Houston Designer Pamela Pierce Creates a Beautiful New Milieu

Does the world need a new design magazine? Absolutely, always, of course. Hence my delight at hearing Houston designer Pamela Pierce is adding her calm, clear, elegant voice to the sadly dwindling chorus of yummy, glossy, actual paper pages we can touch and hold and put sticky-notes on. The magazine is called Milieu, and it debuts this month.

Pamela Pierce living room with view through to the dining room, photo by Laura Resen, courtesy Veranda

A few weeks ago The New York Times ran an interview with Pam about her new venture, in which she recalls her longtime friend and Veranda founder Lisa Newsome advising her against it. Though the expense and risk are tremendous, Pam is going for it now that her friend has stepped down from Veranda and she won’t feel she is competing with her.

I wrote about Pam’s own house in the March-April issue of Veranda and never got around to sharing that with you. So here it is in case you missed it.

Pamela Pierce living room, photo by Laura Resen, courtesy Veranda

Also, here in the wonderful A Flippen Life.com, is a great post on Pam that also includes my Veranda article (which of course is what makes it such a great post;).

Pamela Pierce guest room, photo by Laura Resen, courtesy Veranda

The only thing about gazing upon these chic and strictly edited rooms is they sort of  make me want to throw out everything I own and start over. I have to go into Scarlett mode… I can’t think about that now. I’ll go crazy if I do. I’ll think about that tomorrow… These moods generally pass–fortunately for my marriage.

Pamela Pierce master bedroom, photo by Laura Resen, courtesy Veranda
Pamela Pierce sitting and breakfast room, photo by Laura Resen, courtesy Veranda

I am so crazy about this kitchen with the steel windows and distressed wooden beams and the metal island and the ox’s head above the window. Like all of Pierce’s rooms, it has a tactile, almost soulful quality, as every element has not only a function but an essential quality that unites it with the rest, uncannily creating a total so much greater than the sum of its parts.

Pamela Pierce kitchen, photo by Laura Resen, courtesy Veranda

Pam is as lovely as her decorating, but let me tell you she did not want me to quote her in slang. I thought Lord I hope she doesn’t read my blog because I will flat sling in some slang. But maybe she doesn’t mind if other people use slang, just not her. Not that she did. Or does. She is just not the slang-y type. If she edits her magazine anywhere near as well as she edits herself and her drop-dead gorgeous designs, Milieu will be a huge success. Brava, Pamela Pierce. We will all be cheering for you and Milieu.

13 comments

  1. I am so excited about her latest venture. I poured over ever image of Pam’s GORGEOUS home in the March-April Veranda (of course, along with every word you wrote). It is stunningly beautiful, and I just know her magazine will be a great success. Count me in as a new subscriber – can’t wait to receive my first issue!

  2. Her uber talented daughter Shannon Bowers lives across the street from me in Dallas and she just did a bang up job redoing a1920s house…a house where I used to babysit in about 1970 because Molly and I grew up down the street…it’s SUCH a small world…even in Texas!

  3. Just received my copy in the mail today. Delightful!! Lots of wide ranging ideas very well edited. A wonderful new resource. Nina

  4. I recently saw the first issue of Milieu – it is fantastic. My friend’s apartment in Sausalito is featured in the December “white” issue – Connie Buckner. It’s going to be beautiful, too. And a treat for those of us who surround ourselves with massive color – we can enjoy those who are able to edit color, too!

    1. Thank you, Blair, how great to hear from you. I can’t wait to see the issue – mine hasn’t arrived yet! Look forward to seeing your friend’s apt as well. Miss you. Are you painting? xox F

  5. Thank you so much for your kind mention of A Flippen Life and thank you for the Veranda piece about Pamela Pierce’s home. I was born and raised in Houston, so I am especially pleased that a Houston designer is so well-loved. Best wishes for the new year!

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