PhaseValue Memorial homeowners consider the remodeling bug a beneficial insect STORY BY MARY CHAVOUSTIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIRO DVORSCAK ay the word “remodel” and watch most homeowners cringe. Not Robert and Ragna Case. They’ve remodeled their Memorial village home four times, five if you count adding the pool, with a sixth being considered as this issue goes to print. “I’m the kind of person that likes to work on their house,” admits Ragna. “Every 5 to 8 years, we do something,” she smiles, “so it’s about time for another change.” Over the years, the couple has seamlessly reconfigured their original 1600-square-foot ranch-style home into a 3500-square foot oasis, in the heart of one of Houston’s most lovely neighborhoods. Their décor is spare and uncluttered, a respite from weighty antiques and knick-knacks that often take away from the clean lines of an older home. “We bought the house from the original owners in 1983, while the children were in grade school,” Ragna explains. “We fell in love with the neighborhood, the schools and the ease of commute for both of our jobs.” The 1950s house was typical of the day, complete with indooroutdoor carpet, harvest gold appliances and knotty pine in the den and kitchen. The first major remodel came in 1984, a move to retain the overall shape of the kitchen but an upgrade for the cabinetry and appliances. Ragna chose white laminate and white appliances, a style she admits faded quickly into design history. Years later, FRAMEwork design LLC owners Joe Meppelink and Marisa Janusz helped the couple establish a three-phase major remodeling plan. Phase One included updating the living room and creating a study, guest room and powder room. Interior designer Laura Michaelides, ASID, owner of Four Square Design Studio LLC, joined Meppelink and Janusz on the second phase two years later, designing and furnishing the master bath and bedroom. Michaelides recently completed Phase Three – the kitchen, laundry room and new lighting for the living and dining rooms. “Laura worked with us on the remodeling of our master bedroom and bath and did a fabulous job so I thought of her immediately (for the kitchen remodel),” says Ragna.
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During Phase One, architectural designers Meppelink and Janusz transformed the small, no-longer-used children’s rooms into a sunlit study and guest suite. The same limestone utilized in the extension of the living room was creatively incorporated into a portion of the guest bath. Tall mahogany pocket doors were added between the living room and the east wing, allowing for privacy, when needed. 54
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