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JUNE 2021
CONTENTS
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Gardening: Shade Gardens Cooking: Celebrate Summer with Texas BBQ Outdoor Living: Decks, Sunrooms, Kitchens
10 PUBLISHER ............................Mike Harrison, Ph.D. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ........................................ Shirley Barr, Anne Breux, Sam Byrd, Barbara Canetti, Marsha Canright, Mar y Chavoustie, Natalie de la Garza, Susan Fox, Joshua Kornegay, Katricia Lang, Barbara Kuntz, Paris Permenter & John Bigley, Whitney Radley, Robin Barr Sussman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS........................ Brad Coleman, Miro Dvorscak, Kohanowski Studio, Dragana Harris, Ben Hill, Katya Horner, Illumine Photographic Services, Joshua Kornegay, Morris Malakoff, Paula Murphy, Julie Soefer, Becca Wright EDITOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER..............Glen Cane ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ..................Gabriella Gomez PRINTING ............................................RR Donnelly
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 2021, all rights reserved. HH&H is distributed at over 400 locations throughout Houston.
P.O. Box 131845 • Houston, Texas 77219 • (713) 523-6523 • info@houseandhomeonline.com
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GARDENING
By Linda B. Gay, HorticuLturist and Gardener
Raspberry Moon caladiums provide colorful foliage to complement these Dragon Wing™ begonias. Below: Kaempferia “Silverspot.”
Photos by Linda B. Gay
THE SHADY LADIES OF THE GARDEN Shade Tolerant Plants That Add Color and Texture to Hard to Grow Areas
G
ardens are all about light and the less light an area receives, the larger the leaf surface needs to be to capture those precious rays of sunlight for photosynthesis. Areas receiving filtered light or short windows of direct sun have this protected exposure due to the large trees shading the area. When gardening around and under large shade trees we not only experience competition for light, but also root competition for soil space, water and nutrients. We know it is impossible to grow impatiens plants under large trees without watering every single day.
The best choice for summer color is the begonia, which often dies from overwatering. Planting begonias in prepared soil among tree roots allows both to thrive since begonias prefer to dry out between watering. There are so many choices with begonias: bedding begonias, Dragon Wing™ begonias, Rex begonias, rhizomatous and cane begonias, all of which are perennial and can return from the roots. Bedding begonias with green leaves and pink or white flowers show up best in shaded gardens, while bronze leaves with red flowers show
Linda B. Gay is a horticulturist and gardener at The Arbor Gate garden and plant nursery, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball, 281-351-8851, arborgate.com. 10 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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(L) The sun-loving Curcuma alismatifolia, (center) caladium Peppermint and (R) curcuma Scarlet Fever.
Photos by Linda B. Gay
up much better in more sunlight. Remember, when gardening in shaded areas, always use white or variegated foliage as white reflects the sunlight and moonlight back to the eye. Bronze leaves with red flowers or plants with dark foliage have no reflective capacity and just disappear into the shade. Caladiums provide colorful foliage to complement bego-
occurs. If you have Kaempferias in too much sun they will curl their leaves over the top of the plant for protection until the sun retreats. Kaempferias produce lilac or purple iridescent flowers throughout the summer. Hidden gingers, from the genus Curcuma, come in two separate groups. Curcuma alismatifolia is a sun lover and
nias as they grow from a tuber, making them the perfect candidate to thrive among tree roots. There are two types of caladiums: fancy leaf, which are heart shaped and need less than five to six hours of shade, and strap leaf or angel wing which can take full sun. When caladiums produce spathe type flowers they need to be cut down to the ground as this takes away from leaf production, which is why you are growing them. Peacock gingers, from the Kaempferia genus, are lovingly referred to as the hosta of the south. We do not have the winter dormancy and duration of chill to successfully support the northern hosta, so why not plant these precious, patterned pretties instead? Kaempferias grow from rhizomes and go dormant during the winter, normally January or February. Since they grow in deep shade instead of direct sun it takes longer for the soil to warm up for them to sprout. The rhizomes are why they thrive among the tree roots of our garden giants, as storage tubers hold water and nutrients but still require water if low rainfall
flowers throughout the season growing 12 to 24 inches tall. Curcuma Scarlet Fever is a late spring bloomer with flowers appearing before the foliage; it needs part shade, will grow two to four feet in height, and resembles a dwarf banana. Another early bloomer is the curcuma Chocolate Zebra; it takes a half day of sun and blooms throughout the summer. Alpinia nutans is another popular ginger; it will grow from 12 to 30 inches and even to six feet if not frozen. It has a spicy, scented foliage when crushed. This ginger rarely blooms because the flowers are produced on stalks the second spring and can’t have been damaged by frost. Get this beauty to bloom by planting it against the house underneath the eave of the roof and on a south or western exposure. I include this one because many people grow this ginger and don’t understand why it doesn’t bloom. Plants make us happy and allow us to be creative and in the moment, so take time to visit a nursery, pick up some pretties and enjoy!
12 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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COOKING
Feges BBQ owners Patrick Feges and Erin Smith. Photo by Robert Jacob Lerma
CELEBRATE SUMMER Brats, Burgers, Barbecue and Steak Take Us From Father’s Day to Independence Day By roBin Barr sussman
W
ith summer comes fun pool parties, Father’s Day (June 17) and fireworks, plus it’s the official season for grilled foods and outdoor barbecues. Whether celebrating Dad’s day out on the town or planning a Fourth of July cookout, we’ve got some sizzling ideas.
FATHER’S DAY DINING BRENNER’S STEAKHOUSE ON THE BAYOU Join the Dad’s Day Cookout complete with live music at this wooded retreat on June 17. The Brenner’s cooks will be flipping porterhouse steaks from 3-8 p.m. Each plate includes a grilled steak, salad and baked potato ($30). One Birdsall, 713-868-4444, brennerssteakhouse.com 16 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE Dress up or down at this handy West Avenue favorite and maybe do a little shopping in the boutique center after lunch. Salads, burgers and knife and fork specialties like baby back ribs, brick chicken or a filet mignon will please the man of the day. The patio is a nice spot for a local beer or craft cocktail. 2800 Kirby, 832-623-6168, delfriscosgrille.com FEGES BBQ Rather stay home for the celebration? Pick up a whole mess of barbecue at this newcomer in Greenway Plaza. Pitmaster Patrick Feges is smoking juicy sausage, pulled pork, pork belly, brisket and ribs. Sides range from classics to modern like Moroccanspiced carrots. 3 Greenway Plaza, 832-409-6118, fegesbbq.com
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Steaks on the grill at Armadillo Palace. Photo by Jody Horton
This cabernet is smooth as silk. Photo courtesy of Jordan Winery 18 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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Cocktails from King’s BierHaus: Lufthansa (above) and The Bull Fighter (below).
20 house& home | June2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
Photos courtesy of King’s BierHaus
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Feges BBQ wows with an assortment of smoked meats.
GOODE CO. ARMADILLO PALACE Kick back on the spacious backyard patio for an evening of live music and great Texas eats. Highlights include the prime aged rib eye with steak butter and roasted garlic, redfish on the half shell and grilled carne asada with salsa and handmade tortillas. 5015 Kirby, 713-526-9700, thearmadillopalace.com KING’S BIERHAUS If Dad’s into beer and brats, take him to this spacious beer hall for elevated German-American fare, myriad German beers, cocktails and a diverse whiskey list. The expansive garden with hammocks and games — think corn hole and ping pong — is an adult playground. 2044 East T.C. Jester, 281-990-3042, kingsbierhaus.com
BEEF AND BIG REDS Uncork these Dad-approved wine suggestions for special gifting or serving with a beefy recipe. You grill; he chills!
Photo by Robert Jacob Lerma
Duchman Family Winery’s Montepulciano (Texas): This Italian blend has generous black cherry and blackberry notes with a hint of spice. Serve it with savory grilled chicken, mushroom risotto or pork. About $28 at Total Wine & More. Dutton Goldfield 2015 Morelli Lane Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma County): Blissful with blackberry brambles, violets and dusky cacao notes. Pairs perfectly with grilled sausage or barbecue. About $45 at Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. Jordan 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley): Lots of fathers like cabs and this one produced in the Burgundian style is smooth as silk. Rich with blackberries, ripe cherries and cassis notes, it’s delicious with any steak. About $50 at Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods, multiple locations, specsonline.com Total Wine & More, multiple locations, totalwine.com
22 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
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RECIPE
44 Farms Grilled New York Strip Salad
H
ere’s a good idea for Father’s Day or a Fourth of July dinner if you don’t want to spend the whole day over a smoky hot barbecue pit. Succulent steak sliced over a cool, crisp salad with zesty vinaigrette is the best of both worlds. No reason to sweat the small stuff. Discover more at 44farms.com.
Ingredients 2 14-ounce 44 Farms New York strip steaks 4 teaspoons 44 Farms Salt & Pepper Blend 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 cup corn kernels ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled) ½ cup heirloom cherry tomatoes (halved) 1 cup baby arugula 1 cup red oak lettuce 1 avocado (diced) 4 sweet peppers (de-seeded and thinly sliced) 1 cup croutons ½ teaspoon kosher salt Whipped cream for serving
CILANTRO CHIMICHURRI DRESSING 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves 1 teaspoon fresh garlic (minced) 2 tablespoon red onion 1 tablespoon honey 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons lime juice 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 3/4 teaspoon 44 Farms Salt & Pepper Blend 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
24 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
A South American twist on a grilled steak salad from 44 Farms. Photo courtesy of 44 Farms
Method To make the chimichurri dressing, combine all ingredients except oils in a blender. Puree until smooth and slowly add in oil while the blender is running on medium low speed. Remove from the blender and chill for 30 minutes before serving. For the steak, heat the grill to high heat. Brush the steaks with oil and season with 44 Farms Salt & Pepper Blend on both sides. Grill for three minutes on each side for medium rare, four minutes per side for medium or five minutes on each side for medium well. Remove from the grill and rest for five minutes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss corn kernels with one teaspoon of oil and season with half teaspoon of kosher salt. Roast in oven for three minutes and then set aside to cool. In a large bowl, toss together the lettuces, corn, tomatoes, sweet peppers and dressing. Divide the salad between four bowls. Top each salad with avocado, feta and croutons. Thinly slice the steak against the grain and place it on top of the salads. Yield: Four servings
This project features columns finished in cedar and a wood-burning fireplace that tapers up to a vaulted ceiling. Photo by TK Images, courtesy of Texas Custom Patios
GO BIG AND STAY HOME Double Your Living Space by Transforming the Back Yard With Decks, Patios and Outdoor Kitchens By BarBara Canetti
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e spend so much time cooped up in cars commuting and logging hours at school or the office that cabin fever can soon set in. There’s something special about getting back to nature, hearing the birds sing and smelling fresh flowers while entertaining guests or just relaxing with the family. For those who have embarked on a back yard redo by adding decks, patios and outdoor kitchens, the rewards can be tremendous.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS When entertaining at home guests tend to congregate in the kitchen. So why not make use of Houston’s moderate climate (well, most of the year) and take the crowd outside and into an outdoor kitchen? 26 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
Creating a stylish and functional outdoor living space makes entertaining more casual while letting nature handle the decorating with plants, rocks and trees. In the evenings a lovely sunset as the background for a dinner party makes for a memorable occasion. Outdoor living spaces – particularly kitchens – have been growing in popularity. Gone are the days when a barbecue grill and picnic table served as the outdoor kitchen. Now, gas or wood-burning grills, sinks, refrigerators and ice makers, side burners and lots of counter space are all included in newly built or rearranged yards. Comfortable all-weather furniture is a must with some high-end furnishings rivaling those found indoors. “Remember, an outdoor kitchen is a project you only want to do once at this house, so do it right the first time so you do not have to do it over,” says Brent Gary of Cunningham Gas Products. “You want to try and make sure that when you build an outdoor kitchen that it is in an area where the weather does not dictate when you can use it.” Gary suggests making sure there is some shade or roof covering the kitchen — even a patio umbrella can make it more pleasant in the summer. Position gas grills so they are not facing prevailing winds, which can cause the control panel to overheat and possibly melt some of the wiring. He also cautions that not all stainless steel is high quality stainless. “In our high
Cunningham Gas Products carries Renaissance Cooking Systems. Photo courtesy of RCS
humidity climate, some grades of stainless steel will rust out. That is why it is called ‘stainless’ steel and not ‘stain proof.’” He says homeowners can never have too much counter space or too many electrical outlets. Soft lighting adds to the ambience and he suggests installing rope lighting in the raised backsplash and under the countertop or bar extension for a
clients’ first priority for their decks is quality of workmanship and materials. “My clients will scale back the size of their project in order to get the best product available for their dollar. That could be upgrading from an entry level composite deck to a slightly smaller higher end, more beautiful composite decking product
very nice look at night. “Some people incorporate glass blocks on the island and then install some backlighting inside the island to illuminate the glass blocks.” Designers of outdoor spaces also are moving towards materials with a more rustic look. “Using repurposed barn wood makes a great looking outdoor kitchen island, [plus there is] the benefit of using recycled materials,” says Gary. Most outdoor kitchens are usually built as a straight island, an L-shaped island or as a U-shaped island. “In all my years of working with outdoor kitchen clients I have never had a client tell me that they wished they had built a smaller island. I’ve had plenty tell me they wished they had built a larger island,” Gary says. Mike Logan of Texas Pit Crafters says homeowners need as little as 48 inches to create an outdoor kitchen space, although bigger is better. He says that even having a ten-foot space is enough to accommodate both a grill (for direct cooking over coals or gas burners) and a smoker (for indirect cooking with heat and smoke). “We are seeing an increasing interest in South American grilling. This is done directly over the wood coals and often with a grill surface that holds the food being raised or lowered. We call these gaucho grills,” says Logan. “Also, more folks are installing wood-fired pizza ovens.” “Lots of folks like being outdoors and cooking out is part of their lifestyle,” says Logan. “Our outdoor kitchens are becoming more elaborate every year. Ice makers, dishwashers and deep fryers are all being included as standard items.”
or a slightly smaller outdoor kitchen with higher end equipment,” McQuin says. He notes there is a shift away from natural wood decks to manufactured products, even though the initial cost may be higher. “That cost difference will soon be negated by the lower maintenance costs and the longevity these products offer over a natural product,” he says, pointing to Trex® composite decking or AZEK® PVC decking, which fare better than natural pine in the sun and rain. Russell Budnick with Creative Contours Landscape Co. says wood is recommended for pergolas and arbors, as well as for the cabinets in outdoor kitchens. He prefers granite and tastefully done concrete countertops. McQuin says homeowners should take the time to thoughtfully design their outdoor space and integrate it into their backyard usage, for now and in the future. “The number one requirement in a space — be it a composite deck or a complete outdoor kitchen with a shingled roof overhead — is that it flows well and blends in with the house,” he says. “Because if the space doesn’t have a good flow between the different areas: seating, cooking and traffic, then the space that was created for that client will not be used to its fullest capabilities. Nor will it be as comfortable to use.” The design should also take advantage of Houston’s climate for almost year round use, and it’s important that the kitchen or deck be built in the shaded areas of the yard. “I would say shade, shade and more shade with either a pergola or patio cover,” says McQuin, who also suggests adding ventilation with ceiling fans. “[They] at least make outdoor entertaining bearable during our summers.”
DECKS, PATIOS AND PERGOLAS Brian McQuin, owner of Texas Decks, says he has noticed his
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A cozy space was created to the side of this Heights home, making it easier to enjoy the back yard and pool. Photo by TK Images, courtesy of Texas Custom Patios
ONE STOP SHOPPING Major Back Yard Projects Are Best Left to the Professionals By SuSie tommaney
Recreate your favorite room in the house. Photo by TK Images, courtesy of Texas Custom Patios
Outdoor kitchen flows to dining and living areas. Photo by TK Images, courtesy of Texas Custom Patios
28 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
For major backyard renovations with lots of moving features and elements, it’s difficult to work with multiple contractors and get everything just right. A perfectly designed space is like a puzzle with each piece affecting the next. We checked in with Rob Douglass, managing partner and project developer at Texas Custom Patios, a company that has more than 1,500 projects under its belt. He says they’ve been doing this for so long that they write quotes instead of estimates. “That’s one of the unique things about our company. We’re hard bidding a project; that’s the guarantee of the price. Even though it’s remodeling to some degree and there are some things that you run into. That’s an advantage; we’re not nickel and diming them to death.” That deep experience also helps homeowners decide what their dream backyard should look like. Between the Houston and DallasFort Worth offices they’ve managed to compile an impressive and diverse portfolio of photographs, which helps narrow down the homeowner’s preferred style. Although some clients already know exactly what they want, which is how a man from Denmark ended up with an outdoor liv-
The kitchen’s brick facing matches the home. Photo by TK Images, courtesy of Texas Custom Patios
ing room that blends the best of the Texas Hill Country with cedar finishes and Scandinavian accents. Douglas says that he and his team of project developers act as ambassadors for their clients and stay involved with the project from inception to completion. “If I design and sell you a project I’m not handing you off to a construction manager. I’m ordering materials, checking on progress daily, I’m involved throughout the project,” says Douglass. “I’m your only contact with the company. Nothing can get lost in translation.” He says the big trend these days is fire features, such as fire pits and fireplaces with inserts, which can provide warmth in the cooler months but are a nice aesthetic year round. The flat hibachi-style grills also are popular and are now being made to withstand the elements. “They can do burgers, they can do vegetables; they can do anything. It just changes how you might think about grilling outdoors. “The goal is to recreate their favorite room in the house. Sometimes when they buy a house they didn’t have a choice in the design, and here’s an opportunity,” says Douglass. “It’s a good feeling. At the end of the day we’re building a want instead of a need,” says Douglass. “I think people are thrilled with the spaces that they have.”
This stone veneer fireplace was framed with full masonry blocks and utilizes a reclaimed hemlock mantel. Photo by TK Images, courtesy of Texas Custom Patios
“Lots of folks like being outdoors and cooking out is part of their lifestyle.” 29
Fire features can be enjoyed year round. Photo by TK Images, courtesy of Texas Custom Patios
Travertine tile extends the living space. Photo by TK Images, courtesy of Texas Custom Patios
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TATCO CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING Servicing River Oaks and Surrounding Areas For Over 40 Years Construction / Cabinetry / Painting Full Service Contracting Rick Tatum
www.nandvpatioco.com
Room Additions • Pool Enclosures • Patio Covers Outdoor Kitchens • Pergolas • Porches • Gazebos Walkway Covers • Deck Covers • Pavilions Sun Rooms Professionalism, Creativity & Outstanding Service at Your Reach
mobile
713.695.4084 | 713.304.4179
rickydtatum@aol.com
Free On-site Estimates
30 house& home | June 2021 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net
281.397.8703
CREATIVE CONTOURS L . ANDSCAPE CO
• Underground Drainage Systems • Brick, Brick Paver, & Stone Patios • Landscape
• Landscape Lighting • Sprinkler Systems • Soil pH Testing • Design • Installation
832-722-0130
www.creativecontourslandscapingLLC.com
Russell Budnick Grad. Texas A&M
$50 OFF
With This Ad
WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RESTORE? TUBS • TILE • GROUT $ & Chip Repair 20 OFF Crack Counters & Cabinets ANY JOB Rust Holes & Spots with this ad
Fiberglass
18 YEARS EXP. • FREE ESTIMATES WE DO REMODELING!
TUBS & TOPS 713.932.6090
www.tubsandtops.com
31
EZ FLOORS P R O U D T O S E R V E YO U
ASK US About Our LIFETIME WARRANTY on Installation! CARPET • AREA RUGS • TILE & STONE • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • RESILIENT COUNTERTOPS
JUNE SPECIALS HANDSCRAPED HARDWOOD Starting from $3.79 Sq. Ft.
HANDSCRAPED LAMINATE - 12mm Starting from $2.59 Sq. Ft.
Installed. All trim included. Limited time offer.
Installed. All trim & pad included. Limited time offer.
TILE Starting from $2.69 Sq. Ft.
GRANITE COUNTERTOPS Starting from $27.99 Sq. Ft.
Includes installation. Limited time offer.
Installed including 1.5” bullnose. Limited time offer.
CARPET Starting from $1.09 Sq. Ft.
LAMINATE Starting from $2.29 Sq. Ft.
Includes installation, padding and removal of all carpet. Limited time offer.
Includes installation trim & pad. Limited time offer.
20x20 PORCELAIN TILE Starting from $3.19 Sq. Ft.
ANDERSEN HANDSCRAPED HARDWOODS Starting from $4.99 Sq. Ft.
Includes installation. Limited time offer.
Installed. All trim included. Limited time offer.
$100 OFF
PURCHASE OF $1500 OR MORE Present this ad at time of purchase. Not valid with any other specials.
All hardwood & laminate installations include: Quarter-round, Transitional Trim, Pad & Glue
Up to 12 MONTHS NO INTEREST FINANCING
MEMORIAL CITY/SPRING BRANCH 1557 W Sam Houston Pkwy N Ste 110 713-465-6747
CYPRESS 24150 Highway 290 Ste 270 281-758-2980
COPPERFIELD 17111 West Rd Ste 105 281-656-2224
MONTGOMERY/CONROE 18024 Highway 105 Ste 200 936-582-4000
TOMBALL 16945 N Eldridge Pkwy Ste 100 281-257-5955
KATY/CINCO RANCH Katy, TX 77450-6231 281-647-0777
SPRING 5015 FM 2920 Rd 281-288-2300
KATY WEST/FIRETHORNE 2721 FM 1463 Ste # 100 832-437-5305
WWW.EZFLOORSONLINE.COM