LBJ's Mom's House

A generously sized porch ornamented with a nostalgiainducing swing and rocking chairs sends vines crawling up lattice to the balcony situated above. Summer nights spent here are sure to make the highlight reel of memories.

The ideal stand spot to shine for an in after-dinner the main floor drink living while area. the sun sets over the river or morning coffee with the Sunday crossword.

When Jennifer Fisher, the designer, got involved with LBJ’s Home, she knew it was paramount that this property’s significant heritage not only be preserved, but celebrated. The home receives its historic status from its original owners, John Wilson Baines and Ruth Ament Huffman, who later became the grandparents of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson. The couple purchased the home from an Irish Craftsman who built it for the mere cost of one thousand dollars. Its name, “Amenthall”, is a tribute to Ruth’s middle name.

J. Fisher Interiors was required to maintain the exterior of the building due to its historical status, so their main mission was to saturate the interior with as much spectacular southern charm as the structure could manage.

As a longtime friend of the client (Jennifer divulged that the most difficult part about working together was getting a word in), Fisher knew how important it was to ensure the home had ample space for their big and growing family to congregate. The family’s relatives all grew up in the Houston area, and, with several generations all with busy schedules to coordinate, they rely on this space for quality time; Jennifer knew “this [would be] a house that would be entertained in constantly”. The home was to serve as a meeting place for their loved ones to celebrate their family’s storied past, vibrant present, and promising future. The roots of this property run deep, and it was up to the designers to ensure their work stemmed from a devotion to those roots.

Because the house was originally built in 1883, a time when the importing of raw materials was relatively limited, the original structure was made from local materials exclusively. In an effort to maintain this authenticity, they utilized local materials like quarried limestone for the restoration, and furnishings were crafted from local Texan mesquite, adding warmth to the subdued color pallet of the home. The kitchen’s corner bench, which operates as a resting place for those fortunate enough to be exempt from cooking-duty, is a prime example of the impact of these selections. Jennifer shares “this is a place for conversation”, and having the extra seating space allows everyone to participate as meals are brought to life. Fisher calls the kitchen the heart and soul of the home, where family and friends gather to listen to music or talk over a smooth glass of cabernet.

The home owners' favorite word to describe this space is “zen”, and that’s certainly the sense one gets from this restoration project. The home sits about 50 yards from the Blanco river, which can be heard trickling upstream from the home’s balcony, providing ample cuddle spots with symmetrical day beds sitting on either side of the door. Directly below this cozy outdoor living space sits a front porch of similar form and function: a pair of rocking chairs add a touch of antiquated beauty. This rustic retreat offers tranquility and peace, a welcomed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life where family can take precedence.

Minimal walls allow for maximum mingling among the many house-guests that visit this family's vacation home. Fun prints like the black-and-white checkered fabric of the chairs The custom island, made from quarter sawn excite the neutral and tranquil pallette of the white oak, provides extra storage space as home without disrupting it. well as a handy spot for working, serving or

The designers knew it was crucial to create a space that fostered togetherness and relaxation, and one of the ways they executed this was through color, opting for predominantly subdued tones that soothe while incorporating bolder earth tones with expert subtlety. The property surrounding the home is lined thick with mature trees, and with the river trickling nearby, Jenifer knew she wanted the home to encapsulate this peaceful atmosphere, stating “we wanted the inside to be as refreshing as the outside”.

J Fisher Interiors' design pays tribute to the home’s history, and encourages it to expand upon itself, inviting new memories and stories. This home revels in the joy of family and honors its remarkable heritage. It reminds us of the simple yet substantial stillness of being at home and at peace with the ones you love the most in the world.

Above: A lightly accessorized floating wooden shelf anchors a white washed fireplace, drawing out the other warmer tones in the room. Simple, elegant, and comfortable. Left: Unique pieces like this teal dresser breathe an air of intrigue into the softer pallette of the home's overall feel. These small eclectic elements bring significant character to the space.

Text: Carlee Baigrie Design: Fisher Interiors Photography: Ryann Ford