At home with . . . Lauren Ross

Lauren Ross, who could probably fit into most peoples' coat pockets, has grandiose style! I love her home and I want all of her collections so badly that I am tempted to offer her some kind of trade, like, my children - just teasing kids. I promised your Grandmother I wouldn’t do that . . .again. Each time I enter Lauren’s home that she shares with her husband and four children, I feel pulled, as if by a magnet, to a beautiful mirrored chest in her entry. It is an inherited piece from her Grandmother. Lauren attributes her love of antiques and vintage pieces to her Grandmother who owned an antiques store in Beverly Hills, CA, on Rodeo Drive. I first met Lauren when she came into my shop in 2007. After several months of drop-in visits and purchases for client homes, along with conversations that revealed favorite antique haunts, I began to consider Lauren a dear friend. Though I didn't need to be convinced of what a lovely creature she was, she most graciously introduced me to producer, Jennifer Vreeland of Country Living. As a result, The Vintage Laundry got a mention in the article published in the April 2007 edition which featured her home. Thank you, Lauren, for allowing me to take these photos of your lovely home. Take a look and learn a little bit about a very talented and inspiring woman.

I'D LIKE TO DESIGN A HOME FOR . . .
A friend with unlimited funds (don't have any of these but I can dream!) I would also love to design a home for Beth Moore, the best-selling author and lecturer with Living Proof Ministries. I have never met her but she has inspired me through her books and Bible studies and I would love to repay her for being such an inspiration to me! She is such a beautiful person.

I WOULD DESCRIBE MY STYLE AS . . .
Casual, shabby chic, feminine, comfortable

MY FAVORITE PAINT COLOR OR WALLPAPER IS . . .
Martin-Senour paints - vanilla cream and cloud white are two of my favorite whites. I adore wallcoverings in small spaces, especially English papers such as Colefax and Fowler and "Jane Churchill

IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT . . . .
I would buy a second home...a cottage with a porch full of wicker and French blue shutters, climbing pink rose vines, hydrangeas and a white picket fence.

I'M WISHING FOR . . .
Calacutta marble countertops in my kitchen!

A PERFECT DAY WOULD INCLUDE . . .
Antique shopping in Round Top with my friends, then staying at a Bed and Breakfast and playing show and tell with all of our new treasures or "what was I thinking!"

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO FIND TREASURES IS . . .
Round Top, Texas twice a year show. I have only missed one show in the last 20 years but only because I was pregnant and due any moment. My family forbid me to go for fear I would go into labor shopping out in the country!

MY FAVORITE COLLECTION IS . . .
My mercury glass, some of which belonged to my grandmother and other pieces that I have collected over the years. I am particularly fond of the mercury glass with the painted flowers.

I CHOSE THIS PROFESSION BECAUSE . . .
It gives me flexibility with my 4 children. I can work my own hours and keep my family my priority. I also love meeting new people, making new friends and helping them make their homes a place they enjoy.

MY FAVORITE DECORATING TRICK IS . . .
Making small inexpensive changes like changing out throw pillows, updating lamp shades, layering in baskets for storage, rearranging a few pieces and slipcovering inherited pieces to bring them back to life.

MY BIGGEST INFLUENCES ARE . . .
My paternal grandmother for her beautiful style. Her Beverly Hills home was filled with mercury glass, mirrored vanities, shell encrusted mirrors, chintz covered walls, small French chairs, treasures from around the world and of course my favorite color, pink! Her style was timeless. My maternal grandmother for all things quaint and lovely... her pansies, her teacups and her dolls with handmade clothes. She is the definition of precious. Design influences include "Rachel Ashwell for her casual shabby chic style and Charles Faudree for his attention to detail.

I GET INSPIRATION FROM . . . .
window shopping, realtor open houses, drives in the country, blogs like Cote de Texas and Velvet and Linen.

MY ADVICE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THIS FIELD WOULD BE . . .
Be flexible with your ideas and schedule, don't take things too seriously,be a good listener, and decorate your client's home to showcase their personality.

RESOURCES . . .
In Austin: Janet Wiebe Antiques - The Courtyard Shops 5453 Burnet Road - European antiques, garden items, and beautiful trims and textiles

Shabby Chic - Domain - down filled chairs, sectionals and bedding in faded English inspired floral designs

Wendow - 1512 W 35th St. - antiques mixed with contemporary pieces

Antique Marketplace - 5806 Burnet Road - I rent a space with my dear friend, Lady Huffstutler. Lady has the most amazing slipcovered lamp shades made from white monogrammed vintage linens.

Round Top vendor French Vanilla - Peg Van Dyne's booth is absolutely beautiful and filled with vintage items all in shades of white.

The last pair of photos are courtesy of Country Living Magazine and Joseph De Leo.