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    a very fine house

    Top Texas interior designers team up for first-ever Round Top Showhouse

    Emily Cotton
    Mar 26, 2025 | 4:38 pm

    For the first time ever, Round Top Spring Antiques Show attendees have another must-see item to check off of their lists — the first Round Top Designer Showhouse. Situated on two acres of land, the house — sponsored by industry leaders Kohler, Thermador, and Ferguson — promises an immersive experience highlighting “the best of Texas design.”

    Partners in Building constructed the 3,500-square-foot home, complete with four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and a powder bath. It is located at 114 Turney Trace, Round Top, Texas, 78954 and is offered for sale by Annie Boland and Angela Longo, both of Compass, for $2,495,000.

    Top designers from Houston, Austin, and Dallas took charge of the interiors. Open daily (10 am - 4 pm) from March 20 to April 5, the showhouse will host book signings and panel discussions. The garage has been temporarily outfitted as a lounge area with an intimate, vintage-inspired ambiance. Garage-adjacent, a tented “Retail Roundup” invites show-goers to shop curated goods to take home.

    During a visit on opening day, the participating designers shared their inspiration for each room, as well as their favorite pieces. While the house is filled with beauty practically anywhere one looks, one of the most eye-catching contributions is the custom plaster range hood by Segreto Finishes — she’s a show stopper.

    Foyer, Living Room, Dining Room, and Kitchen by Marcus & Autumn Mohon of Mohon Interiors (Austin)

    “Our room was largely inspired by the ‘moon’ light fixture dominating the living room. With a green, black, and white color scheme, the living, dining room, and kitchen all have subtle nods to nature. The hand-crafted branches on the cooktop hood are a show-stopper. The ‘branch’ light fixture and live olive trees in the dining room infuse romance upon entering the house.”

    Favorite Detail

    “Our favorite piece has to be the 20th century bronze French standing screen of vines separating the living and dining spaces. It has all the qualities of the space in one item: strength, an elegant-meets-rough-hewn nature, elegance, antiquity, modernity, and romance. It’s a seeming contradiction that unites the whole space.”

    Guest Suite Two by Staci Steidley of Studio Steidley (Dallas)

    “I wanted to bring the layered, eclectic soul of Round Top to life in our English Vintage Treehouse bedroom. The room is a rich tapestry of textures and patterns — classic plaids, forest animals, romantic cabbage roses, and natural linens — accented by a stunning embroidered armchair in a Schumacher fabric. The space feels both whimsical and enveloping, romantic yet mysterious — like stepping into a beautifully-storied hideaway.”

    Favorite Details

    “I can't choose just one — the mural and chandelier are equally mesmerizing. The mural sets the tone with its mix of playfulness and depth, evoking a woodland fairytale with its deep greens and rich details.

    “Then there's the Hudson Valley chandelier. Instead of a conventional chandelier, this design lets us suspend each globe and chain precisely where we want, creating a sense of movement and modernity against the deep Jasper green ceiling. It's a little bit moody, a little bit magic.”

    The Study: “A tribute to Derrill Osborn” by Kurt Bielawski of MORE design + build (Dallas)

    “Derrill Osborn (1942 – 2019) was the vice president of men’s clothing at Neiman Marcus. He was well-known within the fashion menswear communities of New York, Paris, and Milan and was a character like none other. Derrill loved all things bovine and he loved red and green…all were used extensively in his own home. My study is a nod to all of this and includes menswear fabrications (herringbone and flannel wall coverings / flannel drapery), a custom cowhide rug in an exploded reds/greens plaid, and subtle bovine touches throughout.”

    Favorite Detail

    “I love the plaid cowhide rug. Kyle Bunting made this specifically for the RTDS and I think it sets the tone for the room. I like to mix old and new and like the way this balances in this space too.”

    Guest Suite Three by Susan Semmelmann of Semmelmann Interiors (Dallas-Fort Worth)

    “This room is a love letter to my Texas roots, blending nostalgia with a refined approach to design. The foundation of the space was the wallpaper—it set the tone for everything that followed.

    “The custom bedding, made in-house with our own fabrics, brings a sense of craftsmanship and history, while the crystal chandelier and tailored headboard add structure and balance. The drapery, also made in-house, was finished with chenille balls to introduce a touch of whimsy, movement, and playfulness — breaking up the structure of the panels in just the right way and proving that the smallest details are the true magic of design.”

    Favorite Detail

    “The hair-on-hide pillow at the foot of the bed is my favorite detail because it ties everything back to my Texas heritage. This pillow, with its organic texture and subtle nod to the ranching history that shaped so much of Texas, grounds the space in something deeply personal while still adding that touch of innovation and boundless design that Semmelmann Interiors is known for.”

    Upper Den and Mudroom by Renea Abbott of Shabby Slips (Houston)

    “Our space is located in the center of the home’s second floor, with bedrooms on either side. We wanted the space to be multifunctional for guests or family game nights. Leaning on a stripe-on-stripe theme, our goal was to make this space a cozy retreat within the home. We incorporated a cabinet that can be used to conceal a TV, or as board game and book storage. We opted for mohair, boucle, and wool fabrics from Kravet for upholstery to complement our layered flooring: zebra hide over custom cut dark sisal rug and runner that flows through the stairs.”

    Favorite Detail

    “The stripe-on-stripe pattern throughout the room. From the Gaston & Daniela wallpaper, to the detailed carvings on the Alfonso Marina cabinet, you will find a play on stripes in nearly every corner of the space.”

    Powder Room by Kara Childress (Houston)

    “For this Round Top Designer Showhouse powder bathroom, I’ve partnered with Chateau Domingue to create a space that blends antique charm with modern elegance. The antique Provençal door and 19th-century Italian processional lantern, which was electrified, bring warmth and sophistication to the room, while the reclaimed cement tile flooring adds beautiful color and texture. Segreto's expertly applied lime plaster walls in a warm finish create an inviting atmosphere. This space is complete with carefully curated accessories that tie everything together.”

    Favorite Detail

    “My favorite piece in this powder bathroom is the 18th-century horse trough stone sink. It’s such a unique and striking element, with its rich history and beautiful character. The way it blends seamlessly with the modern Kohler faucet creates a perfect balance of old and new. It’s a true focal point of the room, and I love how it adds so much depth and personality to the space.

    Primary Suite by Julie Dodson of Dodson Interiors (Houston)

    “For these spaces I really wanted to go back to my traditional design roots with a twist and some of the things I love the most, which are antiques and Holland and Sherry light-weight wool fabric! We worked with the Joseph Company and Garrett Leather to custom design the bed which was a modern take on a traditional wood four poster bed. Finally the bedding, it just puts the room over the top! I had the honor to work with Look Linens for the incredible monogrammed bedding.”

    Front and Back Patios and Lounge by Darla Bankston May of Bankston May Associates (Houston)

    Lounge

    “For the Round Top Designer’s Showhouse, we transformed a two-car garage into a refined yet inviting lounge and bar — an unexpected fusion of sophistication and Texas charm. Dividing the space into four intimate seating areas, we anchored the design with striking floor-to-ceiling wine racks featuring selections from local favorite Killer Vino. Layered textures — like green leather bar stools, aged brass and leather lighting from Studio Luddite, and plush mohair swivel chairs — create warmth and depth. Fabric drapery softens the space, concealing functional elements while adding a rich touch of color, making this lounge a seamless blend of luxury and functionality.”

    Favorite Detail

    “The charcoal horse mural by Paul Montgomery Studio is our favorite feature in the lounge. Its dramatic scale and rich texture create a striking focal point that instantly sets the mood, bringing movement and artistry to the space. The mural embodies the spirit of Round Top, blending western elegance with a modern, moody aesthetic.”

    Exterior Spaces

    “Partnering with David Sutherland for foundational pieces and sourcing unique furniture and decor from Round Top’s talented vendors, we designed inviting front and back porches that celebrate the beauty of the Texas landscape. The front porch offers the best seat in the house for sherbet-colored sunsets, with a cozy daybed on one side and a pair of chairs on the other. The back porch is designed for gathering, featuring a bar top table with English saddle bar stools, a dining setup with a custom rug from Houston Rug Co., and a fireside lounge courtesy of Austin brand Tupelo Goods.”

    Favorite Detail

    “The horse head sculpture from Architectural Artifacts is a striking focal point that ties the whole space together. It adds a sculptural, story-rich element that feels both timeless and distinctly Texan, perfectly complementing the home’s rustic-luxe aesthetic.”

    A portion of the event proceeds will benefit Camp For All, a nationally recognized barrier-free camp serving children and adults with challenging illnesses and disabilities.

    Round Top Designer Showhouse 2025

    Photo by Julie Soefer

    The Study by Kurt Bielawski.

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    Soul Searching

    New York design veteran goes hunting for vintage finds at Round Top

    Emily Cotton
    Mar 18, 2026 | 12:15 pm
    Alfredo Paredes
    Courtesy of Alfredo Paredes
    Designer Alfredo Paredes shopped Round Top for his new store in Hudson, NY.

    The Round Top Spring Antiques & Design Show is officially in full-swing. In recent years, the diversity of vendors has grown from mom-and-pop shops selling classic Texas items to international purveyors of imported European wares with provenance spanning multiple centuries. Whether a shopper partakes of the festival as a mere spectator, or is genuinely seeking an “I’ll know it when I see it” opportunity, the question always remains: what’s worth buying?

    One person who can answer that question is Alfredo Paredes. Known locally as the interior designer for Houston restaurant Latuli, Paredes served as creative director for Ralph Lauren for three decades, designing all stores, restaurants, and Ralph Lauren Home collections.

    Recently, Paredes traveled to Round Top in search of antique and vintage finds for his private clients as well as his forthcoming store in Hudson, New York. CultureMap tagged along for an afternoon of learning a thing or two about shopping vintage like Ralph Lauren’s right hand man.

    While the jovial Paredes readily acknowledges that he loves items from every corner of the globe, the design guru was particularly drawn to Brutalist wooden consoles, wicker, and organic woven pieces. This is only the second trip to Round Top for Paredes, and certainly not the last.

    “What I’ve started to notice in the last 10 years is — I used to go to Europe a lot, London and the Paris flea market — now a lot of it is here. People are coming now because it’s a more varied experience. It’s not all western, or all cowboy, or all whatever. It’s all eclectic and you never know what you’re going to find, and that’s why it’s more interesting now I think. It’s just interesting that it’s all here — you just have to know where to look.”

    At Market Hill, Paredes found things he couldn’t pass up for his store and for his clients. Bulky wooden pieces, low-slung leather chairs, and paintings showcasing deep umbers and blues seemed to be a draw. Saltillo tile-topped tables received high praise, as did bisque-fired ceramic works and artistic wooden carvings.

    “My eye goes to things that appeal to me. Not necessarily to a client, but just things I’m liking right now,” explains Paredes. “It’s hard to articulate what I’m loving, but I’m drawn to this sort of masculine, French, midcentury country house, but not Parisian [aesthetic]. You know — rugged stuff. I’ve always liked that, but I’m really attracted to it now. It just appeals to me. I like soulful things. I like woods that have patina, woods that have a story. I don’t like things too polished.”

    There is something endearing about witnessing Paredes in action, in his element. When he sees something he likes — say a chair, or a sofa — he makes a beeline for it and plops the seat of his Ralph Lauren vintage label blue-jeans right on it. Next, the hands get going, patting and rubbing the materials. Is it soft, is it sturdy, what are the tactile qualities, is it comfortable; an invisible sea of datapoints striking and firing in a single shot. How to know if it passed his tests? He wants the price.

    The afternoon is spent weaving through the well-organized mess of vendors getting ready for the spring show before it officially opens the next day. Boxes are being broken down and carried off, and telltale terrycloth squares peek out of back pockets — it’s nearly showtime. Paredes is recognized and greeted by vintage vendors he’s known since his days at Ralph Lauren. The genuine warmth of their greetings confirms a suspicion that’s been lingering since lunchtime — he’s the real deal.

    Favorites from the day come from Architectural Anarchy, Alma Gallery, and Amelia Tarbet Studios. Earlier in the day, Kansas City-based vendor Prize was also a great source for the style Paredes is currently curating.

    “I like this sort of — let’s call it ‘Old Hollywood Mogul.’ Something you’d see in Robert Redford’s house or an old movie star’s house; something of a period. I like that. I lean into old movies,” he explains

    Paredes shops with an air of confidence reserved for those who have long since forgotten to second guess themselves, but he remains all too aware that shopping vintage can intimidate the types of people who find solace in the arms of a robust and generous return policy.

    “Getting people to be comfortable with the sort of pace of shopping for vintage, and sort of collecting and owning [is tricky],” says Paredes. “Being okay that this is the one you selected — you know what I mean? If you miss it, you regret it. You need to know it’s a good investment, because you can always sell it. You can always move on. These pieces have been in people’s homes for a long time.”

    With his private clients, Paredes stays hard at work helping people understand the stewardship that goes along with collecting vintage pieces. It’s not about designer names with the things he’s drawn to, it’s about durability and craftsmanship — “artistry,” as he calls it. People shy away from the unfamiliar at times, then once they have had the time to consider rare vintage pieces long enough to fall in love with the idea, the piece is usually gone. And that’s something Paredes finds regrettable.

    “Vintage is a tricky thing for clients because you have to decide. Otherwise, it vanishes and it’s like hunt-and-peck. Then you’re not finished. A lot of people shy away from it because they can’t commit. That’s why you have an empty dining room, because you didn’t commit. We saw 30 tables and you didn’t commit. Missing out on things is a combination. People think they’re getting ripped off, or that it’s not the best one, or it’s ‘Can I see more options [of the same vintage piece]?’ The answer is no, no, and no. This is what it is — it’s collecting!”

    The new store in Hudson will be 60 percent vintage finds and 40 percent items from his private label. His pieces are bench-crafted in North Carolina and are inspired by his vintage finds. He loves that his line is made in the United States and inspired by pieces from across the globe. He doesn’t copy, he just lifts ideas.

    “I see this Parisian Art Deco chair that’s been upholstered in Mohair, and I’ll decide that we need a piece in Mohair. And that’s all I’ll take away from it,” he says.

    Textiles and other tactile materials are a big draw for Paredes, which is how he came to have a line with Kravet Fabrics. The line is mostly made of vintage-inspired patterns in classic, Americana colorways. This makes them easy to pair with vintage frames and materials plucked from anything from vintage fairs like the Round Top show to something inherited from a beloved family member.

    In his book, Alfredo Paredes at Home, he invites readers to explore the interiors of four homes he’s had throughout the years, showcasing his idea that inspired rooms can be built around the love of something as simple — yet unique — as a tassel.

    During his visit to Round Top, Paredes took the time to sign books and visit with vintage enthusiasts at gallerist Shelli Alter’s Round Top pop-up “dinnerpARTy.” Alter finds great success in mixing simplistic contemporary artworks by international artists like Riera Arago with ornate antique frames from the 18th century. The mix and juxtaposition is something very in line with the Paredes aesthetic.

    What’s most important to Paredes is the idea that people should just be having fun, loving the thrill of the hunt, and not putting too much pressure on themselves. As he says: “It’s someone’s own home — they need to enjoy it!”

    Explore the thrill of vintage at these top spots in Round Top

    Market Hill: March 9–29
    The Horseshoe: March 12–28
    Bader Ranch: March 13–28
    Zapp Hall: March 13–28
    Excess Field: March 1
    Blue Hills: March 14–28
    McLaren’s: March 14–28
    The Arbors: March 14–28
    The Compound: March 14–28
    The Halles: March 14–28
    Big Red Barn: March 22–28
    550 Market: March 14–28
    Marburger Farm: March 24–28
    Cisco Village: March 20–April 6

    Alfredo Paredes

    Courtesy of Alfredo Paredes

    Designer Alfredo Paredes shopped Round Top for his new store in Hudson, NY.

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