The French Side of Texas

I’m fascinated by all the many blogspots. This one, Cote de Texas, is written by a Houston decorator, who focuses on all things French in Texas. Rooms she’s decorated. Lunch with friends in a charming cafe. Photos of Caroline Kennedy. It’s a bit erratic, but life is like that. That’s what makes style blogs these days so much fun — they’re glimpses into peoples lives, the beds unmade. But who cares when the sheets are Porthault?

Board Game / Drink Holder

I love these modern tables, hot out of the latest crate at Ligne Roset, Dallas. They’ve dubbed them the “Charleston” tables, and they’ve got a sassy brilliant-chromed base paired with inlaid horn and resin marquetry motif. I prefer the checkerboard (play and drink on one surface), but the floral is nice for spring. Your call.

Windows Question

From a reader: “We are looking at Kolbe and Jeld-wen. Any comments?”
I have Marvin and love them. What do you guys think?

Cridder Catchers

It’s that time of the year, so I am posting the number for these fine folks who come remove raccoons, squirrels, skunks, possums, foxes, armadillos, snakes (echt!) birds and other dead animal carcasses from your home (no kids) … at the request of a reader:

metro 817.261.4400

Marimekko Goes True Blue

Yesterday, Peggy blogged that Pantone named Blue Iris the color of the year. Looks Marimekko of Finland agrees. Its new Moroccan tile inspired bed linens for Crate & Barrel are crisp and refreshing with just enough pep to keep things interesting. Plus, with a king sheet set going for only $149 and matching comforter $139, this stuff is a steal.

Flowers that woo

Bella Flora of Dallas does amazing work. We’ve featured their top-notch bouquets in D Weddings before. Their Valentine’s Day selection is no less desirable. The Bella Calypso, at $75, has pretty magenta-toned calypso orchids. The Corazon, my favorite, has hydrangeas and tulips—tons of texture for $125. Though I’m not a big flower girl—I hate that they’re gone within a week—I’d take one of these any day.

Corey Pope?

Does anyone know Corey Pope?  I’ve heard that he is trying to open  a showroom in the Dallas Design Center next to Walter Lee Culp.  I can’t seem to find anyone that knows him - I’ve talked to Jim Williamson, David Sutherland, and Kelly Hardage - no one knows.  Any answers?  You know, I don’t like things going on in my ‘hood without my knowing about it.

Donald Fowler in NY

Donald Fowler, design guru of Stanley Korshak Home, called me last night from the New York gift show. It’s cold and snowing, as opposed to our 82 degree weather, but warm and lively in the Jacob Javits Center. He reports that his sea blue and white story is right on trend - whew! Wait ’til you see the March DHome cover. So, what’s coming? An $8000 fondue pot and glass decanters with naked ladies. It’s a good thing that I totally trust Donald’s flawless taste, otherwise, I might be a little worried. I mean for 8 grand, a fondue pot should tap dance across the patio, and cook it’s own food.

Going Green with Daltile

The Dallas-based tile manufacturer and distributor (the biggest in the country, by the way) has launched a website where consumers can find out the recycled materials content and other green facts about the company’s products. Check it out here.