Mary Engelbreit Home Companion
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They collected more pieces and expanded their script, adding details with each object they found. “When we stumbled across a wonderful mirrored end table and some contemporary mother-of-pearl frames, we decided that maybe the young woman longed to be a star like her grandmother had been,” Carolyn says. “Maybe she’d traveled to Los Angeles hoping to get into movies, but it hadn’t worked out. Maybe she came back to Texas to think things over, bringing the end table and frames with her.”

Soon, it wasn’t just a story about a young woman and her grandmother; it was a story about the Moores, too. “There aren’t any movie stars in our family, but Nikki’s grandfather helps with her collages and built several things for the guesthouse,” Carolyn says. “All of us share a strong bond, even though my daughters live in Austin. Once we discovered that generational element, the guesthouse practically decorated itself in a mixture of contemporary and vintage pieces, styles, and sentiments.”

Stylish Shoe-In
(11) “A shoe repair shop in Austin has a shoe on top of its sign, and Mom thinks it’s really cute,” says Nikki. “With help from my grandfather, I made a giant version especially for her.” It’s reflected in a mother-of-pearl-framed mirror and emphasized with clip lights. The calendar collage is also by Nikki.

Black & White in Color
Nothing beats black and white for sheer graphic impact. “It’s a great way to spotlight your collectibles,” Carolyn says.  (12) Thumbs cast in metal (top shelf), probably an art class project, were found at a flea market. Nikki mounted them on wood and added “thumbs up!” in Scrabble letters. “They’re weird, but wonderful!” (13) Karl Ransleben bought this typewriter for $15 and used it throughout college. (14) Old eyeglass frames paired with children’s flashcards. (15) “Even if your home has traditional décor, a stainless steel cabinet adds a modern touch.”

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  Stumble It!
archive »

Global Charming
Global Charming
One woman’s journey to fill her home with treasures—and memories—that she and her family have collected while traveling the world| read more »

Another Moving Experience
Another Moving Experience
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Surprise Inside
Surprise Inside
It looks like a traditional stone house on the outside, but the ‘60s-inspired interior is as strikingly individualistic as the family that lives there| read more »

Style on a shoestring
You don’t need money to have flair. Just ask Euro Trash’s Annie Brahler and her resourceful design team, who work magic with castoffs and salvage| read more »


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