From time to time, MAI’s dealers gain national attention in magazines we love to read, and Southern Living‘s April 2011 issue is an example of just that. Turn to the article “Calm & Collected,” and you’ll notice a lovely trumeau painted by our own Pruitt-Littleton Decorative Artists. This is not the first time their work has been seen nationally. A sofa they painted was featured on the cover of the May 2010 issue of Veranda magazine.
MAI dealers Merri Pruitt and Jimmy Littleton have been working with decorative painting for 25+ years, first in New Orleans and now in Houston. While living in New Orleans, they worked primarily in the Garden District alongside top decorators and designers. Working with them in New Orleans’ mansions, restaurants, and hotels, they came to appreciate how antiques and painted finishes should be approached. Katrina interrupted their business, though, and Merri and Jimmy relocated to Houston’s Heights.
Today they live and work in the Heights in a bungalow and a 1,200 square foot studio. Many well-known Houston antique dealers and decorators know them as a source for painted floors, stenciling, and — their favorite — painted furniture. Their business is always growing. Pruitt-Littleton recently found a local furniture maker to make mirrors, tables, and bath vanities for them. MAI’s customers can find Jimmy and Merri’s wonderful creations at the store. Their inventory sells and is always changing. Looking at these pictures, anyone can see why.
