Hissummer2013

SUmmeR 2013 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

NEW ART GALLERY IN BRYAN

promotes local artists, incorporates science.

BED & BREAKFAST INNS, SPAS & SALONS in the Brazos Valley

EDIBLE ART

Owners of Bryan gallery create sweet pieces of artwork

WHEN IS IT WORTH IT TO REUPHOLSTER?

Ranch RetReat

couple’s ranch in Burleson county provides a serene getaway

AMBROSE FURNITURE WORKS When Quality Matters...

401 South Main Street Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 822-4071 www.ambrosefurnitureworks.com

Furniture • Interior Design • Fabric • Accessories The Eagle www.theeagle.com

3

12

Ranch retreat

Couple’s ranch in Burleson County provides a serene getaway

Contents 5 New art gallery in Bryan promotes local artists, incorporates science.

8 Bed and breakfast inns, spas & salons in the Brazos Valley are easy ways to relax.

21 edible Art Owners of Bryan gallery create sweet pieces of artwork

26 When is it worth it to reupholster?

28 Tips when creating an outdoor living space 30 How to give a room a new look without breaking the bank

Don’t Miss The Final Shows Of Our 25th Anniversary Season!

Summer Shows

June 14 Thru June 23

August 2 Thru August 11

Tickets Can Be Purchased Online At Our Website,

WWW.THEATRECOMPANY.COM The Theatre Company, Located in the Tejas Center, behind Joann’s Fabrics

Find Out What To Expect Next Season At Our PREVIEW PARTY! Sunday, July 28th!

Funding for these organizations is provided by hotel taxes from the cities of College Station and Bryan as distributed through the ACBV. 4

Home iN Style summer 2013

New art gallery in Bryan

By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle

promotes local artists, incorporates science

L

ocated in downtown Bryan, the SEAD Gallery, a partnership between AdventGX and the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, provides a venue for local artists to feature collaborations across the disciplines of science, engineering, art and design (SEAD).

“We, along with the Arts Council, want to dispel the myth that you have to go to Houston or Austin to exhibit if you are a serious artist, said Cassidy Barton, SEAD Gallery director and AdventGX director of community development.

Chris Dyer, CEO of The Arts Council of Brazos Valley, said the SEAD Gallery provides

a place for local artists to show their work.

“We have a lot of artists right here,” Dyer said. “There are artists here who do this for a living. The SEAD Gallery helps them become successful and allows them to stay here and make a living.”

The SEAD Gallery also helps with the professional development of each artist in aspects from public relations to contracts to pricing and marketing their work.

“We don’t just put out their artwork and it’s over,” Dyer said. “We help them throughout their exhibition.”

Additionally, the SEAD Gallery is another art venue for the Brazos Valley community to

enjoy and be proud of, Barton said.

“Arts and culture have a very positive impact on economic development and enhance quality of life,” Barton said. “Our local arts speak to who we are as a community, and echoing that voice is extremely important to us as a business and as members of this community.”

The Gallery is a part of the SEAD Network.

According to the website, the network for Sciences, Engineering, Arts and Design (SEAD) is a community of advocates who are mindful that healthy development of neighborhoods, cities and regions and the competitive edge in economic, educational and social wellbeing relies upon new ways of The Eagle www.theeagle.com

5

thinking, as well as transformative efforts that integrate disciplines and domains. For more information on this network, visit http://sead. viz.tamu.edu/about/about.html.

“SEAD is not an idea that originated with Advent GX,” Barton said. “We simply wanted to embrace that approach when it came to the gallery, programming, etc., and the Arts Council was very supportive of that idea. It also allows AdventGX to examine the ways in which science, technology, etc. can enhance the gallery visitor’s experience.”

While the Arts Council of Brazos Valley has offered a Community Gallery at Large program for several years that allows local artists to display their work in locations throughout the Brazos Valley, the SEAD Gallery came about when AdventGX moved into the Federal Building in downtown Bryan.

“We knew that, in order to succeed in creating an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive, the arts would need to be involved,” Barton said. “Arts and culture help to create intellectually meaningful experiences for people and encourage the kind of open discussion and creativity that is 6

Home iN Style summer 2013

essential in launching new ideas and concepts.”

AventGX provides the space in the Federal Building where the SEAD gallery is located while the Arts Council of Brazos Valley curates it.

“Arts and Culture speak directly to a community’s heritage and cultural identity,” Barton said. “As a private community and economic development company, we value this heritage and were excited for the opportunity to host a gallery in connection with the Arts Council who were already doing so much for the arts in Bryan and College Station.”

The SEAD Gallery, which is located at 216 West 26th Street, launched its inaugural exhibition on Nov. 29. The exhibition, “Colorpalooza”, featured the work of local artist Anguspaul.

AdventGX is always open to evaluating new opportunities, and in the coming months, community education courses will be offered.

These courses will be held in the gallery, as well as throughout the Federal Building.

Information on these courses is available on the Arts Council’s website.

Any artists interested in exhibiting their

work at the SEAD Gallery can apply online at http://acbv.org/gallery-application/.

“We are always looking for new artists,” Dyer said. “There is a process to being selected to show your work. We have to make sure the public will like it.”

Exhibitions are scheduled through the end of the year, and the next exhibition will open June 6. Shows are scheduled to rotate on a quarterly basis. The Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on the SEAD Gallery, visit www.seadgallery.com and http://acbv. org/.

Photos by Jay Robison. (Photo on page 5) Cassidy Barton, SEAD Gallery director and AdventGX director of community development, poses at the SEAD Gallery in downtown Bryan.

(Above) Paintings by local artist, Anguspaul hang on display in November as part of the “Colorpalooza” exhibit at the SEAD Gallery. It was the gallery’s inaugural exhibition. (Right) Visitors to the SEAD Gallery mingle on Feb. 28, the opening night of artist Scott McDermott’s “Procrastus Interruptus” exhibit. The exhibit was held through May 30.

Before and AfterEvent Sale Event of Year! the Year!

Before & After Sale of the 5% 3 o p eU

Sav

t

Four Seasons' factory-sponsored promotion makes this the best time to buy the best products on the market. But at these prices, this sale CAN NOT LAST. Make an appointment TODAY to lock in your savings.

SPECIAL SAVINGS COUPON

Instant Rebate Instant Saving!

Up to $2500 Cash Back! $1,500 Cash Back!

On an Elegant Patio Cover, Energy-Saving Windows or Sunroom or Conservatory if you buy before 03/15/2012 07/31/13

CALL TODAY! LIMITED TIME OFFER!

(512) 599-5250 474-1388 New Screen Rooms! (979) Sunrooms4u.com Guaranteed in Writing!

Best Products!

Best Price!

Best Value!

SUNROOMS - WINDOWS - PATIO COVERS The Eagle www.theeagle.com

7

By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle

Bed and breakfast inns, spas & salons in the Brazos Valley are easy ways to relax

S

ummer is around the corner and schools are letting out for summer break, leaving many people looking for ways to relax and have fun. With several bed and breakfast inns and spas in the Brazos Valley area, locals can find a place to relax and pamper themselves within a day’s drive.

There are several things to consider when looking for a bed and breakfast, depending on what a family is looking for. Some might prefer a quiet, historic inn out in the country, while others might want an inn with the latest spa services that’s close to city amenities.

“First ask yourself what you are seeking,” said Susan Olson, vice president of the Bed and Breakfast Association of the Brazos Valley and innkeeper of The Nest Bed, Breakfast and Spa

in College Station. “What would you like? A bed and breakfast is not a hotel. Do you want privacy, romance, walking paths, fishing options, interaction with the innkeepers, a gourmet breakfast designed and created for you, a place close to a certain event, a private bath to your accommodations, a television or no television?”

When selecting a bed and breakfast, it’s also important to inquire about what type of breakfast the inn offers, she said.

“You should ask if it is a continental breakfast or a full breakfast, what time it is typically served and if special requests are permitted,” Olson said. “Seek that out when searching for the right bed and breakfast for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

When picking a bed and breakfast, helpful information and photos are available at the Bed and Breakfast Association of the Brazos Valley

An Event at Abigaile’s Treehouse is One Everyone will Remember

Weekend Stay – Couple’s Retreat – Girl’s Trip Anniversary/Honeymoon Suite

Offering Weekend Getaways Beautifully Manicured with Wrap Around Decks

In Room Hot Tub Option Offering A Spa Setting Spa Services for Your Enjoyment and Relaxation

Abigaile’s Treehouse 1015 E 24th Street – Bryan TX www.abigailestreehoust.com (979) 229-7032 (979) 823-6350

8

Home iN Style summer 2013

website, www.bbabv.com; the Texas Bed and Breakfast Association website, www.texasbb.org and the individual properties’ websites.

“The best way to pick a bed and breakfast is to go to the Texas Bed and Breakfast Association’s website,” said Connie Hall, executive director of the Texas Bed and Breakfast Association. “The website lists properties that are re-inspected every two years to make sure they are doing things right.

The best properties are on the website.”

Most bed and breakfasts have a few things in common. Guests can usually expect a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodations and breakfast.

“Bed and breakfasts commonly and typically are private homes with fewer than 10 bedrooms available for use,” Olson said. “Your innkeeper will pay attention to the little details that will make your stay special. Most innkeepers choose to mingle with their guests in the common areas, but when they want privacy, they have their private quarters just like you do.”

Staying at a bed and breakfast is an experience unlike a typical hotel stay, Hall said.

The Professional Association of Innkeepers International has a program called “Better Way to Stay.”

“Staying in a bed and breakfast is better because every property is different and every innkeeper is different,” Hall said. “You won’t get the same generic experience you would get at a hotel. It’s a unique way to stay and a better way to stay.”

Olson said advantages of staying at a bed and breakfast include personal service.

“There are so many aspects that make bed and breakfasts great,” Olson said. First and foremost

Photos contributed by Abigaile’s Treehouse. Abigaile’s Treehouse in Bryan (Opposite Page Left) has three levels, and was built to resemble a tree house. The grounds include manicured gardens. (Opposite Page Right).

Photo contributed by Mountain Dream Alpacas. (Above Left) Alpacas look through the fence at the Mountain Dream Alpacas ranch in Navasota. Guests can stay at the ranch’s Texas Guest Cottage Bed & Breakfast, and enjoy the atmosphere of country life.(Above Right) Texas Guest Cottage Bed & Breakfast is located on Mountain Dream Alpacas, an alpaca ranch in Navasota. The front of the cottage overlooks a pond, where guests can go fishing.

are the innkeepers and the personal service you can expect and enjoy. You establish some sort of relationship with them. It’s all about the relationship. Personally speaking, we have a great many return guests. You get to know their lives, their families, their joys, as well as their sorrows.

With our community being a college town, we have many guests that are here because they visit their kids in school for Parents’ Weekend, graduation, society social activities, sporting events, etc. In turn, we establish relationships with their children.”

Some bed and breakfasts in Texas offer spa services to help make their guests’ stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

“As far as I know, there are only two bed and breakfasts in the Bryan/College Station area that have on-site spas, The Nest Bed, Breakfast

Mattress SleepCenters Your Family Owned and Operated Sleep Center since 2005

• Naturally Hypoallergenic • Dust mite resistant and antimicrobial • Ideal for Allergy Sufferers • Unparalleled support and pressure relief • 100% Breathable PureLatexBliss = Pure Bliss!

• Human Touch is the only Robotic Massage® chair tested and recognized by Chiropractors as a valid supplement to back care therapies.

• Relaxes the spine by naturally decompressing the vertebrae

Next To The Entrance To Post Oak Mall 1402 Harvey Road • 979-696-3900 10-7 Weekdays • 10-6 Saturdays • 1-5 Sundays

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

9

and Spa and 7F Lodge,” Olson said. “Both are in College Station, approximately 15 minutes from the campus. At our bed and breakfast, The Nest Bed Breakfast and Spa, we have a totally private cottage with a steam shower and hot tub for our guests to receive a wide menu of services from.

At 7F Lodge, the guests have the extra benefit of having spa services in their accommodations; as well as their freestanding spa. It’s not unusual for your innkeeper to have contact with therapists who can provide spa services on site upon request.

Simply ask your innkeeper ahead of time.”

Several bed and breakfasts in the Brazos Valley area offer a unique stay. For example, Abigaile’s Treehouse in Bryan is built like a tree house, with its three levels on an acre lot, with four guest rooms. The 7F Lodge is distinctive because of its secluded cottages hidden amidst live oaks and yaupon thickets. There are walking trails with art pieces nestled along the path, and each cottage has its own theme.

“The Nest Bed, Breakfast and Spa is unique in itself as it has a fully stocked pond for guests to

Lillian Farms Five Traditional Guest Rooms with Private Baths

enjoy, along with miniature donkeys waiting to be brushed and fed their favorite oatmeal cookies,” Olson said. “We take time and gently slow it down for you.”

Bogart’s Casa Blanca and Mountain Dream Alpacas’ Texas Guest Cottage Bed & Breakfast are two more bed and breakfasts in the Brazos Valley area. Bogart’s Casa Blanca is located on two city blocks of Navasota and offers 12 private rooms and honeymoon cottages. This bed and breakfast is a private, gated facility with serene grounds, porches, a swimming pool and classic décor. The Texas Guest Cottage in Navasota is located on a working ranch with 120 alpacas grazing and running about.

“A few bed and breakfasts cater and offer wedding options such as Bogart’s Casa Blanca, 7F Lodge and The Pin Oak Bed and Breakfast in Calvert,” Olson said.

In addition to these unique bed and breakfasts, Messina Hof Winery and Resort in Bryan offers guests a view of its 100-acre estate, 42 of which host a vineyard. The estate is home to a winery, GRACE & CHARM OF A VICTORIAN-STYLE MANSION WITH MODERN CONVENIENCES 230 ACRES OF PICTURESQUE COUNTRY WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS SPA

Separate "Hideaway Stay" Vacation Rentals Secluded "Enchanted Forest" Private Cottage We've Got Lots of Choices For Your Vacations Needs 10

979-421-6332 • www.lillianfarms.com

Home iN Style summer 2013

The Villa Bed and Breakfast, The Vintage House Restaurant and the Winemaster’s Room wine bar.

“Messina Hof Winery and Resort is a landmark wine-country destination that includes an 11room Villa Bed and Breakfast, vineyard cuisine served in The Vintage House Restaurant, wine tasting and wine by the glass at the wine bar, a retail store that conducts daily winery tours and showcases Messina Hof ’s gold-medal winning wine, vineyard gardens, as well as multiple venues for weddings and photography,” said Kidron Vestal, marketing and public relations manager for Messina Hof Wine Cellars, Inc. The Villa Bed and Breakfast has guestrooms that may include marble countertops and whirlpool spas, and eight of the 11 rooms include patios. Several have views of the lake, vineyards and gardens.

“The resort also offers in-house dining at The Vintage House Restaurant and special upgrade packages, including chocolate and floral amenities and masseuse service,” Vestal said. “On property, guests can experience cooking parties with the chef, wine appreciation classes, food and wine pairing seminars, Chef ’s Table, Murder Mystery, Winemaker Dinners and more.”

For more information on Messina Hof visit www.MessinaHof.com.

Besides bed and breakfasts, another way to relax within a day’s drive is to visit a spa and salon. To find the right spa, the International Spa Association recommends that people first decide what programs and services interest them, what type of setting they’d like and how much they can afford. They should identify what they’d like to accomplish, and then select an area that enables them to concentrate on that, according to the association.

Different areas of emphasis that spas have,

Photos contributed by Nest Bed, Breakfast and Spa. (This Page Left) Ashley Atwood relaxes at the spa at the Nest Bed, Breakfast and Spa in College Station. (This Page Right) Guests can also hang out at the inn’s pond.

Photo contributed by Bogart’s Casa Blanca. (Opposite Page) Bogart’s Casa Blanca bed and breakfast in Navasota has 12 private rooms and honeymoon cottages. It features classic décor, serene grounds and a pool. Bogart’s also hosts weddings and other events.

according to the association, include fitness, stress management, peace of mind, pampering and pleasure, health and wellness and cosmetic services. In addition, there are different types of spas such as club spas, day spas, destination spas, medical spas and mineral springs spa. For more information, or to locate a spa that will fit certain interests, visit http://www.experienceispa.com/

index.cfm.

Celebrity Spa and Salon in College Station offers services such as hair care, massage therapy, skin therapy, nail care, makeup services and waxing. It is important to a person’s overall health to pamper and take care of themselves through spa services, said Laura Atkinson, owner and stylist at Celebrity Spa and Salon.

“Spas used to be mainly for relaxation,” Atkinson said. “Now there are several health benefits. We wear and tear on our bodies, and you are getting therapeutic treatment here.”

For more information on Celebrity Spa & Salon, visit http://celebrityspa.net/.

dealers lighting Proudly Introduces the Piccolo Ceiling Fan

Perfect for Small Spaces

®

dealers lighting

an employee owned company Corner S. College & Koenig in Bryan (979) 775-1697

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

11

Ranch RetReat

Couple’s ranch in Burleson County provides a serene getaway

By ShaUNa lewiS The eagle PhotoS By chaNDleR aRDeN/ BeFoRe PhotoS By alleN JaNcik

12

home iN Style summer 2013

A

ranch near Caldwell dubbed “Rancho Escondido” was just the rural getaway the couple who now owns it were looking for – once they saw past the house’s pastelcolored paint.

The frequently-traveling husband and wife wanted a weekend ranch home not far from their main residence in Clear Lake and the Houston airports, said Allen Jancik, interior decorator for the home. They also preferred a private place to entertain family and friends when not traveling or working.

Their search ended after finding the “Rancho Escondido,” a Spanish phrase meaning hidden ranch. The house is,

indeed, a hidden treasure, that can be found after a long, winding drive down a two-lane road. Scatterings of bluebonnets and other wildflowers adorn both sides of the road in the springtime, along with other sights typical of Texas countryside – ranches and pastures with round hay bales, barns, ponds and grazing livestock.

A simple gate and entryway greet visitors as they enter the property on a winding drive shaded by oaks. Next to a circular driveway, a windmill pumps water into a cedar tank, which then cascades into a round water trough made of sandstone.

Jancik worked with Ron Pinter of P5 Landscape Concepts to fulfill the couple’s vision for the home’s landscape. Flower beds, containing native and droughttolerant plants and massive limestone

boulders, decorate the front of the house’s white, Texas limestone exterior. The home also has two wagon wheels, mounted at different levels, on the front of the home, and a wagon wheel bench decorates the front porch, along with a rocking chair.

Several antique wagon wheels were also placed throughout the ranch grounds. A United States flag on one side of the door and a Texas flag on the other also greet those who enter.

Jancik said the owners wanted “something clean and comfy.” That simplicity is reflected throughout the home, which features artworks collected during travels around the world, and pieces by several Cuban artists, the birthplace of both husband and wife. To highlight the art pieces, the interior walls The eagle www.theeagle.com

13

BEFORE The living room was a starkly white space with an undersized fireplace, but was transformed into a more inviting room, with an expanded fireplace and distressed wooden beams.

BEFORE

were painted in neutral colors and lighting was added to all public spaces.

“The homeowner wanted a nice, clear palette for her personal art collection,” Jancik said, adding that she wanted to keep some of the original elements of the ranch house, but also expand the contemporary look that she prefers.

When they bought the house, built in 1997, the interior had shiny white woodwork, pastel pink and blue floral wallpaper and brass hardware throughout, but a conversion that started in July and lasted four months drastically changed how the home looked, Jancik said. They used local suppliers and craftsmen for the renovation.

“We updated everything, including the interior, exterior and landscape,” Jancik said.

The ranch house When entering the front door, visitors first see an axis deer skull, mounted on polished stainless steel fittings. The skull hangs over a contemporary polished steel entry table holding two vases – one containing oversized flowers.

To the right of the entryway is a formal dining area, with three big windows that bring in lots of light and offer guests views of the ranch. The room’s dining table is made of recycled wooden beams and iron strapping. Galvanized tin dining chairs, similar to old farm chairs typical of the French countryside, offer comfortable and understated seating. The room has many natural elements and finishes, such as accessories made of reclaimed wood, and elements of galvanized metal and hand-blown glass. A builtin olive green cabinet with a galvanized top acts as a server. This cabinet was an original fixture of the home, but was repainted, lit and given a new metal counter top. A metal cow perched on top lends to the ranch house feel.

After walking straight into the house, past the dining area, is a comfortable, yet modern sitting room. Four black calfskin leather chairs on chrome swivel bases were placed around an oval-shaped porcelain and silver leaf table. These elements sit on a hand-pieced black and white cow skin rug from South America. A throw pillow of silver leafed deerskin placed on each chair adds color and texture.

Windows that take up most of the wall behind the room let in plenty of natural light, and help highlight the main piece of art – a large painting by Gustavo Castillo, an artist from Jupiter, Florida, whose work is collected by the homeowners. The piece, of a blonde boy next to a large red boat, brings color to the room, while also adding texture and emotion. The room also features a console made of reclaimed parts from an antique worktable and cart, which is topped with souvenirs from Central and South America and Africa.

Visitors go through an arched doorway into the living room, where the home’s ceilings open up to a height of 14 feet. Jancik said he transformed the room with large windows and a cathedral ceiling from a starkly white space with an undersized fireplace, into a warm and welcoming space with hand-made, distressed wooden beams, warm wall and trim colors

BEFORE

Photos by Chandler Arden, except as noted.

Page 16: (Upper right): One guest bedroom shows off ranch decorations, including a cowhide chair and cowhide framed mirror. (Upper left): The other guest bedroom features bright colors.

(Middle left and lower left): These photos from Allen Jancik show the home’s office before renovation. (Lower right): The transformed office features shelves that hold items collected during the homeowners’ travels. Add to page 16 cutlines:(Center photo) The master bedroom features gray-green paint and an open look, with large windows and French doors that open up to the outdoor deck. Page 17: (Upper left): A painting of two Buddhist monks, made entirely of sand, decorates the end of a hallway. (Lower left): A formal dining room near the entryway of the house features a natural, but elegant look.

(Upper right): LED lighting shows off colorful stemware in the kitchen’s glass-front cabinets.

(Lower right): A mounted moose head hangs over the eat-in bar on the kitchen’s exterior. More informal dining space is provided with a small breakfast table that overlooks the backyard.

and an expanded fireplace with a larger opening.

A hand-hewn mantel and wall of dry-stacked, split-faced slate and saw-cut white limestone that surrounds the fireplace -- taking up the left half of the wall -- are one of the main focal points of the room. The mantel holds items from the family art collection, including a ram sculpture from Papau New Guinea, a hand hammered metal vessel from India and a contemporary piece that combines an antique wooden gear and black lacquer.

The fireplace’s hearth extends to the right, taking up the lower part of the wall. This extended hearth, used as a shelf to hold the television, is made of the same slate as the fireplace and is topped with the same saw-cut limestone used in the fireplace’s lower portion. Above the hearth is a colorful painting of a gentleman smoking a cigar, a gift from an artist friend, who is also of Cuban descent. A stand holding a vintage saddle with a rope looped over it decorates the other side of the fireplace.

In the middle of the room is a red, hand-loomed wool Kilim rug, and sitting on it is a wooden

coal cart used as a coffee table, which holds decorations that include a pair of spurs. A brown leather sectional sofa holding southwestern print throw pillows, and a large, wooden United States flag on the wall behind it lend toward a rustic look. Patriotism is important to the family, which immigrated from Cuba about 40 years ago, Jancik said.

To the left of the sitting room as one enters the house, an office with a leather sofa, cowhide rug and a mounted axis head, left by the previous owner, makes for an interesting, but comfortable room. The room also contains two large bookcases containing books with family photos, and souvenirs from the couple’s travels to Australia, Turkey and India, such as a ceremonial stand comprised of the fronts of three horses, aboriginal wood carvings, an antique Thai wedding headdress, Native American and Inuit dolls and a beaded ceremonial gourd flask from Kenya for collecting goats blood. A shelf above a desk holds sports memorabilia, including a signed Texans helmet.

Across from the office, a guest bathroom features a brown cabinet, with a pretty marble countertop, and over it is a round, rustic mirror with metal. The room also has tan tile on the floor, inside the glass-enclosed shower and up half the wall. The rest of the wall is covered with cream white paint. The bathroom is accessible from the outdoor hot tub and deck area, which is convenient for keeping wet grandchildren contained, Jancik said.

Nearby, a large, round master bedroom features soothing gray-green walls and an open look, with two walls full of large windows and a set of French glass doors, which opens to the outdoor deck. The bed has a cream white bedspread, highlighted by a light blue throw blanket and pillows containing silver, pink, blue and green. A sitting area with two white chairs and family photos make the room feel homey. The master bathroom is a soothing getaway, with a large tub holding candles next to two windows, a separate shower and a brownish cabinet with white countertops.

On the wall between the master bedroom and The Eagle www.theeagle.com

17

BEFORE

Page 18 – 19, clockwise: (Upper right): This photo from Allen Jancik shows the home’s exterior before renovation. (Middle right): Pictured is the same area after renovation.

(Lower right): Behind the home is a fenced-in pasture with livestock. The front porch provides a quiet place that overlooks the front of the ranch. (Lower center): A fire pit is the center of an outdoor hangout area behind the house, where people, as well as the residents’ two yellow labs enjoy spending time. (Lower left): The upstairs loft provides a place to relax, play games and spend the night. (Upper left photo): A guest bathroom’s renovation included installing tile, in place of floral wallpaper (before photo, by Allen Jancik). A windmill-pumped water trough is part of the outdoor scenery.

the guest bath, a painting of a girl with a blue dress sitting on a green chair provides a splash of bright colors.

To the right of the sitting room when walking in the house, guests can’t help but notice a mounted moose head over an eat-in bar area, which was purchased from the original homeowner, along with the saddle. Past the bar area, the kitchen is a beautiful room with white walls and cabinets, some of which have see-through glass and LED lighting that shine on various types of colorful bar glasses. A rooster and cow decorations in an open corner shelf add character, and a brown island 18

Home iN Style summer 2013

with a white countertop and cooking surface add to the functionality of the kitchen. Over the bar area, a painting of a donkey on a piece of wood from an old barn is a unique artwork that catches visitors’ eyes. By the kitchen, a small room next to windows that overlook the backyard provides a quaint, informal place to dine. The room contains a small glass-top breakfast table and another Gustavo Castillo painting, of a white table holding a white pail and a lemon, a fly fishing line and the ocean in the background.

At the end of the hallway to the left of the sitting room is one of Jancik’s favorite artworks - a

painting of two monks made entirely of sand. One guest room off the hallway features ranch décor, with a cowhide rug chair to one side of the bed, under a mirror with a cowhide frame. The room has light green walls with brown trim, a brown rug and a bed with a cream white bedspread, decorated with a brown and white throw blanket and white and gray pillows. The room also shows off a drawing of Cubans holding a cooked pig and having a celebration.

The other nearby guest room, with light green walls and a large window, features cheery colors -- with a painting of two native American women

BEFORE

gathering fruit in one corner and, in another corner -- a colorful chair, in a Suzani pattern including pink, red and turquoise. The bed is covered by an off-white coverlet, with pillows that include white, turquoise and yellow.

Upstairs, a loft room -- with white carpet, cream walls and three small, arched windows with views of treetops -- provides a hangout for both grandchildren and adults. The room, with two deer head mounts on the wall, has a table where board games can be played. It also features a snack/wet bar, fridge, wine cooler and several snack and drink options. The cabinet has a white

countertop and even contains a small sink. The room also contains a brown chair and two suede sofas, which fold out to make queen beds.

Behind the house, a deck with a hot tub and three sitting areas provides a nice outdoor hangout. Beyond that, a fire pit surrounded by five, two-ton boulders used as benches gives residents and guests even more room to visit. The backyard, now covered with lush, green grass, had no grass when the current owners bought the property, Jancik said.

The backyard, a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors, overlooks a fenced-in pasture with

horses, cattle and donkeys grazing. The man of the house, “a happy city boy turned farmer,� is also often part of the pasture scenery, and can be seen riding a tractor, delivering hay, moving dirt or mending fences, Jancik said. The outdoor living areas and oak-shaded pasture, along with the comfortable home, are what make the ranch the perfect, serene getaway for the couple.

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

19

Edible art

By SHAUNA LEWIS The Eagle Photos by SHAUNA LEWIS

Owners of Bryan gallery create sweet pieces of artwork Joshua and Ciana Neubauer’s love of cooking lent a hand in meeting each other and -- after their marriage – to opening an edible art gallery.

The Chocolate Gallery of B/CS, at 211 North Main St. in Downtown Bryan, opened in October. The shop sells muffins, cupcakes, cookies, a variety of chocolate confections, custom chocolates and baked goods and specialty baking equipment and tools. It also teaches cake-decorating classes for children and adults.

Joshua said his culinary career was spawned while he was majoring in engineering at a junior college in California. He decided to work at a bakery in a gourmet grocery store where a friend was employed. He became a cake decorator and ended up working at the bakery for eight years.

“I fell in love with the job, and decided that’s what I wanted to pursue,” he said.

So he left the junior college to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where, in 2011, he received a bachelor degree in professional studies in baking and pastry management. He also participated in an internship at Harrah’s Rincon Resort Casino in Valley Center, Calif., where he found a new interest in chocolates and confections.

“It was just amazing what was possible through chocolate,” he said.

While at the Culinary Institute of America, he met Ciana, whom he married in September – the month before they opened the gallery.

Ciana, from the Bryan-College Station area, said her father is an artist, and her mother is an “amazing cook.” She said she apparently inherited talents from both parents. Since her mother was single, Ciana said she often helped

her cook, and many of her school projects ended up being ones that included cooking.

“This seemed to be the obvious career path for me,” Ciana said.

She had planned to attend Harvard University after high school graduation and become a lawyer. But in her sophomore year in high school, she decided that baking was what she really enjoyed and what relaxed her.

“I loved expressing myself through baking,” she said.

Ciana, a graduate of A&M Consolidated High School in College Station, said she attended Texas A&M University in College Station for three years before transferring to the Culinary Institute of America - “the Harvard of baking.” She earned a bachelor’s in baking and pastry arts management at the

Doggone

Maintenance and Cleaning

Services

SPECIALIZING IN COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICES Painting, Sheetrock Repairs, Fencing, Make Readies, Apartments and Much More!

979-823-3708 www.doggoneservices.com

Alan 979-220-0929 Victor 979-739-0046 Doggone Cleaning Services.......Where NO Mess Is Too Big! The Eagle www.theeagle.com

21

institute. During their time at the institute, Ciana’s mother came to visit for Thanksgiving. The couple made a bunch of chocolates in her hotel room. Her mother gave some to Wayne Carroll, the owner of Otis Instruments Inc., in Bryan, where she worked as business administrator. Carroll had always wanted to open a restaurant, and after tasting the chocolates, convinced Ciana and Joshua to open a chocolate shop, with him as their investor.

A chocolate gallery Joshua and Ciana searched for months for a building where they could open a chocolate shop before they found a suitable one in Downtown Bryan. Joshua’s engineering background came in handy; he and Ciana helped architects design the building’s interior during construction that began in December 2011. The building was much larger than they had originally planned on for their chocolate shop, but they turned much of the space into something similar to a museum or an art gallery – except with a focus on chocolates, cakes and other goodies. They had seen several chocolate shops in New York, and wanted to bring something similar to the Bryan area. Joshua concentrates on making chocolates, while Ciana bakes and decorates cakes and cupcakes.

“We hope it feels like a gallery when you walk in,” Ciana said.

The shop has cases full of chocolates and other sweet creations to sell, as well as several cakes made for display. It also has display cases with large chocolate sculptures made my Joshua, such as one he recently made of The Queen Theatre in Bryan.

The sculpture took a week to make, and weighed about 28 pounds. While The Queen sculpture was on display, he was working on his next chocolate display – a nature scene that included water with a tree submerged in it, along with fish and other water creatures.

Like with a museum, he changes out displays so the gallery will always have something new. He also includes educational displays, such as cocoa beans from Madagascar, antique chocolate molds, a grinding stone used to grind chocolate and a display explaining the difference between white and dark chocolate. He and Ciana also wanted to have a live display, so chefs work in a glass-enclosed kitchen, where visitors can see them make their creations.

Besides educating people about chocolate with displays, Joshua and Ciana have often found themselves giving field trip tours to groups of local students – something they didn’t expect. They talk to students about how chocolate is made during the tours, and they also recently made a demonstration as part of a local high school culinary program’s chef series.

They also hold one or two classes a month, on the

Now’s the time for Spring Cleaning!

A fully customized cleaning in a one-size-fits-all world.

Come home to the customized service that is guaranteed to fit you perfectly.

• Cleaning Supplies Provided • Bonded And Insured • Screened Employees • Credit Cards Accepted

(979) 595-1111

2551 Texas Ave. S. Ste G • College Station

• Serving the BCS & The Surrounding Areas The Eagle www.theeagle.com

23

basics of decorating a cake with butter cream icing and also on fondant, a sugar paste used for decorating.

Edible art There is an artistic element to making food -even if it’s just a plate of food – and instructors at the Culinary Institute often stressed that, Ciana said. It needs to both look good and taste good.

“You eat it with your eyes first,” she said.

To help them with things they couldn’t do, Joshua and Ciana said they hired employees with an artist background, such as artist Brandi Long, who can paint cakes with icing as if she was using watercolors. One of her recent creations was a cake with Van Gogh’s famous “Starry Night” scene. The business creates wedding cakes and other special occasion cakes.

They also hired sous chef David Nelson, who attended the Culinary Institute of America, and helps with chocolate creations.

Chocolate sculptures are often used in a similar fashion as ice sculptures, at places such as motel VIP rooms, Joshua said. He made a sculpture of the Eiffel Tower for a prom in May. Chocolate makers at his store have also made things such as a groom’s cake that looks

like an oil pump, chocolate golf balls and tees for a groom’s cake and chocolate hard hats for a safety event. They make custom chocolate bars, too, such as business cards with company logos.

Joshua said creating chocolate art takes some planning, and can be a bit tricky. Before he creates a sculpture, he draws out all the elements and decides which method he will use to make each of the different pieces of the sculpture – whether it’s pouring chocolate into a mold, making a slab of chocolate and carving out a piece or hand sculpting it.

When hand sculpting, the friction from a food processor is used to melt the chocolate into a soft, pliable form, but there is only a 2 degree window during which the chocolate can be sculpted, he said. Also, if chocolate is not tempered correctly -- changing it from a chocolaty mix to a strong piece -- it will look chalky. Plus, when making edible art, chefs keep in mind all the rules of art, just as if they were making a painting or composing a photograph, he said.

For more information on The Chocolate Gallery and upcoming classes, call 979-7792804, email josh@bcschocolategallery.com or visit www.bcschocolategallery.com.

Page 20: Chef Joshua Neubauer spent about a week creating this sculpture of The Queen Theatre in Bryan, displayed at The Chocolate Gallery of B/CS. The sculpture consisted of approximately 28 pounds of white and dark chocolate. Page 22-23: (Upper left): Marisa Winking paints edible decorations.

(Lower right): Chef Ciana Neubauer makes a cheesecake. Remaining photos: The shop uses ingredients in its chocolates, such as local honey and pecans from Royalty Pecans in Caldwell. It is also licensed to sell treats with the Texas A&M University logo, such as its “Whoop! Pies.” Page 24: (Clockwise, from upper right): Recent displays at The Chocolate Gallery include this colorful cake that looks like a gift, a wedding cake, a chocolate sculpture, an oil rig cake and a cake decorated with artist Van Gogh’s famous “Starry Night” scene. Joshua Neubauer holds some chocolates.

Let Let �e �e beauty beauty in... in...

wi� wi� daylight daylight solutions solutions

d “We don’t just stan ows wind our d, stan behi t just don’ “Wend .”, them on d ows stan we nd our wind behi da.” them d onWan -Jack stanand we y da TerrWan -Jack and Terr y

Financing available for $67/month at 60 months with qualified credit*

6803 Woodway Dr. • Waco, TX 76712 6803 Woodway Dr. • Waco, TX 76712 254-751-0008

254-751-0008 windowworldwaco.com

windowworldwaco.com *Based on typical installation of ten (10) 4000 series white double hung windows without grids. With approved credit. See sales associate for details

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

25

When is it worth it

to reupholster?

By Ray Jezisek Special to The Eagle

P

eople often ask if it makes more sense to reupholster or replace an existing piece of furniture. That really depends on the original quality of the piece or your particular scenario.

If you love the comfort, overall style and size of a piece of furniture, and if the quality of the frame was originally made well and out of hardwood construction, it is absolutely worth reupholstering versus buying new. It’s really the cost of the fabric that dominates the overall price. However, by shopping at upholstery stores that specialize in upholstery fabrics, you can find some high quality and terrific-looking fabric selections in the $25 to $60 per yard range or less. In that case, it is very worth it to reupholster.

If you are looking at fabrics that cost $100 per yard, you may want to reconsider upholstering larger size pieces unless it is an antique or family heirloom piece. A typical small chair can take less than five yards of fabric to re-cover, so you can justify a more expensive or very special textile for that piece where a sofa can require 16 to 22 yards. Depending on the size and detail of your piece, expect to pay around $350 or more in labor for a small chair and around $850 or more for a sofa. Do the math in your mind, and you can see reupholstering will many times come out less or about the same as the cost of replacing in most cases. So if you love that piece of furniture, the fabric options are 26

Home iN Style summer 2013

much more open if you opt to reupholster it rather than buying a new piece, where you will have fewer fabric options to choose from. Keep in mind that purchasing an imported sofa from China for less than $500 is always going to have a lower initial cost, but may only last a typical family with normal wear less than two years.

One should buy the best quality furniture possible for comfort, durability and style.

In selecting an upholsterer, the most important aspect is to ask to see examples of their work and ask for local references. If they are an established, reputable upholsterer, they should have a showroom with examples of their work to view and sit in. Many large upholstery businesses will also have hundreds or even thousands of fabric selections from which to choose. Prices will vary from very affordable to very expensive, depending on the content of the fabric and the manufacturer, as well as its origin.

A good upholster will also offer many options and detailing for the furniture. You may want to consider having a custom upholstered headboard made for your master suite or have them upholster an accent wall in your home or even build and upholster a large tufted top ottoman that will also double as a unique cocktail table in your living room. A good upholster will have an endless supply of options to make something that is truly a one-of-a-kind piece and that you will enjoy for many years.

They can even update and restyle anything you may have to make it more current. An example is a woman’s mid-century sofa that belonged to her grandmother. It was a good, quality piece, but also had sentimental value to her and her family. They used it all the time in their main family room, but wanted it to be more comfortable for daily use. The skirt was removed from the base; some beautiful espresso stained legs that were two inches taller were added; the button tufting was removed from the back; and the existing arms were reworked to be padded and more comfortable.

All of the above modifications were done, and then it was reupholstered in an updated fabric. Those changes completely brought the sofa up to date, but the sentimental value and comfort remained. Plus, it was made to be even more comfortable. It is now their main piece of furniture in the room. She now has a very stylish sofa for less than she would have paid for one of similar quality from on the current market. Never think it’s a waste of money to reupholster if what you have has meaning to you, or you just like something about it that makes you not want to part ways with it.

In case you did not know this, you can also have your current furniture re-cushioned.

Perhaps you love the size and scale of what you have, but you find the cushions have lost their oomph, or they never were firm enough or soft enough for you to begin with. Re-cushioning

BEFORE

AFTER

is also reasonable to do and you can personally select the level of firmness or softness you want your new cushions to have. You can also select fiber-fill cushions or feather down cushions. You don’t always have the option when buying new.

This is just another service a great upholstery shop can provide for you.

In closing, it always comes down to the worth something has to you personally. Listen to your heart when it comes time to replace or reupholster what you already have. You are the one who will spend years with your furniture, so you need to be the one to decide whether to give it another spin around the block or donate it to a charitable organization that could use it for their cause.

I never recommend disposing of old furniture into our landfills. There is an ever-growing concern of America’s landfills being inundated with cheap imported furniture. Anything can be reupholstered, re-cushioned, or restyled, so go with your gut, choose your own fabric, decide what modifications you would like to make, and give your local upholsterer a call and ask for the options and pricing to give your old furniture a new life.

Photo contributed by Ambrose Furniture Works.

This antique sofa belonged to a woman’s grandmother, and had sentimental value. The frame was stripped and cleaned, the springs were retied, new foam was added to the seat and new striped fabric was applied.

Ray Jezisek is the owner of Ambrose Furniture Works at 401 South Main St. in Bryan (www.ambrosefurnitureworks.com). Contact him at 979-822-4071 or ambrosefurniture@ hotmail.com.

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

27

Tips when creating an outdoor living space METRO CREATIVE Connection

O

utdoor living areas have become an extension of the home’s interior, with many homeowners creating outdoor living rooms and dining areas so they can relax and eat meals outside just as they do indoors. But homeowners thinking of creating outdoor living spaces should consider a few tricks of the trade before beginning their projects.

Strategically place the space. Property often dictates where the outdoor living space will go, but it helps to keep in mind that the outdoor space is more likely to be used if it’s easily accessible from the inside of the home.

For instance, if residents need to walk out the front door to access an outdoor living space in the backyard, then residents might find the area is too inconveniently located and they won’t make the most of the space. Whenever possible, plan the outdoor living space so it’s

28

Home iN Style summer 2013

easily accessible from the home’s interior, preferably from the kitchen so it will be easier to carry meals outdoors when dining outside.

Emphasize comfort. Many homeowners look at their outdoor living areas as places to kick their feet up and relax, so comfort should take precedence when planning the space.

Forgo the plastic patio chairs of yesteryear for furniture that’s more sturdy and roomy so you won’t feel cramped or sweaty on warm summer evenings and afternoons. In addition, don’t forget to shade the area. Some homeowners choose to build pergolas, but oftentimes an umbrella or two can do the trick at a fraction of the cost. If the outdoor living area is near trees, they might provide sufficient shade from the often blistering summer sun. But keep a few umbrellas in the garage just in case.

Illuminate the area. Summer nights spent relaxing in the outdoor living area

make for great memories. But such nights are nearly impossible if the area doesn’t have some lighting. Tiki torches might do the trick for some, while others who want to avoid giving their outdoor area a luau feel might prefer solarpowered accent lights, which won’t require any wiring. If your backyard attracts its fair share of insects, look for insect-repelling lights or lamps.

Whatever your preference, don’t forget to have some lighting so those summer evenings spent under the sky don’t have to end when the sun goes down.

Keep the design consistent with your home. In addition to providing an outdoor respite from the daily grind, an outdoor living space can also increase a home’s resale value.

However, homeowners who have one eye on R&R and the other on resale value should keep the design of their outdoor living space consistent with their home. One of the goals

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular over the last several years. The home improvement boom has shown many homeowners just how easy it can be to transform a home into a private sanctuary that caters to the personalities of the home’s residents.

A few tricks of the trade can help homeowners create the outdoor living space of their dreams. when designing an outdoor living space should be to create a seamless transition from the home’s interior to its exterior. The best way to do that is to keep the designs of both living spaces consistent.

Don’t forget the fire pit. A fire pit provides a great focal point for an outdoor living area. Instead of sitting at the dinner table, families and friends can gather around the fire pit and relax with some s’mores and share stories. But even when guests aren’t coming over, a fire pit makes for a great place to relax and let the time go by.

With more and more homeowners transforming their homes into their own private sanctuaries, outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity. By employing a few simple tricks of the trade, homeowners can create the outdoor areas of their dreams.

#

.YWZVO^O 3YWO $ #

&

" ! %%% &

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

29

1729 Briarcrest Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing Ron Prince Display Advertising Manager Joanne R. Patranella 979.731.4719 joanne.patranella@theeagle.com Special Projects Coordinator Dawn Goodall 979.731.4738  dawn.goodall@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706  jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects Editor Shauna Lewis 979.731.4704  shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Section Designer Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738 or email: homeinstyle@theeagle.com www.theeagle.com

advertise your company in the premier home magazine in the Brazos valley.

Publication Date: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 Space Reservation Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013

30

home iN Style summer 2013

how to give a room a new look without breaking

the Bank metRo cReatiVe CoNNeCTioN

R

edecorating a room or an entire house can change the entire feel of the space dramatically. But an unpredictable economy has made many consumers a little more particular when it comes to spending on home décor.

Changing elements in a room does not have to be expensive. A few updated pieces or accessories can give a room an entirely new look without breaking the bank.

SLiPcOVERS Slipcovers are no longer the amorphous sacks they once were. Slipcovers now come in all different price points. Spending a little more can mean getting a style that is elasticized or formfitting, which will conform to the contours of a sofa or love seat. This is a simple way to cover up an outdated style of sofa fabric or a chair that has seen better days. Slipcovers also are a good way to protect new couches from damage when there are children or pets in the home.

To get the right slipcover, measure the piece of furniture you intend to cover. Without the correct fit, even a well-crafted slipcover can look awkward and cheap. Pay attention to the material of the slipcover, so you know it will be durable and thick enough to cover an existing sofa fabric pattern.

KNOBS ANd PULLS Breathe new life into older furniture by changing the knobs, draw pulls and handles. Many times furniture comes with standard brass knobs that can look dated over time. Using sleeker, more streamlined knobs can make traditional furniture look more modern. Changing pulls from metal to wood can make a room look more earthy or country. Home improvement stores and accessory retailers stock a wide variety of handles and knobs that can transform just about any piece of furniture. And what cannot be found in a store can most likely be purchased online.

PAiNT OR STAiN Painting a room’s walls a different color can provide immediate results. But furniture also can be painted and stained. Many times older furniture is made from quality wood, not the type of composite or pressboard wood of some less expensive furniture options. That means that finishes can be stripped and replaced with new stains. Turn a dated dresser into something that looks brand new with a new stain color or a coat of paint. Think about painting or staining using foam sponges to reduce the appearance of brush lines.

AccESSORiZE Swapping out curtains, throw pillows and even wall art can easily and often inexpensively transform the look of a room. Homeowners can purchase accessories with bright colors that add a pop of brightness throughout the room and can provide a pick-me-up for neutral design tones.

Older lamps can be given a new look just by replacing lamp shades. There are many affordable options at discount stores and major retailers.

Area rugs can also transform a room with little effort. Bring in a new color scheme with a different patterned rug and carry the pattern to stairways with runners.

BARE MiNiMUM Sometimes less is more, and this can also pertain to home decorating. Revamping a room can be done by subtraction as well as addition.

Homeowners can explore the option of taking out a piece of furniture that may be cumbersome and blocking foot traffic. Removing knickknacks from shelves and thinning out the use of collectibles can make a room more airy and inviting. Before money is spent on changing furniture or accessories, people can look into what they can remove from the room to freshen it up.

Giving a room a new look and feel can be done without breaking the bank.

Long Hours At The Office? Too Many Errands To Run?

Fabric Care’s Convenient “To-Your-Door” Service Makes Life Easy at No Additional Cost!

Fabric Care Cleaners

Committed To Quality, Excellence and Customer Service.

HASSLE FREE CONVENIENCE ONE LESS ERRAND NO NEED TO CALL

NO ORDER TOO SMALL TWICE A WEEK SERVICE HOME OR OFFICE

3505C Longmire @ Rock Prairie • College Station • 979.695.0993 2617 S. Texas Ave. • Bryan • 979.822.1583 3239 Wilkes @ Tabor Road • Bryan • 979.778.4721

Visit Our Website For More Information About Our Services

WWW.FABRICCAREBCS.COM

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

31

CELEBRITY SPA & SALON

F u l l S e rv i c e S a lo n manicures • pedicures • facials • facial & body sculpting • body waxinG • Therapeutic massages make-overs • makeup application • eyelash extensions • barbering services of the

Winner

2012

CELE

BRIT

S A LO

Y S PA

N

CHECK OUT OUR INSTANT GIFT CARDS ONLINE !

w w w. c e l e b r i t y s pa . n e t 9 7 9 . 6 9 0 . 6 2 0 0 4081 HWY.6 • STE. 601 • CS • MON 9AM-6PM • TUES-FRI 8AM-8:30PM • SAT 9AM-6PM (take barron road exit located on East Frontage Road)

become a fan on facebook