Hidden away near the Heights in Houston is one of the more delightful and beautiful antique stores around: Vieux Interiors. Open for just a few years, Vieux is the brainchild of Benton Lackey and Marty Bratton. Lackey has long been a fixture on the Houston antiques scene, though he usually prefers to be behind the scenes. Called by some "a creative genius," Lackey has an uncanny sense of color and texture, which he combines with his love for antiques and design. After a long stint on his own and more recently at AREA, Lackey teamed up with Bratton to open Vieux Interiors. Bratton brings along his keen business mind to their endeavor. Their secret weapon, besides the inventory, is DeWayne Formby. DeWayne, of course, is the former salesman extraordinaire from Carl Moore Antiques. Carl and Bert Melnick hired DeWayne, freshly armed with a degree in Interior Design, straight out of college. Ever loyal, DeWayne stayed with Moore and Melnick for 17 years until they sold their shop. After spending time as an independent designer, DeWayne was lured back into sales by Lackey who hired him to run his new venture - and who can blame him? If there is a more personable, friendly, and sweet, yes - sweet! antiques man in the business, I haven't met him. DeWayne always has a kind word to say, a friendly laugh, or a poignant story to share. With DeWayne at the front door, Vieux Interiors, is assured to remain accessible, a place to go to learn something new about antiques, or just to gaze at the eye candy - without being hassled or pushed. The consummate gentleman, DeWayne is thrilled to be back in the antiques business, ready to help all his clients, old and new alike.
Vieux Interiors is a little hard to find, so get instructions before you head out. Close to the Heights and the Memorial Park area - stop in and be sure to tell DeWayne HI for me, if you go!!!
The delightful and ever helpful, DeWayne Formby.
Ah yes, what a Vieux! Let's see, I'll take that French sofa with the serpentine back, the urn right next to it, the French wing chair behind it.........and on and on!!! Now, this is what an antique store should look like!
Nice pair of French arm chairs. I spy a great wine tasting table on the far right. And the oriental folding screen in the back looks pretty amazing.
Two major trend alerts: Concrete garden statuary for inside the home and water gilded candlesticks from an ancient Catholic church somewhere in France, I'm sure.
French cane side chairs and a Murano glass chandelier.
Great urn lamps with paper shades. I wish you could see the entire painted chest they sit on, it looks really interesting, doesn't it?
I adore these chairs! And the shutters hanging on the wall, and the crystal chandelier, and the tall wing back chair. And.....
Antique doors, gold ballroom chairs, and a great pair of candelabra lamps.
Mixed in with all the antiques is a great selection of modern art, as seen here.
But I prefer the antiques, like this massive French armoire, don't you?
Major trend alert II: Coral! More modern art - I really like this piece of art, it's colors are subtle and would look good in a Belgian interior.
My favorite! An antique iron French daybed. I love this!!! Dewayne, what's my price on this?
The inventory never ends. Every picture is just amazing, isn't it? Here, an antique armchair awaits upholstery or, in my case, a great slipcover!
Another French daybed with silk pillows. The cabinet looks interesting - I love how it's filled with prints instead of knick-knacks.
New accessories: glass canisters and blue opaline bowls atop an industrial type table.
OK, I'm in love!!!! With everything in this picture!
Wait, more? Beautiful painted French chaise and stool.
And finally, more from their new collection of blue opaline glass, along with a religious statue.
If you go, Vieux Interiors is open Monday through Saturday - though closing time on Saturday is at 3:00 pm. Call DeWayne at 713-868-5844. Map to Vieux Interiors is below:
