Several years ago I wrote about the time I thought I was having a heart attack the day that Tara Shaw Antiques came to town with her To-The-Trade prices. HERE.
I had always loved Tara’s style and had devoured the stories I had read about her shop in New Orleans. So, when Tara, a victim of Katrina, landed in Houston with a European shipment, I was literally hyperventilating. Right before that first show was closing, I realized I had left my wallet at home and had to race home to get it. On the way back to the special sale, I felt what I thought were chest pains. Who wouldn’t? I mean, you either love antiques and would die for them or you don’t. And hopefully, most of you reading this understand what I mean.
Tara Shaw, in her house in New Orleans
As it happened, Tara Shaw liked her hurricane refugee home in Houston and ended up staying for a few years, traveling between here and New Orleans, before locating back in the Big Easy, exclusively.
This month, Tara’s New Orleans house graces the cover of the new Veranda. As you might imagine I was thrilled when Veranda asked me to preview their September-October issue with its Tara Shaw cover story. To celebrate this special honor, Tara has a very generous offer for Cote de Texas readers. So be sure to read this to the very end – I think you will be as excited as I am. Just be sure not to get heart palpitations!!!
Enjoy!
Tara’s start in business came from her love of antiques – French, Italian and Swedish. When she was just starting out – she saved up money from her job to be able to buy one nice antique piece a year. After a few years – she wanted more than just one piece (who doesn’t?) – and decided to go to Europe to bring home a shipment to sell out of a warehouse. That first show sold out in 15 minutes. Because it was such a success, she repeated it again and again – and thus, Tara Shaw Antiques was born.
Along the way, she married – and desiring to spend more time in the states – she designed a line of reproduction furniture based on the very antiques she either owned or had sold. The line, “Maison,” has been very well received, filling a certain niche. Today, she sells at market and has a special line with Restoration Hardware. She is also a very much in-demand interior designer. Whew!
The house Tara lives in was actually custom built for another owner. It was designed by Barry Fox and modeled after one his clients had seen in France. Living nearby, Tara watched the house going up while taking her daily walks. Lusting after the Parisian design and intrigued by its surrounding wall that created a private courtyard, she never dreamed it would one day be hers. But, when it came on the market – she made her move – trading her Victorian home for something that seemed a more stylish match to her aesthetic.
Photography by Max Kim-Bee.
The back yard has a covered porch, a curving terrace and a long pool that mimics a reflecting pond. The living room is in the bay window, while the master suite is above it.
The large living room is filled with antiques and a few pieces from her reproduction line, Maison. Flanking the fireplace are cameos currently offered at Restoration Hardware. Tara loves quiet, white interiors – the interest and contrast comes from all the textures, like the sheepskin throw, the carved pieces, the baskets, and the patina on the antique finishes. Tara always mixes in touches of contemporary, such as the side table, which add a special pop.
In an earlier photograph, you can see the beautiful architecture – with the large bay that overlooks the back yard. The focal point is the Gustavian daybed that divides the room into two different areas.
The dining room is stunning – Tara painted the wood floors white and placed her Maison dining room table in here, a design based on a Swedish antique she once owned. The chairs are original but she sells reproductions of them in the Maison line. The large floor mirror is available at Restoration Hardware.
I just love this room - it’s so elegant and feminine!
The view towards the opposite direction showing the gorgeous 18th century bench that sits under a dark oil. In the niche is a Swedish secretary.
Here is a close up of the Fortuny covered bench – love it!
In the breakfast room, an antique Swedish table with Mario Bellini chairs which show how Tara always mixes in a contemporary piece that stop the interiors from being museum like. Instead, they are interesting and exciting – a mix of new and old – antique and contemporary. The corner cabinet is a reproduction from Maison. Notice the clock’s carved top – simply GORGEOUS!!!
The library has cypress paneling and the white linen curtains pop against them.
In the entry into the bedroom area – handpainted wallpaper by Porter Teleo in lilac tones lends a contemporary vibe.
In the master bedroom, the contemporary Maison canopy bed takes center stage. At the end of it is an 18th century bench that is beautiful!!
The view of the sitting area – overlooking the back yard. I love how she did her curtains – so full and I like that they are placed between each window – not just at the end ones. Perfection!
A close up of the sitting area with the antique Gustavian settee and Maison coffee table – love it!!! Also, I like how Tara placed the rustic urn behind it – to serve as a focal point from far away.
The master bathroom is so romantic – notice the sink. And, notice how Tara used contemporary sconces to tone down the femininity a bit.
The paneling in the master bath is antique!! Fabulous!! It’s the perfect touch against the contemporary tub.
The guest room has a classic Tara Shaw chandelier and Maison corona.
Tara Shaw at Restoration Hardware:
Tara has a line of mirrors and intaglios/cameos at Restoration Hardware. This large mirror comes in many sizes - LOUIS XVI BEADED LEANER MIRROR-NATURAL
And here – the cameos:
AND – A special offer from Tara!!!!!
In order to celebrate Tara’s cover story in Veranda AND her brand new website – she is offering all Cote de Texas readers a 30% discount off any purchase of $200 and more.
YES.
You read that right – a 30% discount off any antique or in stock Maison item with a purchase of $200 or more.
So, all you have to do is go to Tara’s new web site – and look at her items in her Antique Shop and her Maison Shop. When you check out – you must enter this code: COTE30TEXAS in order to receive your 30% discount.
Here is just a small sampling of antiques in store right now:
And here is a small sampling of the Maison line – in stock:
Don't forget to put COTE30TEXAS when you check out in order to receive your 30% discount.
Be sure to pick up the new Veranda – with Tara’s house, one by Tammy Connor, a beauty by Richard Halberg, Alessandra Branca!, and Kay Douglass.
A HUGE thank you to Tara Shaw for this generous gift!!
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