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Summer Living Pantone’s Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango

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From the Editors Summer is upon us! Some folks look forward to a new season of fresh produce, while others search for the nearest body of water and any chance to get out of town, and others simply prefer the comforting sound of their AC. Regardless of your favorite summer pastime, we all wait and hope for greater rainfall and cooler temperatures. (Okay, wishful thinking on the cooler temperatures!) Whatever the forecast, there are many ways to enjoy much-needed downtime, whether indoors, outdoors or almost outdoors.

Our cover home is the realization of a long-dreamed retirement hideaway. Winn Wittman Architecture drew from inspiration provided by the homeowners who wanted a re-interpretation of a traditional Texas ranch house. This 21st century version encompasses a modern minimalist design with curves resembling ‘the bones of the earth,’ to quote the homeowners’ vision, and amenities that make it both ecofriendly and comfortable while enjoying the fabulous surrounding views.

Next, a once rustic fishing camp that has survived several phases of ownership over the past half century has at last been recreated as a vibrant yet cozy family retreat. Bright colors add a burst of energy to the living spaces while maintaining a cool and relaxed atmosphere, and might even inspire you to go crazy with color when contemplating a design change in your home. The goal put forth to the design team at Panache Interiors was to create a home that was FUN, and did they ever!

Porches are the epitome of Texas living, whatever the season may be. However, summer brings soaring temperatures and Central Texas mosquitoes, legendary for their size, making relaxing outside all but impossible at times. A screened porch is the perfect solution to enjoying the essence of outdoors in the comfort of almost-outdoors. We feature two Central Texas builders who created perfect spaces, all of different design and use, but still capturing the benefits that only a screened porch can bring.

Each year the Pantone Institute selects a particular color that the organization believes best reflects the tone of the year, worldwide. 2012 brings Tangerine Tango which was chosen for its ability to provide an adrenaline rush while being sophisticated and seductive at the same time. Whatever the intention, it has certainly inspired designers in all fields. We asked local designers how they have made the most of this vibrant hue, incorporating various shades of orange in a variety of applications from subtle to bold. We also highlight products that will make finding that perfect punch of orange simple.

Our entertaining feature spotlights the classic French Bistro, just in time for Bastille Day! Three local chefs share recipes for quintessential French classics and provide tips for creating a quaint bistro experience at home.

We hope that you enjoy all that summer has to offer.

Please be encouraged to recycle.

Trisha Doucette & Leslie Woods, editors P.S. Find us on Facebook at Urban Home Magazine: Austin – San Antonio

On The Cover: Dominant curved beams may be the stylistic feature that provides a contemporary edge in this design, but the home also pays homage to the Texas ranch house. “We wanted the home to relate to the landscape, the context and the architectural vernacular style of the area. We wanted to re-interpret the Texas ranch house in a 21st century form,” Winn Wittman of Winn Wittman Architecture. Page 22.

Scan to view more features of this home.

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2012 | VOL. 7 | NO. 3 Publisher Louis Doucette Editors Leslie Woods and Trisha Doucette Contributing Editors Leonard Guerrero – ABOR David Davison – Austin NARI Justin Bravo – NARI San Antonio Karen Matuszewski – By Design, Real Estate Services & Custom Home Consulting Chris Pearson – Service Tech AV Contributing Writers Claudia Alarcon, Sharla Bell, Jackie Benton, Julie Catalano, Mauri Elbel, Sue-Ella Mueller, Dana W. Todd Advertising Sales Sandy Weatherford Gerry Lair Photography Allison Cartwright/Twist Tours, Julie Catalano, Tre Dunham Manuel Flores, Coles Hairston, Tom Harrell Design and Production Tim Shaw – The Shaw Creative Printing and Direct Mail SmithPrint Phone 512.385.4663, Austin - 210.410.0014, San Antonio Fax 830.981.8887 Business Office 4714 Cambridge / Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Sales Office 10036 Saxet Drive / Boerne, Texas 78006 Email louisd@urbanhomemagazine.com Website www.urbanhomemagazine.com Urban Home Magazine Austin-San Antonio is published by Big City Magazines of Austin, LLC. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent from publisher. Every effort is made to assure accuracy of the information contained herein. However, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Advertising is subject to errors, omissions and or other changes without notice. Mention of any product or service does not constitute endorsement from Urban Home Magazine.

The information contained in this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Urban Home Magazine does not act as an agent for any of the advertisers in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified remodeling, home furnishings or home improvement firm based on your own selection criteria. Urban Home Magazine, does not act as an agent for any of the realtors or builders in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase.

Urban Home Magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Urban Home Magazine, is subject to the Fair Housing Act that states “We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation.

We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.”

© Copyright 2012 by Urban Home Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

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June/July 2012

Contents

cover 22 Casa De Corazon Photography by Coles Hairston

featured home 30 A (Fourth) Life in Living Color Photography by Allison Cartwright/Twist Tours

22

trends 42 Decorating Dare To Tango 60 Outdoor Screened-In Comfort 70 Garden Host Needed For An Unusual Family 74 Entertainment The Soul Of A Bistro

highlights

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42

38 Cost For Peace Of Mind During A Power Outage 48 Why This Space Works, Designer Spotlight: Dawn Hearn 54 Community Service: Urban Home Dream Home 64 Why Hire A Landscape Professional 66 It’s Not The Heat, It’s The Humidity . . .

departments fabulous finds 78 Destination: Fredericksburg

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60

essentials 46 New Products: Tangerine 58 New Products: Summer Living contributing editors 40 David Davison, Austin NARI & Justin Bravo, NARI San Antonio 52 Karen Matuszewski ,

By Design - Custom Home Consulting 81 Leonard Guerrero, ABOR 82 Advertiser Index

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We’ve got great glass

www.VentanaMan.com 512-388-9400

1609 Chisholm Trail #100, Round Rock • 8313 Hwy 71 W., Oak Hill

Casa de

Corazon

By Sharla Bell Photography by Coles Hairston

With two unique directives, a retired chemical engineer and his wife, a high school teacher, challenged

hour northwest of Austin, more than meets these expectations with a beautiful, functional and totally

Winn Wittman, of Winn Wittman Architecture, to design their dream retirement home: “I want the

original, master-planned space. That it manages to look organic and modern whilst bearing an uncanny

house to look like the bones of the earth,” and “I want curves — I don’t want to live in a box — I’m going

resemblance to the rib cage of some prehistoric creature speaks to the vision of the clients and the

to be buried in one.” The finished creation, built on the couple’s 85-acre ranch in Lampasas, Texas, an

talent of the architect.

Inside, a neutral palette infused with bursts of bright color and subtle patterns enhance the space without competing with the architecture and surrounding landscape.

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ittman believes in a thoroughly collaborative process when designing a home; he truly wants the homeowner to be involved every step of the way. When this couple met with Wittman, they brought a small tinfoil model with a swooping roof and explained their desire for the house to look like ‘the bones of the earth.’ According to Wittman, “This was a very powerful metaphor for me as an architect, and we had lots of fun with it. In the end, that’s where the curved beams which start at the wall and form the roof structure came from.” These curved beams, which were fabricated off site and erected in one day, not only give the

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As a re-interpretation of the Texas ranch house, the curving beams and swooping roof make this classic ranch contemporary. house great character, but they are also energy efficient. When the curved beams go inside the home they transition from steel to a laminated wood beam, achieving a ‘thermal break’ so the heat of the exterior is not transmitted to the interior through the steel beam.

Although the beams are the dominant stylistic feature of the home and give it a rather modern look, the home also pays homage to the Texas ranch house. “We wanted the home to relate to the landscape, the context and the architectural vernacular style of the area. We wanted to re-interpret the Texas ranch house in a 21st century form.” To that end, the home is low flung with a simple dog run design, and the team selected chopped limestone and stucco for the façade, and zinc-coated sheet metal for the roof. The couple’s grown children come to visit often, so they needed a two-bedroom guest house, slightly removed from the main structure, connected by the covered breezeway.

Wittman and his clients also considered how the house would work with the expansive landscape. Located on 85 acres and essentially “off the grid, we had to be really sensitive to orientation and we wanted to take advantage of views. The location of the house was carefully selected to do both.” The urbanhomemagazine.com

main windows face north, which is best for sun and for views of the beautifully-rugged terrain. And because of its remote location, rainwater collection is also necessary. The large butterfly roof slopes toward a central gutter, which directs rainwater to an underground cistern. The roof structure is also filled with six inches of soy-based foam which provides great insulation from the Texas sun. Between the thermal break in the beams, the insulation and the orientation, this house was built smart, with electric bills averaging about $80 per month.

With the curving beams and the swooping roof, Wittman clearly took to heart the edict that the couple ‘did not want to live in a box.’ But for all of the exterior’s curvaceous appeal, the interior is a study in clean lines and modern charm.

Simple, efficient and quite elegant, the main living space has an open design that belies the home’s relatively small size of 2,000-square-feet. Wittman called on Lytle Pressley of Lytle Pressley Contemporary to help furnish the home. According to Pressley, “The goal was to integrate the connected open areas into a seamless whole. Thereby, the kitchen, dining and seating areas flow harmoniously with one another. My job was simply to create a backdrop to the architecture that doesn’t compete Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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by the pool and looking out at the landscape, as framed by the steel arches, is a favorite spot of mine. There is something about the rhythm of the arches which is both contemporary and very classical,” adds Wittman.

An added bonus to the home is that it is incredibly fire resistant. “The home is primarily steel, with a steel covered roof, eaves and soffit, and the walls are glass and limestone masonry—all very fire resistant as compared to conventional wood construction,” explains Wittman.

Locals driving by will often slow down to look at the home, which has earned a few nicknames, including ‘butterfly house’ and ‘casa de corazon’ (heart house). This writer prefers the latter.

It seems only fitting that nestled inside the steel rib cage that was at the heart of this dream also lies the heart of the home. v

T R AV E RT I N E

GRANITE

F I N E S T O N E G A L L E RY

with Winn’s vision.” To achieve this goal, they selected a neutral palette of grays, black and white.

Wittman then consulted with Emily Basham-Hoelscher of Urbanspace Interiors to help him bring some color, pattern and energy into the spaces; in Basham-Hoelsher’s words, the home “needed a little moxie. We wanted to infuse the space with just a bit of pattern and bright color, but in small bursts and spaced throughout so that it encourages your eyes to move around and take in the full space. This was accomplished with pillows and bedding from Missoni Home, along with a selection of different vases and sculptural pieces.”

Like Pressley, Basham-Hoelscher was concerned with giving the unique architecture its due. “The challenge was riding the line of enough color and pattern, and too much of it. In such a neutral space, and a space where the view to the outside and the architectural details are the major focal points, you have to have just enough accessories to add life but not too many to compete and feel out of place.”

While a neutral palette governs the main living space, the homeowners selected a riot of blue for the curvilinear bathroom that is tucked in the center of the home. When asked about the round motif in the room, Wittman explained, “The clients are very partial to curves, and in fact, selected our firm because we love curves, too. They would have had more curves, but the budget, structure and functionality didn’t really permit this, so we went all-out in the bathroom.” The round shower, spa tub, sinks, and even the accessories, attest to this fact.

That the homeowners love curves is also evident in the pool they designed with help from both Wittman and Ocean Quest Pools. Wittman explains, “The curved, negative edge is a big part of the drama of the pool when viewed from the home.” The pool is also a great place to take advantage of views. “Standing

A (Fourth) Life in

Living Color

Warm, neutral tones in taupe and grey, along with stark accents of black, provide a perfect backdrop for vivid pops of color and vibrant art.

Circa 1950, a cinder block, bare bones, weekend fishing shack was erected, presumably to facilitate the shelter necessary between lengthy fishing excursions on Lake Austin. In the mid-1990’s, a young couple seeking year-round residence, and seeing an amazing setting around which to build their lives, commissioned Peter Pfeiffer, FAIA, of Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, to remodel and update the cabin, “making it a wonderful setting to enjoy lake living and entertaining.” Pfeiffer did this job so well that the home was even featured on a popular TV show at the time called “Street Appeal.” A decade later, Pfeiffer was called back to the home to remodel it again, this time to make it more family and kid-friendly as well as more energy efficient. Rooms were added, and the interior updated to reflect current style. Now, several years later, another family, this one with older children, has bought this home and brought it full circle, once again returning it to a weekend vacation home, albeit one with considerably more flare than the original.

By Sharla Bell Photography by Allison Cartwright/Twist Tours Courtesy of Panache Interiors

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hen the new homeowners came to Sharon Radovich, Principal of Panache Interiors, they had one very important goal in mind: a super FUN house “that reflected Austin’s cool vibe. The home’s layout with two separate living areas appealed to them so their kids could have their own space to hang.” The previous renovations had already transformed this lakeside house into a mecca for entertaining, with its multiple living areas, large decks and beautiful views.

Radovich and her clients added loads of color, great art and sleeping for 15 (!) to make this the ultimate destination for lake relaxation.

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The previous owners had some to do with charting the course for this newest remodel: the neutral tones they had chosen, the black stone countertops, taupe wood floors, gray cabinets, and beige and gray tiles, made a great backdrop for the vivid colors Radovich introduced into the home.

The new homeowners also bought the home semi-furnished, “with the big treasure being the 79” round glass dining table with ten green leather chairs. I needed to bring the green and black into the great room to balance the kitchen and breakfast.” And thus began a beautiful friendship between bright greens and aqua blues and the neutral finishes that already lived there. Radovich found a fun, floral fabric that integrated the black and green in a playful manner at Collectic Home, which she paired with a black linen fabric for the base of the sofa to add a classic look. She knew “a zebra rug would be a voguish addition,” and she had the Great Rug Company “funk it up with edge strips of green shag and black carpet.” She sourced the green glass coffee table at NEST Modern and the Collectic American Leather black recliners round out the seating. Radovich chose to paint the long wall into three colors, “visually breaking it up to bring balance to the space.” She carried the stripe theme onto the window panels, unifying and adding interest to the great room. The fabulous art in the space comes from local artists. Rebecca Bennett paints serene abstracts in vivid colors, and Radovich commissions work from her for many of her projects. The homeowner found the oversized dice painting by Carlos Ortiz at Collectic Home.

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Each space in the home began to take shape following this same formula: what was great about the space already + fun additions from Radovich and the homeowners that fuse the space into a new creation. In the entry way, the front door was already orange, so Radovich “painted the towering staircase wall to match and stacked metal-rimmed mirrors on it for an inviting entrance to the home.”

At Exteriors Designer Showroom, she found a colorful Company C striped rug that she placed on the floor “to unify the orange entry and the aqua media room.”

The pale aqua ottoman, tufted with orange patterned buttons, was crafted by locally-based Iron Thread Design, and the comical bulldog art was brought from the homeowner’s previous lake house.

Radovich says she “cannot help but smile the minute she walks through the orange entry door — the space energizes me.”

In the media room, the black leather sectional came with the house, and Radovich contrasted the black with bright aqua wall paint for a sense of fun.

She also added a red enamel table from 5 Elements for a pop of color in the

A riot of color, lots of comfy seating and an impressive television set-up make this second living area perfect for the family’s older children and their friends.

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center of the room. The homeowner, a realtor who according to Radovich “has a great sense of style, found the nostalgic photographic art in Houston, and the vivid daisy rug and pillows at Crate and Barrel.” In this space, they clearly created the perfect hangout for the homeowners’ college-aged children.

But at some point, everyone needs to sleep. And there is no shortage of places to lay one’s head in this remodel. With a perfect green hue already painted on the walls of one guest room, Radovich was able “to find a trundle, a triple bunk bed and a chair/chaise/bed to sleep 6 in this room. The client had the quilts and polka dot bedding to add whimsy and a bit of nostalgia.” The ‘bunk’ room is lined with four beds draped in leopard comforters from the homeowner’s previous lake house. Radovich added the lake home’s signature aqua tones and the homeowner found the playful Lifesavers art.

In the master bedroom, Radovich wanted to give the homeowners a restful place to retreat. That first meant extending the wall between the sofa in the great room and the master bedroom, which 34

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Luxurious fabrics in shades of grey

In guest bedrooms, bold walls of aqua

evoke a sense of calm,

and lime provide energy yet seem

allowing the cobalt wall to be art itself.

cooling and comforting.

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originally did not go all the way to the ceiling. Rob Mall Construction raised this wall to the ceiling, eliminating the issue of sound transfer from the great room. Then Radovich set about making the space a haven for tranquility. She “specified a tall Nathan Anthony headboard and upholstered it in textured linen with sketchy gray circles. The organic cotton duvet from Restoration Hardware is accented with a rectangular Ankasa Ikat linen pillow from Wildflower.” She used “the cobalt blue in the accent pillow to anchor the bed, and finished the room with a neutral chair and window panels, whitewashed end tables and a grey rug for a relaxed atmosphere. The crystals on the lamps add a romantic tone.” The deeper hues evoke a sense of calm, successfully giving the parents the respite they will most likely need from all of the young people visiting each weekend.

The art in each space is certainly conversation-worthy, none more so than the absolutely fabulous longhorn painting in the hallway off of the great room. Radovich spotted the longhorn at Art City Austin for a Wimberley ranch Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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project, and at the same event selected a colorful cow for this lake house. But when she showed the cow to the homeowner, she “wasn’t enthusiastic, and said ‘if it were only a Longhorn, I might be interested.’” So Radovich showed her the image of the longhorn painting she had placed in the ranch project and the homeowner “was immediately enamored by it.” They commissioned the Atlanta artist, who uses a technique of applying paint and wax over photographs to give it a unique depth, to paint a slightly different longhorn for the lake house. And now said longhorn holds court amongst a bevy of beautifully-unique pieces of pop art in the home.

When asked what factors are key when designing a lake house vacation home, Radovich replies that one should always “keep it simple. Make it uncluttered and restful. Have amenities that make you feel pampered…whether that is luxury linens, the New York Times, or simply a cold beer.” She also adds that materials should be durable and easy to maintain, after all, a vacation home should be all about the vacation! v

Call Today for FREE Home Assessment

Barley & Pfeiffer Architects 512.476.8580 Barleypfeiffer.com Panache Interiors 512.452.7773 Panacheinteriors.com

2004 Howard Lane, Austin, Texas 78728 512.251.2247 • 800.288.5582 • 512.251.3315 Fax

Rob Mall Construction/Mall Custom Cabinets 512.970.1054 Robmallconstruction.com 36

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www.austingenerator.net

Cost for Peace of Mind During a Power Outage:

Priceless.

D uring any given year, Texans will endure approximately 135 tornadoes, more than any other state in the U.S. And, because the warm, moist air of the Gulf of Mexico and the cool, dry air of Canada cross paths frequently in the Lone Star State, it’s a prime target for all types of storms to gather. Often times, these storms bring with them destruction and devastation, causing thousands of dollars in damage to homes and property.

While Austin Generator Service can’t control the weather, they can help residential and commercial property owners get back to normal following a storm causing power outage, saving hundreds of dollars in potential damage. Within 15 seconds of a power outage, a professionally installed generator from Austin Generator Service will automatically restore power to your home.

“With a generator, there is peace of mind knowing that you will always have access to power no matter what the circumstances. There is not a chance for food to spoil or for 38

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

By Sue-Ella Mueller

My business philosophy is one of high touch customer service; we ensure that our clients are well-educated on their options.

Kurt Summers, Austin Generator Service President and Owner urbanhomemagazine.com

your security system to shut down,” says Joe Rizzo, sales manager for Austin Generator Service. “More importantly in Texas, your air conditioner can continue to operate.”

Austin Generator Service is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving Austin and surrounding area residents since 1978. With round the clock service technicians available, the company has become one of the leading generator sales forces in Texas.

“My business philosophy is one of high touch customer service; we are very focused on customer service and ensuring that our clients are well-educated on their options,” says Austin Generator Service President and Owner, Kurt Summers. “That’s how my dad, Don Summers, built the business and why we continue to be successful today.”

These large, natural gas and propane generators have the capacity to power up an entire household for several weeks. As one would imagine, purchasing such a generator is not a simple task.

There are plumbing, electrical, natural gas and construction issues to consider. And that is where Austin Generator Service stands apart from others in the business.

“We are unique in that we provide turnkey service. We don’t just sell you the generator. We are there from beginning to end, from taking the time to educate you on all you need to know about your options, to bringing in our expert electricians, plumbers, concrete providers, construction crew and more. There is no one else you will need to hire to get the job done,” says Rizzo. “We take the extra time and the extra care to make sure our customers are happy and satisfied. And our 24-hour emergency service team is equipped to provide routine service as well as any emergency repairs, if needed.”

All told, the installation process can take only a few days to complete, with the generator fully functional within a week. Once ready, the system begins to do automatic weekly self-checks that you can monitor through a mounted panel in the garage or home. And additional remote monitoring through your home computer system is also available. Should the system encounter any errors or problems, an alarm sounds so you can investigate the source and determine corrective action. And of course, the service team at Austin Generator Service is ready to help.

In the event of a power outage, the system will automatically connect to the generator through a transfer switch, powering either select, critical circuits or your entire home, depending on the generator size you choose, and all within seconds. You can sit back and enjoy the comfort and security of having emergency power for your family.

“The truth is a generator is not inexpensive; if it were, everyone would have one. But it is an investment worth considering. In addition to peace of mind, these permanently

With a generator, there is peace of mind knowing that you will always have access to power no matter what the circumstances. There is not a chance for food to spoil or for your

urbanhomemagazine.com

security system to shut down.

Joe Rizzo, Sales Manager for Austin Generator Service installed systems add value to your home and I can tell you that all of our clients have been grateful to have their generator systems during a power outage,” says Summers.

“However, it’s just like my dad used to say, ‘We’d rather take the time to educate our customers, even if they decide they simply do not want or need our products, rather than to gain an uneducated customer who isn’t happy with their purchase. Treating others as we want to be treated always pays the highest dividends.” v

512.251.2247/800.288.5582 Austingenerator.net Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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REMODELER’S ADVICE

Make your outdoor living space

enjoyable and sustainable

T

he summer months are upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about enjoying your time spent outside. Decks, patios, pergolas, gardens— whatever your taste, are significant enhancements to your backyard. However, it’s important to identify the most sustainable options for construction.

Sustainability, when it comes to building, takes the total life cycle of the products into consideration: the manufacturing process, durability of products, longevity, recycled content, good craftsmanship and re-usability of the product or material.

The most sustainable option for outdoor areas is interlocking concrete patio pavers. Concrete is one of the David Davison, President, Austin NARI easiest materials to recycle, making the life cycle continuous. Also, concrete is made of sand and rock particles (with bonding agents to keep it together) and sometimes fly-ash components, which is a by-product from the electrical power industry.

There’s another option when it comes to concrete that is good for drainage issues and is healthier for your landscaping. Permeable pavers Justin Bravo, are a special concrete that absorbs President, NARI San Antonio water and releases it into a retainer bed under the concrete which helps retain water run-off.

Another sustainable characteristic of brick or concrete is that materials can be made locally and from recycled masonry.

Bricks can be re-used as the original application or they can be crushed and combined to create a different application.

Masonry products have a wide enough usage in building today that it’s almost impossible not to find a local producer.

In fact, most areas have a manufacturer well within the 500 mile radius of what is considered a sustainable transportation of materials.

In terms of longevity and durability, concrete scores high.

Concrete that is installed correctly outlasts most other types of materials, and it is more durable in terms of weathering outside exposure, especially with a low-VOC sealant. v If a sustainable outdoor area is in your plans, contact NARI to find a contractor with the expertise to create the space of your dreams. Austin NARI: Austinnari.org, NARI San Antonio: Remodelsanantonio.org.

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decorating n Trends

Feeling brave?

High energy?

Daring?

Playful?

Photo by Tre Dunham Courtesy of Bella Villa Design Studio

Dare to Tango The Year’s Top Color is Easy to Incorporate into Decor

By Dana W. Todd

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You might think these are the traits of a homeowner who would go so far as to include the vibrant orangey hue of Pantone’s color of the year, Tangerine Tango, in a home design project.

Surprisingly, some of Austin’s interior designers have discovered ways to incorporate the tangerine colourway in rooms that express modern sophistication, where energy and subtleness co-exist.

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Use Color Outdoors Tangerine is easy to incorporate into outdoor settings, where it is naturally effervescent mingling with flowers and other natural elements. In the Austin home, Radovich used tangerine throw pillows and ceramic side tables as accents on the outdoor deck to provide continuity.

In a San Diego design project, she boldly hung tangerine curtains ready-made from Sunbrella fabric and coordinated with off-the-shelf seat cushions from HomeGoods to bring an exotic air to an outdoor patio. A dark rug and neutral walls, echoed in similarly colored furniture, help tone down the space to make it feel relaxed and not over-invigorating.

Neutral is often tangerine’s best friend, balancing the room and grounding it. Neutrals can enliven an Old World palette.

“Taupes and browns work best with a bright tangerine,” says Villavicencio, “as well as muted lime green.”

Photography courtesy of Panache Interiors

Heed the Siren Call of Subtlety Muted, subtle design may not be the first thought that comes to mind when you think about adding orange to your décor. The color, however, can be surprisingly subdued when used in conjunction with the appropriate accent colors.

“Tangerine is a great accent color, especially for contemporary design,” says Stephanie Villavicencio, RID, ASID, of Bella Villa Design Studio, who has assimilated the color into a few homes she recently designed. She used Sherwin Williams 6601, “Tanager,” for adding lush color in a dining room and living room for an added hint of a red undertone. “It’s not used as an accent in this instance, but it is a more toned down application,” she says.

When Villavicencio designed the living room of the Symphony Showhouse 2010 at The Austonian, she relied on a slightly brighter shade of tangerine on throw pillows and an accent chair to enliven the space. “Tangerine has been used throughout the years but is not like the avocado green of the ‘70s that obviously went out of style,” Villavicencio says.

“It is good for people who like bright colors because it is a lasting color. Still, when a color is this bright, use it in smaller portions through accessories. Then you can change it when you grow tired of it.”

Uplifting yet relaxing is how designer Sharon Radovich, Principal of Panache Interiors, describes the effect of an Austin home she designed for a couple who explicitly requested orange 44

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

throughout the house. “It’s an uncommon color request,” says Radovich, who managed to work in tangerine in most rooms and the outdoor living space. Using hints of Sherwin Williams 6887, “Navel,” Radovich highlighted the recessed dining room wall, producing a modern, artistic backdrop for cobalt dining chairs and ultramodern pendant lights.

Working her way through the house with associate Julie Francis, the Panache team continued to accent in the tangerine colourway, sometimes using quite a bit of it without jarring the subtle aesthetic. Even in large doses, such as in the upstairs entertainment room, they managed to keep the tone restrained, yet stimulating. A custom built pool table with orange cloth and “Fire Swamp” Maniscalco Aussie Dream glass tile on the legs, echoing tile on the fireplace surround, and racing stripes on the wall in Sherwin Williams 6886 “Invigorate” showcase color but still appear restful to the eye.

Splashes of tangerine introduce excitement into rooms without overcommittment. In the Austin home’s office, Radovich worked a tangerine compact sleeper sofa into the corner with a matching bolster pillow, unifying it with lime green chairs snuggled up to a tangerine color-topped tripod table. A kicky tangerine and aqua rug completes the trifecta.

A kitchenette on the other side of the room showcases Anthropologie coral cabinet knobs and a recycled glass backsplash from EnviroGLAS. urbanhomemagazine.com

Go Full-Color If a homeowner is reaching for the “wow” factor, tangerine can sizzle when paired with the right brights. Radovich uses this technique in entryways, where knockout designs are noticed.

In a sassy home renovation project, she painted an entry wall in a mango hue (Benjamin Moore “Mango Punch” 154) punctuated with equally vibrant colors on an Oggetti mosaic tile drum pendant light and tabletop accessories grounded with neutral floors and furniture.

Radovich has been using orange tones regularly in her work since 2008 and believes pops of bright colors, such as aqua, lime green and hot pink work particularly well with tangerine.

“These color combinations evoke tropical, spirited and slightly feminine feelings,” she says.

With all these different ways to use and accessorize with Tangerine Tango, how did Pantone decide 2012 would be focused on this colourway? According to Pantone Institute’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman, the road to an annual color choice is based on her travels worldwide.

She says in the colourlovers.com community blog, “If I see a color that I think is ascending in importance, I make special note of it and then look for evidence in it gaining momentum…

There are so many creative design areas that must be considered including graphics, the world of art, product design, home furnishings and so on.”

With the recent recession fading into the past, she goes on to say in her online interview that tangerine is nearly the opposite of the “downer” gray of the economy, and its choice as color of the year is an opportunity to encourage hope.

Whether it’s a spicy and energizing mood you’re after, or you prefer warm and inviting tones, mixing in tangerine has the ability to transform the climate of your design. v Bella Villa Design Studio 512.443.3200 Bellavillads.com Panache Interiors 512.452.7773 Panacheinteriors.com Pantone Institute 1.866.PANTONE Pantone.com urbanhomemagazine.com

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Tangerine

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1. Stone Solutions carries Fanal’s Chic Tile from Spain, a line of textured and patterned ceramic wall tiles resplendent in vibrant European colors. Stone Solutions.

512.834.9211, Stonesolutions.com.

2. Craving something dramatic and spicy for the entranceway? Choose Arabella Wallcovering in Metallic Gold on Orange Spice by Antonina Vella Designs. York Wallcoverings. 800.375.9675, Yorkwall.com.

3. The Tiburon Bar Chair by Kingsley Bate combines high grade #304 stainless steel, Batyline® fabric and our premium teak. The Tiburon Bar Chairs are sleek, high-end furniture at value pricing. BBQ Outfitters.

512.347.1988, bbqoutfitters.com.

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Investing in a Sport Court® game court does more than add value to your home.

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Our high-performance game courts help reduce injuries and can be custom built to fit your backyard. For more information contact at 1-800-880-0234 or visit us online www.sportcourt-texas.com

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4. From Italy, Bermuda Stripe in tangerine is lightfast, mildew- and stain-resistant, and machine washable.

Due to a special process, color is an inherent part of the fiber, so spilling bleach on it will not cause fading or discoloration. Chella Textiles. 805.560.8400, ChellaTextiles.com.

5. Oggetti’s “Goldenrod” shade features a palette of colors to complement any décor. Made in Venice, Italy, and signed by a master glassblower who uses traditional Italian techniques, the shade can be used for a pendant or a sconce. Lights Fantastic. 512.452.9511, Lightsfantastic.com.

A dream yard for your dream house.

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6. Modern, colorful, stylish and easy to clean. What more could you want? The Jay Swivel Stool by Lumi in white and orange resin! Collectic Home. 512.347.1616, Collectichome.com.

7. The Vintage Blossom Persimmon Pillow proves that pops of tangerine can be calm and elegant as well as bold. The base color draws the eye, but the vintage pattern makes an elegant statement. LOFT Home.

512.377.6857, Lofthome.com.

8. Inspired by sailing yachts, the MAX Cantilever Classic Umbrella by TUUCI offers graceful and generous shade.

It also mixes well with traditional or contemporary design with a polished and anodized marine-grade mast which automatically telescopes. Greenhouse Mall.

Austin: 512.250.0000 or 512.617.8888, San Antonio: 210.558.1818, Greenhousemall.com.

OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPE

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urbanhomemagazine.com

512.339.9313 • sublimepatio.com facebook.com/sublimepatio

works

By Mauri Elbel Photography by Tom Harrell Photography

This elegant room oozes feminine charm.

We sat down with Austin-based designer Dawn Hearn to talk about the elements she pulled together to transform an ordinary guest bedroom into a peaceful retreat perfect for her client’s visiting friends.

What were the design goals for this room?

This was a new home in Spicewood, and I was brought on to design the guest bedroom. The walls were painted and the shutters were already installed, but all that was sitting in the room was an iron bed. My client wanted a retreat for her girlfriends

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SPACE Designer Spotlight: Dawn Hearn of Dawn Hearn Interior Design

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

when they came and stayed. She likes a very tailored look so I wanted it to be rich but relaxing at the same time. The idea behind this room was to make it into a retreat. It is a little softer than the rest of the home. The givens were the wall color – a soft taupe – so we wanted to infuse this room with some character based on urbanhomemagazine.com

this very neutral palette. The inspiration piece was the icy blue background on the floral duvet and pillows. My client saw that fabric and fell in love with it, and we built the rest of the room around that fabric.

I think all these contrasts are what make it interesting. If you did everything shiny or everything rustic, the look would be flat. So when you run the gamut of everything in between, it creates a very layered effect.

What are your favorite elements of this room?

I like the contrasts of this room. There is the contrast of the rich chocolates and cool blues. There is the contrast of the refined mirror finishes on the chests next to the rusty iron bed.

There are vintage washed fabrics combined with more defined modern animal prints. There is a contrast of very simple, neutral walls with the dense pattern of the rug.

How has this room served the owner thus far?

We call this room the girlfriends’ guest suite. I think it really has a restful, calming feel to it. It is a warm and welcoming room. It is not so busy that it is overwhelming; instead, it remains serene and inviting. This is exactly what she wanted. Since the client previously lived in Houston, this room really comes in handy when they have visiting

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Locally owned and managed, Texas Water Solutions is the exclusive dealer for Puronics® Water Conditioning Systems.

Given Hill Country water, the Puronics® Terminator™ is the intelligent solution for high quality water providing great taste, softer skin and hair, without calcium build-up in the home.

Puronics® stainless steel water conditioning systems are EPA registered and certified to NSF/ANSI 44 standards.

Puronics systems feature a 316L stainless steel food grade tank with SilverShield™ bacteriostatic protection, and carry a Limited Lifetime warranty.

guests. They utilize this room quite often, and the owner has told me that her guests love this room. Some comments she has received from her guests are that the room is spa-like, peaceful and soothing.

for art. This is where we found the grouping of travel prints.

The fossil fragments and the lamps are from a line called Aidan Gray. The mirrored nightstands, from Neiman Marcus, add a touch of glamour.

What are some of your favorite “finds” you integrated into the room?

One really neat thing in this room is the floor lamp. That lamp was actually in the attic – it was from my client’s previous home in Houston and it was in pretty good condition so we resurrected it and added a new lamp shade. Another fun thing during this project is that we got the chance to make use of a lot of to-the-trade showrooms. We found several resources here in Austin, but the client also met me at Dallas Market to shop

What sort of feel does this room exude?

It is an elegant room but it is casual enough so everyone can feel comfortable in the space. The color palette helps create that serene feel. Oranges and reds and vibrant colors wouldn’t be nearly as restful. The layers of bedding create a soft, inviting look. v

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Dawn Hearn Interior Design 512.930.0250 Dawnhearn.com

Austin: 512.858.2525 San Antonio: 210.977.8300

TexasWaterSolutions.net urbanhomemagazine.com

CUSTOM HOME ADVICE

Outdoor Living

DON’T LET BUILDING YOUR DREAM Home TURN INTO A NIGHTMARE

We’ve Come a Long Way Baby!

By Karen Matuszewski, By Design – Custom Home Consulting

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chool is out, the days are longer and what better way to celebrate all that is summer than enjoying a beautifully appointed outdoor living area that is part of your custom home or remodel project!

We’ve come a long way from the days when enjoying our backyard was a picnic table on the grass, followed by a 12 x 12 concrete pad outside the sliding glass door that may or may not be covered. Today’s outdoor living areas are al fresco extensions of the home’s interior - just as beautifully appointed. The charcoal grill has evolved into a summer kitchen with professional grade grills, refrigerators, wine coolers, ice makers, stainless sinks and granite counters. Flat screen TV’s let you watch the game while your steaks sizzle, and mister systems keep you cool while relaxing on your beautiful outdoor furniture.

All of my clients want a fabulous outdoor living area as part of their new home or remodel project. Once the vision and budget have been established, the process of identifying the right builder and architect for the project begins. Why do we need both of these in place at the same time? Builders know the cost of what the architect designs – having both working together helps the project costs stay in line. Keep in mind: everything that sits on top of the slab and under the roof is expensive space, regardless of whether or not you choose to put walls around it. It’s important for the builder to know your vision for the outdoor living area so they can calculate your allowances to accommodate what you want included in that space. If your vision includes an outdoor kitchen, then your appliance allowance will need to expand. The same applies to cabinetry, plumbing and AV if those elements are part of your vision. If this is a remodel or an addition to your existing home, then these items ARE the budget.

It’s also very important to consider the cost of accessories in your outdoor living area once the builder or contractor are done – like TV’s, furnishings, planters, maybe some motorized screens?

You need to be sure to account for ALL the parts of the vision so you don’t end up having to drag the original picnic table from the backyard into your new outdoor living room!

As with any project, we dream, we plan, we budget, we execute and we ENJOY! v Until next time, have a question about the home building or remodeling process that YOU would like answered? Want a copy of a previous Custom Home Advice Column? Email me at Karen_ Matuszewski@yahoo.com and you might find the next Custom Home Advice column written especially for you!

Using the services of a professional to help assemble your new home team can save you time, money and frustration. Karen and Rob Matuszewski are custom home consultants who have been helping clients build new homes for 10 years. They have earned numerous designations in home construction from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and can provide references and credentials. Call us today for your complimentary consultation.

Services include: Lifestyle Analysis • Community Selection • Lot Evaluation Builder Interviews • Architect Interviews Call in and talk to us live on • Plan Design Assistance Project Financing Options • Construction Visits E Interior Design/Landscape/Pool Referrals HE AID • Current Home Marketing AI D Gettin’ It Done @ Home & Sale Representation Saturdays 6 to 8pm Talk Radio 96.3 FM & 1370 AM • Interim Housing Assistance

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Proud partners in the URBAN

HOME

Dream Home

By Design Custom Home Consulting Karen & Rob Matuszewski

Real Estate Services & Custom Home Consulting Karen • Karen_Matuszewski@yahoo.com • 512.917.2653 Rob • txrpm@yahoo.com • 512.695.6498 www.KarenSellsAustin.com

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

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Dreaming of Outdoor Living

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2012 Dream Home Comes with Outdoor Frills

By Dana W. Todd

n today’s custom home market, a house is not complete without a proper outdoor living space. To create a home that is as appealing on outside details as inside amenities, builder Kurt Racca of Markee Construction is adding special features to the backyard of the 2012 Urban Home Dream Home in the Canyonside enclave of Rough Hollow community, ready for the future owner of the home.

The best place to start? With a pool, of course. Liquid Assets of Austin and San Antonio is installing a large, family-style pool with attached infinity-edge spa. The oversized spa contains a variable speed pump that pushes up to 120 gallons of water per minute for extra pressure in the jets. A lower filtration rate provides a bonus “green” factor of greater energy efficiency than a typical pool/spa installation. The homeowner won’t have to work too hard to maintain this outdoor amenity: the pool comes with an in-floor cleaning system to eliminate daily hand cleaning. The system cleans the bottom, steps, and benches of the pool and spa. LED lighting increases the sustainability factor by decreasing electricity usage. Automatic controls for lighting and temperature can be regulated through an iPhone or iPad. Jim Wanamaker of Liquid Assets, who has built more than 300 pools in the local area, says he will install handchiseled Oklahoma stone in and around the pool’s edge.

As part of the outdoor ensemble, Racca will include the newest pellet grill from Traeger Grills, “The Select,” in the 54

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Dream Home’s outdoor kitchen. With the largest grilling space available, Traeger’s Select boasts a sleek, black design with stainless steel trim, a separate area to hold wood smoking pellets, and storage capability. “It’s a six-in-one grill that handles grilling, smoking, baking, braising, roasting and slow barbequing,” says Traeger Grills’ Bridget Bertram. Bake bread while grilling a steak or roasting vegetables. The design appeals to homeowners who want the ease of cooking and cleanup

Home, installing a mixture of perennials and annuals, tropicals and drought-tolerant native plants. He is using plants and materials from Land Art’s new facilities, which include an 8.5-acre garden center, a 4.5-acre nursery and tree farm, a 15,000-squarefoot showroom, a landscape supply site, and a 6,000-square-foot retail center selling mowers and related maintenance equipment.

The team of professionals hard at work on the Dream Home’s outdoor living spaces is adding value and aesthetics to complement the Mediterranean-inspired interior design.

“Austin is such an outdoor-focused town, and this home’s location in the Lake Travis community of Rough Hollow means outdoor living areas have to be given as much attention as the home’s interior,” says Karen Matuszewski of By Design Custom Home Consulting. “Today’s custom home buyers expect amazing outdoor living areas, and the Dream Home will not disappoint.” v If you’re considering upgrading your home and want to view the Dream Home, contact real estate consultant Karen Matuszewski at 512-917-2653 before the opportunity slips away to another buyer.

Proceeds from the sale of the Dream Home benefit Ronald McDonald Charities of Austin & Central Texas.

Project Partners Andersen Windows - Bob Garcia 210.218.5991 Andersenwindows.com Eaglewindow.com California Closets - Jill Siegel San Antonio: 210.829.1991 Austin: 512.441.6061 Californiaclosets.com Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. - Jeff Wilde 512.445.5140 Ferguson.com Land Art Garden Center - Sherri Pfenninger 512.264.2622 Landartgardencenter.com Lighting Inc. - Scott Bailey 512.491.6444 Lightinginc.com Liquid Assets Custom Pools & Landscape – Jim Wannamaker Austin: 512.444.5444 San Antonio: 210.680.7665 Liquidassets-pools.com Miele USA - Phyllis Cox 512.791.9664 Mieleusa.com

in one outdoor location. Because the heating element for the pellets is electric, no messy charcoal or smelly propane is necessary – clean burning hardwoods such as cherry, alder or mesquite are used. Bertram says the grill comes with a digital LED thermostat and the company’s three-year warranty.

Pulling it all together, Jon Irwin’s team from Land Art Garden Center is busy implementing the landscape plan at the Dream urbanhomemagazine.com

Service Tech Audio Visual - Lisa Hall 512.456.2800 Servicetechav.com Texas Water Solutions - Tom Crawford Austin: 512.858.2525 San Antonio: 210.977.8300 Texaswatersolutions.net Wilson AC & Appliance – Gay Lynn Wilson 512.894.0907 Wilsonappliance.com urbanhomemagazine.com

Rendering by Liquid Assets Custom Pools & Landscape

Meet the Dream Team Karen Matuszewski – Project Coordinator As a custom home consultant, Matuszewski put together the team that will design, build and sell the house. She is a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) certified green professional and certified new home sales professional, and co-chairs both the HBA Benefit Home project and the 2012 HBA Tour of Homes.

Karensellsaustin.com Kurt Racca – Home Builder Racca, along with partner Mark Schuh, are the principals in Markee Construction, Inc., a custom home company specializing in homes between $800,000 and $1,500,000 with a focus on energy efficiency in materials and design. Creating a home that works for their clients’ lifestyle, personality, and sense of style and budget is a Markee Construction, Inc. trademark. 512.480.9312 Design Visions of austin – Project Architect Founder and partner Curtis Raymond, Jr., along with founder and partner Chad Faucheux, have 18 years of combined experience in the realm of high-end residential architecture. “The homes that we create are not about the designer or draftsman but about the family’s lifestyle and their day-to-day use of the home. Being a smaller firm allows us to be personally involved with each project from start to finish,” says Raymond. Designvisionsofaustin.com Rough Hollow Lakeway – Development Rough Hollow Lakeway is an evolving waterfront community with limestone cliffs and spectacular Lake Travis views. The options are endless with the ability to purchase custom home sites, Yacht Club Villas, custom homes and semi-custom homes.

With the marina, the yacht club, air park, restaurants, the waterthemed Highland Village and Country Club amenities, Rough Hollow offers a lifestyle and a place you will never want to leave.

Roughhollowlakeway.com Austin - San Antonio Urban Home Magazine – Project Media Partner

Urban Home magazine is a bi-monthly, upscale home lifestyle publication that has been published in the Austin market for over 5 years. Its content focuses on local architects and builders, home related products and services, and is presented to readers in a very engaging editorial format. Urbanhomemagazine.com Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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Equipment Sales and Repair

Outdoor Living

Landscape Supply

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Join us from 6 to 8pm every Saturday night on TALK Radio 96.3 FM & 1370 AM WEEK IN REVIEW – Current events were never this much fun in school! Hear He Said’s colorful commentary on Sports and Around the World. Take a look into the She Said mind for Entertainment, Lifestyle and the always Austin popular, Keepin’ It Weird!

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This former Austinite moved to a beach in Mexico where she now runs a stand-uppaddle board rental for tourists! Colorful stories . . . you bet!

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essentials new products

summer living 1. The glorious hues of summer influence the new MacKenzieChilds’ Greenhouse Outdoor collection. Intricately woven of resin wicker over sturdy wrought iron frames in inviting shades of teal, green, pink, white and orange, this collection is easy to care for and made to withstand the elements. MacKenzie-Childs.

888.665.1999, Mackenzie-childs.com.

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2. AMPLIFI™, a new hose powering and storage system by Briggs & Stratton, provides faster and easier outdoor cleaning and watering. It features gentle settings, ideal for watering flowers, and powered settings for tougher cleaning tasks. AMPLIFI is available at Lowes.com. AMPLIFY. Amplificleaning.com.

3. Krups, world leader of kitchen appliances, and Heineken, leader in European Premium Imported Beer, partnered to create the ultimate beer drinking experience at home. The BeerTender system is compatible with Heineken, Heineken Light and Newcastle DraughtKeg systems. The BeerTender silent cooling system provides constant and consistent cooling, and will keep the ideal temperature of 41 degrees F. Krups. 800.387.3995, Krupsusa.com.

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4. Up Country designer collars are perfect for the stylish pet this summer! Made with the finest materials and hand sewn in the USA with over 120 beautiful designs to choose from! Up Country, Inc. 800.541.5909, Upcountryinc.com.

5. Le Mieux Cosmetics introduces the new Vita C Skin Protective Cream (SPF 30 normal/dry), which brightens skin tone while moisturizing and protecting skin against harmful rays. Rich in vitamins B5, E and C, olive oil, shea butter and chamomile extracts, Vita C Skin Protective Cream helps maintain moisture levels in skin, prevents inflammation and hyper pigmentation, and promotes softness, smoothness and elasticity while protecting and reversing damage from stress and UVA/UVB exposure. Le Mieux Cosmetics. 888.327.8188, LeMieuxCosmetics.com 6. Chandon Etoile Rose’ – “Very fine, smooth, silky wine with an elegant mousse or quality of bubbles. It’s pretty full-bodied, with subtle raspberry, peach, vanilla and brioche flavors,” as described by Wine Spectator. It’s perfect for pairing with summer meals from the grill and for July 4th celebrations.

Available at Boerne Wine Company. 830.331.9424, Boernewinecompany.com.

7. ThermaCELL Lanterns are up to 98 percent effective at repelling mosquitoes, black flies, no-see-ums and other flying insects, and offer two illumination settings. Its lightweight design makes for easy transport, and the lantern provides quiet protection in just minutes that lasts for hours. The lantern operates on a single butane cartridge, which heats a mat releasing allethrin, a synthetic copy of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers, creating a 15 x 15 ft. comfort zone. ThermaCell. Thermacell.com.

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Outdoor n Trends

Screened-in Comfort: Bringing the outdoors in

By Mauri Elbel

There is no denying the year-round outdoor beauty that defines the Texas Hill Country: fragrant wildflowers announcing spring; vivid summer sunsets leaving pink streaks on an indigo sky; the splashes of red and gold that paint the trees during fall, and the crisp, temperate breezes that fan our mild winters. When the weather is nice, which is often the case in this part of Texas, it is difficult to find a better place than the outdoors for relaxing, entertaining or sharing a meal.

Since nature’s picturesque perks are often accompanied by unwelcome pests, screened porches provide the perfect compromise for merging the best of both worlds – outdoor beauty with indoor comfort.

Photography by Tre Dunham Courtesy of New Urban Home Builders

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screened porch in South Texas is an ideal way to enjoy our fresh air without inviting Mother Nature’s other creatures,” said Adrianne Peña Carnes, director of operations for Authentic Custom Homes, LLC. “We like to incorporate a screened porch into our designs that highlight beautiful views of the property or the horizon.”

When properly designed, a screened porch can serve as a sustainable feature in a home, integrating light, views and ventilation naturally. Whether it is a simple screened-in space or a state-of-the-art addition, Scott Branc of New Urban Home Builders said the very idea behind a screened porch – an area of the home that provides additional space when the weather is nice – fits within the parameters of green building.

“A screened porch allows you to open up windows or doors without needing air conditioning or heating,” he said. “If the clients like, I will often include a wood-burning fireplace. It is actually another green feature because it is not within the walls of the home and it is still in a protected environment.”

The custom home builder and remodeler said screened porches are one of the elements he considers very important in a home.

Out of all his custom homes, Branc estimated roughly 60 percent of them have screened porches.

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“A screened porch is an extension of the home that provides you with the option for outdoor living while still feeling like it is part of a home,” Branc said. “There is a big difference between standing inside a screened porch verses a covered patio. It just feels more sheltered and protected. You feel more comfortable. And you don’t have to worry about flies and bugs when you are dining.”

Screened porches offer flexibility in both function and ambiance, and Authentic Custom Homes can screen any space to fit its clients’ desires.

“Often, people incorporate a table and chairs into their screenedin space so that they have the option to eat outside,” Peña Carnes said. “We have also built screened porches with an outdoor grill, and often times with a television. The function of these rooms is diverse, but the purpose is always to enjoy the outside without involving the elements.”

While site location is an important factor to consider when deciding which area of your home to situate a screened porch, Branc suggests first assessing it from a functionality standpoint. Depending on the individual project, Branc said there are a myriad of ways to integrate a screened porch into the home. Whether the goal for a screened porch is to serve as a relaxing space off of the main living area, a sheltered sleeping space continuing from the bedroom or an Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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Limestone flooring and painted cedar columns create a sunny extension off of a recent Hill Country-style home. A more contemporary look was achieved on a screened porch in a French Country-style home by using natural stone tile on the floor, painted cedar columns and trim that provide a visual contrast from its more muted stucco backdrop, and sleek black wicker furniture.

And a spacious screened porch featuring an inviting gray and white checkered concrete floor serves as a comfortable and breezy gathering space ideal for sipping morning coffee or evening wine with entry points from its dining room, great room, guest room and master suite.

Proving that screened porches can be as diverse as the clients they serve, Peña Carnes said designs can range from simple stationary screened areas to multi-functional spaces equipped with motorized power screens.

“Typically a screened porch compliments an exterior porch; therefore, fixed screens make sense regarding enclosing an area,” she said. “However, if our clients want to primarily use the space as exterior and simply close it off during parts of the year, then a motorized screen works well.”

While screened porches might add a slight expense to the overall cost of a home, Branc said the benefits far outweigh the costs.

“It is a great way for clients to utilize their space a little more and be able to maximize the time they spend outdoors.” Branc said. “And it’s really not hard to sell people on that.” v

Photography courtesy of Authentic Custom Homes, LLC

outdoor dining space extending from the kitchen, he said the client should first determine the objectives of the space and then consider additional benefits such as natural light and breezes.

“First decide the function – ask yourself what you want to use the space for,” he said. “Then, if you can, you want to set it up to take advantage of the views and wind direction. If the back of your house faces south, a screened porch can really help reduce the amount of sun that filters through your house and helps reduce the amount of heat in your main living space.”

In a recent home located in Spicewood’s Colonia Serendipity development, Branc designed a cedar-framed screened porch to function as an extension of his clients’ main living, dining and kitchen areas. Equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, television capability, speakers, ceiling fans and recessed lights, the open and spacious porch features interior elements which help ease the transition from the indoors.

“It almost feels like you are in part of the house rather than sitting on a covered patio,” Branc said. “When we designed this house and screened porch, a lot of the idea behind it was to have access to the kitchen/dining area. We can open up the sliding doors to make the porch an extension of the living/dining area which basically allows the space to feel more open. When you have 62

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those doors open, it feels so much larger when you are standing in the dining room. It allows that space to continue on. And when the fireplace is lit, you can enjoy that ambiance from the kitchen.

The windows also open up into the space so you can pass food right through from the kitchen.”

Stained concrete gives a rustic touch to the otherwise polished space, but Branc said tiles and wood are other viable options for screened porch flooring, depending on the clients’ desires and the overall design of the home. Stone columns or cut stones are ideal materials to create that not-quite outdoor space, and Branc gravitates toward materials such as Douglas fir beams or cedar siding for a smooth, natural look. But as any savvy designer will tell you, a screened porch should blend flawlessly with the rest of the home.

“Our objective is to compliment the architectural design of the home,” Peña Carnes said. “A porch built with sealed cedar posts feels more rustic while a painted wood porch feels more traditional. We like to use a floor that will hold up well being outside – often we use concrete, limestone pavers or a natural tile.”

While Authentic Custom Homes is known for its Hill Country designs featuring metal roofs, limestone exteriors and large porches, their screened porch designs remain versatile and unique. urbanhomemagazine.com

Authentic Custom Homes, LLC 830.816.7100 Achomes.com or facebook.com/ authenticcustomhomes/ New Urban Home Builders 512.626.0360 Newurbanhomebuilders.net urbanhomemagazine.com

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why hire

A landscape

professional

By Anne Marie Ashley and leslie woods Images courtesy of American Society of Landscape Architects

Well-landscaped property not only increases your curb appeal, but also increases your home value. However, it can seem daunting to design, coordinate and implement a landscaping master plan on your own. Luckily, there are experts who make the project easy — and yes — even enjoyable. We spoke to Nancy Somerville, CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and the local Central Texas landscape professionals at Pearson Landscape Services in Austin, Land Design in Boerne and Homefield in New Braunfels to find out how landscape architects and designers can help create an outdoor space that’s beautiful and functional.

How can a Landscape Professional help homeowners?

“Landscape professionals can help homeowners in several ways,” says Mark Beichler of Pearson Landscape Services. “They bring an expertise on which plants and hardscape materials will work best under the climate and terrain conditions, and can bring a unified plan to the landscape design even if it is to be implemented in stages.” Jason Ratliff of Homefield adds, “A well-designed plan offers a homeowner a vision of what the yard can and will become.”

Unlike interior design, landscape design will grow and change over time, turning the project into an art piece that you can enjoy as it evolves. According to Nancy Somerville, “The most important thing professional landscapers bring to homeowners is being able to look at the space in a comprehensive way. They can see what’s possible, which means that you are targeting your funds and getting the most value.”

What can a homeowner expect from a Landscape Professional?

Whether you go with a firm or an individual, landscape professionals offer a range of possible services from drawing up a master plan, contracting the work, overseeing and maintenance to consulting on a project by project basis. In any case, you can expect a wealth of knowledge on things like appropriate vegetation and their mature sizes, drainage considerations, grading, soils and lighting.

Mike Logsdon of Land Design says, “Landscape architecture goes beyond plantings and vegetation, or what is called softscape.

Hardscape is where the right landscape professional can be of real value to the homeowner. Hardscape is defined as man-made structural features like outdoor rooms, pools, patios, walkways, fountains, fire features, sculpture, garden walls, lighting and fences.

A landscape architect can work with the client to generate a plan with as much detail as needed depending on how difficult the project is and how the client is going to implement the plan.”

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What questions should be asked?

Logsdon and Ratliff both agree that the homeowner should first determine what they are trying to achieve from the space.

Considerations include: how the space is going to be used, and what features are to be included in the project. Once these determinations are made, it’s important to interview several landscape professionals and find the one that you feel most comfortable with. Organizations like ASLA provide information on local resources on their website or you can go on recommendations. Beichler suggests reviewing a company’s portfolio to see if their work appeals to you, and asking for references. Also ask a few basic questions about the company: Do you employ all the people who will be working at my home? Do you carry liability insurance?

How much should homeowners expect to pay?

If homeowners are honest about what they can afford and expect, most landscape professionals will identify what can feasibly get done within a given budget. Somerville suggests it’s smart to invest 5-10 percent of your home’s value into landscaping. “As a rule of thumb, anything that can raise your home’s value more than 10 percent is worth the investment.” v American Society of Landscape Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asla.org Homefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830.626.1971 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homefieldliving.com Land Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830.816.6670 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Landdesigntx.com Land Art Garden Center . . . . . . . 512.264.2622 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Landartgardencenter.com Manuel Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Floresflowers.com Pearson Landscape Services . . . . 512.386.5900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pearsonlandscape.com urbanhomemagazine.com

“It’s always good to dry out the bathroom or any other area that tends to collect moisture on a regular basis. There are all kinds of bacterial and allergen problems that can happen in moist areas, not to mention the problems you find with mold, paint and grout.”

Tony Branham,

president of GTR Technologies

It’s Not the Heat,

it’s the Humidity…

By Jackie Benton

A

nyone who has endured a Central Texas summer will be the first to tell you: It’s not the sizzling temperatures that you should worry about, but the sweltering humidity. Moist, hot, sticky weather is not only uncomfortable, but can also prove dangerous – our bodies feel hotter because we are hotter. A dehumidifier system not only increases everyone’s comfort level, but may actually help reduce the utility bill and even help cut down on allergens. Whether installed during a home building or remodeling project, retrofitted to an already existing home or even installed in a specific area of the home, a dehumidifier can work wonders by keeping everyone cool and comfy as the humidity begins to climb.

“It’s a hidden comfort system that no one seems to talk about in our climate,” admits a mystified Matt Risinger, owner of Risinger Homes, an Austin-based green building and remodeling company. “There are more expensive systems that I install in the homes of my clients that are tied to the furnace and HVAC system. These dehumidifier systems are on a separate box, and run on about eight amps of electricity. They work regardless of the temperature, so when the system’s humidistat says it’s reading a higher level of humidity in the house than it was set for, it begins to run. One dehumidifier unit can take care of

a whole house, and can work with homes that have two AC systems. We have been installing the Ultra-Aire 90H, a standalone unit made by Therma-Stor® LLC, in our new homes with very good results for our homeowners.”

But there are other, less expensive options for those who want to take advantage of the cooling comfort provided by a dehumidifier system.

One solution, Risinger says, is to purchase an inexpensive dehumidifier system off the shelf of a local home improvement store and retrofit it to an already existing home. “The downand-dirty method is to buy a plugin unit, which I’ve done for my own home, that will cost about $300. It’s not as efficient as the built-in systems and requires a little more work on your part, as the more expensive systems are self-contained and these will require you to dump out the water the dehumidifier collects, but it still does a really good job.”

No matter which dehumidifier system is used, Risinger says that the cost savings are realized by not running the HVAC system as much because the dehumidifier system is taking moisture out of the air and homeowners are not setting their HVAC thermostats at extremely low levels to cool off.

“On the days where the outside temperature is 83 degrees and the humidity is at 80 percent, you don’t have to keep turning

“On the days where the outside temperature is 83 degrees and the humidity is at 80 percent, you don’t have to keep turning your AC thermostat down to 72 degrees to be comfortable. You can keep your thermostat at 76 or 77, and set the dehumidifier to 45 percent relative humidity.”

Matt Risinger, owner of Risinger Homes

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urbanhomemagazine.com

your AC thermostat down to 72 degrees to be comfortable,” Risinger explains. “You can keep your thermostat at 76 or 77, and set the dehumidifier to 45 percent relative humidity. We are pretty much comfortable with humidity levels between 40 and 50 percent. If the humidity levels go above that, we’re pretty uncomfortable. You can be very comfortable in your home at 77 degrees if it’s not humid in your home. With the dehumidifier running at about eight amps and the HVAC system using 30 amps or more, you can easily see the huge cost savings of opting to run the dehumidifier instead of your AC.” Although the general opinion is that a properly sized HVAC system will do a good job of cooling a home or building, a dehumidifier system can create a comfort zone that will allow you to run the HVAC system less, agrees Scott Jarman, consulting engineer with Austin Energy . “If you have a good dehumidifier system, you could raise the temperature level in your home and be comfortable because it would allow your body’s cooling system to work better. When you sweat a little, the drier air quickly evaporates the moisture and effectively cools your body. Everyone has experienced days when the temperature is 80 degrees, and the humidity is 80 percent. It’s just sticky, and the air conditioner doesn’t help much unless you turn the AC thermostat way down. In these sorts of conditions, a dehumidifier saves you from having to do that.”

Jarman also notes that a dehumidifier system would be especially helpful in certain areas of the home that tend to be very moist. “A dehumidifier would be useful if you have places in your home that generate a lot of moisture, such as the restroom, or if you have a hot tub in the house.”

In fact, specific rooms that experienced moisture problems were the inspiration behind DewStopTM, a patent pending technology that makes eliminating moisture from a room as easily as turning on a fan switch. “It makes your fan a smart fan, and works either manually or with a humidity and temperature sensor,” says Tony Branham, president of GTR Technologies and the maker of the DewStop system. “Our proprietary software can track your environment by the condensation, so when you’re taking a shower, it can cut on. The system runs for about 20 minutes and then goes through a drying cycle.”

Branham says that there are other benefits to installing a dehumidifying system specific to the bath or other areas of the home that tend to become moist. “It’s always good to dry out urbanhomemagazine.com

the bathroom or any other area that tends to collect moisture on a regular basis. There are all kinds of bacterial and allergen problems that can happen in moist areas, not to mention the problems you find with mold, paint and grout.” v

Why do dehumidifiers work so well to keep us cool, even when the temperature soars?

The body’s natural cooling system of sweating only works if sweat can evaporate from the skin. When the air itself is full of moisture, sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly, and the body has to work harder to cool off. As the body continues to heat up, it loses hydration and important chemicals it needs. The heart and blood vessels are strained as blood is sent pumping to the body’s external surface, and less to the muscles, brain and other organs. The result could be impaired movement, impaired mental function, fainting, heat exhaustion, or in extreme cases, heatstroke.

Weather reports constantly relay the heat index, but what does that mean in real terms? The higher the humidity, the higher the actual temperature feels to the body. For example, a temperature of 90 degrees with a relative humidity of 30 percent feels like 90 degrees. But, if the humidity were to increase to 65 percent, suddenly the temperature outside feels like 103 degrees as the body works harder to cool itself down.

“If you have a good dehumidifier system, you could raise the temperature level in your home and be comfortable because it would allow your body’s cooling system to work better.”

Scott Jarman,

consulting engineer with Austin Energy Risinger Homes is a green building and remodeling company located at 1800 West 6th Street in Austin, Texas, and regularly features green home tips in a green building blog at risinger. blogspot.com. Call their office at 512.535.4063, or visit their website at Risingerhomes.com.

Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) encourages Central Texans to design and construct sustainable homes and buildings as the organization seeks to educate, encourage and lead the transformation of the building industry to a sustainable future. Find out more about upcoming educational seminars, special programs and other events AEGB has to offer by visiting their website at Greenbuilding.austinenergy.com, or call 512.482.5300.

Learn more about GTR Technologies DewStop Condensation Detector by visiting the website at Dewstop.com. For more information about DewStop’s patent pending technology and how it controls humidity and condensation, send an email to fanswitch@ dewstop.com, or call 360.876.2974.

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Don’t Move,

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Closed for Shade or Rain Call for your FREE consultation 210.548.3015 www.equinoxtexas.com

garden n Trends

Host Needed

for an Unusual Family

By Manuel Flores Photography by Manuel Flores

I

magine reading the following personal advertisement: Host needed for an unusual family. The parents, while flighty, have quite refined tastes in spite of their gaudy attire. Their children, however, eat voraciously, defecate with abandon and have been known to spend weeks or months in their own world.

How would you respond to that request?

Surprisingly, many have answered in the affirmative. Some of those hosts might live near you. You, too, might join their ranks.

While many of us see butterflies in our landscapes, their presence is often a fortuitous accident. Instead of relying just on air currents and chance, a few simple strategies can literally bring our landscapes alive.

Attracting the Lepidoptera (the order of insects that includes moths and butterflies) includes what to do and what to avoid. The preparations are not onerous and the rewards are many.

First, you must learn to accept caterpillars and their appetites.

While some authors discuss butterfly gardening strictly in terms of providing nectar sources for the adults, my plan begins at the larval stage. If your plantings include food sources for the juvenile forms, the population of adults will be large. Except for migrating species, most adult butterflies stay quite close to their birthplace.

Second, you must limit the use of most insecticides, even organic pesticides. Your mantra should be, ‘the only perfect leaves are found on artificial plants.’ Once you learn to identify the caterpillars of attractive butterflies and accept some predation of foliage, your butterfly garden can take root.

Some of you might have recoiled at my reference to ‘attractive butterflies.’ Yes, I do discriminate. Why should I make room for the Snout-Nose, Dog-Face Sulphur, or Funereal Dusky-Wing?

My landscape plantings provide food sources for a very select group of caterpillars – Swallowtails primarily, as well as Fritillary and Monarch.

A beginner Lepidopterist is often horrified by the ‘swarm-of-locust’ appetite of caterpillars. It is disconcerting to see an expensive plant defoliated. But the leaves, now recycled as tiny, dark spheres on the ground, will soon re-emerge. Their recovery is hastened by the timely application of so much fertilizer by those thoughtful caterpillars. This elegant system has evolved over millions of years. Because it would be a disadvantage for caterpillars to drive their food source to extinction, we can be assured this is a finely-tuned natural cycle.

urbanhomemagazine.com

Butterflies are not some sort of mechanical drone that can fly all day and night. They do require nocturnal resting places. Ideally, those places should offer protection from wind and concealment from hungry birds. Dense shrubbery situated near nectar sources provides a good shelter.

Butterflies do not live on nectar alone. They are often seen imbibing from puddles or muddy ground. If your landscape does not have such features, they will go elsewhere to find them. It is not just thirst, but the need for minerals that drives this behavior.

A good butterfly host provides nectar sources throughout the growing season. While some encourage the planting of spring nectar-producing flowers, I have found that most spring landscapes, even ‘normal’ ones, are sufficient for butterflies. My emphasis is the autumnal garden. By then, the current year’s crop of caterpillars has matured and the fall migrations bring many more butterflies to my garden. Their visits are rewarded with an abundance of blooms dripping with nectar.

Butterfly gardeners should avoid summer pruning or thinning of trees and shrubs. Once caterpillars have eaten their fill, they climb high and fasten themselves to a twig. Attached, they begin to cloak themselves and start the process of metamorphosis.

If you provide food sources for Swallowtail caterpillars, you should have nectar-bearing flowers throughout the growing season, especially in summer and fall. They can have several generations and should be encouraged to stay and lay eggs where they were born. In addition to planning and planting a succession of blooms, one must also learn to dead-head and to maintain adequate levels of soil moisture – even during summer droughts. In case you are afraid to ask, dead-heading is the removal of spent blooms, usually having nothing to do with The Grateful Dead or their music.

Lepidopterists are often told to place ripe fruit, stale beer or other fermented products in strategic places around the garden to attract even more butterflies. I have never done that because where I’ve seen this practiced, the butterflies fed were not those that appeal to me. However, I would recommend you do this to provide children a place to observe butterflies, since many are drawn to this bait. v Manuel Flores has been providing horticultural knowledge and products for more than 30 years in Central Texas. Visit his website: www.floresflowers.com.

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Caterpillar Food Plants Organized by group attracted.

Fritillary Passiflora caerulea - Argentine Passion Vine Passiflora foetida - Passion Vine Passiflora incarnata – Passion Vine Passiflora X ‘Incense’ - ‘Incense’ Passion Vine Passiflora lutea - Passion Vine Monarch, Queen Asclepias spp. - Mikweed Cynanchum spp. - Milkweed Vine Matelea spp. - Milkweed Vine Skippers Amorpha fruticosa - Lead Plant Amorpha texana - Lead Plant Malvaceae – members of Hibiscus Family Ornamental and Prairie Grasses Other members of the Legume Family Sulphurs Cassia spp. - Cassia, Senna Eysenhardtia texana - Kidneywood Swallowtails Amyris madrensis Amyris texana - Chapotillo Anethum - Dill Aristolochia spp. - Dutchman’s Pipe, Pipe Vine Casimiroa pringlei - Pringle’s Zapote X Citrange hybrids - Citrange X Citrangequat hybrids - Citrangequat Citrus X Changsha - Changsha Citrus X ‘Clem-Yuz 3-3’ - ‘Ten-Degree Tangerine’ Citrus ichangensis - Ichang Papeda Citrus X ‘Ichang Lemon’ - C. ichangensis X C. maxima Citrus X Junos - Citrus ichangensis X C. reticulata var. austera Citrus taiwanica - Nansho Daidai Citrus X Yuzuquat - Citrus x yuzu X Fortunella margarita ‘Nagami’ Citrus X Yuzu - Citrus ichangensis X C. reticulata Esenbeckia berlandieri - Jopoy Foeniculum - Fennel 72

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Helietta parvifolia Lindera benzoin - Spicebush Petroselinum - Parsley Poncirus trifoliata - Trifoliate Orange Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’ ‘Flying Dragon’ Trifoliate Orange Prunus serotina var. eximia - Escarpment Black Cherry Ptelea trifoliata - Hop Tree, Wafer Ash Zanthoxylum fagara - Toothache Tree Zanthoxylum hirsutum - Toothache Tree

Butterfly Nectar Sources

Buddleia spp. - Butterfly Bush (require good drainage in clay soil) Eupatorium havanense - Butterfly Boneset Eupatorium odoratum - Blue Boneset Gaillardia - Indian Blanket Lantana spp. & hybrids - Lantana Lantana montevidensis - Trailing Lantana Liatris spp. - Gayfeather Monarda bartlettii - Bartlett’s Beebalm Salvia coccinea - Scarlet Sage Salvia guaranitica - Big Blue Sage Salvia involucrata - Fuchsia Sage Salvia madrensis - Big Yellow Sage Salvia mexicana - Mexican Blue Sage Salvia regla - Mountain Sage Tagetes lucida - Mint Marigold, Yerbaniz Tagetes palmeri - ‘Copper Canyon Daisy’ Tithonia spp. - Mexican Sunflower Verbesina - Crown-Beard, Frost Weed Vernonia baldwinii - Baldwin’s Ironweed Vernonia lindheimeri - Lindheimer’s Ironweed Viguiera stenoloba - Golden-Eye Many other nectar-producing blooms are visited by butterflies.

The complete list of locally adapted plants would fill volumes. In general, look for blooms that face upward, with a ‘cup’ or receptacle that can hold nectar. Hummingbird attracting blooms, like the species of Salvia, though tubular and horizontally arranged, attract butterflies as well. urbanhomemagazine.com

Capturing Decisive Moments

Photography by

Manuel

Flores thephotonhunt.com

entertaining n Trends

bis·tro (also bis·trot): noun \’bēs-(,)trō: a small or unpretentious restaurant that serves alcohol; a small bar or tavern.

The Soul of a bistro

By Claudia Alarcon

T

he origins of the word bistro are uncertain. According to legend, the word dates to the Russian occupation of Paris in 1815, when Russian Cossacks who wanted to be served quickly would shout ‘bystro,’ meaning ‘quickly.’ However, French linguists don’t accept this theory because there is no notable occurrence of this word until the end of the 19th century. Another theory states that the name comes from a type of aperitif known as ‘bistrouille,’ which is a mixture of brandy and coffee, and precisely the kind of beverage that could be served at a bistro.

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Regardless of the word’s origin, one thing is sure: the soul of a classic bistro is completely French, and embodies simplicity. “A bistro captures a style, a taste, a culture and a look,” says Damian Watel, chef/owner of San Antonio’s beloved Bistro Vatel. “It’s the opposite of a trendy restaurant. Funny thing is, every so often, French bistros become fashionable for small periods. When people get tired of nouvelle, or slick new trends become passé, like they say in France, then the traditional is the obvious answer.”

Recreating the bistro experience at home is easy as quiche. A bistro menu includes simple, classic items with roots in home cooking, although what is served at a bistro in France depends a lot on the region. A typical meal at a bistro would start with appetizers like house-made pâté or terrines, followed by onion soup or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. Classic bistro main dishes include coq au vin, cassoulet, roast chicken, duck confit, steak or mussels with frites, braised rabbit and pot au feu. A substantial composed salad like salad Lyonnaise or Nicoise may be served as a light entreé. Brian O’Neill, owner urbanhomemagazine.com

A bistro captures a style, a taste, a culture and a look. Whether a bistro is de luxe or de base, the traditional style is there.

Damian Watel, chef and owner, Bistro Vatel

urbanhomemagazine.com

of Austin’s new Bistrot Mirabelle, believes a bistro is characterized by accessibility. “You have to keep things simple and have a menu that is accessible to most people,” he states. At Mirabelle, Chef Dan Haverty has added a few unique dishes like lobster pot pie, and others inspired in the French colonies of Northern Africa like Merguez lamb sausage encased in a crusty baguette, and an appetizer of grilled shrimp with spicy harissa sauce.

O’Neill also emphasizes hospitality. “A bistro is a place where everyone feels welcome,” he states, “so good service is a must.”

“My favorite memory of dining in Paris is when I went with my husband five years ago and it was a gloomy, lovely, Parisian evening,” says Soraiya Nagree, owner of La Patisserie.

“Because we didn’t come properly prepared, we didn’t have any rain gear. So once we checked into our hotel, we went somewhere close which, of course, happened to be a bistro.

We had the most amazing French onion soup and a fantastic crème brulee. The simplicity and seemingly ordinary nature of the meal was amazing.” Nagree fell in love with pastry during a childhood trip to Paris, where she walked into a bakery and discovered a case full of pastel-colored macaroons. At her cozy South Austin café she serves classic French pastries like macaroons in seasonal flavors, buttery croissants, Eclairs, cremé puffs and Opera cakes, accompanied by French press coffee or espresso. Other bistro dessert options include crepes Suzette, pain perdu and clafoutis. But if you want to keep it as simple as possible, there is always cheese.

The French enjoy cheese plates for dessert, accompanied by fresh crusty bread, dried fruits and nuts, or fresh fruits such as grapes, sliced pears and figs. Choose three to five selections that are contrasting in taste and texture, balancing sweet with pungent, and firm with creamy. Try to include cow, sheep and goat milk choices for even more variety of flavors. To follow the bistro style, look for locally-made selections like Pure Luck chevre and Veldhuizen Bosque Blue.

No bistro meal is complete without wine. Following the simplicity of the menu, the wines served with bistro meals are inexpensive every day dinner companions. Like the food, they vary regionally, and in most cases, come from local producers. Red and white blends from the Rhône region are sure bets that can be found at everyday prices and will match the food beautifully, and don’t forget the quintessential French summer wine: Rosé!

To create a romantic atmosphere, bistros rely on iconic elements like brass railings and fixtures, marble tabletops and counters, homemade décor and Art Deco. “Whether a bistro is de luxe or de base, the traditional style is there,” says Watel.

To recreate the look at home, set the table with simple white linen, fresh flowers and brass candle holders. Serve bread in a rustic basket, pâté or cheeses over a marble tile from a home improvement shop, and save the crystal wine glasses for another occasion. For further effect, dine al fresco and transport your guests to a Parisian sidewalk cafe. Bon Apetit!

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Glossary of classic bistro fare

Recipe Corner Bistro Vatel Courtesy of Damian Watel, chef and owner

Coq au vin: Chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, garlic and aromatic herbs like thyme.

Method: In a skillet cook the chopped bacon. Add sausage, onions, tomato, garlic and thyme.

Cook together 5 minutes. Add the beans and chicken stock.

Simmer until jus is 75 percent evaporated, and then add the confit. Finish in the oven 5 minutes and serve with a side of Dijon mustard.

Cassoulet: A slow-cooked dish, typical of Southern France, containing white beans and a variety of meats, which include pork, sausages, duck, chicken or goose.

Confit: An ancient process of preserving that consists of salt curing a piece of meat (generally duck legs or pork chunks) and then poaching it in its own fat. The result is incredibly moist meat with a crispy outer skin.

Pot au feu: A hands-on feast of vegetables and cuts of meat boiled in a savory broth, traditionally served in courses, accompanied by toasted bread and savory condiments such as Dijon mustard.

Salad Lyonnaise: Bitter greens (traditionally frisée) topped with crisp bacon, soft cooked eggs and warm vinaigrette.

Salad Niçoise: A bed of lettuce topped with tomato wedges, hard-boiled egg slices, cooked green beans or potatoes, Niçoise olives, tuna canned in olive oil and anchovies, dressed with vinaigrette.

Crepes Suzette: Crepes topped with a sauce of caramelized sugar and butter, tangerine or orange juice, zest and orange liqueur, served flambé.

Pain perdu: Also known as French toast! Usually made with day-old bread soaked in milk and eggs, then fried in butter and topped with fresh or poached fruit, preserves or powdered sugar.

Bistrot Mirabelle Courtesy of Brian O’Neill, owner, and Chef Dan Haverty

CROQUE MONSIEUR

Ingredients: 12 slices pain de mie (sandwich bread or French bread) 6 slices good quality ham 6 slices Gruyere cheese Béchamel sauce For Béchamel: Melt half a stick of butter and stir in 4 tbsp. of flour, stirring constantly to form a roux; add 1 cup of milk and continue stirring. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Method: Spread the béchamel on 6 slices of bread; add a slice of ham and the gruyere to each slice, then top with the remaining 6 slices of bread. Brown sandwiches on both sides in a skillet with a little olive oil.

Bistro Vatel 218 East Olmos Drive. San Antonio, Texas 78212 210.828.3141 Bistrovatel.com

La Patisserie 602 W Annie St. Austin, Texas 78704 512.912.0033 Lapatisserie.net 76

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

TROUT MEUNIERE

INGREDIENTS: 2 trout filets 2 cups seasoned flour (1 tsp. salt, 1½ tsp.pepper for 2 cups of flour) 3 oz clarified butter, divided 1 tsp parsley, chopped ½ tsp capers Salt and pepper

Clafoutis: Pastry crust filled with almond paste and cherries, plums, prunes, apples or apricots, covered with a rich custard-like batter, then baked. v

Bistrot Mirabelle 8127 Mesa Drive, # A100. Austin, Texas 78759 512.346.7900 Mirabellerestaurant.com

1/2 lb sausage 6 slices bacon, chopped 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 1 cup chicken stock Fresh thyme to taste

Method: Lightly dust trout with seasoned flour – tap off excess flour. Place trout in pre-heated sauté pan with 1oz. of clarified butter. Cook over high heat for 1 minute, flip trout and continue to cook until flesh is slightly firm. Remove trout from pan and set to keep warm.

CASSOULET

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked navy or flageolet beans 6 legs duck confit

For Sauce: Sauté 2 oz. clarified butter, chopped parsley, capers, pinch of salt and pepper.

Presentation: Top the trout with sauce and garnish with peeled lemon wheels.

urbanhomemagazine.com

urbanhomemagazine.com

La Patisserie Courtesy of Soraiya Nagree, owner

PâTE à CHOUX SUMMER CRÈME PUFF

Ingredients: 125 g whole milk 125 g water 4 oz unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces 1/4 tsp sugar 1/4 tsp salt 140 g flour 5 eggs (room temp)

Directions: 1. In a heavy bottomed medium saucepan, bring the milk, water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil.

2. Once the mixture is at a rolling boil, add all of the flour at once, reduce the heat to medium and start to stir the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon. The dough comes together very quickly. You need to continue stirring for a further 2-3 minutes to dry the dough. After this time the dough will be very soft and smooth.

3. Transfer the dough into a bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each egg has been added to incorporate it into the dough. Mix until the dough becomes thick and shiny, and when lifted it should fall back into the bowl in a ribbon.

4. The dough should still be warm. It is now ready to be used for the crème puffs.

5. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (190 degrees C). Divide the oven into thirds by positioning the racks in the upper and lower halves of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats.

6. Fill a large pastry bag fitted with a 2/3” (2cm) plain tip nozzle with the warm crème puff dough. Pipe the dough in small 3-inch mounds on the sheet tray. Leave about 2” (5 cm) space in between each dough mound to allow them room to puff. The sizing doesn’t have to be exact; this is a very forgiving recipe.

7. Slide both the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 13 minutes, and then drop the temperature to 350 degrees, rotate the trays and bake for another 7-10 minutes.

8. To fill the crème puffs, use your favorite ice cream, lemon curd or fresh whipped cream, and then drizzle them with chocolate syrup (be creative with the fillings - the crème puff is merely a medium to try out different flavor combinations).

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

77

06 2012

try

Tex a

ill Co

un

Wildseed Farms

sH

Destination:

Fredericksburg Mary Ann McClain

By Julie Catalano

© Julie Catalano

© Julie Catalano

Hangar Hotel Fredericksburg Herb Farm

Rockbox Theater

© Julie Catalano

Photo by NPS

InSight Gallery

LBJ-Texas White House

Supplied by

The Hill Country destination of choice for weary city dwellers, Fredericksburg (pop.

10,530) draws 1.4 million visitors every year with a winning combination of German heritage, Texas hospitality and an almost endless supply of things to eat, drink, see and buy.

Check out the national historic district, charming Main Street shops, wineries, museums, galleries, restaurants, Enchanted Rock, hundreds of bed and breakfasts, and nearby, a bona fide presidential ranch. In a word: Fabulous.

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Hangar Hotel

Hangar Hotel hangarhotel.com 830.997.9990 From the big band music in the lobby to the 40s style diner next to the airstrip, this boutique hotel is like a portal in time. Owner Dick Estenson is the brains behind the adults only, aviation-themed WWIIstyle hotel that has an Officers Club-style lounge, vintage switchboard, conference space, and 50 guest rooms with period replica (full featured) telephones, bomber jacket leather armchairs, and an army blanket on each king-sized bed. “It was built from the ground up,” says Estenson. “With Fredericksburg having the Pacific War Museum and [Admiral Chester] Nimitz being born

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Hangar Hotel

here, it offered us a nice theme to build on.” The real stars are the private planes jetting in and out all day, bringing their pilots and guests for a stay, a private event, or a USO-style dance at the glam, 10,000-square-foot Pacific Show Room. Or just to grab some comfort food – burgers, milkshakes, and mac and cheese are faves – at the Airport Diner. No airplane required.

Fredericksburg Herb Farm fredericksburgherbfarm.com 830.997.8615 The first thing you notice is the scent – of fresh herbs, fresh flowers, the soothing massage oils at Nature’s Spa, and the tantalizing aromas at the Farm

© Julie Catalano

Haus Bistro. Owners Dick and Rosemary Estenson were looking to do “something different and unique,” and their country farm home concept certainly fills the bill. The peaceful setting features 14 Sunday Haus Cottages patterned after the type used by 19th century ranching families, a full service destination spa, and the fine dining bistro that infuses its delectable cuisine with fresh herbs harvested steps away. The Poet’s Haus gift shop carries farm-

© Julie Catalano urbanhomemagazine.com

7415 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78757 • 512.302.3700 www.kitchencraftaustin.com

Uncomplicated Beauty. Competitive Affordability. Polished Service.

Come see what’s new at Kitchen Craft of Austin.

produced items such as soaps, candles, scrubs, shampoos and essential oils. Cottage guests retrieve fresh-baked pastries from their front porch mailbox every morning except Sunday. “The mailbox idea came from our youngest daughter,” says Rosemary, who adds that eventually “all the cottages will be named after herbs,” with a corresponding homegrown bunch at each cottage.

For now, only the lucky resident cats bear herb-themed monikers: Pepper, Yarrow, Juniper, Milkweed and Catnip.

nps.gov/lyjo/index.htm, 830.868.7128

Photo by NPS

Rockbox Theater rockboxtheater.com 830.997.7625

Rockbox Theater

Lyndon B. Johnson State and National Historical Park

© Julie Catalano

A true blast from the past, Rockbox Theater celebrates five years in Fredericksburg this summer, proof positive that good guys – and good, clean entertainment – can finish first. Creative director and head writer Russ Hearn with partner Mike Kinchen bring 60 years of popular music to life every weekend, in a professional level variety show that could hold its own anywhere. The feel-good program changes regularly, but you’re likely to hear hits from Buddy Holly to the Beatles, BeeGees, Blues Brothers, Aretha, Elvis and more in the two-hour show that “always includes a tribute to our veterans,” says Kinchen.

This year two new cast members from Branson joined the firstrate troupe, and “we’re looking at adding more,” he says.

First Friday Art Walk firstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com

Cash in the

© Julie Catalano

A short drive to Stonewall (16 miles east on Hwy 290) and you’re back in the days of the Texas White House where the 36th U.S. president spent one-quarter of his administration working and hosting heads of state. The entire first floor of the house is now open to visitors, including LBJ’s office, their living room, kitchen, dining room and bedrooms. Most of it is identical to when they lived there, down to the dishes in the pantry and the clothes in the closets. Guided house tours ($2 for 18+; free for 17 and under) are 30 minutes, and you can get a free driving permit, maps and a CD tour (on loan) to drive the ranch to see the President’s Birthplace, the Show Barn, and the family cemetery where LBJ and Lady Bird are buried side by side. Unlike other state and national parks there is no admission fee: Johnson donated his ranch to the people of Texas, and as he was fond of saying, “All the world is welcome here.”

More to explore:

National Museum of the Pacific War pacificwarmusuem.org, 830.997.8600 This is the only institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. State-of-the-art displays of Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks and other artifacts, plus a memorial courtyard, Japanese garden, and three-acre indoor/outdoor Pacific Combat Zone exhibit can be viewed.

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites Laboratoire de Design Artisans at Rocky Hill

RS Hanna Gallery

If you think it’s all about bluebonnets, think again. The Fredericksburg art scene has a lot to offer, and the best way to see it is at the monthly First Friday Art Walk where 15 participating galleries show off their regional, national and international art and artists from 10am-8pm. One stunning venue is InSight Gallery, a renovated century-old dry goods store that now houses oils and bronzes by a group of mostly national artists.

RS Hanna Gallery features “a lot of new, up and coming young artists,” says Shannon Gillespie Hanna. Artisans at Rocky Hill features an eclectic group of Texan artists and craftspeople working in just about every media imaginable. “We opened with 18 artists in 2005 and now have about 90,” says owner Anne Bradley. Gallery owners and managers are a welcoming bunch without the hard sell or snooty ‘tude. “We have a laid back way here,” says Sandy Nigh of Whistle Pik Galleries, one of Art Walk’s founding members and home to original as well as estate art. “We want people to really enjoy the art. It’s that Texas hospitality that we try to promote.”

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Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

REALTOR’S ADVICE

carolhicksbolton.com, 830.997.5551 Anybody mourning the closing of Homestead and Friends can take heart: designer and stylist Bolton is back and better than ever in a brand new 14,000-square foot space featuring a beautiful collection of European antiques, linens, furniture, garden items, art and so much more from 15 countries. The “Laboratoire” part refers to Carol and husband Tim’s gift for redesigning and repurposing their treasures.

Wildseed Farms wildseedfarms.com, 800.848.0078 Don’t forget your camera when visiting the 200 acres of wildflowers (blooming from March through October), open air butterfly garden, walking trails and more at the nation’s largest working wildflower farm. Founder and president John R. Thomas has pioneered planting techniques and is a font of information on all things wildflower. The complex also has a nursery, Market Center store, cafe and seeds, seeds, and more seeds to start your own wildflower paradise.

For more information, VisitFredericksburgTX.com, 888.997.3600. v urbanhomemagazine.com

Garden

By Leonard Guerrero, Chairman, Austin Board of REALTORS®

M

oney doesn’t grow on trees, but there’s no reason you can’t make a little green off of the landscaping around your home. Texas’ mild winters and surplus of sunny weather have made outdoor living space increasingly important to Texas homeowners. If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, outdoor additions and upgrades can be a wise investment.

Start by taking a look at what you’re already working with.

Fill in patches in your lawn and remove dead or overgrown trees, stumps and shrubs. Also, don’t forget driveways and sidewalks— cracks, trip hazards and stains can lower your home’s value.

Adding a deck gives you one of the best returns on investment, especially if you do it yourself.

Generally recouping up to 71 percent of their cost in value, according to Remodeling Magazine, decks can be a cost-efficient way to optimize outdoor living space and solve issues, such as unleveled ground. A well-designed patio also boosts home value, especially those that feature a built-in grill or outdoor kitchen.

Surprisingly, costly additions, such as decorative ponds, expensive fences and stone walls, often will not add much to your home’s bottom line. In addition, stay away from plants that require significant time, water and money in upkeep, opting instead for low maintenance plants that are drought tolerant and resilient to hot Texas summers.

Whatever upgrades you choose to make, they should be done with careful planning. Consider your property’s need for sun, shade or wind protection, and avoid features that would hinder movement throughout your property. There’s a limit on what you should spend—as a general rule, the total improvement costs plus the current market value of your house should not exceed the value of any house in your neighborhood by more than 20 percent.

Creating an outdoor living space does not have to be expensive, especially if you do many of these projects yourself. If you’re unsure if an outdoor addition will add to your housing value, consider it from the viewpoint of a potential buyer. Would you pay more for it? v

A DV E RT I S E R I N D E X AUDIO VISUAL

Service Tech Audio Visual www.servicetechav.com 512.456.2800

ASSOCIATIONS

Austin NARI www.austinnari.org 512.708.0637

NARI San Antonio www.remodelsanantonio.org 210.348.6274

CARPET & FLOORING

Schroeder Flooring & Carpet Specialists www.schroedercarpet.com 512.462.1551

CLOSET DESIGN

California Closets of the Texas Hill Country Austin: 512.441.6061 www.californiaclosets.com/austin San Antonio: 210.829.1991 www.californiaclosets.com/san-antonio

CONCRETE REPAIR

Trim-A-Slab www.trim-a-slab.com 512.943.7655

CUSTOM HOME CONSULTANTS

Foursquare Builders www.foursquarebuilders.com 512.944.4520 Markee Construction, Inc. 512.480.9312 Texas Casual Cottages by Trendmaker www.texascasualcottages.com 979.278.3015 Texas Timber Frames www.texastimberframes.com 877.680.1680

HOME REMODELING

Case Handyman & Remodeling www.austin.caseremodeling.com 512.300.2273 CG&S Design-Build www.cgsdb.com 512.444.1580 J Angelo Design Build www.jangelodesignbuild.com 210.882.6263 KM Builders www.kmbuilders1.com 210.680.5626

By Design Custom Home Consulting www.karensellsaustin.com 512.917.2653

Realty Restoration www.realtyrestoration.com 512.454.1661

CUSTOM METAL WORK

Straight & Level Construction www.straight-level.biz 512.577.9297

Christopher Voss – 4th Generation Craftsman, Inc. www.christophervoss.com 210.843.4332

INTERIOR DESIGN

DEVELOPMENTS

Bella Villa Design www.bellavillads.com 512.443.3200

FURNITURE & DESIGN

Austin Countertops www.austincountertops.com 512.835.5100

Rough Hollow Lakeway www.roughhollowlakeway.com 512.617.1776 Catrina’s at the Ranch www.catrinasattheranch.com 830.755.6355 / 210.535.3070 IKEA IKEA-USA.com/livingroom

GENERATORS

Austin Generator www.austingenerator.net 512.251.2247 / 800.288.5582

GLASS & WINDOWS

Anchor Ventana www.ventanaman.com 512.388.9400

GRANITE & STONE

Fine Stone Gallery www.finestonegallery.com 210.889.4809 QDI Stone www.qdistone.com 512.832.0500

HOME BUILDERS

Buffington Homes www.mybuffington.com 512.844.6813

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Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

KITCHEN & BATH

Countertop Valet www.countertopvalet.com 1.888.50.VALET Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery www.ferguson.com Austin: 512.445.5140 San Antonio: 210.344.3013 Homewerks www.homewerkssa.com 210.499.5760 KitchenCraft www.kitchencraftofaustin.com 512.302.3700 Miele www.mieleusa.com 1.800.843.7231 Morrison Supply Company www.morsco.com 512.928.1110 Wilson AC & Appliance www.wilsonappliance.com 512.894.0907

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Land Art Garden Center www.landartgardencenter.com 512.264.2622 Manuel Flores www.floresflowers.com Pearson Landscape Services www.pearsonlandscape.com 512.386.5900

LIGHTING

Lighting, Inc. www.lightinginc.com Austin: 512.491.6444 San Antonio: 210.541.8500 Lights Fantastic www.lightsfantastic.com 512.452.9511

OUTDOOR LIVING

Cozy Outdoor Escapes www.cozyoutdoorexcapes.com 210.276.0734 Equinox Louvered Roof www.equinoxtexas.com 210.548.3015 HomeField www.homefieldliving.com 830.626.1971 Out Back Patio Furnishings www.outbackunlimited.com 830.798.9761 Sport Court www.sportcourt-texas.com 800.880.0234 Sublime Outdoor Living & Patio www.sublimepatio.com 512.339.9313

VOSS CHRISTOPHER

FOURTH GENERATION CRAFTSMAN, INC.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Manuel Flores www.thephotonhunt.com

POOLS & WATER FEATURES

Liquid Assets www.liquidassets-pools.com Austin: 512.444.5444 San Antonio: 210.680.7665

REAL ESTATE

Austin Board of Realtors www.austinhomesearch.com Phyllis Browning Company www.phyllisbrowning.com 210.824.7878

WATER TREATMENTS

Texas Water Solutions www.texaswatersolutions.net Austin: 512.858.2525 San Antonio: 210.977.8300

WINDOW COVERINGS & AWNINGS

Texas Sun & Shade www.txsunandshade.com 512.402.0990

urbanhomemagazine.com

210.843.4332

www.christophervoss.com