STANDARD an honest-to-goodness design affair
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NEW march - april 2013
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Old Is New, spring 2013 The Letter 8 Newsreel Trend-Predictor 16 looking to the past for cars of the future
On The Boards 18 bringing back plaid and cassette tapes
Quality Words by Noah Marion 22 in the workshop with our guest columnist
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Absolute Book Nerds 24 don’t judge us by our covers... or do
In Honor of an Angus Queen 40 out in the country with the founders of Big Daddy’s Antiques
A Design Affair 54 Standard Visits Collings Guitars and Mandolins
Come for the History, Stay for the Future 68 Donna Parker’s Round Top paradise
Down by the Docks 86 A tiny cabana with a ton of charm
Standard Event: Austin Tastemaker Dinner 98 our after hours fête at Mockingbird Domestics
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the letter e all watch the tables turn. Suddenly, brown is the new black and popping tags is the new shopping on Rodeo. The change can take years or it can take days. It can be the result of a political revolution or a revolutionary runway show. It can be spurred by something as seemingly benign as an animated film.
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The one thing that can be counted on is that Old is always the new New. I’m not telling you anything earth-shattering here, right? Everything makes a comeback in some way, shape or form, whether it’s stirrup pants, Bauhaus furniture or some 100-year-old barn floor that is now on the ceiling of a hipster bar in BrooklynPortlandAustin-Seattle. There is no better place to explore this concept than in Round Top, Texas, where dealers, designers and aficionados descend twice a year upon the bucolic paradise, turning it into a frenzy of all things old ... or, is it new? It was there that we first spotted a pair of circuit boards turned into lights and watched them get snatched up by our friends at Mockingbird Domestics (who then modernized the design 8
and made them über sleek). Several months later, while we were getting ready for our Tastemaker Dinner at Mockingbird, those very lights left the shop with a celebrity chef. We can’t help but find humor in the fact that so much of what’s trending is inspired by the tastemakers who come out to eat barbecue and go antique shopping in the country. In this issue, we’re showing off several very special properties in Round Top. We think you’ll agree that, in spite of all the old bits, there is nothing granny about them.
(L) The Standard team takes a much-deserved break with the guys from Nomadic Trading Company in their well-appointed festival tent. (R) Features editor Mallory Hamel makes a new friend.
One of the highlights of putting together this issue was the trip that photographer Spencer Selvidge and I took to Collings Guitars. We went in one morning and emerged that afternoon feeling as if no time had passed at all. A full account of our findings is in this edition of “A Design Affair.” I’m very pleased to announce our new publishing partnership with Blurb.com, which will mean some ongoing improvements in the way that you read Standard, both online and in print.
As this issue goes live, we’ll be celebrating our union with a brunch party during SXSW. Here’s to new technology, new partnerships and new ways of delivering content to our readers. The human quest to make improvements is as old as time.
Kelly LaPlante Editorial Director & Founder
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STANDARD Editorial Director & Founder: Kelly LaPlante kelly@standardmag.com Features Editor & Senior Staff Writer: Mallory Hamel mallory@standardmag.com Markets Editor: Minh Dang minh@standardmag.com Corresponding Editor: Jenny Gumbert jenny@standardmag.com Staff Photographer: Spencer Selvidge Contributing Photographer: Kirsten Kaiser Editorial Intern: Alex Lopez
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Publisher: Kelly Truesdell truesdell@standardmag.com Publishing Assistant: Sophia Mossberg Social Media Intern: Preston Lee Hall Publishing Intern: Leeza Henderson
Tile Geek + Designer Chic Introducing the Runway Collection by Kelly LaPlante for Fireclay Tile www.fireclaytile.com
newsreel trend-predictor minh dang
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shifting gears
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Since the invention of the wheel, humans have been finding faster and better ways of traveling. While looking toward the future, it is important to give a nod to the past. The focus of the global collector community turned to Madison, Georgia, last February, as RM Auctions conducted the auction of the famous Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of these tiny vehicles. With so much interest in past microcars, we’re betting these minis will be the cars of the future.
1951 Reyonnah, Darin Schnabel © 2012 Courtesy of RM Auctions
1985 Sinclair C5, Darin Schnabel © 2012 Courtesy of RM Auctions
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The Wind Explorer, image courtesy of Evonik Industries
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we predict...
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…market forces such as rising gas prices, a slowly rebounding economy, urbanization, and congested roadways will revive the microcar to its glory days. Microcars of the near future will be even more efficient and innovative than today’s mini mobiles. Just take a look at Evonik’s Wind Explorer—with the aid of wind power, solar cells and a stunt kite, the lightweight, electric vehicle traveled across the Australian continent on less than $15 worth of electricity. Your daily driver, powered by the sun and wind, is not far away.
2005 Smart Crossblade Darin Schnabel © 2012 Courtesy of RM Auctions
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on the boards minh dang
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{cassette culture} This Page: 1. “Making Tracks” Cassette Tape Buckle, in retro rust, by Glenn Adendorff, $70; 2. Vintage Cassette Recorder Wall Clock by When The Music’s Over, $91.74; 3. Sonic Fabric Neckties by Sonic Fabric, $120 each; 4. Cassette Tape Pillow by Classic By Nature, $34.11; Next Page: 5: Cassette Tapes Floor Lamp by Vanesa Moreno Sema from OOO My Design, €120; 6. Retro Cassette Tape Table by Tayble, $1499; 7: Nostalgic Chair by Vanesa Moreno Sema from OOO My Design, €130 18
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on the boards minh dang
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{mad for plaid} This Page: 1. Brunswick Plaid Napkin, shown in cobalt, by Wolfum, $40 for set of two; 2. Plaid Coaster, set of four, by Masters of None, $30; 3. “New Plaid” by Allan Redd, starting at $24.96; Opposite Page: 4. A5 Notebook by Tamasyn Gambell, €5 5. Zulu Ilala Palm Basket by Baskets from Africa, $170; 6. Bent Maple Wool O’ The West Armchair by Blanket by Maresa Patterson from NuBe Green, $1200; 7. Blanket Lace-ups, shown in material D, by Smartfish Footwear, $195; 8. Wool Rug Bermuda by Company C from Layla Grayce, starting at $144 20
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quality words
Photos by Joseph Alex Sims
noah marion
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f you have ever wandered into a leather crafting store anywhere in North America, you have surely stumbled upon the legend of Al Stohlman and his wife Anne. These two wrote the book on leather crafting; drafting numerous handbooks and manuals on hand stitching, embossing, carving, and even saddle-making. Together, the Stohlmans made the ancient art of leatherworking accessible and appealing to the modern world. I came to leather in a more roundabout way than just picking up a book. As a youngster, I was infatuated with old things, and my perception of the world is in-
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delibly marked by this. I reminisce of the times I spent at my grandparents’ house finding knickknacks and bric-abrac that gave me a sense of history. Finding my granddad’s camera bag that was made by hand shaped who I am today. Studying under two truly unique professors at Tulane University was the greatest blessing. From Professor Jeremy I learned technique and the concept that knowledge will prevail: one must know how to make before one can choose what to make. Professor Barry was a bootstrapper in the finest sense of the word. He taught me (and I quote), “Bang the
heck out of it and it will eventually take shape!” Melding these two disparate avenues I now walk my own path. My first venture into leather was the redesign of an old wallet my brother had given me. I knew almost nothing about leatherworking. I knew I had to learn the right way before I could branch out in my own way. I bought an awl, some hand sewing needles, sinew, and a few scraps of leather, and went to designing a new wallet. However, this was just the beginning. After my study and research took me as far as they could, I began to invent my own techniques and methods, creating a hybrid approach. For instance, I no longer use the awl-punch technique but rather punch multiple holes simultaneously in order to increase efficiency. In this way, I utilized old techniques and then reinvented them in new products that match the needs of the modern man, woman or dog. As my arsenal of old tools and new tools grew, I came to understand that my true gifts were in designing products and having a keen attention to detail. Through the years, my hands have begun to ache, but my brain has gained strength. Because of the journey of my own noahmarion.com
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diving into old favorites or discovering new finds in the self-publishing mecca of blurb.com, these six standard staffers are absolute
BOOK NERDS
photographed by kirsten kaiser
at the prairie by rachel ashwell & the vintage round top, all light fixtures from treehouse, austin
just judging it by its cover, Mallory’s coveting...
“Destroyed” by Stefano Lastrucci “The striking cover image immediately attracted me to this book. I so enjoy finding beauty in the macabre—it seems we’re always glorifying the perfectly contrived, why not embrace the absence of that as well?” 26
The Hive cordless lamp by Modern Lantern
all-time favorite: “Being a girl who is constantly falling through a rabbit hole of some sort “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” has always been a treasured tale that I can relate to and escape within.” -Mallory Hamel, Features Editor
The Graphite cordless lamp by Modern Lantern
all-time favorite: “I love the book “Dry” because I can relate to Augusten Burroughs in so many ways, with maybe a little less insanity. When I’m feeling down or in a funk I like to pick up this book and get lost in the crazed world of Mr. Burroughs.” -Preston Hall, Social Media Intern
just judging it by its cover, Preston’s coveting...
“Keep on Rocking” by Darrel Martin “I chose this book because I love the simplicity and 1950s-inspired design. The cover really stood out to me because I am obsessed with the idea of the 1950s and how much we have evolved and progressed since that time.”
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just judging it by its cover, Kelly’s coveting...
“The Unicycle Primer: a five step guide to ride” by Roger Sparvell “One thing that most people don’t know about me is that I used to be a professional juggling instructor ...but I never did master the unicycle.” 30
all-time favorite: The Jade cordless lamp by Modern Lantern
“Truman Capote’s first book “Other Voices, Other Rooms” is so exquisitely creepy! Each paragraph is a beautifully crafted masterpiece, making the setting, the story and the characters incredibly appealing despite the fact that they’re all so absolutely wrong.” -Kelly Truesdell, Publisher
The Clove cordless lamp by Modern Lantern
all-time favorite: “Kurt Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle” has proven to be my favorite book because I have always enjoyed my philosophies being challenged with a good laugh.” -Leeza Henderson, Publishing Intern
just judging it by its cover, Leeza’s coveting...
“The Magic of the Light” curated by the PhotoPlace Gallery “The cover caught my eye because I love viewing things in a new light or perspective.” 33
just judging it by its cover, Minh’s coveting...
“Creatures” by The Kiernan Gallery Exhibition “Animal pictures are like car accidents, I can’t help but look, and that’s why this cover caught my eye. The vibrant feathers against the black background helped too.” 34
all-time favorite: “The book “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson is an exceptional work of narrative history. Larson effortlessly tells the story of two men whose lives are intertwined around the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. The stark contrast between the two main characters is what makes this book a good read.” -Minh Dang, Markets Editor
The Pyrus cordless lamp by Modern Lantern
The Luxe cordless lamp by Modern Lantern
all-time favorite: “I’ve read Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” so many times that I can actually follow the story in this rare copy of the French translation “Gatsby, le Magnifique”... even though my French is tres mal.” -Kelly LaPlante, Editorial Director
just judging it by its cover, Kelly’s coveting...
“February” by Munyoosh “I love when people can turn an everyday object into something sensual— so the cover of this book really grabbed me. Inside, it’s filled with all sorts of downtrodden eye candy ...it looks like quite the little indulgence.” 37
A Plumen bulb hangs from a colorful rope-bound cord, lighting up an antique typewriter at The Vintage Round Top, a wonderful place to escape for the weekend with a great book.
theprairiebyrachelashwell.com thevintageroundtop.com blurb.com treehouseonline.com modernlantern.com
in honor of
an angus queen
STORY BY MALLORY HAMEL PHOTOGRAPHED BY SPENCER SELVIDGE
Up for a game of darts? Know-how not necessary! 42
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lthough one wouldn’t know it just casually passing through, among the grassy fields and lazy county roads of Round Top, Texas, a few simply spectacular properties exist as sublime tributes to what this town is really all about—impeccable style, unbeatable (seasonal) shopping, and unforgettable moments in a place where time stands still. Welcome to Bo Buff Bradley—a recently renovated farmhouse, surrounded by four charming cottages, all hugging a crystal clear, prairie-side pool within a stone’s throw of the biannual antiques showdown which Round Top is famous for. Owned and operated by Kristine and Shane Brown (masters of top-notch curation), and available to guests for short-term rentals, Bo Buff Bradley is an impressive product of creativity, hard work and the intuition of two people who have been in the game for a long time.
Antique smelting pots sit atop a beautifully simple, handmade wooden bench. Hemp canvas floor poufs serve as additional seating in the living room of Bo Buff Bradley.
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The Browns first laid eyes on each other while shopping at the Western States Antique Fair in Redondo Beach, California—and instantly connected. Before long, they were in love and in business, operating the now wellknown Big Daddy’s Antiques (with two current locations in Culver City and San Francisco). Now the pair travels and shops for both business and pleasure, often with their two daughters (6-yearold Raleigh and 5-year-old Georgia) in tow. The Browns have properties in California and Colorado, and just purchased their Round Top property at the end of August of 2012—completing the entire overhaul in a mere four weeks. The crew to which this impressive feat can be attributed includes not only the Browns, but also a team of trusted tradespeople from Big Daddy’s, and welcomed help from local folks. Almost all of the furnishings and materials found in and around Bo Buff Bradley were discovered in Round Top, giving it the authenticity necessary to blend seamlessly into the gently rolling expanse of its south-central Texas locale. The property is named for a childhood heroine of Kristine’s, and she seems transported through time as she remembers, “When I was nine and showing cattle at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, the most beautiful woman I had ever seen walked down the aisle, and left everyone whis44
pering behind her, ‘Who is that? She is so beautiful!’ After some discussion, I found out that she was the Angus Queen, and as soon as I heard her name—Bo Buff Bradley—it stuck with me for life. I named a pet goose Buffer, and even my daughter Raleigh’s middle name is Beau (although I did change the spelling). When we bought this place I couldn’t stand it, I had to name it Bo Buff Bradley!” In keeping with this clever theme, Kristine went on to title each of the cottages after beloved cattle breeds—the Angus, the Charolais, the Hereford, and the Chianina. Each cottage is special in its own way, with thoughtful details and modern amenities in an idyllic, private setting. The layout of the grounds, just off of the beaten path, is also perfect for communal shindigs of every imaginable kind. Regarding the design premise, Kristine simply (and confidently) states, “We just go for a look, as long as it all melds together.” Citing such Round Top sources as Eneby Antik, Bobo Intriguing Objects and Love Train Antiques (just to name a few), the Browns make it apparent that there is so much more to this little corner of the world than meets the eye—fellowship and new experiences are always up for grabs when the antique show is in full-swing, and when the show and its patrons aren’t in town, Round Top is every bit as special for its candor and natural beauty.
A family of skunks occupies the hearth, offering an amusing contrast to the impressive mantelpiece fish. 45
Shane and Kristine share a laugh and a story in the kitchen of Bo Buff Bradley.
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One of the bedrooms within Bo Buff Bradley is as raw as it is elegant, simply furnished with soft hues and materials, enlivened by a colorful wardrobe.
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A generous soaking tub is positioned in the corner of a guestroom.
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A sparkling pool invites guests to refresh and rejuvenate under an open sky.
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Guest cottages are smartly appointed with simple but comfortable amenities. vrbo.com/459673
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a design affair
standard visits
collings guitars & mandolins story by kelly laplante photographed by spencer selvidge
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here is something about a well-made instrument—a really wellmade instrument—that altogether changes the act of making music. One needs only to gaze upon the face of a musician when he holds such a work in his hands to see the difference it makes in his soul. His eyes close, his head nods slowly in reverent approval and then, he plays. Carefully, gingerly at first. Then increasingly more bold, as if driving a new car for the first time— “let’s see what this can do”—on the open road. Nobody understands this as well as Bill Collings, who began making guitars in the 1970s and quickly gained a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail. He founded Collings Guitars and Mandolins in 1989, with just two helpers; today he employs 90 people—each committed to making a perfect instrument. Most (if not all) of the luthiers clearly view this as more than a job. They are passionate about what they are crafting and many of them have been with the company for a number of years. Collings’ first employee Bruce VanWart still works there, personally selecting the wood and determining the thickness for every guitar—more than 21,000 to date.
Don’t be fooled by that big number. Ninety employees working full-time— designing, building, refining, sanding, sealing, scraping, finishing, detailing, buffing and tuning—means that, on average, only 12 instruments leave the workshop each day. Between 15 and 20 people put their handiwork into each one, and the instruments are in progress for up to three months before they are ready to leave the nest. On the day we visited, just two were lined up in their cases by the front door. The less-is-more approach is just one of the many things about the Collings process that feels old-world. The luthiers do a significant amount of work by hand with basic tools and a Zenlike focus. With no quotas or production goals to meet, each instrument goes through its gestation period organically. The time it takes is the time it takes. But the modern world is not lost. Designs are computer-drafted, and the workshop makes use of laser-cutting and other technology, where appropriate. As we watched a CNC machine cut into the body of a mandolin, tour guide Alex Rueb explained, “We could have cut this on a band saw, but that would really be a waste of someone’s time and talent.”
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Freshly cut guitar faces rest on a rack, awaiting the next step in their construction.
Aesthetically, Collings is rooted in the past but with an eye toward the future. The instruments are modern-day interpretations of a classic style. “We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel,”
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says Rueb, “but there are a lot of subtle design tweaks and improvements.” He shows us two guitar bodies, side by side. One is a classic, one is a new Collings.
The head and neck of a Collings are taped off for finishing.
At a glance, the untrained eye might call them the same, but within a moment, one quickly finds the differences—and they are indeed, improvements. A slight taper here, an impeccable edge detail there, and a careful yet deliber-
ate line up the back, reminiscent of a pre-war silk stocking—the latter rarely to be seen by anything other than the lining of a guitar case—but that doesn’t stop Collings from having a finisher spend hours on the detail. 59
To achieve a “sunset� finish, instruments must first be stained in a bright banana yellow color, then additional layers of finish are added to achieve the classic hombre effect.
Today, the shop also produces mandolins and ukeleles, with the same precision and attention to detail that is synonymous with any instrument sporting the Collings name on its head. Though the ukelele is considerably smaller in size, it takes the same 2-3 months to 62
produce. To those who know that his brain is that of an engineer, it comes as no surprise that Bill Collings is also an automobile aficionado. “A good line is a good line,� he tells his staff, Rueb
Time-honored techniques are assisted by more modern technology to make best use of the luthier’s time.
says, “whether it’s on a car or a guitar.” A large end of the workshop houses a 1956 Ford pickup hot rod and a Miata for spec-class road racing—a hobby of Collings’, who becomes quite animated when asked about it.
“These are people who need to prove something, and we do it right to the death—if you’re lucky, you come home with your car!” In Bill’s office, a “longterm project” car functions as a holder of sorts for other works in progress. Several feet away, his desk looks as if 63
Mirror finish: the instruments are buffed until they shine enough to see yourself shave in... or not.
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An electric guitar gets a rich chocolate finish.
his mind’s contents have been spilled out onto the surface—a watermelon, some racing pedals and a half-felted ukelele case are just a few of the highlights. “I only do things that I enjoy,” Bill says.
“I don’t do things that I don’t enjoy ...and I don’t enjoy cleaning my desk.” Just keep making those gorgeous instruments Bill, and you can keep your desk as messy as you like. collingsguitars.com
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come for the history
stay for the future STORY BY MALLORY HAMEL PHOTOGRAPHED BY SPENCER SELVIDGE
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wice a year, thousands of people flock to the quaint town of Round Top, Texas, for the mileswide, biannual antiques fair, literally turning this small settlement into a haven for those who were born to collect, shop and share—but when all is said and done, and the smell of fried this-and-that has wafted away with the winds and trucks full of housewares, only about 80 people remain. During the quiet months of the year, Round Top is simply a warm community of down-home Texans and eclectic souls who have settled in this special place. One such individual is the vivacious Donna Parker. Parker (originally from Beaumont, Texas) has been coming to Round Top for 20 years
Parker flips through an issue of Standard while leaning in the doorway of one of her newest (and most exciting) projects.
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No 3 is filled with items collected through the years from shopping Round Top. Parker relates, “The interiors reflect great objects that I loved from the antique shows. The possibility of change is real when you have every imaginable item at your fingertips. Fellow shoppers beware—the most dangerous time in Round Top—Antique Showtime.”
now, enjoying the shopping, friendship and overall excitement that fills this town during the antique shows—and embracing the solace that’s left behind.
business)—I loved the simplicity of that happening. The rest is history... it was love at first sight.” The front porch she speaks of belongs to the main house, built in the 19th century not far from where it resides now. Parker is a mover and shaker to say the least and this extends to the structures on the property—three of the houses as well as the art gallery have been moved from other parts of Texas, while the barn and library were built on-site. Parker credits the large-haul talents of Kanye Brothers for these feats, boasting, “Kanye Brothers have been involved in moving houses for decades and were happy to tell me about how they could place a glass of water on the floor, move the house and place it on the pad, and not spill one drop of water. I am a believer. They have moved three of my houses onto No 3.”
About 10 years ago, Parker decided that she wanted to stick around after the fanfare had paraded away. She is now the owner and part-time resident of a magical property in Round Top, the affectionately named No 3, as well as an esteemed board member of the Round Top Historical Society. With three farmhouses for lodging, an art gallery, library, and barn to boot (as well as the newest edition, a farmhouse still waiting for its future incantation), No 3 is a prairie utopia. It’s an unexpectedly pleasant experience to walk into the house of someone you’ve just met, and feel entirely at home—at Parker’s place, one feels as though this is what they’ve been searching for all along. The main farmhouse, where Parker stays when she’s in town, is filled with When asked about her history with stunning finds. Her unique sense of the property Parker happily explains, style pervades every inch of the home, “It just happened to be ready to show creating a truly one-of-a-kind experiwhen I was at the incredible antique ence for anyone who enters. From fair a decade ago. I actually ran into local artwork to industrial furniture to Jackie O. Ditzler as we were shop- personalized No 3 coffee cups, Parker ping at the Big Red Barn and asked has spared no detail in completing her if she had any farmhouses available. aesthetic. She’s drawn to many things She made a quick call to the then- which pop up here and there throughMayor and “Realtor to the Stars,” Car- out the property—nudes, goats, ol Nagel, and asked, ‘Did you leave doves, the number three, and several a key on the front porch in that little other Parkerisms are in abundance. drawer?’ (old-fashioned way of doing 74
Parker’s bedroom is a serene blend of comfort and style. A rug from Nomadic Trading Company (purchased at the most recent fall gathering of antiquers) adds vibrancy to the soothing backdrop.
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Sleeping quarters in the main house are a testament to Parker’s knack for mixing cozy with quirky in a most pleasing way.
A cabin moved from Columbus, Texas, was Parker’s first experience with creating a space that her teenaged son and his friends were comfortable in. “White-washed walls, a tin roof, simple shower, and kitchen were 78
just perfect—rather masculine, with a Ralph Lauren quality. Philip loved it, which then created another conversation about what my daughter Alex would claim as hers—hence, the White Cottage.” Parker styled the inte-
riors of the White Cottage to suit her daughter’s personality, adding an outdoor shower, and bordering the immediate yard with a picket fence and pink rose bushes. “The ultra feminine quality was a hit with my fashion-savvy
daughter.” Not stopping there, Parker also built a barn (“a must-have if you like collecting and rotating seasonal items”) as well as a library. “The library was born out of a need to house my books. I adore collecting interesting 79
For bedding in the White Cottage, Parker chose Shabby Chic Couture by Rachel Ashwell, noting that it is simply, “the most luxurious.”
books about Warhol and other notable artists. I designed it with an inspiration from the super talented Kay O’Toole in Houston. It has the flat roof with a French goat sitting atop, and is just a wonderful space for friends to enjoy the books. Sometimes pieces by 80
trending artists from New York, Paris and Houston are found hanging in my library.” Three of the charming buildings were moved to No 3 from Industry, Texas. This includes what was formerly an extension to another house on the property, that now holds a ro-
The number three is Parker’s favorite, symbolizing the most important things in her life.
tating assortment of Parker’s collected art. Parker is a devout friend of the arts, supporting names both big and small. To this she warmly confesses, “Art finds me and I fall in love. I want to educate people. Everyone is important—they teach, you teach ...it’s a
constant evolution of learning.” Parker has also spent ample time focusing on the landscape of the property, noting that the grounds are a passion of hers. “I love to enjoy freshly cut roses and wildflowers, so with that in mind, Ann Thames (master gardener and owner 81
An aged corn crib creates a delightfully agrarian outdoor dining area, providing shade from the Texas sun as well as beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, colored with the many gorgeous blooms that the state is famous for.
of Honest to Goodness) helped me in every way to bring this somewhat difficult landscape to life. I have flowers year-round. During the spring, you will see Lady Bird Johnson’s concept in full-bloom.” Parker’s ambitions for this property extend far beyond her personal desires. She believes in the replenishing power and peacefulness 82
of her treasured little town, and feels special to be a part of it. “No 3 has been referred to as a respite for the weary. I wanted it to feel like a total indulgence to all the senses—people are here because they want to be here. In Round Top, things are just the way they should be.”
Original work “Dissenting Opinion” by Houston-based Kelley Devine is currently on display in Parker’s library. 83
At present, Parker’s favorite aspect of No 3 is the newest edition of farmhouses (from Industry). This particular house is still in transformation, with Parker unsure of what exactly its calling may be. We’re sure that the end result will be nothing short of spectacular and enchanting.
down docks by the
story by alex lopez & mallory hamel photographed by kirsten kaiser
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S
itting along the northeastern shore of Lake LBJ, property co-owner Sherrie Klein, and architect Kip Steele (of KBS Contractors) have partnered up to create a comfortable Hill Country hideout. Only an hour outside of a bustling metropolis, this lakeside space offers the luxury of escaping the crowded city streets to an easygoing atmosphere situated in the middle of a breathtaking environment. Resting on the same slope, adjacent to the property’s main home (which is still in construction), Klein and Steele have developed a cabana-style getaway, built almost exclusively from salvaged materials and tightly packed Oklahoma rock. Klein designed the space herself, and brought Steele in for the building process. When asked
about the inspiration behind the ambiance, Klein replies, “I love pieces with a story,” which is exactly what makes this creation so unique. By incorporating rough materials gathered by Klein herself, the cabana has taken on a flawless, rustic-chic look that illustrates her own personal touch. Many of the items Klein used in the design were found while antiquing, and by paying many visits to her friend Kathy Johnson—owner of Pieces of the Past, a nearby vintage store. “I had a lot of ideas before we began,” says Klein, which included using older pieces in a way that gave them a fresh and unexpected look. Longtime collector of vintage goods, this project presented Klein with the chance to exhibit treasured items she has held on to, waiting for the perfect place where they can offer as much to others as they have given to her.
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With windows wide enough to cover three of the cabana’s four walls, the structure maximizes use of natural lighting during the day, and relies on recessed illumination, and pendant lamps made from such things as bushel barrels, industrial-grade culinary beaters, and even old chicken feeders to offer light once the sun has set. Night or day, the fixtures in the cabana are arranged to softly highlight the separate seating areas. In the center of the cabana is the green-topped bar, created from scrap metal and wood pieces found in Mexico, and serving as one of the cabana’s main attractions. The most stunning feature however, is the multicolored ceiling crafted from an assortment of discarded wood planks that incorporates calm shades of blue, green and yellow, creating a cohesive design that complements the outside environment. Around the corner from the main gathering space is the bathroom, secluded for privacy and located across from a stone-walled shower. This back half of the cabana lends a Gothic vibe, thanks
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to the beautiful masonry and arched windows (through which views of the surrounding woods can be held). Interesting attributes such as antique metal horse muzzles hold toiletries in the shower area, and soft music drifts from a prized, 1950s-era radio. Completing the project in June of 2012, Klein opened the doors of the cabana to friends and family just in time to utilize the summer space’s full potential. “We started the project in February, worked on the ceiling in March, and overall it took us about six months to finish,” says Klein. The space is to be shared between five families, all close friends who will make memories together in summers to come. The main house on the property is expected to be completed by July of 2013, and follows a more modern template of design. Paired with the cabana, Klein says, “it’s a great mix of old and new.”
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The colorful ceiling is a collection of painted planks from many different places.
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Aged rigging hooks once used for securing cast-iron sinks, are available for sun hats and beach towels.
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SPENCER SELVIDGE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Portrait | Commercial | Editorial
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or our third annual Tastemaker Dinner, we were thrilled to partner with local Austin homegoods shop extraordinaire, Mockingbird Domestics. The evening was catered by chef Keith Karp, with local wines from William Chris Winery,
Thirsty Goat Amber beer by Thirsty Planet Brewing Company from The Whip-In, and artisanal amaretto by Single T Spirits (made from local vodka by Bone Spirits). LP Sessions played the guitar and serenaded us all evening.
(L) Dick Clark, Leslie Fossler and Caleb Campaigne visit over cocktails. (R) The tablescape featured handmade platters by Keith Kreuger, which guests were given as a gift at the end of the evening.
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A highlight of the night was most certainly the opportunity to hear each tastemaker speakto the group—answering questions that the Standard editorial team prepared for them. The topic of “ignorance is bliss” came up several times as our guests discussed what it takes to be mold-breakers. For most everyone, the idea of jumping in feetfirst and not worrying too much about the outcome is standard operating procedure, and we couldn’t help but feel like we were in the presence of kindred spirits. After all, if we’d know
what madness it would be to run a magazine, we’d never have taken the plunge—and aren’t we all glad, in the end, that we did?! Ignorance is bliss indeed. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Mockingbird Domestics and to all of the amazing tastemakers who joined us this year. mockingbirddomestics.com williamchriswines.com thirstyplanet.net bonespirits.com reverbnation.com/lpsessions
Above, the tastemakers mingle while LP Sessions croons. 99
Above: Adam Fortiner, Esther LaVonne and Cindy Black Below: Mockingbird Domestics co-founder Jeff Daly thanks the tastemakers. Opposite: Top left, Jason Ballard and Sarah Stacey. Top right, Artisinal amaretto by Single T Spirits was served at the end of the night in handmade glasses by Shara Funari of Eastside Glass Studio. Bottom left: Keith Karp’s final treat of the evening. Bottom right, Laura Daly, Alyson Fox, Matt Swinney and Lindsey Arthur
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