About (Why) "Style 208"?

A smiling couple in cowboy hats and western attire.

Our Story - love & creativity - WHY "STYLE 208"?

You'll have to come by and meet us, because we love to tell our story. And we're just getting started. Imagine a love-at-first-sight-long-distance romance (spanning 2000 miles and 10 years, if we're counting) inspired by collaborative creativity and big dreams. That's us: Gabriel and Litsa Folse. Our path has been Divinely led right from the get-go, twists, turns and, of course, complete unforeseen detours along the way.

Jump to the "Santa Fe Project" page to get the full story (and lots of photographs) ... suffice it to say, an unexpected spec home dream project in Santa Fe a few years ago paved the way to Style 208. Our design choices led to awards, which inspired us to want to do more. The address of that dream project was 208 Camino del Norte. Hence, STYLE 208 was born.

And now we are exploring our passion for artistic ideas and transformative design, building and reimagining, eager to share our aesthetic: a fusion of romantic, soft southwest and rustic elegant furnishings, home decor, and of course a few little "extras" along the way. We now carry an array of handmade artisanal products from local makers.

So what better way to showcase a collection of treasures, big and small? Why not build our very own 1700 square foot design studio/storefront on our 12 acres here in the heart of the Hill Country? Blessed with curiosity and determination, we did just that. And we got dirty. Now we have a beautiful showroom full of unique finds and our designs.

Even though we are still building, (this time our residence), still growing, (expanding the gardens into a flower farm), and still planning, (a cottage and more infrastructure), after three years of preparation, dedication and hard work, we have opened our doors. Come see Style 208.

Hello, Fredericksburg!

Close-up of a rustic, ornate wooden shelf with decorative metal and ceramic objects.

THe furnishings

From bold, dark and handsome to soft, light and elegant, our selection of thoughtfully curated items will have you delightfully browsing. Large furniture pieces to small decor items, reclaimed wood, glass, and rustic metal, there is something for every nook and cranny. An antique (about to be tossed away) sewing machine table top has now been transformed into a really good looking cigar cabinet; the perfect addition to our version of a "Gentleman's Lair."

We invite you to enjoy a wide variety of wonderful art, boutique clothing & boots, elegant antiques, vintage southwest jewelry, authentic pottery, gift baskets and more. Perhaps an interesting coffee table book or a beautifully handcrafted cowhide pillow? Sometimes a little "refresh" with something that catches your eye is all one needs to add a little "personality" to a space. You'll find rugs and tables, beds and blankets, mirrors and doors, and of course lots of wonderful leather, fringe ... and cowhides galore.

A honeybee collecting nectar from a pink flower.

THE BEES

Folse Family Farms presents our "peach-infused" liquid gold, pure Hill Country honey, harvested from thousands of busy little ladies.

There's nothing like harvesting your own natural honey. What a fascinating process. Early mornings in the garden have us mesmerised as we watch the symbiotic nature of the garden feeding the bees while the bees feed the garden. It's a win-win for everyone. The bonus? Our neighbor's peach orchard is only a stone's throw away. It doesn't get much better than that. We sell our Hill Country honey in our little "Style 208 Market."

Colorful zinnia flowers blooming in a garden at sunset.

THE GARDEN & THE Flowers

During the winter months of early 2024, watching YouTube, we stumbled across a sweet young family's new adventure: flower farming on their 2-acre property in Oklahoma. Intrigued and inspired, we ordered a slew of her recommended seeds, rented a "dingo," ordered 12 yards of local compost and got to work. We continued to learn and experienced a few failures (some sunflowers didn't make it), but the tender loving care paid off once again. We were happy and the bees were happy. We watched the giant zinnias take off, grew some cool sunflowers and learned all about celosia and gomphrena. Seed heads were saved, herbs were dried, and what could be preserved became beautiful permanent arrangements.

Another addition to our market.

A weathered wooden door with peeling paint beside rustic pottery and furniture.

DESIGN AND INSPIRATION

We have decided to bring what we love, our style, our way, to others. Visit Style 208. Be inspired. Your style your way.

For of Him and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen - Romans 11:36

CLICK HERE TO READ OUR MAGAZINE DESIGN ARTICLE

Style 208