When Houston designer Pamela Pierce first set eyes on the backyard playhouse owned by one of her clients, she was instantly charmed. The children eventually outgrew the playhouse, and to Pierce's delight, the client decided to sell her its French nineteenth-century furnishings.
"To me, it's little children's grown-up furniture," says Pierce. "It's sophisticated furniture for my sophisticated grandchildren." She laughs and adds, "I'm only half kidding."
She is referring to the children of her daughter, interior designer Shannon Bowers: Avery, 7, and Connor, 1. Bowers and her husband, Dan, purchased their house in Dallas several years ago, and the couple was eager to accept the gift of a children's antique salon set. It consists of a settee and a pair of chairs with gilt legs, all in flax linen, as well as two Parisian crystal chandeliers and a walnut farm table with benches.
"I love antique furniture like this because it is so forgiving," says Bowers. "The children make crafts, eat lunches, color pictures and play with blocks, and the room holds up just fine. If anything, the patina on the table looks better. The playroom also blends with the decor in the rest of the house. The children will love antiques when they grow up. At least we hope so!"
