Although I spend more time than I’d like behind a desk, I take any chance I can to walk the floor, and I love that it grants me the opportunity to get to know some of the familiar faces that pop by the shop. Barb Cantrell (Barbara Ruth, Barbara, Auntie Babs — she goes by many names!) is one such customer-turned-friend. When she offered, I jumped at the opportunity to tour her home, and she was kind enough to allow me to bring you along for the journey!
Barb and John Cantrell, alongside Nell Hill’s designer, Anne, have carefully curated a home full of French influences coupled with New Traditional flair. They’ve been working together for several years now, since Barb and John made the move from sunny Texas to settle at their beautiful estate in Prairie Village, Kansas. Anne would have me remind you that this transformation didn’t happen overnight! It’s the product of a lifetime of collecting and treasuring pieces, leaning into the couple’s style, and slowly building the design.
The Entryway
The Cantrell residence opens up to a grand entryway that, like the rest of the house, is home to a combination of French antiques and New Traditional statement pieces.
