Tuesday, February 19, 2013

MORE STYLISH SHOPPING IN HOUSTON: THOMPSON AND HANSON

Manager and buyer Kathy Frietsch 
Bringing the best of the French countryside to River Oaks, Houston, Thompson and Hanson have created something special, an escapist enclave like no other. Their creative vision combines the best of four worlds.  A beautiful complex incorporates a landscape architecture firm, garden center, retail shop and chic cafe, Tiny Boxwoods. You see this sort of set up in England and France, but the concept is not as widespread here. They have created a true destination that is worth seeking out when you are next in Houston. The owners take world-wide shopping jaunts and bring back the best Belgian and French antiques, unique terra cotta planters, Provencal urns, garden ornaments, linens and more. The ever changing assortment, housed in their long space with grey wood rafters, includes hard to find scented candles, Italian leather trays, tole, Italian printed paper goods, and decorative accessories to make you swoon.  The mix of materials, shapes and surfaces paired with greenery makes the array a feast for the eyes. If you visit, go hungry, and head across the pebbled path to Tiny Boxwoods for yummy elevated comfort food in a beautiful setting.

 Rough hewn wooden dining tables mingle with woven wicker chairs and metal side tables. As you can see, the space includes many chic discoveries.

 The dramatic ceiling height adds to the sun dappled space's magic.


 This whole set-up is ready for a sunroom.


Italian paper accessories, notecards, and porcelain vases have gift giving covered.

Painted tole flowers and potted agave in a pretty moment.

These French photophores illuminated by led candles had me at hello. I am obsessed with them. I have never seen anything like them and probably never will. The trefoil cut out, leaf detail on the lid and simple base make them ideal around a pool.

This antique mirror has loads of character with it's chipped paint finish. Next to a stark wooden plank planter, each piece really comes alive.

Entertaining-ready linen napkins, beautiful cutting boards and storage baskets.

This pair of antique Louis chairs of a medium-hued wood were so simple and so good.

Their global shopping trips mean they score wonderful finds like these Italian leather trays and candles encased in bright leathers.

The oval leather tray in the brightest orange and taupe colored leather accessories were beyond.

The nursery, where you can have arrangements and container gardens made up on the spot.

A container garden mixing hearty green plants and flowering plants. Behind is the landscape architecture office.

A heavenly arrangement of a reddish cabbage. So elegant and spare.

The assortment.

A stroll across the courtyard takes you to best brunch at Tiny Boxwoods. They also happen to have the best chocolate chip cookie in town.

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