Reading back through the journal

What I’m learning about color, materials, and getting a home right — collected here by month and by subject.

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October 1, 2026

Why My Art Led Me to a People-Centered Profession

Heather Shields combines her love for art and color with a deep interest in people, making her work uniquely personal. She thrives on translating half-formed ideas into cohesive designs, rooted in genuine human connection and understanding.

Heather and Ceci Bates

September 30, 2026

What Comes After the House is Finished

At Ceci Bates Custom Homes, client relationships often extend long after project completion, illustrating a community-focused approach that values long-term support and involvement.

Heather and Ceci Bates

September 28, 2026

Why Strong Relationships with the Trades Matter

Heather Shields collaborates closely with all trades involved in a home build, drawing on years of experience in finishing work to provide precise guidance. This trustworthy relationship ensures early detection and resolution of issues, contributing to the high quality of the finished home.

September 22, 2026

What My Finishing Business Taught Me

Running her own finishing business taught Heather Shields the nuances of working hands-on with materials, allowing her to provide not just design expertise but practical, grounded solutions for Ceci Bates Custom Homes.

September 15, 2026

Why Texture is Everything in Room Design

Heather Shields learned from years of hand-applied finishes that texture creates depth in a room. This experience shapes how she chooses materials, ensuring spaces feel considered and intentional.

September 14, 2026

The Art of Hand-Applied Finishes and Its Influence on Modern Design

Heather Shields' experience with hand-applied finishes like Venetian and old-world plaster influences her design approach by emphasizing the crucial role of texture in creating depth and warmth in a room.

Who’s Journal This Is

I'm Heather. I choose the colors, materials, and finishes for the custom homes Ceci Bates builds around Lake Texoma — inside and out. This is where those decisions get explained.

More about me About Heather

Start here

Color & Materials The work I’m known for

The Process What building with me is like

Projects Homes I’ve finished

Service Area Where I work

Browse by topic

Color & Materials Stone, tile, stain, paint

The Process Selections, budgets, timelines

Lake & Region Designing for this place

Behind the Scenes Job sites and slab yards

Projects Finished homes, up close

The Archive

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Working through selections, or just stuck on one decision? Send me a note — I read these myself.

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If you’re in the middle of a decision and none of this quite covers it, write to me. I’d rather answer your actual question than have you piece it together from six posts. No pressure, just a conversation.

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