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Indoor Climate Controlled Granite Slab Provider & Showroom in
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512 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX (956) 456 9174 earthlystone.com
Invitation
TO OUR READERS
If you or someone you know has a fablous home or distinctive commercial building, no older than 3 years, that you would like to see featured in this magazine, please call me at 956-266-8663.
Graphic Design
John Jacob Reyes Writers
Linda Lewis Glenn Simpson Lynn Walker Hoverson Photographer
Tony Peña Chris Casperson oledecor.com
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-Eddie Reyes oledecor.com
Editor
Lynn Walker Hoverson
5800 Padre Blvd. Suite 203 South Padre Island, TX
Publisher of Olé Decor magazine since its beginning in 2007
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Publisher
Eddie Reyes
@
Ole Decor
INFO go to oledecor.com, call 956.266.8663, or email eddie@oledecor.com. COMMENTS Contact us via social media or email us at officemanager@oledecor.com.
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CONSTRUCTION, ARCHITECTURE, DECOR, ART & REAL ESTATE
RIO GRANDE VALLEY HOME & GARDEN EDITION
Sorteo Tec 197 Paradise Cove
Backyard Before
The better way to build pg. 6 Distinctive Real Estate
Luxury Oasis After
New On the Market
Outdoor Sorteo Tec 199
Art that is truly blessed
The Counter Top Swap
Who is Nora Sandoval?
Fishing’s Future
Just in time for the Season !
Primer Premio
On the Cover oledecor.com
oledecor.com
oledecor.com
Builder
Castle Bridge Construction 956 867 3282 SHOWCASING ARCHITECTURE, DECOR, ART & REAL ESTATE
CONSTRUCTION, ARCHITECTURE, DECOR, ART & REAL ESTATE
CONSTRUCTION, ARCHITECTURE, DECOR, ART & REAL ESTATE
Treviño Construction
Not your usual Holiday Decor! Summer Time is Pool Time!
Noma Studio
Featured Artist
Meet the Youngest Builder
Drones
Live in a Glass House?
in the Rio Grande Valley.
Sorteo Tec
A Family Affair
Luxury Listings in the RGV realestate.oledecor.com
at Sisters Interiors.
Encore!
Distinctive Real Estate pg. 35
Green Go
www.CastleBridgeHomes.com Photo by: Chris Casperson
A very special thanks to the Mascorro family for allowing us to share their lovely home with all of you and to Armando of Castle Bridge Construction for giving us a heads up. This house was a real treat to feature mainly because of the ease of flow we felt as we toured and photographed each room. Not to mention the impeccable taste in home decor of the lady of the house! I’m sure you’ll enjoying waking through it as much as we did. Your personal tour starts on pg 40
Printed in Mexico
4
July / August 2018 olé decor
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234 East Elizabeth • Brownsville • 956-542-3333 3101 N 10th Street • McAllen • 956-664-9222
olé decor July / August 2018
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contents July/August 2018
7
12
16
Features Distinctive Real Estate
7
The latest real estate offered on these pages are the homes of your summer dreams come true. More details can be seen on olédecor.com
Indoor Living
20
12
Local company would like you to see great examples of the indoor environments they have constructed and what they can do for your home.
Featured Artist
16
This summer issue shines a light on some of the sparkling art of a
24
unique local artist who works in several different art mediums.
Commercial Spotlight
20
Outdoor Living
24
Architecture and Design
34
Precision manufacturing using the newest technology for granite and quartz is part of what puts Kapal on the cutting of styling for your beautiful countertops and cabinets.
34
One of Olé Decor’s contributing writers provides a helpful perspective with an organized, thoughtful and detailed guide to landscaping that can motivate you even though it is summer!
A new contributing writer for Olé Decor takes the readers for an imaginary tour and a deeper look at a famous art icon and its timely, modern connections.
Magnificent Homes
40
40
Castle Bridge Construction company is the balanced bridge to your castle of harmony in the RGV. Looking at the photographs of their fabulous, modern-mixed-with-Mediterranean style homes will surely bring some serenity to your summer.
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July / August 2018 olé decor
olĂŠ decor Summer 2018
9
Distinctive Real Estate
Los Portales Serene • Secure • Special
North-East Brownsville, TX
PRICES & PLATS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST INQUIRIES
DUTCH FISHER REAL ESTATE
(956) 494-3731 • (956) 545-8046 dutchpescador@aol.com
1064 E Los Ebanos Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520
Dutch Fisher Real Estate
www.dutchfisherrealestate.com
For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
52
Luxury and Quality at Affordable Prices, Los Portales is Located in N.E. Brownsville on Dana Road, Just Over a Mile East of the Intersection of Alton Gloor Blvd & Paredes Line Road. Features Numerous EstateSized Waterfront Home Sites with Automatic Gated Entry, a Private Park on the Resaca with Lush Tropical Landscaping, and Protective Covenants and Controls. Nearby Shopping, Entertainment and Medical Facilities. Only Minutes to Downtown, South Padre Island & The Entire Rio Grande Valley. Come Live Your Dreams! Fraccionamiento privado y tranquilo al este de Brownsville, a solo unos minutos de centros comerciales (Mall) centros medicos, escuelas nuevas y de la Isla Del Padre. Localizado al Noreste de Brownsville, este exclusivo fraccionamiento esta completamente barbeado, con called anchas, puerta de entrada de estilo europeo y luz en todas las calles. Todos los servicios están bajo tierra incluyendo el gas. Con restricciones y control arquitectural. May/June 2018 olé decor
Distinctive Real Estate
Executive Home
3401 San Diego, Mission, TX Marvelously Maintained Executive Home inside of San Marino subdivision in Sharyland Plantation. One- Owner home with 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 4904 sq. ft, hardwood floors upgraded finishes throughout, Attached covered outdoor kitchen with patio and grill. High Ceilings throughout the home, built-ins, plantation shutters and custom blinds, double shower and jacuzzi in master. Large Master suite with large walk-in closet with built-ins. Tankless Water heater and water softener system, sprinkler system, and two a/c units. Industrial Sized Appliances. Huge Laundry room with lots of storage cabinets. 2 Car garage with lots of storage and tile flooring- rear access, Pictures don’t show you how beautiful this home is inside. Competitively Priced for Such Custom Finishes!
OFFERED AT $579,000 INQUIRIES
Vikki R. Wright
(956) 287-4531 • (720) 840-1013 vikkiwright@me.com McAllen, TX
MLS: 212765 For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com May/June 2018 olé decor
53
Distinctive Real Estate
Luxury Townhouse
500 Wichita Avenue McAllen, TX
OFFERED AT $327,900
MLS: 210078
INQUIRIES
Monica Acevedo
956.425.7098 • 956.703.6377
monicaacevedo76@icloud.com
1212 North Stuart Place Rd. Harlingen, TX 78552
For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com 54
Luxury townhouse situated on a corner lot in the desirable Los Amigos gated community. Enter to a spacious and open living room, complete with floor to ceiling picture windows, built in bookshelves and a wood burning fireplace. Granite counter-tops, stainless appliances, stone backsplash, and two sinks make this a kitchen guaranteed to impress! The luxury continues quartz counters in the bathrooms and brand new custom carpet and tile throughout. Featuring, 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths and also offers a 2 car garage. Large bedrooms with two master suites are part of a split bedroom floor plan, three upstairs and one bedroom downstairs. Freshly renovated to the highest standards and move in ready! Private outdoor patio perfect for entertaining or morning coffee! May/June 2018 olé decor
T HI N K BI G BIGGERÂ LOANS
FO R Y OUR LU XURY HOM E JUMBO LOANS MADE EASY
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Indoor Living
KAPAL THE NAME IN KITCHENS From Residential to Multi-family new trends, new colors, and more...
W
e believe that custom designed wood pieces for your home are like fine works of art. That’s why we make each of our pieces 100% customized to suit your home or business. Whether your taste is sleek and modern or classic and contemporary, together with one of your designers, you can see your unique artistic vision become a reality. Our specialties include custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths, and closets.
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Summer 2018 olĂŠ
Residential
At Kapal we supply our customers with a full-service experience, making us the best option for a made to order residential cabinets. Extensive selections of new trends door styles plus beautiful Granite and Quartz countertops, coordinated with a professional installation all in one place. The new store located at 3321 W Expressway 83 in McAllen is dedicated to the residential customer looking for Exotic Granite and Quartz Slabs. In a fully air-conditioned indoor state of the art showroom for your comodity, the customer will also be able to see Kitchen, Bath and Closets Displays.
Multi-Family
Kapal has been specialized in multi-family apartments providing cabinets and countertops at the same time, reducing lead time for developers and builders. As a local cabinet manufacturer, we can offer competitive pricing with quick turnaround timelines. Over the last 3 years we have built cabinets for more than 1000 apartments per year.
Indoor Living
KAPAL (956) 464-3311
WWW.KAPALKITCHENS.COM
The new trends for 2018 are Matte finishes either Slab or Shaker style, with more fresh neutral colors to choose, but matte black finish is particularly popular in kitchen and bathroom dĂŠcor. You can see more at our Gallery Store located at 3321 West Expressway 83 in McAllen where you can enjoy our live kitchen hosting a Chef once a month. Visit us for more information!
Featured Artist
PAT H A N D
PA L E T T E
Lynn Walker Hoverson describes her life as a multimedia tapestry. Mostly a self-taught artist, she has studied art and interior design at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, University of Texas at Austin, and Penland School of Arts and Crafts in North Carolina.
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July / August 2018 olĂŠ decor
L
ynn Walker Hoverson
scenery of the School, and
the two largest painting
after Lynn’s car wreck and
describes her life as a
the experiences of watching
commissions of her lifetime,
the making of a surreal
multimedia tapestry. Her
the other categories
so far. This project for Dr.
representation of the event,
oldest memory of painting
of Penland students
Elisa Sanchez in Mission,
in a “kinda ugly” painting.
is a day when she was
produce artisan jewelry,
Texas took two years to
“Landscape of My Car
five years old, dipping a
weavings, ceramics, and
complete. The six 6-foot
Wreck”, was painted as self-
watercolor brush from a
glassblowing, she returned
ovals each with paintings
guided art therapy. Lynn’s
paint tray to a water-filled
“Home To Texas”, like the
of angels (one pictured
gateway opened, and she
Mickey Mouse mug and onto
title of a book written her
here) were designed and
returned to her artist’s path.
paper, using cookie cutters
grandfather, Stanley Walker.
painted with companion
for shapes. Since that time
With the sense of writing
images of specially chosen
Lynn has tried, enjoyed and
being in her blood, Lynn
birds and flowers, now live
studied different art media,
uses written words on her
on the living room ceiling
including pen and ink, batik,
paintings and in wall décor
at Dr. Sanchez’s. Also, Lynn
sign painting, photography,
pieces.
painted eight other interior
ceramics, stained glass, jewelry, mosaics and
The most advanced
panels, similarly styled, for walls of the third story
Since then, motifs for Lynn’s newest works are of living things and beautiful places. Three new examples are hanging in Grapevine Café on South Padre Island, Texas: “The Coffee Picker”,
“ She has also designed graphics specifically for art on coffee bags. ” Photoshopping which she
resurfacing and repurposing
cupola of Dr. Sanchez’s
“Harvest”, and “The Surfer
says takes her through a
piece of artwork she
unique, beautiful home.
Dude”. Her personal work-
Time Warp. Painting remains
has made by decorating
Lynn has painted smaller
in-progress for 2018 is a
her favorite medium.
surfaces with jewelry
murals in other Rio Grande
large water-mixable oil
and objects is the 7-foot
Valley locations, but she no
paint on stretched canvas,
taxidermied sailfish
longer climbs scaffolding
entitled: “Thank GOD For
pictured here. It is on
due to suffering a near-fatal
Natural Healing”, depicting
display and available
car wreck in 2010.
a complex botanical
Although she is mostly self-taught, in her early life she studied art and interior design at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, University of Texas
through Broadway Coins located at 308 A.S.
During Lynn’s immobilized
environment.
days of recuperation, she
Part of LWH’s plans for the
Texas.
studied online photographs
future includes obtaining a
of paintings by famous
larger studio and building
in North Carolina. Before
Combining left brain and
Frida Kahlo who was
a charitable organization
Lynn’s second cold winter
right brain thinking for
seriously injured in a trolley
with the mission of helping
in N.C. was over, she
art expression, she has
car accident. The empathy
wreck survivors thrive.
decided she needed more
also designed graphics
and inspiration Lynn felt
warmth and sunshine.
specifically for coffee
through Frida’s artwork
Inspired immensely by the
bags. Before Lynn bought
contributed to her feeling
photography and graphics
her first Apple computer
able to make art again;
courses, the mountain
in 1999, she fulfilled
but not until a full year
at Austin, and Penland School of Arts and Crafts
olé decor July / August 2018
Broadway Street in McAllen,
For more information and to contact Lynn for artwork, call 956-532-9941 or email lynnhoverson@me.com.
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Summer 2018 olĂŠ decor
22 olĂŠ decor July / August 2018
May/June 2018 olĂŠ decor
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Commercial Spotlight
KAPAL STONE
PRECISION COUNTERTOPS MANUFACTURING Making your kitchen dreams into reality.
Quality on every piece, exact dimensions and high efficiency are some of the benefits on choosing Kapal for your large scale countertops project. With the latest technology in house to cut Granite and Quartz and the recent addition of 20,000 SqFt manufacturing space, we can now provide to the Multi-Family Industry with fast turn-around on both Cabinetry and Countertops.
Our expertise in manufacturing lends itself perfectly to designing and engineering all aspects of your project, from kitchen cabinets to multifamily and hospitality jobs, we can do it with the use of top of the art machinery and advanced manufacturing techniques.
“Exact dimensions and high efficiency are some of the benefits on choosing Kapal�
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DANIEL HERNANDEZ (956) 778 0212 dhconstructionrgv.com
DH CONSTRUCTION
Introducing 15 new colors of Silestone Quartz! Starting at $350 to $500 per slab!
A&A Marble and Granite is a family owned business since 1998. We are a company you can trust. Because we are a direct importer of natural stone, we are able to offer you the best prices on our products. At A&A we are committed to our pledge of 100% satisfaction. Our specialists will give you the attention you deserve from the beginning to the end.
956.627.0912 | 956.627.0492 1009 U.S. 83 Business, McAllen, TX | marbleandgranitedistribution.com
Outdoor Living
the
VALUE of
LANDSCAPING When a buyer sees beautiful, well-planned landscaping the assumption is that the rest of the home is equally as spectacular, hence the power of landscaping! Written By Glenn Simpson
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July / August 2018 olĂŠ decor
T
he first impression a buyer gets from a
they eventually sell the home. By proper
home is from the landscaping. Before
planning they can not only enjoy their day
they ever see the home, their eyes are
to day use of a beautifully designed yard
drawn to the lawn, trees and gardens that
but get a handsome return on the dollars
frame the home. That first impression is
they spent when it is time to sell.
priceless and should do two things: • Shorten the time that the unit is on the market • Optimize the return on the investment in that unit. When a buyer sees beautiful, well-planned landscaping and features such as a state
So, what is the best investment to improve appearance and return on those investments? One must remember that just planting vegetation because there is space is not the same as planting for current appearance and how the vegetation will flow when it matures. Many times, a little professional assistance in the early stages
of the art outdoor fire place and high-end pavers, they develop an assumption that the rest of the home is equally as spectacular. Research has shown that the highest return on investment in preparing a home for sale is in the outdoor living spaces, especially landscaping. To properly understand the value of investing in outdoor spaces one
“ The homeowners of today desire to extend their living area and that is why they choose to create outdoor living spaces. ”
must view it in two aspects. One is for the esthetics of the home in its entirety and the second is a user-friendly outdoor living space. The homeowners of today desire to extend their living area and that is why they choose to create outdoor living spaces. Landscaping can be thought of as a room without a roof. When you think of it in those terms it is easy to understand why backyard renovations have a high return on investment. Most homeowners start yard projects without considering the potential impact they could have when
olé decor July / August 2018
25
“ Proper placements of shrubs help frame the rest of the garden �
can yield a great benefit in the later stages
color, texture and cover for certain support
of planting. Trees are one of the things
areas of the yard. They can lead you into a
that increase in value over time. Planting
path or form a visual screen for the water
small trees is a better investment over
management equipment needed for the
time. A sapling from a local nursery for $20
garden. Shrubs harmonize the trees, flowers
can be planted on the property and when
and lawn creating that beautiful overall
mature that same tree can add $1,000 to
appearance.
$10,000 to the value of the home. That is an outstanding return on investment. On the other hand, if the planning for sale horizon is projected for three to five years, then planting a larger tree would be the best course of action. There may be a greater expense, but the full effect on the yard can be realized much quicker.
26
Flower beds are a little more difficult to plan because many of the flowers that really make a landscape pop are annuals. By planting annuals beautiful spring flowers can add that splash of color that really sets off the entire yard. However, there is a downside. If a large part of the garden is planted in annuals that area will have to
Proper placements of shrubs help frame the
be replanted each year. This highlights the
rest of the garden and define certain areas
importance of good planning for combining
and use. The mid story* plants really bring
perennials and annuals. Obtaining the
the outdoor space together. They can add
pizazz that brings attention to the home
July / August 2018 olĂŠ decor
Outdoor Living
and getting the best results from the investments is much less stressful when the gardening is not labor intensive.
added return. Real estate agents have found that home buyers are more excited about touring a
The use of grasses is very important in
house that looks inviting on the outside
developing the texture and dimension of
than one that is sad and dreary, unless
the outdoor area. Although it is important
they were focused on buying a fixer-upper.
to have a base layer which brings the spaces
Factors vary relating to the exact return
together, many times with lawn grasses,
on investment that may be realized. The
less is more. Lawn maintenance can be
consistent benefits of getting the client in
very intensive and expensive. The lawn’s
the home with a positive impression will
purpose is to give the feeling of openness
increase the value and rapid sale of any
and define pathways. If too much of the
home.
yard is filled with grasses, it can give a stark appearance instead of having a desired, inviting warmth. Although many neighborhoods require a pool to be competitive, adding a pool to an existing property can be a risky move. Studies have shown that when remodeling a home, for every dollar invested in an addition of a swimming pool, only 39 cents are returned when the home is sold. When considering a pool addition one must value their enjoyment and realize they will probably not be getting a great return on that part of their investment. It is a struggle to quantify the exact return. Some claim as much as 150%. That seems a bit optimistic, but not out of the question. I owned one home that had been on the market for nine months. It appraised at $486,000 which was less than I needed for the home. So, I brought in a landscape planner who did a great professional job. The cost for his services of planning, planting and landscaping was about $6700. When the house went back on the market it sold in 2 weeks for $510,000. The increase in value was great, but the rapid sale was truly an added benefit. Many times improving the landscaping brings such an
olĂŠ decor July / August 2018
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July / August 2018 olĂŠ decor
Outdoor Living
“ By planting annuals beautiful spring flowers can add that splash of color that really sets off the entire yard. ”
Perhaps the best way to think of the landscaping, is to equate it to staging for the outside of the property for the same desired result as staging the inside. Although, extensive landscaping could be negatively viewed by a potential buyer as a possibility for requiring excessive and costly maintenance. Several minor changes can bring big benefits: • Keeping the yard free of weeds entails some labor but it is easy, if done on a regular basis • The front door may need some potted plants to frame the setting and add a splash of color to the entrance • Planted areas benefit from mulching which gives a nice and well-kept appearance • Obviously, mowing is critical for that best first impression • Dry or wilted plants and grass may give
Despite not being able to pin down an exact ROI from landscaping, the positive first impression of a home can mean the difference between a buyer just driving by or stopping to take a closer look. Just like the importance of making a good first impression when meeting someone new, with a little attention to the landscaping of your home, you can increase your chances of a better outcome when selling your home. If changes are needed to best present the home, I suggest hiring a reputable designer for recommendations. Do not over plant but also, do not cut too many corners.
the buyer the impression that the entire
A nice home with a fresh appearance will
home might not be maintained
sell quickly and at the best price possible.
olé decor July / August 2018
29
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olé decor 31
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Architecture and Design
ART IN ARC HITEC HTURE Throughout the past few thousand years this world has seen countless efforts and combinations of architecture and art. Written By Lynn Walker Hoverson
Alberta, Canada
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July / August 2018 olĂŠ decor
I
n 2018, without leaving the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas you can, and
Riga, Germany
quite likely have seen several examples of Architecture Embellished with Art. Doctor’s Hospital Renaissance complex in Edinburg, Texas has especially fine modern details. DHR’s many facilities which were built by Cantu Construction Company have been “decorated” with variations of a famous image known as the Vitruvian Man. If you are viewing this magazine online or in print, chances are very good that you have an interest in architecture, art or both. We count on you enjoying the pretty pictures! Maybe you are deeply interested in or
“ Some architectural structures, writings and artworks have survived the ravages of Time better than others. ” invested in one or more of these fascinating endeavors of creative people or you happen to be a talented person. These special areas of human activity are often reflected in one another and have been interrelated through the ages. Time periods, eras and styles have overlapped. It is difficult to pinpoint single days that mark the exact moment that one Time period ended and the other began, simultaneously. Some architectural structures, writings and artworks have survived the ravages of Time better than others.
olé decor July / August 2018
Edinburg, Texas
35
Throughout the past few thousand years
Birmingham, England
this world has seen countless efforts and combinations of architecture and art. There is plenty of existing, yet ancient residue of this. Maybe you are fortunate enough to have traveled the world and seen, in person, some of the great surviving ancient architecture and art; or if not, hopefully, you have viewed and enjoyed awesome videos and photographs of them online. While you enjoy electronic viewing of those kinds of treasures, try having the perspective of an anthropologist, who is searching for what makes us human and you
Puebla , Mexico
just might feel a little like you are Time Traveling. Imagine if visiting in the past of human history is as easy as taking a stroll down a covered two-way sidewalk that is demarcated by cracks, dividing into partitions with each major section representing one hundred years. Which time period would you choose to visit? Not sure? As your present literary guide for this imaginary, artistic, architectural adventure, let me suggest one of my favorite eras of the past: the Italian Renaissance which lasted approximately 300-400 years beginning in the 14th century (1400 A.D.).
Wooster, Ohio
So, six hundred years ago, when people were actually living in Italy during that very active era of extreme cultural changes, the term, “The Renaissance” had not yet been formed and applied to those times. In the year 1856 a Frenchman named Jacob Burckhardt wrote a book titled THE CIVILIZATION OF THE RENAISSANCE IN ITALY. Also, a French historian, Jules Michelle, used the term in his writings in 1858. French military invasions of Italy beginning in the 1400s began to play a part in the exposure to the expressive and expanding culture of that energetic Italian era.
36
July / August 2018 olé decor
Architecture and Design
Now that we have those Time era
books from classical antiquity and were
descriptions identified and established are
known as De Architectura. On the paper that
you ready to go to Italy?
Leonardo drew the Vitruvian Man, he also
OK! Let’s jump onto that imaginary, magic
inked notes about Vitruvius.
sidewalk that was mentioned earlier and
Vitruvius served in the Roman military
make it go straight to Florence, Italy in 1466
under Caesar Augustus.
into the very fine workshop of the artist known then as Verrochio, where fourteen year old Leonardo da Vinci was beginning his apprenticeship in the many fields of work in which he would excel. There he was to learn and acquire skills in these areas: metalwork, chemistry, plaster casting, leather working, mechanics, carpentry, painting, sculpting, modeling, drafting
It is easy to believe that Leonardo studied the guiding principles of design found in the works of Vitruvius. Artists, craftspeople, engineers, architects, scholars, philosphers and other people of the Italian Renaissance were seeking beauty, truth balance and order, striving to rise above some of the less-enlightened, prior times in history.
and drawing.
“ Throughout the past few thousand years this world has seen countless efforts and combinations of architecture and art. ” The foundational training Leonardo
In 1519 in France, Leonardo da Vinci died,
received in addition to the talents he was
leaving works of art and technology for this
born with served him well in his lifetime of
world to be inspired by.
extraordinary achievements.
Leonardo’s home and villa, Chateau du Clos
He filled notebooks throughout his life that
Luce, where he was living during his final
contained writings and drawings of the vast
years, is available for sale now in the 21st
amount of things he observed and studied.
century after being renovated. Great photos
Leonardo da Vinci also spent time in Rome.
of it are on thegoodlifefrance.com
Sometime before he drew his Vitruvian Man,
When you are back safe, in the reality of
he made a note in one of his books about
2018, look for more about the Vitruvian Man
where he could obtain a copy of a multi-
on sites such as:
volume work by a Roman man generally referred to as “The First Roman Architect”,
• leonardodavinci.net
Marcus Vitruvius Polonius.
• museumsinflorence.com
Vitruvius, as he is known, was alive during
• gallerieaccademia.it
the first century B.C., almost 1500 yeas before Leonardo was participating in the
De Architectura is now known as the
fueling of the Italian Renaissance. For
TEN BOOKS ON ARCHITECTURE and has been
Leonardo and his peers, Vitruvius’ original,
translated into English. It can be purchased
illustrated, Latin language volumes were
online.
considered the lone survivor of architecture
olé decor July / August 2018
37
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Magnificent Homes Homes Magnificent
perfect BLEND a perfect BLEND Mediterranean and elegance of of a classic Mediterranean andmodern. modern.You Youlove lovethe thecasual casual elegance a classic Mediterranean home, toto the geometric shapes Mediterranean home,but butyou youare arealso alsoattracted attracted the geometric shapes and clean lines and lines of of modern moderndesign. design. Writen By Linda Casperson Writen Linda Lewis, Lewis,Photography PhotographyBy ByChris Chris Casperson
Builder Castle Bridge Construction (956) 867-3282
4040
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Location
Mission, Texas www.castlebridgehomes.com
July / August 2018 olĂŠ decor July / August 2018 olĂŠ decor
“ Mediterranean design is an eclectic mix of ideas culled from countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, but particularly from Spain, France and Italy. ”
I
nnovation occurs when two seemingly
home’s exterior. Large windows, a low-
dissimilar styles become seamlessly
pitched hip roof, stone accents, and stucco
integrated into a new hybrid. Let’s say you
are commingled with the geometry of
are torn between the two architectural
modern design. There are no curvilinear
styles that are currently the most popular
elements like arches. Windows are tall
in the Rio Grande Valley: Mediterranean
narrow rectangles. Bump-outs on exterior
and modern. You love the casual elegance
walls create a Tuscan look. Traditionally,
of a classic Mediterranean home, but you
Tuscans added extra rooms to their homes
are also attracted to the geometric shapes
over time, with each addition having its own
and clean lines of modern design. There is a
roof. This gave the home a unique character.
solution to this conflict: combine them. Our
Our home’s exterior reflects this tradition by
feature home, by Castle Bridge Homes, does
adding bump-outs that resemble towers, to
just this by effortlessly pairing old world
the facade. Each bump-out is topped with
charm with new-age aesthetics.
its own roof, creating a complex of roofs that
Mediterranean design is an eclectic mix of
olé decor July / August 2018
are covered in ceramic barrel tiles.
ideas culled from countries that border the
The facade is composed of three areas:
Mediterranean Sea, but particularly from
left, right and center. Each area contains
Spain, France and Italy. Design elements,
three tall rectangles. A unifying element
from these countries, are applied to the
of horizontal bars is placed somewhere
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within each area. The rectangles are inset
upon where the spindle is placed in the
with windows or alcoves, or combinations
door, and that depends upon the width of
of the two. Windows are combinations of
the door. Pivot doors are normally larger and
single hung and fixed glass and relatively
heavier than typical hinged doors. The door
free of mullions. A few have horizontal bars
is constructed of a large steel frame, wood
to keep the style fresh. The overall effect
panel insert, and horizontal etched glass
of these geometric forms is the creation
windows for privacy. There is also a two-foot
of interesting patterns, enhanced by the
tall glass transom above the eight-foot door.
interplay of light and shadow. The vertical lines cause a rhythmic movement from one element to the next. All these elements result in a balanced asymmetrical design.
“The oversized front door provides a visual cue for what will be seen inside the home. ”
Where the exterior can be described as transitional (something between traditional and modern) the interior is primarily modern, but with a distinctive application
The oversized front door provides a visual
of RGV design elements. Modernism is a
cue for what will be seen inside the home.
global architecture and design movement
A path of cement rectangles leads the way,
that emerged in the 1920s as a response
and together they create a strong focal
to accelerated industrialization and social
point. This door would be a point of pride
changes. This philosophy emphasized
for any homeowner. Entering through a door
function, simplicity, and rationality,
like this will be an experience that people
functionality and created new forms of
will talk about.
expression with a fresh aesthetic.
The selection of a pivot door grabs your
This resulted in buildings characterized by
attention immediately, because the
clean lines, simple geometric shapes, pure
language is unmistakably modern. A “pivot
cubic forms, ribbon windows, flat roofs, and
door” refers to a swinging door that rotates
functional, flexible open interior spaces
on a spindle that is placed within the door.
with plain exposed structures that were
This creates a different swing pattern than a
considered appropriate for all nations
hinged door. When the door is opened, there
and cultures.
is a space on either side. The spaces depend
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July / August 2018 olé decor
Magnificent Homes
“ The vertical lines cause a rhythmic movement from one element to the next. All these elements result in a balanced asymmetrical design. ”
The RGV is a treasure trove of mid-century modern design. Architect Merle Simpson designed the Hidalgo County Courthouse and local artist and art patron Ann Maddox Moore’s home. Max Burkhart built structures utilizing state of the art materials such as “tilt-wall” concrete panels. The Burkhart Home in McAllen is typical of modern houses, in that the whole site is treated as the living area, not just the interior. You can see examples of modern architecture influenced by Mexican architect Luis Barragán around the valley. Most evident, are buildings that have been painted in bright colors. While he was influenced by European modernism, he ultimately rejected the concept of “functionalism,” stating that a house should not be a “machine for living.” Instead, he strove for an “emotional architecture” and stressed the importance of serenity. Barragán always used raw materials such as stone or wood. He combined them with an original and dramatic use of light, both natural and artificial. His preference for hidden light sources gives his interiors a particularly subtle and lyrical atmosphere. I believe it is safe to say that today’s students of architecture are influenced by history,
olé decor July / August 2018
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Magnificent Homes
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July / August 2018 olĂŠ decor
“ The architects did not constrain themselves to one style, the structure can be considered to be a contemporary home. ” but ultimately strive to develop their own
living. With modern architecture, the line
unique designs.
between indoors and outdoors has been
That is particularly evident in this Castle Bridge Home. Light from large picture windows, on the back side of the house, floods the all-white walls and floors of the foyer and high vertical walls of the living spaces. Furnishings are minimal and modern in design. Colors in the formal living area are gray and white with shiny materials such as chrome, glass and polished stone. A brightred sofa, in the informal living area, breaks the monochromatic color palette. Glowing chandeliers add warmth to the rooms. Continuity between the exterior and interior is maintained using narrow horizontal bars and rectangles found on the exterior of the building. The rails and slats on plantation shutters bring some same elements indoors. Decorative ceilings are a distinctive characteristic of homes in the RGV. Insets in the ceilings carry the element of lines and bars throughout the home. There are unique
blurred through the use of window walls. The large picture windows, in this home, offer an inviting view of the outdoors. A shimmering swimming pool with a spa and three waterfall features awaits. The turquoise blue of the water and the striking color of the tile make it a statement piece. The covered patio is large enough to contain a seating area, dining table, and a full kitchen. Because the architects did not constrain themselves to one style, the structure can be considered to be a contemporary home. The blending of traditional and modern is a perfect compromise and solution to these two popular, but disparate styles. I have always found it a bit jarring to come across an isolated modern home in a neighborhood filled with traditional homes. It is especially obvious with zero-lot-line homes, because there is no buffer between the homes like
and inventive variations of coffered ceilings
land containing trees and greenery to create
in every room that all contain indirect and/
a transitional area. Any kind of design,
or recessed lighting. Vertical rectangular
whether it be a subdivision, or a work of
niches in the informal living area flank the
visual art, requires a cohesive blend of
television.
elements.
The modern house finds a good balance
So if you’re a buyer looking for something
between indoor and outdoor living rooms,
fresh and new, that is both modern and
and public and private spaces. Public spaces
nostalgic at the same time, Mediterranean
are large and open and private spaces are
modern may be the choice for you. It offers
small and intimate. The main living area
you the best of traditional and modern
of this home is focused on public life, with
design with a contemporary flare.
sittings areas and functional spaces, such as the kitchen.
Mission, Texas | Builder- Castle Bridge Construction- www.CastleBridgeHomes.com
Both Mediterranean and modern design are in perfect sync when it comes to outdoor
olé decor July / August 2018
45
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