As we settle into fall, we reflect on the past few months filled with travel, inspiration, and memorable experiences, while preparing for the many gatherings and creative endeavors ahead. From exploring the picturesque landscapes of London and Scotland to celebrating our ASID Texas Gulf Coast Chapter awards and recognition in the 2024 Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, we’re excited to share our latest milestones. Join us in welcoming this season of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness—may it spark inspiration and bring anticipation for the joyful moments that lie ahead!
POSTCARDS FROM LONDON
Located near Portman Square Garden, The Wallace Collection enchants with its exquisite art and decor. A special exhibit on Ranjit Singh adds a fascinating layer of history, enriching each room with stories from another time.
In October, we had the pleasure of attending Decorex in London, where each moment was filled with inspiration and discovery.
Witnessing Maria Cristina Design craft a breathtaking mural in person set the tone for an event that celebrated exceptional creativity.
We were captivated by Charlotte Gaisford‘s intricate fabrics and wallpapers known for fresh, vibrant designs and patterns that unite varied eras and styles.
Louise Heighes’ works of art are crafted from leather and inspired by the flow of movement discovered throughout the natural world. Louise spent many years working within the fashion industry, designing for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Azzedine Alaia, and Chanel, and she now uses decorative techniques with luxury materials to produce art pieces for the home.
The hand printed, artisan designs of Addicted to Patterns are truly exquisite. Passionate about historic prints, textiles, and wallpapers, their team specializes in reproductions for both private clients and heritage organizations.
L. Drucker’s elegant bistro patio pieces have adorned terraces in Paris and around the world since 1885. Headquartered in Paris, their colorful rattan chairs are artisanal, custom crafted and the epitome of chic Parisian style.
IN THE HEART OF SCOTLAND
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden offers a serene escape, showcasing a breathtaking collection of plants and beautiful landscapes. Currently, the garden is hosting a poignant exhibit featuring furniture crafted from ash trees lost to disease, a powerful tribute to nature’s resilience and the artistry of reclaiming what was once lost. Among the standout pieces are the Tower Desk and Canopy Chair by Sam Cooper and Richard Platt of The Marchmont Workshop.
Part of the Ash Rise exhibit, the Canopy Chair captures the essence of the woodlands surrounding The Marchmont Workshop in the Scottish Borders, an area affected by ash dieback. Crafted from green wood using techniques passed down through six generations, this contemporary piece features turned rear legs that flow into hand-carved branches, echoing the natural beauty of the ash tree.
A beautiful walk through Edinburgh left us captivated by the city’s stunning blend of historic charm and contemporary flair!
A STEP BACK IN TIME
Craigmillar Castle, steeped in fascinating history, served as a filming location for several episodes of Outlander. With its impressive towers and ruins, this beautifully preserved medieval fortress offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s storied past.
DINING WITH DLN AMIDST THE GRANDEUR OF HOPETOUN HOUSE
Such a delight to be with the talented Mally Skok at Hopetoun House and Grounds for one of our DLN dinners! Her fabrics bring an artful touch to any space—each pattern is a true expression of warmth and charm. Explore her collection here!
Renowned as one of Scotland’s most magnificent estates, Hopetoun House exudes 18th-century splendor, with interiors that captivate through grand staircases, ornate ceilings, and exquisitely appointed rooms. It was an unforgettable experience to gather and celebrate design in such a timeless and inspiring setting!
A ROYAL EVENING ABOARD THE BRITANNIA
What an unforgettable evening! Joined by friends from the Design Leadership Network, we enjoyed a dinner on the Royal Yacht Britannia set precisely as it was when Queen Elizabeth hosted her esteemed guests. The event was not only a spirited celebration but also a fundraiser for the Design Leadership Foundation, supporting the next generation of talented design students.
A DLN AWARDS DINNER AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
We had a wonderful evening at the DLN Awards Dinner held at the National Museum of Scotland, where we celebrated the achievements of our talented community. The highlight of the night was spending time with friends including the lovely Hannah Cecil Gurney from de Gournay.
DINNER AT THE NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND
We shared a beautiful evening at the National Galleries of Scotland, where we raised our glasses over a delightful menu featuring the traditional Scottish dish of haggis, expertly catered by Michelin Star chef Tom Kitchin.
AN EVENING WOVEN IN ART
We also had the pleasure of joining Dovecot Studios in their remarkable tapestry studio nestled in the heart of Edinburgh. Housed in the beautifully transformed Infirmary Street Baths, Dovecot is where history meets a fresh take on art, and they made our experience nothing short of magical.
Being surrounded by the intricate work of their resident weavers and artists felt like stepping into a world woven with story—each tapestry rich with color, texture, and craftsmanship. Here’s a peek at a few moments from our visit; it was truly a feast for both the eyes and the soul!
ANDREW MARTIN INTERIOR DESIGN REVIEW
What a joy it is to have our firm featured again in the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review! We love being included in this year’s incredible collection that showcases talented interior designers from around the globe. To order your copy click the images below.
ASID 2024 RUBY AWARDS
The 2024 ASID Ruby Awards Gala was a truly special evening as we celebrated our local community’s achievements and took home awards for Best in Show, Dining, and Small New Construction. A heartfelt thank you to everyone at ASID for making this event an unforgettable one. We reconnected with cherished friends and colleagues, sharing in the excitement of our shared passion for design.
An exclusive peek into the home designed by Sandy that won Best In Show!
SWEET INNOVATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
While attending the UTSOA fall Advisory Council meetings, we toured a studio class and were struck by the students’ creativity—particularly the inventive use of gummy bears as trees in their models. Brilliant!
CELEBRATING CULP ASSOCIATES’ LEGACY IN DESIGN
Last month, we celebrated Culp Associates’ Grand Reopening and milestone 50th Anniversary in their beautiful Houston showroom. A highlight was visiting with Ryan Reitmeyer, founder of Retorra Rugs, whose stunning custom handmade rugs made the most lovely addition to some of our recent projects. Here’s to many more years of Culp’s inspiring contributions to design!
HAVE YOU SEEN US LATELY?
Southern Living shared “Move Over Canopy Beds – This New Trend Will Give Your Space a Dreamy Edge” and highlighted the built-in bed we designed for a beachfront home in Galveston.
Each built-in bed in this bright coastal retreat features its own lighting and a snug nook for books and chargers. Smart hooks and drawers provide plenty of storage in place of closets, while the cheerful crustacean-patterned fabric brings a dash of warmth and whimsy to the room!
Homes & Gardens is talking all things kitchen style and their big question of the day was whether to install a sink in your kitchen island. Experts weighed in and you may be surprised to hear what they said! Needless to say, we are delighted to see that this kitchen designed by Sandy continues to inspire.
Martha Stewart shared “11 Beautiful Kitchen Tiling Ideas to Elevate Your Space” and Sarah shared how a tile-on-tile in-lay design can add an unexpected, artistic touch to the space. We love how this intricate tile design by Walker Zanger brings together cool shades of blue and white, adding a touch of timeless charm to any kitchen.
WELCOMING THE HOLIDAYS
As we soak up these autumn days and look ahead to the holiday season, we can’t help but feel anticipation for the many joys December brings. From gatherings by the fire to the twinkling lights that brighten our homes, there is much to look forward to in the weeks ahead. We have some news to share in December and look forward to reconnecting with you then!
“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.”
– George Eliot
