When Ellis Shamoon started in business, he had two things in large supply: energy and ideas.

One of Ellis’ most enduring ideas was to take ordinary household objects and add a touch of design and artistic flair that turned them into functional artwork. His initial concepts were in textiles, but it wasn’t long before another ordinary kitchen item was receiving an Ellis Shamoon makeover – the cutting board.

Ellis founded Decorator House in Texas in 1969. He pioneered the combination of fabricated acrylic sheets with silkscreened illustrations of fresh produce. The colorful artwork was clearly visible through the acrylic, yet it was protected from knife blades. Initial orders came in from Macy’s, Sanger-Harris, Foley’s and even an independent retailer named Chuck Williams - now Williams Sonoma.

A company and a specialty housewares category were created. And you know what they say about the ideas that flowed next – everything’s bigger from Dexas!