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[Oznell]

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! 

[stellabystarlight]

Very romantic home!  Thanks for posting!

[1Snickers]

   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!

[Chicagosuburbangirl]

Exquisite and harmonious.

The colors are serene and inviting.

[Katcat1]

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

[godi]

Beautiful home. 

[aroc3435]

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

[Ladylaughsalot]

Beautiful! Each and every room is stunning.

[DREAMON]

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@stellabystarlight wrote:

Very romantic home!  Thanks for posting!

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@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.

[Oznell]

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!