There’s officially a chill in the air and you know what that means – we’re entering the busiest, most beautiful season of the year! From our recent adventures in Nashville and some stylish design ideas to an exclusive peek into Sandy’s Matagorda Bay vacation home, we hope this fall update offers a wealth of inspiration as you prepare for the fun-filled days that lie ahead.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite nook, and scroll on!
FALL IN NASHVILLE: A SEASONAL EMBRACE
We found ourselves in Nashville this fall where we visited Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. Distinguished as a leading American Country Place Era estate, Cheekwood serves as home to the most magnificent month-long event, the Cheekwood Harvest. From mid-September through late October, Cheekwood becomes one of the most happening spots in Nashville complete with live music, a beer garden, gardening workshops, giant pumpkin displays in Pumpkin Village, and more. It’s quite a sight to behold!
If that weren’t enough, the 1930s estate has a 30,000 square foot mansion and 55 acres of cultivated gardens. It continues to serve the public as a botanical garden, arboretum and museum with period rooms and art galleries showcasing works from its permanent collection as well as traveling exhibits. Be sure to visit our very own Houston botanical garden this season for a glimpse into nature’s splendor! It’s an experience that always captivates our senses and inspires our love for the beauty of the natural world.
An artist in residence painted the exterior walkway and portico below in a gradation of blue hues that mimic the sky – isn’t it lovely?!
The sweet turtle fountain below can be found in the Cheekwood Brackens Foundation Children’s Gardens and it’s followed by images from the governors residence which includes many heirloom variety plants that were popular in the 1930s when the home was built.
The award-winning estate includes 13 distinct gardens and a 1.5-mile woodland trail featuring monumental outdoor sculpture. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a three-time USA Today Top 10 Botanical Garden, making it a most inspiring destination. We were also privileged to tour the Tennessee governor’s mansion and wander through the lovely gardens meticulously tended by several talented members of the Nashville Garden Club. Our exploration of art, history, and horticulture in the various gardens we visited left us with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of natural and cultivated landscapes.
Before heading back to Houston, we visited the historic RCA Studio B which is known as the birth place for the “Nashville Sound.” The piano Sandy is playing below was used by none other than Elvis Presley as well as many other musicians who recorded in the world-renowned studio. When in Tennessee, don’t you agree?!
HOUSTON CHRONICLE FEATURES MATAGORDA BAY RESIDENCE
Amid the hustle and bustle of fall, we were delighted to hear that Diane Cowen, Architecture and Home Design Editor for Houston Chronicle, wanted to highlight Sandy’s River home near Matagorda Bay. Sandy and her husband Richard recently completed the most cozy getaway where they can enjoy weekends with their children, grandchildren, and friends.
Their appreciation for Matagorda Bay dates back to Richard’s childhood when he would fish in the area with his father and grandfather. In 2018, they found a lot on the Colorado River and got to work designing a comfortable, durable home with a floor plan that respects a number of mature trees that provide the lot with ample shade.
Sandy approached the design of this 2,400 square foot home with a strict budget and visions of a fun and understated vacation home in mind. The color story is rooted in varied shades of green (Sandy’s favorite color) and accented by soft white, charcoal, and dusty blue hues.
The kitchen unites black, white, and gray through Escher-style tile and the island is topped with an antique soapstone slab while a trio of woven rattan pendants illuminate a wooden dining table and indoor-outdoor dining chairs.
An upholstered headboard sets a soft, soothing tone in the primary bedroom complemented by trim, pillows, and a wing chair that feature a lively Brunschwig & Fils Sevenoaks fabric.
In the guest suites, Sandy was able to use two vibrantly colored suzani textiles she found years ago in Round Top. One was transformed into an oversized headboard for a pair of twin beds and the other is a taller backdrop for a king-sized bed.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Diane Cowen and the entire Houston Chronicle team for this thoughtful home tour. If you didn’t see it in your local paper, visit the link below!
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
ASID Texas Gulf Coast hosted their annual Ruby Awards at The Wynden in September and it was a spectacular evening shared with so many of our industry colleagues and friends!
The theme was “Design Through the Decades” which called for chart-topping musical hits, lively entertainment, and fun design trivia. Congrats to Sandy who took home awards for Residential Best in Show and Best Bedroom!
2023 Ruby Award
Residential Large Firm – Bedroom & Best In Show
HAVE YOU SEEN US LATELY?
We love sharing design tips, tricks, and inspiration and we’ve had wonderful opportunities to do that over the past few months. Tap the images below for everything from window treatments and range hoods to 2024 trends and our favorite warm white paints!
21 Types of Curtains for a Beautiful Window Treatment
SOUTHERN LIVING
30 Range Hood Ideas That Make a Statement
THE SPRUCE
38 Stylish and Statement-Making Kitchen Island Back Panel Ideas
THE SPRUCE
21 Warm White Paint Colors That Aren’t Bland
THE SPRUCE
As we transition into the festive spirit of the holiday season, we look forward to hearing about your autumn adventures. We invite you to hit reply and share your latest and greatest stories with us. Keep your eyes open for our annual holiday gift guide and cheers to the winter season ahead – may it be brimming with warmth, joy, and unforgettable moments.
“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”
– Lauren DeStefano
