The blogging and design world lost an icon and friend two weeks ago. When the internet was just burgeoning as a space for creatives to spread their wings, Joni’s iconic blog Cote de Texas became a guidepost for design enthusiasts. Her incredibly researched posts and attention to detail were in a class by themselves. She introduced us to the “Houston look” that embraced seagrass, slipcovers, french antiques ,linen and neutral walls. When she researched a topic there was not a stone left unturned. She had a knack for dissecting the trends and getting to the “meat” of a topic with wit and wisdom. Mary Ann (Classic Casual Home) and I met through Joni. I remember at our first meeting many years ago, Mary Ann commented “I think Joni would be happy we have met”. Sadly, neither Mary Ann nor I ever met Joni in person. Both of us remember many late night texts filled with her trademark humor and wit. Joni and I were the same age. Her birthday was one month before mine. We have asked some of Joni’s friends and admirers to share a remembrance or humorous tidbit. Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and let’s toast Joni Webb: a designer who inspired a generation of bloggers.
Joni preferred to stay behind the camera so photos of her are few and far between.
Years ago Joni graciously wrote about our former lakehouse and home here on her blog. I had just started blogging and her post sent me an army of new readers. About once a year I will hear from one of her readers asking about the skirt I wore to my daughter’s wedding. Readers often delved into her archives.
Occasionally, Mary Ann and I would coax Joni into joining us in one of our collaborative posts. We especially enjoyed her insight in our annual Design Trends posts. Joni once told me she quit doing her annual post of the same theme because she just kept repeating herself. I think of that every year (she’s right).
When Joni downsized to an apartment she kindly agreed to let me feature her charming Houston apartment here on the blog. You can find the post The Collected Look in Joni Webb’s apartment here. When we downsized (before moving to our current home) Joni warned “don’t get rid of all your furniture you can’t ask for it back even if it is on loan”. I kept my dining room table thanks to Joni.
About a year ago Joni and Ben built a charming home in Galveston. I had planned to feature it on the blog when Joni was ready. You can read about that move in Joni’s post Cote de Cottage here. Joni said in her post “we think we have never been this happy before”.
Joni and Ben began building their home during Covid. Joni commented that she was happy that it was a slow process. She had more time to stew about the details and what she might change. In the end, her home had her signature look that so many coveted over the years.
ODE TO JONI-FROM FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND ADMIRERS
Mark Sikes-Designer/Author
I was so saddened to hear about Dear Joni’s passing. Joni made the world more beautiful with her words, her blog, her social media and her detailed stories, all of which inspired and informed. I was personally touched by her stories on my work and my homes. Life is fleeting and we need to to cherish every moment. Her genuine enthusiasm for beauty and DETAILS was infectious.
Pamela Pierce- Designer-Editor Milieu Magazine
Joni was a blogging pioneer with her Cote de Texas, shining a spotlight on Houston area design and recognizing the formidable talent and work within our own local design community. She had an endearing knack for speaking her mind about interior design, while keeping an open forum and embracing all others’ viewpoints. I will be forever grateful for her following and posting my design work over the years, and announcing my new endeavor with MILIEU magazine. She was a joy to know both online and in person.
Lauren Liess-Designer/Author
When I first started blogging 15 years ago, Joni was one of my first friends. A comment or email from Joni meant the world to me and she always took the time to check in on people and write during special times or moments. She was such a supportive friend who gave so many of us the confidence to do things we might not have done.
Joan Wall Ross-former blogger
Joni was the matriarch of interior design blogs. If you ever read my blog, you were there, one way or another, because of Joni. Mere weeks after I started my blog “for the love of the house” in 2008 to document the renovation of the farmhouse for family and friends, the wonderful Brook Giannetti of “Velvet and Linen” blog did a post about my blog. From there Joni saw my blog and a couple of months later I woke up one morning to hundreds of new followers! They had all found me from “Cote de Texas” and I saw that Joni had added me to her favorite blog list. I remember running to tell Dan literally squealing with excitement! I might as well have won an Academy Award! It was such an honor and such a gift to my blog. Joni was always a very generous supporter of mine. It was Joni, who suggested my home to a contributing editor of (discontinued) “Renovation Style”magazine. She was responsible for me being published. What a gift and honor that was! I am forever indebted to Joni and will always remember her kindness to me. Joni was an amazingly talented interior designer, but it was her art of pen- writing about interior design and architecture that was her superpower! Her detective journalistic blog posts were mini novels, with so many layers and observations that even the most trained interior design could miss. Not Joni! She saw and wrote about it all! Interior Design students should be required to read her blog. She researched, poked, and gathered evert morsel of information on any given subject. My personal favorite features are her writings on Grey Gardens, where she tells the home’s story from past to present. I am heartbroken for her husband Ben and only daughter Elisabeth. I will miss you Joni.
Kathy Perdue-former bloggger
J- She had a certain JOIE DE VIVRE
O- Her OPINION and her voice mattered in the design world
N- She was always generous and NICE
I- She was INSPIRING and INSIGHTFUL
Leslie Newsom Rascoe-Design Director-Milieu Magazine
I remember the first day I the heard words “Cote de Texas” and was intrigued. I shared the blog with my mother, Lisa Newsom, founder and editor of Veranda, and we immediately fell in love with the person behind the name, the delightful Joni! Her enthusiasm, brilliance, honesty, humor (that biting wit!), but most of all her warmth, were always present. Her fascinating posts were well-researched—the depth, astounding— infused with a bit of her sassy personality, which was so endearing. She often wrote about Veranda, Wisteria, and MILIEU. We were made to feel like part of her family. She was a champion for our design community and brought people together. I miss Joni. We ALL miss Joni. There was only ONE Joni!
Artie Vanderpool-Artist/Designer-former blogger
I have so many memories of Joni. So many late night phone calls, weeding though obscure Instagram posts looking for the slightest glimpse at an unpublished room view from our latest designer crush, curating her inimitable blog posts. So many calls talking about life, and Joni offering sound wisdom (never advice) on what she was hearing. Sometimes you just need a good friend to repeat back to you what they hear, that was Joni.
Whether it be about life, relationships, design, moving, art, business – Joni never set limits to the mentoring she was there to offer, and I’ll never be able to repay her for all she did for me, knowingly and unknowingly.
Before I became known as Artie the painter, I was Artie the decorator, and before that, Artie the blogger. Joni was instrumental in all of the phases of my creative career. She was my biggest cheerleader, doing posts on Cote de Texas of all my projects, reaching out to her magazine contacts to help me get published, and supporting my art business through a coveted side bar ad on her internationally recognized blog … for free.
Joni was more than my friend. She was my mentor, my sounding board, my Angel investor – and I never got to thank her appropriately.
I’ll never forget the lasting impact she had on my life. She believed in me enough for the both of us, and has forever shaped the way I live. I know the value of living beautifully because of her, I know about design styles, period furniture, the names of fabrics, institutions in design, sourcing fabulous and unique pieces, and the value of an antique because of her. I take extra steps to make thing’s beautiful because of her, and I am thoughtful about the beauty I help to create for others because of her. My own style is informed by Joni’s signature “Houston Look” albeit a bit more drunk Houston grandma, which she and I would laugh about endlessly. I met Joni at 24, impressionable and unaware of my talents, potential, where or what I wanted to be. Over 17-years of friendship, she helped me find that; and curate it into what it is today. In a world where so many people never find the guidance they so desperately need, I’m eternally grateful to my sweet friend, and I’ll miss her selflessness, wisdom, and kindness more than words could ever express.
I couldn’t possibly narrow down 17 years into one favorite memory. What I will say, briefly is this: if you knew Joni – you were among the luckiest of people, and I have no doubt the value of her efforts in Cote de Texas will long be a symbol of the dedication Joni had to all things and people she loved.
Maria Killiam-color expert
Joni’s blog taught many designers about design. There are two posts that she wrote years ago that I send to every person that registers into my workshops. They are that good. Everyone should make Joni’s top ten design elements required reading. We love Joni and she will be dearly missed in this community.
Holly Mathis-designer
Joni was so generous with me as a young designer sharing sources and featuring my work. Even sending clients my way. But more importantly she checked in with me personally after my divorce truly loving and encouraging me through a terribly rough time when I wanted to quit design and frankly life. She was a special person in so many ways. I’m just stunned by her passing. She was a bright light and true talent and the ultimate student of design. No one could break it down and note the details both design and personal like Joni. I think it’s because she got what a lot of designers miss, that it’s not just about the designs and even the beauty, it’s about the people who design and live in these homes we admire. Joni got the human part of interior design. I will remember that about her the most I think.
Linda Merril-designer
Thanks for giving me the chance to talk a little about Joni. When I decided to start a podcast -The Skirted Roundtable – back in 2009 I knew I wasn’t going to “carry” it on my own and it needed a strong personality. My first thought was Joni and I was so right. She was funny but also knowledgeable and she liked to stir the pot sometimes. Joni recommended Megan – and she was so right about that. We had so much fun – gossiping for hours after the recorder was turned off. Sadly, I never met a Joni in person. We were invited to High Point as part of the first bloggers group but Joni wasn’t into group things. She knew who she was and wasn’t interested. Megan and I went but I will always regret missing out on meeting Joni in person.
Serena Crawford-designer
Joni webb … generous generous generous, fearless and always kind . I will miss you madly . How did you suddenly go .. you were here forever … not a word …..but just gone to
leave an empty space that can
never be filled … you covered everything with your intelligence and research .
Joni came Into my life by literally writing the longest blog anyone has ever written about me ever . !!!!The research , the diligence .. I was blown away. I felt like a movie star! I had only a few followers and thanks to her and a few others she helped me create a platform .
I have loved her movie reviews , her analysis of houses . I loved her fearless political commentary..braver than most. Not sure she understood inexplicable Royal protocol or behaviour but everything came from her loving heart. She stood by her heart felt opinions . She was a warm, human magazine, My Vanity Fair.
We all loved her and we all
Will miss her madly.
Loi Thai-Designer
Joni was a pioneer in the blog world and THE rainmaker. When she wrote a post on a project of mine, I gained so many new followers and clients. I’ll always be grateful for her friendship and support.
Joni’s Legacy
Thank you Joni for giving me confidence and support over the years. I will be eternally grateful. My heart goes out to Ben (Mr. Slipper Socks) and Elisabeth. I hope your fond memories give you strength in the days and months ahead.
I hope you enjoyed reading Joni Webb: A Designer who Inspired a Generation of Bloggers. Please share any remembrance you have of Joni in the comment section, and you can comment on her tribute wall here as well. I know a few of you wanted to share your thoughts but were unable to get back to me in time. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of reading Joni’s blog Cote de Texas, you might enjoy digging into the archives. You can follow her Instagram account here. Thanks Joni for the memories you are dearly missed.
Mary Ann is sharing remembrances from many more of Joni’s colleagues and friends on her blog.
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
Folks, Many of you know me as Mr. Slippersocks Man. I want to thank you all for the incredible words about my shy, Joni. It is still hard for me to get through each day without her. Joni was my soulmate, my best friend, and the love of my life. When Joni touched me, it was like an electrical charge. I have never felt that way with any other person. Even though we had 35 glorious years, I feel robbed. I know eventually that I will be able to understand all of this, but right now it is incredibly hard to get through each night without her next to me. I only wish that Joni had been able to see all of this love and admiration for her efforts. I am also grateful that all of you were a part of Joni’s life. She was one of a kind. I am so proud of her. There is a lot of Joni in our daughter, Elisabeth. She is also a wonder to me. As hard as this has been, I am grateful that Joni and I had one incredible year of happiness here near the beach. I am not a writer, like Joni. But I wish you all the best with your own adventures. Right now, it’s one day at a time for me. I just can’t believe Jojo is gone. We thought we had more time. Take care.
Sending you so much love Ben. Nothing else necessary to say here, but how incredibly wonderful that you’ve gotten to hear about Joni’s impact on so many.
Hi Ben
I planned to feature your Galveston home. Joni was going to let me know when she was ready. We often texted late at night. I am so sorry we never met in person. I am hoping she hears all of the wonderful comments from above. I know Mark Sikes was one of her idols. I hope she could hear his kind words. My heart goes out to you and Elizabeth. She is missed by so many.
Cindy,
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to Joni. She was certainly an icon in the blogging and design world. Being one of the first blogs I followed, I was madly in love with everything she did and wanted my house to look just like hers. Joni was truly amazing and has inspired us all with her blogging words and wonderful photographs.
I still can not believe she is gone. I am just so sad. Such a loss. I keep wondering what she was working on for her next great post. She left us all way too soon. She was a Rock Star! Like you have stated I hope she is reading all these comments and feeling the love we all had for her. Heartbroken for Ben and Elisabeth… .
xoJoan
Hi Joan
I was wondering that same thing. I bet Elisabeth will delve into that once she is able to mourn a bit. I feel so bad for Ben and Elisabeth. I know she loved them with all her heart.
Cindy,
I’m so happy you posted this lovely tribute to Joni. I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for her, even though I never met her. The blog world is like that. The stars shine and send their warmth and kindness to all of us through their words.
I was so sad to hear of Joni passing, especially since she and Slipper Socks were truly happy in their new home.
xo,
Karen B.
I’m shocked to learn of Joni’s passing. I’m feeling a real emptiness for someone I never met but thought of as a friend. I appreciated the deep research that she did on so many design subjects and how she would dig a little deeper to get the whole story about the house, the designer and people who lived there over the years. It was reassuring to know that there are others as interested in these stories as I am. She could write about a mansion complete with her critique on one day and show use the patio chairs she bought at World Market the next. One of my favorite posts showed he daughter’s bedroom and her closet and shoe collection.
.
Hi Donna
Joni researched a topic like no one else could. I had those chairs in my lakehouse thanks to Joni. She was the best.
I’m still STUNNED BY THE NEWS!
Her blogs were long snd DETAILED.
Her comment section was even longer!
The conversations that took place there were FASCINATING!
She will be MISSED.
Hi Elizabeth
Everything you said is right on point. Joni was in a class by herself in the blogging world.
So heartbreaking. Too many people are dying suddenly these past couple of years. She will be missed grievously.
Hi Cara
She certainly will.
Just as I commented to Mary Anne, Jonis blog was the very first blog I read- which introduced me to yo9urs and others. She had a beautiful style, that was so relatable, and really influenced me over the years. I loved her podcast as well. I had missed your lake house story, so what a treat to go back and read it. The wedding is beautiful ( no surprise at all) and of course your lake house shows your great style! Joni is gone way too soon. Such a lesson to savor every second.
Hi Martha
I was introduced to seagrass thanks to Joni. I cannot wait to tear out the white carpet we have here and replace it with seagrass.
OMG – this is such a shock!!! I LOVED her blog and read it all the time. She was smart, kind, intuitive, and I especially loved her detailed historical perspective on interesting houses and interior designs. God bless her!!
Hi Gee
Joni could dig into a topic like no one else. I cannot believe she is gone.
Hi Cindy – thank you so much for inviting me to contribute to your beautiful post on everyone ‘s favorite design blogger. Boy – should would be shocked at the outpouring of love and sadness. But the rest of us knew what did did not. She was the absolute best.
Hi Linda
I hope Joni is reading…
Cindy and Mary Ann, This is a beautiful tribute!! I think of Joni often as the reality sinks in. The other day I was walking down La Jolla Blvd towards Bird Rock and came across a SUV parked on rush matting with braided edging!! The homeowner had put it over their pea gravel- I assume to further keep out weeds. It weirdly looked good and wished I could have sent Joni a picture of it. She would’ve had a great laugh from that.
My heart goes out to Ben and Elisabeth for their loss. Grief is so hard and I wish them peace and solace. xo Michele (My Notting Hill)
Hi Michele
Thank you so much for your kind words. I knew there would be a few that I would forget. I know she would love hearing from you.
Thank you Cindy for a wonderful tribute to Joni Webb. I did not know she did one of her in depth blog posts on both of your homes, in our area and Paso Robles and I went back to the post to review. What a wonderful tribute to your talents! While I never met Joni in person, I felt that I knew her as I am sure so many of her readers did as well. She will be missed and my heart goes out to her daughter Elisabeth and her husband Ben.
Hi Sharon
We all felt we knew her didn’t we? That was who she was…
Dear Cindy,
“Like a sister” kept coming to mind as I lingered over the tributes to Joni. Thank you to all who honored her life by sharing personal heartfelt memories.
As you traverse your mountain of grief, may your tribute consol you deeply.
Hugs,
Diney on Mercer Island
Hi Diney
Thank you for your lovely words.
Cindy, I love that you and Mary Ann have created these lovely tributes to Joni. I’ve loved her blog, and humor, but reading the tributes in your posts made me realize what truly unique and wonderful person she was … what a loss. Whatever I had planned for today is canceled so I can deep dive in to her archives. And I’ve already devoured the post she did on your lake house and daughter’s wedding. So lovely. I’m sorry for your loss, Cindy. And everyone’s loss of this amazing icon. xo
Hi Juliet
Joni was so loved wasn’t she?
Such a lovely tribute, Cindy. And so many familiar names. Joni was the first, best and favorite of all of those whose blogs I found through hers. Including yours 😊
Hi Tracy
I am so grateful to Joni for nudging me along. She was such a cheerleader for so many.
You and Mary Ann are so nice…and thoughtful. I am sure her family appreciates how loved she was in the blogging community! So tragic.
Hi Sherry
Joni and I were the same age. It is such a tragedy.
Thank you for your wonderful post about Joni. . Everything that has been said about her was so true. A wonderful wife, Mother, designer, friend and just so much fun and great character. She was a truly talented writer and researcher as well as designer.
We will all miss her so very much.
Hi Suzanne
I am glad you mentioned Joni being a character…she was a total character, which was a big part of her charm.
We moved from Houston to Vail 28 years ago Joni’s blog helped me with my homesickness. My sister called from Italy when she saw the news of her passing. She was like a girlfriend to both of us. She was loved.s
Hi Kathleen
She had that power of being everyone’s friend…
Cindy, I remember I found your blog thanks to Joni. (I had to laugh about your reference to the skirt you wore at your daughter’s wedding, and to this day, still love the look of the white shirt and skirt…fabulous!) I will miss Joni’s posts, but look forward to Elizabeth’s continuing Cote de Texas, and honoring her mother. I hope she will one day write the book she mentioned, and I for one, will be first in line to purchase. I want to thank you and Mary Ann for putting these two posts together, so everyone can share their memories and heartfelt condolences.
Hi Cheryl
I will forever think of Joni when I get the annual request about that shirt and skirt. Joni made it “infamous”. She was so much fun.
What a lovely tribute to Joni. I never read her blog and now I am sad that I won’t be able to read any of her future posts. She was so young and bright – a reminder of how quick life goes.
The post about your amazing Salinas home (was it in Los Laureles canyon?) and your daughter’s wedding is amazing. What a magical home to have your daughter and her husband begin the marriage in – so so beautiful.
Thank you for sharing Joni- she touched many.
Hi Dianne
We lived in Chualar Canyon just south of Salinas. Her daughter wants to continue the blog. I hope she does. There is so much material there, and it is timeless…
Wow I recognize many of these friends who have written about Joni. Not sure how I’ve crossed them and who “introduced” me to who, but Joni stands out as someone whose blog I wanted to grab a cup of coffee and definitely be at my computer to enjoy the pictures and stories. It’s wonderful how you’ve all inspired and influenced each other. Joni seemed to be near the best of the best. Thanks for sharing this Cindy.
I have to add…a standout blog memory is Joni’s personal tale of downsizing from her family beloved home to an apartment. At the time, I was on the fence about downsizing myself. I recall now I was definitely influenced by Joni. I began the process to sell my home and build a smaller one story home in August 2019. It has been a wonderful change. I believe her blog on the subject was written in March 2019. I can only imagine how many other learned from her experience and willingness to share so openly. Thanks Joni and Ben!
Hi Carol
I think of her every time I look at my dining room table. Joni told me…don’t give everything away until you are sure you are going to stay, you can’t ask for it back even if they say you can!
Hi Carol
She truly was.
I love reading all these tributes from our design blogging community. Such a lovely post about the impact she had on all of us. She would be proud! What a legacy!
Hi Carla
I hope she is enjoying this from above…
What lovely tributes.
I enjoyed Joni’s blog and will miss her Oscar dresses critique.
I learned all about the interior design in The Whitehouse thanks to Joni’s blog because living in the UK, I didn’t have a clue.
May she rest in peace.
Hi Jocasta
Ahhh the oscar dresses…yes…she had such an eye for all things fashion and design…
Cindy—what a beautiful tribute about an amazing person that was an inspiration to so many!! I had a feeling it was Joni that brought you and Mary Ann together! What a loss. I wondered if you had met in person, it still feels like you “knew” her…Some people are like that, and Joni was one of them!
Xx
Hi Annie
She certainly was an inspiration…and you are right…
A beautiful tribute to the AMAZING Joni. I found Joni like many in the old days of blogging when there were no ads, affiliates, etc. It was a little(big) community of like minded people who loved to share their love of art, design, people.
Joni was incredibly knowledgable and her posts were a lesson in whatever topic she happened to be writing about that day.
She was witty, offered opinions, never followed trends, a one of a kind designer, mom and friend. And she was truthful. Joni never varnished over the truth of life, she shared good times and difficult times and that is what made her all the more enduring to many.
Although I never met her in person I enjoyed her blog and exchanged emails over the years. Always helpful and kind.
Joni touched many with her blog, and while many were lucky enough to know her in person many more of us were lucky to be part of her blog friends.
Thank you for sharing so many beautiful tributes to Joni.
Have a wonderful day Cindy.
Hi Elizabeth
She was a teacher wasn’t she? When you look at her beautiful home, how it is still relevant. She certainly makes a case for not following too many trends in your home. Thank you for your kind words Eliz.
Well, I needed a nice cry, Cindy, and this did it. I don’t think the reality of Joni’s passing has really sunk in.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, Mary Ann. And, thank you for this tribute to Joni, Cindy. I’m in shock and disbelief. I’ve been reading Joni’s blog since she first began eons ago. I eagerly anticipated each new post over the years, savoring them. Years ago, I printed out the picture of her “library” in her old Houston home – you know, the room with the built in bookshelves, library ladder, darling table with 2 checked slipcovered bergere chairs on the seagrass rug, the lovely window seat. I still use that pic for inspiration. So very classic; so very tasteful; so very Joni; so horribly missed. Karen @figcottagelife
Hi Karen
I am glad you reminded us about her beautiful library. It was so lovely. In researching this post, I revisited her Houston home, apartment and now her lovely Galveston home. She had such a flair for traditional design with a “french twist”.
I am just now getting to these comments for that very reason Mary Ann.