Invitation
TO OUR READERS
If you or someone you know has a fabulous 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. Publisher of OlĂŠ Decor magazine since its beginning in 2007
-Eddie Reyes
Publisher
Eddie Reyes Editor
Lynn Walker Hoverson Graphic Design
John Jacob Reyes Writers
Lynn Walker Hoverson Kathryne Pulkingham Photographers
Rebecca Britt Tiffany Freischlag John Jacob Reyes oledecor.com 5800 Padre Blvd. Suite 203 South Padre Island, TX follow
@
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.
On the Cover Builder
Arch Homes 956 640 3808
archhomesllc@gmail.com Photo by: Rebecca Britt
Ole Decor extends many thanks to Arch Homes and Octavio Canales for providing the tour of their unique Garden Ridge Home in San Juan, Texas which is now officially on the real estate market. We hope to hear that this gem of a home is soon sold, helping make another modern family happy.
Printed in Mexico 4
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contents Features
Winter 2018
Distinctive Real Estate
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Builder Spotlight
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If a GREAT life on the waterfront is what you are in the market for, this one has all the extras with special style. Pictures are definitely worth a thousand words for this one!
Arch Homes is a Rio Grande Valley home builder in South Texas that has repeatedly brought to life the plans of architects and home owners’-to-be.
Magnificent Homes
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This Brownsville, Texas home deserves some special awards in many categories for the impressive remodel and upgrade project finely done. Project participants are given special mentions throughout this issue.
Architect Profile
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Educated and trained in Mexico as an architect, Octavio Canales has taken his talents and creative mind to San Juan, Texas to help produce this Modern Home with his special flair.
Decorating with Autumn Arrangements 42
Timely, seasonal Home Decor suggestions are colorfully expressed and embellished by one of Ole Decor’s contributing writers from
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South Padre Island.
Featured Artist
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In Brownsville, Texas, Toni R. Hudson is a woman painter who is truly living the Artist’s Life.
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Distinctive Real Estate
Luxury Townhome
5609 Laguna Circle SPI, TX
This South Padre Island bayfront property in Fiesta Isles Subdivision is a two story LUXURY TOWNHOME with 4 Bedrooms, all upstairs and 3 full baths with an additional half bath and an attached double garage. Built in 2005 of block and stucco construction on concrete foundation it stands on a 2590 square foot lot. This fantastic dream location has all the extras for indulging in the best of a coastal living lifestyle. From inside downstairs and from the second story balcony there is a clear view of the Laguna Madre Bay. Outdoors, owners and guests can appreciate the heated pool and hot tub. Other amenities include both a covered and uncovered patio area, a private pier, fishing dock, boat dock, a bulkhead seawall, fish-cleaning station and an outdoor shower.
Distinctive Real Estate
The interior decor has been given special treatment by the talented SPI-based Sisters’ Interior Designs, making it incredibly uniquely beautiful, stylish and comfortable with the McKenzieChilds-look. The gourmet-inspired kitchen has custom-made wood cabinets, granite counter tops and travertine. Much of the flooring throughout is bamboo. Plenty of ceiling fans are installed. A special artistic touch was added with handpainted designs on the stair and banister railings. An upstairs breakfast/wet bar also has the McKenzie-Childs design on the sink and backsplash. There is a stunningly decorated powder room, water and dryer hookup, a water purification system and water softener for the home. A dishwasher, disposal, ice maker, microwave and convection ovens with refrigerator are all included. This home has both storm doors and storm windows. Electricity is connected and high-speed Internet, phone and cable are available, Energy sources are central electric and gas and solar. Irrigation Provider is Laguna Madre Water District. Held in Title Fee Simple. (No Community or Country Club Amenities) Shown by appointment only.
OFFERED AT $899,000
MLS: T88856A
INQUIRIES
Shirley Donahue
956.433.1564
shirley@sanddollar-realty.com
3311 Padre Blvd. Ste C.
South Padre Island, TX. 78597 For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Distinctive Real Estate
Luxury Beach Home 5904 Tropical Drive SPI, TX
OFFERED AT $1,450,000
MLS: 220179
INQUIRIES
Vicki Lynn Chrysler 956.821.1939
vicki@selectpropertiesrgv.com
4821 McAllen, TX. 78502
For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Elegant home at South Padre Island! Just a walk from the beach, this home comes with a beautiful murano chandelier and gourmet kitchen, Kenmore Elite appliances. This amazing modern home extends over 5014 square feet living space and 6,600 total, interior spaces are well endowed with upscale amenities for ease of modern beach life, quality to last a lifetime, and glamorous beauty. Sit back and enjoy a movie in your very own theater room or enjoy the beach breeze outside in your own pool/jacuzzi provided by Hamlin pools. Come check out this gorgeous beach home!
Bay Harbor Condos
6101 Laguna Circle N. SPI, TX
Located on the water of the Laguna Madre. Nestled in a nice neighborhood inside gated community Bay Harbor. A luxury, 4 bedroom/3 bathroom, corner townhome with deeded boatslip & lift. Three story 2,766 sqft. property is turn-key. Furnished throughout two living rooms & ample size bedrooms. Well maintained property. Elevator, covered boat slip, renovated 16’ x 22’ outdoor patio overlooking the bay. Custom cabinets & new sinks in the kitchen. Granite throughout. The third floor master suite has views galore. Private balcony, walk in steam shower, deep jetted bathtub, & more. Two car garage & two car driveway. Community pier to fish off the docks and enjoy sunsets, too! Weekly/Monthly rentals permitted. An island getaway to impress.
OFFERED AT $895,500
MLS: 90081
INQUIRIES
Cianna Perez
Cell: 956.407.9713
cianna.perez@gmail.com Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated.
For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Distinctive Real Estate
Solare Condos
6300 Padre Blvd SPI, TX OFFERED AT $694,900 INQUIRIES Linda Zuniga
Cell: 956.459.7183
MLS: 89811
1ST CHOICE SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
Office: 956.761.7676
LindaZuniga1@gmail.com Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated.
For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Solare Condominiums - Luxury everywhere you look! 10th Floor 4BR/4BA exclusive condo with Water Views of the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay. Stunning Panoramic Views! Selling Furnished. Solare is located next to Bahia Mar. Amenities include 2 swimming pools with hot tubs, umbrellas, tables & chairs, Tennis, Solare Gym. Enjoy the walking path thru luscious green grounds of Bahia Mar on the way to the Private Beach Access and be sure stop at the Beach Front Sun Deck. The 4th bedroom with full bathroom across the Hallway, ideal for Guests or Storage area for bikes, beach toys, floats and more. On-site Rental Management is also available. Guard on Duty at Gate. Building Remodel done in 2013-2014. Walls, Electrical, All New Condos, Lobby, & More! Pet Friendly for Owners
THINK BIG BIGGERÂ LOANS
F O R Y O U R L U X U R Y H O M E JUMBO LOANS MADE EASY
Branch/Lender NMLS#1518582/200719This is not an offer for extension on credit or a commitment to lend. A DIVISION OF HAMILTON GROUP FUNDING, INC.
“Let us organize your life”
Elegance, Craftmanship & Organization. That’s Affordable! All Valley Closets of Rio Grande Valley. Your storage and organization solution for custom closets, home offices, garages, utility rooms, Murphy beds, media centers and pantries.
Call us for a free in-home consultation (956) 873-3474
Builder Spotlight
Geometric Poetry
Written By Lynn Hoverson, Photography By Rebecca Britt
Builder
Location
ARCH HOMES (956) 640-3808
1505 Garden Ridge Ave. San Juan, Texas
Interceramic Forrester Pith is a high tech building material that merges kiln-fired clay and the visual beauty of wood grain imagery into very durable ceramic tiles that exactly imitate the appearance of real, natural wood. Rodriguez Tile Group pg 22
“Building dreams, into reality is what Arch Homes does for their clients.”
archhomesllc@gmail.com
I
f you are looking for a great, stylish, sleek, modern home in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, then hop in a car and take a drive to 1505 Garden Ridge Avenue in San Juan, Texas to see the most recent construction project by Octavio Canales of Arch Homes. You will not be disappointed after making the small effort to drive to San Juan and viewing this architectural sculpture of a house.
The time of day that Rebecca Britt took these stunningly beautiful photographs captures the unique feeling you might get if this house became your personal home. Imagine it as you would view it directly from the front, making your soft landing there at the end of a long day. The golden warmth of the matched ceramic lighting beckons you in like a steady wave from the twin organic forms that flank the very solid and secure-looking entrance. When you stand on the sidewalk and view this house that is a work of art, one of the things that might impress you the most is the fascinating, balanced combination of geometric shapes of the house’s spacious volume and mass, with multiple, different roof lines that lead your eyes all around the visually uplifting angles.
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As an emphasis, a special high-tech tile material called Interceramic Forrester Pith was applied horizontally on the area just underneath the roof lines. The name of these ceramic tiles conveys some of its interesting qualities. Although the material that it’s made of is kiln-fired clay, the surface design is smooth and looks like finely-detailed, rough-hewn woods from various trees that have a wide variety of grains and colorings. The outdoor placement of these tiles on an upright vertical surface is uncommon, but it really successfully softens the edges on this house and creates the Earth and Sky juxtaposition of colors against the earthy browns and sky blue paint of the simply elegant, exterior walls. For the future house dwellers, the house has been well-insulated and as another maintenance benefit for a home in the Rio Grande Valley climate, the choice to use Interceramic Forrester Pith all around at the top, on the exterior is a wise financial one. It will undoubtably outlast real wood.
Once inside this thoroughly modern house, the overall feeling of the interior is superbly modern. If you are not a big fan of modern, then just look at what all these great suspended light fixtures do for the place and you might change your mind. Personally, the best one-word description I could think of is: poetic! The swirling curves of the four fixtures in the open kitchen/living/dining room space look like 3D musical notes to me and are a wonderful complement to the inviting plum-colored and leather two-toned couches.
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Builder Spotlight
The blues of the area rug are toned-down and echoed in the blues of the modern Impressionistic wall paintings. In a similar connectedness, the fur textures of accent pillows match the rug and paintings. The bright yellow of the paintings are a point of curiosity that makes you wonder if the painter admired Monet, a great painter of the outdoors. A person could sit comfortably at the table or couches and almost feel like they are outdoors with such a spacious view. The kitchen also has a sleek feeling to it and the minimalist cabinet spaces have been made expertly efficient for the fortunate people who make this house their home. The clean modern grays are harmonized with the wood coloring of the lower cabinet face fronts matching the underside of the kitchen island which is topped with Sapphire Blue Stone granite.
Gourmet kitchen with SS appliance, Sapphire Blue Stone quartz countertops, and high gloss cabinetry doors makes this kitchen a real pleasure to cook in.
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The super sparkling bathroom sink area also appears to have very efficient use of space. The light fixtures remind me of the edge of an ocean wave when it is lit up by sunlight. The almost-glowing matching sinks and are so much more interesting looking than the older drop-in styles. The large 3D floor tile has been continued into here from the rest of the house as and adds to the flowing sense of overall openness of it. The cool wall art and sculptures throughout the house are also by the Architect/Builder, Octavio Canales. For additional information and insight into the life and creative mind of Octavio Canales, please enjoy the other writings about him and this Garden Ridge house included as a part of his featured article in this issue of OlĂŠ Decor.
The 3D shower tiles gives you the sense of flowing water while180* mirrors allows you to look your best from every angle. Throughout the home Porcelain floors make for a soft touch underfoot.
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• • • • • •
• • • • ( ) ( )
TILE GROUP
Sisters Interiors Designing and Renovating Homes Throughout the Rio Grande Valley 2901 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, TX (956) 761-2896 www.sistersinteriors.com
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Magnificent Homes
Location: Brownsville, Texas
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his spectacular Rio Grande Valley residence featured here has all the elements of a harmonious home designed to welcome and accommodate happy groups of sociable people. It is an architectural and design success resulting from active collaboration—for the purpose of achieving a vision, shared and developed between the home owners and their architect, designers, builders and all their respective suppliers.
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“After visiting with the owner
Harmonious Home Written By Lynn Hoverson, Photography By Tiffany Freischlag
and listening to what she wanted and needed in her kitchen, I formed the goal of accommodating a large family who likes to entertain. I knew that they would require a very spacious kitchen with a large island and plenty of storage. So, a butler’s pantry was added. The sink placement was balanced and designed to be used while viewing the beautiful backyard, resaca view. ” Diana Castillo - Sisters Interiors
The Super tag team of kitchen designer Sisters Interiors pg 23 and master craftsman Torres Espino pg 34 are tough to beat if you’re wanting a high-end kitchen of your own! Brushed nickel handles and knobs, white with gray quartz counter tops, solid wood cabinetry, Euro hinges, self closing drawers and hidden underneath Led lighting to help illuminate your culinary creations.
The lovely and gracious lady of the home conducted a special tour of their freshly remodeled, refurbished, and restyled property. She shared interesting stories along the way about the process that has culminated in their wonderful home in which they are now living with elegant ease, comfort and a soft modern style. The remodeling project began in January of 2017 and as you can see here, the end results are fantastic! Much of the property’s original building structures and elements were retained, restructured, and simulated or repeated in other areas of the property. Both sets of wide, wrought iron entrance gates are original, as well as the outdoor lamps on the grounds being a few of the examples.
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Magnificent Homes
Many great architectural details such as several interior brick walls, large pocket doors, and also the marble fireplace of the cozy bar room which is located adjacent to both the master bedroom and the Great Room, were refurbished and refinished—giving the effect of echoing the soothing, overall, neutral color scheme. Delightful, well-placed, eclectic accents in wall art, unique furniture and lighting choices, special floor treatments, tiled surfaces, and inviting, sumptuous fabrics brought the perfect amount of liveliness to each room.
When one of the owners first greeted the Olé Decor team at the wide, warm, wood-toned, double-door entrance—which is decorated with a lovely organic leaf design of wrought iron—the amazement began. From this front entrance we stepped directly into the expansive, naturally-lit Great Room. Even without any electric illumination from the chic chandelier, gorgeous lamps or the subtle overhead lighting, the Great Room felt fresh, light and airy.
The recently-revealed fine wood and wrought iron stairway leads immediately to the right from the front entrance. During the first phase of remaking the home the owners discovered this stairway’s balusters were actually fine, old-time-quality iron, instead of painted wood. Also, they were pleased to have found—under the old carpet of the stairs—a solid, full flight of wooden steps, with each tread and landing in excellent condition. 26
The Thermador stove, fridge, freezer, and microwave oven combined with Bosch coffee maker and dishwasher would be the envy of any chef. Supplied by Stevenson’s Appliances pg 36
At the opposite end of this marvelous main room are two very large, framed, bi-fold gliding glass doors. They bracket the peaceful waterfront view of the back patio and the green lawns beyond. A sturdy, loungeable, outdoor balcony above those doors assists perfectly to deflect the outdoor light from above, and provide shade in the end of the room. There, a classic black piano reigns, beckoning any musically talented visitor and looking quite elegant in the meantime. Lining the edge of the water, native palm trees sway in the tropical winds. These have survived well, having been planted in perfect groupings on the original property and continue as natural landscaping anchors for each view from inside the home, including the indoor kitchen sink and the Master bedroom.
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Interior decor accents and art provided by Carolina Karren Designs pg 32
The original wrought iron stair railings, fences and gates were all brought back to life by Eduardo Navarro of Morning Star pg 48
After viewing the well-planned, grandly-designed and decorated Master bedroom space, we flowed over to the kitchen/dining area. This includes the fully equipped kitchen that is grounded and complemented with a very large, quartz-topped island which contains ample, convenient storage drawers for its whole base. The area is an open space combined with the family dining area, created after a wall from the old home was removed. Around a corner is their Butler’s Pantry that this industrious and talented family use often for times of entertaining or projects.
One very notable kitchen advantage is the flexible water spigot positioned in the center back wall of the stovetop area. My favorite item in this part of the house is the large, circular glass dining table with the built-in, tiered “Old Lazy Susan” in the center. One can just picture the happy family, feeling blessed, enjoying a delicious homemade meal together—all gathered around and sitting there, watching through the expanded, gigantic window and seeing welcomed guests arrive at their front door.
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Magnificent Homes
Curtains and Blinds throughout the home were provided by Carolina Karren Deisgns pg 32
This family does enjoy entertaining guests and with all the different spaces there are to occupy, they also planned options by keeping the two sets of wide pocket doors easy to operate. The kitchen is thusly, easily separated from the main section of the house.
A few short steps in the opposite direction out of the kitchen, is an elegant, convenient bathroom for the kitchen area. A little further down this passageway leads to the “boys’ area” which has two sleek bedrooms and, in between them, another large bathroom that is thoughtfully, handicap equipped. Strategically placed in this area’s first room is a large, wood entertainment center with smooth-moving, barn door styled doors that glide on an upper rail. Holding a gigantic screen TV and storage for all the electronic extras, this cabinet is a great match for the group-sized, game-watching sofa. The room has two glass side doors which open onto the backyard patio. From this wide patio the bold, stunning, turquoise blue pool catches anyone’s attention, even the local ducks!
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The Home was outfitted with a new Drexel Metal roof supplied and installed by Amigo Construction pg 32
Flowing along and around an outside corner is the incredible outdoor kitchen. A very original carved bench made from a massive root of a parota tree is one of the special items here. Bought by the owners when they were once in Punta Mita, Mexico, it required ten men to move and set into its new place. Additionally, all the cooking equipment is organized there for an outdoor chef’s ideal setup, perfect for preparing food for large groups. The open barbecue pit with a crank and spindle which is call the “ataul”, is large enough for rotisserie roasting of one-half a goat or lamb. The vibrant, yet cooling color of the large, sturdy, tall work table here echoes the color of the swimming pool’s water. This Home and family are protected by state of the art security and surveillance systems provided and installed by DPS Alarms pg 34
“So much comfort is in keeping with the overall wonderful sense one gets when in this home.”
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Magnificent Homes
Outdoor furniture and patio pieces provided by Carolina Karren Deisgns pg 32 This multi tiered custom pool and spa was designed and built by South Texas Pools pg 44
Adjacent to the outdoor kitchen and overlooking the unique swimming pool, is a separate building used for dining. It is also large enough and festively-colored enough to be an exciting dance floor space. There were two original, very small bathrooms inside this structure. These are now reformed into two full bathrooms with showers and decorated as elegantly as the ones inside the main home, thus helping fulfill the plan for this structure to double as a guest house when needed. On the far wall is an additional bar with “unbelievably comfortable� bar stools. This room has some of the same design elements that flow over from the rest of the property, such as the original brick color, texture and pattern on the back wall. The two chairs nestled in the far corner to the left of the bar were saved from ruin by the lady of the house. Their unusual shape got her attention during a family estate cleaning event. At the suggestion of one of her designers, the interesting wooden shaped chairs were each brought back to life with a makeover and then reupholstered using great patterned cowhides. These chairs look so comfortable! If ever chairs could give hugs, these two could do it!
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The tour of the upstairs was the last part and it was just as interesting as the rest of the house. From any angle in the upstairs bedroom you have a waterfront view, but it is perhaps most naturally enjoyed by the residents from their chairs on the balcony. Yes, the same balcony that provides the shade to the earlier-described Great Room. The whole upstairs contains a spacious bedroom and sitting area for two people, another elegant, large bathroom, accented in heavenly blue, and a dream-sized walk-in clothing closet, plus the balcony. One of the walls has been designated by the upstairs residents as their “collection wall”. A great old family photograph framed in a vintage golden wood frame hangs, approvingly, in the center of the group of their artistic prints and paintings. After the enjoyable tour, I felt inspired and began to imagine what a portrait of this home would look like if painted in an abstract, fresh, impressionistic style. This property is definitely a home worthy of its own fine portrait!
New driveways and this stunning acid stained game room floor with its rivers of Aqua was performed by Cezar Garza owner of Decorative Concrete Design pg 36
Many a Cabrito have been roasted to perfection on this Stainless Steel Coyote grill. Stevenson’s Appliances pg 36
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E ergreen La n Painting 956-266-8663
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Designer Profile
Octavio Studio LLC
Octavio Canales 956-640-3808 956-890-0000 arqoctaviocanales@yahoo.com
A
rquitecto graduado de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, con once años de experiencia en la rama de construcción y decoración de interior.
En mi experiencia como arquitecto, he aprendido que muchas veces el cliente tiene que escoger lo que ya existe en el mercado y ajustar sus necesidades a lo que ya está construido y diseñado, no para él, sino para lo que se pueda vender rápido. Un hogar no es un producto que pueda estar en una vitrina o en un aparador, un hogar tiene que ser diseñado exclusivamente para las actividades y necesidades de la familia al uso y espacio. Todos tenemos el don de la imaginación y sabemos lo que necesitamos, más no sabemos cómo proyectarlo. Ese es el trabajo de un arquitecto, estudiar las necesidades del usuario. Entender cómo quiere vivir y caminar su casa. Cómo quiere que sea el escenario de sus recuerdos, el backround de cada momento especial y sentir cómo la casa funciona de acuerdo a él.
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’m an Architect graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon with 11 years’ experience in construction and interior décor.
I have learned in my experience as an architect that the client has to choose what is available in the market and adjust their needs to what is already available and constructed, so that it can be sold rapidly. A home is not a product that can be in a china case. A home has to be designed exclusively for the family’s needs, uses and activities. We all have the gift of imagination and we know what we need, however we don’t know how to project it. This is the architect’s job to study the needs of the client and understand how he wants to live.
Para poder conseguir un proyecto así, es necesario estudiar el antecedente histórico de vivienda de la familia. Qué era lo que funcionaba y lo que no de sus antiguas residencias. El desarrollo de ligas en distribución y cómo se conectan las áreas entre si, es escénicas para lograr una planta arquitectónica a la medida del cliente. A lo largo de once años, he tenido la oportunidad de diseñar, construir y hacer interiores en diversas ciudades en el valle de Texas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio y el norte de México, como también en el área comercial como; restaurantes, centros nocturnos y oficinas.
In order to accomplish a project like this it is necessary to understand the family’s historical living background. What was it about their past homes that worked or didn’t work for them. During these past 11 years I have had the opportunity to design, construct and do interior decorations of home and buisnesses in The Rio Grande Valley and in Northern Mexico. San Antonio, Austin and Houston are examples. I have worked to produce restaurants, night clubs and offices, as well as homes.
The team at Reyna Homes believes in transparency and giving you all the information you need in order to make an informed decision with regard to choosing your builder. We want you to fully know and be comfortable with the features going into your home. We have made a list of those standards but we want you to also know you can upgrade any feature in your custom home. Our standards are a starting point and our professional sales and design team can help you achieve your dream.
(956) 487- 8989
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413 W. Nolana Ave McAllen, TX 6144 E Hwy 83, Rio Grande City, TX
www.reynahomes.com
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Indoor Living
Autumn Arrangements Fall in love with Fall Written By Kathryne Pulkingham
W
e love this time of year, as the weather cools and the colors start to change. An Autumn arrangement, whether it be a fresh rosemary wreath for your front door or fireplace, can make the season feel special and festive. A beautiful gathering of greenery, small grasses and orange and yellow flowers conjures up memories and traditions from days of old with family and friends at this time of year.
For seasonal wreaths and arrangements contact Darlene Infante (956)572-6770
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You could think of it like decorating a room … with color, texture and form. Branches and kingwood torch adorned on a wall of your outside facade or porch with different colored gourds, pumpkins and leaves and everything fall, welcomes everyone who passes the threshold as an invitation to the coming season. Perhaps your favorite ornaments from younger years, such as little wooden birds or owls, could be incorporated into your arrangements within your inside decor as well. A carved out pumpkin serves as a great vase for your fall flower arrangements.
“Add a billowy bow to bring more dimension or even a rustic, burlap type ribbon for a perfect finishing touch. It’s a door Delight!”
Pumpkins are my favorite fall decorating element, too. Try using both real and faux together for a beautiful display. When mixing, real with faux, gather them in a lovely low-sided basket or tray for added texture. Tiny pumpkins perched on top of candlesticks low and short will give you multiple levels. I suggest grouping pumpkins in threes, lining them on your mantel or a shelf. Remember pumpkins look best alongside other fall elements. They play nicely with acorns, leaves, moss and pinecones. Just make sure to add these beautiful gifts of autumn to your decor and enjoy them while they last.
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Indoor Living
A carved jack-o-lantern with a candle inside is fun for kids of all ages. Perhaps you could hang or nuzzle into your fall arrangements a small chalkboard with the words gather, harvest or Autumn written on it. If you live on or near the beach, sea oats would be wonderful or maybe even a scare crow holding them would be oh so festive! Hosting a dinner party? Your guests will love to see a little white pumpkin sitting atop the napkin at their place setting. The main thing is to have fun and be festive with your autumn arrangements. The possibilities are endless and it’s all up to your personal style and flair and that’s the fun! So go ahead and fall in love with Fall! If you’re not a fan of orange or the other traditional colors of the season you could decorate with pumpkins of neutral colors. I like to add fresh greenery like seeded eucalyptus or olive branches. I think even though you’re looking for neutrals, a little green can really help give your fall decor some extra excitement. Throw in some faux gold pumpkins for a bit of glam! A grapevine wreath for your front door is always nice, but here’s the secret: They are actually using two grapevine wreaths. All you need to do is wire the two wreaths together on top of each other. Use tiny gray galvanized wire so it won’t be seen. As for embellishments, feathers are a nice choice, they are both natural and interesting and all this will give you a full and lush-looking grapevine wreath.
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Featured Artist
Toni Hudson’s TIME FOR ART By Lynn Hoverson, Photos By John Reyes
T
oni R. Hudson is a woman artist who truly enjoys her artistic life and she happily celebrates it! On the day the OléDecor team visited with Toni at her huge art studio in its lovely resaca setting in Brownsville, Texas, she reminisced about her life’s journey, as she generously offered us champagne to drink from her hand-painted glasses of her own design. Sharing her joy as she talked, she explained how she feels about knowing that her undeniable passion to be an artist was a major factor in what she calls her “Rags to Riches story”. Toni was born in Coahuila, Mexico near the border town of Acuña. In the early years of her life there was no extra family money in her family for the art supplies that her heart so strongly desired, even at the age of only ten. Toni recounted some very precious childhood memories about how her mother became very frustrated with her one day. After Toni had cried and pleaded with her mother, countless times, in several ways, for the paints, brushes, canvases and $3.99 shoes she wanted so strongly, her mother in a rare moment, almost lost her temper. She told Toni, “Mija, how can I get those things for you? I clean houses for a living. I make only $6.00 in one day of work! What am I going to do with you and all your ideas? Please don’t say anything more!” 46
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But as her fate would have it, ART had chosen Toni’s heart and she never gave up. Now, only a few short decades later, she paints almost every day, although she never throws away old brushes because of the one of a kind textures she has found they make. She can afford what she wants for making her creative images which she sells and also gives as gifts. The art mediums that she likes working in the best for bringing the images in her head to life, are: acrylic, oil, ink, charcoal and watercolor. In 2003 she went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to specifically learn ceramics skills and with these materials, her painted women’s faces now, energetically, decorate sinks, lamps, plates, goblets, cups and saucers, dispensers and other serving dishes. Once, a customer she met in her Corpus Christi store, placed a large order and requested that Toni deliver it later to her home in Boerne. When Toni fulfilled the order of the “Lady Face Ceramics”, and made the trip, she drove to the top of one of the great Central Texas Hill Country hills. After passing through three gates to the final “castle” in the hills, she arrived. The happy customer accepted the order and then they celebrated!
At age 14 Toni arrived in the United States and later met the man who is now her husband. He swept her away on many world travels that provided her inspiration and exposure to great places, and great art of the world. From one of her favorite motifs, one can see she may have been profoundly influenced by Picasso. The day we visited Toni in her studio a certain one of her painted canvases held my attention. It has a purple color scheme with special brushstrokes. It seems to portray her passion for painting well. The clearly-seen sailboat, is strongly set on a course for the east, moving ahead, it survives the mysterious storm which surrounds it and churns all around. Toni provides art classes at her studio. In addition to her paintings, she also sells unique jewelry that she makes herself and special estate sale treasures she has collected. Call Toni at 956-574-0088 or 956-592-5482. To see the happy artist herself at work, please visit the Art Factory located at 2300 Coffee Port Road in Brownsville, Texas. Toni R. Hudson’s website is: www.imagenesstudio.com olé decor Winter 2018
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