special
Houston Design
October 2010
section
Y o u r T i b e Ta n s a r e H e r e Exquisite antique and modern rugs for discriminating tastes. S e r v i c e s i n c l u d e w a s h , r e p a i r, i n s t a l l a t i o n a n d a p p r a i s a l .
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September/October 2010 COVER STORY A Lasting Impression 44 Margaret Chambers brings Austin-style elegance to a chic Dallas neighborhood. FEATURES Something Old, Something New 52 A Houston couple builds a “forever” home and gives new life to their collection of antiques. La Dolce Vita 60 Austin meets Italy in this Tuscan-inspired Spanish Oaks home.
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
Photography by Michael Hart Photography
contents
The Grohe Ladylux pull-out faucet combines innovative design of today’s modern kitchens with the functionality and durability of a professional tool.
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Austin 8740 Shoal Creek Blvd. 512.454.4619
Dallas 2910 N. Stemmons Freeway 972.329.0387
Houston 10005 W. Sam Houston Parkway N. 832.237.8200
Humble 1002 N. Houston Ave. 281.446.7131
Marble Falls 2515 Commerce Street 830.693.1023
San Antonio 5919 West Campus Drive 210.342.9771
Tomball 14627 FM 2920 September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living 281.351.1005
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83 contents
Design Notes: Full of Life 22 Laura Britt Design and the Vervano Furnishings Line
26 52
Designer Profile: Peggy Fuller 26 Houston designer Peggy Fuller, ASID, RID and owner of By Design Interiors, Inc talks to TH&L about the Houston design culture and her talented design team. Antiques: Ancient Oaks & Open Arms 32 Gonzales celebrates 175th anniversary of the first shot fired for Texas Independence. Houston Design 69 A special section showcasing the finest design professionals and home furnishings in Houston. Design Times Three 78 2010 Kitchen Design 83 Country Charm: Fayetteville, Texas 102 Booknotes: After the Hunt 109 Louisiana’s Authoritative Collection of Wild Game & Fish Cookery
in every issue
design resources
8 Welcome
38 Antiques
10 Reader Services
69 Houston Design
12 Events: Fall Fun
92 Kitchen & Bath
18 Events: Performing Arts
94 Design Texas 106 Fine Properties 106 Retirement Living
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Cover photography by Dan Piassick. This page clockwise from top left: Courtesy of Peggy Fuller; By Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010 Mark Knight; By Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging.
September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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VOL. 4 NO. 5 Associate Publisher Brona Stockton Contributing Writers Lauren Churchin Barbara P. Crozier Jessica Dupuy Jack Frink Suzanna Logan Nancy Myers Photographers Erika Barczak Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging Carson-Coots/Lily Bean Photography Steven Chenn Tre Dunham Miro Dvorscak Michael Hart Photography Mark Knight Kevin H. Marple Dan Piassick Art Director Kim Worley Advertising Executives Dallas Suzanne Gosselin (214) 351-6071 • suzanneg@pcinews.com Dallas • Houston Kim Lawhorn (214) 384-9417 • kiml@pcinews.com Austin • San Antonio Dennis Carter (512) 637-0371 • dennisc@pcinews.com Accounting Manager Alicia Glover Web and Network Manager Ryan Jurgensen Publications & Communications, Inc. President Gary L. Pittman
DESIGN • FABRICS • TRIMMINGS FURNITURE • ANTIQUES • ACCESSORIES 5417 West Lovers Lane – Dallas 214-357-0888 rutherfordsdesign.com
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
Texas Home & Living (ISSN 1091-5001) is published bimonthly by Publications & Communications, Inc., Gary L. Pittman, President, 13581 Pond Springs Road, Suite 450, Austin, TX 78729, 512-250-9023. Subscriptions are available for $18 per year; single copy price is $5.00. Payment must accompany orders. Copyright ©2010 by Publications & Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Postmaster: Send change of address to TH&L Circulation Dept., 13581 Pond Springs Road, Suite 450, Austin, TX 78729
September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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Welcome
Fall has arrived. Our thoughts of summer fade away and the intense Texas heat starts to break, reinvigorating the spirit. Children are back in school, the college football season begins and our thoughts turn to our homes and our families. For many Texans, fall is the time to entertain, whether it is a dinner party, football watch party or a few cocktails. In our annual “2010 Kitchen Design” (page 83) article, Texas Home & Living visits with the top designers in Texas as they share their design strategies, inspiration and approaches in this impressive range of kitchen styles. Each kitchen has a specific character and story to its creation, and is an impressive showcase of available options to homeowners that I am sure will inspire you. With fall, comes many fun Texas events, such as the Marburger Antique Show in Round Top, the HADA Antiques Show in Houston and the “Come & Take It” Celebration the first weekend in October in Gonzales, Texas. In “Ancient Oaks & Open Arms” (page 33), writer Barbara P. Crozier takes us on a personal tour of Gonzales as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of the first shot fired for Texas independence. Visitors to Gonzales today quickly discover that life there is not merely about preserving the past but about creating a future by protecting that past. This issue includes a special Houston design section, featuring the latest and greatest in Houston design, from products, services and designers, as well as two fabulous home features. Houston interior designer Sara Eilers of Lucas/Eilers Design helps a Houston couple build a “Forever” Home and give new life to their collection of antiques in “Something Old, Something New” (page 52) and Houston interior designer Lynne T. Jones designs a Tuscan-inspired villa in “La Dolce Vita” (page 60). We hope you enjoy this issue just as much as we loved putting it together. May it inspire you and enjoy the fall season.
Brona Stockton Associate Publisher
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
Formal Casual Eclectic Individual.
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Patina Green
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Reader Services SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe or to purchase back issues of the magazine, please call (800) 6789724 ext. 344 or e-mail subscriptions@ pcinews.com. For more information, please visit texashomeandliving.com and click on the Subscribe link. ADVERTISING INFORMATION If you are interested in advertising in Texas Home & Living magazine, please contact one of our account executives: Dallas, Suzanne Gosselin, (214) 351-6071, suzanneg@ pcinews.com; Austin-San Antonio, Dennis Carter, (512) 637-0371, dennisc@pcinews. com; Dallas-Houston, Kim Lawhorn, (214) 384-9417, kiml@pcinews.com EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Designers, architects, developers, builders and homeowners are encouraged to submit photography of their completed projects for editorial consideration. If you have a project or story idea to submit, please e-mail ideas@texashomeandliving.com. UPCOMING EVENTS Texas Home & Living would like to hear about your organization’s upcoming event. Events having to do with design, architecture, visual arts, performing arts, family activities and dining are the most likely to be included in our calendars. Please e-mail press releases or event listings at least two months in advance to ideas@texashomeandliving.com.
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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Marb_Texas Home & Living.pdf
7/23/10
8:14:10 AM
events fall fun September 12 – Fredericksburg – Formerly known as the Fredericksburg B&B and Cuisine Tour, Tour & Savor Fredericksburg will feature local innkeepers, restaurants, caterers and world-class shops paired together for a glorious afternoon. This is an excellent way to discover Fredericksburg’s wonderful lodging, fabulous cuisine and, new for this year, local retailers who will showcase their goods with displays found at each lodging partner. The goods range from jewelry to art to custommade leather boots and more. Also, many styles of homes will be represented, including historic, country retreats, traditional B&Bs and many other designs. Tickets are $30 per person. 1-866-TEX-FEST (8393378), tours.myfredericksburg.net.
C
M
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CM
MY
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CMY
One of America’s Top Ten Antique Shows!
K
350+Dealers on 43 Acres
FALL 2010: September 28 - October 2 SPRING 2011: March 29 - April 2 800.999.2148 roundtop-marburger.com Extended Hours TUES 10 - 7 • WED - FRI 9 - 5 • SAT 9 - 4 ADMISSION: GENERAL $10 • EARLY BUYING $25 (TUES 10 - 2) ADMISSION GOOD ALL WEEK • FREE PARKING AIR CONDITIONED RESTROOMS • FULL-SERVICE CAFE BEER, WINE and MARGARITAS located in the BLACKSMITH SHOP
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
September 17-19 – Houston – The Houston Antiques Dealers Association (HADA) will host the Fall Antiques Show & Sale at the George R. Brown Convention Center. More than 150 exhibitors will feature some of the world’s finest antiques and art. Admission is $10 for all three days. For more information visit HadaAntiques. com. 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010. September 28-October 2 – Round Top – Stand up for antiques, for the beautiful and the rare, the cherished, for character, for one-of-a-kind at the Marburger Farm Antique Show. With more than 350 vendors; shoppers, browsers, and designers will scour every inch of the show’s 10 huge tents and 12 historic buildings. Admission is $10 and good all week. Parking is free. Early buying is Tuesday, September 28
September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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events fall fun from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for $25 and regular admission starts at 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Show hours are: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. roundtop-marburger.com.
FARMERS MARKET 601 S PEARL EXPWY ● DALLAS TX ● 214.744.9100 LAKEWOOD 7219 E GRAND AVE ● DALLAS, TX ● 214.324.4800
Bedding Plants, Perennials, Tropicals, Shrubs, Garden Decor and more.
Visit the Pumpkin Patch this October. Available at both our locations.
www.ruibals.com 14
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
October 1-3 – Fredericksburg – For three full days in Fredericksburg, the whole world is invited to sing, dance and toast at one the city’s favorite festivals, Oktoberfest. There will be a mini parade and opening ceremony featuring a Tuba Jam, the Chicken Dance Block Party, three covered stages with a continuous parade of entertainers focusing on German favorites of oom-pah, waltzing and polka and 45 juried artisans from across the state offering their best arts and collectibles. And, of course, the best way to celebrate Oktoberfest: a hearty menu of delicious German and Mexican-American foods. Great fun for the whole family, this year marks Oktoberfest’s 30th anniversary. (830) 997-4810, oktoberfestinfbg.com. October 2 – Houston – In October of 1991, 2,400 women took to the streets for the first Komen Houston Race for the Cure. Twenty years later, thousands of Houstonites are revving up for the city’s largest footrace. This year the Race is sponsored locally by Marathon Oil Corp., will begin and end at downtown’s Sam Houston Park, and is projected to raise more than $4 million for breast cancer screening, treatment and education in Southeast Texas. The footrace is a certified USATF 5K course with running and walking events for everyone including a Family Walk / Kids K (approximately 1/2 mile)
Design Services. Custom Drapery. Construction Specs. Carl Lowery and Cody Glover, Designers www.ShopDallasDesign.com | Texas
•
California
•
Colorado
events fall fun sponsored by ConocoPhillips; a 5K Timed Competitive Run sponsored by Academy Sports + Outdoors; a 5K Non-Competitive Run; and a 5K Walk. Participants who cannot attend the main Race can choose to Sleep in for the Cure, sponsored by Teekay Shipping. (713) 783-9188, komenhouston.org.
John Phifer Marrs Interior Design Studio Antiques Vintage Art Accessories •
4623 W. Lovers Ln. Dallas, TX 75209 •
214-352-4949 www.johnmarrs.com The_shop@john marrs.com JMarrs@eaze.net 16
October 2-3 – Austin – AIA Austin Homes Tour is the 24th annual showcase of great designs by local architects. The self-guided tour will include 12 homes in the Austin area and will include a range of traditional and contemporary designs that encompass new renovation and construction projects. Tickets go on sale September 1, 2010 and are $25 in advance; $30 the weekend of the event. Tickets may be purchased at Zinger Hardware, Five Elements Furniture or directly from AIA Austin. Additional information is available from AIA Austin. (512) 452-4332, aiaaustin.org. October 11-17 – Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio – Providing the latest and greatest in spa, beauty and fitness services to consumers nationwide for just $50, Spa Week Fall 2010 will double the expanse its reach across North America, resulting in thousands of spas participating and affording thousands the ability to experience the health benefits of the spa lifestyle. From luxurious body treatments to yoga sessions and acupuncture, Spa Week offers something for anyone in need of some serious pampering on a budget. (212) 352-8098, spaweek.com.
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
October 15-31 – Galveston – According to numerous websites, books and “ghost hunters” that track reports of ghostly occurrences, Galveston is one of America’s most haunted cities. That’s why the Galveston Historical Foundation is once again hosting the popular Haunted Happenings tours. During the month of October, Galveston’s haunted history will be explored in three series of tours: the Ashton Villa’s “Are We Haunted?” tours, the Haunted Harbor Tours aboard Seagull II and the “Spirits of the Past” Cemetery Tours. Dwayne Jones, executive director of Galveston Historical Foundation, says “Many, many people have lived and died by these waters, and perhaps some of the dead still reside here. We invite our guests to listen to the stories, and decide for themselves. But you don’t have to believe in ghosts to know that the dead are a presence on this island.” (409) 765-7834, galvestonhistory.org. October 14 – Austin – Experience the romance and decadence of a night in “the sweet life” at the 21st Annual La Dolce Vita Food and Wine Festival. At the event, guests can savor bites from 50 of Austin’s most revered chefs while sipping on a wide variety of local and international wines and cocktails, supplied by Twin Liquors and local vineyards and spirit producers. All the fun will be taking place on the beautiful grounds at Laguna Gloria. The event is a presentation of the Austin Museum of Art and will go from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. (512) 495-9224, amoa.org/ladolcevita. October 22 – Richardson – Sherrill Park Golf Course (#1) will be the site of Maggie’s 18th Annual Golf Tournament. The tournament is benefiting The Magdalen House, an approved 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, which is affectionately called “Maggie’s.” Since 1987, the primary mission of Maggie’s has been to provide a free, temporary residence in which to help women detox from alcohol abuse. The Bankston Chevrolet Hole-in-One Car Giveaway, Closest to the Hole Split Purse, goody bags, silent auction & raffle and much more will be part of the festivities. (469)831-4408, magdalenhouse.org.
Introducing
Austin – The Village at Westlake, 360 @ Bee Cave Rd., 512.330.9766 Houston – 2401 Bissonnet, 713.524.3171 Beaumont – Westmont Shopping Center, 6430 Phelan Rd., 409.866.3171 September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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events performing arts ASID Design Excellence Award Winning Design
susiejohnson.com 2808 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78746 Phone 512-328-9642
September 9-19 – Houston – The Houston Ballet launches its 41st season with Body, Soul & Gershwin. A mixed repertory program, the ballet includes Stanton Welch’s lively and colorful neo-classical work Tu Tu; Jiří Kylián’s emotionally charged abstract ballet Forgotten Land; and The Core: Gershwin, the Heart of the Big Apple, a lavish, crowd-pleasing blockbuster inspired by the movie musicals of Hollywood’s golden age. (713) 227-2787, houstonballet.org.
Susie Johnson Interior Design
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
September 1-2 – Dallas – Join conductor Brent Havens, singer Delisco and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for The Music of Michael Jackson, an evening filled with fabulous music spanning 40 years of Michael Jackson’s influential and celebrated career. From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his landmark album Thriller and beyond, Michael Jackson stormed the music industry with hit after hit. The Music of Michael Jackson with the DSO will take you through each era of this storied performer, from “ABC,” “I’ll Be There” and “Got To Be There” through “Beat It,” “Thriller, “Rock With You,” “The Way You Make Me Feel” and many more! Both performances start at 8 PM. (214) 692-0203, dallassymphony.com.
September 23 - October 3 – Houston – George Balanchine’s masterpiece Jewels will be performed by the Houston Ballet. The ballet is a unified, full-evening work featuring three separate and distinct pieces. Set to sections of Gabriel Fauré’s Pelléas et Mélisande and Shylock, “Emeralds” features two couples and a trio of two women and one man bordered by 10 corps de ballet women. “Rubies” epitomized the legendary collaboration of Balanchine and Stravinsky and the American style of ballet that Balanchine developed. It is set to Igor Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra. Finally, “Diamonds” is set to the last four movements of Peter Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29; the piece features an intimate pas de deux, 14 corps de ballet women, four couples of demi soloists and a forceful polonaise finale of the entire cast. (713) 227-ARTS, houstonballet.org.
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October 6 – Austin – Join us for a celebration of the passion and achievements of all artists at The Arc of the Capital Area’s Building Bridges Art Auction & Fundraiser, Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at the Hilton (500 East 4th St.). VIP reception to begin at 5:30 pm, Event at 6:30 pm – Cocktail Attire. The goal of Building Bridges is to celebrate the passion, love and great achievements of all artists, including those with disabilities. All proceeds will benefit The Arc of the Capital Area, a non-profit dedicated to providing personalized, community-based services that improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers in Central Texas. To order tickets online, visit www.tinyurl.com/BBRegistration. www.arcofthecapitalarea.org. October 16 – Austin – The Women’s Symphony League of Austin announced the 56th annual Jewel Ball, Diamonds Are Forever will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at the Hilton Austin Hotel. The WSL of Austin provides volunteer and financial support for the Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and its programs and offers opportunities for the children of Central Texas to develop and learn an appreciation for music. On March 24 the WSL of Austin held its annual Jewel Tea to introduce the members of the 2010 Royal Court. The Court will be presented at the Jewel Ball. For more information visit wslaustin.org.
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
First Row, left to right: Caroline Kelly Shaw, Diamond Nicole Paige Falkenberg, Rebekah Judith Yurco. Back Row, left to right: Paige Daugherty Richards, Kelsey Anne Shaw, Mary Rachel Holtzman. Not in Attendance: Jane Ellen Bryant, Tally Elizabeth Miller.
design notes
Full of Life:
Laura Britt Design and the Vervano Furnishings Line
A
Text by Jack Frink
Austin, Texas is home to a very exciting and innovative new line
of sustainable home furnishings being created by Laura Britt Design. It is known as the Vervano Sustainable Modern Furnishings. “’Verve’ means full of life, sustaining life,” explains Britt. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” Britt begins. “I was looking around for sustainable furnishings for our studio, and I searched and searched and very few options appeared. I thought if it was this difficult for me then it was definitely hard for everyone else.” From there Britt took it upon herself to rectify the situation. It started with just a few sketches in her personal sketchbook, but later 3-D renderings made Britt’s theories more concrete. “As we move through the design process, it is critical to see how all these pieces fit together. We do a ‘sit test’ for the furniture
22 Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
prototype and from there we know what to tweak for the second prototype.” “There are a few important things to know,” Britt explains. “We’re using waterbased finishes for low off-gassing. The furnishings will also have plant-based foams as opposed to oil or petroleum. We’re using sustainably harvested woods and locally produced mortise and tenon joinery so that the furniture can last for years to come.” Vervano will be very durable. Additionally, the pieces are multi-functional and meant to be pulled together for use in pairs and threes. There are child-sized pieces as well, which Britt says has gotten great response from her female clients. The project brought several new techniques to Laura Britt Design’s table. “This is the first time we’ve dived into designing a full furnishings line. We wanted to keep the project close to home for both sourcing the materials and building the pieces.
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September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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design notes
ADELE HUNT’S EUROPEAN COLLECTIBLES 1007 Slocum Steet in the Dallas Design District
214.651.7542 www.adelehunt.com
Est. 1946
planting seeds growing knowledge blossoming people
celebration passion achievements
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Join us for a and
of the
of all artists ...
The Arc of the Capital Area’s
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010 HILTON AUSTIN / 500 EAST 4TH STREET VIP RECEPTION 5:30 PM / EVENT 6:30 PM / COCKTAIL ATTIRE
Greeks Walking of the Donkeys by Melissa H.
The goal of Building Bridges is to celebrate the passion, love and great achievements of all artists, including those with disabilities. With more than 100 pieces of professionally framed artwork, numerous exciting auction packages and a plated dinner & awards ceremony, Building Bridges has become a highly anticipated affair. All proceeds will benefit The Arc of the Capital Area, a non-profit dedicated to providing personalized, community-based services that improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers in Central Texas.
To order tickets online, visit www.tinyurl.com/BBRegistration 512.476.7044 | www.arcofthecapitalarea.org
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
As of right now everything has been kept within the Texas border; we didn’t want to ship materials overseas.” Britt and her associates are forging a new path with the Vervano line. It is surprising how few sustainable, environmentally friendly elements are available for home furnishings. “It makes you realize how far we need to go to make eco-friendly furnishing mainstream,” Britt contemplates. “It’s like when we got lead taken out of paint. Now we don’t ask about it; we know it’s lead-free. We’ve crossed that border. Now we’re working on this one, talking about off-gassing and CO2 emissions.” Twice a year, Britt attends a conference with several colleagues. This year the meetings are in New York. During the last meeting all she had were her preliminary sketches for Vervano, but now she can bring actual pieces to the conference. Britt says the highest compliment she has been paid from the people who have seen the furnishings is that it reminds people of Holly Hunt designs. More information about the Vervano line can be found at Laura Britt Design’s website, laurabrittdesign.com. Just click on the “Vervano” sidebar in the upper right hand corner and see the exciting new horizons this Austin design agency is moving toward. TH&L
Extraordinary Homes Extraordinary Prices Extraordinary Service
B U I L D I N G R E L AT I O N S H I P S Designed by Hal Thompson 3835 Shenandoah $3,495,000.00
3537 Colgate – Pending Designed by Gary Cunningham Contemporary Town Home 4435 Cole $545,000.00
3520 Blackburn – SOLD Designed by Stocker, Hoesterey, and Montenegro – Award Winning Town Home 3816 Hawthorne B $824,500.00
4542 Rheims – SOLD
SUSIE &PETE RYAN
Susie Ryan - 972 380 7769 Pete Ryan - 972 733 7124 w w w. s u s i e a n d p e t e r y a n . c o m
September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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designer profile
Peggy Fuller Houston designer Peggy Fuller, ASID, RID and owner of By Design Interiors, Inc talks to TH&L about the Houston design culture and her talented design team.
Texas Home & Living: Tell me a little bit about your background. What made you decide to become an interior designer? Peggy Fuller: I grew up with a hammer in my hand. One of my earliest memories is straightening nails on a block of wood for my father. Later, a toy sewing machine became my favorite possession. I once removed a mink button from my sister’s favorite satin pouch to use as the perfect collar for my Barbie doll’s coat. (I’m still begging her to forgive me for that one.) At that point, I knew I was destined to be a designer. TH&L: When did you create By Design Interiors and how did it come about? PF: By Design Interiors, Inc. is still being created; it’s a constant work in progress. In 1988, my daughter was critically injured in an auto accident. She did make a full recovery, however, in October of 1990. Doctor bills were mounting and I decided it was time to use my passion for
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
designer profile design in order to help my family. I started By Design Interiors in a small room with a few clients. Within a year I rented my first 600-square-foot studio and things just took off from there. For the past 20 years I have been blessed to make a living doing what I love. TH&L: What is your design philosophy? PF: To expand and stretch my clients’ comfort level. People tend to select the familiar, what they are exposed to repeatedly by the media and retail stores. I think a design project should take a client on a journey full of adventures and discoveries, collecting treasures along the way. TH&L: What are the unifying themes of your work? PF: I usually try to use ordinary items in unexpected ways to add interest to each room. In addition, I believe there should be a proper balance of color, texture and scale in each space. TH&L: What would you say is your biggest professional accomplishment? PF: I have assembled a great team of talented professionals, all of whom contribute a wealth of personal experience and knowledge to every By Design Interiors project. It is a great accomplishment to surround yourself with those who continue to challenge you, enrich your life and add to your professional experience. TH&L: Who or what gives you inspiration? PF: Inspiration comes from everyone and everywhere I look, but mostly from my clients’ needs. I love a challenge because it allows me to journey outside the box into the unknown where anything is possible.
designer profile
TH&L: Who or what has been a mentor or a major influence in your work? PF: My parents have had the most influence on my work. My mother is, and always has been very creative. From the time I can remember she has been sewing, painting or rearranging something. My father can fix or build anything, even move walls; creativity cannot be confined by walls. They instilled in me the sense of “anything is possible” that continues to influence my designs today. TH&L: What is in your design library? PF: Treasures! Our library is packed with books, magazines and catalogues full of all kinds of treasures. I love getting lost in that room and letting my imagination run wild as I absorb the creative juices of other designers and vendors. TH&L: What design era has influenced you the most? PF: If I had to pick an era, I would have to say the early 1900s. Not so much for any particular style of furniture at that time, but rather the attitude of the designers and manufacturers of furniture during that period. This attitude created an explosion of diverse and unique ideas, coupled with a quality craftsmanship that had not been seen in the furniture of the preceding Industrial Age. TH&L: What is a favorite interior you have seen on your travels? PF: The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The furnishings are beautiful of course, but what impressed me the most is the function and sustainability of this estate. The design is still relevant today. At a time when indoor plumbing was virtually nonexistent, the Biltmore Estate had 43 bathrooms; what a great example of the architects’ farsightedness! 28
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
TH&L: What are some of your favorite materials to work with? PF: Fabric. Anything can be done to and with fabric. It can cover lampshades, walls, furniture, bookcases and beds. You can paint it, create art with it and place it outdoors or underfoot. I have even applied it to a ceiling. TH&L: Do you have a go-to color? If so, what is it? PF: Right now it’s Apple Green. It can almost be considered a neutral. I use it to cover an entire wall or add just a touch by placing green apples in a glass cylinder. I don’t know what my “go-to” color will be tomorrow, but right now, I love the crispness of Apple Green. TH&L: What color most inspires you? PF: Blues. Like the ever-changing sky, shades of blue can create a variety of moods and emotions. From the bright, cheerful hues of the clear Caribbean sky, to the grayish-green blues of a pending storm, it is a truly diverse and inspiring color. TH&L: Describe one of your most memorable projects to date. PF: I have been privileged to work on some pretty incredible and memorable projects in my career. However, without a doubt, my most memorable project was working with a group of volunteers from GHBA (Greater Houston Builders’ Association) to replace the roof of a veteran’s home that had been ravaged by fire. The dedicated members of GHBA came together to rebuild his home. As designers, we know the importance and value of a home and it was such a joy to assist in giving this home back to its owner! The veteran was grateful for our help; however we were the ones who truly benefited from the experience.
bijan rugs Over 20 years of service
Largest selection of traditional, contemporary and transitional rugs in Austin. 3010 W. Anderson Lane Austin, Texas 78757
Phone: 512.302.9191 Design Within Reach www.rugsbybijan.com September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living 29
designer profile
TH&L: What do you love most about being a designer? PF: Everything! I get to work with my mind, my hands and my emotion. I have the opportunity to be among the first to see the latest trends and newest designs in furniture, art and accessories. I then get the privilege to incorporate all of these in my projects. I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I couldn’t express myself through design. TH&L: What are 10 essentials you need to live, work and create? PF: My faith in God, the love of my family and friends, freedom, sunshine, music, laughter, magazines, organization, creative team members and a closet full of impractical, but chic shoes. I love shoes! TH&L: How would you describe today’s design culture in Houston? How does it differ from the other major cities in Texas? Where do you see it headed in the future? PF: Houston is a city that lends itself to luxurious design. Everything really is bigger in Texas and that can be seen in the Houston design culture, where homes and even businesses gravitate towards southern grand design. As Texas’ largest city, with an extremely diverse population, Houston has an advantage in this economy; therefore the design culture continues to thrive. In the future, we will be building smarter and more creatively. With easy access to a wide variety of options, we’ll see a greater demand for lasting quality and energy efficient homes. TH&L: What will always be in style? PF: “That which will always be is that which has always been.” In other words, everything old will be new again. Classic pieces will forever be utilized in design. One of my favorite showrooms at the High Point North Carolina Furniture Market last April displayed the most traditional style furniture you can imagine. However, the designer used exciting colors, including turquoise, on the dining room walls and incorporated oversized, primitive accessories and contemporary art framed in large, opulent, traditional gilded frames. As I explored the showroom I forgot where I was for a moment; it took me away from the norm. It was an amazing way to utilize classic pieces in a modern, up-to-date setting. TH&L: Is there anything else you would like to add?
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
PF: Interior design is my passion. I feel fortunate to be able to work everyday doing exactly what I love: creating beautiful, functional, and personalized spaces for people who appreciate them. I am thankful to have a staff of creative and like-minded individuals who contribute value, talent and lots of fun to my design world. TH&L
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Ancient Oaks & Open Arms
A restored reminder of a gracious past and a perfect example of economic development through heritage tourism, the unsurpassed Bed and Breakfast Inn, Belle Oaks attracts visitors from far and wide. 32
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
Gonzales celebrates 175th anniversary of the first shot fired for Texas Independence. Text by Barbara P. Crozier Photography by Tre Dunham
A
Ancient oaks and open arms await visitors to Gonzales on this 175th anniversary of the first shot
fired for Texas Independence.
Luckily, the open arms that await visitors today are no longer
the musket shot and cannonballs of 1835 – except on festival days when the First Shot Battle is reenacted at one of the four Texashistory museums in Gonzales. Today the arms are symbolic arms. They are the open arms of a city ready to reap the rewards of remembering its history, protecting its past and poised to purposefully pursue its future. Today, the ancient oaks that welcome travelers to Gonzales frame an irresistible canvas of carefully-planned avenues of historic homes and churches, public parklands and playgrounds. But in the early morning hours of October 2, 1835, they stood sentry for a handful of heroes who fired a shot that changed their lives, our common history, and ultimately, our nation. Newcomers to Gonzales today quickly discover that life there is not merely about preserving the past. It is about creating a future by protecting that past. Gonzales is no longer a community exclusively for historians, old-house lovers, and antique hounds reminiscing about distant cannon fire and cattle barons. It is September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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antiques
top A to-die-for living room encourages guests to linger a little longer at lovely Belle Oaks Inn in the heart of historic downtown Gonzales. middle On the eastern edge of one of the expansive avenues, the classical columns of this century-old red brick beauty are embraced by the arch of the ever-present oaks. bottom The silhouetted symmetry of this Tudor-inspired manor, playfully accented by the asymmetrical details of its windows and formers, is a favorite photo stop for visitors to avenues in Gonzales. 34
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a community discovering an untapped quality of life and vast economic potential of restoring its seven downtown squares, four museums and dozens of 19th century storefronts, museums and historic homes. Gonzales is a community in which folks are embracing something more than basic investment and simple interest – although the economics are increasingly enticing – as new incentive programs have recently started shaping the growth of the city. A satellite college campus, already planning a major expansion, now fills a decommissioned armory building. One of the largest rodeo arenas in Texas draws hundreds of visitors each weekend to a previously unused portion of parkland. On the edge of a historic avenue, a world-class retirement and garden home development now thrives instead of weeds. Bookstores host poetry readings and book signings in turn-of-the-century mercantile buildings, and antique stores host opinion days in historic homes and public parks. Upper-story loft living is making an appearance, and yoga classes now fill second-story ballrooms. Immense opportunity abounds in this tiny time-capsule of Texas just 10 minutes south of Interstate 10 on an inviting stretch of Hwy. 183 as it winds its way to the Texas coast. Gonzales is a perfect one-hour drive from Austin, San Antonio and Victoria. Its location and quality of life, the vision and determination of its citizens, and some of the most beautiful historic homes and commercial real estate in the state of Texas have people seeing Gonzales in a brand new light. Granted, I have a unique viewpoint. My husband and I divide our time between Austin, where he practices law, and Gonzales, where I run my antique store. We have been both spectators and participants as our hometown has dealt with the economic uncertainties peculiar to small towns in rural settings. Cities like Gonzales, if they were resilient enough to survive the brain drain of the fifties and sixties, faced a stand-off against the careless neglect of their historic treasures during the last half of the 20th century. Hapless homogenization and wholesale destruction were ever-present threats to the very elements that made these towns so appealing. Gonzales, unlike some of its neighbors and friends, survived. It has survived, not without a few battle scars, but with its wealth of 19th century architecture relatively unscathed. Drive the avenues of Gonzales today. The vision of its founders is evident at every turn, as is the city’s new sense of clarity and purpose to revitalize, restore and heal itself. Gonzales today is kindred in spirit to the Gonzales that made history that misty October morning in 1835. And the ways to go about restoring all of its architectural gems (any one of which most communities would die for) has been as passionately debated as were the heated politics of 1835. Too many historic buildings stood empty for too long. One could find almost as many For Sale signs in front yards of historic homes as cars in the porticos. The tolerable became intolerable – and once again, the citizens of Gonzales are taking action – and making history. Gonzales chose to do the work, and earn the distinction of
antiques
above The Eggleston House, the oldest preserved structure in Gonzales, is complete with period furnishings. Visit the Eggleston house and gaze into the history of a Republic that was, and the state that is, Texas. right The 500-seat amphitheatre adjacent to the Gonzales Memorial Museum is one of the unexpected treasures visitors discover on the avenues in Gonzales. The restoration of the museum and amphitheatre, built in 1936 as part of the Texas Centennial Celebration is key to current preservation efforts.
Come and Take It
Come to Gonzales. Come to the annual Come and Take It Celebration the first weekend in October. You will find a celebration like no other in the state of Texas. Come and Take It Oct. 1-3 will offer not only the traditional festival fare of food, fun and music, but a long list of activities that commemorate, celebrate and reenact the events surrounding the first shot fired for Texas Independence 175 Octobers ago. The local museums – remember Gonzales has four of them – bring history to life in ways that few places can. You can attend the wreath-laying ceremony in front of the centennial museum monument. Listen to a roll call of the names of the only reinforcements to the Alamo. Witness the firing of the cannon that symbolized Texas freedom so distinctly young and old were willing to lay down their lives to protect it. Hear the tenderly spoken lines of the historic drama, Gonzales: The Beginning, and step back in time as battle reenactors gather among the dozens of restored 19th-century structures at the living history village. A shot from this cannon rallied Texans to action, and set the stage for independence. Today, the cannon is a part of the early Texas collection of the Gonzales Memorial Museum, and takes center stage during the Come and Take Celebration every October.
Unwind in the public parklands of this jewel-box of a little city carefully laid out in the shape of a Spanish cross. Explore the four expansive avenues of public parklands that intersect the heart of its original 49 blocks and guide the traveler in and out of the center of the city. Discover the celebration that awaits visitors on the 175th First Shot for Texas Independence Anniversary. For a complete list of Come and Take It events visit gonzalestexas.com and get ready to Come and Take It!
antiques
Believes in Opportunity.
Ancient oaks, that early Texans fought and died for the right to live among, now frame the view from the extraordinary home of a Texas couple who divide their time between Gonzales, Houston and Jackson Hole, Wyo.
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becoming one of only three 2010 Visionary in Preservation cities in Texas. That choice has galvanized fragmented efforts to foster economic growth through historic preservation and the development of heritage tourism. Today, innovative programs encouraging business investment in the historic downtown are shaping the face and future of Gonzales as certainly as the shot fired at an advancing foreign army did 175 years ago. Programs with really boring names, but great bottom lines like “community reinvestment loans,” “façade grants” and “taxincentives programs” are bringing together organizations that include Main Street, Economic Development, the Chamber of Commerce and city and county officials. Volunteer boards and individuals, along with The Texas Historic Commission, Rural Development and Texas Preservation Trust have enlisted as economic development partners. New alliances are forming, new funding resources emerging and a new enthusiasm is blossoming. Public policy makers are encouraging business development through historic preservation, and are using heritage tourism as an economic
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
tool. They are creating aggressive restoration incentives, addressing tax-abatement programs and embracing ordinances vital to the protection of the architectural gem that is historic Gonzales. The citizens of Gonzales know all too well that a community must protect and preserve what it holds most dear. One need only imagine what it must have been like in 1836 as Sam Houston put the city of Gonzales to the torch – to grasp the resilience of this community that rose phoenixlike from those historic ashes. One will find the Gonzales of today no less remarkable in its heroic efforts to restore, revitalize and recreate itself. Whether choosing to fire the shot that claimed the freedom of Texas, or choosing to do the work essential to restore their historic treasures and economic vitality, Gonzales makes the hard choices. And Gonzales makes them look easy. TH&L Barbara Crozier, a frequent feature writer for TH&L, owns and operates Laurel Ridge Antiques in Gonzales, Texas, specializing in American furniture of the 19th century. For questions e-mail barbaracrozier1@gmail.com.
September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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antiques 1
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1 Laurel Ridge Antiques overflows with the finest 19th-century American furniture. Pictured is an exceptional American blanket chest on drawers with original turned pulls and hand-forged iron hinges, from the first quarter 19th century. 827 Saint Joseph, Gonzales, TX 78629, (830) 672-2484, laurelridgeantiques.com. 2 Adele Hunt’s European Collectibles offers the very best selection of beautiful, antique leather-bound books. Featured is an eightvolume set by the well-known English author, George Eliot, c. 1890. These treasured books would be a fine addition to a library or a home or office. Adele Hunt’s is located at 1007 Slocum St. in the design district, Dallas, TX. (214) 651-7542. adelehunt.com.
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3 Pat Monroe Antiques offers a pair of Continental Polychromed Demi-lune Side Tables in the neoclassical taste, each with a scrolling foliate- and palmetto-painted band, centered by a half-patera design issuing floral garlands, above a conforming frieze, raised on paneled tapering square legs headed by foliate carving and ending in toupie feet. 1009 W. Sixth St., Austin, TX. (512) 789-4775. patmonroe antiques.com. 4 The Mews is pleased to add Pandora de Balthzar’s luxurious antique European linens and down pillows to our stable of shops. See them at Mews II, 1333 Oak Lawn, Dallas. (214) 748-8353. (214) 7489070. mewsantiques.com.
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antiques
Discovery
Architectural Antiques AN ECLECTIC INVENTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS ❧ Antique Beams ❧ Large Inventory of Antique Doors ❧ Antique Door Hardware ❧ Flooring ❧ Beaded Wood ❧ Quality Stained Glass ❧ Clawfoot Tubs, Sinks, Lighting, Ceiling Tin and more
409 St. Francis, Gonzales, Texas 78629 830-672-2428 www.discoverys.net • swk@discoverys.net
Open Tues. - Sat., 9 - 5:00 ARRIVING SOON: Shipment of beams
Patina Green Home and Market’s antique bottle collection ... whether aqua or turquoise, sea foam or sage, frosted or opalescent clear, glass is the perfect accent for any space. Favorites include yogurt and soda bottles from Belgium and embossed early medicine viles. Perfect for a display of autumn twigs and dried summer memories. 116 N. Tennessee, Suite 102, McKinney, TX. (972) 548-9141. patinagreen.typepad.com.
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*Energy savings based on inside-mounted shades in all windows. Savings vary with such factors as specific Architella fabric, window R-value and climate. For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, ask a salesperson or check out the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and FAQs at Hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax credit related to the purchase of the qualifying Duette Architella honeycomb shades with Architella fabric. © 2009 Hunter Douglas. ® Registered trademark of Hunter Douglas. 15929
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
The Shop at John Phifer Marrs offers an eclectic selection of American and Continental antiques, fine porcelains and transferware, vintage furnishings, artwork and accessories. Sferra and Matouk Linens, custom lamps, and “Anthemion,” our signature fragrance candle, are also available for your consideration in this charming shop located at 4623 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX. (214) 352-4949. the_shop@johnmarrs.com.
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
For more info contact Gonzales Chamber of Commerce 830-672-6532 • www.gonzalestexas.com • 888-672-1095
A Lasting Impression Margaret Chambers brings Austin-style elegance to a chic Dallas neighborhood Text by Nancy Myers Photography by Dan Piassick
No comfort was compromised in this welcoming den, and its furnishings reflect a sense of casual style: a pair of Albert chairs from The Chambers Collection, an oriental rug, and a pair 44 Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010 of Jacques Lame paintings.
A carved pedestal table in the entryway, between a pair of antique chairs, is topped with a tea caddy and earthenware lamp.
I
It takes a fine designer’s eye to incorporate the decorative arts of Europe with shades of the Texas
Hill Country. The sort of cultivated charm found in this home offers a hint of what Margaret Chambers, RID/ASID, can accomplish through mixing styles, techniques and cultures – and of course, antiques. Rugged and earthy with a just a hint of formality, the 19-room house exudes fluidity and warmth, with attention to detail befitting the designer’s stellar status. “What I love is that it’s an eclectic mix of English and French antiques as well as fine reproductions,” says Chambers, owner of Chambers Interiors & Associates, Inc. “But what most people like is that it’s casual and comfortable and not intimidating in any way. It was under construction and in the sheetrock stage when my clients asked me to help them with their interior design, so it’s almost a brand-new house. They were able to make a few customizations that I recommended.” The artisanship began with the incorporation of glazed woodwork – meaning walls throughout the house were troweled and glazed all the way to the rim. “It gives it a little more of an antique-ish feel, more of a patina and an old feeling,” noted the designer. “And faux finishSeptember/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
ing added warmth and interest and made it look older than straight painted walls.” All floors were hand-distressed, and the lofty ceilings downstairs were accented with antique beams reclaimed from an old warehouse. Enduring details like oil-rubbed bronze hardware keep the theme consistent, smoothing the transition between living spaces. These earthy elements beautifully complement the home’s refined rooms, filled with everything from classic antiques to treasures unearthed at Les Puces (the famous Paris flea market). In the elegant
In the living room, the Chambers Collection sofa and coordinating MintonSpidell chair are from the E.C. Dicken showroom. Accents include a handtooled leather Italian box, a tortoise-and-ivory box, and a container found in England on the last day of a buying trip. opposite page In the dining room, Chambers created a gracious setting with pottery and hand-blown glasses and geranium-filled baskets.
entrance at the bottom of the staircase, two antique French leather chairs with Aubusson tapestry pillows flank an English country table. Across the entry from one another are the living and dining rooms, their walls a slightly deeper, richer, earthier brown with the slightest hint of orange. The living room’s custom sofa, from the Chambers Collection, is a fine reproduction of an 18th-century French piece covered in a rich paisley Clarence House fabric, flaunting Aubusson tapestry pillows tossed with smaller pillows in coordinating Fortuny fabric. Woven grass shades by Conrad, lamps of turned wood, a handcrafted iron table and diverse accessories complete the intimate, collected look. A drop-leaf table and an antique English chest that were the homeowners’ blend perfectly in the room. Save for that table, a few treasured chests, and a sideboard/console in the den, most everything was purchased new for the home, thoughtfully selected by Chambers. “That was it,” she says. “They let me do a special September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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left, below To add detail in the kitchen, Chambers mixed in little weather-vein birds for the window, aged woven wine baskets with twine, and an old scale. The pantry area contains hand-painted pottery from France, a wood pitcher and santons (French figurines) from The Whimsey Shoppe. An old butcher’s meat rack holds copper pots and dried lavender; the vent-a-hood is hammered copper. opposite page The breakfast room is perfect for pairing pottery dishes with natural linen napkins and placemats. With bronze rabbits, green and gold majolica from England and highly collectible Chinese pottery parrots, the room reflects a mix of decorative traditions.
look for them, which was good. They were changing their whole look in this home, and realized most of the pieces they had wouldn’t fit in as well as they liked.” The custom dining table, with chairs from the E.C. Dicken showroom, is designed to seat eight, and the inviting room also features an antique French hutch, circa approximately 1850, and a buffet from around 1870. For the finishing touches, Chambers added a forged-iron chandelier, framed turn-of-the-century Chinoiserie wallpaper and an antique English tea caddy with mother-of-pearl inlay. A bright, multifarious den/family room is intended for leisurely pursuits, including gathering around the fireplace, finished in sleek slate with hand-forged andirons from Crow Chandelier. “The green chenille sofa is a good anchor for the room,” said Chambers. A hand-forged coffee table with an iron-and-parquet wood top complements the room’s more whimsical features, such as an old painted washtub, antique toys, an antique letterbox and vintage barley-twist candlesticks. A table found in Europe, with four small-scale chairs, makes the perfect niche for puzzles, cards or board games. An enviable arrangement from Chambers’ office/showroom made its way to the home’s breakfast area. “I had this French 48
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
hutch, and had found a collection of botanical prints and had them framed,” said the designer. “I had just been to England, and had taken along a photo of the cabinet, and measurements of its shelves, and purchased some green majolica. I had put the pieces in the cabinet, and they (the homeowners) were here for a consultation. I said, ‘You know what? That arrangement would look super on your breakfast room wall,’ and they said, ‘Sure!’ It kind of started the theme for the whole color scheme. Which really does flow from room to room. That’s a lot of rooms to keep interesting, but there’s nothing jarring, no colors that don’t mesh and meld together. We added and subtracted colors throughout the house. The main colors were sage-y greens, okra, golds, terra cotta, browns, creams, taupes and in some rooms these were more dominant than in others.” She sought coordinating green and gold pieces and located some coveted Chinese parrots. “The whole mix is wonderful. I also filled mixing bowls with fruits and vegetables. It’s like giving the room its own little garden. Everything’s very natural, the feeling in that house; nothing feels contrived. And I found hurricane lamps for either side of the breakfast table that are beautifully etched. I enjoy those little touches. I don’t know if I would be in
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this business if I didn’t. I’m always searching for those unique pieces to purchase to save for that perfect job. When they’re old and unique, if you don’t buy them then, you may never see them again.” She also chose an oak farmhouse table. The chairs are custom-finished, not to match, but to blend with the oatmeal finish. Subtle striping enhances the carving underneath. The kitchen area is one of the designer’s favorite spots. “What I love is that this stone (on the walls) is carried throughout the whole house so it feels very authentic,” she added. “And the cabinets don’t have a high sheen. They’re rubbed with a slight tinge of green in the cracks. There’s
left A powder bath off the entry boasts a custom vanity with a marble top of walnut and dark-green granite, an antique forged brass French mirror and a pair of iron sconces. Accessories include a majolica vase. above The master bath features marble molding at the bottom and top of the hand-painted tile. This room is an ASID award-winner, as are the master bedroom and the house itself. opposite page top The back patio features walnut wicker reproduced from antique wicker. Complementing twig tables and an outdoor kitchen render the space fully livable. opposite page bottom Chambers stocked the guest-room desk with a custom desk set, made from a favorite source. For the wall above, she paired a Jacques Lame painting with botanical plates. 50
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honed marble on top, then it’s sealed, to make it durable. I love the natural feel this gives to the space.” A diamond mosaic tiled design is applied in varied patterns – a small yet significant detail, considering the scale and scope of the kitchen. Variations on the themes of fine craftsmanship, rich materials and sage selections are reflected upstairs. The master bedroom features a custom hooked rug and a forged-iron bed, lushly embellished with custom bedding, heavy woven velvet pillows and a bedspread made of matelassé tan fabric. A barley-twisted bench at the foot of the bed is covered in coordinating tapestry, and a pair of French chairs in front of the window make the perfect spot for morning coffee. The master bath’s hand-cut travertine sink is itself a work of art. “It has a beautiful lip, so it had to be over-mounted on the marble countertop,” explained Chambers. “We found a pair of old mirrors, iron sconces and an antique oriental rug. It’s a very consistent look with the borders and extra detailing, but still rather on the casual side.” More fabulous finds are revealed in the guestroom, including a pair of Swedish nightstands – perfect matches for two hand-painted candlestick lamps. “We had the iron bed made for the room and painted it in a green to blend in with the bedding and rug,” Chambers noted. “We brought it back up with the green chair that goes with the little writing desk and Black Forest lamps.” Chambers reveled in having free reign. “It was fun. I love having clients that give me lots of trust and complete creative freedom to realize their vision. We were very cohesive in terms of where this house should go.” TH&L September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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With recessed lighting in the lofty, two-story ceilings and a glass transom above the front door, the bright and airy entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home. The mahogany wood used on the rise and tread of the curved staircase creates contrast with the light surroundings. opposite page The home features plenty of impromptu casual seating. In the great room, forgoing a couch in favor of two separate seating areas lends a cozy club-chair ambiance to the expansive room. A leather ottoman doubles as a serving station for drinks and hors d’oeuvres or extra seating.
something old, something new
Text by Suzanna Logan Photography by Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging
A Houston couple builds a “forever� home and gives new life to their collection of antiques.
By placing the furnishings in an almost mirror image, Sarah infused the formal living room with a harmonious look and feel. To further a soothing atmosphere, she used low voltage phantom lighting to illuminate the built-in shelving. “It gives great ambiance,” she explains. 54
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When Sara Eilers of Lucas Eilers Design Associates sets her mind to something, even an act of God won’t stop her. While preparing to put the finishing touches on the new home of two empty-nesters in the Memorial Residence area of Houston, Hurricane Ike hit. She battened down the hatches of her own home then proceeded to her client’s home as planned. “We had no power, so we unpacked boxes and got them completely moved in – in the dark,” she recalls. Closing the project with an adventure was an appropriate finish for the Eiler’s clients – who, as avid travelers, are always ready for a new experience. The couple’s travels played an important role in the building of their first home, says Eilers. They wanted a space where they – and the collection of art and antiques they had gathered from Santa Fe to Italy – would feel equally at home. Often, clients need help from Sarah and her team to fill the spaces with new accessories. Not so in this case, she reports. “Because they had been collecting for years, they had so many beautiful pieces that we didn’t need to buy hardly anything new.” (One notable exception: Sarah and her clients spent two years collecting the light fixtures that appear throughout the home.) The treasures the couple wanted to incorporate into the fourbedroom home called for traditional, Old World surroundings. Rich tones, tasteful furnishings and above all, symmetry were used to create the look. A hallmark of traditional design, symmetry can keep even a crowded room from seeming overdone. Even the exteriors take advantage of the technique, lending a hefty dose of curb appeal to the home. The appealing sights don’t stop once you walk through the mahogany door. An impressive, oval-shaped entrance with towering ceilings, curved wrought-iron staircase and intricate mahogany floors hint at what’s to come. “When you come into the entryway, you just have to stop,” says Sarah. “It takes your breath away.” Just beyond the impressive entrance, the great room features eye-catching architectural detail – from exposed rafters to an intricate marble fireplace. Employing symmetry, Sarah divided the expansive space into two nearly-identical seating areas – one ideal for entertaining and the other for watching television. Forgoing the typical sofa and loveseat combination, Sarah opted to place club chairs near the fireplace around a leather ottoman to September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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Sarah calls the powder room a “gem in the midst of an Old World-style home.” French wall sconces, rich wall coverings and a hand-painted mirror add glamour to the small space. opposite page The country English-style is at once rustic and elegant with knotty alder cabinets and pillow top French limestone flooring. A floating island provides additional space for food preparation, storage and seating. 56
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mimic the look of an old-fashioned men’s club. A vivid antique painting adds a burst of color to the otherwise neutral room. To ensure that “traditional” and “Old World” didn’t descend into “old and stodgy” in the great room and beyond, the homeowners chose a few hallmarks of modern style to keep things fresh and relaxed: white walls paired with dark woods, recessed lighting and modern fixtures with vaulted ceilings and French doors topped with glass transoms. “The concept was to keep the background quiet to allow their antique pieces to shine,” says Sarah. While the great room is a definite show-stopper, large spaces don’t have the monopoly on big effect. In fact, Sarah’s favorite room is the smallest in the house. “The first-floor powder room is the jewel box of the house,” she says. A palette of cream, gold, and pewter are introduced via an antique French buffet topped with limestone, antique sconces wired to create a soft glow and a bold wall covering. “Because a powder room is a small space you can do a lot with it,” explains Sarah. Injecting spaces with bursts of color and pattern is a sure way to make any room pop. The homeowner’s collection of rugs provided the perfect opportunity to make a statement. Usually, homeowners want all eyes to be drawn upward to furnishings, but the underfoot real estate in this home is worthy of more than a casual glance. Oriental rugs at least one hundred years old add color and style from the great room to the bedrooms. While the antique rugs are eye-catching, the home’s flooring sans rugs is just as likely to encourage a double-take. In the entryway, South American mahogany planks are paired with honed Crema Marfil marble tiles to create a rug-like pattern. A similar technique was used in the wine room where planks were laid in an X-pattern and surrounded by a slate border to create the look of a rug – without the potential for damaging spills. In the kitchen, the design scheme began much like the rest of the home – the homeowners had a piece they wanted to work around. “The patterned valance above the farm sink was from their previous
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The symmetry of this home doesn’t stop in the interiors – even the swimming pool was designed with balance in mind. Colorful stonework and custom landscaping make the outdoors even more inviting.
home, and the wife couldn’t part with it,” explains Sara. “So, we used it as the starting point.” The backsplash is hand-painted to coordinate, and the antique ladder back chairs are covered with a matching bold indigo toile. Blue Italian pottery collected during the couple’s travels puts the finishing touch on the countertops and table. Because the homeowners loved the rich, indigo blue used in the kitchen, they carried a similar scheme into the master retreat. A vibrant antique rug and floor-to-ceiling crewel fabric curtains offer plenty of visual interest. To balance things out, Sarah kept 58 Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
the background simple with an upholstered headboard, bedding and walls washed in white. Opposite the bed, a custom-made bookcase with a pair of 19th-century French carved walnut doors conceals the television and displays family photos and heirlooms. Of course, the couple knew that half the fun of owning a beautiful home comes from sharing it with others so they worked with Sarah to incorporate a number of guest-friendly features from top to bottom. Inside, the third floor features a media room, while the second floor was designed exclusively for visits from their adult children or out-of-town guests. “All of the living spaces the couple
needs on a day to day basis are on the first floor,” explains Sarah. Outside, an outdoor kitchen and dining area is a favorite spot for hosting fancy dinner parties or a casual barbecue. Just beyond, a swimming pool invites guests to take a dip in the warmer months, while a nearby fire pit stands ready for story-telling and roasting marshmallows when the nights cool. Whether the couple is sharing their home with family and friends or spending a quiet night together, their home fits them – and their treasures – just right. Although they moved in two years ago, they are sometimes still amazed at their surroundings. “They told me they just keep pinching themselves and saying, ‘This is ours!,’” says Sarah. “I laughed because so much of it was their belongings to begin with, and really, the fact that everything in this home has meaning for them is what makes it so special.” TH&L
In the master bedroom, overstuffed velvet chairs in the homeowner’s favorite shade of blue are ideal for settling in for an afternoon of reading or watching television. Glass French doors topped with transoms let in plenty of light during the day, while floor-to-ceiling curtains allow privacy at night. September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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La Dolce Vita austin meets italy in this tuscan-inspired spanish oaks home Text by Lauren Churchin Photography by Michael Hart Photography
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Just miles from downtown Austin in the exclusive Spanish Oaks community is a Tuscan-inspired villa built into a hillside overlooking
15,000 acres of untouched native land. The picturesque setting is reminiscent of the Ital-
ian countryside with tall grasses, miles of treetops and lush rolling hills. Homeowners Ed and Brenda Martin chose this area of Austin for their new residence
after living in Houston for many years. As the CEO of Houston-based custom builder Tilson Home Corp., Ed is in the process of sharing their personal design concept with buyers seeking a similar lifestyle in Central Texas. “We selected Spanish Oaks because we wanted a gated community and fell in love with the property for its beauty, privacy and convenience to downtown,” says Brenda.
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Knotty alder arched doors and 22-foot beamed ceilings really stand out in the expansive hallway.
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When it came time to build, the couple immediately contacted their friend Lynne T. Jones, ASID, a successful Houstonbased interior designer, to make sure their vision and taste were accurately reflected. The two women met more than 30 years ago while Brenda was working for her father as a bookkeeper at Tilson, and have completed several projects together including a sailboat. Constructed completely of local, natural and sustainable materials, the sprawling 7,817-square-foot house is complementary of its scenic backdrop with panoramic views of the property. “The most unique features of the home are that it’s warm and earthy and uses almost no synthetic materials,” says Lynne. Winding landscaped paths lead up to the entrance, and the warm lighting gives it a starry existence during the dark country nights. A traditional terra cotta tile and mortar roof, graceful arches, ample windows, patios and a generous courtyard bring the Tuscan architecture to life and instantly create a welcoming ambiance. The landscape and hardscape choices are as appealing as the interior finishes. An elongated foyer with 22-foot beamed ceilings, honed travertine floors and solid knotty alder arched doors extend the entire length of the home. Wrought iron birdcage-style chandeliers were custom designed to fit the challengingly tall space, and a long-case grandfather clock are the only accessories lining the airy and open hallway. The heart of the home is a large gourmet cook’s kitchen and walk-through pantry that leads to a basement wine cellar housing the Martin’s prized collection from vineyards around the world. Mascarello granite countertops and rich walnut cabinetry contrast the stainless steel commercial grade appliances. A hand-painted mural in the cooking alcove was created by Austin-based Imago Dei and serves as a
Floor to ceiling silk copper curtains add drama to the formal dining room. 62
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above Designed for a passionate chef, this gourmet kitchen has gorgeous high-end appliances and ample workspace. below Open to the kitchen is a cozy living room decorated in a chocolate and caramel color palette with creamy plaster finished walls.
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constant reminder of the couple’s beloved vacation in Porto Venere, Italy. “We were on a cruise coming into the harbor and I saw all the colorful, pretty homes, and I knew I wanted to use those colors in our house,” Brenda said. Copper pots and pans dangle from the oval light fixture that hangs over an antique wood island, adding a European flavor to the room. Multiple sinks, ovens, workspaces and task lighting make this kitchen grand, yet very practical. Open to the kitchen is a cozy living room decorated in a chocolate and caramel color palette with creamy plaster finished walls. A traditional sitting area faces a duel limestone fireplace that is shared with the study. An intricate wool rug bought at Houston-based dealer, Pride of Persia, grounds the space while comfortable upholstered furniture surrounds an inlaid octagon coffee table. Accessories include several altar candlestick holders, a crestedback side chair and embroidered throw pillows. The formal dining room welcomes the vista through a set of six symmetrical wood framed windows. Damask chenille covered chairs with a large scale Renaissance motif encircle a large polished wood table. Two charcoal portraits, one of a feline and another of a woman hang above another limestone fireplace. For a dramatic finish, a pair of deep brown and copper silk curtains drape from floor to ceiling. A romantic master suite is a favorite room because of its intimate atmosphere and connection to the outdoors. “I joke with my husband when we’re lying in bed looking out the window at a hill that, when the shadows are right, looks like a vineyard. I say, ‘Look honey, it’s our Tuscan vineyard!’” she said. The vaulted ceiling with exposed wood beams is remarkable, and a feature commonly found in Italian farm houses.
Serving as an extension of their living space, an outdoor kitchen and lounge rest near a magnificent infinity pool.
Views of sunrises and sunsets over the countryside are shared daily in this relaxing master bedroom. opposite page left Chocolate marble counters, rich wood vanities and crystal chandeliers result in a show-stopping master bathroom. opposite page right A unique amber onyx sink stands out among handpainted olive walls and glistening crystal chandeliers.
An olive green French settee brings a feminine edge to the space and serves as one of many focal points. Adjoining the master bedroom is the elegantly rustic his and her bath. More artistic detailing by Imago Dei graces the domed, wood-trimmed ceiling. A glistening chandelier and wall sconces illuminate the emperador dark marble countertops and walnut vanities. Center stage is a step-up, recessed soaking tub with a mosaic tile backsplash that is perfect for a relaxing candlelit bubble bath. Accessible from the owner’s suite is an enticing year-round retreat complete with a Jacuzzi and a refreshing infinity pool. Versatility and convenience define this area, which also includes a pass-through fireplace, mini kitchen and overstuffed teak furniture. It is ideal for summer grilling with guests or a quick early morning swim. On the second floor is a generous guest room and bath adorned in decadent steel blue silks and sepia fur. Multiple seating areas, from bar stools to lush upholstered ottomans offer overnight
visitors plenty of options for lounging while admiring the endless treetop views. A 980-square-foot one-bedroom casita with a full kitchen provides additional private lodging. Tucked away on the bottom level is a spectacular space described by Lynne as a “jewel box powder bath.” Sparing no expense or quality, the room is flawlessly hand painted in a pattern that at first glance resembles ornate wallpaper. A pair of antique sconces, a gold gilded mirror and delicate tear drop crystal chandelier sparkle above a carved wood vanity. Atop the heirloom piece is a colorful marble counter with an amber-hued onyx vessel. Capturing the essence of la dolce vita, the Martin’s hill country villa is homage to Italy’s Tuscan region and everything their family holds dear. Similar to the expertly crafted Italian estates built more than 300 years ago using all natural, durable materials, their home will appreciate with age and be enjoyed for decades to come. They have created a sustainable and stately home that blends easygoing rural living with the luxury of modern convenience. TH&L September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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There’s Extraordinary and then there’s Artios Working with Artios Homes, you’ll see your dream home come to life through a consultative building experience for your upmost satisfaction and care. You’ll be working with a builder who offers enhancements to your vision, not restrictions. The end result is a residence that becomes your retreat, an extension of you, perfectly fitted, uniquely Artios.
This Artios residence was brought to life from the dreams of the Martin family. To b e g i n y o u r j o u r n e y toward an Artios home, contact Richard Webb at 713-724-5794 OR VISIT ARTIOSHOMES.COM 68
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HOUSTON
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special section showcasing the finest design professionals and home furnishings in
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Jennie Perry, Cindy Hunter & Kathryn Edwards
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Furniture • Accessories • Design 713-212-0000 (10:00 - 6:00)
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
INDUSTRY PARTNER
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1 Let’s go fishin! If you’re looking for the perfect accent for the lake or beach house, a bit of whimsy, or the just right gift for the outdoor person in your life, Emmet Perry & Co. fine carpets and rugs has a wonderful selection of turtles, fish, lizards and other critters to please any special spot. Approvals welcome. Located at Washington Square, 8200-C Washington Ave., Houston, TX. (713) 961-4665. emmetperry.com. 2 Sugar Creek Interiors has relocated! Come see our fabulous new showroom featuring furniture, lamps, accessories, minerals, art and more! Customers say, “You have the best selection of furniture and accessories in Houston.” Interior design services available. Trade and public welcome. Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 8200-D Washington Ave, Houston, TX. (713) 212-0000. 72
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3 Lynne T Jones Interior Design has been creating inspiring interiors for more than 30 years. Projects range from Hill Country Ranch to Urban Loft Living and everything in between. When you work with Lynne T Jones, ASID, you will be partnering with an award-winning designer that strives to give her clients a personalized space that exceeds their every expectation. (281) 437-3307. Ltjones727@aol.com. lynnetjones.com. 4 Jane Page Design Group, is an award-winning interior design firm that has an experienced design and support staff. They specialize in home interiors, new construction and remodeling. 500 Durham Drive, Houston, TX. (713) 803-4999. janepagedesigngroup.com
The Difference Is ...
ByInteriors Design
Visit our Idea Center: 5629 FM 1960 Rd. West, Ste. 113 Houston, TX 77069 281-587-8755 www.bydesigninteriors.com Photography by B-Rad Studios
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1 Dr. Mehdi Abedi and Dr. Lisa Slappey of Pride of Persia Rug Co. are delighted to announce that their annual class, “The World of Persian Rugs,” begins Tuesday, September 14 at Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. Students will begin to identify and evaluate Persian rugs from the cities, villages and tribes of Iran, learn how to take care of rugs and explore the interaction of history, culture and geography with today’s global economy. Register at (713) 348-4803 or online at gscs.rice.edu. 2 By Design Interiors, Inc. is “Houston’s Best” award-winning design firm with a reputation of integrity and impeccable service. Our expertise and talents have been delighting clients for more than 20 years. Our goal is to “make your world more beautiful, BY DESIGN.” (281) 587-8755. bydesign interiors.com. 3 Design House Inc. offers this Abalone Waterfall Chandelier with Sea Foam Silk Shade and Cascading Mother of Pearl Drops, which is currently on display in the showroom. 7026 Old Katy Rd, Suite 115, Houston, TX 77024. (713) 803-4949. designhousetx.com. 4 Lynne T Jones, ASID designed this sun-porch in a downtown Houston high-rise. The space is kept simple, so that after a hectic day at the office, the urban loft dwellers can relax and unwind in a serene environment. If you are seeking your own special refuge, within your home or office, let Lynne T Jones Interior Design help you achieve that goal. Ltjones727@aol.com. (281) 437-3307. lynnetjones.com. 5 Savannah House creates interiors with great feeling using their custom furniture designs from antique architectural elements, custom lamps from antique tins and the compliment of perfect fabrics in this Texas Ranch design. Whether your project is a loft, urban retreat or a hill country ranch, SH has years of experience to offer a creative design concept. 8200-A Washington Ave., Houston, TX. (713) 863-2948. savannah-house.com.
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Photography by Julie Soefer
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Design Design Design Times Three
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Text by Jessica Dupuy
When looking for a new home, it’s not always easy to see the big picture; especially when you’re looking at room after room of bare
white walls, matching trim, naked windows and sterile floors. Often it’s the only way to view what’s on the market in homes, condos and apartments. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a couple of spaces with model furniture in place to paint a vague picture of livable space, but often the model pieces are just as uninspired and lackluster. It’s a problem One Park Place, a luxury apartment complex in downtown Houston, took on last March with a special design challenge. The challenge: Take three same-unit layouts in the complex and have three different interior designers work their magic to create a complete “lived-in” feel for the modern urban resident. The players: Three Houston designers, Renea Abbott, Chandos Dodson and Michael Stribling. The results: Three stunning different designs made available for public viewing; an endeavor that helped raise occupancy in the swank high-rise to more than 85 percent. One Park Place served as a perfect canvas for this design challenge. This contemporarymeets-gothic homage to New York’s Plaza Hotel is a Finger Companies property, one of the state’s most prestigious multi-family developers. With 346 units (including six penthouse suites) spanning 37 floors, the project is the first residential high-rise built from the ground up in downtown Houston in more than 40 years.
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Photography by Brian Bookwalter
Renea Abbott For the challenge, the designers had a set time in early March to come up with everything from color scheme to fabric selection and accent pieces for their apartment unit. They each had the same amount of time to scramble for materials and furniture to put the units together and reveal their work for a public vote – essentially a reality TV show, without the TV part. Each unit features hardwood floors, premium fixtures and appliances, granite countertops, designer bathrooms and private balconies. From there, it was up to the designers to create an inviting haven. For longtime Houston designer, Renea Abbott, the goal was to stay true to a style that she has called her own for years – classicyet-soft and contemporary. For more almost 20 years, her trademark style has been represented in her chic home décor shop, Shabby Slips. Abbott designs for clients all over the country, from New York 80
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to California, but when it came to designing a space for the One Park Place project, she was excited to exercise her creativity. “Working on a project like this is a lot of fun because you have total carte blanche to do whatever your budget will allow you do,” says Abbott. “A designer gets to show off his or her skills the way they want to instead of being driven by clients who are afraid to take a chance.” Abbott’s style typically includes some form of period piece or antique complimented by soft, classic upholstered furniture with sleek, contemporary coffee tables and side pieces. For her unit at One Park Place, she stuck to this method using large mirrors in the bedroom and bathroom, an antler-framed mirror for the living room for a rustic look, and a balance of soft and hard-edged furniture. To separate the dining area from the living area, she added both color and life to the room with a large palm plant as a striking partition. She also used
Photography by Brian Bookwalter
Chandos Dodson an eye-catching, stand-alone spotlight in the living room as a decorative element. “I feel very strongly about lighting,” says Abbott. “It’s one of, if not the most important element of a well-designed room. Another common element for me is contrast in color. I normally work in monochromatic color palette, but, it tends to run the entire scale of light to dark; and I almost always try and use mirrors in interesting ways, I love reflection and sparkle.” Altogether, Abbott’s design proved a warm, homey interpretation of her style sense; something she’d feel comfortable having as her own home. By contrast, native Houston designer Chandos Dodson took a more formal approach to the project by considering the type of person who might take up residence at the apartment residence. “I tried to consider the style and architecture of the building,” says Dodson. “People who would live here are those who may work
downtown, travel a lot and may even be empty nesters. They’re people who may not want to maintain too much but who want to broaden their horizons with taste and art in a second-home situation.” Dodson describes her typical style as “transitional,” using a mix of antiques and contemporary pieces to create a balanced, comfortable feel. For the unit at One Park Place, she blended modern artwork with gold-leaf, antique mirrors and an art-deco bar to reflect this style. For upholstery, she stuck with classic white to let the accent pieces in the room speak for themselves. Having worked for top interior design firms in Manhattan in addition to running Chandos Interiors for the past 10 years in Houston, Dodson’s favorite projects run the gamut between traditional and classic to bold and contemporary. “I really enjoy working in all realms,” says Chandos. “For me, switching gears and working with a variety of styles is most challenging. I’m the kind September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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Photography by VJ Arizpe
Michael Stribling of person who doesn’t like to use the same fabric twice. Working with different clients who have different tastes allows me to do that on a regular basis.” Regardless of which direction Dodson leans with each new project, her ultimate goal is to give a timeless feel to the space she designs; something that rings true throughout the entirety of her work at One Park Place. “I was really happy with how everything turned out across the board,” says Dodson. Having already turned heads with his talent on HGTV’s reality TV show Design Star, Michael Stribling took a slightly different route with his space. “I’m very familiar with the work Dodson and Abbott do, so I wanted to make sure I created something completely different,” says Stribling. “I wanted to make the unit more masculine and bold.” Stribling achieved this by using earth tones on the walls and upholstery, contemporary furniture with clean lines, and rustic, wooden side pieces including a distressed coffee table and an 82
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oversized timber-framed mirror. He accented the living room with a rich, colorful rug and a large statue of a man’s head in the center of the room. For an added touch, he used the side den near the entryway to create a gentlemen’s cigar room (only without the cigars) using dark tones, and a rich library-meets-wine-cellar feel. “Honestly, I would call it a ‘man cave.’ Sort of an urban-meetscowboy type of space,” says Stribling. “Typically I do very contemporary work. What we did with One Park Place was very different than what we normally do, which was really fun for us.” In the end, the three designs drew quite a bit of attention, not to mention a tremendous amount of online buzz about the challenge. Of the 500 people who visited One Park Place to vote on their favorite design in person, 78 percent voted for the Renea Abbott design as their favorite making her the clear winner for the downtown design challenge. Unfortunately, these artful designs were only available for viewing through May of this year, but the general allure and appeal of One Park Place continues. TH&L
2010 Kitchen Design Text by Jack Frink
This 2010 edition of Texas Home and Living’s annual kitchen design feature spans an impressive range of kitchen design strategies, approaches and styles. Each of these rooms has a specific character and story to its creation, and the group in whole is an impressive showcase of the flexibility available to homeowners when it comes to the makeup of the “heart of the home.”
Design and Functionality
Kitchen Interior Design by Jane-Page Crump, ASID, Jane Page Design Group Photography by Miro Dvorscak Jane-Page Crump’s kitchen design process was unusual in that she wasn’t designing for an outside client – she was designing for herself. The kitchen pictured is the one Crump cooks in on a daily basis. “It’s important that someone who cooks a lot actually designs the kitchen,” she believes. “I wanted it to have design but also great functionality.” Crump wanted the room to be warm and not feel like a kitchen. That is the reason for the armoire-inspired design on the cabinetry – it conceals the workspace. A tambour door to the left of fridge opens up to become a coffee bar. The cabinet to the left of range has pocket doors and holds Cuisineart, mixers, utensils and “everything I need for bak-
ing.” Says Crump, “It’s great for Thanksgiving, I can gather everything I need behind those doors.” “Every time I design something I try to do something I’ve never done before,” Crump continues. “This time the island was critical because it divides the kitchen from the family area. I designed the bar overhang to be curved (which allows for more barstools) and faced it with slate. I also designed raised areas on the ends to gain space for the microwave and fast-bake ovens and at the same time to create a more sculptural look.” The raised “pedestals” on the ends effectively hide the sink so that guests don’t even “see” the clean up area unless they are actually inside the kitchen. Because of Crump’s use of slate and granite on the countertops, limestone on the backsplash, mosaics on the winged islands and slate on the floors, the entire room is very warm. Shiny surfaces are avoided so as to get away from the feel of a traditional kitchen. The three-level island, the armoire-style cabinets and the textured finishes are combined to create this intimate, inviting and functional kitchen. September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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Antique Cues
Lead Project Design by Doyle Osborne, Osborne Cabinets and Millwork, Inc. Photography by Steven Chenn Osborne Cabinets and Millwork’s vision for this kitchen was to incorporate the rustic elegance of the kitchen’s geographic setting, a Texas Hill Country ranch, with the homeowners’ desires to emulate the delicate styling cues of some antique furniture in their collection. By pursuing both of these objectives, they were able to preserve the holistic aesthetics of the home as well as satisfy the homeowners’ wishes. To achieve their goals, Doyle Osborne and team had to employ some unique techniques. First, they replicated one of the homeowners’ antique armoires to serve as a casing that concealed two Sub-Zero refrigerators. Second, two antique French doors were utilized in decorative upper cabinets that frame the kitchen’s focal point: a hearth-inspired stone hood. Next, a serving counter was placed on the back side of the kitchen island and a hand-carved pine cone and pine straw frontispiece was created for the serving areas. Finally, there are four different types of wood in the kitchen, as well as a variety of different stones and finishes. “It’s all about fulfilling the customers dream, what they want and what
they need,” says Osborne. “They wanted something no one else had, and we accomplished that.” This project was especially satisfying to design and manufacture because of the challenges and techniques involved in the process, and the result is a beautiful, comfortable and functional space. The homeowners love the kitchen, and it has become the heart of their Hill Country hideaway.
Layers of Design
Lead Project Design by Wendy Capell, Charpell Luxury Interiors Photography by Carson Coots / Lilybean Photography Wendy Capell became involved with this project because she had worked with the owners on a previous home in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The client and Capell have great rapport, so the client trusted Capell’s vision. The kitchen needed to be warm and inviting, a place where family and guests would feel comfortable. Capell did not want the kitchen to look like a kitchen, so measures were taken to make the space feel like an extension of the living area. For instance, appliances are hidden behind beautifully handcrafted pieces of furniture. The end result of the kitchen was achieved by a process of many decisions, or, as Capell prefers, “layers of design.” It started with the stone around the cook top, and then granite, back splash, paint and cabinet color were added. The focal point is the refrigerator, which resembles a giant armoire, and the island, which looks imported and unique. The wood on the island looks like tufted fabric. Capell says the implementation of ideas was a seamless process. “I was especially pleased with my vision of the island as it was crafted by the cabinet maker. Because of the collaborative effort, good communication and design freedom, all possible roadblocks were avoided. Capell is equally pleased that the kitchen has gotten rave reviews. It captures the ambience of casual elegance. She credits the team of artisans at Jauregui Builders (who built the home) and all of the project managers involved with a truly successful home interior project.
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Southern Colonial
Kitchen Interior Design by John Phifer Marrs, ASID, John Phifer Marrs, Inc. Photography by Danny Piassick The clients whom John Phifer Marrs designed the Preston Hollow kitchen for are longtime associates. This is actually the second home he’s done for them. ”The lady of the house is a wonderful cook,” Marrs says. “She required a large, functioning kitchen. It couldn’t just be beautiful; it had to work for her as the cook.” Marrs designed the kitchen in a “southern traditional” style that provided subtle ornamentation and flavor while maintaining the room’s status as a working kitchen. Because the original kitchen in the 70-year old structure was a total redo, Marrs and associates, along with contractor Ed Jarrett, totally gutted and re-formed the workspace, eventually combining it with an informal eating area. An antique partner’s desk
was the inspiration for the design of the large center island. The hardwood floors are continuation of existing flooring, while the paneled wood ceiling gives the kitchen architectural interest. A handsome Greek key design cornice molding was added to further the traditional aspects of the space. The surrounding rooms are bathed in several different colors, but a “no color,” or white, palette for the kitchen was chosen. The only color is in the granite for the countertops and the island. The client has a collection of Majolica and Palissy ware, which we displayed on walls for interest and color. The final touch is an Oriental rug runner placed between the island and kitchen cabinets. The rug adds another dash of color and pattern to the kitchen. “We didn’t want to go French or English with the design; we focused on making it American in the true sense of the word,” says Marrs. Reaction to the kitchen has been overwhelmingly positive. “The kitchen, which is centrally located in the house, is always a place where people naturally gather when the hosts are preparing dinner,” Marrs says. September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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Contemporary, Yet Natural
Kitchen Interior Design by Susie Johnson, ASID, Susie Johnson Interior Design Inc. Photography by Casey Dunn
This kitchen resides in a house that sits on an elevation above the picturesque Pedernales River. Susie Johnson of Susie Johnson Interior Design, Inc. was called in to design the house by the homebuilder, who was constructing this house for his own personal use. “The house was at the sheetrock stage, and I was on board to make all of the surface selections and a few construction decisions,” says Johnson. The main idea for this kitchen (and house in general) was to achieve a sleek, contemporary look using an abundance of natural materials. “We didn’t want everything chrome. We wanted to be contemporary in a subtle way, with the warmth of natural materials.” Johnson describes the unconventional parts of the kitchen: “With two islands in the floor plan, it was important to address the work areas. There are two different sinks, creating a work area and a clean-up area. One sink is close to fridge and stove and the other is flanked by 86
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two dishwashers.” The kitchen is situated outside of the main traffic flow of the house while still blending into the very open floor plan. “The floor is French limestone directly imported from France,” says Johnson. “It’s creamy; a pleasure to walk on barefooted. All the cabinetry is rift-cut oak, which is very different from the heavily grained cut of oak. It has a natural, matte finish, which gives a quiet, subtle elegance to the kitchen.” The absence of upper cabinetry gives a clean, open look to the kitchen. To allow for adequate storage, a wall of cabinets covers the wall adjacent to the refrigerator. Johnson’s favorite detail is the airy breakfast corner, with floor to ceiling seamless glass. It brings the outdoors in, and offers a great view of the river. Furnished with a sleek Eero Saarinen tulip table and Italian leather chairs, it is the perfect spot for the owners to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Johnson’s work has received two awards: an Austin ASID Design Excellence award for the entire house, and most recently, an award from the state-wide ASID Legacy of Design competition for the entire house. “The clients were very happy with the finished project, and that is the best award to have!” Johnson says. The goal of a sleek, contemporary kitchen, incorporating natural materials, was achieved.
High Rise Hominess
Kitchen Interior Design by Julie Evans, ASID, JEI Design, Inc. Photography by Mark Knight This condo was originally a place to entertain guests, but now that Julie Evans and team are finished, the homeowner has decided he likes it so much, he lives there. The kitchen was already set up to accommodate a residence. It had all the appliances and usual commercial kitchen, so the primary goal was to establish a contemporary feel without being cold. Evans and company gathered local art and accessories that were colorful and had the fun feeling of “real Austin.” The light fixture in the room is hand-painted and is very functional and adds color and life. The colorful, natural materials offset the contemporary background. The curvilinear barstool is covered in Terra-cotta leather, which is very user-friendly. The round table, with rounded chair backs, makes it easier to move around the room. Additionally, a banquette is placed against the wall so kitchen dwellers can lean back and see the sunset. “Getting the table up there was a difficulty,” says Evans. “The only major roadblock was that we tried to work during the week and we had to have it ready by the weekend. The client didn’t demand we do it in that amount of time, but we wanted to make it as seamless as possible for the homeowner.” Response to the kitchen has been very good. Evans loves clean designs, and says “what makes people really respond to it is the very warm feel. Sometimes people feel high-rise living is cold and less homey, but it doesn’t mean it has to be. Your individual taste dictates the result.” September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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An Exercise in Restraint
Kitchen Interior Design by Cindy Aplanalp, ASID Allied, By Design Interiors Photography by Erika Barczak It’s heartbreaking when a builder leaves a client halfway through a job. That sad eventuality is what faced the homeowners of this luxurious kitchen in Houston near Memorial Park for seven stagnant months. Luckily for them, Cindy Aplanalp of By Design Interiors came to the rescue. She introduced the clients to William Shaw and Associates, who accepted the daunting task of completing the project. This kitchen is a story of triumph over adversity. Aplanalp remembers that “[the homeowners] had a collection of historical photographs and they sent me one of a country-style kitchen.” The photograph became a template for Aplanalp to work with. “The lady of the house loves antique transfer-ware tiles,” she says. Such tiles are widely available in Europe, so Aplanalp scoured eBay and now 36 transfer-wares reside in the backsplash, proving a perfect backdrop for the burgundy 48-inch Viking pro-style range. The copper wall-mounted pot-filler ties into the copper pot rack island fixture and the copper-plated range hood. Aplanalp’s favorite feature is the wall texture. “It’s challenging to do large spaces with a delicate color pallet in such a way that they 88
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
don’t feel under or overly done. This is a perfect balance of restraint – it’s very buttery and warm, the tiles get to be the star in the room and the space evokes a sense of family and gathering and intimacy.” The space also boasts a baking station for storing cooking mixers. There is an embellished area by the breakfast table done up in a modern take on French country design. One of the space planning issues was a large open area between the kitchen and breakfast. To make this area better functioning, a second island was added in the middle of the kitchen. Additionally, the island closest to the range extends out much like the curve of a baby grand piano to accommodate a small stool, a handy side-kick for the prep-sink. Both islands are in polished St. Laurent marble and the surrounding countertops are honed Black Zimbabwe granite providing a nice contrast to the “storm” travertine flooring, which is a lovely mix of taupes, grays and creams set in an off-set pattern. Expert advice was gathered from several professionals such as Viking’s Executive Chef Scotty Campbell and Bath and Kitchen Showplace’s Kathy Johnson, who assisted in the plumbing selections. “This kitchen is the masterpiece it is due to the talents and craftsmanship of a host of pros,” says Aplanalp. “The client envisioned spending most of her time here, and it’s the heart of the home. The homeowners are expecting grandchildren, so this home is very important to them. Bill Shaw’s team, my design team and the homeowner all played a vital role in the success of this project.”
Red Dragon
Kitchen Interior Design by Jackie Depew, ASID, Depew Design Interiors Photography by Tre Dunham The kitchen in this parade home was the subject of several cooking demos during Austin’s recent Showcase of Homes at Belvedere. Jackie Depew, President and senior designer of Depew Design Interiors, says that the kitchen became the center for entertainment. “I worked with the home builder, Clay Johnson of Reinz Custom Homes, and our thought was that it would be more like a Spanish Colonial design than Tuscan. I researched the Spanish Colonial homes to make sure I was going to be accurate in what I planned. This home has a large open pantry to the left that you see through an arch and the cabinets, which are custom made by Llano Cabinet Company, have more detailing like a Spanish Colonial.” Depew also used many bold
colors and finishes to bring out the Spanish flavor. Depew has two favorites design features. One is the artistic faux finishing in the domed ceiling and the decorative border that runs along the inner curve of the dome. The other is the backsplashes, which are handmade tiles made like a three-dimensional crepe paper flower. A final touch is their color: a wonderfully rich, scarlet red, warm golds and tan. “I wanted red in the kitchen because the color invites you to sit down for a meal and stay for conversation,” Depew says. She continues, “the island is a granite called ‘Red Dragon’ that was brought into Austin specifically for the home.” Meanwhile, the kitchen’s overall surrounding area picks up the stone and natural textures in the floor and wall while still utilizing the glazed tiles in the backsplash. Depew was trying to be as authentic as possible but still had to design a functional kitchen people would enjoy in today’s age. Based off how visitors to the Showcase of Homes were drawn to the kitchen, she succeeded.
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Everyone Gets Involved
Kitchen Interior Design by Amanda Reilly, ASID, The Kitchen Source Photography by Kevin H. Marple It was Amanda Reilly’s gift for cabinetry that got her involved with this rustic masterpiece. Reilly is quick to credit designer Barbara Prewitt, ASID, with the overall vision for the space, but Reilly worked alongside her for the cabinetry design and finished selection. The house is next to the Red River and has a lot of natural details such as natural granite, visible wooden beams, dry stack stone and limestone. Reilly wanted to honor that and not detract from the outdoor elements. For her, the important thing was to respect the overall vernacular feeling of the house and kitchen. Reilly installed pierced leaf moldings to correspond to a subtle color scheme to reflect the natural look. “The designer had a faux finisher to highlight pierced moldings and mantel hood details,” Reilly says. “The corbels and the panels on the mantel hood were all faux finished locally. The idea was to use some local artistry. Usually, everything is just ordered from the factory prefinished, here we had it finished in the field.” The kitchen has received quite a bit of response. The way it is positioned makes it impossible to ignore because it is such an open space. Both the main family room and dining room open into it. The homeowner is one of six daughters, so large family gatherings are normal and the house needed to be able to accommodate such events. Many luxury appliances are present to cater to a large group or family. The peninsula is laid out to sit a large amount of people, and all of the elements in the room are arranged for a communal gathering. Everyone in the kitchen will feel involved. TH&L
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Kitchen & Bath
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1 Kohler Wading Pool lavatories feature innovative design characteristics that create artistic focal points in any environment. Available in a visually compelling array of unique shapes and designs, wading pool lavatories transform bath and powder rooms into personalized retreats. Visit a Bath & Kitchen Showplace showroom to learn and see more. bkshowplace.com. 2 JEIDesign, Inc. – Hemingway said that it is only his details that distinguish one man from another. If this is so, then JEIDesign is going for complete distinction. They consider particulars and editing the most important components of a finished product. This finely appointed kitchen by JEI adds a subtle and elegant sophistication to the home. (512) 330-9179. jeidesign.com. 3 Designed for the Texan in all of us, the new Elkay Texas sink can be either a prep sink or a hospitality sink. This creative stainless steel shape offers the exact shape of Texas. Pierce Hardware, Dallas, (214) 368-2851; Fort Worth, (817) 737-9090.
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4 The Kitchen Source, an exclusive Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry dealer, specializes in cabinets, appliances (including Sub-Zero/Wolf and Miele), countertops, plumbing fixtures and any remodeling needs. The kitchen is not the only place where they can provide cabinetry; they can extend their expertise to other areas of the home as well. For the homeowner who wants a hassle free, one-stop shopping experience, The Kitchen Source has the product and staff to complete any look and provide you with the very best. 1544 Slocum St., Dallas, TX 75207. (214) 741-1912. thekitchensource.net. 5 Bath & Kitchen Showplace utility sinks come in convenient shapes and styles and this Kohler “Oceanview” utility sink is no exception. Made with Kohler cast iron, it gives years of reliable service. Whether it’s in your laundry room, workshop or dog-washing station, your Kohler utility sink is a beautiful upgrade that makes the dirty work easier. Visit a Bath & Kitchen Showplace showroom to find a utility sink to meet all of your needs. bkshowplace.com.
Reflect Your Own Personal Style
The Kitchen Source 1544 Slocum Street Dallas, Texas 75207 214-741-1912
The Kitchen Source 3116 W. 6th Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817-731-4299
www.thekitchensource.net
For your home. For your life. For our environment.
Hudson Valley by Wood-Mode. September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living 93 ©2010 Wood-Mode, Inc.
design TEXAS
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1 Patina Green Home and Market is a culmination of home belongings ... “found” pieces each with their own time-touched patina are mixed with new upholstered pieces from Cisco Brothers Furniture. Rooted in simplicity with a nod to nature ... a French piece here, an industrial loft accent there, Patina Green’s style imparts personality and begs to tell its “story.” 116 N. Tennessee, Suite 102, McKinney, TX. (972) 548-9141. patinagreen.typepad.com.
4 Bellissimo Interiors is a Dallas award-winning design firm specializing in custom draperies, bedding, upholstery, furniture and shutters & blinds for residential and commercial spaces. Whether your style is traditional, contemporary, eclectic or casual let us help you design a look that meets your needs. Let beauty and function become a reality when you design with Bellissimo Interiors. (972) 480-5290.dfwdraperies.com.
2 Las Finezas has graced Main Street in the heart of downtown Boerne, TX since November 2008. This unique boutique is a shopping destination along the historic street, offering fine gifts that you and your friends will love to give and receive! Las Finezas is honored to serve this wonderful, growing community. It is a privilege to welcome all visitors to our Fine Gifts Showroom! Visit Las Finezas today for a unique shopping adventure! 210 S. Main St., Boerne, TX. (830) 331-9272. lasfinezas.com.
5 Gary Riggs Interiors, renown for their ability to transform commercial and residential properties in days rather than months, has begun the process of re-designing and enhancing their already amazing 30,000 square feet in Allen, TX. The Allen location transformation should be complete within the month. More than 40,000 square feet of fine furniture, accessories, art and gifts available at Allen and Dallas locations. garyriggsinteriors.com.
3 Bijan Exclusive Oriental Rugs offers this Suki Pale Ginger High Low by Tamarian available in 6x9, 8x10, 9x12 and custom sizes. Family owned for OVER 20 YEARS in Austin. 3010 W. Anderson Lane, Suite I, Austin, TX. (512) 302-9191. rugsbybijan.com. 94
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6 Rutherford’s Design offers Hand Blown Art Glass Chandeliers for that special area that demand the custom size color and shape for a unique fixture, each installed and signed by the artist. 5417 West Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX. (214) 357-0888. rutherfordsdesign.com.
enture V
Take a vacation in your backyard
CUSTOM POOLS
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Built with experience and integrity at an affordable price!
Building the pool of your dreams with 33 years Pool Building Experience
www.venturecustompools.com 972.377.9002 Dallas & Surrounding Counties
817.740.9937
Fort Worth & Surrounding Counties
Visit our Plano Showroom to see our Display pool ... 4568 State Highway 121, Plano, Tx 75024
design TEXAS
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1 At Persepolis Rugs, you’ll find a remarkably diverse selection of rugs offered at unequalled value in a relaxed atmosphere. We specialize in providing you the most beautiful handmade rugs and the most exclusive and extensive selection in North Texas with more than 35,000 handmade rugs in stock in all sizes. Visit our showrooms in Frisco, TX (214) 599-9966 and Dallas, TX (214) 521-8866. persepolisrugs.com. 2 The Hästens Store Dallas is Texas’ Hästens Beds Flagship Store, providing a comfortable environment for consumers to experience these unbelievably comfortable and luxurious beds from Sweden. Hästens, owned and operated for five generations by one family, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious bed manufacturers and retailers. They began supplying beds to the Royal Court of Sweden in 1952. Now, with its introduction in the United States nine years ago, Hästens beds are quickly becoming the most sought-after in the world. Learn about the different styles at the Dallas store website, www.mydreambeds.com, then visit them and let their staff help you select the bed of your dreams. The Hastens Store Dallas, 4252A Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX 75219. (214) 252-0101. 3 Ruibal’s Plants of Texas, known as the place for Dallas’ plant needs is also the place for fantastic garden accents as well. The garden 96
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shop carries statuary, custom iron works, beautiful patio furniture and a full line of pottery to fill out the perfect garden. 601 S. Pearl Exp., Dallas, TX. (214) 744-9100. Ruibals.com. 4 Escape to Remedy Spa where they offer massage, facials, waxing and yoga. Nestled in the oasis property of renowned Landscape Architect Robert Bellamy located in Dallas’ Historical District. A unique experience not to be missed! 1810 N. Prairie Ave., Dallas, TX. (214) 377-7834. remedyspadallas.com. 5 Grand Openings, Inc. offers the best selection of elegant windows and doors for your next residential or commercial project. With showrooms in Dallas, Austin and Houston, we invite you to see the timeless beauty found only through superior crafted materials. grandopenings.com. 6 Trust your locally owned Abbey Carpet & Floor showroom to find the perfect floor for you. Whether it’s carpet, rustic tile, exotic hardwood or durable laminate, we’re here to help you every step of the way. It begins with our expert staff that will help you create the right look and feel. To locate a showroom go to TexasHome.BuyAbbey.com.
The Only Azalea That Blooms Spring, Summer & Fall!
FROM EMILY
ANN’S GARDEN
Enjoy the pageantry of Encore Azaleas in your garden today. Available in a palette of colors at select garden centers throughout the country. Find a retailer near you at EncoreAzalea.com
www.encoreazalea.com
design TEXAS
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1 Rios Interiors has grown to become a leader in Southwestern, Ranch and Rustic styles of furniture and accessories for modern living. New collections are arriving to our store often with new flare and charm. We invite you to visit our 20,000-square-foot showroom at the Stockyard Historic District located at 2465 N. Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76164. (817) 626-8600. riosinteriors.com. 2 Pride of Persia Rug Co. now offers a stunning collection of contemporary wool and silk Tibetan rugs at their Houston Design Center showroom. ASID Industry Partner and BBB member. Appointments requested. 7026 Old Katy Rd., Suite 164, Houston, TX. (713) 5227870. prideofpersia.com. 3 Depew Design Interiors Are you looking for a fresh new look for the holidays or wanting to remodel a room or two? At Depew Design Interiors, the goal is to listen to your needs and concerns and help you achieve the results you want for your design and remodel projects. By combining our passion for interior design with your dreams, we can produce spaces that are both functional and attractive. Jackie Depew. (512) 347-9876. depewdesign@austin.rr.com. depewdesign.com.
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4 Hall Lighting & Design 88,000 furnishing and accessory products displayed on the floor, walls, ceilings and in the display cases of a 12,000-square-foot showroom are impossible to photograph. So you’ll just have to trust us like hundreds of visitors from Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Corpus Christi have already. In place of a photo showing everything, here’s one of our beautiful mirrors. If you try hard, you may be able to see yourself here. Want more? Check out hallelectric.com and then visit us in Victoria, TX. 5 Krantz Recovered Woods & Jimmy’s Cypress provide virgin growth reclaimed Cypress and Longleaf Pine, as well as new Cypress lumber products. Flooring, beams, millwork, siding and trim are made to order from these precious woods. Headquartered in Austin, we work with homeowners, builders, and architects. Shipping available nationwide. 14807 US Hwy. 290E., Austin (Manor), TX. (512) 2789998. KrantzRecoveredWoods.com, JimmysCypress.com. 6 Alyson Jon’s handcrafted by master artisans in Italy using a 22-step process, this stunning dining table from Artitalia is fashioned using premium European wood. Reclaimed wood from villas and chateaux, which can date back to the 17th century is also used as well as precious wood inlays of ebony, pear, maple and beech. Austin, Houston and Beaumont. alysonjon.com
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1 For nearly two decades, Carl Lowery and Cody Glover of Shop Dallas Design have created sophisticated interiors for clients in Dallas, Ft. Worth and beyond. With a reputation for superior work and a long list of delighted clients they consistently produce beautiful spaces with timeless lines that endure. Luxury bedding is a particular specialty they offer, bringing you the best in hand painted designs on the most beautiful fabrics. 3883 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, TX. (214) 605-9754. ShopDallasDesign.com.
2 Since 1999, Venture Custom Pools has been a Top 5 Pool Builder of DFW and recognized as the premier designer and builder of custom pools. This can only happen when a company’s reputation is better than their word. Our team has more than 30 years experience in building unique pools that will add to the beauty and originality of your home. (972) 377-9002 or (817) 740-9937. venturecustompools.com.
Flooring Beams Millwork Siding Lumber Reclaimed Longleaf Pine Reclaimed Cypress Reclaimed Oak New Cypress
KRANTZ RECOVERED WOODS www.KrantzRecoveredWoods.com
Jimmy’s Cypress
www.Jimmys-Cypress.com
Third Generation | 512-278-9998 | Austin, TX 100
Texas Home & Living • September/October 2010
Home Fragrances | Exclusive Table Top Accessories | Elegant Home Décor Exceptional Bath Products | Bridal Registry | Baby Gifts | Books Gourmet Items | Women’s Fine Accessories 210 South Main Street, Boerne, Texas 78006 | (830) 331-9272 | www.LasFinezas.com
country Text by Lauren Churchin Photography by Miro Dvorscak
charm
T
Fayetteville, Texas
There is a place an hour or so outside of Houston where the feel of a winding dirt road under your tires and the sight of massive oak
trees rooted firmly among roaming cattle is all that is needed to overlook the big city blues. There is a comfort in what lies ahead. The air is fresh and the seemingly endless fields of yellow and green leave you warm with a sense of peace and forgotten freedom that can only be rediscovered after getting lost in the charm of the country. This picturesque retreat is Fayetteville, Texas, a tiny historic town boasting excellent
bass fishing and a square lined with saloons, antique stores and a chiming courthouse clock built in the 1800s. They say there is “no wrong side of the tracks” in Fayetteville where a population of roughly 300 people represents a mix of locals and those looking to get away for the weekend. “It’s a nice place to escape the hustle and bustle and relax with family,” says Laura Manchee, ASID. Laura Manchee is a partner of Manchee Woods
Design, a firm notorious for outstanding residential and renovation projects throughout Houston. For the Manchee family, Fayetteville has become a destination for decades of cherished holiday celebrations and laidback birthday lunches at their 1930s bungalow, situated just off the square. Yet, the home fell into a state of disrepair after being unoccupied for several years and was in desperate need of updating. “We certainly didn’t want to get rid of the home because we have so many wonderful family memories there,” says Laura Manchee. “We thought it would be really nice to rejuvenate it, making it more modern and accommodating.” Laura Manchee and her mother Amanda Manchee began the nine-month restoration of the bungalow in June 2008. “My mother was my client,” says Laura Manchee. “She was very generous in letting me lead where the house needed to go because she knew this was a very personal project for me.” The duo paid careful attention to the architectural integrity and influences from the era in which the bungalow was constructed. For instance, the façade retains the original tile-hung walls and woodframed windows and doors, as well as the patterned brickwork and weatherboarding. It was merely painted in squash, burgundy and steel blue colors reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement. Inside the 1,800-square-foot three-bedroom/two-bathroom home, the designers remained mindful of the finishes and detailing of the 1930s. Stained glass windows with linear patterns and bright flowers were commissioned or purchased at the nearby Round Top Antique Fair and installed in both of the bathrooms and the family room. There is a modern interpretation of a honeycomb backsplash in the kitchen, which was created from pastel glass tiles rather than traditional porcelain, as well as the addition of repeated archways, making the home appear larger and providing increased circulation. Furthermore, all of the original lighting from the home was salvaged including decora-
This new bathroom was added in place of a second closet in the guest bedroom and fits in perfectly with the rest of the home. opposite page Maintaining the Arts and Crafts style appearance of the façade was achieved by choosing appropriate paint colors and keeping the original wood detailing. September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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above Repeated archways open up the entire home while also showcasing the custom Chandi chandelier. below Updating paint, cabinet hardware and appliances results in an instant and affordable kitchen makeover.
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tive domes and an Art-Deco porch fixture that was relocated to a new bathroom. “During the initial demo we encountered some great discoveries,” says Laura Manchee. “For instance, we found the original wallpaper that preceded my grandparents and an old chimney stack that we saved, painted and made part of the kitchen design.” Similarly, when the old linoleum in the kitchen was removed, beautiful hardwood flooring with patches of major water damage was uncovered. Rather than replace the entire floor, a subtle plaid pattern was creatively painted over the stains while leaving some of the original wood exposed. The addition of stainless steel appliances, along with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware on the cabinets brings the kitchen to date, making it more comfortable for the Manchee’s regular family meals. The incorporation of old and new materials developed into an overall design theme of the project, functioning to showcase numerous priceless family treasures while maintaining a modern touch. “We salvaged an old oxen yoke that was my great grandfathers and has been in the family for over 100 years,” says Laura Manchee. “We also included my grandparent’s dining room furniture, cain back settees and rocking chairs.” The rustic oxen yoke is the artistic focus of the family room, and is highlighted by new art lighting suspended from wooden beams that were added to the ceiling to open up the space. The piece is a stark contrast to the large flat-screen television that sits below. Laura and Amanda Manchee also worked together to incorporate pieces from various artists and local shopkeepers, such as the stained glass windows, entertainment console, iron beds, rugs and bathroom mirrors. The remarkable found object chandelier in the breakfast room uses an oak log from land owned by Laura Manchee’s husband, which was hollowed out for electrical wiring and added to an existing glass fixture from New York. The equally stunning dining room fixture is from Los Angeles-based Chandi Design, known for creating custom chandeliers using vintage crystals, natural stones and different sizes and scales of chain for a European appearance. Including the entire family in the home’s transformation was also important to the designers, so all members were asked to participate in creating a wall of photos representing many generations of the Manchee lineage. The mixed-matched frames adorn a wall next to built-in cabinets housing family antiques, and speak volumes about the home’s history and present purpose. “Every time I visit I stop to look at the photos,” says Amanda Manchee. “They bring back some really neat memories and remind me of those who came before us.” The highly anticipated unveiling of the restoration took place during the Christmas holiday. Everyone attended the festive celebration and were completely enamored with the home’s openness and new look. The sad state of their aging country getaway was instantly replaced with uplifting hopes for the fun, relaxing times that lie ahead. “Now when we visit, we focus on good food and good conversation,” says Laura Manchee. “It was a total rebirth.” TH&L
Wood beams were added to the ceiling to make the room appear larger and hold lights illuminating the oxen yoke. September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
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fine PROPERTIES
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1 Located in WaterColor on Hwy 30A offering views over the Gulf, Grayton Beach and Western Lake! This six-bedroom beach home offers privacy with easy access to all amenities. Built by award-winning Gulfview Construction with completion in October 2010. For additional information contact Marianne Berrigan-Grant mariannegrant@theppg. net or Brett Arnold (850) 419-1542.
2 This classic Hal Thompson 1930s Tudor has been renovated and expanded over the years in keeping with the original design. The residence has four bedrooms, four baths, a formal room, library, guest room, sunroom, cabana, pool, three room quarters and a basement. Located at 3835 Shenandoah St., Dallas, TX, $3,495,000. Contact Pete Ryan at (214) 957-3547 or pryan@briggsfreeman.com, or Suzie Ryan at (972) 380-7769 or sryan@briggsfreeman. com, susieandpeteryan.com.
retirement living
Edgemere is Dallas’ only resort-style, life care retirement community. Our Tuscan inspired architecture, with abundant gardens and lush landscaping, offers a retreat in the heart of the city with close proximity to the best shopping, dining and cultural opportunities. At Edgemere, there are a variety of apartment home styles and locations from which to choose. Dallas. (214) 265-9100. www.edgemeredallas.com.
Specializing in Real Estate
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7/27/2010 1:44:24 PM
For People Who Appreciate
On 16 sunny acres, Edgemere is Dallas’ premier retirement resort. Nestled between the exclusive Preston Hollow and Park Cities neighborhoods, Edgemere serves up gourmet and casual dining, lively activities, a spectacular fitness center and spa, and its own Performing Arts Theater. Choose from 13 unique floor plans for deluxe apartment homes of all sizes. Edgemere is also Dallas’ only Life Care community, providing guaranteed access to exceptional assisted living, nursing care and memory support at stable monthly rates, shielded from the prevailing cost of long-term care.
With special incentives, including a 90% refundable entrance fee, Edgemere makes a luxurious retirement more affordable than ever. Call 214-717-6324 for a personal tour. Experience Edgemere.
8523 Thackery Street Dallas, TX 75225 September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living 107 www.SQLC.org 214-717-6324 www.edgemeredallas.com
Michael Wilson Photography 2009
beautfy.
The lifestyle at Edgemere.
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FLOOR COVERINGS & RUGS Abbey Carpet & Floor Showroom Texashome.buyabbey.com
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Patina Green Home and Market patinagreen.typepad.com
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booknotes
After the Hunt:
Louisiana’s Authoritative Collection of Wild Game & Fish Cookery Text by Jack Frink Photos courtesy of Chef John D. Folse
L
Louisiana’s rich cultural background and delectable philosophy on cuisine is common knowledge to most Americans. With big game
hunting season around the corner, the Louisiana woods will light up with the sounds of sportsmen and women. However, the Pelican State’s loaded culture and philosophy, and the hunting season that puts it to use, can be mysterious, intricate and intimidating for newcomers on the bayou. September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
109
booknotes
above Chef John D. Folse right Wild Boar Chops
Luckily, there are few people in the country with more in-depth knowledge of hunting and cooking scenarios during game season than nationally renowned Chef John D. Folse. His After the Hunt: Louisiana’s Authoritative Collection of Wild Game & Fish Cookery is all the aspiring hunter (or huntress) needs to get involved in the exciting world of wild game hunting. But a word to the wise: only pick
Venison Osso Buco 6 (1 ½ pound) venison shanks ½ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons butter salt and black pepper to taste granulated garlic to taste Louisiana hot sauce to taste ¾ cup flour 2 cups diced onions ½ cup diced celery ¼ cup minced garlic 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup dry red wine 3 cups chicken stock 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes 2 bay leaves ½ cup chopped parsley 1 tablespoon lemon zest ¼ cup sliced green onions
Yield: 6 Servings Prep Time: 2 ½ hours
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a 14-inch cast iron skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season venison shanks generously with salt, pepper, granulated garlic and hot sauce. In order to keep meat from falling apart during cooking, tie each shank across center with a piece of butcher’s twine. Coat shanks well in flour, shaking off excess. Cook shanks, a few at a time, until golden brown on all sides. Remove venison shanks from skillet, place sideby-side in a large casserole dish and set aside. To the pan drippings, add onions, celery, minced garlic and carrots. Sauté 3 – 5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Pour off any excess oil in pan then add red wine. Bring to a rolling boil then reduce by half while scraping all drippings from skillet. Blend in chicken stock, basil, thyme, tomatoes, bay leaves and parsley. Bring to a low boil then pour entire contents of skillet over shanks in casserole dish. Cover and bake 1 ½ - 2 hours or until fork tender, basting occasionally. When meat is tender, arrange venison shanks decoratively on a heated platter and spoon vegetable sauce from casserole dish over meat. Garnish with lemon zest and green onions. Serve hot over cooked pasta, rice or jambalaya and top with sauce.
booknotes up After the Hunt if you are truly serious about taking up the craft. This is a titanic tome of a book; just as much history and safety guidelines are included as recipes. It takes nearly 200 pages before the book turns its attention to Louisiana and its bountiful hunting grounds. If readers were only looking at the first several sections of the book, they’d be forgiven for thinking that After the Hunt was actually a history textbook. The book’s perusal of the history of hunting causes it to run up against some of the uglier historical events that surround the sport. The depravity and fall of Rome, the destruction of the native buffalo herds and the noxious specter of slavery slide through the reading. The book handles these sensitive subjects well; our history is our history, there’s no getting rid of it. However, the things we regret do not ruin what we love, and once After the Hunt gets the background out of the way it leads to pages packed with succulent, stimulating details. The reader will appreciate hunter life once they finish the book. The backdrop of Louisiana’s eccentric regional character adds additional flavor. The recipes run the gamut from well known standbys, like southwestern grilled duck with chipotle-apricot glaze, to more eyebrow-raising concoctions. Raccoon casserole, anyone? Even the most unusual-sounding dishes are made appealing by Folse’s knowledge and love for his art, though. This book is an impressive addition to any home library. Gourmet cooks could take a recipe a day and still have holdovers a year later. The photography is immaculate. It’s hard to say which pictures are prettier – the lovingly detailed close-ups of prepared dishes or the golden-hour shots of the Louisiana swamps, forests and ponds at sunset. After the Hunt has more information in it than anyone except the most dedicated sportsman and chef would need. Its sheer bulk is as impressive as the vast Louisiana hunting grounds. Once the reader dives in the hunt and the meal afterward take on an added value. This is a gold standard cook book. TH&L
Take an ordinary journey to an extraordinary place
15635 F.M. 2920 • Tomball, Texas 77377 www.arborgate.com • 281-351-8851
September/October 2010 • Texas Home & Living
111
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