ITALIAN MARBLE & LEATHER AT CASTLE FURNITURE DESIGN CENTER
Fine accessories, arts and area rugs
W W W. C A S T L E F D C . C O M 3819 Fondren Rd. (Fondren & Westpark) • Houston, TX 77063 • (832) 201-1000 2
house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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APRIL 2016
CONTENTS
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Editor’s Note Calendar Project: Earth Day Recycling Guide Decorating & Entertaining: DIY Furniture Painting Editor Picks: Design Books Gardening: Make Your Own Terrariums Pet of the Month: Riley
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54 ON THE COVER: Houston Couple Find Their Perfect Haven in an Old Galveston House. Photography by Anthony Rathbun
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35 41 47 54 66
Good Brick Tour Guide John Staub-Designed River Oaks Remodel Other Good Brick Tour Homes Old Galveston Home Renovation Spring Home Tours
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H O M E
1 9 T H
S T
H O U S T O N
F U R N I S H I N G S
713.869.1414
&
H E I G H T S
A C C E S S O R I E S
Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm 7
THE KITCHEN ISN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE NEITHER ARE WE.
EDITOR’S NOTE Ahhhh . . . nothing like enjoying a glass of wine at the end of a very productive day of working in my yard.
The lifestyles and preferences of today’s consumer have inspired us to reimagine the kitchen. With innovations like the first Hands-free Autofill water dispenser, the first dishwasher with 102 cleaning jets and a clean modern appearance, the GE kitchen is more intelligent, intuitive and beautiful than ever. l geappliances.com
ACCEPTANCE APPLIANCE CENTER, INC. Authorized As-Is Dealer 6765 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W. • Suite 200 Houston, TX 77064 • 281-955-0861 www.acceptanceappliance.com
reimagining home
I have a couple of events that soon will take place at my house, so looming “deadlines” and cool breezes have spurred me to get my tasks done. It’s all starting to take shape! In my photo here, I’m standing in front of a “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” plant, which first blooms vibrant purple, then a pale lavender, and finally a cool white. Also called Brunfelsia, it is an aromatic tree/bush that is actually native to Brazil. I have it fronting some unsightly garbage cans. It typically grows between 3 and 6 feet. It seems to be enjoying non-harsh, filtered light. (Thank you, Bryan!) Like you all, I’m always on the lookout for great ideas — and also insights on what makes my garden the happiest and most successful. So . . . needless to say, I’m looking forward to visiting the eight private gardens on tour throughout the city on April 30, during the Garden Conservancy Houston’s Open Day. Peckerwood Garden (www.peckerwoodgarden.org) is a co-sponsor of the tour. If you’re looking for plants that work well in our area, you might want to attend Peckerwood’s plant sale that same day. It’s also home tour season — the perfect time to seek out inspiration for your own home. See page 66 for information on all these tours.
HOUSTON
PUBLISHER ........................Mike Harrison, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ........Susie Reisenbigler EDITOR ..............................................Susan Fox CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ....................................
Over 30 Years of Experience on Residential & Commercial Properties. • Dramatic Uplighting • Delicate Moonlighting • Feature Lighting
• Mercury Vapor Lighting • Low Voltage Lighting • LED Lighting
..........................Barbara Canetti, Marsha Canright, ..................................Hayley Girard, Amitha Verma
• Accent Lighting • Mosquito Misting • Maintenance
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS .................., ................................................Anthony Rathbun ART DIRECTOR ............................Robert Coplin SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ........Frances Dowling ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE......................Karen Sims
FREE DESIGN & ESTIMATE
PRINTING ........................................RR Donnelly
Speaking of home . . . I may be making a trek to my hometown of Victoria, TX. Victoria Preservation Inc. (vpitx.com) opens six magnificent, historic homes on April 2 & 3. Docents will guide visitors through each house. It’s only a two-hour drive from here so if you’re an aficionado of older dwellings, you might find these special. A four-hour drive straight up Hwy. 59 takes you to Jefferson, TX — just east of Dallas, where the Jesse Allen Garden Club hosts the 69th annual historic home tours, April 29 - May 1. For more info, visit http://www.jeffersonpilgrimage.com And, finally, let’s not forget about those photo ops along the Bluebonnet Trail. For information about events and a map highlighting the best routes, visit www.visitennis.org/ bluebonnet.htm There’s a lot going on — enjoy! Susan
Blue Thumb Inc., dba Houston House & Home ("HH&H"), is a news magazine with emphasis on interior design and remodeling. HH&H does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does HH&H or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication. HH&H has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has not verified claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. HH&H makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products. No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the Publisher. Copyright 2016, all rights reserved. HH&H is distributed at most Houston area Randalls and HEB stores.
P.O. Box 131845 • Houston, Texas 77219 (713) 523-6523 • info@houseandhomeonline.com
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Specification Chemicals, Inc. • 515.432.8256 • 800.247.3932 • www.spec-chem.com
12 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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APRIL 2016
A R T S
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E V E N T S
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M A R K E T S
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W O R K S H O P S
CALENDAR
Tyler County celebrates its annual Dogwood Festival on April 2.
The Round Top Antiques Fair continues through April 3.
Interiors/Design The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920 in Tomball, TX, announces topics covered in this month’s garden series. April 5: “Herb of the Year: the pepper;” April 7: “Plants to Refresh and Charm Spaces;” April 9: “The Southern Garden;” April 10: “Plant a Living Picture — Vertical Succulent Garden;” April 14: “Why Houseplants Die;” April 16: “The Creative Herbal Party;” April 21: “Plant a Pocket Insectary;” April 23: “Garden 101 — Small Space Solutions for Dream Gardens on Balconies, Patios and Decks;” April 28 & April 30: two parts to “Basil, Birds, Bees and Biodiversity.” All begin at 10 a.m. For additional info and news about other events: call 281-351-8851 or visit www.arborgate.com Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Rd., hosts these three Saturday morning (10:15) garden talks: April 9: “Flowers from Proven Winners;” April 16: “Perfect Perennials for Texas Gardens;” April 23: “Enchanting Butterfly and Hummingbirds.” For additional info and news about other events: call 713-292-0898 or visit www.corneliusnurseries.com The Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway, has plans for several activities this month. April 9: “Prairie Plants for
Your Garden;” April 16: “Native Plants for Woodland Gardens;” April 23: “Earth Day Celebration;” and April 30: “Birdwatching with Early Bird Coffee Morning with Katz Coffee.” For information on fees, times and other events, call 713-681-8433 or visit www.houstonarboretum.org
Events Houston’s Ultimate Women’s Expo happens on April 9 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and April 10 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the NRG Reliant Center. Keynote speakers during the course of the weekend are: Phaedra Parks (The Real Housewives of Atlanta), Mario Lopez (host of “Extra”), Lisa Vanderpump (Real Wives of Beverly Hills), Vicki Lawrence (Carol Burnett Show), Leeza Gibbons (TV host and author) and Jasmine Guy (actress/author). Show offers free manicures, gourmet tastings, free beauty samples, shopping, home decor, fashion shows and more. Info: www.houstonwomensexpo.com The Texas Home & Garden Show takes place at the George R. Brown Convention Center, April 15-17. Back by popular demand: the Foodie Spotlight hosted by Chef Adrian Perez. He introduces chefs from the “hottest” Houston restaurants. From steaks to seafood. Cooking demos, too. Also meet with
EDITOR’S NOTE: Please send all calendar items to sfox@houseandhomeonline.com by second Fridays for the following month’s issue. 14 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
hundreds of companies for indoor and outdoor solutions for your home — all under one roof. Contractors, pool companies, remodelers and more. Walk away with ideas and information. For more info: www.texashomeandgarden.com
Design and Antiques The annual springtime Round Top Antiques Fair continues through April 3. More than 2,000 dealers from across the country convene in Round Top with a variety of specialty items — from furnishings, to art, accessories and unique finds. For info: www.roundtoptexasantiques.com The Houston Design Center, 7026 Old Katy Rd., announces “Leading in Design: Spring Market,” April 12. Heritage Texas Properties presents the keynote program with noted designers Vicente Wolf and Suzanne Rheinstein. Both address “Inspiration to Installation.” Book signings, too. At the Alkusari Stone showroom, 11:30 a.m. At 1:30 p.m. at Charlotte Nail Antiques, a panel discusses “Antiques and the Contemporary Client.” The former editor for Domino and Lonny magazines — Robert Leleux — talks about “Southern Style” at 4 p.m. at the Ken Kehoe & Co. showroom. For more info: www.thehoustondesigncenter.com The Houston Decorative Center, 5120 Woodway, plans a day devoted to “The Art of Design.” Details being finalized. Visit www.decorativecenter.com for more info.
Out of Town It’s Dogwood time in Tyler County — Woodville, TX, hosts the dogwood dash, antique autos, arts & crafts, a parade, and historical play. Plus fireworks. April 2. For info: 409-2832632. Victoria Preservation Inc. presents the 29th Annual Historic Homes Tour, April 2 & 3. Six homes on tour. Tickets are $20. In Victoria, TX. For information, visit www.vpitx.com The Historic District of Montgomery, TX, hosts its 17th Annual Antiques Festival, April 29 - May 1. Free admission. Info: www.experiencemontgomery.com Fayetteville, TX, hosts its 2016 Artwalk on May 7 & 8. Enjoy wine tastings, art, music and food. Info: www.artsforruraltexas.org 15
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Round Top Vintage Market
Weekend Market open all year: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A quality venue featuring Antiques ~ Vintage ~ Collectibles ~ Art Indoor Dealers Spaces ~ Climate Controlled ~ Over 12,000 Sq Ft
www.roundtopvintagemarket.com • roundtopvintagemarket@gmail.com www.facebook.com/roundtopvintagemarket 1235 North Hwy 237, Round Top, TX 78954
www.houstonglassblock.com 17
PROJECT
PROTECT OUR EARTH
RECYCLE FOR PLENTIFUL BENEFITS Forty-six years ago, “Earth Day” was established to heighten awareness on the need to protect and appreciate our planet, which is increasingly becoming more fragile due to neglect and indifference. Earth Day is April 22. In an effort to show our appreciation, Houston House & Home reminds everyone to recycle. Every little bit helps. Houston makes it easy to recycle by giving each household a 96-gallon green recycling cart, which is picked up by city workers two to three times a month. If you wish to contact the city for a recycling can or want to look at the pick-up schedules, please visit www.houstontx.gov Recycling is important for many reasons, including the fact that it helps prevent pollution and an overflow of landfills (which are rapidly filling to capacity), in addition to encouraging preservation of forests. To help us know what can be recycled, we are re-printing the City of Houston’s guidelines below. THE CITY OF HOUSTON ACCEPTS: • aluminum and tin cans • corrugated cardboard • envelopes • glass (at neighborhood depositories only) • home and office paper • magazines • mail • newspapers • telephone books • used motor oil
18 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
ACCEPTABLE PLASTICS - Rinse & drained plastics #1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and 7: butter, cat litter jugs, coffee can lids, condiment, cooking oil, cosmetic & shampoo bottles, ice cream (tubs & lids), jars, jugs, juice, laundry & dish washing detergent, margarine, medicine, milk, mouthwash, plastic bottles, salad dressing, sauces, soft drink, squeezable bottles & jars, tubs & lids, water, yogurt. IF the plastic item DOES NOT have a number associated with it, it CANNOT be recycled (i.e. plastic straws).
NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, AND CATALOGS • Loose, dry, unsoiled • Inserts • Remove plastic wrapping and rubber bands
NOTE: The Westpark Recycling Center and ESC South accepts Styrofoam (plastic #6).
Aluminum, Tin, Steel, and Empty Aerosol Cans • Rinse and drain • Labels are OK • Place lids inside larger containers
PLASTIC ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED AT CURBSIDE RECYCLING
FLATTENED CARDBOARD • Corrugated only. Flatten to three feet on every side • Cereal and paperboard boxes accepted • NO food, pizza, or wax coated cereal boxes • NO beverage cartons, gift boxes, or styrofoam containers
All #6 plastics (including Styrofoam), food wrap, furniture, meat food trays, packaging material, plastic bags, and toys. Items containing food debris can result in contamination of the recycled product.
USED MOTOR OIL • Drain into original container • Clean, non-chemical screw-top container OK • NO empty used oil containers accepted • NO anti-freeze liquid or containers accepted curbside
ITEMS ACCEPTED FOR RECYCLING COLLECTION
Telephone Books accepted throughout the year.
MAIL, ENVELOPES, HOME AND OFFICE PAPER • Flyers, computer paper, copies and envelopes • No dark colored or decorative: folders, cards or envelopes • No plastic bags or foil packaging
Your automated container and recycling bin(s) should be at the curb by 7 a.m. and removed by 10 p.m. on your collection day. Your 96-gallon recycling cart should be placed at least three feet away from other objects including other carts. If you need more information, either call the Houston helpline at 3-1-1 or visit www.houstonsolidwaste.org
PLASTIC BOTTLES • Bottles must have smaller necks than base • Less than 3 gallons • Remove lids, rinse and flatten • No plastic bags
OUTDOOR COOKING AND LIVING AT ITS FINEST TEXAS PIT CRAFTERS CAN DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR CUSTOM OUTDOOR KITCHEN Stainless Steel Gas Grills •
Stainless Steel Smokers •
Stainless Steel Charcoal Pits • Custom outdoor kitchen including gas grill and stainless steel smoker
Outdoor Kitchens •
All stainless steel hybrid unit with smoker & infrared gas grill—for all your cooking need
Pizza Ovens– real wood burning! •
Patio Covers and Pergolas •
Seaside Casual Furniture Patio cover and deck with full outdoor kitchen including churasco wood burning grill
Metal roof patio cover and full custom outdoor kitchen including smoker and grill
Manufacturer of Gas Grills, Burners, Smokers/Pits & Outdoor Kitchens Product and Design Service • Visit our Showroom in Tomball
281-356-2168 • www.texaspitcrafters.com
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DECORATING & ENTERTAINING
BY AMITHA VERMA
FURNITURE MAKEOVER HOW TO TAKE VINTAGE PIECES AND TURN THEM INTO DESIGNER LOOK ALIKES With spring just around the corner, you might be getting ready to do your annual “Spring Spruce Up.” Until now, this meant a deep clean and maybe even adding some new decor, accessories and fresh flowers to your home. But I’m going to show
One of my favorite makeovers of all time: how I turned an ugly sofa into a $3,495 masterpiece (and how you can, too!). It all started when working on a living room project. Yes, I was on the hunt for pieces to add to the space. But I wasn’t necessarily looking for a vintage sofa – which
you how you can get a BIG look – and
not only caught my eye but my heart, too. I
quickly, too.
knew I had to have it.
Amitha Verma
20 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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While I admit that it might be ugly at first glance, I knew that my 3-Step Transform System would quickly and easily turn this unattractive vintage sofa into a designer’s dream. (Not to mention at a price 90 percent cheaper than what it would have cost at a store!). This is the very same 3-Step Transform System that you can use to transform your old, dull furniture, cabinets, and more – into stunning painted pieces. Follow along as I walk you step-by-step starting from that ugly “Before” to the amazing “After” reveal. STEP #1: PAINT IT The first step to any Transform project is to paint the piece with Amitha Verma Transform Paint. On this project, I painted one coat of one of my favorite colors, Belgian Blue, while humming along to my Pandora playlist. Then, I added touch ups to emphasize all of the spectacular details of this piece. If you’re wondering about the cost, one can of Belgian Blue retails for $39.99 – and I only used a fraction of the paint. Now that you see how affordable this transformation is, you might be thinking that you do not the time to dedicate to this project, and who wants to tie up all of her free time to do it? Until now, it used to take six to eight weeks to do such a job. But now, because the Transform Paint doesn’t require any sanding, priming or prep work – this project was complete in only about 20-30 minutes.
Until now it would take six to eight weeks to transform a sofa such as this one. Now, if takes less than an hour -with the right products.
STEP #2: SEAL IT The next step is to lock in the color and create a finish that lasts by sealing the paint with a Amitha Verma Clear Sealer. This creates a beautiful no-shine finish that will help your piece stand the test of time. STEP #3: ENHANCE IT This last step is my favorite step of them all. Simply choose Enhance Brown, Enhance Gray or both to create the designer antique and distressed finish we typically see in those glossy design magazines. Because I wanted a warm looking finish rather than a cooler one, I opted for Enhance Brown. So I used my specially made brush to apply the hue to emphasize all of the gorgeous details in this piece.
Are you ready for the BIG reveal?...
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Products available at Village Antiques, Bering’s, True Value & Amazon.com
So how about you - do you have an old piece in your home that you’d love to transform? I did this – all for the price of a bottle of wine or dinner out! Amitha Verma, founder of Amitha Verma Furniture Paint and owner of Houston’s popular French décor store, Village Antiques. For over four years, top designers and home design aficionados head to Village Antiques for one-of-a-kind furniture, art, décor and expert design advice. With a growing fan base of over 30,000+ passionate followers, Amitha Verma holds the top spot for Houston Design Shows. Visit www.villageantiques.net/elitecard for access to Houston’s #1 design show and sign up for FREE expert design advice, tutorials and tons of education on all things home and decor. 24 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
We Stock Metallic Epoxies! Color Hardeners • Releases • Acid Stains Premium Sealers • Polyurethanes & Epoxies Counter Top Mix • Self Leveling Overlays • Stamps Tools • Training & Support • Seminars The Original
Come See Our
Showroom
Serving Texas and the U.S. Since 1990
8310 Castleford St. #250 • Houston, TX 77040 713-462-8884 • www.decorativecs.com
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POOLS & SPAS • SPLASH PADS • RENOVATIONS • EQUIPMENT
Engineering Elegance
Hien Lam Upholstery “Where quality, service and price make a difference” Phone: (713) 523-3416 Fax: (713) 523-8610 819 West Drew St. • Houston, TX 77006 www.hienlamupholstery.com • hlupholstery@yahoo.com
ADD A SPLASH PAD FOR MORE FUN!
At South Pool & Spa, sound aquatic engineering and beautiful pool design are never mutually exclusive. We’re not just building pools– we’re Engineering Elegance.
713-423-4663 • 832-237-3860 www.southpoolandspa.net 9010 Rippling Fields • Houston, TX 77064 26 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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EDITOR’S PICKS
Popular Selections from Gibbs Smith Publishing
MODERN MIX, CURATING PERSONAL STYLE WITH CHIC & ACCESSIBLE FINDS By Eddie Ross, with Jaithan Kochar, $45 Renowned interior designer Bunny Williams — known for her historically classic, traditional yet unpredictable style — writes that she has met her “alter ego” in Eddie Ross. Ross, a decorator and stylist known for his bold and cutting edge decor gives credit to Better Homes & Garden for helping launch his career by regularly showcasing projects depicting his penchant for mixing and matching patterns, styles — and topping it all off with invigorating color. “Educate your eyes and everything will come into focus” for you, he advises. Visit flea markets, antique shops, yard sales . . . study the markings on china, silver, linens and glass. Feel it. Ask about it. It will be at that moment of each discovery that your learn more about your own style. It’s all about the hunt; you don’t have to spend a fortune to obtain a personal and interesting look. This book spotlights lovely collections, gives shopping tips, offers starting points, and then addresses how to blend it all together for both entertaining and living.
28 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
% 10 OFF TILE & GROUT
FLOOR SERVICE!
UP TO $300 DISCOUNT Minimum Job, $500. Must be presented at time of estimate. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 4/30/16
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PATINA FARM Brooke Giannetti & Steve Giannetti, $40 This designer/architect husband-wife team have just published their second book — a beautiful source of inspiration, where they showcase what they did with their own home in Ojai, California. The book is dedicated to their three children, for whom that acknowledge “giving our dreams meaning.” Anyone who reads design and decorating blogs will recognize the Giannetti name; they originally took this online route to launch and promote their talents. The design of Patina Farm — the name of the Giannetti’s five-acre homestead — mixes classical and modern architectural details. Their family history served as one of their great sources of inspiration. The couple addresses the specifics of such inspiration, and shares their favorite finds as well as their most successful ideas.
713-686-6176 Fax 713-686-3217
4910 W 34th St.
Specializing In Hardwood Lumber, Plywood and Moulding.
R U B I N ’ S Custom Rugs and Fine Carpet
PERSONAL SERVICE PROMPT DELIVERY
Antique Pine, Aromatic Cedar, Ash, B. E. Maple, Basswood, Birch, Bloodwood, Bocote, Bubinga, Cherry, Cocobola, Curly Maple, Cypress, Lacewood, Mahogany, Maple, Mesquite, Mexican Rosewood, Oak, Padouk, Pecan, Purpleheart, Poplar, Spanish Cedar, Sycamore, Teak, Walnut, Wenge, Zebrawood and More Quality Domestic & Imported Plywood (Interior & Marine) Edgebanding & Veneer Sheets • Butcher Block Tops Flooring • Moulding • MDF & Melamine
On-Site Custom Moulding & Planing Open 7:30-5:00 M-F; 8:30-12:00 Sat. www.houstonhardwoods.com
Custom Rug Work Room Wall-to-Wall Carpet
•
Binding Service
3130 Rogerdale Rd., Suite 150 • www.rubinscustomrugs.com
7 1 3 .7 8 4 .1 1 8 0
PAINT & COLOR MATCHING l LAWN & GARDEN l PROPANE l SHARPENING SERVICES l HOUSEWARES l ELECTRICAL l PLUMBING l POOL SUPPLIES l LUMBER & SHEETROCK l KEY MAKING
SOUTHLAND HARDWARE THE STORE THAT HAS Almost EVERYTHING 1822 Westheimer • Houston, TX 77098 • 713-529-4743 • 832-834-5443 fax shop online @ www.southlandhardware.com • Mon-Sat 8-6pm and Sun 9-5pm
30 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
3215 Fondren (second floor) • Houston, TX 77063 713.266.7772 • www.davidorientalrugs.com
David Oriental Rugs
Galleria Area
Richmond
610 W. Loop
Fondren
Westheimer
MONOGRAMS FOR THE HOME by Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, and principal photographer John Cain Sargent $40 Actress Reese Witherspoon once said, “My rule is if it’s not moving, monogram it.” Monograms constitute the ultimate art of personalization. They have been used for thousands of years — the first was found on 6th century Roman coins. They also were popular among artisans and craftsmen in the middle ages. In the 19th century, monograms were the mark of the wealthy. They always have been known for their regal beauty. The authors share a look at styles, placements, and, even, monogram etiquette.
ROCK MATERIALS
Expect to look good... Expect the best!
Natural Stone Landscape Supplies Masonry Supplies Receive 10% OFF with this ad Serving The Houston & Surrounding Areas
2610 Spring Cypress Road • 281.353.3100 32 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
www.RockMaterials.com
El Tapanco Rustic Furniture Hacienda Style Rustic Furnishings Unique & Custom Furniture All wood furniture made in Houston Serving Houston for 10 years
El Tapanco
Rustic Home
6910 Renwick, Suite 1 Houston, TX 77081-6012
713-349-9198 713-373-7524 mobile
www.rustichomeonline.com l eltapancorutichome@gmail.com 33
60TH ANNUAL
SYLVAN BEACH FESTIVAL Sponsored by the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce
Sylvan Beach Park on Galveston Bay
ARTS & CRAFTS BOOTHS l COOK-OFF l CARNIVAL FOOD BOOTHS l GAMES l CHILDREN’S PAGEANT
Custom Countertops, Tables & Floors
Friday, April 29 Night Headliner: THE BART CROW BAND Saturday, April 30 Night Headliner: THE RANDY ROGERS BAND
RW Taylor and Company
10:00am-5:00pm - $5 l 5:00-11:30pm - $15 $2 - Senior Citizens l FREE-10 & Under W/Adult Call the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce at 281-471-1123 or visit WWW.LAPORTECHAMBER.ORG for more information. 34 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
Beautiful Hardwood Floors Since 1982
11724 Aldine Westfield Houston, TX 77093 Call Bob, 713-666-7883 • www.rwtaylorinc.com
Photo by Peter Molick Photography
Remodel & Expansion of a 1947 John Staub-Designed Home
Thanks to Our Sponsors
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TUDOR SPONSORS:
NEOCLASSICAL SPONSORS:
QUEEN ANNE SPONSORS:
CRAFTSMAN SPONSORS:
Rob Griffith – Circa Real Estate, LLC Ogletree Deakins
2016 Good Brick Tour Dates and Times All five locations on the 2016 Good Brick Tour are open from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. Information is available at www.preservationhouston.org/goodbricktour/.
Visitors may begin their tour at any location and proceed in any order they choose. Complimentary printed guides, including maps, will be available at each location.
Advance tickets are $25 per person through Thursday, April 28 and may be purchased online at www.preservationhouston.org/goodbricktour/
Street parking is available at all tour locations, but please observe parking regulations.
Tickets are $30 per person after April 28 and may be purchased on the days of the tour at each tour location. All major credit cards are accepted. Tickets provide one admission to each house on tour. Tickets are not refundable. 36 house& home | 2016 Good Brick Tour | www.preservationhouston.org
Please wear flat- or soft-soled shoes.
Interior photography and videos, including photos and videos taken using mobile phones, are not allowed. For additional information, e-mail contact@preservationhouston.org or call 713-510-3990, Monday through Friday, during regular business hours.
Welcome Dear Friends, Welcome to Preservation Houston’s 2016 Good Brick Tour. Since 1979, we have presented more than 200 Good Brick Awards for projects that exemplify excellence in historic preservation. Over the years, many of you have told us you would like an inside look at these award-winning properties. We are pleased to offer you the opportunity during our third annual Good Brick Tour on April 30th and May 1st – this year featuring five outstanding historic homes. Our deep appreciation goes to the owners of these exceptional properties for restoring their houses to high standards and sharing their homes with our visitors for the benefit of Preservation Houston. This year we are showcasing houses from the last half of the 19th century to the post-World War II era in neighborhoods across Houston. These are not museum properties, but the functional homes of modern families. We also want to thank our many hard-working volunteers, led by our dedicated Good Brick Tour co-chairs Kate McCormick and Peggy Hull, as well as the enthusiastic location chairs, docents and Preservation Houston board members who help make this event possible. We are very grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of Preservation Houston, which helps further our efforts to create a preservation ethic for Houston. We are especially pleased to have Houston House & Home return as our exclusive print media partner
and thank Tim Beeson, Mike Harrison, Susie Reisenbigler, Susan Fox and their staff for creating and publishing the 2016 Good Brick Tour guide. Most of all, we would like to thank you, our members and guests, for attending this year’s Good Brick Tour and for supporting Preservation Houston through your interest and involvement. You are ultimately our best advocates. After the tour, tell your friends and neighbors about the houses you’ve seen, talk about the importance of local landmarks and historic districts in your neighborhoods, nominate projects for future Good Brick Awards and let our elected officials know that you care about preserving our shared heritage. If you are not yet a member, please join Preservation Houston today by visiting our website at preservationhouston.org/join/ Thank you, again, for your support. Enjoy the tour. Sincerely,
John N. Cryer III, FAIA Board President
David Bush Acting Executive Director
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Peggy Hull, ASID 2402 QUENBY ST. HOUSTON, TEXAS 77005 713-529-7681 • WWW.MYCREATIVETOUCH.COM
•
38 house& home | 2016 Good Brick Tour | www.preservationhouston.org
Above: a new pool allows the residents to enjoy complete outdoor living. Below: The facade of the home.
Good Brick Award Winner John Staub Home Designed for Family Attracts Couple Who Lovingly Restore It Edited by Susan Fox • Photography by Peter Molick
Eric Nevil and Jim Reeder were first attracted to the house on Meadow Lake Lane because of its unique design. While they bought the house aware of its architectural and historical significance, they initially were completely unaware that it was a John Staub-designed home. At the time of their purchase, the house had minimal updating from its original condition and had experienced significant weathering that was addressed as part of the eventual restoration effort. The restoration really focused on capturing the details of Staub's work (brick coursing, muntin configurations, trim, handrail, etc.) and in maintaining the proportion of the spaces. The restored Meadow Lake residence respects Staub’s attention to detail, proportions of the interior spaces, and the relationship to its site. The project, directed by Dillon Kyle Architects, strives to preserve the historically significant design while maintaining a functioning and lively home for its occupants.
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After: Dillon Kyle Architects replaced the old 1953 addition with a whole new one-story wing.
First level
Second level
BEFORE: The 1953 back addition.
The restoration took a total of two and a half years from design to move-in. Architect Dillon Kyle further discusses the project in a Q&A below: Can you provide some history on the home? Who were the original owners – and what was their position in Houston? In 1947, John F. Staub designed a home for Margaret Wiess and James A. Elkins, Jr. Located on a corner lot in River Oaks, the home featured an L-shaped plan and embraced the increasingly casual, family-oriented lifestyle of the post-war generation. Elkins, born and raised in Houston, was the son of “Judge” James A. Elkins Sr., the founder of the law firm Vinson & Elkins in 1917, and First City National Bank, originally founded as Guaranty Trust Company in 1924. Elkins Jr. rose to be president and senior chairman of First City National Bank. Margaret Elkins, also born and raised in Houston, was the daughter of Harry Weiss, a founder of Humble Oil. The Elkins sold the home to Alice Anne “Sanny” and Frank Bellows in 1963, when the Elkins moved into their new Staubdesigned home located in the Memorial area of Houston. Frank Bellows spent his career with his father and brothers at the W.S. Bellows Construction Company. The current owners bought the home from the Bellows in 2012. How did the home evolved architecturally over the years? In 1953, when owned by the Elkins family, a one-story addition for servants’ quarters was constructed and connected to the main house by an open-air breezeway.
In the 1960s, the then-owner added an additional bedroom and bathroom on the second floor to accommodate their growing family. The addition required modifications to the existing third bedroom. After years of weathering and minimal updating, the home was purchased by the current residents — Eric Nevil and Jim Reeder, whose modern young family embraced the spirit of Staub’s original design and his intent to create a comfortable home focused around family. What are some of the changes the current owners made to restore and update the house? Working closely with the original drawings, the team at Dillon Kyle Architects came up with plans to completely update the Meadow Lake residence. The 1953 addition was removed and replaced with a new onestory addition that expanded the informal living spaces with a breakfast room, garden room, guest suite, and covered terrace. A new pool enlivens the yard and underscores the outdoor living for its occupants. The 1960s second-story addition was also removed, and the third bedroom was returned to its original footprint. Although the original house did have air-conditioning, the original chilled-water cooling system and boiler-heating system were replaced and the building envelope was insulated. The original casement and jalousie windows had been replaced in the 1970s with aluminum windows. Exterior fenestration was replaced by the new owners with new
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Renovation with an Eye for Preservation
The 1904 Burnett House is on the National Register of Historic Places.
“Don Broman, our general contractor, assisted in the final design of the kitchen, master suite and sleeping porch to ensure the final results were historically sensitive to the original interior and exterior of the home. He and his staff have worked together for over 25 years and have mastered the art of Victorian custom millwork and finishes, so that only a very discerning eye can see the subtle distinction between ‘old’ to ’new.’
Don Broman
RENOVATIONS RESTORATIONS ATTIC CONVERSIONS KITCHENS/BATHROOMS LIBRARIES
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42 house& home | 2016 Good Brick Tour | www.preservationhouston.org
windows; these were coordinated with the brick coursing and muntin configurations of the original casement and jalousie units. The roofing material was returned to cedar shake as was originally specified. Similarly, the brick for the new addition was carefully color matched, and trim details replicated those of the existing house. Anchoring the south end of the addition, the covered terrace reapplies Staub’s detailing from the original roofed loggia outside the living room. The canted soffit with banded paneling, vertical louvers, freestanding brick column, and a new garden gate create a seamless new space. What was the full scope of the job, both inside and out? The original footprint of the house had been changed by previous owners: a major portion of the project scope included removal of a previous addition and replacing it with an addition that was more sympathetic to Staub's original design of the house. The second-floor addition was also removed. Additionally, closets and built-ins that had been added in all bedrooms and hallways were removed, returning each room to its original footprint. The original second-floor mechanical room housing the chilled-water air conditioning system was reduced in size by half because of the efficiency of the new system, thus allowing the space to be divided to accommodate a new laundry room inside the house. Likewise, the boiler room for the heating system was converted into a mud room for new access between the garage and kitchen. Similarly, the HVAC system was completely replaced with an energy-efficient system; this had to be accommodated within the clearances of the original structure. In the existing house, on the first floor, no walls were moved. The door between the kitchen and dining room was moved to accommodate the new kitchen design as was the door between the hall and the kitchen. The original kitchen was a large galley design with St. Charles metal cabinetry and seamless stainless steel counters and backsplash. Although the new owners wanted to try to keep the original cabinetry and counters, their function had deteriorated beyond restorability. The original flooring in the kitchen was vinyl tile on top of vinyl sheet. The flooring in the kitchen and throughout the new addition is a peach-colored flagstone that matches the original flagstone used throughout the exterior hardscapes of the house. The ceiling in the kitchen was also raised a foot, made possible as a result of removing the fourth bedroom addition on the second floor. The living room has a wood ceiling intricately designed by Staub, which had over time been painted over a number of times, diminishing the architectural impact. The ceiling was stripped, cleaned and re-painted. As is so often the case with a restoration, one thing led to another, and the restoration of the living room ceiling led to the restoration of the wood ceiling over the loggia in order to maintain the continuity between the two. A previously added bookcase was also removed from the living room. The massive floor to ceiling sliding doors in the living room were cleaned and restored to working condition.
The front garden gate leads to the backyard.
The family room had been updated by the prior owners with the removal of a closet and the original bar. A new bar was designed and the walls were paneled in eucalyptus. Vinyl tile was replaced with carpet. Walls and ceilings throughout the house were plaster, thus acting as a deterrent to structural modifications, as well as to modifications like new recessed lighting, electrical outlets, and HVAC ducting and registers. Original semi-flush mount fixtures were used in each of the bedrooms and in the halls to the guest bedroom and pool loggia. Original freestanding vanities, tubs, medicine cabinets, and bullet- shaped vanity lights were used in their original location or relocated to new bathrooms. What is the square footage? The original one-story addition and the later added second-floor addition comprised approximately 1,000 square feet. The new onestory addition added approximately 1,000 square feet. Consequently, the overall square footage of the house remained constant at approximately 6,000 square feet. Were there challenges? If so, what were the solutions? Remodels, particularly where historic restoration is involved, often reveal problems resulting from foundation changes. A rusted balcony, and a need for extra brick to match the original design were among the challenges.
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RESOURCES ARCHITECT Dillon Kyle Architects 3219 Milam Street Houston, TX 77006 713-520-8792 www.dkarc.com BUILDER Brent Goodland Goodland Construction Company 1410 Cedar Post Houston, TX 77055 713-464-6724 WINDOW VENDOR Houston Window Experts 448 W 19th Street Houston, TX. 77008 832-900-7881 www.houstonwindowexperts.com CLAD FIXED & CASEMENT WINDOWS Andersen Eagle Mirror Gallery, Inc. (Andersen Windows) Kyle Heliste 9600 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070 281-893-6922 kheliste@mirrorgallery.com
Houston Window Experts supplied the newly installed windows.
Why is this house special? Staub's design for this house, as much of his later work, was really centered on family and a casual lifestyle with emphasis on the outdoors. The current owners worked with the design team to preserve this home and adapt it to address the same priorities for their own family. The house is special because it is and always has been filled with love. When the daughter of the second owner came through the house after the restoration, she walked into what had been her bedroom to find the owners’ 17-year-old daughter studying. With tears in her eyes, she said: “Grace, there have only been three little girls that ever lived in this room…and two of them are sitting right here together.” What do you wish to point out to those touring it? Seamless connection between the original structure and the new addition. What prior preservation experience does DKA have; strengths that helped make this project successful? Dillon Kyle Architects previously won a Good Brick Award in 2013 for the 1912 Larchmont Residence, so we were familiar with the need for attention to detail. As with all of our projects, we prioritize the goals that our clients –the owners – have for their homes, and we are practiced at translating their desires into built space.
Photos by Peter Molick Photography
RAM Industries, Inc. Trina Polaniec 8600 Commerce Park Drive Houston, TX 77036 281-495-9056 ext 32 trina@ramind.com www.ramwindows.com SLIDING NORWOOD DOORS Fleetwood Masters Doug Deselle 713-702-1131 2001 Karbach Street Houston, TX 77092-8435 POOL SUPPLIER The Pool Man Ted Ritts 19111 Cypress Rosehill Rd Tomball, TX 77377 281-351-2577
KITCHEN AND OTHER CABINETRY Siematic Micqui McGowen Kitchen & Bath Concepts 7026 Old Katy Road, Suite 148 Houston, TX 77024 713-528-5575 mmcgowen@kitchen-concepts.com BRICK INSTALLATION Victor Flores, Masonry Contractor Abram Flores 2513 Pecan Chase Drive Richmond, TX 77406 281-657-5476 BRICK SUPPLIER South Texas Brick and Stone (bought by Detering Co.) 6800 Helman St. Houston, TX 77022 www.detering.com WOOD FLOORING Parquet Flooring: Weikel Woodwork Steve Weikel 11310 Charles Rd Jersey Village, TX 77041 713-983-8989 FLOOR INSTALLATION Fine Flooring by Cameron Rene Padilla 21811 China Green Dr Cypress, TX 77433 281-256-7727 VENEER MILLWORK Carlton Cook Company Carlton Cook 11320 Charles Rd Houston, TX 77041 713-849-4400 Insight Structures Brad Dougherty 5311 Inker Street, Suite B Houston, TX 77007 713-523-0775 brad@insightstructures.com www.insightstructures.com
INTERIOR DESIGNER Ken Kehoe Ken Kehoe & Company 7026 Old Katy Road, Suite 261 Houston, TX 77024 713-523-0580 Ken@kenkehoe.com
ENGINEER Sikes Engineering (civil) Lonnie Sikes 11415 Bedford Houston, TX 77031 281-561-8118 Lonnie.Sikes@SikesEngineering.com www.sikesengineering.com
LANDSCAPER Randy Fajkus Fajkus & Co. 2419 Huldy Houston, TX 77019 713-526-9990 ranfsinc@aol.com
HOME ENTERTAINMENT Overstreet Audio & Video Greg Overstreet 2914 Burning Tree Lane Missouri City, TX 77459 713-542-2917 oav1959@comcast.net
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46 house& home | 2016 Good Brick Tour | www.preservationhouston.org
PHOTO BY KENNETH RAMEY
1. 1203 Edwards Street (1899), First Ward, 2016 Good Brick Award
stained. In the kitchen, historic built-ins were retained and refinished. The kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area were upgraded along with the electrical and plumbing systems. A deteriorated rear addition was replaced. The new sunroom in the addition has an impressive view of downtown Houston. According to the owners, the house was in relatively good condition when
they got it and was just a little old and tired. The owners say they “peeled off the dusty layers to reveal the charm, soul and history hidden beneath.” The house received a 2016 Good Brick Award.
ing lot. The Eisele house was originally used as a meeting place for the HPD Explorers, a program for teenagers who are interested in careers in law enforcement, and later for storage.
The current owner purchased the house at auction and moved the building to its current location in the Old Sixth Ward Historic District where it was restored.
1203 Edwards Street will be furnished by Creative Touch Interiors during the Good Brick Tour.
PHOTO BY KYLE HUMPHRIES
The house at 1203 Edwards Street in the First Ward was originally located about 12 blocks away at 1702 Shearn Street, where it was built in 1899. A sympathetic townhouse developer donated the historic house to the current owners on the condition that it be moved. The move took place in May 2014, and the owners embarked on what they call a “respectful restoration.” The house was covered in vinyl siding, which was removed to reveal the original cypress underneath. The front porch, which had been enclosed with plywood and screening, was restored to its historic appearance. Original double-hung windows were repaired and rehung; modern doors were replaced with period appropriate doors. The original three-inch pine floors were repaired, sanded, and
2. 716 Sabine Street (1872), Old Sixth Ward Historic District, 2016 Good Brick Award The house was originally constructed in 1872 by carpenter and contractor Gottlieb Eisele as his residence. The distinctive vergeboard on the eaves and pediment give the home its Carpenter Gothic appearance, a rare style in Houston. The restoration of the house, including the recreation of the vergeboard ornamentation, was based on a historic photo of the home that documented its original appearance. The house originally stood at 34 South Street on the far eastern edge of the Sixth Ward. When Houston Police Headquarters was built in 1952, all of the surrounding streets and historic houses, except for the Eisele house, were removed or demolished and the area around the Eisele house became a park-
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3. 3229 Groveland Lane (1936), River Oaks, 2012 Good Brick Award
The ornate hardware was replated and historic lighting fixtures and chandeliers were restored. On the exterior, no detail was too small. Copper guttering was repaired or replicated and millwork was
restored or reproduced when the porches were repaired. Finally, the brickwork was cleaned, leaving a house that would make Mr. Briscoe proud.
warm natural materials. A new plywood ceiling was also installed to match the original finish. The house features period-correct fixtures, accessories and hardware, some of it salvaged from neighboring homes that
were being demolished. The house is furnished with vintage pieces appropriate to the era of the home’s construction. The owners collected the furniture for their house over many years.
PHOTO BY BENJAMIN HILL PHOTOGRAPHY
Birdsall P. Briscoe was known for designing gracious homes — such as this one in River Oaks. The house was completed in 1936 but had been altered several times as it changed owners. When the current owner began the project, the guiding principal was, “What would Mr. Briscoe have done?” In the 1950s, the palm court had been enclosed with metal sliding doors and plate glass windows. The renovation recreated the original multi-pane windows. Craftsmen also repaired the original arched dormers and reinstalled the distinctive depression glass. Historic design elements were restored or recreated throughout the house.
5. 4111 Drummond Street (1953), Ayrshire, 2016 Good Brick Award The house was designed by Lars Bang, one of the first graduates of the University of Houston’s College of Architecture. Although Bang’s innovative design received much attention in the local and national media after the house was completed in 1953, the property was largely forgotten through the years and suffered from many insensitive modifications. The project was planned using a complete set of construction documents that the current owners had received from Lars Bang more than 20 years ago, around the time they first acquired the house. During the restoration, all non-original exterior and interior surfaces were removed. The original paneling and millwork were stripped of paint and restored with tinted stain finishes that re-established the original calming palette of
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RESTORING A PIECE OF HISTORY HOUSTON COUPLE FIND THEIR PERFECT HAVEN IN AN OLD HOUSE By Barbara Canetti Photography by Anthony Rathbun The renovation and restoration of the corner house in the Lost Bayou historic neighborhood in Galveston was more than a leap of faith. The house truly was a dump, according to everyone who saw it. It sat unsold for months and months and finally John Manlove, who lived across the street, couldn’t stand it anymore. He bought the house because he was tired of looking at the blight and deteriorating structure. “It was a big risk, but I am glad I did it,” says Manlove. “And from the moment I got started, there was so much interest.” In fact, before the restoration was completed, he had sold it to Janet and Phil Leggett, Houstonians who were looking for a weekend house on Galveston Island. Now, just 18 months later, it is the Leggett’s haven –- a beautifully restored and comfortable 130-year-old house. Manlove hired builder Chuck Morris to complete the renovation. It was more than either of them bargained for. This house survived the Great Storm of 1900, although it floated down the street intact. 54 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
Homeowner Janet Leggett chose to paint her walls white -- a calm, neutral backdrop to her art and colorful upholstered pieces. 55
Years ago, the 11-foot ceilings in the two-story, 1,600-square-foot house had been lowered to 7.5 feet. To accommodate the lower ceilings, all of the original sash windows were replaced with small aluminum windows. Manlove pulled out the dropped ceilings and returned the rooms to their original height. But that left a problem with the windows. In order to meet the city’s Landmark Department for exterior renovations (in the historical districts), antique windows had to be found and retrofitted back into the building. “That was the most challenging part of the job: finding the antique items and putting the house back to how it was,” says Morris, who has restored dozens of Island houses. “We replaced doors, flooring and windows — all salvaged and reconditioned. It was not an easy job but between the Antique Warehouse and the GHF’s salvage warehouse, we got them all replaced,” he adds. They also replaced the transoms over the interior doors and found exterior shutters for the windows.
The exposed chimney in the dining room is one of two originals in the home. Before the restoration, the ceilings had been dropped to 7.5 feet. Now, they are 11 feet.
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And they were able to rebuild the missing upstairs balcony because early photos showed that it had been part of the original structure. Vinyl flooring had covered the long leaf pine floors for decades, but Morris was able to refinish them in every room because they were still salvagable. He even put a compact powder room in the master bedroom in a small space under the stairs. For their efforts, the house won two awards last year: one from the city of Galveston’s Landmark Commission, and a second from GHF’s Sally Wallace Preservation Award for the restoration of the building. Once the work was done, the Leggetts took over. Decades ago, the couple lived in Galveston while Phil was a medical student. Janet longed to return to the island, but wanted to find the right place. She wanted something old with character and a house with a master bedroom on the main floor. She found it all in this house. Rather than paint the interiors a variety of colors, she chose to do all of the rooms in white, despite urging from others.
The kitchen is light and bright, and juxstapositioned with a dark-stained antique table the Leggetts found at Gallery Auctions.
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Above: The master bedroom is at the front of the house. An old secretary is placed in this space for interest and use as a side table. Left: The upstairs guest room, decked out in a lively, fun color palette, is a welcomed retreat by the Leggett’s children.
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“I wanted peaceful and serene — not a fussy house. I added color with the furniture and art,” she says. “I’m glad I did it this way.” She combined a beachy feel with light blues and greens in the furniture, but gave the house a little more personality with ornate chandeliers and some oversized furniture. Because of the large windows, every room is filled with natural light, making the entire place look clean and bright. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the house are the exposed brick chimneys. There is one in the living room, which extends upstairs through the guest bedroom, which provided heat from a pot belly stove. A second one is in the kitchen, possibly used as the stove’s exhaust. These had been covered up, Sheetrocked over and were crumbling in places. Morris says each brick had to be removed, re-mortared and cleaned and then rebuilt. The end result is truly a masterpiece.
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The kitchen reflects a more contemporary look and feel — thanks to a simple solid countertop, stainless appliances, tile in the downstairs bathroom shower and zoned air conditioning/heating. But other than those upgrades, the rest of the house is back to its earlier design, including leaving an exterior wall (and window) in the living room, which once was a porch or a utility room. Janet Leggett says she could have opted for a larger living room by removing that awkward wall, but instead chose to keep the character of the house intact. “I just love the feeling here. It is not a lot but it’s enough,” she says.
Above: Chairs painted in beachy cool pink offer a relaxing spot in a closed-in porch. Below: The comfortable sofa was a splurge but, still, picked up at a sale price.
Resources BUILDER/RENOVATOR Chuck Morris Coastal Homes www.chuckmorrishomes.com HARDSCAPES Javier Ayala ayalaacapulco@gmail.com Olivine www.olivineliving.com Gallery Auctions www.galleryauctions.com
62 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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64 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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The owners opted to design built-ins flanking the fireplace -- a typcial Craftsman detail -- but they opted for a more contempory twist.
Finding Inspiration Home and Garden Tours —This Month and Early May Sapna and Anu Mehta’s roots extend from India to East Africa, as well as from New York City to Houston. It’s this fusion of domestic and exotic cultures that influenced the personalization of their newly constructed home while also celebrating the architectural spirit that defines the Houston Heights — an old neighborhood founded right at the turn of the 20th century. The Mehta home is one of six homes on this year’s tour, April 1-3, sponsored by the Houston Heights Association. Each evokes the home and garden tour’s theme: “Harmony: Blending Past & Present.” The Mehta’s two-story residence is approximately 3,500 square feet and was designed by Creole Designs and built by Southland Homes of Texas. The couple also worked with interior designer Andra White. Sapna Mehta had previously lived in Houston and knew that the Heights would likely be the best place to satisfy their wants for a more diverse neighborhood, and one that is centrally located.
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Armed with an “idea book,” Sapna Mehta knew she wanted to instill a rustic modern flair inside the house. But the couple also wanted to honor tradition by building a Craftsman-style house complementary to the older homes still dominating the area. “It’s very open and light,” she says. The primary color palette throughout the house is a balance of light and dark grays. Stains used on the cabinetry also follow suit. They wanted their abstract and modern art collection — along with favored yellow accessories — to pop against a more sedate backdrop. And so they all do. A wine grotto is a highlighted spot on the tour. The countertops within are from old sailing ships in Kenya, Africa. Called dhow wood, they found a Kenyan artist there to design what they wanted and ship it to them. The ceiling in this space is reclaimed East Texas oak. For more home tours, please turn to page 70.
The window seat and banister detailing are characteristic of older Heights craftsman homes.
Sapna Mehta went in to meet the architect and builder with her design clips in hand. The stain on the cabinets is gray, a color used throughtout. 67
The master bath features a more modern tub in a contemporary setting.
The wine cellar, underneath the stairs, features dhow wood found in Kenya, Africa. The ceiling wood is reclaimed oak from East Texas. 68 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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APPRAISALS • ESTATE SALES • INTERIOR DESIGN 69
1511 TULANE This modest Asian bungalow was built in 1910. The homeowners renovated the kitchen, updated the guest bath, replaced some rotted subflooring, and installed bamboo floors throughout the home to replace a hodgepodge of different flooring. Many of the furnishings and decorations are Balinese-inspired to honor the home's Asian architecture. 1127 ARLINGTON The front elevation of this new “farmhouse” showcases divided light windows, a custom front door, and a standing seam metal roof. The owners took a hands-on approach throughout the building and design process, choosing mixed metals in the kitchen, bold wall-papering, and a traditional, monochromatic exterior paint color inspired by a couple of their favorite Heights homes.
Additional Homes On Tour: Heights Home Tour: 2032 CORTLANDT Having lived in West Houston for 25 years, the homeowners had no idea how much the Heights had to offer until they purchased this dilapidated bungalow in a foreclosure sale as an investment property. During their initial renovation, they fell in love with the chickens next door, restaurants, parks, and shopping. Ultimately, they decided to renovate the bungalow for themselves and never looked back. The smart remodel maintains the "Heightsy" bungalow appeal with historical aspects and charm. 2200 HARVARD It's no surprise that the homeowners fell in love with this amazing house from afar, while living in Amsterdam, as the home is an entertainer's dream. The contemporary home features a pink meditation room with a secret entryway to the guest "Winter Bedroom." Brazilian cherry oak floors, four wood-burning fireplaces, and iridescent lighting wow. Architecturally, the bold rooftop steeple harmonizes this contemporary masterpiece with many Houston Heights Victorian homes. 1802 HARVARD This country Victorian with its dominant tower is the only spec house built by the Omaha and South Texas Land Company, the original developers of Houston Heights. The architectural designs came from the then-innovative George Barber House Plans Catalogue and combines the Queen Anne and Stick styles. This is one of only two surviving Barber houses in Houston. It features its original floor plan, a converted basement living space, library tower, an added green house, pool and deck, garden maze, and koi pond. This Houston Landmark is in the protected Houston Heights East Historic District and is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places and the ASID Significant Interiors Survey. 70 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
Tickets purchased online (http://stores.houstonheightsstore.org/events/), may be picked up at the Firestation, 107 West 12th Street.
Rice Design Alliance: “NOURISH: AN ARCHITECTURE TOUR OF HOUSES AND EDIBLEGARDENS" As farming and gardening flourish in urban areas — with farms sprouting everywhere from utility corridors to former industrial sites — we see a renewed passion for dwellings that feed both the spirit and the body. This month’s tour — “Nourish,” opens six contemporary houses with edible gardens, created by architects, landscape architects, and designers. “If our kitchen is the heart of our house, our edible garden would be a nurturing extension. The homes on this tour share an integral theme, a way of life,”says tour chair and landscape architect Flora Yeh of Mirador Group. RDA’s 41st annual architecture tour takes place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10. For ticket information: https://signup.rice.edu/2016rdatour/ FEATURED HOUSES: 1514 Banks Lantz Full Circle, 2012 4523 Teas Natalye Appel + Associates Architects, 2015 Landscape: RH Factor 2709 ALBANS 1941; English + Associates Architects, 2010 3312 UNIVERSITY Strasser Design, 2016 1603 CHERRYHURST 1922; GSMA, formerly Glassman Shoemake Maldonado
Architects, Inc., 2009, 2013 Landscape: Grove Hill Farm 748 ARLINGTON (featured in the March issues of Houston House & Home) Jay Baker Architects, 2003, 2012 Landscape: Fischer Schalles RDA has organized tours every year since 1975 to help Houstonians experience firsthand the most interesting works of architecture and landscape and interior design in the city.. The tour is open to the public. This year, eMember tickets start at $35, which provide a year of digital communications from RDA. Current RDA members may purchase discounted tour tickets at $25; tickets are $15 for students with ID. As always, RDA membership is open to the public. The tour is made possible by the support of RDA Underwriters 4b Technology Group; Cardno Haynes Whaley; D.E. Harvey Builders; Hines; Louisa Stude Sarofim; Walter P Moore. Support also comes from Austin Commercial; Brochsteins; Builders West; Kirksey; Parra Design Group; Planning Design Research Corporation; Putterman, Scharck & Associates; The Southampton Group; Tellepsen; and workplace solutions.
Woodland Heights Home Tour: “REINVENTED FOR TODAY” Six beautiful homes in the historic Woodland Heights neighborhood near downtown Houston open to the public Saturday and Sunday, April 16 & 17, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hosted by the Woodland Heights Civic Association, tour homes have been revitalized and refreshed for modern living while preserving the charm of the past.The Woodland Heights neighborhood is one of the oldest and most historic in Houston. When platted in 1907 by William A. Wilson, the neighborhood was a 20-minute streetcar ride north of downtown via Houston Avenue. Many of the original homes – reflecting architectural styles including the late Queen Anne, Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, Colonial and Green Revival – have been lovingly restored. For more ticket and additional information, visit www.whtour.org or purchased at Woodland Heights area merchants.
Houston Area Garden Tour: “REINVENTED FOR TODAY” Peckerwood Garden partners with the Garden Conservancy late this month — April 30, to sponsor “Houston Open Day,” a self-guided tour of eight private gardens located around the city. Additionally, a plant sale will be under way that same day at Peckerwood Garden (www.peckerwoodgarden.org), located at 20559 FM 359 Road in Hempstead, TX. The event is part of the Conservancy’s national garden visiting program, and a portion of the proceeds of this day benefits Peckerwood. For ticket and other information, visit https://www.gardenconservancy.org/events/
THE PUBLIC GARDENS ON TOUR — in Houston, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: BELLAIRE MEADOW – 505 S. Third Street. This Texas native garden is located in the suburban city of Bellaire. The owner’s love of the Texas Hill Country is the inspiration of this garden. ALBA GARDEN – 744 W. 43rd St. This garden is situated on an acre and a half in the Garden Oaks neighborhood. Stepping through the garden gate into this urban Eden, it is evident that a true gardener lives here. BALDRIDGE RESIDENCE – (pictured above) 2111 Bolsover St. This neo-traditional garden is located in West University Place. It is the home of prominent garden designer Cedar Baldridge. The main space of the backyard is situated around a pool and water feature. CAMBERG GARDEN – 3250 Reba Dr. This new garden, designed by Cedar Baldridge, surrounds a recently built Bobby McAlpine house in River Oaks. The traditional front yard and drive with lawn and foundation planting accentuates the dramatic neo-traditional vernacular architecture. HABITAT GARDENS – 802 Woodland St. (pictured left) A garden planned to provide a habitat highway for birds and pollinators that celebrates the spring with wildflowers. KYLE-LASSETER GARDEN – 5 W. 11th Place. The Sam Lasseter, Dillon Kyle residence, designed by Mr. Kyle, is located on West 11th Place, a gated neighborhood in the Museum District. The backyard garden, inspired by vernacular southern gardens. THE ART COMPOUND – 1901 W. 14th St. The property of a prominent artist Dixie Friend Gay, this garden is an ongoing project -- a labor of love for the owner and her son. The garden, home, and art studios are located on an acre of land off a tributary of White Oak Bayou. 71
SOUTHSIDE GLADE – 6510 Auden St. Part of the success of the garden in Southside Place is the juxtaposition of the owners’ contemporary art collection and the unique plant selection of the garden’s landscape architect, Mark McKinnon.
The 42nd Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour: APRIL 30 - MAY 1, AND MAY 7 &8 The Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to the island’s outstanding architectural history by inviting the public to tour eight privately owned homes. “This year, we feature a house that only recently sold outside the original family,” says Dwayne Jones, GHF’s executive director. “This East End mansion and others on the tour offer a broach look into Galveston’s history and architecture. Large, small and everything in between, this home tour gives you a little bit of everything,” he adds. For ticket and other information related to events, visit www.galvestonhistory.org HOMES ON TOUR: 1893 JAMES S. AND VIOLET H. WATERS HOUSE – 1116 Church Street Galveston County treasurer James Stephen Waters hired architect Henry Collier Cooke, of the Nebraska architecture firm Bourgeois Nitchner & Cooke, to design this grand Victorian residence in 1893. The most prominent building on the block, the house was sold by the Waters family in 2012 to new owners who are nearing completion of a thoughtful and thorough rehabilitation of the property. C.1870 CHARLES A. AND CATHERINE C. ALBERTSON HOUSE – 2017 Avenue N 1/2N Noted in the Galveston Architecture Guidebook as a classic example of post-Civil War construction in Galveston, cotton buyer Charles A. Albertson built this grand Greek Revival house about 1870, living there with his wife Catherine until 1892. Severely damaged by the 1900 hurricane, Ben Blum purchased the property and divided it in half, maintaining his residence in the western portion and moving this section east for use as rental property. 1905 CHARLES F. MARSCHNER BUILDING – 1914 Mechanic Street In 1905, German immigrant Charles F. Marschner and his wife, Marie, hired brick contractor Otto Haas to build this two-story building to house their residence and business, the Texas Bottling Works. The structure, which features a variety of architectural styles including decorative brick work and a stepped parapet wall with ball finials, was restored in 1989, and designated a Texas Historic Landmark in 1996.
72 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
1913 MCDONALD-BLAKE HOUSE – 1922 Avenue P Located just two blocks from the Seawall, this Craftsman-style house was built in 1913 by public cotton-weigher John C. McDonald and his wife, Minnie. After John’s sudden death in 1914, Minnie used the house as rental property until 1919, when she sold it to real estate agent Thomas Blake and his wife, Anne Margret. The current owners purchased the property from the Blake’s daughter in 2013. In 2015, GHF recognized the rehabilitation of the property with a Sally Wallace Preservation Award. 1883 LEVY-BOWDEN HOUSE – 1227 Winnie Broker and grocery commission merchant Meyer M. Levy and wife Julia built this Victorian townhouse in 1883. After the 1900 hurricane left the property damaged, Levy sold the house to building contractor Miles Cornelius Bowden, who repaired the structure for use as his family’s home. The Bowden family maintained ownership of the property until 1969. 1887 HOWARD L. AND KATE B. MATHER HOUSE – 1601 Ball Street German immigrant and carpenter Andrew L. Pfannsteil built this elegant Victorian house in 1887, on lots he had owned and resided on since 1875. The new structure, featuring timbered bays that resemble a Swiss chalet, replaced the existing structure consumed by fire in 1885. Howard and Kate Mather purchased the new house from Pfannsteil in August, 1887, for the sum of $2,400. 1888 BENJAMIN F. BARNES TENANT COTTAGE – 818 Church This classic Gulf Coast cottage was constructed in 1888 by brick contractor Benjamin Barnes, who owned several lots in the area. Residing at 828 Church, Barnes used this dormered cottage as rental property. In a series of ironic twists of fate, the cottage is owned today by the descendant of a family who occupied the property more than a century ago. POST 1900 STORM TENANT COTTAGE – 1309 15th Street After the owner of this corner lot perished with his family during the 1900 storm, the Galveston Savings & Loan Company, led by John Stowe and William Selkirk, purchased the vacant lot in 1901. From 1904-1912, Stoew and Selkirk moved four small houses that had survived the Great Storm onto the lot. Used as tenant houses for African Americans, the cottages were purchased by Italian immigrant and grocer, Giuseppe Negrini in 1925.
ALSO IN EARLY MAY: The Water Garden and Pond Tour, hosted by the Houston Pond Society and Lone Star Koi Club. May 7 & 8: Enjoy looking at beautiful scenery, fish, and talking to members of the clubs who happily will tell you what they did to achieve such splendor in their own backyards. See everything from small garden ponds and patio fountains to huge, multi-pond landscapes — and everything in between. The tour details are currently being finalized. For information, visit http://lonestarkoi.com/pondtour/
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GARDENING
DIY TERRARIUMS
BY HAYLEY GIRARD
Completed terrarium. 74 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
A terrarium is a perfect way to bring the beauty of nature into spaces without greenery, such as apartments or offices. With only a few needed materials and minimal upkeep, it’s easy to create and maintain your very own terrarium. Choose similar plants you would like to include by grouping them together based on environmental needs. For example, cacti and succulents, such as aloe, thrive in open containers and require bi-monthly spritzing. Ferns and tropical plants, like African violets, should be placed in closed containers to retain moisture. Robert Silva, manager at Cornelius Nursery in Houston, recommends moisture-loving plants for first-time gardeners. “Plants that are enclosed in a terrarium create their own respiration cycle,” says Silva. “They’re self-sustaining and require almost no maintenance.” Once you choose your plants, start with a clean, translucent glass container. Measure your container and plan for one plant for every inch of diameter. For closed terrariums, add a base layer of pebbles. For open terrariums, use a layer of sand. The base layer should cover one-half to 3 inches, depending on your container size, to collect water drainage. To keep soil fresh in closed terrariums, sprinkle in a thin layer of charcoal. Layer 2 to 3 inches with potting soil or cactus soil. There
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Step 1: Choose your plants and a select a clean, translucent container.
Selecting plants for your terrarium.
Step 2: Brush away excess soil from roots, plant selections, one inch apart.
should be enough soil so that plant roots will be fully surrounded. Remove your largest plant from its container and brush away excess soil from the roots. Using a spoon, make a hole for the plant roots, place the plant inside and press the soil down around the plant. Repeat the same process for the largest to smallest plant. After planting, add pumice stones to fill the gaps between plants. For open terrariums, add a one-quarter inch layer of white sand around the plants. For closed terrariums, arrange moss to help wick away excess moisture. Finish off your terrarium by decorating with fun trinkets or materials from nature like sticks and shells. Place your terrarium in indirect sunlight and lightly mist the plants and soil. Closed terrariums only need to be watered once or twice a year. If large water drops appear on the glass, leave the lid open until the moisture evaporates. Open terrariums require watering every one to two weeks. The soil should be barely moist at all times. Enjoy your new indoor garden world!
Step 3: Make sure to follow offered tips, and then set in indirect sunlight.
Hayley Girard is a lifestyle editor for Cornelius Nursery, a Houston garden center that offers fresh, high-quality plants, flowers, and gardening and outdoor supplies. 2233 South Voss Road Houston, TX 77057. www.corneliusnurseries.com 76 house& home | April 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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