Look for the Fiesta Mart on Alabama at Dunlavy, and you'll be near a hot pocket of stores selling reasonably priced, yet very chic antiques. One of my favorite bargain-hunting destinations for antiques - Antiques and Interiors on Dunlavy (3845 Dunlavy) shares the mall with this Fiesta. And, another store, The Country Gentleman, is just a few doors down. Rumored to be closing its doors, Larry, The Country Gentleman himself, has taken on some partners and given his store a new look - he confirmed his store is remaining open for good. Judging by the inventory I saw - this is welcomed news. Besides these two stores, a third one has now opened, making this Fiesta Mart Mall a force in Houston antiquing areas.
While shopping there last week, I noticed this newly opened store called Boxwood Interiors. It immediately called to me when, through the window, I glimpsed freshly laid seagrass matting stretching from the front door to the back. It's amazing what spending a few extra dollars on seagrass will do to an old and ugly mall space. The store is fresh and inviting with gleaming white walls and neutral colors. But something about Boxwood seemed very familiar - why, I wondered aloud? The ladies working there informed me that it looked familiar because Boxwood was actually owned by Foxglove, a small interiors shop doing business in the space up the street that Hien Lam Upholsterers once occupied. Got that? Foxglove, at 1420 Alabama, is a little off the beaten tract, and thus, it is still striving for big-time recognition. With this new second store on the scene, it finally is breaking out. Helping out is neighbor Antiques and Interiors on Dunlavy which has been attracting new traffic daily - their tenants just keep getting better and better. Hopefully, Boxwood will benefit from all this business going on at the corner of Dunlavy and Alabama. Just look for the Fiesta!
Boxwood and Foxglove specialize in lighting fixtures, many of which come from Alcon - the fabulous lighting store next door to Foxglove on Alabama. Another speciality is iron based tables, as seen above, that can be custom ordered in any size or shape.
They sell custom upholstery at both Boxwood and Foxglove. The sofas have striking shapes - nothing is common here. The pieces are covered in natural linen with nailheads, which give them an contemporary edge. I love this high armed sofa.
This sofa is a modern take on an antique shape.
This sofa has a painted wood frame. There are piles of custom pillows everywhere - these are accented with trim.
Lamps are another speciality. Here, french wine bottles are ready for shades.
The right wall is ceiling to floor cubby holes filled with goodies, such as:
Burlap wrapped lampshades in drum and other chic shapes.
Glass canisters of different shapes.
Coral and candles.
Stone shapes for plants or TV clickers, you decide.
The cubbyholes, light fixtures, and seagrass goes on and on.
Boxwood and Foxglove both used this handsome damask on armchairs and ottomans.
How convenient - a wire basket filled with candle sleeves.
I love this ottoman - tufted, wooden french legs and all!
There are lots of mirrors and garden seats, framed prints and lamps.
Greeting you at the door is this wooden light fixture - this shape is all the rage right now.
Bid Boxwood goodbye and go next door.
Next Stop: The Country Gentleman specializes in antiques from Europe - with an emphasis on Spain.
A set of six: Italian chairs newly upholstered in linen.
A French settee upholstered in a Fortuny style print.
Last Stop: Antiques and Interiors on Dunlavy. An antique mall, with many different vendors - the quality keeps getting better and better. Here a set of six chairs, slipcovered in linen hang out, waiting for a buyer. I love these slips!
A wooden French light fixture - this style is hot right now.
A painted ottoman that would look as great for the feet or as for a coffee table.
A painted Swedish tea table - beautiful!
I love the scale of this antique mirror.
If you are planning on visiting Antiques and Interiors on Dunlavy, be sure to stop in at Boxwood. And while you are there, go next door and visit The Country Gentleman. Three excellent antique stores and a Fiesta Food Mart to boot!