Theta Design Weekend, and a New Discovery

A few weekends ago in Houston was the always wonderful Theta Design Weekend (formerly the Theta Charity Antiques Show). Previously the weekend focused on rare (and mostly expensive) antiques, but this year it was redesigned to showcase everything from fashion and art to decor and lighting, with a fresh mix of youthful and affordable pieces.

David and I enjoyed exploring with our friend Lexi, who works for Laura U Interiors, and our good Wofford friend Carter, who just started her new job at Houston's best graphic design firm, Principle.

As both an interior designer and a Theta alumna, nothing could bring me more joy than a philanthropic weekend focused on design! Founded in 1952, the antiques show has donated over $7 million to deserving causes such as Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Crime Stoppers of Houston, and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra.  

As a member of the young alumna host committee, I encouraged David and friends to join me for Thursday night's Preview Party.

The weekend also featured Designer Panels with some of my favorite Houston designers, and I had the pleasure of attending Sunday's, which included Hallie Henley, Paloma Contreras, Ben Johnston, and Lindsey Herod. I really enjoyed getting to hear the backgrounds of each designer and learning some of their best tips and tricks.

While there, I stumbled upon a booth showcasing the work of Trace Mayer, an artist from Kentucky. His fascinating collection of "Museum Bees" drew me in and I found myself carefully admiring each and every one on display. The tiny pieces range in size from 1" to 6" and are all made from recycled antique picture frames, mostly dated from 1860-1880. 

Inside the frames are gilded ornaments such as horses, dogs, insects, foxes and curiosities. The best part for me? He adds new pieces to his website every Wednesday, and they're all only $55 with free shipping. These unique framed trinkets would make such an amazing stocking stuffer! 

I also have to mention that Trace posted the below image on Museum Bee's social media pages, which made me love him, and his work, tenfold. Never change, Trace! 

If you didn't know about Theta Design Weekend or didn't get a chance to go this year, keep an eye out for next year's or let me know and I'll be sure to nudge you about tickets. I highly recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in design - or even for someone just looking for a fun shopping experience. Shopping for charity - doesn't get better than that!

Artist Spotlight: Paule Marrot

You might recognize the above bold monochromatic piece from my last post featuring Jenny Wolf Interiors. Then again, you might also recognize it from over here, over there, behind you, and above you. The extremely popular print is by the late Parisian textile designer and artist Paule Marrot, whose career took off in the early 1920s.

Clockwise from top left: Susana Chango, Jonathan Adler, Paloma Contreras, and Mark D. Sikes, are just a few lovers of this black and white abstract. Source: Artie Vanderpool.

Interior designers re-discovered her work a few years back and went crazy. Her designs have been spotted in countless highly publicized rooms, and if you're one to peruse House Beautiful or Pinterest, you've seen them over and over again. Designer Artie Vanderpool wrote a (humorlously titled) blog post called "Jumping Off a Bridge," to give you an idea of the craze. I must've missed this trend altogether when it was at its peak, but I stumbled upon her work while exploring Natural Curiosities last year and, I too, 'jumped off the bridge' and fell in love. 

Marrot was awarded the esteemed Legion d'Honneur in 1952, which "require[s] the flawless performance of one's trade as well as doing more than ordinarily expected, such as being creative, zealous and contributing to the growth and well-being of others." French furniture designer Andre Arbus said to her at the time, “You paint with your heart the flowers of the fields, love, youth, the seasons, everything that is wonderful in life." 

Marrot was influenced by Renoir and admired by many famous people, from Billy Baldwin to Jackie Kennedy, who designed an entire room in the White House around her Tulips work (below). Her works have been reproduced by Anthropologie, Brunschwig & Fils and even Nike. The playful colors and whimsical lines of her patterns are enchanting, and much of her art still feels relevant and contemporary.

Miles Redd went bold with Marrot's Tulips in this lucky little girl's bedroom. [Source: AD]

Designer Bailey McCarthy, who I wrote about here, told Design*Sponge that she loved Marrot's Tulips print for her little girl's room so much that she had a craftsman recreate it for her after learning it had been discontinued by Brunschwig & Fils.

McCarthy's little girl's bed canopy is not the only Marrot print in the space. Nearby Marrot's "Feathers" print (below) hangs above the dresser. [Source: Peppermint Bliss]

"Feathers" is another hugely popular print.

Design by Suzanne Kasler.

Paule Marrot Editions acquired all of her original woodblocks and drawings, and Natural Curiosities have since begun carefully reproducing them. Below are more of my favorites, as well as the one I ultimately purchased for myself.

I couldn't help myself; I think my San Antonio background coupled with my enchantment with Otomi embroidery (bright and complex imagery of flora and fauna) drew me to this piece, and I had to have it:

"Fête" by Marrot

At 54" x 42", it's a big one. It currently resides in our dining room, where nearby fresh flowers draw out the vibrant and happy colors. One day it might hang in my office, or a nursery. Wherever it ends up, I know it'll be a piece that brings me joy for years to come.

If you love these bright and happy patterns as much as I do, you can find a charming pair of Louis XVI chairs covered in Marrot's Tulips right now on 1stdibs (splurge) or purchase the below 17" x 17" vibrant yellow print from The Well Appointed House for only $110.