’t buy these at Pottery Barn. So if anyone is interested in this piece, email and let me know…I have a few clients that will get first shot but if they aren’t interested, it is up for grabs! Round Top goes online! ha! FYI the quilt piece is 34″ x 58″ big enough to get two big pillows out of or a large lumbar or a nice size piece of artwork.
Look at the old piece of ribbon sewn into the quilt. love it.
Check back tomorrow to see Henry’s favorite booth at La Bahia..he has great taste!
Mar28
Upholstered headboards
Posted in: bedrooms
As I ponder my master bedroom redo, I’ve been shopping around for upholstered headboards. In fact, this is the one I’ve have had in mind for the longest…
sigh. Isn’t is lovely? from Williams-Sonoma Home. not cheap. Sure, I could put forth some effort and have a workroom construct it and make it happen for a better price but at this point in my life, I am all about ease and budget so I am thinking between this…
the Riley headboard from Pottey Barn, original I know ha ha, but you can’t beat the price, even with a workroom or designer discounts..and it comes straight to my door. I would do it in the natural linen. I love the slipcover idea so I can wash BUT I also love the nailhead option below, similar price point, from Ballard Designs.
The Camden, untufted I think, love the nailhead. But I have two little boys and this isn’t a slipcover..you just can’t get the nailhead and slipcover wrapped up in one, gotta choose. oh well. Here is the Camden in tufted, they even offer tufted AND nailhead but that seems too much!
I keep hearing that JCPenney and Target have great upholstered headboard options but I haven’t found them…the fabrics seem limited to micro suede or similar and the headboard doesn’t go to the floor, stops at the top of the mattress, know what I mean??? Maybe I am just not finding them??
What about you, do you like upholstered headboards??? Nailhead trim? Tufted?
Mar27
Round Top, Texas
Posted in: good shopping
Round Top Antiques Fair is a Texas tradition that is known nationally for good shopping and fun. But it is big y’all, really big. And it lasts over days and that really confuses people. It confuses me….each year I have to think “what weekend is early buying, when does Marburger open? “etc… Luckily a lot of shows send out postcard reminders and there is an abundance of information online, like here www.roundtop.org.
Thursday morning after we dropped big brother off at school, Henry and I headed out to Round Top to see what was going on. My expectations were low, I had an 8 month baby in tow and not much time, less than three hours. My goal was to simply go to La Bahia, the closest stop (thus my advice, start at the beginning!), I love this little show, the parking is easy and it is not overwhelming and I always find something for a good price. But I was too early, La Bahia opened on Friday. So we kept driving and nothing looked very “open” until we got nearly to Warrenton on FM 237. I refused to go to Zapp Hall because you have to pay for parking and I had such a short time, Clutter was closed, I couldn’t find a place to park easily at the Excess show so I pulled into Coles’s Antique Market in Warrenton. I had never even been to this show until last year. One of my favorite vendors from La Bahia, The Seed Box, had moved there so I followed. My friend Lynsey turned me on to this vendor a while back…she usually cleans them out so y’all better get over there!
{images from The Seed Box}
What’s up with the paintbrushes??? they had them everywhere in this booth and it looked really interesting? Just wait, Anthropologie will be doing this next, or maybe they already have!? And don’t you just love the hay tucked in the drawer and different places, makes me want to sneeze but cute…it must be so much fun to style a booth and be able to do funky things that are not practical in a home….
{more from the Seed Box, come back next week and I will show what I bought there…}
{it wasn’t the fenders}
And on Thursday it was very windy so I was happy to escape into their metal buildings for a bit. When you have a large stroller, concerete floors are easier to push on than heavy gravel paths. I found a few interesting things in the Cole’s barn.
I don’t remember the name of this booth but it is inside the metal barn at the Coles show and she has lots of ironstone and vintage flashcards, a sweet lady!
Vintage anatomy charts from Germany, this booth also had vintage ticking and the German feed sacks that are so popular for pillows..very sweet people, they made fast friends with Henry..he helps me get discounts and permission to take pictures.

{my little shopping buddy}
We bought a few things and made it out of there and back to school for brother in the nick of time. Henry never cried, what a trooper! Next week I will try for Zapp and maybe Marburger!
For a complete list of shows go here. Where do YOU like to go at Round Top?? Any pointers to share?!
Mar24
Design Inspiration: D’Ette Cole
Posted in: Inspiration, blogs, clients
A true pioneer woman herself, Texas artist D’Ette Cole is providing wonderful inspiration for our new friend Hyacinth’s room. D’Ette is well-known for her amazing store in Austin, Uncommon Objects on South Congress (SoCo), and her fabulous show at Round Top Antiques Fair, called CLUTTER. Cole has since moved on from these retail endeavors and has created Etta Industry to house all of her creative work…everything from styling Nancy Griffin’s album covers to private design work. In fact, Haskell Harris over at Garden & Gun, recently did a feature on Cole. Check it out here.
Bottom line, Hyacinth likes quirky, eclectic and modern. But not Kelly Wearstler glam modern. No sir, we like cows mixed in with our modern style.
So we talked back and forth, I showed her Cole’s 2008 Cottage Living spread “The Art of Improbable Mish Mash” and we have found common ground! Hyacinth is all about “mish mash.”
In fact, we’ve got so much “mish mash” going on… this might be the number of bottles the Design Team empties before we finish this room!
Just kidding. We love you Hyacinth.
And I can’t wait for y’all to hear soon from the two other team members, Layla and Melissa, about this room. They have some amazing talent and philosophy!
Stay tuned.
{Photos from Cottage Living, 2008}
Mar23
Guinevere by Camille
Posted in: fabric
{The little post below is written by my friend Camille. We went to graduate school together and enjoyed lots of shopping and nesting while we should have been in the library researching thesis topics. Camille is a English major so you will be treated today to better grammar, less exclamation points and an absence of my signature run on “…” BUT I will be adding some comments in brackets and caps because I just can’t stand it…more on Camille in coming days…}
Let me start by saying that I am, and will always be, precisely one decade behind my dear friend Holly. You see, ten years ago she pulled together the most sumptuous master bedroom. Layer upon layer of texture, subtle color, and one of my all time favorite fabrics, Ralph Lauren’s Guinevere. Even the name of the pattern appeals to my nerdy English major side.
{image via ebay because ”the Guinevere” is no longer available via Dillards, one of our main sources for homegoods ca. 1998 long before TJMaxx}
I will be the first to say that ten years of the same bed linens is quite a feat. {and let me just say we have bought new sheets and quilts along the way}
As one who likes to change the décor in her home like some change their lighbulbs, I am duly impressed. Kudos, Holly. You’ve gotten your money’s worth out of those soft, sateen, yummy linens. But it appears all good things must come to an end. Like Camelot, it is time for Guinevere to go. Holly has cooked up some fabulous, fresh new ideas. And lucky for us, we get to see it all unfold here.
So why am I ten years behind Holly, even though she is WAY younger than me? Even as I write this I am ensconced in the loveliness that is Guinevere. {so I felt like an idiot when she told me this when we were emailing last night after I said “I am so over the guinevere, can’t wait to redo my bedroom” oops..sorry!}
And I don’t see her leaving any time soon. Maybe in ten years. And then I’ll want whatever it is that Holly is now cooking up for her new bedroom.
-Camille
[Camille lives and works in the epicenter of Texas style & culture, Abilene. A former intern at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, she now teaches ESL to African refugees and mothers her two brilliant and gorgeous children, Colin and Chloe. Her husband, Dr. Dickson, teaches English at Abilene Christian University and does other technical stuff she doesn't understand.]
Mar22
Pioneer Woman decorates
Posted in: blogs
You’ve heard the Pioneer Woman Cooks right?? Well she also has the coolest BFF on earth. Her name is Hyacinth and she needs some help with her family room, she’s been on quite the adventure! Hyacinth has a great decorating philosophy and shopping taste but like us all, has also hit some bumps with her room. You will hear more, so much more in coming posts..but for now I am thrilled to present:
..Yep you heard correctly, I am so excited to present this team doing a little e-decorating on the Pioneer Woman starting today..go check it out! It is going to be fun and inspiring..how could it not be with the two fab bloggers pictured below on board! This must be how Barbara Walters felt when she debuted The View! Well maybe not but it sure is fun for this little blogger!
Thanks Layla and Melissa for joining me on this wild cyber ride into Oklahoma ranch country! Check back often to see what happens.
Mar17
The joy of a nursery
Posted in: living with kids, nursery
Few things are more special or can be more of a blessing than preparing for a new life to enter your home. Whether it is a large room or a small corner, a baby space is special and can bring so much joy to the one making preparations and using the space once baby arrives!
But this process can also be stressful because:
- Pregnancy hormones are involved!
- Mama is tired (especially if their are older brothers and/or sisters to care for)
- There are so many decorating choices and ideas out there..it can be overwhelming!
So, I encourage the moms I work with to do three things:
- Keep it simple
- Start planning and work early if possible
- Do something emotional! Don’t fight it, embrace your excitement.
When decorating 8 month old son Henry’s nursery I knew I wanted to keep much of the “bones” from his brother’s room: white furniture (though we did add a comfy rocker this time), linen colored walls (Laura Ashley Stone 2 from Lowe’s), and white scalloped awnings. My theory is that when using non-juvenile fabrics like I chose, elements like the scalloped awnings lend a subtle baby feel so the room doesn’s seem too grown up. Big brother’s nursery was more vintage and red (click here and scroll to last page for a peek of Drew’s baby room in the June 2005 issue of Better Homes & Garden)..I wanted Henry’s room to have softer colors with a touch of a modern feel. New fabrics and a few handmade items were all the room needed to totally change the look!
The fabrics in Henry’s nursery were a great bargain and came from fabric.com (Waverly trellis on drapes and stripe on bumper, actually indoor outdoor fabrics which wash up softer than you might think) and the organic leafy accent fabric is Dahlia from Calico Corner as is the linen dot on the crib skirt. I made the drapes and placed them inside the awnings with a shower rod! I had the bedding made locally. If you are doing any of your own painting or sewing, plan on doing it early before your baby bump begins to get in the way!
And here is my point about the emotional element, it’s my belief you don’t have to be practical about every choice in a nursery. YOU ARE HAVING A BABY, it is a MIRACLE and very exciting. Sure it is great to reuse cribs and other items so that the room can grow with the child and save money but I think it is okay to have one item or more that are just for the baby phase and pure visual bliss..whether it is a fabric (face it, little boys grow out of toile fast!) or a special print or painting, it is okay. As the mama, you will spend HOURS in this room. A beautiful, well thought out atmosphere will bless you in the wee hours and on days when you don’t get a shower. It is worth the effort. And as the saying goes, they are only a baby once and you can save the item as a keepsake or pass on to another baby. For me, that item was the dahlia fabric. I knew Henry would outgrow that look fast but I wanted a fresh modern baby fabric in the mix so I just made one pillow and one side of the baby comforter out of that fabric. When he is one year or so I will remove those items from the room..use the pillow in a guest room and frankly the comforter is getting pretty worn anyway because I use it for his tummy time on the floor and have washed often. It will make a great picnic blanket.
The blue trellis drapes also will not last a little boy forever but I am thinking they might look great in my dining room down the road. For now they have created a sophisticated and soothing nursery for both of us to enjoy. We can always add the cowboys later!
My five year old recently told me he wants a “sportsy room” …”you know with a basketball net and trophies”..so I rest my case, embrace the baby phase and your ability to make all of the decisions for their room as long as possible..Enjoy mamas!
[More sources: The tree above the crib is from Dali Decals, brown rug from Target, rocker and polka dot hamper from Pottery Barn Kids, white coat rack from Target, monogram canvas from Small Words, silhouette print over crib from Sarah + Abraham]
Mar15
Liberty of London: A review
Posted in: good shopping, style
Soooooo, how many of you noticed the floral bunny decals on the door of the local Target this weekend?? I think the Liberty of London craze might have debuted early in some stores (I might have gotten at least one excited text about the items on Friday..see picture below!) but they were officially due out on Sunday. And I was there.
{image snapped by my friend Linsey who sent a text saying she found some of the items out early in Houston on Friday!}
When my mom and I arrived at the local Target on Sunday shortly after noon, the Liberty handbags were ALL gone…but no fear, there were plenty other things left: scarves, dresses, candles, plates, stationery (and that is just the stuff I bought..ha..just kidding..) seriously something in every department (except little boys..darn!) I even heard there is a Liberty bicycle available at some Target stores.
Two things I adore.
This will make a great Easter dress with sweater and pearls. And the “shirtdress” below is in the swimsuit section..I thought it was a coverup but the tag says shirt dress, I wore it with tights today like a tunic. I love the print. In fact I like the prints with black and not the pastel-y ones so much. {BTW, the Union Jacks in the background are always on display on my porch..I did not stage this…except for bringing my clothes outside and putting on a mannequin!}
I didn’t purchase any of the home decor items from Liberty (thought I may go back for some plates!) but they did have some cute storage bins and quilts and shams..great for a teen or dorm. And the little girl clothing was CUTE!
What do you think of the Liberty for Target products? Any opinions out there? Have any of my readers ever been to Liberty in London?? How about Fortum & Mason, I have always wanted to visit there as well…I hear it is the quintessential London dept store…definitely on my list for next visit, whenever that may me! Until, Target baby!
Mar12
Henry has a tooth!
Posted in: baby boy, family
Praise God..we have a tooth, finally! After much drool and a FUSSY two days! He is always so happy and good-natured that it really throws mama for a loop when he is miserable. So sad. I can’t believe he will be 8 months tomorrow. Amazing. Hopefully I will have a picture of that bottom tooth soon but until then, these will have to do..
I love those chubby arms so much! and this sweet face!
Not to leave brother out of this report…Drew had a big week at school…”rodeo” on Wednesday (it is like a game/obstacle course thing..big deal! If I had KNOWN what a big deal it was I might have taken my CAMERA), then he went to the real “Houston Rodeo” last night with Daddy AND (not to brag, ok i will just for a bit) he is learning to read recently..BOB books are awesome. So that is where big brother in a glimpse at 5 years. So proud of him and for Daddy for teaching him so patiently!
I love my boys, even though vomit in the hair yesterday was not fun, it is still the best job I have ever had! HAPPY SPRING BREAK..I can’t wait to just BE AT HOME.
What are your plans???
Mar10
A Carpet(s) Revolution
Posted in: Inspiration, living with kids
You heard me correctly, forget the Beatles, there is a carpets revolution going on across the pond and you might want to check out the buzz. Apparently several flooring industry leaders have joined forces in the UK to start this carpet campaign. The site is full of good information about various carpet options and styles (or carpets as they like to say), some great ideas and examples of uses of carpet, and they even have a design house in London using you guessed it, carpet!
Now I know us design-minded types over here are snobs about our wood floors..don’t you wish you had a nickel for every time you’ve either thought, said, or heard “if it was up to me i would not have carpet ANYWHERE in my house”..but the truth is, carpet is comfy and practical in some areas of the home like bedrooms and playrooms, especially if you have little ones on the floor constantly. During this cold winter we can certainly testify to that…so check it out..they even have an expert panel and cutie spokesperson;; I need to find her book..she seems very interesting!
I dont know about y’all but I am loving these stripes pictured above…I am thinking about moving our boys upstairs in the next year or so and we will need to carpet our wood stairs to be more comfy and safe..I think the big stripe would be so cute and fun! Just look at this cute guy and his trains!
So what do you think about carpet?? What is your favorite type? How has your view of carpet changed as you’ve had a family and little ones, etc???