COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

Share Report Abuse Next Blog» Create Blog Sign In

1 8 O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9

Dallas Design Duo

One of my oldest friends, Julie, whom I first met when we

roomed together at UT – and with whom I spend each

summer with down at South Padre Island - lives in Dallas.

Her house is a large ranch – long, in a L shape that

overlooks a courtyard with the de rigueur swimming pool.

A few years ago she embarked on an update of her house –

doing most of it herself. She bought a new scrolled iron

and glass front door and installed a row of columns with

arches along the open gallery that flanks her living room.

She subtly fauxed the room in a neutral peach tone and

added a beautiful French stone mantel. And then she

stopped. Furnishing the living room herself was above her

skills, she admitted.

Although she had lived in the house for most of her married

life – the living room had never been professionally

decorated. The family room, though, had been – and the

difference in the two rooms was obvious. Julie was more

than ready to finally have her front room beautifully

furnished. When the time came to choose a decorator, she decided to give a somewhat new designing team a

try. Never mind that they were all friends - Julie had seen their work and knew that they would be perfect for

her job. They, like Julie, loved French antiques and used them in all their projects. The two decorators had an

appreciation for fine furnishings and a knack for accessorizing and Julie felt since she had waited long enough

for a nice living room – she was going to go “all out.” So the designing du0 who go by their last names,

RayWeitman, got the nod and the work commenced.

Carol Ray and Marlene Weitman work in a different way than many of their peers. Since they prefer antiques

to new furniture – the hunt for furnishings is more labor intensive than just quickly ordering from a

catalogue. It takes a thorough search of all the shops around town to find just the right piece to fit here or

there. The job therefore may take a while longer than one that is furnished over an afternoon at a showroom.

But Carol and Marlene are up for the long hours. They love nothing more than a fun hunt for antiques for their

clients.

The two are both from Nebraska, but came to Texas to attend UT and never looked back – they moved to Dallas

after graduation. Neither majored in interior design, but like so many of us – they were drafted into the

COTE DE TEXAS

French design on the Texas

Coast. Yes, it does exist!

VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE

L I N D A , M E G A N & M O I - D I S H I TO U T O N T H E S R T ! ! !

BETH RUBINO ON THE SKIRTED

ROUNDTABLE THIS WEEK!!

S A L L Y W H E A T S ' C H R I S T M A SD E C O R ! ! !

BE SURE TO CLICK ON PICTURE TO

READ THE STORY!!

C O T E D E T E X A S W I N S B L O GA W A R D - T H A N K Y O U R E A D E R S !

Interior De...

#3

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

business by friends who had seen what they did with their own houses. Drawing from their experience in

designing their seven houses between them – they partnered up and enrolled in interior design classes –

selecting the courses they felt would best suit their clientele. Let me take a wild guess – they skipped the class

on “Fire retardant fabrics in hospital design.” The business is now six years old and is growing each year. By

far, the highpoint of the RayWeitman partnership was being featured in The French Room by prolific design

book author Betty Lou Phillips. I remember reading the story about the beautiful house they designed and

being intensely interested in who they were. Phillips tends to showcase the same designers in book after book,

but here was a new name with a great look. When my friend Julie told me that she had hired the pair – I knew

her living room was going to turn out great – and it did!!!

BEFORE:

Once Julie had gotten the bones of the room done herself – she painted the walls and added arches and

columns to separate the gallery from the living room, she was at a standstill. Here is where RayWeitman

stepped in, bringing in the first pieces of antiques – a side table and a French settee. In the end – everything

but the piano and a few chairs was replaced.

A D A Y I N T H E L I F E O F C O T E D ET E X A S

Read it at: IN HER SHOES - click on the

picture to read the article!

C H R I S T M A S D E S I G N S A T K A R E NS U G A R M A N D E S I G N S

COTE DE TEXAS GIVEAWAY!!! CLICK

ON PICTURE

C O T E D E T E X A S : S E A R C H

N E W B L O G S T O R Y W O R T HR E A D I N G

MATERIAL GIRLS: click on picture to

read!

C D T : F A V O R I T E A C C E S S O R Y

ENGLISH STYLE IRONSTONE CHEESE

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

This beautiful settee, painted and gilded would be reupholstered for the living room. It was one of the first

antiques RayWeitman bought for the room.

AFTER:

An eclectic mix of contemporary upholstery and antiques totally changed the living room. The wall of

windows were instantly warmed by the gorgeous curtains with beautiful trim down the leading edge. A

large rug defines the seating area.

DISH: click on picture

C D T F A V O R I T E W H I T E L I N E N :

DURALEE #32085.81/SNOW

C D T F A V O R I T E S E A G R A S SD E A L E R :

MARC ANTHONY RUGS @ 713-861-

3000

C D T F A V O R I T EC U R T A I N S / B E D D I N G :

CC BY MONICA: #832-443-1931

C D T F A V O R I T E L I G H T I N G S H O P :

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

Two matching chandeliers hang from the vaulted beamed ceiling. A Spanish styled console table divides the

long room into two separate areas.

To create interest, the two niches flanking the fireplace were given very different treatments. An ottoman

doubles as a coffee table for the reupholstered antique settee and the two clean lined club chairs. The large

Louis Philippe mirror does what all mirrors should do - reflect something beautiful – in this case, the tw0

chandeliers!

BROWN: 713-522-2151 click on picture

C D T F A V O R I T E C A N D L E :

RCJ DESIGNS LINEN @ 713-523-6838

C D T F A V O R I T E S L I P C O V E RM A K E R :

CUSTOM CREATIONS @ 713-522-5953

T W I T T E R U P D A T E S

I'm having a really CUTE

giveaway - read about it here:

www.cotedetexas.blogspot.co

m 2 days ago

B L O G R A N K I N G S

B L O G T O P S I T E S

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

In this picture you can really see how large the chandeliers truly are – they fill the space perfectly.

I love the brass andirons – so beautiful. A lot of people don’t focus on the fireplace accessories – but see how

wonderful it looks when you do! This is my favorite part of the room - I love this vignette with the Swedish

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

M I S S G R A C I O U S L I V I N G

Crowned by Southern Accents Magazine

here!

H O U S E B E A U T I F U L N A M E S C O T ED E T E X A S A S A B L O G T O G O - T O ! !

THANK YOU!!!!!!

C O T E D E T E X A S S E E N O N

CHARLOTTE MOSS' TETE A TETE

C O T E D E T E X A S S E E N O N :

DECORATI

C O T E D E T E X A S S E E N I N :

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

chest.

The framed grisaille Zuber mural is my favorite thing in the room – so pretty!!!!!

Named To Top Ten Blogs: 2008

C O T E D E T E X A S S E E N I N :

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

C O T E D E T E X A S S E E N I N :

Houston House and Home: November

2007

C O T E D E T E X A S S E E N I N :

Better Homes & Gardens: October 2008

R E A D T H E C O T E D E T E X A SI N T E R V I E W B Y

THE LETTERED COTTAGE click on

picture

R E A D T H E C O T E D E T E X A SI N T E R V I E W B Y

THE INSPIRED ROOM click on picture

C O T E D E T E X A S G U E S T B L O G SO N :

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

The view towards the back of the room. The antique textile pillows pick up the colors found in the rug.

From The House of Edward

1 hour ago

Vicente Wolf BlogTechnical difficulties1 hour ago

Life in the Fun Lane2 hours ago

CasapinkaPink cake2 hours ago

The Laurel HedgeThe Perfect Accessory

3 hours ago

coco+kelleyROOM OF THE WEEK 1.213 hours ago

FRENCH ESSENCE'Home and Away'

GOLD NOTES: click on picture to read

B L O G O F T H E D A Y A W A R D :

M Y B L O G L I S T

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

Atop the chest is a collection of framed intaglios. For information on the best company to buy beautiful, but

very very reasonably priced intaglios – go HERE.

4 hours ago

Color Outside the LinesStart Your Engines ...

5 hours ago

Colour me HappyWhy you can’t Afford NOT to Hire aColour Expert5 hours ago

SwamplotYet Another Protest of Houston’sNew Planned ParenthoodHeadquarters5 hours ago

decorologyMarc Jacobs and KateSpade 70% !

5 hours ago

Kitchen and ResidentialDesign

It's a New Ravenna giveaway

6 hours ago

dreamhousedala-walk

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

The entry way into the living room has this enfilade – with a beautiful painted trumeau atop it – reflecting

the living room.

6 hours ago

savvycityfarmerGRAM DUTY

6 hours ago

FrenchgardenhouseAdoring TurquoiseColor of the Year!

6 hours ago

J.Covington*DesignThe Hunt for HUGEscale pieces - Part # 1

7 hours ago

La Dolce VitaBig Window Challenge: Eddie Ross &ELLE DECOR7 hours ago

LE PETIT CABINET DECURIOSITESParis7 hours ago

nienieRecovering At Home

8 hours ago

P i g t o w n * D e s i g nCall for Photos!8 hours ago

Urban Grace Interiors {theblog}

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

RayWeitman also designed Julie’s powder room – using a piece of furniture, they added a sink and custom

cut marble top. I love the curved backsplash with the wall hung faucet! So pretty. The antique gilded mirror

layered over the wall to wall mirror and the crystal sconces add sophistication to the room.

B is for Book8 hours ago

THE BIG EASY LIFE

8 hours ago

My Notting HillFireplaces in Kitchens

8 hours ago

COCOCOZYWHAT TO DO WITH ACOOL YARD SALEFIND? A VINTAGEWICKER PEACOCKCHAIR!

9 hours ago

Room Service ~ Decorating101

Style Maker

9 hours ago

If The Lamp Shade FitsHmmmm...

9 hours ago

Hooked on HousesDo You Feel Stuck in Your House?9 hours ago

Little Green NotebookAt a HomeGoods Near

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

And finally, the powder room floor was custom designed with a variety of stone and metallic mosaics that

give just a hint of glamour to the room.

RayWeitman:

When this book by Betty Lou Phillips came out – it was a huge publicity boom for RayWeitman. It’s not

many designers that get the honor of being in a Phillips book, but this design duo made the cut.

You...

10 hours ago

Liberty PostWinter Driving InCanada

10 hours ago

Mrs. BlandingsA Letter to the Editor10 hours ago

the adventures oftartanscot™

"In. Why. See."

10 hours ago

Just BeachyEva is loved

10 hours ago

The Lettered CottageHouzz Ideabook- Beyond the Bed:Decorating the Wall Behind YourHeadboard11 hours ago

elements of styleCut It Out11 hours ago

An Aesthete's LamentWhen the Going GetsTough

11 hours ago

Chinoiserie ChicThe Chinoiserie Garden

11 hours ago

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

Many pages were devoted to the large Dallas house they designed; filled with French antiques, the house

matched the book’s title.

:: Lime in the Coconut ::If I won the lottery…

12 hours ago

Decor to AdoreDon’t grab the hot end!12 hours ago

THE CORINTHIAN COLUMNRoar art

12 hours ago

Willow DecorBelgian FactoryRestored

12 hours ago

The Inspired RoomReal Simple Solutions for anOrganized & Efficient Home12 hours ago

Things That InspireFive Beautiful Houses

12 hours ago

pve designsummer time all yearlong

13 hours ago

TrouvaisA Dash through the British Museum13 hours ago

All the BestSFERRA AnnouncesHaiti Relief Effort

14 hours ago

beachbungalow8fold school

14 hours ago

Southern HospitalityMy Open Sky Shop is stocked14 hours ago

at home with the farmer'swifeA Cure for Cabin Fever14 hours ago

Something WhiteColour your day!

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

This vignette is found off the entry hall set within an arched niche. I adore the feminine French tea table and

the crystal sconces.

14 hours ago

Southern ChateauBuilding, Renovating,Redecorating: ShouldYou Hire a Designer orDo it Yourself?

16 hours ago

A Day That Is Desserthere comes the sun

16 hours ago

Fifi Flowers Design DecorParis Table forCupcake...

16 hours ago

architect designMary E. Stewartmansion

18 hours ago

::Surroundings::Media Talk: The BostonSunday Globe MagazineStory!

18 hours ago

STUDIO ANNETTAAntiquités Chinoises

19 hours ago

Emily Evans EerdmansChina Girl

20 hours ago

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

How beautiful – the living room is painted a creamy ivory – as most of the downstairs is. The simple but

elegant stone mantel, with a French trumeau above it, is the focal point here, but the chinoiserie styled Mah-

Jong table (set with antique Mah-Jong tiles) is amazing. It was handed down to the homeowner by her

grandmother!

BARGAIN HUNTING (andchatting) WITH LAURIE

PIG SOOIEEEEE!

21 hours ago

pure style homeEddie Ross's Elle DecorBIG WINDOW

22 hours ago

THE ESSENCE OF THEGOOD LIFE

ECO STYLE -ROMANTIC ORGANICINTERIOR

22 hours ago

Renee Finberg ' TELLS ALL 'in her blog of her Adventuresin Design

Who Needs ArmsAnyway ? * Part ll

22 hours ago

Velvet & Linenamericasmart: my favorite finds part123 hours ago

Renae Moore DesignsTime Out...

1 day ago

My MarrakeshKabul, Afghanistan: and a tale of theTaliban1 day ago

Indulge Decor BlogI'm A Regular Joan Rivers1 day ago

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

An assortment of antique textiles made into pillows rest on the sofa.

Laurel Street BlogDon’t you need some extra gloss inyour life?1 day ago

* v i s u a l * v a m p *Confessions Of A Stylist

1 day ago

Back Porch MusingsWhen All Else Fails…..1 day ago

Holly Mathis InteriorsBlogger bathroom redo1 day ago

style courtBorder Lines

1 day ago

katiedidSweet Dreamers: UXUS

1 day ago

j de santa feAnother Place AnotherTime :: Our Daily Bread

1 day ago

Material Girls Blog MasterSite FeedAnd They’re Off!1 day ago

Belgian PearlsOff to Paris

1 day ago

LaurenFaythe

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

The family room is really special – I LOVE the silk skirted console table. The antique painted leather screen

hanging on the wall, surrounded by a collection of blue export plates, is stunning.

Cherries

1 day ago

This Photographer's Life (InSearch of a Style)

I love Black and White!

1 day ago

Empress of The EyeAnnie Leibovitz - AGreat Read

1 day ago

Equus VillaAnother Give Away!

1 day ago

Simply Seletawednesday white1 day ago

BRILLIANT ASYLUMSpanx

1 day ago

LANDSCAPE DESIGNDECORATING STYLING

VELCRO CROTCH

1 day ago

Homer's Odd Isn't HeThe Well AppointedRoom Auction At

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

Vintage chairs with leather upholstery surround an urn turned into a table in the family room – check out the

limestone walls and steel windows.

Doyles

1 day ago

optimism and white paintTo edit or not to edit:blogging your life

1 day ago

DOMAIN DesignSplendor of anaristocratic past

1 day ago

The Lisa Porter Collection"Where Time Stands Still"1 day ago

the paris apartmentcross it off the list1 day ago

absolutely beautiful thingsLoving Catherine's AquaKitchen

1 day ago

Under A Paper MoonBlack & Gold: At Home

1 day ago

In(side) the LoopPhoto Op

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

This marble range hood might be the prettiest ever! You can’t find Cararra like this anymore!!

1 day ago

AnnechovieFAMILY HEIRLOOM

1 day ago

Beadboard UpCountryParis, go with the flow...1 day ago

Grey Gardens NewsVideos of Grey Gardens Golden Globeacceptance speeches & more1 day ago

jentrifiedSalty Pete

1 day ago

the maison21blogthis made me laugh...

1 day ago

Trove InteriorsLegacy

1 day ago

The House of Beauty andCulture

Hello...

1 day ago

COTE DE TEXASCote de Texas FrenchGiveaway!

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

In the breakfast room, a large breakfront holds more of the blue and white transferware collection.

2 days ago

Hello GorgeousBootylicious.

2 days ago

brillante home decorHow to createatmosphere with lights

2 days ago

Hill Country HouseBe Still My Heart

2 days ago

the style saloniste

2 days ago

A Schematic LifeYoung at Heart2 days ago

soodie beasleyTo Mrs. & Mr. EEE

2 days ago

EDDIE ROSS

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

The breakfast room has an orangery feel with its steel doors and windows.

Day 2 of Installation - Follow Me onTwitter2 days ago

Paris AtelierDreaming of Paris...

2 days ago

Villa AnnaA lovely quote and alovely thought....

2 days ago

URBAN FLEAconcrete ideas

2 days ago

Unique Unique DesignBranching out….3 days ago

Peeking Thru The SunflowersGoodbye wood stove!

3 days ago

Carolina EclecticThank You, Thank You!

3 days ago

The Peak of ChicOff to Brussels

3 days ago

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

My favorite!!!! An antique French pastry table with a white marble top – I just love these!!!!

Red River InteriorsTurquoise for 2010

3 days ago

Weasel's JourneyA peek in the past, post 1.3 days ago

red tickingjoan

4 days ago

Palazzo PizzoGuest Blog: brighten upa rental with paint

4 days ago

Jackie Blue HomeHighlights fromHeimtextile

4 days ago

Designing Your Dream HomeSpiritual & Inspirational SundayJanuary 17, 20104 days ago

Patricia Gray Interior DesignTo Kindle or Not?

4 days ago

Wind LostOur Virginia Trip: TheVegetable Gardens AtMonticello

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

The guest room is all toile – notice the cute slipcovered headboard with bows. Darling!

Recent Project:

4 days ago

AGardenToRemember.blogspot.com

~Inspired by Valentine'sDay~

5 days ago

The Kitchen DesignerAutoKitchen Kitchen Design Software6 days ago

LuckyStarsGuten Tag Munich

6 days ago

Granny Smith GreenThe Brunch Bunch

6 days ago

5th and stateBringing Back theGoods!

1 week ago

The Polished PebbleMaster Bedroom FabricChoices: BotanicalInspiration

1 week ago

styleNorthDiscount Standards1 week ago

Harmony And HomeOrganizational Overload1 week ago

COMFORT & LUXURYLuxuries Large and

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

This kitchen is a recently finished project by RayWeitman – stainless counters, what a luxury. The hood is

marble – I love the transferware platter used as a focal point.

Another view of the kitchen with a farm sink and glass cabinets filled with more transferware.

Small

1 week ago

All The TrappingsMy Apologies For TheAbsence!

1 week ago

Country French AntiquesBoneJour

1 week ago

for the love of a house...It's going to be a reallygood year!

1 week ago

The Quintessential MagpieA Brief Break for Me/ASuper Sale for YOU!

1 week ago

Shrimp & PetroleumAnother Knee Slapper1 week ago

Life in the fast lane - in aslow car...Home again...1 week ago

Covetable Designs2010 Design Trends - Pattern!2 weeks ago

this card is maxed outpremium prom

2 weeks ago

COTE DE TEXAS: Dallas Design Duo

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/dallas-design-duo.html[1/21/2010 6:17:42 PM]

And finally - a beautiful carved hanging shelf filled with transferware hangs in the kitchen.

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my friend Julie’s new living room by RayWeitman and all the pictures from their

portfolio. If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and would like to talk to the two about a project, you can

contact either Carol Ray at 214-649-1406 or Marlene Weitman at 972-365-0200. I’m sure they would love to

hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS FEED • SPHERE: RELATED CONTENT

POSTED BY COTE DE TEXAS AT 10:32 PM

LABELS: RAYWEITMAN

38 comments:

Boxwood TerraceArtist Victoria Adamsvia John Saladino

2 weeks ago

No. 462Decorating ProjectObsession

2 weeks ago

Topsy TurvySome Thoughts for theNew Year

2 weeks ago

Cottage of Stoneand... decorating for theholidays in the bedroom

2 weeks ago

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVEHere's to you, Jeanne-Claude

2 weeks ago

Sophie Honeysuckle’s EnglishDécor!

French country-styleinspiration...

2 weeks ago

Hoechstetter InteriorsLinking Policy3 weeks ago

BELLE VIVIRMerry Christmas

4 weeks ago

Dancing through ParisDesigning an EnticingHoliday ShowroomDisplay

4 weeks ago

Karen Sugarman DesignsUn Noël Chanel

5 weeks ago

Holly Mathis Interiors

niartist said...

OMG! I'm so jealous! I wanted to hang matching chandeliers in our dining room but sour puss wouldn't

let me!! He says that's too formal for our small room, but I think he's crazy! I love love love that look! Do

you have the Betty Phillips book, Joni? How do you like it? I'm on a book buying kick lately. What do

you recommend oh wise one? :) Thanks for a Joni post - I've been craving.

OCTOBER 18, 2009 11:29 PM