Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1094653
browns, oranges, pinks, purples, and apple greens, still vibrant after almost a century. "We all gasped when we saw it," Ledbetter says. A vintage Florence Knoll table, Warren Platner chairs, and rare Paul Evans bar cabinet all contribute to the sleek Halston feel. Art stands out in this streamlined setting, and much of it was purchased specifically for the house. The living room's four large nest paintings were commissioned from North Carolina artist Mitchell Lonas to hang above the 30-foot-long sofa. Connally discovered James Drake's dazzling Red Chandelier painting at Moody Gallery. At first, the client was concerned that the red was too bright for the living room's subtle palette, Ledbetter recalls. "I said, 'No, it's going to be killer. Let's just try it. We put it up for his birthday party, and so many people liked it, we left it." Red Chandelier also had an unintended effect. "It didn't make sense to hang a real chandelier in that room with all those trusses," Ledbetter explains, "So when I saw it I said, 'Oh my god, this is our missing chandelier!'" Last year, Ledbetter returned to Houston to photograph Connally's house for his book. It was a road trip that included photographer Pieter Estersohn and the book's editor, Mayer Rus, who is also the West Coast editor of Architectural Digest. "We were all on the same wavelength. It ended up being pure delight," says Ledbetter, who has yet another reason to be spending more time in town: Connally has purchased the lot next door and hired Ledbetter to design a large wing for the house that will include a master bedroom suite and double-height library. "I love working in Houston, and it looks like I'll be spending a lot more time there," Ledbetter says. Ledbetter connected the entry hall to the adjacent living room with two large openings flanking a custom display case for John B. Connally's collection of antique lead soldiers. Machine Age cast-iron pedestal from Horseman Antiques, Brooklyn. Custom David Hicks rug. Connally's collection of antique lead soldiers from war campaigns around the world. 68 (continued)