William Haines Style

I have always been intigued by Billy Haines. He was a celebrated director and movie star who, after opening an antique store in 1930, became the original decorator to the stars. By transforming dark, Spanish interiors into light classic he became the father of what is now known as “Hollywood Regency.” The book about him, “Class Act”, is a must for thousands of mid-century modernists. I’m happy to say that Allan Knight is now carrying the “William Haines” fully licensed collection. That means his designs can’t be knocked-off by every little shop in East LA.  It also means I can go sit in my favorite chair, the chair.  So called, because a lady could sit in it with full ball gown and turn to engage her admirers.  PS - it also works wearing jeans.

Saturday: Architectural Tours

After last week’s AIA Tour, you’ve probably developed an insatiable curiosity about learning more about Dallas architects. Tomorrow is your lucky day - start with Preservation Dallas‘ book signing event of “Great American Suburbs” with Willis Cecil Winters at The Turtle Room, 3525 Turtle Creek Blvd; followed by a tour of Howard Meier’s masterpiece 3525.  (Of course, this lovely house on the cover was torn down earlier this year - does that make anyone else crazy?)  Then, at 2:00 head north to 23 Ash Bluff Lane for a (probably never to be repeated) tour of the Clint Murchison mansion built in the 1930s by Anton Korn, and recently renovated by Wilson Fuqua. This benefits the Dallas Architecture Forum.  So, you started last week with the present and future, this week go to the past and find out about the historical side of our city.

Barneys Private Sale

It’s here! It’s here! For one week only, save up to 40% off regular priced gifts and home items. There’s lots of smart and stylish stuff available including Superdeluxe monogram stationary, John Pomp vases, and coffeetable books galore. Get going and get shopping.

Weekend Shopping by Holly

Boy do we have some hot sales and new arrivals on our hands this week. The weather is going to be fantastic and our economy needs it, so get out there and shop, shop, shop.

First of all, I have two reasons for you to make your way over to Snider Plaza this weekend. At My Table has marked down all dining tables and chairs to 40% off (sale starts Saturday). That is a HUGE discount. If your desire for furniture has still not been fixed, Nest, located right across the plaza, has marked down their furniture by 40% as well. Also, if you don’t feel like hopping in your car and heading to Nest (and you live in the Park Cities), you can call in your order and they will deliver it gift wrapped for you or to you for FREE.

If you please, Crate & Barrel has a Thanksgiving sale worth gobbling up. If you haven’t gotten all of your pieces to set the table with, time is a wastin’ and this sale couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

Casa di Lino (4026 Oak Lawn Ave.) just got in these beautiful tassels made of antique jewelry and precious stones. They would make for the perfect enhancement to any chair, lamp, curtain tie-back, and armoire.

Finally, Robb & Stucky Interiors of Plano will host sculptural lamp artist and Texas landscape painter, Elaine Gleason. Come meet her at 2pm and check out her work. RSVP to 972-403-3063.

AIA reports interns for architect firms now earn $45,000 a year. Do not tell my staff.

Just received an email from the AIA. Apparently, before it got bad, it got better for architects. Mid-level architects benefitted the most.

Average compensation:                                   2002                  2005                   2008

Senior designer/project manager                   $77,300                $85,800            $98,800

Architect/designer                                         $52,600                 $57,700            $71,600

Intern                                                               $35,300                $38,800            $45,400

Okay, interns make $45,400? Really? I know that there is an apprentice-like phase in the process but in magazine land we call that “editorial assistant.” I looked on a semi-ridiculous called site simplyhired.com to see what other folks are making these days. These numbers are adjusted for Dallas: designers, $61,000; decorators $31,000; architects $82,000; gardeners $32,000; school crossing guards $30,000; clowns $39,000.  $39,000 FOR CLOWNS? Really? They should make much more. 

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Legendary Realtor Ebby Halliday launches new career as a writer

So typical for a 97-year-old. Not.