39 minute read
Cave of Wonder
Clayton Korte
CRAFTS A SUBTERRANEAN WINE STORAGE AND ENTERTAINMENT AREA ON A HILL COUNTRY RANCH
By Darcie Duttweiler / Photos by Casey Dunn
rian Korte likens a secluded, private Hill Country wine cave project to creating a ship in a bottle. The principal behind architectural design firm Clayton Korte was tasked with designing a wine storage and entertainment space, within an existing man-made cave, on the side of a hill on a 3,000-acre ranch spanning across the Blanco River. And the result is nothing short of stunning — and award winning. The design boasts several accolades (including the Architizer A+ Award, Gray Award, Architecture MasterPrize Award, Residential Architect Design Award, Luxe Red Awards — National and Regional, Residential Design Architecture Award, AIA San Antonio People + Places Merit Award and Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Award) — just to name a few.
When Korte was brought on board the build, the owner and his team had already excavated a cave for the purpose of storing wine. They had originally hoped to unearth a real cave, which isn’t unusual in the area, but when that didn’t happen after digging roughly 75 feet, they decided to transform the empty tube within the hill into a wine cave. Korte, who has worked with several Napa wineries to design their vino storage facilities, was called upon to turn the open area into a place the owner could not only store their 4,000 (and growing) wine collection by leveraging the cool subterranean temperature but also entertain friends and family in a fun getaway from the ranch’s main home.
“It’s kind of romantic, in a way, to store your wine underground, kind of like a hobbit,” Korte laughs.
Given its underground nature, the space was not water tight, nor temperature controlled, proving it a difficult place to actually store the bottles of wine, which need to be at a constant 55 to 58 degrees. So, Korte and his team crafted essentially a wooden box insert (the aforementioned “ship in a bottle”) that would slide into the cave. However, they faced challenges in preserving the cave, while also working within the confines of the cave’s mouth to provide a predictable surface to wed the wooden insert, which not only restrains any loose limestone but can also be completely removed and unassembled should that ever be desired.
“By carefully manipulating the solids and voids of a wooden-box insert, the cave could be concealed and revealed to the occupant, leveraging the good qualities of subterranean construction while protecting from unwanted moisture and darkness,” Korte explains.
The result is nothing short of spectacular. Not only is there enough room for the 4,000 wine bottles in the back but also a wooden bar and comfortable lounge at the front of the cave, as well as a small restroom, so that anyone who indulges would not need to make the five-minute trek back to the main house. The space, while being literally underground, is both modern and sophisticated but also warm and inviting. Because it is built into the side of a hill and blends so seamlessly with its landscape, the wine cave is almost imperceptible until you are in front of its north-facing entrance.
“When you approach the cave, you don’t necessarily see the whole thing right away because of the elevation you’re at and the floor elevation of the cave is several feet lower. So you descend into this little courtyard space, and then things kind of become revealed as you move into it,” Korte says. “It’s quite unexpected. There’s a bit of mystery there.”
Simple, yet rich, domestic materials were chosen for practicality, availability within 500 miles of the project site (mostly from San Antonio or Austin) and for minimal maintenance. Almost all of the wood finishes, vertical grain Douglas fir and white oak, were sourced by Alamo Hardwoods in San Antonio. Salvaged cedar live-edge planks were used for the island top and vanity and were sourced from local sawmill Dupont Cabinetry & Design located in Maxwell. The cedar originated from felled trees in the area as a result of a major 200-year river flood that decimated some incredible cedar and cypress trees, and this project gave those slabs a new life. Dropped wooden ceilings act as a warm contrast to the rugged concrete and stone that surrounds the interior.
Sleek, muted palettes of gray, black and beige from the custom furniture, steel and leather seats, oak table and chairs, and cowhide rug allow the real star of the space — the wine — to be the focal point, along with the complex construction and preservation of the cave itself. Given that there is literally no exterior, as the cave is built into the side of the hill, the space is all interiors with the exception of its entry to connect to the landscape and bring in the light.
“This project is an instrument; a tool or museum that not only provides the utility of proper preservation of wine but also provides a privileged perspective to the occupant. This sense of prospect and refuge as you approach and eventually enter into the cave is a central tenet of the design. It maintains one’s sense of subterranean occupation without the overwhelming environmental conditions that would make one seek to leave. In this way, the cave can be appreciated from the safety of the interior space in the same way the stars can be appreciated from the relative safety of Earth,” Korte says. claytonkorte.com/work/hill-country-wine-cave
Force of Nature
SUSAN DOMELSMITH CABRAL OF CLEAR SPACE FENG SHUI ON HOW TO KEEP THE CHI FLOWING IN YOUR HOME
By Darcie Duttweiler Photos by Dustin Cohen
AS CERTIFIED FENG SHUI CONSULTANT SUSAN DOMELSMITH Cabral explains, water, wood, fire, earth and metal are recognized as being the basis of everything that exists.
“Humans are a combination of all of the elements, so we need a presence of these elements all working in balance with each other in order to thrive and feel healthy in our spaces,” she says.
That’s where feng shui – and Domelsmith Cabral – comes in. She approaches each area in her clients’ homes, offices or retail spaces to analyze the balance of these elements to make sure they are helping to increase clients’ stability and luck.
“The five feng shui elements theory, when applied correctly, can bring enormous improvement to any space,” she explains.
Classical feng shui has existed for thousands of years, and, at its essence, it means the study of movements of wind and water in nature. The study examines how we can replicate that movement throughout our lives – especially in our homes – to feel balanced. It’s all about not cutting off the flow of chi, which is the energy life force.
Domelsmith Cabral, who practices through her company Clear Space Feng Shui, describes the practice as the “acupuncture of your home. It’s all about finding the different energy flows and removing blockages.”
The feng shui practitioner admits she accidentally found feng shui, but knew it was her calling right away. Domelsmith Cabral was originally a jewelry designer who moved to New York City and utilized an interior designer to help decorate her studio. She wanted to learn more, so she headed to the bookstore for some inspiration. After accidentally pulling William Spear’s “Feng Shui Made Easy” from the shelves, Domelsmith Cabral read it cover to cover in the park before signing up for one of Spear’s seminars a few weeks later. The author suggested she practice intuition training for a few years before seriously pursuing the study. During that time she worked at a retail store in SoHo and saw firsthand how feng shui affected customers and how they would react with the products.
Nowadays, Domelsmith Cabral, who has studied both classical and Western feng shui for more than 10 years, helps her clients connect with their homes, whether they’re moving into a new space, building a home from scratch, or simply redecorating. She is also called in when there’s some sort of blockage in her clients’ personal lives.
“A lot of people call me when they’re stuck or stagnant and they feel like something is holding them back,” she describes. “I can help remove any blocks.”
Domelsmith Cabral recounts stories of previous clients who have had big changes after feng shui-ing their homes. One artist client whose career was stagnating was using her wealth space as a storage, and after she decluttered that area she won a big grant for a large solo show at the Brooklyn Museum. At the very least, Domelsmith Cabral says that people notice they feel better and healthier.
So what exactly does she do when she steps into a client’s home? Domelsmith Cabral first sits down with them to see what their goals are. Then she leads them through a meditation to connect them to their home.
“People forget to communicate with their house and be grateful for the house being there for them,” she explains.
She looks for anything stuck, sticking or broken as she tours the space. Floor plans are drafted over Bagua maps from luo pan compass readings to locate lucky sectors. Then, the surroundings are accessed to ensure optimal chi energy flow, and problem areas are identified and cleared.
While Domelsmith Cabral says no two homes are alike when it comes to energy flow, there are some simple and easy first steps she recommends to anyone who may be interested in feng shui.
The entrance of your home is the most important area. It sets the tone of how you feel inside your home, so make sure it’s warm and inviting and easy to access – Domelsmith Cabral hates when people use a cluttered garage to enter their space instead of a front door. Other easy tips are to open your windows to invite the fresh air and natural elements in. Make sure your windows are clean. Remove any clutter that’s sitting around, but also make sure your drawers, cabinets and closets are easy to open and not stuffed to the gills. You should never fight to open a door, she says. If that’s not possible, she suggests “deciding to open doors with love instead of anger.”
Above all else, the energy of your home must be flowing well according to the elements, but at the end of the day Domelsmith Cabral also wants to make sure it’s beautiful and functional.
“It’s all about making subtle changes that support the people who are living in the house and their ideals,” she says. clearspacefengshui.com
Making Your Home Center Stage
MOMBO INTERIORS TRANSFORMS HOUSES INTO HOMES
By Amanda Eyre Ward Photos by Hayden Yates
WHEN I SOLD MY AVENUE G BUNGALOW TWELVE YEARS ago, I did the “staging” myself. I bought brand-new, plush white towels from Target, made the beds neatly, and when there was a showing, took my golden retriever on a long walk. Someone told me to bake bread so the home smelled of fresh bread, but please.
Times in Austin, Texas have changed.
“Today’s buyers really expect the HGTV experience when they tour a home,” says Lynne Henderlong Rhea, founder and owner of Mombo Interiors. “Staging not only increases the perceived value of the home while creating an emotional connection for buyers, but usually translates into higher offers.”
“Online photos of staged homes get more ‘eyeballs,’” she continues. “You want to be a swipe right for your listing. Everyone looks online and in a hot market,
that’s where today’s showings and open houses are. You only get one first impression!”
The staging process starts by hiring a certified home stager for a home consult. Lynne and her team meet with sellers to discuss cost-effective updates to get the highest return on investment. They can also stage a home with furnishings if empty.
“Creativity and problem solving is in my blood,” says Lynne.
I stopped by a Jack Boothe build in East Austin, designed by Architect Dawn Moore of Moore+Tate Projects in the “Modern Casa” style to see Lynne and her team at work. She and Shelley Ahmadi, lead designer, were in the midst of furnishing the home to ready it for sale.
In a sunny living room, Lynne had placed a dove gray couch that called to me, making me want to sink down and admire the view. Next to a built-in coffee maker, she’d arranged a gold tray with coffee mugs, as if beckoning me to make a hot cup and stay a while. In the bathroom, Lynne had rolled snowwhite towels (at least I’d gotten something right in 2009!) and placed a loofah, bath salts, lovely woven baskets and plants. And on bedside tables and desks, she’d drawn from her wide collection of books to stack travel books in one bedroom and a colorful design book in another. It was fascinating to listen to Lynne describe her process. As a Top Ten Best Vacant Home Stager of the Year, she certainly knows her stuff, and is able to conjure the perfect buyer for a home, then create their fantasy interiors. The East Austin home had a pool in a side yard, and Lynne told me how she decided the vacant room that opens into the pool area needed a “pool room vibe.” At the top of the stairs, what could have been a wide hallway had been transformed into a sitting room, complete with coffee table books about the Austin music scene and a cozy throw tossed across one chair.
I spoke with my favorite Austin realtor, Jessica Licona, owner of Licona Team Compass Real Estate, to get her take on staging.
“Staging is the difference of emotionally helping a future buyer connect with the home,” Jessica told me. “In fact, a staged home sells 73% times faster and for more money statistically than a non-staged home.”
I am lucky enough not to be buying or selling right now, but I couldn’t help but dream of how Mombo would transform my lived-in home. My meeting with Lynne was inspiring — maybe I’ll grab some new towels and art books for myself, then sink down into my well-worn couch and admire my own Austin view. mombointeriors.com
A Spark of Brilliance
LWSN’S DAZZLING DESIGNS PROVIDE THE FINISHING TOUCH
By Meher Qazilbash Photos courtesy of LWSN
JASON LAWSON MADE A CAREER OF ADDING a radiance to interiors all over the world. LWSN, the boutique lighting company he founded, creates luxury glass sculptures with a contemporary flare. The masterful craftsmanship shown in all of their projects comes from combining creativity with age-old techniques of off-hand glassblowing.
Lawson’s induction to the world of glass began while studying graphic design at Texas Tech University. After an introduction to the craft in a class, he switched gears, pursuing sculpture and never looking back.
“Glassmaking has been a coveted craft for eons,” says Lawson. “Only in the last fifty years have the techniques been spread across the world. With such a rich history and magical quality, it’s hard not to fall in love with it!”
When taking in a serene and still glass sculpture, we often forget the danger, strength and passion involved in creating such a masterpiece. Following the traditional Italian style of glassblowing, the process of making a design involves scorching temperatures, strenuous physical labor and dexterity.
Lawson explains, “The Crystal Antlers, for example, are made by squeezing, pulling, tugging and cutting a solid blob of 2,000-degree molten glass. All by hand. It’s a team effort; usually two to three artisans are working together in synchronicity to complete each piece. One antler can take up to sixty minutes to create and once you begin, you cannot put it down until it’s done. It’s an intense process.”
The taxing efforts do pay off, and Lawson rose to prominence as a skilled designer in the world of fine art lighting thanks to his work on the Crystal Antler Chandelier. Simultaneously classic and cutting edge, the structure imbues a sense of majesty into every space it enters. It’s the buzz behind this magnificent piece that initiated the development of LWSN.
“I realized there was a niche for sculptural lighting in the ultra high-end arena,” Lawson explains. “I believed we could use this chandelier as a starting point to create something special.”
On a night out on the town he met Carrie Hard, further advancing his dream toward getting realized. Hard had fourteen years of sales and advertising experience in the architecture and design world, and on top of that had a natural chemistry with Lawson. It was fate. She added him to her clientele and from there they began a partnership, in both life and business.
Hard eventually committed to working with LWSN full time and the pair brought this labor of love to new heights. Since their collaboration began, the brand has continued to construct innovative designs and create a variety of bespoke lighting sculptures for private commissions that go to clients all over the world.
“Once Carrie joined the team, she not only brought a wonderful sense of design, she also brought in the sales and marketing experience we desperately needed. Her ability to build trust among clients proved an essential element to our success. In 2016, we established LWSN, and that same year, we were a finalist for the International Design Awards in London. From then on, we’ve been able to permeate the luxury goods market and establish ourselves within it. It’s a fantastic sector of the design world and we are honored to be a part of it.”
LWSN’s distinctive style comes from an array of influences. Inspiration comes from the early 20th century, particularly Art Nouveau and Art Deco, as well as a desire to emphasize balance. An example of this captivating contrast can be found in their combined materials, hand poured bronze and crystal. “Good design embodies both the masculine and the feminine,” Lawson expands. “It creates a harmony between what is and isn’t there and boldly occupies the space. This criteria sets the tone for everything we pursue in our work.” It’s extremely noble to be dedicated to the act of producing beauty. As Lawson describes it himself, LWSN is dedicated to bringing “the ‘Cherry on Top,’ the ‘Crown Jewel,’ the ‘Finishing Touch.’” He expands, “as cliche as it sounds, it’s true. We provide that final spark of brilliance to the space.” lawsonglass.com
Empathetic Spaces to Overcome Homelessness
INTERIORS PROVIDE SECURITY, COMFORT, AND JOY AT COMMUNITY FIRST! VILLAGE
By Britni Rachal Photos by Brittany Dawn Short
FIFTY-ONE ACRES OF CREATIVE, THOUGHTFUL and inclusive structures sit in Central East Austin as a welcome and safe place for up to 300 Community First! Village neighbors. Mobile Loaves and Fishes (MLF) created the village in 2014, opening doors for formerly homeless people to have their own microhomes — each designed with care and a standard four walls that aren’t taken for granted.
“There’s an emotional component in the designs,” says Sarah Saterlee, Director of Architecture and Site Development for MLF. “The structure of the home is something people can latch on to — especially if they haven’t had a place of their own for a really long time — or maybe even their entire lives.”
The village aims to help those most vulnerable in Austin and curb a growing problem. In 2021 the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) estimated 3,160 people are experiencing homelessness in Travis County. Additional statistics indicate around 70% of the homeless live with a disability and 41% of homeless are domestic violence survivors.
Efficiently utilizing 200 square feet, the one-room homes include a bed and a small kitchenette with a crockpot, microwave, coffee maker and a mini fridge. Not individually plumbed, neighbors share nearby community kitchens and bathrooms.
An application and brief interview process help new neighbors get started in planting roots in the community. Once someone has sat down with them and gone over their budget, the neighbors then select which home they’d like. Location within the community is often a deciding factor. But oftentimes, it’s something involving the home’s design, in many cases something as simple as the color of the door.
When it’s time to move-in, a hospitable and well-prepared interior is key to unlocking the door to a stronger future. In some cases, it’s the simplest elements that might provide the warmest welcome. Fully furnished with linens, a stocked pantry and a stocked fridge — the setup allows new neighbors the comfort of not having to leave their new lodgings for at least a week. “There are a lot of ‘mental gymnastics’ to adjust from being in the woods or another open space to having your own four walls,” says Saterlee. “In many cases, people sleep on the floor the first week because they can’t wrap their brain around having a bed.”
Thoughtfully selected and personalized interiors are prepared by a dedicated move-in team. Surveys and questionnaires help the team learn more about residents’ favorite colors and hobbies so those can be incorporated into bedding and wall art.
Creating an environment of beauty and inspiration that’s enjoyable and welcoming for the entire Austin community is also important to MLF team members.
Airbnb options, including the opportunity to rent a teepee, are available through the Community Inn. An Alamo Drafthouse outdoor theatre hosts movies on Friday and Saturday nights, along with neighbor karaoke parties.
One trademark element of the village’s interior existed before MLF purchased the land for the village. The Genesis Gardens allow neighbors a chance to be employed and earn dignified income, as they supervise volunteers who regularly help pick vegetables or plant new seeds.
“It’s a chance to get out there, be hands on, and develop a relationship with someone who is maybe very different from you,” says Saterlee.
The community’s vision is constantly expanding. Phase two of the village will be fully complete mid-2022 with a total of 550 homes. Planning for phases three and four is also underway, with an eventual 1,800 sustainable, durable homes that will hopefully continue to hold up over time, offering legacy, meaningful impact and stories of resilience for generations of Austinites to come. mlf.org/community-first
A Storybook Remodel
MARTHA O’HARA INTERIORS WROTE AN ENTIRE NEW CHAPTER FOR THIS ROLLINGWOOD HOME
By Bryan C. Parker Photos by Andrea Calo 44 FEBRUARY 2022 | tribeza.com
HEIDI FELIZ-GRIMM, A SENIOR DESIGNER AT MARTHA O’HARA Interiors, boasts an impressive range of experiences that have shaped her sense of aesthetics and knowledge of the design industry. Over a span of 11 years, she worked at the largest stone distributor in the Midwest, sharpened her technical prowess at a design-build firm, and learned about cabinetry by working at a manufacturer’s showroom. She began her career with O’Hara in 2015 and now heads the Austin office of the company, which also has an office in Minneapolis.
Feliz-Grimm’s diverse skill set came in handy for a recent project remodeling
a 4,900-square-foot home in Austin’s West Lake Hills neighborhood. After buying the property, the homeowners knew they wanted extensive updates throughout, so they took the interior down to the studs, and retained O’Hara Interiors to redesign almost every aspect of the home’s interior.
Most notably, the homeowners removed walls from a formerly closed off breakfast nook and kitchen to create a large, open-concept space for the living and dining rooms as well as the kitchen. Feliz-Grimm says that when transitioning to an open concept, it requires an even more careful approach to ensure that the space is functional.
“The furniture layout makes a huge difference,” she says. “It’s about knowing what kind of items you can tie together — it all needs to speak to each other.” Feliz-Grimm used a sofa to create some distinction between the living room and the kitchen. However, she made sure to leave the living room open to the entryway, so that arriving guests’ eyes are drawn into the home with a line of sight that leads all the way back to the stunning double doors that reveal a view of the pool.
Creating a casual, comfortable space to welcome and spend time with guests topped the homeowners’ list of priorities. To that end, Feliz-Grimm acquired a large solid wood cocktail table built by Lords Manufacturing to serve as the centerpiece of the residence’s new open area. The table took six people to bring into the room, but with its dark, rich stain and grounding presence, it was well worth the effort. Since the homeowners love entertaining, the piece provides a perfect space to gather with friends and share drinks.
As a counterpart to the bright and airy living room, the residence’s family room offers a cozy
retreat. Anchored by Feliz-Grimm’s deep blue paint selection (Sherwin Williams’ Moscow Midnight), the room also features a pop of green leather on the ottoman at the center of the room and a hearth adjacent to a stylish recliner. Sourced from Thayer Coggin, the sophisticated recliner’s mid-century nod is one of the residences most modern touches. The room feels intimate and pensive, perfect for dimming the lights to watch a movie or curling up by the fire with a book.
To embrace one of the homeowners’ love of reading, Feliz-Grimm designed a vestibule — a small nook furnished with a sofa surrounded by built-in bookshelves — directly outside of the master bedroom. A classic, frosted glass pendant light from Visual Comfort hangs overhead, providing the feel of a studious yet relaxing space to read before heading to bed.
Throughout the home, Feliz-Grimm maintained a transitional design aesthetic. She wanted to ensure that the home’s interior flowed with the home’s traditional exterior elements such as the stone siding and large Tuscan columns — an aim achieved by a delicate balance of updated looks and classic design choices. For example, many rooms feature wainscoting on the walls, but Feliz-Grimm chose to go with the clean lines of flat panel wainscoting. This created a look that felt traditional yet stylish and refined.
If you look closely at a home, it tells a story. From color selections to textures and finishes, careful choices in the design process accentuate the characteristics of the people who live inside it. And a great designer helps create a story that a homeowner sees themselves living in happily. With cozy reading corners and a layout that warmly receives guests, Feliz-Grimm and O’Hara Interiors imagined for their clients an environment that reflects their passions and personalities, allowing the homeowners to begin a new chapter in a gorgeously remodeled residence. oharainteriors.com
Tarrytown with a Twist
A WEST AUSTIN FAMILY’S REBUILD INCORPORATES INTERNATIONAL FLOURISHES AMID CLASSIC DESIGN
By Bryan C. Parker Photos by Avery Nicole Photography
FOR YEARS, JOE AND AUDREY LOPEZ TRAVELED to Mexico and adored the country’s architecture and design, particularly the hallmark arches and vibrant pops of color in San Miguel de Allende, a serene mountain town about 150 miles northwest of Mexico City. Upon realizing they needed more living space shortly after welcoming their second child, the couple decided to tear down their Tarrytown bungalow and build their dream home in the chic Austin neighborhood they didn’t want to leave. Architect Steve Zagorski and builder Bryan Beckworth delivered a stunning and spacious residence the team lovingly dubbed the “classic casa.”
The completed project transformed the Lopez family home from 1,500 square feet to nearly 5,000 square feet, providing a sprawling canvas for Raquel Skrobarczyk, the owner and principal designer for Heather Scott Home & Design. While Scott and Heather Harkoviches founded the firm in 2006 and still manage some of the company’s projects in Arizona, Skrobarczyk joined the company in 2014 and has been one of the firm’s owners and principal designers for the past several years.
For the Lopez family residence, Skrobarczyk turned to timeless design elements to create a space as refined as the luxury hotels to which the family loves to escape, while ensuring that the home is capable of meeting the everyday living needs of a growing family. By using light, neutral shades on larger elements like upholstery, she was able to embrace bold decisions for paint colors and accent walls.
“The entry wallpaper is really a showstopper,” says Skrobarczyk, who chose to make an immediate statement with a bold Phillip Jeffries vinyl paper. Featuring flourishes of bright blue blossoms unfolding on vine-like branches, the deep black wallpaper contrasts with white lamps, brass accents and a pale stone floor laid in a herringbone pattern.
For the duration of the rebuild and redesign of their home, the Lopez family moved to San Miguel de Allende (where else?), creating a slight communication hurdle. Luckily, Audrey and Skrobarczyk have been friends for a decade, which provided the comfort and openness required for such an enormous design project to be executed remotely. Skrobarczyk, who was on maternity leave for several months during the project, put all of her other clients on hold, but found joy in continuing her work on the Lopez residence.
While Audrey preferred classic elements, Joe was excited about emphasizing the twist of Mexican design aesthetics, and Skrobarczyk’s close relationship with the family helped satisfy the tastes of both interests while showcasing dramatic choices.
“That level of trust and friendship was really helpful,” Skrobarczyk says. “I made selections that were a lot more bold, because she was willing to take risks.” In the master bathroom, separate vanities sit on either side of a large open archway that reveals a freestanding Kohler tub positioned in front of a large window, through which daylight cascades beautifully. An antique brass and glass bead chandelier by Visual Comfort hangs elegantly from above. The floors are inlaid with a square pattern using black and white Thassos and Carrara marble.
Skrobarczyk calls Audrey her “most fabulous friend,” and says that she wanted to strive for an interior that would reflect her client’s chic sensibilities. She adds that Audrey has an impeccable wardrobe and always includes a striking accent, a fashionable earring or lipstick shade, that provokes conversation.
With an immense new space to fill, the pair poured over options for furniture and fixtures. “We source from over 200 different trades throughout the world,” says Skrobarczyk. “We can procure items from anywhere, and they’re one-of-a-kind.” Ultimately, the Lopezes furnished not only the newly acquired 3,500 square feet, but also replaced almost all of their existing furniture — updating styles for a fresh look in all bedrooms, the living and family rooms, and the home office. Working with Skrobarczyk, they were able to customize everything to make it perfectly tailored, from the firmness of the cushion fill to the depth of seating pieces to accommodate their specific heights.
The family room, with its abundance of seating — a pair of luxuriously plush sofas and armchairs custom made from Hickory Chair Furniture in North Carolina and a pair of blue velvet swivel chairs — is Skrobarczyk’s favorite space in the house. It operates as the heart of the residence, and from it, the Lopezes can see the courtyard where a large, old oak tree stands. The builders went to great lengths to preserve that beloved tree — a reminder that although they have rebuilt their house, the shared history that made it a home remains unchanged. heatherscotthome.com
A Rare Gem
BALANCING BOLD COLORS WITH NATURAL ELEMENTS
By Bryan C. Parker Photos by Chase Daniel
DESIGNING FOR A SPECULATIVE HOMEOWNER REQUIRES A bold vision and a subtle touch. Such was the demand of firm Kelle Contine Interior Design for a new construction in Tarrytown in collaboration with architects Hugh Jefferson Randolph and builders Capital Construction. With Contine serving as Principal in Charge and Nicki Pérez working as the Lead Designer, the pair relied on the longevity of their experience together to develop a cohesive color scheme, design concept and material palette for the property. Contine has 20 years of experience in design and founded her own firm in 2011. Meanwhile Pérez has more than 11 years of
working as a designer, almost a decade of which she has managed projects for Contine.
“Our team was challenged to design a home with a strong creative vision while also dancing delicately with restraint so as to not push boundaries too far,” Pérez says. After the pair solidified a plan to emphasize rich jewel tones, lighter shades of natural wood and a modern aesthetic with art deco flourishes, Pérez took the helm to fine tune the design and take the project to completion.
“The home is situated in the heart of one of the most architecturally dynamic neighborhoods in Austin — Tarrytown,” explains Pérez. “We were driven by the concept of old meets new with a nod to modernity.” The team took risks, but moved cautiously enough to avoid anything feeling ostentatious or gauche. Nothing feels safe, yet everything is refined.
Early on in the process, the team knew they wanted to extend the home’s exterior brick to interior spaces, which provided a grounding, natural element as a foundation. Varying between sandy brown and limestone white, the Old Chicago brick
allows an occasional charcoal hue to emerge. The lighter shades are echoed in the soft wood hues of flooring and ceiling beams in the residence’s open-concept living and dining area. The darker shades are mirrored by window frames and matte black finishes on lighting fixtures or bathroom hardware. Exposed brick comprises the long wall that leads from the entry into the residence’s living room, culminating in a focal point with the hearth. To offset the brick’s neutral tones, the home reveals bold paint selections and a variety of vibrant tiles throughout the interior.
“We have long admired the deeply saturated hues that come from gemstones and loved that the coloring of jewels are not exclusive to one specific design style, but are more multifaceted, with flexibility that fits into many settings,” says Pérez. One of the home’s most alluring elements, the wet bar adjacent to the dining room, features a particularly stunning sapphire blue mosaic tile laid in a chevron pattern that suggests the glamor of 1920s decor. In the ceiling near the dining table, a skylight invites soft, natural light into the room without sacrificing the intimacy of a private dinner.
The kitchen cabinetry shines with a gorgeous, deep blue paint and balances the subtlety of the backsplash tile. Contrasting with the saturated blue and the dark steel of the contemporary range hood, the solid white tile’s textured geometric lines provide a thoughtful detail without distracting from the drama of the space’s color or complicating the room’s minimalist approach.
The powder bathroom at the fore of the residence shows off with a striking jade green square tile paired with sage green wallpaper with a fish scale pattern. Brass sconces with translucent glass complete the room. Outside the powder room a steel pocket door painted emerald green reveals a cozy study with built-in bookshelves. A marble and brass cocktail table and two navy velvet armchairs sit in front of an accent wall featuring a bold wallpaper with an ornate pattern.
Despite the incorporation of art deco elements in patterns and accents, Contine and Pérez made
sure not to marry the design strictly to one period, even as it maintains a unified and classic feel. The aesthetic reaches out and gently touches a variety of design eras, allowing them to coexist without becoming mired in one mode or falling into an inharmonious sampling of styles. Contine and Pérez’s design for this Tarrytown gem manages to provoke thought with small surprises that yield the sensation of discovering something sophisticated and exquisite. kellecontine.com
Furnishings and Decor, Art, Objects and Gifts Full Service Interior Design Studio 3404 Jefferson Street, Austin TX • www.sparrowinteriors.come
Just Like that: eLite austin transforms homes with staging and furniture rentaL service
In a fast-paced real estate market, Elite Austin offers fast, turnkey furniture solutions to buyers, sellers, and Realtors
Whether you’re selling or buying a home, furnishing the space can be a challenge. But renting or purchasing a furniture and home decor package from staging and design firm Elite Austin not only makes that process effortless but also provides stunning design results. Sellers can use Elite Austin’s staging solution to help sell their home quickly, and buyers can rent or even purchase the furnishings and move into a turnkey home.
We’ve all had the experience of viewing a home and becoming enamored with not just the home itself but the existing design aesthetic and furniture. Buyers who purchase homes from clients using Elite Austin’s furnishing services find themselves in a lucky position, as they’re able to continue renting the furniture, either temporarily while transitioning or long term. Plus, if homebuyers find themselves in love with any (or all) of the chic furniture Elite Austin provides, they can easily purchase directly from the company. In other words, if a potential buyer falls in love with the house as well as the gorgeous mid-century sofa, they can easily have both, without waiting through long lead times or order delays. “All of the furniture in the staged home — including major pieces as well as decor, rugs, and artwork — is available to purchase or to rent temporarily while the buyer is waiting for their furniture to come in,” Elite Austin founder and president Valerie Pierce says. The service also provides an opportunity to try out furniture before committing.
In recent months, global supply chains have been taxed, resulting in “long lead times and shipping delays,” Pierce says. “And it’s going to continue into 2022 — we don’t see an end in sight when furniture is going to stop being expensive and delayed.” That has put a burden on those hoping to acquire furniture quickly for staging a home for sale or furnishing a newly purchased home. However, Elite Austin has a fully stocked warehouse of designer curated furnishings that can be perfectly suited to a home of any size or style. Renting furniture from Elite Austin allows clients to slowly and thoughtfully acquire furniture without having to stretch a budget or rush to fill the home as soon as they move in.
Buyers moving from long distances or into a much larger space can find particular benefit from Elite Austin’s services. “We have people contact us because they’re moving from out of state or want to simply redecorate and can’t get their items here for months, or because they’re starting completely from scratch,” says Pierce. “They need something instant.” Instead of an empty space demanding attention, they find a fully furnished space — in short, not just a house but a home.
This ability to transition seamlessly particularly aids investors purchasing homes for either short term or long term rentals. Without any hassle scheduling moving crews or acquiring new furnishings, an investor can go from closing on a home to renting it in a matter of days. With Elite Austin’s multifaceted applications, real estate agents find great benefit in using the company’s services or counseling both buyers and sellers to do so. Creating an opportunity for the buyer to move smoothly into a home without the logistical worry of furniture provides an added selling point. With access to a vast array of furniture styles — modern, contemporary, or transitional — Elite Austin helps sellers present the best possible version of their home by making any space feel updated and stylish.
The complexities of homebuying involve a vast array of people along the way. Impressively, Elite Austin finds a way to appeal to each person at every stage of the process, evidence of the valuable and vital nature of the company’s staging and furniture rental services.
new native gardens: PLant styLing on a new LeveL
Gone are the days of filling indoor and outdoor spaces with basic pots and boring greenery. There’s a new team in town - New Native Gardens, specializing in custom plant designs, carefully conducted installations, and weekly maintenance plans. New Native Gardens brings world-class planters with striking plant combinations to Austin homes and businesses and brings life to the spaces. Whether flanking the front door, adorning the interior foyer, or framing the pool - potted plants should never be an afterthought. They are the final layer of all exceptional spaces and deserve the same attention as art or furniture pieces. With equal expertise in interior and exterior plant needs for residential and commercial spaces, New Native Gardens approaches each project with individualized attention based on the needs of the environment and the client, and the final product becomes itself a piece of living art.
New Native Gardens was started in 2020 by brothers-in-law Jackson Giles and Matt McKenna. As Lead Designer, Matt, the ‘New’ in New Native, brings 18 years of experience as the former Creative Director of Garden Design at New England’s famed Winston Flowers. Jackson, a native Austinite, handles the business operations and marries local knowledge with his entrepreneurial experience, having graduated from Austin’s own Acton School of Business. They’d been dreaming for years about merging their skills into a family business and are thrilled to now be bringing life to Austin spaces together.
What makes New Native Gardens different from other garden design teams? Their specialty is planters: no traditional landscaping or in-ground plants for this crew. By focusing on container plantings, their care, and intention with each proposal shows. They’re experts in what they do, seeking the best products possible. Each planter selected by New Native Gardens is chosen for its durability, longevity, and artistry. Currently, the favored manufacturer is Belgian pot maker Domani. These artisans handcraft their terracotta pots to showcase their exceptional skill, from the brush strokes of the glaze to the hand-applied patina finishes. Much like heirloom furniture, these pots evoke a feeling of timelessness while displaying a past anchored in decades of craftsmanship.
Your experience with New Native Gardens begins with setting up a design consultation where the team will speak with you about your desires for your design and any recommendations unique to your project. They work both independently with home and business owners and with esteemed local designers (Kimberly Renner and Rachel Mast, to name a few) to ensure that the styling is perfect for your unique environment. Following the consultation, you will receive a detailed proposal outlining all the proposed containers, expertly recommended plant varieties, and the project’s costs. Once the design has been approved, the team then becomes your personal plant shoppers, scouring the local area to find the absolute best-looking plants possible. The team provides detailed care plans for your plants or inquire about their weekly maintenance service.
A newer but rapidly growing business, New Native Gardens still holds true to some old-school values - transparency, honesty, and trust. “Our relationships with our clients are everything, and by having an open dialogue with them through the process, our goal is that they feel that we care and listen,” says Jackson. Matt still gets excited about new projects and new plant-pot combos, even after all these years in the field, and it shows in each consultation, as well as in the final result: “The best part of the process is seeing the vision between myself and the client come to life. It’s so fun to see and so fulfilling to establish that trust.”
Spring is around the corner, Austin. Let these guys bring some life to your space too.
