…I’m coming to the Dallas area!!! One of my favorite furniture & accessory designers, Aidan Gray, is hosting me and Segreto Style for a book signing during the launch of their newly re-designed store, Gray Living!! How fun is that?

I first met Randal Weeks at a book signing At Marburger Antiques Show in Roundtop. The nicest man ever, he was telling me how much he admired my work.  I only learned who he was after he’d left, someone whispered that’s who started Aidan Gray!! Yikes, it was best I didn’t know or I would have been nervous because I am such a huge fan of his.

Shortly after that first meeting, I had the amazing opportunity to work with Randall on a few of his projects! One was an Aidan Gray home makeover that Joni Webb, author of Cote de Texas, sponsored- it’s a must see! We plastered the dining room for the makeover and…….

…..also glazed some cabinets in the living room.  I wish I had entered!!!! Winning a furnished room would have been amazing!!!

Later Randal asked us to stencil the floors of the The Aidan Gray showroom at the Dallas Market in a worn fashion! Read more about it here! It was so fun, I got to shop when I was there.

Well, if you haven’t been to McKinney, Texas, you should go. So charming, the town is a slice of the past with modern conveniences and a variety of upscale shopping.

With a history dating back to 1841, this historic county was named for political aid Colin McKinney; best known for assisting in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence!

These are the before shots previous to the redesigned store. Hard to believe it will be prettier than this!! I just purchased the gold table shown for my master bedroom makeover!

Goodness this looks like a home!!! Their furniture is affordably priced and, I must say, the finishes are remarkably authentic.

I really love this table. He mixes in authentically old items in his displays sooooo sometimes it’s hard to tell which is antique and which are his furniture creations. It just shows that you can mix things together and beautifully achieve a great look.

The opening is being catered by one of my favorites restaurants, Patina Green Home & Market! Truly some of the best food I have ever eaten, they specialize in locally sourced, organic ingredients – so yummy!!

This sweet trio hosted me for a book signing and lunch last time I visited McKinney. Kaci, a former decorative painter, her mother, Luann, and her husband Robert, a master chef, collaborated to open this incredible restaurant and market!!!

Even their bathroom is a treat! If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by, eat lunch and shop. The store is filled with all sorts of treasures;  everything from antiques and curiosities to botanicals and handmade pasta!

After the signing, I will walk across the street to room at The Grand Hotel.  I stayed there last time and so tired to leave the event and go straight to bed. However, upon entering the hotel, I heard the lure of piano music and followed the sound which led me to their restaurant. Totally unlike me to sit alone, I timidly wandered in and sat at the bar for a quick glass of wine and a salad. I actually had so much fun, talking with a mother whose son was getting married and a cute 23 year old girl who was asking me for dating advice. Imagine that!! McKinney definitely has the small town, friendly atmosphere much like the small town in Georgia in which I grew up!!

Here is a sneak peak of what’s to come from inside the newly redesigned Gray Living!!! It will be a super fun event!!! Please invite a friend and come on out!!  I look forward to seeing you all!!!