Dolling Up a Teeny Tiny Tassel Castle

I am thrilled to have been one of the eight creatives invited to participate in the third annual La Petite Maison Gala, an event that celebrates the art of interior design and philanthropy through the auction of bespoke dollhouses. Designed by Reagan & André and constructed by Alair Homes, the 3.5-foot-wide, 12-room plywood shell offered a sturdy foundation for our vibrant textiles, storied pieces, and unexpected corners of delight—all things we love in our own home! Family Houston was the beneficiary, an organization that has provided community support services, financial and employment coaching, and mental health programs to families for over 120 years.

From a very early age, I was surrounded by people with a keen eye for design and craftsmanship. I come from a family of jewelry makers, embroiderers, graphic designers, farmers, antique dealers, and entrepreneurs—all of whom worked tirelessly with their hands to in turn create beauty. My Acadian French grandmother was the ultimate homemaker. She placed importance in crisp linens and well-appointed sheets; every tea towel and textile embroidered and monogramed by her hands. My interests, undoubtedly, are inherited and just as she stitched love into everything she made, I sought to do the same in this project.

Creating a dollhouse for the first time was as challenging as it was rewarding, a process of much trial and error. There were hours of research—learning about miniature construction techniques, experimenting with glue properties, selecting fabrics, paint colors, and sourcing tiny accessories. Every decision was carefully considered to create an environment that was not only beautiful but aligned with the values of my company. Founded in 2011, Courtney Barton was born from a desire to source goods from colorful corners of the world, shining a light on the artisans and craftsmanship behind each piece. Like our retail stores, I wanted this mini mansion to feel cohesive and layered, intentional and interconnected, representing a blend of distinct crafts, cultures and traditions woven together to create something that is both elevated and whimsical, yet, above all, authentic.

As anyone familiar with our brand would expect, the aesthetic was driven by color and pattern. I sifted through hundreds of paint samples, narrowing them down to 21 carefully chosen hues and I’m proud to say every sample served a purpose. Furnishing the not-so-small house posed its own challenge. With limited time and a self-funded budget, I couldn’t afford to create or buy every piece envisioned. That’s when inspiration struck, and I reached out to Coley Home. I’ve long admired Coley Hull and watched her company grow into a powerhouse, producing high-quality, custom furniture out of their North Carolina facility. Their team of skilled seamstresses, fabricators, and woodworkers was exactly what we needed and on a leap of faith, I emailed to see if they were up for a collaboration. To my delight, they were on board! Our team selected the shapes and fabrics from their stunning range, and they delivered—fast. I wouldn’t have embarked on this project so confidentially without the generosity of Coley, Bradley, and the entire Coley Home team.

There were countless sleepless nights spent scouring the internet, reaching out to artists to scale down their life-sized work, and tracking down smalls from around the globe. All the rugs, vintage and new, are needlepointed by hand, a nod to the dedication and artistry that true craftsmanship demands. Every rug, every tile, every fabric has a story from a 19th-century cherry wood library ladder with rolling wheels made in Canada, woven tables from Bulgaria, antique German Christmas figurines, handmade Ukrainian tiles, Mexican woven baskets, clay sconces crafted in New Orleans, and English wallpaper resized just for us.

Sometimes the smallest detail could make or break the overall effect and one of my early lessons was in wallpapering. Despite matching patterns carefully, I discovered that the cut edges of the paper would always show a glaring white line unless I glued them down facing the rear of the room. I must admit, I re-papered several rooms before that lesson truly stuck. The kitchen and bathroom tile was laid by hand, with hours spent cutting the half-inch pieces on a miniature table saw, littering our desks with sawdust and shrapnel. The process was a labor of love, filled with moments of frustration and laughter in equal measure. As the project progressed, we jokingly would repeat, “Are we even dollhousing if we haven’t redone something three or four times before getting it right?” In the end, I was reminded that no matter the task, beauty is in the details and joy lies in the journey. And like my grandmother’s linens, I hope this dollhouse will inspire others with its craftsmanship and the love sewn into every corner.

This dollhouse was a true collaborative effort, supported by friends, family, artists, and my incredible team. Partnering with Beata Heuman, Andrew Martin, The Lawns, Rebecca Rebouche, Ansley Givhan, Andrea Condara, Michelle King, Taylor Allday, Merri Pruitt, Lauren Clyburn, Tom Walsh, Pearce Williams, Maggie Robertson, Benjamin Moore, and Boxwood Interiors made it all possible. Their generosity transformed this house into something truly magical for a child, while also benefiting families in need.

What made this experience even more special was the sense of community it fostered. Visitors could lose themselves in its intricate details, if only for a moment, and escape to another world. It embodies everything we hold dear—craftsmanship, community, and shared stories. We hope its new owner, Scottie, finds endless joy within its walls.

I’m truly honored to have been invited to participate in this project alongside fellow designers Avery Cox, Jean Liu, Jennifer Barron, Elizabeth Garrett, Kristen Leigh, Amy Kummer, and Lauren Wills Grover. From the start, we formed a close-knit group, offering one another unwavering support. I may not have my darling dollhouse anymore, but I gained seven new friends—and that’s far more valuable.

THE ENTRY

Come on in, y'all! Our tiny entryway welcomes you with classic checkerboard tile and Reese Emry's pottery-turned-planters. Inside, a vintage embroidered rug pairs perfectly with Beata Heuman's scrolling wallpaper, inspired by a 16th century botanical print of the nettle weed. Layered mouldings in a two-tone palette add depth, while a center table anchors the space. A swan planter—a miniature version of one of our best-sellers—sits beside a wingback and a mailbox brimming with letters. Overhead, a pendant crafted from an antique German ornament illuminates the space, shining from every angle of the house.

Wallpaper — Beata Heuman Nettle
Ceiling — Benjamin Moore Rooftop Garden 
Trim — Farrow & Ball Hague Blue, Benjamin Moore Rooftop Garden
 

LIVING ROOM

Pruitt-Littleton worked their magic on simple square dowels, distressing and staining the wood to give it an immediate sense of age and character. Inspired by homes in my native Louisiana, I envisioned the living room ceiling with antiqued beams set against cladding and a wood transom, creating depth and connection from the entry.

While considering paint colors, I kept returning to a muted rose—a hue with warmth and depth that complements the surrounding deep greens, pale blues, and rusty tones. The room came together with vintage furnishings, baskets for stowing CB textiles, and an oversized music box that makes the perfect stand-in for a grand piano. A thoughtful nod to our client Lynn, who’s been deeply involved in this project, this tribute mirrors the life-sized burled piano he owns.

Thinking I’d purchased yet another vintage needlepoint rug, this one arrived with just a painted design on a blank canvas. Taylor Allday's meticulous stitching transformed it into a custom piece—larger than planned, with colors that perfectly complement the room. The original painting by New Orleans artist Ansley Givhan enhances the space, its movement and texture bringing everything together.

As the tiny house will be auctioned off before Christmas, a tree was a must. We adorned it with an Andrea Condara topper—an in-demand item in our shop during the holidays—and an antique suzani skirt. Surrounded by a host of heavenly angels, some caroling and others trumpeting, the simple tree became a magical holiday moment.

Walls — Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink
Ceiling — Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan 
Trim — Farrow & Ball Spanish Olive 
Tree Topper — Andrea Condara 
Art — Ansley Givhan
Distressed Beams — Pruitt-Littleton
 

GARDEN ROOM

The Garden Room is a blend of my favorite things—a dreamy escape, even for someone with the blackest thumb. Perhaps that’s why it feels like a personal fantasy: a space awash in our signature ochre (a beloved shade central to the brand) and adorned with wallpaper I’ve long dreamed of using in my own home.

Texture is essential in a space bursting with pattern. It adds movement and layers interest without overwhelming the room with additional colors or prints. For a whimsical touch, I wanted something tactile hanging from the ceiling—something little hands could tickle or tug without worry. The room brims with charming details: terracotta pots scattered about, lush greenery, rubber boots with muddy soles, a vintage iron settee, brass hooks for leashes and totes, and a roll-up bamboo blind with golden threads (crafted from a CB placemat) that ties it all together. We removed the dominating staircase—because dolls can leap from room to room with carefree abandon.

The taxidermy wall is a personal tribute inspired by a visit to my husband’s grandparents’ camp along the Calcasieu River in Louisiana. On their porch, I was struck by a wall entirely covered in turtle shells—the result of their routine of catching, cooking, and feeding family before tacking the shells up. The display wasn’t about décor; it reflected their history, grit, and daily life. I told my husband it was the one thing I’d love to inherit someday. Sadly his grandparents passed, the house went to relatives, and I don’t know if the shells remain (I hope they do!). That memory stayed with me, and though not the same, I now collect shells whenever I find them, building my own homage to Pépère. Katie had the brilliant idea to replicate the look using pistachio shells, and my crafty sister brought it to life. The result is a heartfelt interpretation of a cherished memory, designed to spark curiosity and creativity for its new small owner.

Wallpaper — Antoinette Poisson Olives, 55A
Walls, Ceiling, & Trim — Farrow & Ball India Yellow
Sink Skirt — Rose Tarlow Gigi Stripe, Terre

LIBRARY

The library is a haven for our littlest bibliophile, where books lie in delightful disarray—on the floor, under the table, perched on the ladder—freshly pulled from shelves to whisk readers away to another world.

We took a trompe l’œil approach with the Andrew Martin wallpaper, scaling it down to align with the mouldings, ensuring the books weren’t cut off mid-spine. Paired with a handsome indigo grasscloth, the walls provide a sophisticated backdrop. Candle sconces mounted on the bookshelves and overmantel, along with the bumped-out wall, add spatial dimension, and a simple pine fireplace was transformed into striking Italian marble with a touch of paint. Another needlepoint rug and Coley Home's daybed brighten the moody tones, complemented by a vintage kantha blanket (a CB staple!), perfect for curling up with a favorite tome. The Louis Philippe mirror was given a facelift with hand-applied silver leaf and a real mirror, replacing the original, which distorted reflections like a funhouse. A faceted Tiffany lamp sits among teacups, reading glasses, a pipe, and, of course, more books.

The library ladder was a special find. I opted against one that slid across a rod to avoid visual similarity with the neighboring ballet barre. Instead, I commissioned a 19th-century cherry wood version handcrafted in Canada, featuring working wheels at the base and a platform for setting books down.

Wallpaper — Andrew Martin Library, Multi


Walls & Ceiling — Serena & Lily Grasscloth, Amalfi 
Trim — Farrow & Ball Hague Blue 


Daybed — Coley Home Daybed in Emmy Seafoam
Fireplace — Pruitt-Littleton

ART STUDIO

A paint-splattered cart—its wheels cleverly fashioned from screw heads inset into shirt buttons—holds an array of paints, brushes, palettes, and pencils. Repurposed terracotta planters serve as brush pots, while toothpicks and dowels, cut down and topped with tassels to mimic brush tips, create a perfectly stocked supply. A Chopin statue stands as a work-in-progress sculpture, brought to life with a gardening trowel repurposed as a sculpting tool. Bare windows flood the space with natural light—an artist’s essential. Above, a natural-toned seagrass ceiling adds warmth and texture, while a glossy chartreuse chair injects a playful quirk, keeping the studio vibrant and anything but contrived. 

Walls — Farrow & Ball Fox Red
Trim — Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan
Ceiling — Casa Branca Raffia Quadri, Natural

GAME ROOM

All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy, so the last room in our dollhouse is all about fun and games! The Lawns wallpaper features a scattering of dancing card suits—hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds—that reveal themselves only when you take the time to notice. A wink to the joy of discovery.

Nearly a decade ago, my husband and I gifted ourselves a piece of art for our anniversary, and I still feel honored to have a Rebecca Rebouché original hanging in our home. Her work captures whimsy and the spirit of make-believe, making it only fitting that this dollhouse would include her touch. Vintage club chairs surround an end table, ideal for cozy chats by the fire, while antique checked seats gather around a woven game table, ready for dice rolls and copious Coca-Colas. Found painted pottery plates dance along one wall, while on another, a vintage mirror adorned with lily pads is flanked by miniature Pearce Williams leaf sconces—tiny baked Sculpey versions that are pure perfection. We mounted a rattan lamp finial onto a laser-cut wood star to create a light fixture. Scattered about the room are remnants of play—a chess set left mid-game, Monopoly, and Scrabble waiting in the wings.

All of these elements came together delightfully, but the flooring almost derailed the room. When the paper arrived from the UK, the colors were completely off. Enter Pruitt-Littleton, who had been dropping off their stunning hand-painted floor cloths for the shop. One glance at the mismatched tones and they quipped, "Let us paint a mini floor cloth like the ones you sell!" And just like that, the room found its harmony. Let the games begin!

Wallpaper — The Lawns Co. Shuffle, Black
Trim — Farrow & Ball Caulke Green
Ceiling — Farrow & Ball Calluna
Art — Rebecca Rebouche “Opening the Locked Door”
Sconces — Pearce Williams
Floor Cloth — Pruitt-Littleton

KITCHEN

We’ve heard from so many that the heart of the home, the kitchen, was your favorite room, and we couldn’t agree more! Just like our shops, we wanted this space to feel curated and lived-in—filled with cherished pieces that don’t conform to a single style. 

The AGA-inspired vintage stove was our first find and set the tone for the entire space. We gave it a fresh makeover, surrounding it with a creamy white that mimics plaster, replacing the original tawny hue. The terracotta tiles—cut and laid piece by piece—were love at first sight, until we realized they had a much more vibrant orange tone than expected. After much trial and error with paint, we landed on a rich blend of gray-greens and eggplant-tinged browns, which complement both the floors and the adjacent dining room wallpaper.

Working with artists whose work we stock was another highlight. The room wouldn’t be complete without an original fungi oil painting by Houston-based artist Michelle King—a favorite in our shop. Maggie Robertson's hand-thrown ceramic plates, paired with vintage pewter, add another layer of texture and charm around the stove.

Inspired by Yoruba ceremonial chairs, these beaded versions are a tribute to the cultural stories that have inspired our collection. After hours of gluing beads (and sweeping up a sea of loose ones), they’re a small but meaningful homage to a design we’ve long admired.

Walls — Benjamin Moore Dried Basil
Ceiling + Trim — Benjamin Moore Bed of Ferns
Cabinetry — Farrow & Ball Tanner’s Brown
Kitchen Table — Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan
Skirted Cabinets — Helene Blanche Eivor's Stripe, Plum
Cafe Curtain — Soane Papyrus Stripe, Porphyry

DINING ROOM

At the center, a gigantic turkey (definitely plumped with GMOs) sits on a gleaming silver platter, ready for a feast. I reached out to Andrew Martin to ask if they'd shrink my favorite Kit Kemp mural for the walls, and after a quick YES and some fist-pumping on my part, I got to work turning my real-dining room dreams into a pretend reality.

The room is anchored by painted wood floors with a detailed perimeter, setting the tone for a mix of textures and warm hues. A vintage checked settee adds charm, while an inlaid buffet with pencil-thin legs exudes refinement. The extra-tall antique German grandfather clock, a late-night find, is one of my favorite features. Bespoke draperies and cornices, trimmed to match Coley Home dining chairs, are a detail-driven delight.

While in Round Top, I found a bag of beads and baubles that sparked a collaboration with Andrea Condara. We created the most fantastical chandelier, stringing beads into a whimsical centerpiece. Not content to stop there, Andrea rolled tiny pieces of paper to create faux candle covers, topped with dripping ‘wax’ tips using a glue gun.

The dining table is custom—a designer’s favorite word! We fitted a longer wood top onto a store-bought base to accommodate our overflowing imaginary guest list. Candlesticks in mixed metals add warmth and shine, and, true to CB’s style, we transformed a piece of pottery into a table lamp with a fabulous wool-wrapped shade. If an object sits around long enough, we’re bound to turn it into a conversational lamp.

It’s all about finding the beauty in the details—and having fun with it! I hope this tiny space becomes the backdrop for many big nights, unforgettable meals where meat and sugar reign supreme, and core memories are made for its tiniest host.

Wallpaper — Mythical Land Mural by Andrew Martin for Kit Kemp
Trim — Farrow & Ball Studio Green
Ceiling — Benjamin Moore Princeton Gold
Dining Chairs — Coley Home Lulu Dining Chairs in Ringo, Mustard

CHILD'S BEDROOM

Twirling into the child’s bedroom, the magic of youthful creativity takes the spotlight. The room is built around @thelawnsco’s mural, featuring umbrella-topped hot dog stands, hat-stealing giraffes, zooming taxis, and literal snail mail. Tailored drapes and a vintage needlepoint rug anchor the space, balancing the whimsical wallpaper and bold red-and-white striped ceiling—one of my favorite moments in the house. When opening my first store, I showcased linens on an antique bamboo bed, so it felt right to include a version here, layered with a dohar, of course.

A client gifted us woven baskets from Mexico, originally used by a hotel to hold chocolates. Too charming to part with, she brought them home and passed them on to us. We removed the lids, flipped the baskets upside down, and transformed them into textural tables flanking the bed. A swipe of furniture stain softened their bright look, giving them an aged, antique feel.

The lamp bases are fashioned from painted pegs and woven fabric mimicking rattan. The ever-present pup keeps watch over secretive gum-smacking snacks. A basket of toys and instruments invites revelry, while a vintage reading chair—upholstered in a print I just adore—has been reimagined with wooden beads for bun feet and ribbon trim, making it the perfect perch for storytime.

Wallpaper — The Lawns Prospect Park Mural, Sunset 
Ceiling — Antoinette Poisson Rayures Rouges, 89B
Trim — Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue

BALLET STUDIO

I grew up dancing with my sister and a neighborhood of girls—carpool rides filled with giggles and chatter, and I imagine the same adventures await the little ones here. The studio, swathed in florals inspired by 18th-century Indian designs, features ballet-pink linen shades trimmed with rich velvet—a playful yet refined contrast. A reflective mirror, hardwood floors, and a nubby boucle ottoman invite movement at every turn. I love the painted armoire inset with floral wallpaper and the custom mirror, perfectly framing the opening. A mounted ballet barre invites practice, while a gramophone sets the stage for impromptu performances. Hang your hat on the wooden rack, slip into your pointe shoes, and dance the day (or night) away!

Wallpaper — Antoinette Poisson Jaipur, 57A
Trim & Ceiling — Farrow & Ball Middleton Pink
Ottoman — Coley Home Portobello Ottoman in Boucle, Cream

PRIMARY BEDROOM AND BATH

Step into the primary bedroom and bath, a mini sanctuary within the dollhouse—rich in layered pattern, color, and texture, blending calm with moodiness and a touch of whimsy to spark the imagination.

A custom-cut transom and French doors create depth and flow between the two rooms, while a vintage needlepoint rug pulls brighter tones from the bath into the bedroom, tying the spaces together The toilet, a design challenge in such a visually vulnerable room (privacy, please), was left out entirely—after all, this is a world of make-believe. Without it, attention shifts to the striking tiles and the surprise of a fabric-clad, striped tented ceiling with dangling tassels, inspired by Mughal design. A handmade “antique” fireplace fender, crafted from sculpey clay, serves as the perfect perch for—let’s be real—piled clothes. The pièce de résistance is a chandelier from Bradford-on-Avon, with branch-like arms and glistening swans, adding the perfect finishing touch.

Partnering with Coley Home to scale down some of their signature pieces was a true pinch-me moment. The canopy bed is an absolute showstopper—its arrival elicited delighted squeals. Staying true to our aesthetic, we layered it with block prints, French linens, and antique textiles, creating a bed that tells a unique story for the imagined homeowner. No “bed-in-a-bag” here, and definitely no all-white minimalism—how boring! Details abound: an antique secretary with miniature letters addressed to CB's Houston shop; a mid-century desk lamp (I couldn’t resist showcasing its hand-braided ombre cord front and center); a highboy chest with an errant comb haphazardly tossed on top; and a silk pillow adorned with even more tassels, naturally.

Bathroom
Wallpaper — Antoinette Poisson Grenades, 2A
Trim — Benjamin Moore Deer Trail
Art — Lauren Clyburn “The Reason I See”

Bedroom
Walls & Ceiling — Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue
Trim — Farrow & Ball Eddy
Bed — Coley Home Canopy Bed in Casual, Lavender