We’re revisiting a gloriously meditative Houston home today. You may recognize the stunning 1923 William Ward Watkin stucco manse in Broadacres from a Veranda cover a few years ago. Or perhaps you glimpsed it on Pinterest. This home appeared on my radar when its guesthouse graced a cover of MILIEU. I fell hopelessly in love with the architecture (Reagan Andre) and interior design (Pamela Pierce). The founding editor of MILIEU magazine’s work is a favorite for obvious reasons. This gallery is not unlike a treasured piece of classical music…timeless, tranquil, and ever blurring the line between earth and heaven.
![Pamela Pierce designed French living room in Montrose house by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/milieu-magazine-pamela-pierce-living-room.jpg)
Pamela Pierce Interiors
Who is Pamela Pierce?
Founder and editor-in-chief of MILIEU magazine, Pierce is a well-respected Houston-based interior designer known for French style. When Pamela Pierce’s French-style house first graced VERANDA in 2006, readers were treated to European antiques, flouncy skirted slipcovers, and tranquil neutrals. That livable luxurious look embraced an airy, ethereal mood and palette.
![Gorgeous white stucco French farmhouse inspired house exterior with tile roof - Reagan Andre. #pamelapierce #reaganandre #frenchfarmhouse #houseexterior #housedesign #whitestucco](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/003-reagan-andre-annette-schatte-guest-house-houston-1-1440x1151.jpg)
What is MILIEU Magazine?
My favorite publication! It’s named for a French word meaning the people, physical, and social conditions and events that provide the environment in which someone acts or lives. More than a shelter magazine, stories in MILIEU capture the look, feel, mood, character, and style of a place. For example, the milieu defining a beautiful home or garden, the fashions and jewelry we wear, the places to which we travel, the art and culture we experience, the creative people who inspire us. What sets it apart? Only unique projects never published before appear in this exclusive quarterly.
![Stunning French Country kitchen with white cabinetry, bull head, steel doors, stainless work island, and design by Pamela Pierce.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/001-houston-pamela-pierce-kitchen-1440x1080.jpg)
The kitchen in her own 1926 stucco home is such a find study and a favorite!
![Pamela Pierce designed interior for MILIEU - November 2023. #pamelapierce #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/001-pamela-pierce-milieu-november-2023.jpg)
Authenticity, purity of design, texture, and rustic elegance.
![Pamela Pierce designed interior with Reagan Andre Architects - MILIEU (Spring 2017). #pamelapierce](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/001-pamela-pierce-reagan-andre-brett-wood-milieu-spring-2017.jpg)
Beautiful Inspiration from Montrose House
Photography: Mark Scheyer, Peter Vitale, & Miller Dahlstrand Architects. Interior Design: Pamela Pierce. Owner: Annette Schatte. Architect: Reagan Andre. Contractor: Southampton Homes.
Modern lines and a restrained color palette let you know this timeless home will be something beyond the ordinary!
![Reagan Andre architecture - Montrose home with interiors by Pamela Pierce.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house.jpg)
And how is this for an entrance to the grand manse:
![Breathtaking French Country architecture on a Houston home designed by Reagan Andre with arch, steel window,stone steps, and elegant shutters. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/002-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-2.jpg)
Such an exquisite landscape design to admire.
![Montrose home in Houston. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-3.jpg)
Yet my favorite part of the property is not even the main house! It’s this straight out of the South of France structure!
Guest House by Reagan Andre Architecture
Look at the roof and stone at entrance! This is my all time favorite architecture and house exterior EVER. I have always wanted to live inside this photo:
![Montrose guest house at home in Houston with white stucco and exquisite reclaimed stone at entry with rustic door. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/004-reagan-andre-annette-schatte-guest-house-houston-2.jpg)
And I need not be invited inside…I’m quite happy to simply admire the reclaimed materials fashioned into a new masterpiece. It’s hard to believe the magazine has been delivering beautiful inspiration and encouragement to us for a decade!
![Gorgeous white stucco French farmhouse inspired house exterior with tile roof - Reagan Andre. #pamelapierce #reaganandre #frenchfarmhouse #houseexterior #housedesign #whitestucco](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/005-reagan-andre-annette-schatte-guest-house-houston-3.jpg)
On the backside of the guest house is a lovely pool.
Rear Side of Guest House
Just look at outdoor entertaining area!
![Rear facade of guest house at Montrose home in Houston. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-4.jpg)
Can you imagine hosting friends and family here?
Pamela Pierce Designed Kitchen
Timeless design involves so much thoughtfulness and curation. You’ll instantly recognize the quality and craftsmanship in this kitchen with its plaster work, stone floors, and minimal aesthetic.
![French country farmhouse kitchen with design by Pamela Pierce, architecture by Reagan Andre, and constructtion by MDD. Photo by Peter Vitale.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/006-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-5.jpg)
Aren’t the old doors concealing storage incredible?
![Rustic elegant French country kitchen by Pamela Pierce in Houston. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-6.jpg)
All the reclaimed stone gathered from Europe and pieces of furniture from Chateau Domingue are hard to beat.
![French country farmhouse kitchen with design by Pamela Pierce, architecture by Reagan Andre, and constructtion by MDD. Photo by Peter Vitale.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/007-french-farmhouse-kitchen-2-reagan-andre-montrose-pamela-pierce.jpg)
You truly get the sense that texture can live as color in such calm neutral spaces.
![French country farmhouse kitchen with design by Pamela Pierce, architecture by Reagan Andre, and constructtion by MDD. Photo by Peter Vitale.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/008-french-farmhouse-kitchen-2-reagan-andre-montrose-pamela-pierce-mdd-construction.jpg)
There is just something irresistible about scrubbed wood and letting age and patina show off!
![French country farmhouse kitchen with design by Pamela Pierce, architecture by Reagan Andre, and constructtion by MDD. Photo by Peter Vitale.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/009-french-farmhouse-kitchen-reagan-andre-montrose-pamela-pierce-1.jpg)
I have never lived with a pot rack, but if I owned the collection above, that would change.
Timeless Pale & Lovely Living Room
When Francophiles dream of heaven, maybe it resembles this:
![Elegant and authentic French living room in Montrose house in Houston. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-7.jpg)
Isn’t it sumptuous with its paneled walls, herringbone floors, and stone fireplace?
Redecorated Living Room
I admire this version too, and the French stone fireplace (Chateau Domingue) is breathtaking!
![Pamela Pierce designed French living room in Montrose house by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/milieu-magazine-pamela-pierce-living-room.jpg)
What do you think about the playful scale of objects on the mantel?
Modern French Morning Room
I can imagine reading, working, and enjoying the light in this room!
![Beautiful French morning room with blue-grey slipcovered furniture. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-8.jpg)
Hall & Family Room
There is a monastic feel and a sense of gentle grandeur in these spaces.
![Hallway and family room with reclaimed stone flooring and arched steel door. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/010-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-9.jpg)
Front Door
Real working shutters add such authenticity and fine detail to this home.
![Breathtaking French Country architecture on a Houston home designed by Reagan Andre with arch, steel window,stone steps, and elegant shutters. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-2.jpg)
Exquisite Staircase in Architecturally Magnificent Texas Home
Plaster steps feel so refined and palatial with a delicate iron handrail! I could stare all day.
![The combination of a simple iron railing with an elegant plaster stair doesn't get any better. It's architecturally beautiful and really makes a statement. Plus, it can work in both traditional and contemporary settings.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/011-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-10.jpg)
The lantern and trim around door also contribute to the purity of design.
![Luxurious mansion in Houston with rustic wood floors, lantern, and iron railing on stone staircase.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/012-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-11.jpg)
The wood flooring has developed such incredible patina after possibly hundreds of years.
Bedrooms by the Designer
There’s a romance and femininity that creates a lovely tension with so many other rustic design elements.
![Elegant bedroom with French inspired decor, blush taffeta curtains, white bedding, and rustic wood floors. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-12.jpg)
For longtime fans of MILIEU, this image may feel familiar from an early issue.
![Pink print upholstery on an exquisite bed in a guest room by Pamela Pierce.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-13.jpg)
Monochromatic Magnifique Moment
White roses are a signature for Pierce, and they show up in collected antique jars, earthenware and pots.
![Sophisticated French inspired vignette with French pots and fanciful wall sconce in a Houston home with interiors designed by Pamela Pierce.Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/013-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-15.jpg)
Such a memorable and pretty French moment with its refinement, curves, and collection of old.
Powder Room
Unlacquered brass and touches of gilt also frequently appear in the designs that age so gracefully.
![Luxurious and elegant powder room with blue antique doors, gilt mirror, and stone sink in Houston home with interior design by Pamela Pierce. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/014-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-16.jpg)
Who could say what year or decade or century a space such as the one above was created?
Family Room in Reagan Andre Montrose Home
I suppose there’s lofty, and then there’s…
![Elegant French inspired family room with symmetry and sophistication from Pamela Pierce.Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/015-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-17.jpg)
oh la la, lofty!
![Light pink roses in antique planters on rustic wood table. Design by Pamela Pierce. Come enjoy photos of this house tour with architecture by Reagan Andre.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-18.jpg)
Framed Botanicals in Hall
With so much restraint in the color stories, it’s exciting to see color appear. Nature is always the best artist of all since no color mistakes are ever made.
![Vividly colorful framed botanicals hung above a French settee in an elegant home in Houston with interiors designed by Pamela Pierce.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/016-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-19.jpg)
And isn’t the stone floor warm and sunny like the South of France? Here’s another glimpse of the trees in autumn:
![Luxury home designed by Reagan Andre on Montrose in Houston with French Country interiors designed by Pamela Pierce.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-20-1440x810.jpg)
Pamela Pierce’s own Houston kitchen is also a work of art.
![French country white kitchen designed by Pamela Pierce - photo by Miguel Flores Vianna. #frenchkitchen #frenchcountry #kitchendesign #oldworld #pamelapierce #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/017-milieu-magazine-pamela-pierce-design-kitchen-miguel-flores-vianna.jpg)
More stone floors (Chateau Domingue) create such an identity that grounds this modern French and European luxe feel. See this story which tours Chateau Domingue’s proprietor Ruth Gay’s stunning home too!
Cozy Opulence & Warm European Luxury
![Pamela Pierce designed space for MILIEU Showhouse 2020. #pamelapierce #milieushowhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/001-pamela-pierce-showhouse-laura-resen-mirador-builders-fall-2020.jpg)
It’s such a rare treat to see her design work published so I never take a single peek for granted.
![Pamela Pierce's Houston living room with arched windows, rustic shutters, and French limestone antique fireplace (Chateau Domingue). #rusticelegance #livingrooms #rusticFrenchinteriors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pamela-pierce-white-modern-french-living-room-milieu-miguel-flores-vianna-rustic-elegance.jpg)
What I have learned about the evolution of her personal home is how natural the changes look and feel since the palette remains essentially true and consistent. Over the years, she has grown more fond of modern twists and edgier looks.
![Pamela Pierce of MILIEU magazine - 2023. #pamelapierce](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/001-pamela-pierce-milieu-2023.jpg)
She explained to Veranda:
“I got tired of gathered skirts and gray paint. I wanted to show my clients that you can mix good contemporary pieces with antiques. I certainly still love my antiques, and for me an entire house with contemporary is too cold. I love the mix.”
![Pamela Pierce designed kitchen with Reagan Andre architecture in MILIEU Spring 2017. #pamelapierce #modernfrench #milieumagazine](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/001-pamela-pierce-kitchen-peter-vitale-milieu-fall-2018.jpg)
I love the modernity and fresh, gallery-like mood, but I also appreciate her earlier romantic and pretty yet not too precious allure.
![Beautiful French country bedroom with elegant tufted beds, antiques, and design by Pamela Pierce of MILIEU magazine. #pamelapierce #frenchcountrybedroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pamela-pierce-milieu-magazine-French-bedroom-tufted-beds.jpg)
When objects, art, furnishings, and decorations can be moved around for a freshened look and still work beautifully together, you know you’re on to something.
![Pamela Pierce Christmas French carved stone fireplace. Mixed garland and olive branches gathered from yard, with ripe brown pears. Early Song dynasty jars anchor the scene with white roses. #pamelapierce #frenchchristmas #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/002-pamela-pierce-milieu-christmas-fireplace.jpg)
And it’s less about a signature style than a singular confidence and self-knowledge.
![Pamela Pierce designed home at Christmas. #frenchcountry #christmasdecor #pamelapierce](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pamela-pierce-christmas-antiques-urns-rustic-modern-french-dining-room-briewilliams.jpg)
It is about wanting what you have more than having what you want.
![Pamela Pierce designed home at Christmas. #frenchcountry #christmasdecor #pamelapierce](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pamela-pierce-christmas-white-gifts-french-country-dining-room-roses-milieu.jpg)
That distinction changes the game!
![Pamela Pierce's Christmas tree with white bulbs and angels. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pamela-pierce-white-christmas-tree-french-country.jpg)
Even if what we HAVE is little…
![Breathtaking white modern French breakfast dining area with shelves, farm table, and modern chairs - interior design by Pamela Pierce. #pamelapierce #modernfrench #allwhitedecor #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pamela-pierce-white-dining-shelves-farm-table-milieu-miguel-flores.jpg)
…it becomes much!
![Chateau Domingue's Ruth Gay's exquisite home with design by Pamela Pierce, antiques, and construction with reclaimed stone and materials from Europe. Come score ideas for a Timeless and Tranquil European Country Inspired Look. #europeancountry #interiordesign #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/011-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-Pam-Pierce-interior-design-French-sophisticated.jpg)
Don’t miss this renovation of a French chateau!
If you are in the mood for more timeless design – make sure you don’t miss THIS!
![Milieu magazine (Spring 2021) on my kitchen counter (Viatera Minuet white quartz) with urn and candle holders - Hello Lovely Studio. #viateraquartz #minuet #milieu #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/serene-white-decor-european-country-cottage-hello-lovely-studio-viatera-minuet-quartz-milieu-urn-roses-bowl-crate-barrel-wood-candle-holders.jpg)
p.s. Ever imagine the little fairy behind this blog leading a glamorous life resembling images above? Because when I posted this a year ago, the day’s agenda included power-washing the white exterior of a neglected tiny house we had just purchased and schlepping FB Marketplace finds for the interiors. A year later, here I am painting a console table I may use in the entry of our next project house and stalking FB Marketplace again! It is never boring here!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Thanks for the treat today Michele! Pamela’s rooms are so perfectly edited and put together in such a way that it seems effortless! I love the exteriors of these homes also with unfussy landscaping and gravel walkways. Hope you have a beautiful weekend!
xo
Holly
Author
Thanks so much for reading, Holly. Her work inspires me so much. 🙂
You beat old furniture pieces with authentic patina to add that just right touch to a home like in the above pictures! I scored @ an estate sale …finding a small chippy brown painted handmade desk with lots of little cubby holes and a rustic green handmade cupboard with old screened doors that have holes in the screen! The seller knew the man who had made both pieces! I love these two treasures and the green cupboard in the kitchen gets THE most compliments. The desk fits perfectly between the fridge & the door out to the covered porch. I had been wanting a couple pieces like this…Only paid $87.50 for each! I was just running errands and passed the estate sale sign & decided to turn around & go back to follow the sign …so thankful I did!
Author
Those are incredible finds! How incredible that it works in a place that makes sense for your lifestyle. It’s so gratifying to live with quality made things. I am bargain hunting daily now as I try to pull the new place together. Wait until you see the chandelier which may go in the breakfast nook. It’s a piece of art. Definitely one of my best finds ever. The hard part is when you love a rustic look as I do, yet your home’s architecture demands more refined, classic lines. This biz is definitely not for the timid! What I am trying to do is simply stay true to myself and Frenchy sensibilities. The house tells me what it wants, and I listen, but I am also interested in a mix even if it is a bit provocative and quirky. There are so many snarky bloggers out there who rattle off a laundry list of rules, and I’d rather be a rule breaker. Like Leanne Ford, I really am a believer in imperfect beauty so nicks and age and distress and wobbly are okay with me because they make all things more approachable and usable and alive. Wish we could go treasure hunting together, Amy! 🙂
I’m excited to see your chandelier find!! I’m all about things that are works of art🤗I’m with you (& Leanne) all the way on breaking the rules & having a mix of decor & definitely some quirky mixed in for good measure!! That makes for such a more inviting, interesting, non cookie-cutter environment! Who wants the same look you see EVERYWHERE…not me! I hope we can go treasure hunting together one day!! There’s lots of great places for that down here🤗Looking forward to seeing the progress y’all are making on the new house. But don’t feel pressured…I know it all takes so much time. Enjoy the creative process and teamwork with the hubs!
Author
I am seeing another road trip to the South in my future – so wouldn’t that be lovely to meet!?! I am eager to see the progress we’re making on the house too. Hahahaha. So many headaches and sore backs and even frequent ‘what the h did we even do, honey?’. It’s hard work, but I remember feeling these same things in 2015 in the throes of that fixer project. So I’m sure we will work out the kinks. You try to bring experience and confidence to each new project, but houses are quirky and there are always curveballs. A vacation will do us good, and there’s a chance his schedule will open up in a few weeks so there may be hope!
YES!!
*can’t beat
Author
🙂 *sometimes you do need to beat old furniture pieces to help their patina along
Hahaha! Yes…that’s exactly what I meant! That’s funny! 😆😂
Author
🙂
Hello! What a beautiful space! I’m currently working on my powder room and wanted to know if the faucet they have is hot/cold and where they got it? Thank you!
Author
Hi Jan. It looks like a Lefroy Brooks single classic cloakroom basin tap – see this: https://uk.lefroybrooks.com/classic-basin-taps/lbx-1135. From there, you may be able to establish the specs on it. Let me know if this helps. 🙂
Does anyone know if the four floor lamps in the living room are battery powered? I don’t see any cords going to the walls.
Author
Could the outlets be in the floor? I have also been seeing battery operated light bulbs (so no electricity required), but not sure if you can get warm light: https://rstyle.me/+k5N_eZyt09nuKg_boes6Eg