Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Skelton and Nelta Culver.
Sharon and Nelta had been longtime acquaintances. Sharing similar tastes in decorative arts and design, the two forged a friendship and—in May 2017—finally decided to merge their businesses to become Skelton-Culver.
Sharon has been inspiring the décor of fine homes in Houston and beyond since 1986. She entered the world of fine antiques and design during the height of Houston’s worst economic crisis – amid skepticism and doubt from friends and family.
Unwavering to her commitment, she knew there would always be a market for timeless elegance and beauty. She was proven right, thriving despite challenging conditions, and her Skelton-St. John Antiques and Interiors has since been one of the most consistent members of Houston’s antique and design community.
Nelta started her interior design career in 1981, working for several Houston architectural firms over the course of the next 14 years. Her concern for the overall integrity of her design projects led her to exhaustive searches to find just the right complements- architectural, furnishings and lighting. Over time not only did she develop an expertise but a passion for hunting down these treasures, especially furniture and whimsical objects. In 1995, she partnered with Babs Watkins, who is affectionately remembered as “the grande dame of Houston designers.” Their business evolved into Watkins-Culver and remained a fixture on Bissonnet Street, where the newly merged Skelton-Culver now stands.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We enjoy a strong and loyal client base, most of whom are in the building, architecture and design professions, and many of whom are now good friends. Their support enabled us to remain successful throughout the years despite recessions.
Please tell us about Skelton-Culver.
We are direct importers of fine antiques, lighting and accessories, concentrating on France, Italy and Sweden.
A common theme in our showroom is straight lines – furnishings with straight lines can mix with everything, including contemporary interiors. To break up the seriousness of the straight lines, we interject a touch of whimsy with items such as over-the-top, but tasteful, mirrors, folk art and unusual accessories. We also offer original art, architectural elements and garden pieces, as well as custom furniture and upholstered and slip-covered chairs.
We each feel fortunate that we’ve had some great mentors early on in our careers. Their guidance, along with our hard work and some good luck, enables us to discover the great pieces for which we are known.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Sharon: Some of my fondest childhood memories are of climbing huge trees in my neighborhood, and when I wasn’t climbing trees I occupied myself with the arts: ballet, piano and choir.
Nelta: Spending time at the lake with my family and water skiing.
Contact Info:
- Address: Skelton-Culver
2308 Bissonnet
Houston, TX 77005 - Website: http://skeltonculver.com
- Phone: (713) 529-0597
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skeltonculver/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skeltonculver/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/skelton-culver-antiques-and-interiors-houston
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/skeltonculver/
Image Credit:
Bobby Diba
Michelle Carter
Fran Brennan
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
