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Thursday, February 18, 2010

House Tour: French-Inspired

We all peruse magazines with great excitement and anticipation with the turn of evey page. The deep inhale caused by an image that stops us for a long stare, then has us frantically flipping through several pages and then back to the original spot, is quite simply euphoric!   We become so giddy with ideas and inspiration from this encounter of glossy images, we almost forget to exhale!  And so begins the process of careful reading, thorough examination of each detail, checking sources and just blissful admiration.

Such was the experience when I first laid eyes on the French-style townhome of antiques dealer Donna Temple Brown. Owner of Gray Door Antiques in Houston, Texas.  She has been featured in both Country Home in 2004 and Veranda in 2009.  One thing in particular that I noticed between the five year span is that there are only subtle changes to the interiors.  I attribute this as an indication that she is confident of her style and a very capable designer.  Fellow Houston designer Pamela Pierce is credited with design consultation. Photography is by Casey and Anne Sills.  All courtsey of Veranda.  I regret I do not have any of the information from Country Home.

Welcome to the tour! 

                                            Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

The entry courtyard is peaceful and beautiful with it's ivy covered walls and welcoming furnishings. It is also  an enticing prelude to the palette of the interiors. 

Entryway:

Country Home November 2004   

Living Room:

   Country Home November 2004


Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Country Home 2004

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

The living room has two conversation areas.  One is centered around the fireplace and skirted table, the other in a corner opposite the front door along the staircase.  The addition of the sheer fabric along the stair rail acts as a very subtle wall and adds softness and intimacy to the corner.   Behind one set of  shutters is a a beautiful storage cabinet with a wood countertop.  Although there is no mention, I am wondering if there is a television consealed behind the other pair. 

Kitchen/Sitting area:
                                                                                                                                                                                                         


Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

This enchanted space must clearly be the heart of the home.  The French influences provoke thoughts of leisurely dinners, conversations with dear friends and the perfect glass of wine.  The refrigerator and stove are barely noticable. The sink was incorporated into a 19th-c French store counter.

Master Bedroom:


Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Guest Bedroom:

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

I hope you enjoyed a peak into this unique home.  I'd love to hear what you think and if you had a favorite room or element?

31 comments:

  1. I pulled out my old Veranda issue to read more..I've been saving them since 1998. The kitchen is especially wonderful. Thank you for a refreshing look at a 'timeless' style. Judy

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  2. Love that skirted counter...seems romantic and functional all at once.

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  3. Great space, the new colours are very burlapy looking!

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  4. This is SO appealing to me...
    I've saved the issue.
    Not too feminine, not too masculine---just the right balance.
    I find myself going to the picture of the kitchen area over and over.
    annie

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  5. I love the entry. The display of china on the wall is such a lovely way to fill the niche in the wall.

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  6. Very soothing....all of it! Have a lovely weekend!

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  7. I love it all, but the kitchen area is my favorite. Thanks for sharing, loved the tour.

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  8. My favorite is the collection of celadon plates on the wall. That image has caused me to start a collection of my own.

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  9. I am following up on your comment on my blog. Did you not think the coat rack was a bit strange in the green room? lol I did...

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  10. Style Redux-I'd love to see it! I started a small collection some time ago after falling in love with the color of these plates. This image only fueled the obsession! See my Jan.2009 post titled Famille Rose Celadon Plates.

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  11. Just lovely.The drapery in the entrance foyer pic is gorgeous!

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  12. I love the kitchen! The lantern is fabulous.

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  13. I adore the gargantuan arrangement of hydrangeas beside the bed!

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  14. Gorgeous photos! Thanks for stopping by!! ;)

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  15. Wow, so many gorgeous things, it is hard to choose a favorite room or object. What lovely taste. xo Terri

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  16. Gorgeous, love the room with the twin beds.

    Leeann

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  17. I love that sitting room next to the kitchen...she really has a nice relaxing style....I could move in!

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  18. Beautiful images...completely serene! I love the entryway with the impressive display of celadon plates! I love celadon and have a very small collection that I picked up years ago while visiting Bangkok for next to nothing! Great post!

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  19. That entry way is phenomenal. And that plant beside the bed, I am sure it is for the picture but I want it. Why is it that antique dealers always have the best homes?

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  20. As you know I've recently fallen in love with french-inspired design!! Love this post!

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  21. I too fell in love with this house the first time I saw it. I especially love that kitchen. It is in my inspiration folder.

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  22. love her house. I've been in it a few times and it is so wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  23. My favoite image is the first one of the entry hall! Did you notice that beautiful chair and that console table!
    Woowww!
    xx
    Greet

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  24. Joni,
    A few times??? Did you sit in the sofa in the kitchen and have a glass of wine? Next time you go back to one of my all time favorite homes, be sure to inquire about my desire for the plates. They are afterall just inside the front door! Meaning they wouldn't be too difficult to pack up and load into your car and mail them to me. A thought, just in case she has grown tired of them? Ahh sigh...

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  25. I always love visiting here...so many great ideas. I just posted on my master bathroom remodel...I wanted it to have a french flare...I think it does a little!
    Thanks for the great post!
    Amy

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  26. Wow, beautiful pics! Love the entry, as well.

    Thanks for visiting my blog, btw :) Glad to have found yours!

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  27. They are all so beautiful it really is very hard to pick just one....but, without question I would LOVE to be a guest and have a chance to sleep in that fabulous guest room with those stunning beds. Careful what you ask Joni to do, she just might grab a plate or two or three on her way out. :) JK xo

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  28. What a beautiful house - understated and elegant! Leigh

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  29. What a beautiful post. As much as I love all of the rooms, there is one thing that comes across in every picture - the beautiful architecture, and the light that comes in through every window. It is a light filled house, and that is my favorite kind of house!

    I think I would like this house just as much empty.

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  30. Beautiful!! I love the sitting room next to the kitchen. Looks so inviting... That's where I would be 24/7 if it were MY house. :) xoRH

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment!