topic Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE in Home

ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Oznell — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 22:25:47 GMT

I'd never heard of Babs Watkins till spotting her work in House Beautiful a few years ago. To me she's one of the best of the emerging so-called "Houston style", which seems to lean on natural linens, beams, exquisite European antiques, old reclaimed materials, soft or neutral colors, and textures like wood and stone. This design of hers stuck in my mind for its fairy-tale quality, with its Italian, Swedish and French antiques, and moody atmosphere.

Of course it's more formal, luxurious (and pricey!), than I'd ever have, since she's not afraid to use silks, brocades and tapestries, as well as more homespun fabrics. But see how she made this sort of regular Eighties' Houston house into something rather magical.

The living room has those sweeping "ball-gown" curtains that only rich people can afford, since their puddling on the floor requires frequent cleanings! But I love the chateau like feel of the room.

Here's a close up of their beautiful little box collection arrayed on a table. Yes, it's a lot of objects, but pretty curiosities to have out in the most formal, "reception" room, where visitors can enjoy and examine.

There's always something slightly quirky, like those massive, old cathedral candlesticks leaning together like gossiping countesses:

Again, those unexpected little romantic touches, like that gorgeous old hood over the stove:

Pretty library, with an unexpectedly light, chalky color on walls:

Family room:

Feels like little Renaissance angels circling above the bed!

In the bedroom above, luxurious silks and satins mixed with humble sisal-like matting and crusty wood. That's what makes this for me, the expert mixing of high and low, and all the textures that make the European formality liveable. It's not too starchy for me in a space, when I feel I could flop there in comfort!

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

stellabystarlight — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 17:26:30 GMT

Very romantic home! Thanks for posting!

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

1Snickers — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 19:31:21 GMT

Gosh, except for the puddling drapes (mine skim the floor) the pictures resemble my style.

The colors are like mine and a lot of the furniture, except the den. I want comfort there. I need a recliner and have two that swivel to view the fireplace.

Those materials hold up amazingly well. I could use a new comforter for my poster bed (it’s handmade and needs a custom spread) but would need new drapes and swags to match.

Thanks for all the photos!

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Chicagosuburbangirl — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 20:13:13 GMT

Exquisite and harmonious.

The colors are serene and inviting.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Katcat1 — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 20:42:15 GMT

Very formal but nice for this decor. Not my taste though.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

godi — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 20:51:16 GMT

Beautiful home.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

aroc3435 — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 20:56:26 GMT

@Oznell Very harmonious presenation. Clearly a decorator that has mastered having apparently disparate elements work well together. Enjoyed your post, as always.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Ladylaughsalot — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 21:00:12 GMT

Beautiful! Each and every room is stunning.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

DREAMON — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 21:07:38 GMT

@stellabystarlight wrote:
Very romantic home! Thanks for posting!

@stellabystarlight ,

Romantic is the perfect word description for this home.

I would love to visit and stay in this home but it is not my taste to live in. It really is lovely.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Oznell — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 22:27:53 GMT

This is so weird-- a little while ago, the picture of the kitchen disappeared, even though it was posted the same way the others were. So I went to "edit" and reposted it, I thought. Went back to check and it was gone again!

Well, I've put it in again, hope the vanishing kitchen stays put!

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

stevieb — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 22:58:44 GMT

Nice place with some nice elements. Really like the blue storage piece in what seems to be the living area.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Oznell — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 23:26:24 GMT

Good eye, as usual, @stevieb! I love that piece too, and think it is one of the things that "makes" the room. I think they said it was a Swedish cupboard. I like the way that hazy blue is picked up and amplified in bits of the rug, and in that charming little glass box collection...

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

spiderw — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 01:10:03 GMT

This leans toward my taste and style and I like most of it. I might make some simple changes but the furniture and decor suits me. I especially like the library, love chaise lounges, and the bedroom furniture is elegant. I could easily move into this place.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

vsm — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 01:31:15 GMT

The blue cupboard in the living room and the pinkish marble(?) fireplace in the library are to die for...

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Drythe — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 03:14:07 GMT

@Oznell

Thank you for posting.

Much of this looks ‘old south’ to me and feels familiar, all be it fussy for my taste!

One thing that always catches my attention - range hoods, know it is a tic I should get over! This one is eye catching -not in a good way OMG 😲 !

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Oznell — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 02:06:17 GMT

Resounding "yes" to that cupboard, fire place and range hood, @vsm and @Drythe!

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

shoptilyadropagain — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 16:05:23 GMT

There's not much of anything here that I care for.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

bikerbabe — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 17:17:13 GMT

That drab color scheme is very depressing to me. Also too formal overall.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

wilma — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 17:42:26 GMT

Too formal & romantic for me. The only thing I like are the built-ins shelves on both sides of the fireplace in the library.

Re: ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL, TIMELESS HOUSE

Sooner — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 17:45:08 GMT

Too much French furniture for me, but I could make a few modifications and love it. Get rid of the clutter too!