Home In Style by The Eagle Advertising Department

WINTER 2011 T H E B RYA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

GET IN THE SPIRIT George Bush Library celebrates the season with Holidays in the Rotunda

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

A&M professor’s photo exhibit looks at common and uncommon scenes from a fresh perspective

TOUCH TONES

Rich, inviting textures make rooms feel organic and interactive

Show Stopper Brenham family’s dream home perfect for entertaining

Show Stopper

Brenham family’s dream home perfect for entertaining

Contents

4 A Taste of cheveron More than just a run-of-themill zigzag, the chevron stripe is a popular modern décor trend with vintage roots

26 Local Digs

Can’t Beat the Price! Free finds make for a great new room

29 Kids ‘n’ Chores

6 Visualize This

Handy design apps help bring any dream home into reality

8 Get in the Spirit

Brightly colored housewares can make chores more fun for the kids – and you!

31 Win a room makeover

George Bush Library celebrates the season with Holidays in the Rotunda

Enter to win a room makeover from The Eagle and Amazing Space

20 People, Places and Things

A&M professor’s photo exhibit looks at common and uncommon scenes from a fresh perspective

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Home iNStyle Winter 2011

1 6 0 4 C o p p e r f i e l d P a r k w a y, S u i t e 1 0 0 , C o l l e g e S t a t i o n , Te x a s 7 7 8 4 5

1729 Briarcrest Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher Jim Wilson Display Advertising Manager Joanne R. Patranella 979.731.4719 joanne.patranella@theeagle.com

a taste of

By lINDsey roMaIN

CHEVRON

CTW FeaTures

More than just a run-of-the-mill zigzag, the chevron stripe is a popular modern décor trend with vintage roots

Special Projects Coordinator Dawn Goodall Creative Services Manager Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706  jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects Editor Billy Mau 979.731.4704  billy.mau@theeagle.com Section Designer Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738 or email: homeinstyle@theeagle.com www.theeagle.com

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Home iNStyle Winter 2011

hat’s a way to add a little zig to your home-décor zag? Try a chevron pattern, a repeating V-shaped stripe that has been cropping up in all forms of design, from cushions to runway dresses to wallpaper. A chevron stripe is a spin on the basic zigzag pattern, taking the classic chevron shape (think of the blue and red double-V Chevron Corp. logo) and elongating it into a multi-purpose design tool. Singular chevrons have been seen on badges and insignias, but the repetition makes it a pattern. “It’s similar to the square and rectangle discussion: a square is always a rectangle, but a rectangle is not always a square,” says Lisa Lagenhop, marketing manager for Greendale Home Fashions, a cushion company that features chevron stripes on their products. “In the same vein, chevron is always a zigzag, but a zigzag is not always a chevron.” The versatility of the chevron stripe, and the distinction from traditional zigzag patterns, is most likely responsible

for its recent popularity. “There’s an element of tradition, but it’s still bold, geometric and simplistic,” Lagenhop says. “Chevron brings rhythm and color into your home space without being overwhelming. It’s cool and friendly but fairly tame.” Lagenhop advises incorporating it into a room in small pops instead of big doses. “Using it in a throw pillow or a tray is a perfect bit of visual interest in almost any style of décor,” she says. In turn, designers like chevron for the opportunity it creates to experiment with the traditional zigzag element. “It’s a classic plain stripe, but just a notch higher on the fun scale,” says Carolyn Tillman, a designer whose shop, tilly | maison, specializes in hand-painted trays and other household items in chevron. Tillman started her store in the summer of 2010 after searching high and low for a Lucite tray with a chevron stripe. She couldn’t find one, so she created her own and launched a business based on the

a chevron pattern gives a distinct retro feel to this lucite tray from tilly | maison.

Chevron pillows and poufs can add pizzazz to any room.

pattern, which features trays both large and petite in size, and in black or taupe striped with white. “Now, chevron is everywhere,” she says. Lagenhop traces the popularity to roughly five years ago, when it started appearing in high fashion along with tribal patterns. “Because chevron has some of the deliciously bold flavors of tribal but none of the wildness, it quickly transitioned into décor for the masses,” she says.

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Nowadays, chevron is found at all levels of retail, but traces of it can be found in vintage products, too, like antique rugs and retro lamp shades. The popularity of vintage design is a venue for the stripe, although it isn’t categorized by one particular era. “There are definitely color palettes that will create a retro feel, but for the most part, using these stripes feels very now,” Tillman says. “Although the beauty of the stripe is that it can also work within

vintage style beautifully.” The pattern has been around for centuries, according to Lagenhop, but its boldness and alternative take on a classic zigzag “makes it a perfect fit for today’s sentiments.” Just be aware. It’s possible to love the uniqueness of chevron stripes a little too much. “I have to limit myself,” admits Tillman. “I’m so drawn to the pattern that if I’m not careful, my apartment would end up covered in stripes.”

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DIPS, SOUPS AND CHEESE BALL MIXES

Visualize This

Handy design apps help bring any dream home into reality By Debra Wells-Hopey CTW Features

orget the days of trying to envision a whole room painted the color of a 1-inch by 2-inch paint chip, or using hastily drawn sketches to determine if that gorgeous dresser will fit in a tiny bedroom. Plenty of websites, programs and applications are available to make design dreams a reality. Each tool has pros and cons, so we took a look at a few major players to figure out what’s app. Benjamin Moore Website and App

own photos or using one of the many sample photos provided. The program allows users to select the color, finish and trim. Uploading personal photos took a bit more fiddling with the tools (the pics must be JPG or BMP files), and the swapped colors don’t appear as accurate as with the sample photos. Still, it won’t be long before users are transforming their (virtual) home into fantasy central. Benjamin Moore also offers the Color Capture app, free for iPhone or Android. The app captures that moment when the perfect paint color is discovered, whether it comes in the form of a dress, a flower or a piece of art on a gallery wall. It works instantly; just snap a photo

on !

Benjamin Moore’s Personal Color Viewer (available at www.benjamin-moore.com or as a downloadable computer application) lets users “try on” paint colors by either uploading their

➜

in g

of visual inspiration, and this color tool translates it into a perfect match in the color library. If there is no exact match, users are given a color wheel from which to choose the closest match. A shake of the phone shows colors that complement the color chosen. Users can save colors in their favorites and email them to friends. KraftMaid Website and App

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Home iNStyle Winter 2011

KraftMaid has also gone mobile with its own free iPhone app. Similar to the trend of placing usercaptured images on a personal “inspiration board” (think Pinterest or FFFFound) this tool allows users to snap photos of all that inspires – people, places, colors, fonts, items, fabrics – and combines them into a collage of motivational images. Once the virtual “look” or “mood” board is complete, it can be posted to Facebook or posted to the KraftMaid website. KraftMaid.com also offers the tool for those without an iPhone. The KraftMaid-provided examples of design inspirations are inspirational in themselves, but the boards posted by other users were even more rousing. This tool is great for those who are in the early stages of decorating and don’t have the exact ideas, but know what they like in general. This way, home decorators can begin to narrow down their ideas into a focused design aesthetic.

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For those looking for the full meal deal, Autodesk Homestyler (www.homestyler.com) tool allows users to create an entire virtual home online – for free. With products from more than 20 brand name retailers that can be dragged and dropped and viewed in 3-D, it offers option after option, from furniture to window styles and both indoor and outdoor spaces. The free site allows users to easily design floor plans, decorate with real products and get a highresolution image that can be immediately posted on Facebook. It also features designs posted by other users for inspiration. Other sites have offered similar tools, but this was the fastest, most agile program we’ve seen. The

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appliances, windows and accessories were clicked, dragged and dropped easily and the results were in perspective and realistic. Beware – this site is addictive and promises hours of entertainment. Moen Design Your Own

Moen’s design tool offering (www.moen. com/#dyo) presents a choice of wall colors, accessories, countertops and faucet styles in three different virtual bathrooms and two kitchens.

This website tool is definitely all about the faucets (we are talking Moen, after all!). Users can try brass, nickel or chrome, modern or traditional. For those in the market for new taps for the kitchen or bath, this is the site to visit. Casual decorators looking for hours of entertainment, not so much. Compared to the sophisticated offerings from other sites and apps, this Moen website tool is pretty basic and limited.

979-776-0162

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Autodesk Homestyler

By BIlly MaU THe eaGLe

get in the spirit George Bush Library celebrates the season with Holidays in the Rotunda he normally quiet and subdued rotunda at the George Bush Presidential Library will come alive with holiday spirit on Dec. 3 as it plays host to the library’s annual Holidays in the Rotunda. This popular event features a variety of entertainment, a Santa’s Workshop where kids can make ornaments and refreshments throughout the event, which lasts from 10 am to 3 pm. “People really enjoy this event,” said Tracy Paine, Special Events Coordinator for the George Bush Library. “We have performances every 30 minutes in the rotunda. We have dance groups in the morning, and choirs and orchestras in the afternoon. Last year we even had Elvis show up, so you never know what might happen.” Elvis will be back again this year as well, and Santa Claus will be on hand for photos in the Oval Oﬃce. The highlight for many is the 19-foot Christmas 8

Home iNStyle Winter 2011

tree. Decorating efforts on the tree began the weekend before Thanksgiving, meaning the tree is ready and available for viewing for those wanting to see it at a less hectic time. “A lot of people come and get pictures of their family in front of the tree, Paine said. “We also decorate the Oval Oﬃce, which is also a popular place to take holiday pictures.” The George Bush Library also holds a Food for Families food drive in conjunction with Holidays in the Rotunda. They have enjoyed plenty of success in contributing to the Food for Families cause since partnering with them. Last year’s Holidays in the Rotunda attracted more than 2,000 visitors and helped raise plenty of non-perishable food items. As extra incentive, The George Bush Library offers a $1 discount on admission for those who bring a non-perishable food item. While the Holiday in the Rotunda event is free, visitors are encouraged to see what all the library and museum has to offer while they are there.

The current exhibit, Headed to the White House, is an interactive exhibit that teaches visitors about what it is like to run for president. “With the 2012 elections coming up, this exhibit is very timely,” Paine said. “The exhibit is very, very interactive and interesting. You can make your own campaign video and speech, or act like a campaign manger. There is a lot to do in this exhibit.” The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will be open throughout the holidays with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In addition to the discount for donating food items, the library also offers a $2 discount to anyone presenting a ticket from an Aggies home athletic event and free admission to all students from any Texas A&M or Blinn College campus. For more information on this and all other events at the George Bush Library, visit http://bushlibrary. tamu.edu.

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Above: Children of all ages can create their own Christmas ornaments in Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workshop. Left: Choir performances are a mainstay of Holidays in the Rotunda. Visitors can enjoy renditions of their holiday favorites. Right: Morning entertainment at Holidays in the Rotunda includes performances from local dance groups. Performers of all ages put on holidayinspired shows. Below: Elvis returns to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holidays in the Rotunda. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to be anything but a Blue Christmas with all of the entertainment and activities available.

Show Stopper BrenhaM FaMilY’S DreaM hOMe PerFeCt FOr entertaining By BIlly MaU THe eaGLe

pHoTos By CHaNDler arDeN Editor’s Note: This is the ﬁrst of two articles about the home of Carl and Tracey Buckner from Brenham. It focuses on this remarkable home as seen by visitors, namely the common and entertainment spaces. The next issue of Home in Style will feature the family areas of the home and how the Buckners enjoy their home when not entertaining guests.

Home iNStyle Winter 2011

walls flanking the front gate. At night, colored lights bring the fountains to life and really make the entrance pop. A long driveway leads up to a home that would look more in place in a Hollywood setting than on a rural highway. Palm trees and lush garden planters help carve out a very distinct atmosphere from the 66 acres of ranch land that surrounds it. It took three and a half years to build, but both the Buckners and their guests agree that it was time well-spent. The massive front doors open into the

house’s foyer and formal living room. This area makes use of the full vertical space in the home, with only the upstairs bridgeway above. Two large amethyst geodes flank the doorway while a floor-to-ceiling window opposite the door opens into the backyard. “When you first walk in, we want you to be amazed with the view,” Tracey said. “This is where the house makes its first impression, so we wanted it grand.” The formal living room features a Romanstyle design with a decorative theme of angels and cherubs. A large painting on one wall depicts a tired angel resting its head. The Buckners call it their guardian angel. This room, as every other room in the house, was put together by interior designer Sherry Renfrow Moore with The Design Source. She said working with the Buckners was easy

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here are many words that can be used to describe Carl and Tracey Buckner’s home just outside of Brenham. This article will try to use 1,000 or more in an attempt to do so, but there is only one word the Buckners hear people say when they first walk through the front door: wow. Visitors feel like they’re in for star treatment from the time they enter the front gates. Recessed waterfall fountains spring from the

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Clockwise from top: The upstairs bridgeway above the main entrance is decorated with custommade ironwork that complements the ironworks in the front windows. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the formal living room reach almost the full height of the house and are framed with impressive drapery, providing a dramatic view of the back yard. The wine bar with its macarello granite countertops is a popular spot with guests. The spiral staircase is a signature part of the home. Landing next to a large amethyst geode, this is a prime location in the house for portraits. A view from above shows the graceful design of the staircase.

because they have a love of beautiful things and she was able to learn a lot about them personally. This helped in many areas of the house, but the formal living room was where she was able to make the strongest connections. “When I found the painting of the guardian angel, I thought to myself that it must be Carl’s guardian angel,” Moore said. “But I decorated this room as a memorial to Tracey’s late mother. That’s why there are so many angels in here, and I think of the angel in that painting as Tracey’s mother watching over the family here. She’s trying so hard keep everyone in line and the cherubs are the music she makes for everyone.” Three dining areas allow the Buckners to entertain a large number of guests without bringing out extra tables and chairs. A formal dining room sits in view of the less formal breakfast area. The formal dining room was designed to be soft and elegant. Venetian plaster covers the walls, providing a striking backdrop of the Louis XV wall screens. The chandelier above the table hangs from a stunning hand-painted ceiling that gives guests the impression that they could be dining with royalty. The breakfast area is a circular nook with a round table. This is frequently used for family meals. They also take meals at the island bar between the kitchen and family room. Between the dining areas is the wet bar and wine room. This small area makes a big impression thanks to the mascarello granite countertops. The mascarello features deep, rich colors and patterns that instantly make it a conversation piece for guests. “This granite is a top grade and you don’t see it very often,” Moore said. “We combined that beautiful stone with a chiseled edge, because that tends to take this home where there is so much formal going on and add in something more primitive and casual.” When the weather is nice, guests will undoubtedly be drawn to the resort-style back yard where they can enjoy two levels of patio, tropical palms and cabana style décor and a swimming pool that would not be out of place at a high-end hotel. The pool is easily the most dominant piece of the back yard. It features a beach-style entrance, a water volleyball area, a lazy river, waterslide, diving platform and a grotto with in-pool seating. The lazy river rings

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Top: The formal living room as seen from the second floor. Bottom left: The fireplace in the formal living room is one of the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more striking features. Bottom right: The formal dining room features elegant design and an impressive ceiling.

Clockwise from top left: The wood inlays in the game room floor speaks to the level of design detail displayed throughout the house. The breakfast room is a cozier dining area with a full view of the back yard. The upstairs balcony is a popular resting spot for both family and guests. The comfortable seating creates a space great for conversation or looking out over the Bucknersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 66-acre ranch. The game room is a great place to shoot pool and watch the game on TV.

Home iNStyle Winter 2011

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a center island, reachable by a pair of footbridges. The side of the pool nearest the tropical pool house has a swim-up bar offering a place to socialize or watch the game without leaving the water. The pool house has a covered kitchen area with a grill, stove and oven for cooking, as well as its own refrigerator and food storage areas. The Buckner’s goal in building this area was to be able to have everything they need to entertain guests poolside without having to run into the house to get food or drinks. A flatscreen television completes the feel of a Caribbean bar, and makes it a popular place for Carl and his friends to gather to watch a game. The building also has a full changing area and washer & dryer making it easy for pool visitors to change in and out of their pool attire without having to go back up to the house. “We wanted a Caribbean feel, so that’s why we designed things like we did out here,” Tracey said. “We’re going to get a fire pit set up on the island, that way even if someone doesn’t want to swim, they can still be comfortable right there and talk to people in the hot tub or going by on the lazy river.” When the weather isn’t quite as nice, there’s still plenty of fun to be had inside. A quick trip up the home’s opulent stone spiral staircase leads to the game room and home theater. The game room offers guests a place to play pool or video games with access to the backyard balcony and a breath-taking view of the land. The hardwood floor sports an intricate inlay pattern that is every bit as captivating as the furnishings in the room. The home theater was not quite finished as of this writing, but the room’s promise is evident. The walls are soundproofed with surround sound speakers built right into the walls. One end of the room will house the massive viewing screen, while the rest will feature a mix of theater style seating options. “The seating is going to be a combination of both mine and my husband’s styles,” Tracey said. “I like to stretch out when I watch a movie with pillows and blankets, and Carl likes more of a theater-style reclining seat. We’re setting up so that one area will have three big theater recliners and the part along the back wall will have a big L-shaped lounging couch for me and the kids to lay on.” The Buckners expect to be able to comfortably host parties of up to 200 people by making use of the inside and outside entertainment spaces. With accommodations like the ones in this house, filling that guest list should never be a problem as the home is sure to be a favorite spot for holidays, summer cookouts, birthday parties for the kids or even just small gatherings of friends. From it’s seemingly ordinary location on a country highway, the Buckner house manages to be anything but that. No matter how many times someone visits, Tracey and Carl hope their guests leave with just one word on their minds…wow.

Home iNStyle Winter 2011

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The resort-style backyard features a pool, bar, full kitchen and many places to sit and enjoy the view.

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PEOPLE, PLACES AND

D THINGS

By BIlly MaU THe eaGLe

A&M professor’s photo exhibit looks at common and uncommon scenes from a fresh perspective

eople can see the same thing every day and can become so familiar with that object that they cease to notice it. But if that same object is presented to them from a different point of view, it can become something completely new. That is the focus of Dr. Wayne Smith’s “People, Places & Things” photography exhibit at the Arts Council of Brazos Valley running through Dec 29. The Texas A&M anthropology professor is displaying photos taken both from his fieldwork and from his time spent exploring the BryanCollege Station area. It is his goal to take everyday items from the local community and photograph them in such a way that they can stand strong alongside photos of objects from ancient Greek or Egyptian times. “If you take something people know, and change the way you look at it just a little, it’s like seeing it again for the first time,” Smith said. “There is beauty around us that we don’t always recognize.” Smith produced a photo from the exhibit. It is of a very old door that is opening into an old building. There are items on a shelf across the room, but they are diﬃcult to make out. Nothing in the black and white photo indicates an age. “This is the door at Martin’s Barbecue in Bryan,” Smith said. “People look at this photo and say that it is beautiful, then are surprised when I say what it is. That’s from right here in Bryan and no one ever recognizes it in the photograph.” Other photos have the same effect. A photo of Lick Creek after a rain presents a landscape so grand that many might not even consider it to come from their own humble town. Photos of dragonflies at Texas A&M’s Research Park show a vibrant and colorful world most people do not notice as they rush about in their daily routines.

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A collection of gourds at the Barrington Living History Farm creates an image every bit as striking as that of a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mask. Many of Smith’s photos were not necessarily from planned shoots, but from scenes he came across on walks or visits to different places. He credits serendipity for a good number of his finds. Often times, straying from the normal path yields great results for him. “I believe in taking that path less traveled, so to speak,” Smith said. “That path is the beginning to many new things.” Smith teaches archaeological photography at Texas A&M and stresses the artistic side of the process to his students. Even though the archaeological aspect of photography is largely to document finds, Smith reminds students to keep an eye for detail in their photography. Much like his photos of Egyptian artifacts in his exhibition, he teaches his students that art and technical photography aren’t mutually exclusive. When students do have that ahha moment work, Smith said he is able to take pride in seeing his love of photography passed on. The subject matter in “People, Places & Things” is wide-ranging. Some photos come from exotic locales - like the Egyptian artifacts on display in Germany, the Acropolis and Delphi columns in Greece or the La Rogativa statue in San Juan. Others come from closer to home – like the photos of Martin’s Barbecue and Lick Creek in B/CS, The War Mother statue at San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum or the gourds at Barrington Living History Farm. Whether the subject of the photo is familiar to visitors or not, Smith hopes all will leave with a fresh perspective. “I want people to see things differently than they did before they got here,’ he said. “We think we really know things until we see them in a new light, then they become something entirely different.”

Home iNStyle Winter 2011

Hermann Furniture

Located on the historic downtown square in Brenham, Hermann Furniture offers so much more than just fine furniture. As the oldest family owned and operated furniture store in Texas, the Hermann family, along with the knowledgeable, friendly staff assist clients in choosing and coordinating custom upholstery, draperies, rugs, floral arrangements, and accessories. With complimentary design seminars and personal service, the design process is simplified. For your convenience, Hermann Furniture also offers free delivery within 50 miles.

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local digs!

Can’t Beat the Price! Free finds make for a great new room ometimes, there is just no shame in a hand out. This becomes especially true when you are a craft-hungry college student on a budget. Some designers may scoff at faux-wood or particleboard that is used to make most cheap furniture, but I say, embrace it. There is significant truth in the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” So behold, do-it-yourself bargain hunters, there is beauty in the most unexpected places. My latest shopping hot spots in fact, have not been shops at all. I stumbled upon my first free find as I pulled onto my street after a long day of class. Sitting on the curb in front of the house next door was a perfectly good wooden coffee table. I took note of the mattress and baby crib at the table’s side and claimed it as my own. I simply carried it next door and there was my next project. Free of charge. Now this doesn’t mean drive the streets of Bryan and pillage your neighbors’ trash, but if they have thrown it out (and make sure they really have thrown it out), save the city some trouble. One day in the summer I began rummaging through my parents’ garage, sorting through 33 years of pictures, gift-wrap, sports memorabilia and what I was really looking for, furniture. I found a chest of drawers with intricate hardware and dark wood. It had been cast aside because the sides had cracks near the bottom, but in one afternoon a coat of white paint made for a beautiful shabby chic antique. But I discovered a real beauty way in the back wedged between lawn chairs and covered by a collection of drop cloths: an auburn wood armoire in perfect condition, just waiting for a remodel. The piece had been in my brother’s apartment in college and had not seen the light of day in almost 8 years. The materials and finish were cheap, but with a bright coat of paint you would never be able to tell. I knew my recently married (and also on a budget) sister was looking for furniture, and sure enough a free armoire would be perfect for their bare living room. Since the wood was in fact, not really wood, I didn’t need to sand it. (Faux wood furniture can be great when you are painting a bold solid color. Stay sway from it if you are going to “shabby” your piece; the paint will chip 26

Home iN Style Winter 2011

BEFORE

or peel.) I removed the hardware and cleaned the entire piece using household cleaner and a rag, making sure to get in every nook and corner. We chose a bright turquoise color for the paint with high gloss enamel for a shiny finish. From there, the steps were easy: • Used a small roller to apply paint (also used a trim and touch up pad for the corners and hard-to-reach crevices) • Recycled old scrapbook paper (or you could buy new) and cut to size of space on armoire • Used foam brush and Mod Podge (glue adhesive, can be found at any craft store) to adhere paper to the wood, making sure to smooth out all the bubbles • Applied a thin coat of Mod Podge over the paper to give it a finished look and add protection The new hardware came from an old dresser my sister wasn’t using. Great hardware can be found anywhere. Often thrift or antique stores keep leftover hardware for you to purchase separately, but you can also take it off unused furniture. The handles we chose matched beautifully with the armoire’s new look and they now had a home outside of my sister’s garage. To finish off the living room’s look, we found a few more pieces in the garage that worked nicely with the space. My sister had the idea to turn a file cabinet on its side as a coffee table, and with a little dusting, that’s all there was to it. We found a tray for $1 at a local thrift store and painted it the same color as the armoire. We topped it with a $0.50 green vase and white candles. The school chair on the left was also a thrift store find that my sister had previously painted white. All together, our day of redecorating totaled less than $15 with paint and thrift store accessories. My sister’s living room looks brand new and her husband definitely appreciated the budget. The steps are simple enough for anyone to tackle and the price is hard to beat. Upcycling has endless possibilities. Take a look at the local junk and a treasure is sure to surface. To see more handmade items by Mollie Dean, visit comeandtakeitdesigns.blogspot.com or email molliekdean@gmail.com with your design questions.

AFTER

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By CHeryl V. JaCKsoN CTW FeaTures

Rich, inviting textures make rooms feel organic and interactive

tones

Wall wear: Leather or carved wall tiles can define a space and soften hard lines in a room's architecture. Go green: Natural fibers like wool, cow hide and grass cloth fit environmentally conscious lifestyles and add interest to furnishings.

Home iNStyle iN StyleWinter Winter2011 2011

each out and touch. Elements of design throughout homes are calling for it. Experts say texture (actual and implied) is big, with pillows, throws and wall tiles ramping up the feel. The trend has moved beyond living and sleeping spaces, where soft textures were once most prevalent. It was among those that made an impression at National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2011 design contest. One bathroom entry highlighted by NKBA achieved a textured touch using an oversized glass mosaic tiled rug set into a limestone floor to give the effect of a patterned area rug. In that case, the quilted effect of the shower wall mirrored the trend of quilted materials in fashion. The popularity of environmentally conscious décor is helping drive the trend, says Victor Shafor of Aviva Stanoff Design Inc., a New York household décor shop. “We’re seeing an interest in things that are recycled or repurposed. It has a more organic look,” Shafor says. “People are looking for those kinds of things that are high design and look good, but still friendly to the environment.” Customers have taken an interest in imprinted textures, Shafor adds. “There’s a strong response to our signature collections, which imprints real objects into velvet,” he says. “That provides an interesting texture, with each being unique.” Natural fibers are another way to create varied textures, says Patricia Meidi, owner of Pehuen Designs in New York, where handmade sheep’s wool poufs, throws and pillows are hot sellers. “People are looking for natural fibers,” Meidi says, and Merino wool fits in that trend. “In Argentina, we use a lot of wool. It’s customary for us to have these poufs made out of wool. [In the U.S.], people are looking to go back to nature right now in everything.” Texture schemes can even go wall-to-wall, thanks to products like leather or carved wall tiles, says Christina Ranvik, territory manager for Studio Art, which produces leather tiles. Designers use the tiles to soften hard lines or to define a transition or space, she says. “We’re seeing a lot of very shiny wall coverings and textiles for the wall,” Ranvik says. “Especially shiny, sparkly leather walls. I’m seeing that in a lot of rec room and a lot of basement remodels.” Animal hairs, such as spotted cow, are increasingly popular in furniture, usually used as accent pieces in areas like hallways; green, environmentally friendly natural fibers, such as grass cloth, are lining more bathroom walls, Ranvik says. Walls also are being covered with aged leather and faux leather with oil-rubbed finishes, she adds. These textures are more often used on small walls or small pieces of accent furniture, such as in an entryway, Ranvik says. Still, folks are opting for leather runners and rugs made to match wall coverings and bring the room together. “People seem to be getting more opulent,” she says. “They’re picking an accent wall or accent piece to do something really opulent in texture or color.”

Kids ‘n’Chores By paTrICIa rIVera CTW FeaTures

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Brightly colored housewares can make chores more fun for the kids – and you!

Around the world: Cooking international foods can teach kids about different cultures and help put a healthy meal on the table. M I T S U B I S H I • YA M A H A • K L I P S C H • C o n T r o L 4 S

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arents know it’s a daily battle to get kids to do their chores. After all, with social media, streaming video, smartphone games and – don’t forget – hanging out with friends, it’s a tough sell to say that scrubbing down the house will be tons of fun. Still, a touch of whimsy and a splash of color can help take the bore out of chores, for everything from washing dishes to recycling to helping cook nutritious meals. “Kids want to participate, but we just have to make it easier for them,” says Martin Amado, Miami-based designer and host of the national home makeover show “Decorando Contigo,” on the Spanish-language network Galavision. Amado, for instance, created kid-friendly recycling bins during a children’s room makeover. He took inexpensive and colorful waste bins and hung them on the wall using drawer knobs (large cup hooks also work). Each bin, a different color, carried decorative labels for what should go inside – paper, plastic or trash. Kids can have fun tossing items into bins like shooting hoops. “They also feel good about themselves because they know they are recycling and taking care of the earth,” he says. Sometimes getting kids involved in cleaning means finding products that look cool and are easy to use. Casabella, a home cleaning products manufacturer in Rockland, N.Y., makes sleek and colorful cleaning tools that also are kid-friendly. Casabella spokeswoman Susan Jardina says that some microfiber products (dusting cloths, dusters, mops) can be used with just water, no cleaning chemicals required. They encourage kids to take on some of the chores at home. For kids, a dustpan and brush set is easier to manage than tall brooms, she adds. Cooking with kids can be a way to get work done, have fun and teach some lessons. Handstand Kids Cookbook Co. creates international cookbook kits that introduce children to the culture, language and cuisine of a new country. Kids can cook nutritious food and learn about a different culture.

Feeling the Christmas Spirit Contest winner enjoying holiday room makeover

Before oydell Janner isn’t one for entering contests, but when the College Station resident saw the entry form for the Amazing Space room makeover in the Summer edition of Home in Style magazine, she decided to give it a try. Janner knew she wanted to do something with her living room, but was never sure of what to do. “I moved into this house eight years ago and I always knew the living room could be pretty special, but I knew I couldn’t do it myself,” Janner said. “When I saw that ad for the contest, I thought I should do it. I had to really think about it for a few days though, because this isn’t the kind of thing I usually do.” She had all but forgotten she’d entered the contest when Georgianne Zemanek, owner of Amazing Space, called to say she’d like to see the room in person. Janner gladly invited Zemanek over and the interior designer began looking for inspiration. Inspiration came in the form of the holidays, and Zemanek set out to turn Janner’s living room into an elegant holiday wonderland. “When I saw this room I thought it would be perfect for Christmas because the home is very traditional,” Zemanek said. “Right away I started thinking about where to put the tree and envisioning how the room would come together.” Zemanek’s specialty is redecorating with items already in the house. Many people would be surprised to realize they have all of the elements 30

Home iNStyle Winter 2011

for a very successful room décor spread out all over the house. Zemanek’s talent lies in finding these scattered elements and bringing them together. The first step was moving around some furniture. Zemanek isolated two items right away that were to be the key components of the room. First was a large curio cabinet that Janner had between the two windows on the front wall of the room. Zemanek moved it opposite the fireplace to provide visual balance and reorganized the items within it. The other highlight item was a bow-front chest that had been nearly hidden next to the fireplace. That was moved to the spot formerly occupied by the curio cabinet, giving it a featured location and allowing it to shine. Next was what Janner considered the biggest challenge of the room – the mantle. For years, Janner had tried unsuccessfully to find the right decoration for the centerpiece of the room. During her tour of the home, Zemanek found just the thing for it. First she removed the painting from there and hung it above the bow-front chest. Next she took an oval mirror from another wall and hung it above the mantle. To accent the mirror, she brought down six decorative plates that Janner had in storage to flank the mirror. Using items that people have in storage is an exciting part of Zemanek’s job and is also very rewarding for the client, who never had found a good use for them.

By BIlly MaU | THe eaGLe

after “When I do houses like this, I tell the people to get everything that might be useful out,” Zemanek said. “I bring things together and it’s nice to see the people’s reaction when it’s something that has meaning to them.” With those items in place, Zemanek moved around the sofa and chairs to bring the focus of the room to the fireplace area. That left plenty of room in the front corner for the Christmas tree. Zemanek went with a completely new scheme from how Janner usually decorates for Christmas. Using all locally-bought decorations, Zemanek created a decorative scheme so appealing that Janner said she’s tempted to leave it up all year. Janner and her family will be celebrating Christmas in the new room this year and she said she can’t wait for the holidays to get here. She’s also very happy to have gotten the chance to meet Zemanek and witness her gift for design. “Georgianne is a very sweet lady,” Janner said. “She and I got along just great from the first time she walked in the door. She’s a lovely person and very easy to work with.” For more information about Amazing Space or to set up a consultation with Zemanek, call 979-7745095 or 979-229-7197. She can also be reached by email at amazingspace@verizon.net.

FREE Room Makeover BRAZOS MOVING by Georgianne Zemanek’s

“

I look forward to working with readers of Home In Style,” Georgianne said. “The chosen entry winner will be amazed at the change that will happen in their rooms, just by rearranging their existing furniture and room decor. They’ll have a new look using all of their own things.

”

Georgianne Zemanek and Amazing Space have been based in Bryan/College Station for more than 30 years. Her work has been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles as well as on Houston-area TV stations.

979.774.5095 • 979.229.7197 • amazingspace@verizon.net

FREE Room Makeover Entry Form Name __________________________________________________________ Street Address ___________________________________________________

Free Room Makeover

City ___________________________________________________________

FREE Room Makeover Entry Rules* 1. Submit completed Home In Style Entry Forms to: The Eagle 1729 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan 77802 or print out an entry form online at: theeagle.com/homeinstyle 2. One Entry Form Per Household. 3. Residential Homes Only within 20-mile radius of Bryan/College Station will be considered. 4. Winner will be selected by Amazing Space.

5. Before and After photos of the winner will be featured in the 2012 Editions of Home In Style. 6. Photos accepted but not required to win.

*Contest is for Room Makeover Only. Purchase of furnishings, décor, paint, ﬂooring etc. is not included.

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

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