I love mixing vintage and modern pieces in my home because it keeps the look “fresh” instead of dated. When I moved into my new Dallas home there were pieces like the beautiful 18th century Italian dining table I wanted to use, but in a new way.

I always thought the table looked so pretty with the coral walls and the antique Spanish tile floor in my Ft. Worth dining room, but in my new home the dining room is painted a bright white, and also serves as a passageway between rooms so we gave it more of a library feel, piled high with decorating books I refer to all the time…

 

 

 

 

 

The building where I live now was designed by George Dahl, the same architect who designed much of Fair Park, the Thompson Hotel and other Dallas landmarks; my building was finished in 1962 and it definitely has a 60’s vibe.

There’s a story that the pool area was the chic place to hang out at the time, with residents using phones poolside connected by phoneline to their apartments.  I don’t know if it’s true or not..

 

 

 

 

 

I do know one of the reasons I bought my home here was because of the spectacular marble laid in the 60s which is still in every bathroom.

 

 

I collect vintage pottery and I had bowls, pitchers, and vintage pieces stacked at the end of my kitchen and on the mantle of the adjoining family room in Ft. Worth…

 

 

In my new kitchen I mixed my collection of Mexican and Moroccan pottery with a sleek new breakfast table and I like the result; it’s fresh and bright but with the softness and warmth of vintage handmade pieces. I also enjoy round dining tables because it’s so much easier to talk to everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My friend and Real Jane Design Expert Ken Blasingame designed and had made the headboard from my master bedroom in Ft. Worth…

 

Now it sits in a bright airy guestroom in my Dallas home.

I wanted to share some of these photos with you because you’ll be getting to know Ken here on Real Jane.

Ken is a very low key guy from Ft. Worth and we’ve been friends for more than 25 years, but if you click on his name Ken Blasingame you’ll see he has done some of the most beautiful houses I’ve seen, including the White House private quarters when former President George W Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were there, and their ranch outside Waco, Tx.  You would never know it by talking to him, he’s one of the most humble people I’ve ever met, and best of all, he has a knack for making comfortable homes you can live in that look like a million dollars – but won’t break your bank.

I’m excited to share his ideas with you here on Real Jane.