Leanne Ford and Grace Mitchell—aka the Rough Housers—are best friends first and interior design collaborators second, with plenty more in between: vintage lovers, product designers, change-makers and moms.
The two met in 2018 while working on their own HGTV shows through a shared production company and quickly became close friends, comparing notes on the joys (and occasional chaos) of working in television and interior design. Now HGTV alumnae, they’ve each built distinctive voices of their own while continuing to collaborate on projects that reflect their shared belief that homes should feel soulful, personal, and lived-in.
At first glance, their styles may seem worlds apart—Grace’s bold use of color and playful spirit alongside Leanne’s tonal palettes and modern, collected approach. But their mutual love of vintage pieces and architectural salvage creates a natural overlap that defines their work together. Through their ongoing collaboration in Round Top, Texas, and beyond, the Rough Housers continue to create spaces that feel intuitive, welcoming, and deeply human.
The Round Top Antiques Fair takes place each spring, fall, and winter in Round Top, Texas, a small town halfway between Austin and Houston (about a 90 min drive from each airport). The next fair dates are October 25-31, 2026 and January 21-23, 2027.
When did you start going to Round Top, what did you fall for, and how has it changed over the years?
Leanne: I came for the vintage and stayed for the feeling. I’ve been coming to Round Top for over a decade now, and the first time I visited I remember thinking, oh this is different. It didn’t feel like a market. It felt like a creative playground. Things were dusty and beautiful and surprising. It reminded me of why I started loving old pieces in the first place. I mean the Marburger Farm Antique Show alone is basically a big party in a field of treasures.
Grace: I first visited in college purely because I have always loved the hunt! I still find that Round Top has something for every budget. You never know what you are going to see or find; it’s thrilling! And while a lot of the design world knows Round Top for the shows, we really fell in love with it for the town itself. It’s such a quaint, beautiful country place with rolling green fields, wide open landscapes, and classic country roads. All the goodness that comes with country living. It’s almost like a music festival for vintage lovers, but with this slower rhythm underneath it.
Over the years, it’s grown… there are more people and energy now, but somehow it still keeps that magic. It still feels like discovery. Now there are more options than ever. You can get carried away with all the newer polished things, or you can focus on true vintage. And one big plus of it growing and becoming more on people’s radar is that there are more food options these days. Really good ones too!
What kind of antiques/design would you say it’s best for—what distinguishes it from other fairs, like Brimfield?
Grace: Round Top is really a choose-your-own-adventure experience. It truly has something for everyone! In one place, you have incredibly high-end dealers who built beautiful permanent showrooms and are masters of their craft, bringing in vintage from all over the world. There’s a lot of mid-century modern items, French renaissance pieces, the list goes on and on; honestly, you can find things that span every style and period. And as someone who shops a lot of these shows, all over the country, I truly believe Round Top is where design happens. You can see what’s new, what’s next here before anyone else does.
Leanne: And then just down the road you’ll find fields and fields that feel more like a treasure hunt. Less curated. More yard-sale energy in the best way. That contrast is part of what makes it so fun. You can move between refined and totally unexpected in the same afternoon. Round Top is truly for creative people. We love it for the mid-century modern pieces, but we also love it for the traditional European imports and especially the salvage materials you find there. Old windows, old tubs, old hardware. That’s the kind of stuff that really makes our hearts beat a little faster.
Grace: It also runs for about two weeks, which gives you time to settle into it in a different way than a shorter fair. And beyond vintage you’ll find clothing, art, and objects of all kinds. It’s not just shopping. It’s the whole experience.
Leanne: And it’s a place you can visit all year round too. You can really make a trip out of it. It’s great for a girls’ weekend, but also just as special if you want a slower country escape and time to explore the area.
Grace: The off season is our favorite time to be in Round Top! There’s still some great shopping, the restaurants are delicious and there’s no wait, and it’s the perfect peaceful hang. Whether you’re designing a house, hunting for one special piece, or just wandering and gathering inspiration, there’s truly something for everyone there.
For a first-timer who may feel overwhelmed by the show, what is the best game plan for navigating it? How many days do you advise giving it?
Grace: We always tell people to give themselves at least three to four days if they can. Round Top is big, and part of the magic is having time to wander and discover things without rushing. You can definitely have a list of what you’re looking for, but I find when I do that, I don’t seem to find any of the items. I tend to do better with an open heart and an open mind, buying what I love. And if you’re a frequent flyer at antique fairs, you know that if you have never seen it before, you’ll never see it again. Keep your Round Top list of regrets as short as possible!
Leanne: Dress comfortably, wear a hat, stay hydrated, and make dinner reservations ahead of time. It’s a small town with a huge influx of people, so things fill up quickly. It can be a lot of walking and a lot of stimulation (the fun, pretty kind), so it’s nice to build in breaks. Stop and get a margarita, enjoy the Texas sun, and give yourself time to take it all in instead of trying to see everything at once.
Any vendors/stalls/local characters we should be sure to stop by?
Absolutely. Here’s our list:
Jardin De France – It’s what Parisian estate dreams are made of! Make sure to let Patrice and Gloria know we sent you!
LooLoo Design – Your one-stop shop for vintage bathtubs, bath fixtures, bath accessories and more! Jill and Web Wilson are exactly the kind of people that make Round Top what it is, they are a wealth of knowledge and are without a doubt a must see.
Amelia Tarbet – One of the best collections of modern art, lamps, furniture and vessels! While everything is fresh and modern it all still has a certain warmth to it. Every time we walk in here our wheels immediately start turning.
The Halles – Your one stop shop for dining, shopping and entertainment!
The M – From lighting to decor to furniture this spot is always a visual delight and so inspiring!
Marburger Farm – This has been quite the scene in Round Top for years now. Basically a big party in a field of treasures!
Cyril Clerc – Midcentury modern through a European lens—say no more!
Knock on Wood Antiques – Vessels, lighting, leather sofas, you name it.
Jersey Junker – Another must see. We both have been sourcing from Mark for YEARS.
Leftovers Antiques – An incredible source for more traditional pieces that are ready to live a new life in a modern home! This is where we sourced all of the sconces in our ‘Round the Round Project!
Architectural Artifacts – Somehow we always manage to find the most amazing oversized pieces from Stu—including the wood table and marble bathtub in our ‘Round the Round Project. Another source for more traditional pieces that live well in modern spaces.
The Modern Exchange at Marburger Farm—fresh, warm, modern goodness!
Bader Ranch – European treasures that will make your heart beat faster.
Prize KC – Really stunning pieces that we have used in both our projects and our own homes.
Tollgate Revival – Vintage Chesterfield sofas and so much more!
Preservation Co. – The best collection of salvaged doors we have ever seen.
Nomad Trading Co. – Love all their industrial lighting.
SVO Antiques – A go-to for whenever we are in need of something with a very modern feel. Think De Sede, Willy Guhl, etc.
Rengi Living – We’ve bought a lot of lighting from them and all of our marble bowls in RTR are from their spot
Recycling the Past – Treasures, treasures and more treasures!
Antiques and Vintage – Another great spot for salvaged doors! We got the double doors that open up to the bathtub at our ‘Round The Round Project here and just love’ em!
Cisco Village – Incredible Oaxacan ceramics, slipcovered sofas, and the dreamiest, most relaxed pillow selection
East End Salvage – 19th-century cabinets in their original paint, farm tables ready for another hundred years of dinners, and salvaged architectural pieces that bring instant history to a space.
How to deal with one’s haul: do most vendors ship?
Yes, don’t forget about shipping! At Round Top, vendors don’t handle shipping for you, so you’ll want to connect with a shipper when you arrive, or better yet before you go.
Just ask around for recommendations. Vendors can always point you toward their favorites to work with. Our go-to lately is Sweet P’s Transport. Nick P and his team have been nothing but a pleasure to work with. You can reach them at 630.366.9130 or sweetplogistic@gmail.com. As always, don’t forget to tell them we sent you!
Can you share a few of your favorite places to eat?
LuLu’s – Feels silly to admit it, but it’s become a daily meal for us when we are there—breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Royer’s Cafe – Yes—the pie is worth the hype! Grab a slice or heck, get the whole darn pie!
Boon and Co. – We like to come here and share all sorts of plates with one another. Make sure you don’t pass on dessert, the brookie with vanilla ice cream is Leanne’s favorite!
La Petite Dame – Truly wonderful people and an even prettier space! Order a cocktail or glass of wine at the bar, snag a bistro table with your friends and then sit back and enjoy your evening surrounded by beautiful Parisian treasures. (Only open during the show.)
Mill Street Cafe – To grab your morning coffee or tea!
Ellis Motel – Great cocktails on the porch… need we say more?!
Bader Ranch – An amazing spot for great finds as well as food and cocktails. (Only open during the show)
Prost – The best wine and pizza in town! Make sure to grab a seat around the fire and get to know the yokels!
Lady Elaine – Incredible tacos and margaritas, and FROSE all day. Chances are, you will find us here at sunset. (Only open during the show)
Tell us about the properties you bought there together, Round the Round One + Round the Round Two: what made you decide to own and what was/is your vision for it?
Leanne: The story goes that we came to Round Top to shop for furniture and left with a house during one show. That’s honestly how ‘Round the Round began.
Grace: Leanne and I have been hunting Round top together for years now. Owning a property there was a dream, and it came true! It has been a joy, and for me personally, an opportunity to fall in love with creating again. We’ve both been in the design world on our own for many moons, so having someone as artistic as Leanne, who is also a best bud, has felt very inspirational. We don’t really have to talk each other into “our wild ideas,” we throw them out, and the other loves it. It’s the best!
Leanne: ‘Round the Round became our creative playground, rooted in friendship and the joy of making things together. It’s where we get to be artists first and designers second, working with old pieces we love and using materials in unexpected ways. And the fun part is that we get to be each other’s clients. We’re both very “yes-and” people, so instead of having to convince a client to take a risk, we’re usually saying, yes… and what if we tried this too? It keeps the whole process open and creative.
We also shop first and figure things out later. A lot of what we bring home from the fields doesn’t have a plan yet. We store it, live with it, move it around, and somehow it always finds its place. We never do renderings there. It’s completely hands-on and in the moment. It’s not always perfect, but it always turns into something special.
Grace: More than anything, we wanted the homes to feel like part of Round Top itself. Collected, welcoming, and always evolving. The kind of place that reflects the spirit of being there. You’re home, you’re free, get ready to dream a little.
Outside of the antiques fair, what is the town of Round Top like? Is it worth a visit?
Grace: There’s actually so much happening in Round Top throughout the year beyond the shows. The town has these amazing Hallmark-style parades for the Fourth of July and Christmas that are such a fun time to visit. We also love going to yoga at the darling library, typically on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Leanne: It’s also the perfect girls’ trip destination. We literally designed ‘Round the Round Two with that adult sleepover energy in mind. It’s great for a Mother’s Day getaway, a writers’ retreat, or just a long weekend with friends.
Grace: It’s also such a special little town to get married in. We’ve even had a few weddings happen at our own house now, which has been so fun and meaningful to be part of.
Leanne: You can come see a concert at Round Top Festival Institute, visit during the Round Top Film Festival, or honestly just come for a quiet weekend in the country. That’s part of what makes Round Top special. It works whether you’re planning something or not planning anything at all.
Any favorite excursions in the area?
Grace: If I’m going to leave Round Top proper while I’m there, I love to go to Leftovers Antiques in Brenham! I also especially love walking the grounds at Festival Hill, a great way to clear the mind!
Leanne: Round top has the most beautiful theater. We dream of starting a folk fest there some day!
Grace: Honestly we also love just hanging out around Henkel Square. My kids especially love the communal bocce ball court there. It’s such an easy place to spend an afternoon. The gardens and grounds around Festival Hill are also really great to explore.
Leanne: The local cheese shop is amazing and has frosé all day, which never hurts. We also love grabbing a bottle of wine from the local wine shop and having a candlelit porch hang at one of our houses. That’s truly one of our favorite things to do in Round Top.
Grace: And of course, you can’t leave without getting pie from Royers Round Top Cafe.
Leanne: My favorite is Texas Trash.
Grace: Mine is apple or lemon blueberry.
Favorite places for visitors to stay (besides renting your house!)?
Grace: Our houses are of course our number one go-to, but before we had them, we always stayed at The Wander Inn. Those ladies know how to have a good time.
Leanne: If you happen to be there while they’re hosting Prom, do yourself a favor and grab tickets as soon as you can. And yes, you’ll want to get all dressed up. People really go all out for it.
Grace: Hostie is also a great resource. They manage some amazing local properties, including ours, and are a great place to start when you’re planning a stay in Round Top.
What have been your favorite, most unique scores there over the years?
Grace: The sink in my kitchen pantry! It’s an original Jacob Delafon (founder of Kohler), and it’s the most amazing sink I have ever seen. I purchased it at the Blue Hills show from Leftover Antiques. You can see it in my book, Storied Style, which tells you the whole story of my house built from the ground-up using mostly old beautiful things, and old things I made beautiful.
Leanne: My favorite score of the marble bath tub in our first house! A treasure I would never have splurged on solo!
And the one that got away?
Grace: Ugh, I definitely have a list of Round Top regrets, but my biggest one was a four-wall haberdashery that would have made the most incredible closet of all time. It didn’t sell during the show, and the owner made me a great deal, but I could not justify it at the time. Leanne: The one that got away? Oh—well, that’s our gorgeous glass cabinet in our kitchen at ‘Round The Round One—so you guessed it… we got that one back… ;). We were so sad it sold to someone else that Grace tracked the new buyers down and offered them a profit to sell it to us!
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