LUXE NOVEMBER 2011 MAGAZINE

Products by Tara Shaw Antiques, Tara Shaw Maison Collection
Architecture by Bobby McAlpine & Greg Tankerstay
Produced by Luxe Magazine

History Repeating – Luxe Magazine / Tara Shaw

Life is never a straight road, but furniture maestro Tara Shaw has learned to love and take advantage of the detours. “In 2005, when I was about to ship two huge containers of antiques back to New Orleans from Italy, Katrina struck; so, instead, we sent them to Houston and set up shop there,” she explains. “The city saved us because we were able to keep working and have a base to do pro bono design work in New Orleans.” But while Katrina brought her to the city, the warm welcome she received is why she never left, opting to expand her business along the Gulf Coast. Luckily, Maison—the line of exquisitely crafted reproductions she started in 2008 when she became worried that the supply of European antiques was dwindling—is a big hit in both towns, despite their different needs. “Homes are larger in Houston,” she gushes, “so everything has to be done on a grander scale!” Maison—the line of exquisitely crafted reproductions she started in 2008 is a big hit in both New Orleans and Houston, despite their different needs.