The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #38

The Red Vault continues to grow, and I wanted to share some fabulous photos and information about a few exciting new members here at The Red Vault for you to read while you are relaxing this weekend. Be sure to stop by and visit the stores when you get a chance - you will be sure to find something to catch your eye!

Carl Moore Antiques
1610 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX 77005 View Map
713.524.2502

I visited at Carl Moore Antiques today with Chett Heitman and Chelsea Cunningham. Chett was extremely warm and friendly and happy to walk me through the store and educate me on many pieces they have there and provide a little background about the store.

Carl Moore Antiques has been in business for 26 years, the original owner being Carl Moore. Geoffrey Westergaard began working for the business directly after graduating from Rice University with a Bachelor's Degree in Art History. In 2000, Geoffrey bought the business from Carl and began to allow popular demand and current design trends dictate some of his acquisitions for the store. The shop has become eclectic over the past ten years: an amalgam of Continental, English and Asian antiques from varying time periods and styles. Recently, the shop has seen a wave of Biedermeier, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Mid-Century, and Industrial pieces. Also the more contemporary additions straddle the line between the fine and applied arts in a true Arts and Crafts fashion. The shop receives a small quantity of reproduction pieces from furniture craftsmen out of France and England mainly due to customer demand of modern sized dining room tables and chairs. Chett Heitman, Ivette Dorsey, and Chelsea Cunningham compose the team at Carl Moore Antiques.

View our complete newslettter here.

The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #37

Turquoise

Turquoise, one of my all-time favorite colors, is the color of 2010 as chosen by Pantone - the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. They describe turquoise as "combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing".

In fact, there is even a blog dedicated to the color - http://www.houseofturquoise.com/. Turquoise never fails to make me happy, and it adds a jolt of energy to any décor.

There are numerous ways to add turquoise to your home through dishes, kitchen appliances, art, pillows, photo frames, furniture, and decorative accessories.

Chandos Interiors
2422 Bartlett Unit E
Houston, Texas 77098 View Map
713-942-9350 x301

The Red Vault welcomes Chandos Dodson of Chandos Interiors. Chandos Dodson has been working in the field of interior design for over a decade. Her firm, Chandos Interiors, was established in 2000. Chandos is an alumna of the University of Texas at Austin, School of Architecture. She has worked for many of Architectural Digest's Top 100 design firms. The philosophy of Chandos Interiors is to provide unique and luxurious rooms that are timeless and sophisticated. View the complete newsletter here.

Memorial Antiques & Interiors

I recently visited Memorial Antiques & Interiors (MAI) in Houston. They have so many wonderful new pieces in the store - here are just a few:

MAI
8719 Katy Freeway, Houston, Tx 77024

713-827-8087

The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #36

Summer break is now officially over. I love the carefree time of the summer, but I honestly like the structure of getting back on a schedule. It's back to school time for the kids and all the designers that have been shopping all summer have their containers coming in!

Maison Maison Antiques
2129 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77098 View Map
713 520 1654

Suzanne Duin at Maison Maison Antiques just received a gorgeous container.

THE GRAY DOOR
3465a W. ALABAMA @ Marquart
HOUSTON TEXAS 77027 View Map
713-521-9085

I visited The Gray Door today. They are so excited about 2 new dealers that have recently joined them. Donna Brown was happy to tell me all about them and show me around the store so I could photograph some of their pieces for you to see. They both have unloaded their containers in the past several weeks in their new home.

Kathy Alexander owns Rousset Antiques. Kathy recently moved from New Orleans - where she had a long time store on Magazine Street - to Austin. She now drives in to Houston weekly to bring in more merchandise. She is well known for her 18th Century Italian pieces and antique textiles - especially tapestries and vintage Fortuny. View the complete newsletter here.

The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #35

How should artwork be incorporated into the home?

Start with the obvious - what do you love? Look around and see what inspires you. Perhaps contemporary paintings will beckon you - or perhaps sculpture or a mural. Art allows you to express yourself and transform your space. Above all, always choose what makes you happy.

Once you've decided on your style, what should you buy? I would recommend visiting a good gallery or meeting with an artist to get some inspiration and tips. As with all design, buy the best you can afford. Resist the urge to go to a mega store and buy a ready made 'collection'. Working with a reputable gallery will award you with a unique art collection that you will enjoy for years. View the complete newsletter here.

The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #34

Are you mad for Mad Men? I certainly am, and it's not just because of the dreamy Don Draper. Mad Men is set in the 1960s on Madison Avenue in New York City and the design is an equally bright star on this show. I am constantly scanning the sets each week to visually drink in the set design - the colors, the layout, and the style.

Obviously, a lot of other people are paying attention to this as well as there has been a resurgence in mid century pieces since the show debuted in 2007. Vintage mid century pieces would be a standout in any home.

If you want your own Mad Men style:

Mid Century Modern (showroom)
2215 Washington Ave.
Houston, TX. 77007
(713)521-3030
http://www.metroretrofurniture.com/

Metro Retro Furniture (warehouse)
405 Preston Road
Pasadena, TX. 77503
(713)473-0000

"Mid century modern furniture is known not only for its great lines, but also for its functionality and durability. Buying retro modern furniture is not the same as buying used furniture. Buying Vintage modern furniture is an investment. Due to its aesthetic appeal and innovative use of materials, many people view mid century modern furniture as works of art." View our complete newsletter here.

The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #32

What's new in kitchen lighting for 2010?

The first thing to consider when creating a kitchen lighting plan is to evaluate the activities that will take place there. What will be the functions of the space? Cooking? Entertaining? Office space?

Let's start with the three main types of lighting: general, which is the basic lighting for the room; task lighting, which highlights a specific area; and accent lighting, which creates a focal point in the room. A room ideally should have different types of lighting incorporated into the space. View the complete newsletter here.

The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #31

Summer is in full swing and, inspired by the temperature outside, we are showcasing 'hot' kitchen design trends.

TRV dealers answer: "How do you create a functional kitchen with a fresh atmosphere and unique design elements?"

Alice Wilson/Tom Stovall Interiors
2155 Dryden
Houston, Tx 77030
713-662-3686
Alice Wilson/Tom Stovall Interiors on www.theredvault.com

Alice Wilson of Alice Wilson/Tom Stovall Interiors: Many people seem to be moving away from granite. Marble, soapstone, and wood have become popular. Alice says, "Remember that boats are made from wood - wood makes good counter tops"! She has also seen some Italian pre-fab metal cabinets which would be perfect in a contemporary kitchen. View the complete newsletter here.

The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #30

UPCOMING EVENTS

Antiques and Interiors on Dunlavy
Tues-Sat 10-6 / Sun 12-5
3845 Dunlavy
Houston, TX 77006
713-522-6996
http://www.antiquesandinteriorsondunlavy.com/

Antiques & Interiors on Dunlavy has extended their Summer Tent Event so you still have time for great finds. View their inventory on http://www.theredvault.com/

Summer Tent Event
Download a PDF copy of the Summer Tent Event Flyer here.

Lewis & Maese Auction Company
2301 Sabine St.
Houston, TX
713.880.0891
http://www.lmauctionco.com/

Correction from last week! It's Lewis & Maese that now has an auction license and their first auction will be next Wednesday with previews on Monday & Tuesday. Don't miss their fabulous finds!
View Lewis & Maese auctions calendar here.

Laura U
1840 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, Texas 77098
p. 713.522.0855
f. 713.583.8905
http://www.laurau.com/

On Thursday night Laura U is hosting another one of her fabulous events! View her inventory on http://www.theredvault.com/

Shamaine Klein Design Trunk Show

View the complete newsletter here.

The Red Vault Design Newsletter Issue #29

Many of us are taking off already for summer vacations or quick road trips. If you happen to be going to Austin, Fredericksburg, Longview (East Texas) or New Orleans, stop by and check out these Red Vault dealers! If you are staying in town, get out of the blazing heat and go to http://www.theredvault.com/, in the air-conditioned comfort of your home, to see the cool inventory from these and other selected dealers.

AUSTIN

Pat Monroe Antiques
1009 W. 6th St.
Austin, Texas 78703
View Map Here
(512) 789-4775
http://www.patmonroeantiques.com/

Pat Monroe reports that revenues the first half of 2010 has surpassed her total revenues for all of 2009 for which she credits The Red Vault, designers and the internet . She has new inventory of Italian Candlestick Chandeliers and sconces as well as this 185 year old stunning fruitwood and ebonized neoclassical table/game table. View the complete newsletter here.