Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/98152
STATS: Matt, 26. YOUR HOME: ARCHITECT/AGE/ NEIGHBORHOOD. I live, literally, above the store (at Taft and Fairview) which was built in the 20s. Inside, it���s an Arts and Crafts-styled loft space. PERSONAL DECORATING STYLE. Modern with organic elements. DESIGNER/ARCHITECT. Chris Nguyen, interior designer and store patron. REMODELING TALES. I did it by myself ��� lots of blood, sweat and tears. It was a two-year process. DESIGN INSPIRATIONS. Charles and Ray Eames��� home [Paci���c Palisades, California]. TOP TREASURE OR CURATED COLLECTIONS. Ben Culwell painting, from around 1956. WISH LIST/NEXT ACQUISITION. Papa Bear chair designed by Hans Wegner. AN EVENING AT HOME. A party on the roof at night, with close friends and cocktails. BARRISTER TO ANTIQUARIAN. Actually, I never thought I would take over the business. I literally grew up here, but I never felt a connection to antiques. I initially wanted to practice law. But I felt that studying law was a longer road than I wanted to take, so I transferred to University of Houston and enrolled in the Bauer School of Business, and received a degree in entrepreneurship and marketing. HOW YOU TURNED REEVES ANTIQUES ON ITS HEAD. Transitioning from antiques, which we had dealt in for 30 years, was a huge decision and something we didn���t take lightly. It was scary, honestly. We literally took 10,000 square feet of antiques, put huge markdowns on them and sold everything in less than one month. With the proceeds, we began to build up stock in mid-century modern pieces, and we���ve grown from there. The work we carry now is similar to what we once stocked, in that we remain focused on American-made pieces. We source furniture that is of the highest quality, with solid construction and a history behind it. AMERICAN MADE AND LOCALLY SOURCED. We don���t shop Europe; we don���t buy out of state. We have an amazing group of people that sell to us in Houston, which means we always have new work that we turn quickly. ON WHY YOU���RE LOVING TAFT AND FAIRVIEW. When I grew up here, you felt uneasy if you went out after dark. But there has been such a huge change, especially in the last three years. It���s quite lively at night and easy to walk around. Cuchara (the restaurant pro���led in the October issue of PaperCity) is across the street. Boheme and Pinot���s Palette have really changed the culture of the neighborhood. It���s a great place to be and I���m happy I live here. MATT REEVES SECOND-GENERATION OWNER, REEVES ANTIQUES Opened by Paul Reeves in 1969, Reeves Antiques began as a space for clothing and home goods, but by the mid���80s, it was a treasure trove of antiques and a go-to source for collectors and designers. Now headed by his son Matt Reeves, who led a transition from antiques to mid-century furnishings, the store features works from Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Eero Saarinen and others. The acquisition of Cool Stuff, located in the heart of the Westheimer corridor, has only furthered growth of the long-time Houston institution. ���REMODELING TALES? I DID IT BY MYSELF. LOTS OF BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS. TWO-YEAR PROCESS.��� Clockwise from top left: Matt Reeves, seated in Modernica Case Study Low Rod armchair. In the den, an all original Eames for Herman Miller RAR rocking chair, 1954. Classic George Nelson 4755 Ball clock. Paul McCobb credenza. In the of���ce, George Nelson for Herman Miller MMG desk. Opposite, rare George Nelson 5772 Metal Frame armchairs, 1957. In the corner, Saarinen for Knoll Grasshopper chair. Painting by DeForrest Judd. Father and Son, Paul and Matt Reeves. In the main living and sleeping space, Edward Wormley sofa with a pair of rare cane-seat Hans Wegner PP503 chairs. Vintage Saarinen for Knoll Tulip coffee table. George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS shelving system. Painting by Dorothy Hood. Self-designed bed. Above, a painting by John O���Neil. Saarinen for Knoll Tulip tables at the bedside. In the corner, lounge by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 1611-C chair. Painting by Dixon Reeder. Vintage Edward Wormley dresser. Painting by Oris Robertson. In the dining room, vintage Carrara marble Saarinen for Knoll Tulip table. Eames DCM dining chairs, 1952. Painting by Herbert Mears. George Nelson for Herman Miller sideboard. Vintage Herman Miller Bubble lamp.