WATERWAYS
WATERWAYS THE INSIDER’S LIFESTYLE GUIDE TO WEST AUSTIN
THE HOMES ISSUE
THE HOMES ISSUE
Think Spring
APRIL 2022
RENOVATING • DECORATING • LIGHTING • ASK THE EXPERTS
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CONTENTS
40
BOOK LIST 8 / YOUR NEXT COFFEE TABLE BOOK
BEAUTY 12 / FACE FORWARD!
THE HOMES ISSUE
12
16 / WHAT’S TRENDING? 20 / REMODELING IN THE TIME OF COVID 24 / BATHING BEAUTIES 28 / LET THERE BE LIGHT 32 / COLOR YOUR WORLD
ESCAPES 36 / HOUSTON FOR THE WEEKEND? NO PROBLEM!
STYLE FILE 40 / CAN WE ALL WEAR NEUTRALS?
32
MINDFULNESS 54 / HOLISTIC SPRING CLEANING
28
24
36
WATERWAYS THE INSIDER’S LIFESTYLE GUIDE TO WEST AUSTIN
ON THE COVER: Way back to wallpaper? Absolutely! But it doesn’t stop there. We sat down with three
Austin experts to get their take on what’s trending for 2022 in home design. Learn what they told us beginning on Page 15. Cover photo by Cate Black Photography.
THE HOMES ISSUE
Think Spring
RENOVATING • DECORATING • LIGHTING • ASK THE EXPERTS
4 WATERWAYS | April 2022
FROM TOP LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CARSON SKIN REJUVENATION; VOGUE.COM; MOLLY CULVER; KIRSTEN GILLIAM; BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY; ANDREA CALO
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Over the years, the Homes issue has become a regular in our issue theme rotation, and personally speaking, it’s one I really look forward to putting together and putting out into the world. Why? I’ll let you in on a little secret… I’m one of those people who simply can’t resist changing my home interior. Part of it may be because of my short attention span (did someone say SQUIRREL?!), and part of it is because I love the thrill that comes with hunting for the perfect pieces to complete a space. The point is, once I get my house looking just how I like it, you better believe I’m ready to change it up and start all over again. As we’ve put out more and more stories on home design and building, I’ve realized how there’s always something more to learn, something new to consider, something interesting to try in terms of interior design. From my point of view, that means there’s always more fun and excitement to be had in reconfiguring each and every room in my home to be the ideal haven. My home is truly my happy place (with my beloved golden retrievers by my side, of course), so I’m all for putting in more and more love into it to match what it gives back to me.
PUBLISHER: Jackie McGrath jackie@waterwaysmagazine.com
From figuring out the best wall color for a room to choosing the inspire you to think about your home design in new ways so you can join me in making the place that means so much to you better each and every day. Watch: when you come over to my side, you’ll see just how much fun it can be!
COPY EDITOR: Bob Cooper editor@waterwaysmagazine.com OPERATIONS MANAGER: Jamie Twitchel jamie@waterwaysmagazine.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Christy Scott christy@waterwaysmagazine.com
JACKIE MCGRATH PUBLISHER | jackie@waterwaysmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Alison Marlborough; Brio Photography; Molly Culver; Cate Black Photography; Kim Ortiz Portrait Art; Chase Daniel; Annie McArdle Photography; Andrea Calo; Paige Newton; Brandon Hall; Heather Durham; C. Baldwin
6 WATERWAYS | April 2022
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM ORTIZ PORTRAIT ART
best lighting for a space, my hope is that the articles in this issue
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BOOKLIST
Your Next Coffee Table Book
Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally Koval
Austin City Limits: A Monument to Music
The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass
From The Grand Budapest Hotel to
by Tracey Laird and Brandon Laird;
Moonrise Kingdom, Wes
photos by Scott Newton
Anderson’s movies exist in stylishly
Austin is famously branded as the
satisfying worlds with colorful,
“live music capital of the world,”
quirky aesthetics. But such dreamy
but what does that actually mean?
places can also be found in real
For starters, it’s home to “Austin
life; the popular
City Limits,” the longest-running
@accidentallywesanderson
music program on television, which
Instagram page is a good example.
inspired the Austin City Limits
by Alan Stein and Nancy Virts It’s always a delight when a visit to a botanical garden includes the chance to explore an impressive glass conservatory where special species of plants thrive in their carefully built home. The Conservatory presents some of the most notable conservatories around the world, including grand glasshouses in London, Paris, New York City and Kyoto. The book’s stunning photos showcase the architectural might and beauty of the structures alongside information about their history.
Capitalizing on the popularity of this online community,
music festival. Austin City Limits: A Monument
Accidentally Wes Anderson
to Music celebrates this rich history,
presents a selection of these dis-
documenting some of the most
tinct places and the stories
iconic musicians to have graced the
they hold. This New York Times
ACL stage and their memorable
bestseller is authorized by the
performances. If you’re a live music
filmmaker himself (a University
lover, this New York Times bestseller
of Texas alumnus).
is sure to bring a smile to your face.
$35 at accidentallywesanderson.com
$45 at shop.acltv.com
8 WATERWAYS | April 2022
$60 at papress.com
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VORACIOUS BOOKS, AN IMPRINT OF LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY; AUSTIN CITY LIMITS - INSIGHT EDITIONS; PRINCETON ARCHITECTURAL PRESS
Looking to add a bit more personality to your home with some carefully chosen coffee table books? Here are some of our favorites. By Cindy Brzostowski
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BOOKLIST
Finding Home: Shelter Dogs and Their Stories
by Christiane Lemieux
by Traer Scott
Are you a fan of the finer things in
Even if you’ve never adopted a dog
life? The finer things in home décor
from an animal shelter, it’s hard not
are goods that radiate beauty, com-
to be touched by stories of lovable
fort, luxury and a certain timeless-
pooches in need of a second chance
ness that doesn’t fall prey to the ebb
at a happy home.
and flow of trends.
In Finding Home, you can get to
The Finer Things serves as a
know some adorable shelter dogs,
design resource for recognizing and
each with a unique personality that
choosing well-made, long-lasting
shines through the black-and-white
pieces for your home with sections
portraits. After reading their moving
on walls, floors, furniture, textiles and
stories, you may find yourself in-
accessories. The book is an object
spired to welcome a rescue pup into
of beauty itself with its gorgeous
your family. As a bonus, a portion of
design and numerous photographs
the proceeds from the book is do-
of enviable residential interiors.
nated to dog rescue organizations.
$48 at barnesandnoble.com
$20 at papress.com
Weird Homes: The People and Places That Keep Austin Strangely Wonderful by David J. Neff and Chelle Neff; photos by Thanin Viriyaki All across Austin, you can find unusual homes that defy the cookie-cutter, suburban mold and exemplify the pride in “Keep Austin Weird.” Inspired by these quirky gems, husband and wife David J. and Chelle Neff created the Weird Homes Tour to showcase such architectural delights. With Weird Homes in hand, you don’t even have to leave your own house to take a peek at the many weird and wonderful abodes in the city. Flip through the pages to find vibrant images and descriptions of one-of-a-kind dwellings and their inhabitants. $25 at weirdhomestour.com
Texas Hill Country: A Scenic Journey
beauty of the region is captured in
by Eric W. Pohl
proud to live close to the Hill Coun-
One of the perks of living in Austin is
try should be just as proud to have
having the Texas Hill Country as our
such a book at home—and anyone
playground with its rolling hills and
who doubts the beauty of the many
picturesque landscapes crisscrossed
wonders of the Hill Country is sure
by quiet country roads and quaint
to be convinced otherwise by a look
small towns.
through this book.
In Texas Hill Country, the diverse
10 WATERWAYS | April 2022
striking photographs. Anyone who’s
$25 at barnesandnoble.com
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BEAUTY
Waterways publisher Jackie McGrath sat down with Jaime Carson, founder of Carson Skin Rejuvenation, and asked her for spring skincare tips.
Spring Skincare Tips
and pollutants from the pores, which can easily build up in humid conditions.
What changes should I make to my daily skincare regimen as we move from winter to spring?
If you can only afford to invest in one premium skincare product, in what category would that be and why?
Here in Greater Austin, where we experience generally cold winters leading into a warm, humid spring, there are simple adjustments that can be made. If you’ve been running indoor heat during the winter, chances are your skin dried out during that time, so your daily skincare routine needs to be more hydrating and moisturizing. Active products such as retinol and alpha and beta hydroxy acids don’t always play well in dry climates and can cause a lot of irritation. The opposite is true when the climate becomes more humid. Skin tends to do wonderfully with active ingredients when humidity is in the air. I call humidity “nature’s moisturizer.” As the weather becomes warmer and more humid in the spring, you can lighten up on your use of moisturizer and increase exfoliation to brighten your skin after the long, dry winter. For some of us, springtime humidity brings increased breakouts, so adding an AHA/BHA exfoliating pad into your evening routine can keep your pores clear and prevent those breakouts. Detoxifying clay masques are nice to use in the spring, too, because they also pull excess oils
The old adage “you get what you pay for” is not always true when it comes to skincare. When you see A-List celebrities advertising skincare brands in magazines and on TV, remember that you as the consumer are paying for that marketing budget. Sometimes, companies put more money into their marketing than they put into the ingredients in their products. When it comes to choosing which skincare products to invest in, you first need to take into account your unique concerns and prioritize results-oriented products that will improve your skin’s condition. Are breakouts your main concern? If so, you’ll want to invest in pore de-cloggers such as AHA/BHA pads or serums. If hyperpigmentation is your concern, you’ll first want to identify if the problem pigmentation is sun damage, melasma or hereditary age spots. Once you’ve determined this, you can invest in a serum containing the correct blend of pigment regulators for your condition. If you are blessed with “normal” balanced, healthy skin, invest in a topical Vitamin A formula to maintain the cellular
12 WATERWAYS | April 2022
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CARSON SKIN REJUVENATION
Face Forward!
Do I really need an a.m. and a p.m. face moisturizer, or can I just use one—and why? If the moisturizer you are using does not contain sunscreen, you can absolutely use that product in the morning and evening. In fact, one of my favorite vitamin creams is designed to be used morning and night. Nighttime is a wonderful time to use more active serums because you are not competing with sun exposure, which tends to oxidize some of the product sitting on our skin. I love creating simple hydrating and sun-protective morning routines for my clients while having them follow a reparative skin routine at night.
Serums, creams and AHAs—oh my! In what order should I apply these—and why?
health of your skin. And if you are on a budget, invest in the products that stay on your skin for hours rather than high-priced cleansers, scrubs and masks that get washed off quickly.
Can I use my regular moisturizer for my eyes, or do I need a separate eye cream—and why? The skin around the eye is some of the thinnest skin on your body. This delicate skin can be prone to milia—those little white pearls that seem to pop up under the skin out of nowhere—and the veins and capillaries around this area show through more easily than other areas of the face where the skin is thicker. I recommend using an eye gel or cream that is formulated for this tender skin because it truly is different from the skin on the rest of the face. Plus, the eye area tends to exhibit its own unique set of issues such as puffiness, crepey texture and bluish pigmentation. If you are prone to milia, stick with a gel texture around the eye rather than a cream.
Confusion over how to use such products is the reason that many of my clients end up accidentally irritating their skin. With so many active ingredients in products that are sold, always bolstered by testimonials, it’s easy to feel like you are missing out if you are not using “everything.” But unless you are layering serums that are designed to be worn at the same time, you can end up stressing and irritating your skin instead of rejuvenating it. My advice is to stick with one serum and one cream at a time. This means that you can use a lactic acid serum at night beneath your moisturizer and a hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C serum during the day beneath your chosen moisturizer. Just don’t layer multiple serums unless you’re being guided by either a licensed esthetician or a dermatologist. As for layering, you want the textures to go from thinnest to thickest, always ending with an SPF if it’s daytime. Follow this order: (1) Cleanse. (2) Tone (if you are using a toner). (3) Apply your serum (because those molecules are smaller, they will not be able to penetrate deep into the skin as intended if you try to put them over the top of a thick product like a moisturizing cream). (4) Apply moisturizer or facial oil to seal in the moisture. (5) Top with SPF during the day. Easy! Another reason why you should consider using serums is that your moisturizer is there to protect your skin’s moisture from evaporating off the surface. It seals in your skin’s moisture and protects your skin’s barrier. A serum is your worker bee. Serums are cosmeceuticals meant to solve skin problems—for example, by providing extra Vitamin C and antioxidants to protect skin from oxidative damage, providing a brightening effect or retexturizing and smoothing the skin while lightening hyperpigmentation with the use of an AHA blend. There is a serum option for every skin condition. Serums come in handy as we age and find that simply keeping the skin moisturized is no longer enough to give us the visible improvement we are looking for in the appearance of our skin.
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 13
Refresh , RENEW,
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA CALO
Transform
TREND UPDATE, CHOOSING THE RIGHT WALL COLOR, REMODELING YOUR HOME, AND MORE... April 2022 | WATERWAYS 15
What’s
TRENDING? EXPERTS DISCUSS CURRENT TRENDS IN HOME DESIGN By Cindy Brzostowski What’s “in” today isn’t necessarily what was “in” yesterday, and that certainly holds true for interior design. There was a time when wood paneling and wall-to-wall shag carpets were all the rage. Today? Not so much. We asked some local experts to share their thoughts on home design and construction choices that are particularly popular at the moment. OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS
Stephanie Lindsey, principal
Dave Hernandez, managing
Audrey Scheck, founder
designer at Etch Design Group
partner of ROOST Custom Homes
of Audrey Scheck Design
etchinteriordesign.com
roostcustomhomes.com
audreyscheckdesign.com
16 WATERWAYS | April 2022
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 17
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE LINDSEY PHOTOS. PORTRAITS BY (L-R): ALISSA CORDOBA; KATIE JAMESON; BRITTNEY VIER PHOTOGRAPHY
18 WATERWAYS | April 2022
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE LINDSEY PHOTOS. OPPOSITE PAGE: CATE BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY
Q: What’s your advice for people following trends in home design? Scheck: If you are hesitant about diving headfirst into a “trend,”
Q: What are some of the hottest home design trends you’re seeing these days? Scheck: Mixing metals in bathrooms is becoming increasingly popular, and I love this trend because it allows homeowners and designers to be really creative when choosing plumbing hardware, cabinet hardware and wall accessories. The trend of not having everything match really opens the door when it comes time to source pieces for the bathroom.
Lindsey: Since the pandemic hit, homeowners are moving toward more private spaces in their homes to create time for individual productivity and increase emotional health. Although some pre-pandemic societal tendencies have returned, a good portion of commercial offices have chosen to maintain remote work, forcing homeowners to evaluate the open floor plan and how effective it is for their families with remote learning for children and working from home for parents. Hernandez: With the significant increases in the costs of con-
I always suggest starting small to test the waters. Try mixing metal finishes in your decor pieces instead of with your plumbing hardware. An example would be using a brass bowl to style a surface in your home and placing it next to a black metal picture frame. You could also start small by mixing patterns in your textiles instead of on your walls. To do this, simply choose pillows or throw blankets in varying patterns and blend them on the same bed or sofa.
Lindsey: Our advice is always to follow what you love. Some trends speak to you, and others don’t. It’s always helpful to have timeless elements in a design, but if you are really needing a change and want something that’s trendy, just be aware that you may need to replace it sooner rather than later. Hernandez: We always advise our clients to put their money behind the walls. Build a solid structure, install great systems and make sure the home is efficient. Use materials that will last, and use quality tradespeople to install them. Trends come and go. You don’t know what the next trend will be, so choose the things that speak to you now. Changing out cabinet hardware or light fixtures in five or ten years will be a pretty easy and painless thing to do to freshen up your home.
struction, clients and architects are becoming more efficient with their designs. We’re seeing more houses in the 3,000 to 4,000 square-foot range rather than 5,000-plus as we had in the last few years. Also, alternative wall treatments tie into the “less white” trend—less white drywall. We’re seeing a lot of wall and ceiling treatments, such as wallpaper, tile and wood ceilings and walls.
Q: What’s your favorite recent trend in home design—and why? Scheck: I really love the trend of televisions that double as artwork. We use them in our clients’ living rooms and bedrooms all the time as a way to trick the eye into thinking that there is artwork on the wall when it’s actually a television. The Samsung Frame TV is our favorite as it allows you to customize the bezel that surrounds the TV. Lindsey: We love that home design has become more colorful! We have seen more colorful choices instead of neutrals in accents, art and even wallpaper. It gives life to spaces and definitely personalizes each space. Hernandez: I don’t like that building prices are so high, but I do like that we’re trending toward more compact homes. I would rather build a great 3,500-square-foot house than try to spread that same budget over 5,000 square feet. People have had to learn to adapt their environment to meet changing needs over the last couple of years. The guestroom that used to go unused 350 days a year is now a full-time home gym or office or classroom.
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 19
20 WATERWAYS | April 2022
Remodeling IN THE TIME OF COVID
HOW TO DEAL WITH SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS IN YOUR HOME PROJECTS By Cindy Brzostowski
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOLLY CULVER
More than two years into the pandemic, one of the many ripple effects still being felt is the disruption in the home construction and renovations supply chains. Demand has outstripped supply, there’s a shortage of materials, costs have risen and deliveries are being delayed. Add the fact that Austin is experiencing a building boom and a labor shortage in some of the trades and you can easily see why some home improvement projects have been progressing slower and with more difficulty than in the past. Jessica Love, principal and interior designer of Austin’s Urbane Design, expects that we’ll have to deal with this reality for a while until there’s a market slowdown. So, what should you do if you want to start a remodeling project before then? We asked her for her advice on handling just that.
Pick the Right Team First and foremost, Love strongly recommends hiring quality contractors and designers, noting that this is especially important because Texas doesn’t require a license for general construction. As for designers, Love urges homeowners to check the scope of their expertise, whether it’s furniture design, remodels or new construction. Hiring the right professionals the first time around can save you a lot of trouble in the future, especially when the unexpected happens. “There are only horror stories about these trades, in my opinion, because people search for the cheapest and not the best,” Love says. “You will get what you pay for every single time!” >>
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 21
Jessica Love’s Checklist for Choosing a Designer or Contractor > Understand the difference between a designer and a decorator.
you’re upset, upset,when whenyou you don’t a selection or when you don’t likelike a selection or when you have have budget concerns. budget concerns. “Sometimes, people will refrain from sharing feedback, thinking it may hurt my feelings,” Love says. “I encourage open and honest communication as my emotions are removed from this part of the process. My goal is always to design for the individual.”
> Understand the differences among designers and contractors. > Check their references for other projects your size. > Review designer portfolios, and ensure they have a website and a positive reputation on social media. > Interview a multitude of designers and contractors to ensure they meet your criteria. > Ensure that the designer and contractor specialize in whatever your project encompasses, whether that’s remodeling or new construction. > Find out if your contractor has in-house employees or subcontractors and why.
Manage Expectations, Expectations, Practice PracticePatience Patience Love says it has never been more necessary to set realistic expectations. “Don’t pay attention to HGTV—it is not real,” she notes. “The budgets are not real, the timelines are not real, and often the designers and contractors are not really as [proficient as] they say. It leads to disappointment.” “There will always be a designer or a contractor who says they can do it sooner or cheaper, but they are either greatly misinformed or orlying,” lying,” Love Love adds. adds. “Expect “Expect delays, delays, expect expect back back orders, orders, expect expect the unexpected.” the unexpected.” While delays can understandably be frustrating, it’s crucial to exercise some patience. “There is so much that is outside of vendors’ and suppliers’ hands,” Love says. “You must remain patient and trust the teams you have hired to get you to completion.” In the end, says Love, you should love the end result.
> Ensure that the designer and contractor offer sound agreements or contracts. > Check that both the designer and contractor carry insurance. > Understand the contractor’s warranties. > Ensure that your designer and contractor work well together.
remodeling Another important step that should make the remodeling industry’s current current challenges: challenges: process smoother amid the industry’s Ensure that your design and build team are adept at collaborating so that the finished result will turn out as you envisioned. “I recommend someone going into this process to be explains. diligent in their interview with each party,” Love explains. “That means asking specific questions, such as, ‘Do you you collaborate collaborate with have a specific style you prefer, or do you the client?’” By knowing how your designer and contractor work individually as well as together, Love says you can get a clear picture of what the process should look like for you in between that before before and and after after photo. photo.
Communication Is Key When working with your design and build team, Love says regular communication communication can make everyeverythat honest and regular smoother. That means, for example, example, sharing sharing when thing run smoother. 22 WATERWAYS | April 2022
PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY BYBY MOLLY MOLLY CULVER CULVER
Stop, Collaborate and Listen
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Bathing
BEAUTIES HOW TO TACKLE A BATHROOM REMODEL By Cindy Brzostowski
Bathroom, restroom, powder room, water closet… Whatever you call it, we all have at least one at home, and while it may not be the most glamorous of spaces, it’s easily one of the most important rooms in the house. If you’re less than satisfied with how your bathroom looks or is working for you, you may be envisioning a remodel in the near future. But what do you need to know beforehand to make the project a success and, importantly, as stress-free as possible? Sharing some of her bathroom remodeling expertise is Allison Jaffe, the owner of Allison Jaffe Interior Design.
REASONS TO REDO THE LOO
24 WATERWAYS | April 2022
THE DOMINO EFFECT Once you decide to remodel your bathroom, you might realize that tackling one project can easily lead to another. Countertops, for example. “It’s not as easy as one, two, three to switch them out because you could potentially damage the adjacent tile,” Jaffe explains. “If there is a fourinch countertop splash, you’ll probably have a little paint and patch after the new counter install.” “When considering new plumbing fixtures for your shower and you would like to change brands,” she continues, “keep in mind that you’ll need to redo the tile as well. That’s because the valves must stay consistent with the
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY
According to Zillow in December 2021, bathroom remodels were the most popular home improvement project being considered for 2022 across the U.S. As for why, we can make some good guesses. First, from a financial standpoint, a bathroom remodel offers one of the best returns on investment compared to a remodel of other rooms, increasing your home’s sale value. Second, it’s one of the most-used spaces in any home. “This is where people go to relax. This is where we shower, bathe and decompress,” Jaffe says. “A bathroom is a space where you’re going to wash away the day, so you really want it to be in alignment with who you are, and that’s going to come through in the selections that you pick.”
manufacturer.” In other words, Jaffe says that those internal parts in the walls must match the external parts of the shower controls. This domino effect can be a deterrent to those who aren’t dedicated DIYers and those who aren’t comfortable working with plumbing. This is one reason why Jaffe is a big proponent of working with professionals. “There’s a difference between a quick-fix Band-aid solution when remodeling your home and taking the time to invest in your home’s ROI and your peace of mind when the project is complete,” Jaffe notes. “That’s why I feel that hiring an expert professional to guide you through this process will always save you time and money in the end.”
AN EXPERT INVESTMENT When choosing the professionals to work on your bathroom remodel, Jaffe urges people to invest in a qualified team and not to be tempted by cheap labor or cheap materials. “Saving money should never be an end goal,” she says. “Investing in value is paramount.” Jaffe says you should be sure that whoever you hire to do tiling, for example, understands waterproofing, will take the time to ensure consistent grout lines and knows about edging (so you aren’t left with a raw edge). “There are so many nuances to the construction portion of a project where hiring a skilled tradesperson, contractor >>
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 25
or designer can help you capture all of the details necessary to execute a well-thought-out plan,” Jaffe says. “It’s less about the materials and more about who you’re hiring that makes it a successful project.”
DO YOUR RESEARCH
TWO FINAL TIPS As you move forward with your bathroom remodel, Jaffe has a couple more tips for you to keep in mind. The first one addresses how to maximize space. “I like to remove the walled-in linen cabinet and convert that space into usable cabinetry,” Jaffe says. “It’s amazing how much space you gain when you remove a typical four-inch wall. That’s around six to seven inches of gained usable space.” Her second tip concerns how to lower your costs: “Marble bathrooms will never go out of style, but for someone more cost-conscious, marble-looking quartz countertops and porcelains are a beautiful option as well.” 26 WATERWAYS | April 2022
If you are looking for more guidance for your next remodel or interior design project, you can check out Jaffe’s home design workbook at allisonjaffeworkbook.com, or visit allisonjaffe.com
Local Showrooms Architerra | 1701 Evergreen Ave., Suite 2 | architerra.com Expressions Home Gallery | 6225 Burnet Rd. expressionshomegallery.com Facets | 8740 Shoal Creek Blvd. facetshome.com/facets_showrooms/austin-tx-719 JOSCO Supply & Showroom | 719 W. Powell Ln. (Austin) & 1706 Hur Industrial Blvd. (Cedar Park) | joscoshowroom.com ProSource of Austin | 2315 Rutland Dr., Suite 104 prosourcewholesale.com/showrooms/tx-prosource-of-austin The Frog Pad Kitchen and Bath Designer Showroom 1501 Ranch Rd., 620 N., Suite A | thefrogpadappliances.com The Tile Shop | 5033 W. US Hwy. 290 Service Rd. & 9503 Research Blvd., #200 | tileshop.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY
Doing your research in advance almost always pays off. “I always err on the side of slowing down and really taking the time to research and gather your ideas before diving in,” Jaffe advises. “For example, when selecting plumbing, you can bring your ideas and example to a plumbing showroom to help you navigate the selection process, whether it [focuses on] style or price point.” Jaffe recommends buying plumbing products and tile from reputable stores that specialize in just that so that you have a better idea of exactly what you’re getting. “You can find showrooms these days that are one-stop shops; some have cabinetry, tile and hardware all under one roof. It’s a great option for someone who is a little more price-conscious and [wishes to hire] a designer,” Jaffe says. “Additionally, these showrooms have subcontractors they can recommend and refer to you to assist with the construction portion of the project.”
LET THERE BE LIGHT
LOCAL DESIGNERS SHARE ILLUMINATING INSIGHTS ON HOME LIGHTING By Cindy Brzostowski
When designing and decorating your home, you might be more focused on picking furniture pieces and color palettes than on what kind of lighting you want in each room. But you’d be remiss not to give the latter its due attention given how crucial a role lighting plays in the look and mood of a space. So, what do you need to know? We turned to Christine Turknett, principal interior designer at Breathe Design Studio, and Avery Cox, principal at Avery Cox Design, to light the way with their
THIS PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON MARLBOROUGH; OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE: CHASE DANIEL; ALISON MARLBOROUGH; COURTESY OF BREATHE DESIGN STUDIO; PORTRAIT BY ANNIE MCARDLE PHOTOGRAPHY
expert insights.
28 WATERWAYS | April 2022
The Light Stuff
Christine Turknett
From a stunning chandelier over your dining table to a small lamp on your bedside table, there are so many home lighting possibilities depending on the appearance, position and purpose you have in mind. To make your decision-making a bit more manageable, you can break lighting up into a few main categories. “General lighting or ambient lighting is the primary source of lighting for a room, so consider areas of the home [for that] that have less natural lighting,” Turknett advises. This kind of lighting includes ceiling-mounted fixtures, floor lamps and certain wall-sconce lights. “Task lighting provides light for a specific task or in a specific area,” she continues. “Especially as you get older, task lighting can be helpful to improve productivity and reduce glare.” Vanity lights in your bathrooms, pendant lights hanging over the kitchen counter and desk lamps all fall into this category. Decorative lighting is just that. “Decorative lighting can serve as the focal point of a room,” Turknett says. “Center it to the space, whether it’s in your living room or above the dining table, to create symmetry and visual interest.” You can also consider accent lighting as a way to draw attention to a specific design feature, artwork, plant or other item. >>
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 29
INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA CALO; PORTRAIT BY PAIGE NEWTON
Avery Cox
30 WATERWAYS | April 2022
From a stunning chandelier over your dining table to a small lamp on your bedside table, there are so many home lighting possibilities depending on the appearance, position and purpose you have in mind.
Putting Things in a Good Light
light fixtures throughout the house, but especially in corners.
Just as different rooms in your home have different functions,
“Using these helps to create a cozy, even light that eliminates
they demand different types of lighting. When deciding on
‘caves’ as I like to call them,” she says. “These fixtures should
the kinds of fixtures to use in certain spaces, Cox says you
allow the light to be directed up and down, which is the effect
should consider what time of day the room is usually occu-
you get from a standard lampshade.”
Another placement tip from Cox: Place ambient, mid-level
pied and what kind of natural light it gets. “A good rule of thumb is to have options throughout the day and to layer your lighting,” she explains. “In the morning, I like a mix of morning light and 3000K electric
Your Light-Bulb Moment
light that gets me going on my day. In the evening, I like to
You can’t talk lighting without talking bulbs. Turknett rec-
tone it down and warm it up to create a cozy feeling and
ommends dimmable Wi-Fi or smart LED bulbs for greater
minimize the clinical effect of cool overhead lighting.”
control and the ability to set a mood. Then for bathrooms, closets and other areas where you want a more natural light environment, GE Reveal bulbs are her favorite.
Know Your Place
ing that has dimmers built-in, and add them to as much
If you’re building or remodeling your house, you can use
hardwired lighting as you can,” she suggests. “This gives
the opportunity to decide on lighting choices and loca-
you much more control and will allow you to enjoy your
tions right from the get-go. “When architects and builders
space with minimal effort and maximum comfort through-
design spec homes, oftentimes they place recessed ‘can’
out the day.”
Cox is another big fan of the dimmer. “Purchase light-
lighting in a generic grid on the ceiling because they don’t
When picking your bulbs, don’t forget about the light
know who will be using the space or how,” Cox says. “This
temperature. “Bright white or intense cool colors can have
is such an easy thing to change, though, and those changes
a sterilizing effect on your design,” Turknett says. “Diffusion
will result in a much more dynamic and livable space.”
of light is key to softening hard lines and shadows.”
Rather than falling victim to what Cox refers to as the “four-cans-in-a-square” syndrome, she suggests strategically
Cox’s go-to temperature for in-home lighting: 2700K to 3000K.
placing recessed cans where you want or need light, such as in passageways, to light countertops or other surfaces, to
breathedesignstudio.com | averycoxdesign.com
wash walls in soft ambient light or to spotlight art.
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 31
COLOR YOUR WORLD
32 WATERWAYS | April 2022
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WALL COLOR By Cindy Brzostowski
Whether you’ve been dying to paint over the wall color left by the previous homeowner or you’re just in the mood for a change, a new coat of paint can completely refresh and transform a space. The big question is: Which of the countless color options out there is “the one?” Jamie Williams—a certified interior designer and the president and cofounder of Elysian Collective—has some tips for discovering the right wall color for your space.
FIND YOUR TRUE COLORS When starting your search for a color, Williams recommends first asking yourself how you want to feel in that space. “Color plays strongly on our emotions and psychology, and with our spaces serving different functions in our lives, there are many different types of moods we can create to separate our spaces based on how we want to use them or want to feel,” she says. “Are you looking for a vibrant space full of energy, one that’s playful and feminine, or a more serious, calming natural oasis?” Williams asks. “When you understand the energy that you want to evoke and know what time of day the space is typically used, this is an excellent starting point.” A thoughtful color selection also accounts for the other features you have or will have in the space, from flooring to furniture. “When your architectural finishes are selected, be sure to look at the paint color together with the wood or carpet flooring, cabinetry, tiles, wallpaper and any other material it will be adjacent to,” Williams advises. “This step will ensure that the tone of the paint aligns with these elements and that it lends itself to a balanced contrast in the space.” If you are already planning on displaying some art in a room, let that inform your decision as well. “If our client has an art collection, we like to ensure that these are considered early on so that a featured piece is highlighted by a wall color that enhances it,” Williams says, “Walls are a canvas, and the color creates a backdrop for the other pieces you have in the room.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAXINE SCHNITZER
GO WITH THE FLOW While each room may have a distinct personality, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should view and design it in isolation. “As our spaces provide different functions for our lives with a multitude of layouts, it’s important to think about the flow of your home and how the spaces intersect,” Williams says. “Can you see through a door to the other room? If so, be sure the wall colors coordinate there because they’re visual at the same time,” Williams says. “It’s okay to play around with different palettes in separated rooms such as bedrooms, powder rooms and bathrooms, but with open-kitchen, living and dining rooms, you want to be mindful that the palette flows throughout.” >>
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 33
Speaking specifically to the wall color in living and dining rooms, Williams likes going with more subtle classic neutrals to allow for more flexibility in the furnishings and decor. “In these spaces, you can play with color, pattern and texture through the incorporation of rugs, pillows, throws, art or even more expressive wallpaper,” she adds.
SEE THINGS IN A NEW LIGHT
AND A PARTING TIP “I keep the Pantone Connect app on my phone for when I’m out exploring and run across a beautiful color. I love capturing the Pantone with the app,” Williams shares. “The color could be inspired from another space or material, or even from nature. Paint stores can then match the Pantone you give them to a paint color. It’s a fun way to inspire your space’s color with anything that catches your eye!” elysian-collective.com 34 WATERWAYS | April 2022
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON HILL; HEATHER DURHAM
Okay, so you’ve narrowed down your color options and you’re ready to put some paint on the wall. Before you start, it’s worthwhile to take the time to view that color in various lights. “The amount of natural light filtering in is key, so pay attention to what direction your windows face,” Williams says. “The less natural light there is, the more that all paint colors will appear darker. So, look at your swatch in the space throughout different parts of the day to see how it changes.” Artificial light affects how a color appears too. “Paint colors read differently as the temperature of the light in contact with it changes and becomes warmer or cooler,” Williams explains. “This is especially tricky with whites and grays since their undertone can show more blue, green or pink than desired. But you’ll make the right choice if you experiment with a few variations in the space first.”
ESCAPES River Oaks District
Ouzo Bay
Houston for the Weekend? No Problem!
WHERE TO STAY For a cosmopolitan city adventure, there’s no better place to hang your hat than in the heart of Houston. My choice, the C. Baldwin, is ideally situated at the gateway 36 WATERWAYS | April 2022
to downtown. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, C. Baldwin is billed as “Houston’s most transformative hotel.” That’s quite a statement, but I was a quick convert to the claim. The hotel is an ode to powerful women as it’s named after Charlotte Baldwin, known as the “Mother of Houston”— a freethinker, explorer, builder and unacknowledged visionary. As the C. Baldwin website states, “1836 did not afford Charlotte the opportunity to leave her mark on all she created.” In addition to its namesake, the hotel honors women with female leadership in every facet, from its engineers to upper management, and meeting rooms are named after historic Texas women as varied as Barbara Jordan, Bessie Coleman and Janis Joplin. None of this, however, means that the hotel takes itself too seriously. The ambiance is fun and whimsical with sleek decor and eclectic art, and the many Instagrammable spots range from the oversized quote on the lobby wall (“Well behaved women seldom make history”) to the “Got dreams bigger than Texas” mural.
C. BALDWIN; POSTINO; ROSALIE; C. BALDWIN
The fourth-largest city in the U.S. is a destination just two-and-a-half hours from Austin where you can enjoy world-class dining, lodging, the arts, shopping and nightlife. Houston is also the most culturally and socioeconomically diverse city in the country. All of this makes it an exciting destination for Central Texans looking to enjoy a chic city getaway where a wealth of options for award-winning cuisine, museum or gallery hopping and unique cultural experiences await. GQ called Houston “the new capital of Southern cool,” while Food & Wine reported that “the Houston dining scene is the most exciting it’s ever been.” If a food and culture getaway is calling you, here’s a perfect itinerary for three days in the Bayou City.
PHOTOGRAPHY (L-R) COURTESY OF RIVER OAKS DISTRICT; OUZO BAY;
By Shelley Seale
Postino
C. Baldwin
WHERE TO EAT Without even leaving the hotel grounds, you have a topnotch dining choice in Rosalie Italian Soul, helmed by “Top Chef Masters” winner Chris Cosentino. The name, food and even the thoughtful decor of Rosalie are inspired by his great-grandmother, a first-generation Italian immigrant who he credits for his career in cooking. Chef Cosentino delivers old-world Italian comfort food such as housemade pastas alongside unique takes on Texan favorites like steak and fresh dishes like red snapper with wild mushrooms. The brunch is delectable; I enjoyed one of my favorite bites in the last year when I sunk my teeth into the Italian Bread Pudding Toast. Order it. You won’t be sorry. You have to leave the hotel sometime, and several great nearby choices await. Postino is warm and welcoming with its menu of “snacky things” like grilled petite filet & chicken skewers and smoked salmon with green apple-fennel crème fraiche. The signature is the selection of bruschetta boards—choose four from the list of a dozen that include Burrata, Bacon, Arugula & Tomato and Brie, Apple & Fig Spread. Postino carries a selection of local beers on tap and a long list of wines by the glass. Ouzo Bay in the upscale River Oaks district offers a fine dining experience that focuses on modern Greek fare that is seafood-heavy. Fresh oysters, bigeye tuna, Alaskan king crab and Portuguese calamari are flown in daily. There’s even a fish market where you can customize your fresh-caught meal. No visit to downtown Houston would be complete without dropping in at the POST Houston complex. The
mixed-use development in the former Barbara Jordan Post Office is part live music venue, part creative workspace and part food hall featuring more than 30 restaurants, many of them new to the Houston food scene. My pick was Golfstrømmen Seafood Market, the first American location opened by Norwegian chef Christopher Haatuft. Featured are some of the freshest, highest-quality Gulf seafood and seasonal farmers market produce you’ll find anywhere, which highlights his heritage Nordic cuisine.
WHAT TO DO There’s so much culture in Houston that it’s hard to know where to start. The Museum of Fine Arts is always a good bet, but if your interests lie more in photography, science or African-American culture, there are museums dedicated to those topics and many others as a mind-numbing 19 museums fill the Houston Museum District. If you’re looking to get outside, there’s no better place than Buffalo Bayou Park, located just a few blocks from the C. Baldwin Hotel. With 160 acres of urban green space and a lake, it offers walking and bike paths, bicycle and kayak rentals, and play areas. You can even explore the fascinating underground Cistern, a massive reservoir built in 1926 and decommissioned in 2007. Self-guided and guided tours are available, and public art installations frequently pop up there. To make the most of your time, consider snagging a CityPASS, which gets you into attractions including the Space Center, Downtown Aquarium, Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts and Children’s Museum. The perfect way to wind down after a busy day in >>
April 2022 | WATERWAYS 37
ESCAPES
Buffalo Bayou
Houston is to relish a glass of wine at Pur Noire Urban Winery. This first Black-owned winery and tasting room in Houston was opened by Carissa and Kenneth Stephens as a place for visitors and locals to relax and taste in a stylish yet unpretentious setting where community is encouraged. Regardless of the itinerary you end up following in Houston, there are so many cultural and culinary experiences that you may find yourself planning the next trip before long. RESOURCES
C. Baldwin Hotel, cbaldwinhotel.com Rosalie Italian Soul, rosalieitaliansoul.com Postino, postinowinecafe.com Ouzo Bay, ouzobay.com/houston POST Houston, posthtx.com Golfstrømmen Seafood Market, golfstrommen.com Houston Museum District, houmuse.org Buffalo Bayou Park, buffalobayou.org Houston CityPASS, citypass.com/houston Pur Noire Urban Winery, purnoirewines.com
38 WATERWAYS | April 2022
Pur Noire
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BUFFALO BAYOU; PUR NOIRE
Visit Houston, visithoustontexas.com
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STYLE FILE
Can We ALL Wear Neutrals? Wearing head to toe neutrals can come off as lifeless and sloppy or treś chic. It can be a magical monochromatic moment, or a dreadful disaster. Many people find the tonal look tricky to pull off, wondering how to wear it so it doesn’t look boring, bland or underwhelming. If we are fair skinned will we look washed out? What if we are blonde? What if we are brunette and have brown eyes? If everything about us already seems “neutral,” can we really pull off also wearing all neutrals? Does the neutral shade and tone we choose matter? Believe it or not, regardless of skin tone, hair and eye color, a fully neutral head to toe look can work for anyone. It can effortlessly be turned into a style statement, but it all depends on HOW you wear them. When we talk about neutrals though, are we only talking about tans, beiges, blush tones and whites? The answer is no. True neutral color is any color that you don’t see on a typical color wheel, meaning it actually lacks col-
40 WATERWAYS | April 2022
or pigment. Think of a neutral as something that doesn’t compete with, and can blend in and/or pair with almost any other color. That’s what makes them a great wardrobe staple. You can mix and match neutral pieces together, without them clashing. Neutrals technically can also be shades of gray, and blue tones, such as navy and denim. Earth tones such as brown, sage, olive, and even burnt orange can fall into the neutral category. And just to confuse matters even more, when some fashion sources say the darker shades mentioned are “staple colors” they are not wrong. They are staple colors, and neutrals are also staples! To simplify the confusion, and for the sake of helping our readers with the most challenging aspect of pairing neutrals, we will concentrate on how you can wear the more “colorless” or most neutral shades of the neutrals. Who can wear them, and how. The key to pulling off this look is selecting the right colors that work with your skin tone, hair and eye color. >>
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VOGUE.COM
By Edith Henry, Stylist and Image Consultant
STYLE FILE Think of light neutrals as shades of cream, beige, white and blush, and the darker ones—camel, tan, brown and khaki tones. Light and dark tone pieces can actually both work on all skin tones. It completely depends on where on the body they are used, and how they are paired with other pieces. Styling plays a major role in all outfitting, but it is especially important when pairing neutrals. Because neutrals are not colors, but actually shades, they can mix and match with each other and mostly always blend well together. While you may think monochromatic neutrals seem bland or boring, they don’t have to be. To give your outfit visual interest be sure to add and mix layers and textures—the more the better. Daring enough to be a little unexpected? Try combining warm and cool neutral tones for an edgy twist. If you are questioning what tone of a neutral is best closest to your face, you may want to consider the help of a professional. When taking on head to toe tonal dressing, utilize these tips to ensure you show up as super chic, instead of a dreadful disaster.
Believe it or not, regardless of skin tone, hair and eye color, a fully neutral head to toe look can work for anyone. It can effortlessly be turned into a style statement, but it all depends on HOW you wear them. MIX TONES:
SHOES:
Don’t worry if each piece in your outfit isn’t the exact same color. Slight variations in tone will actually be more visually interesting.
The easiest shoe to pair with any neutral outfit is black, nude, or white. This limits the shade variation if you’re worried about clashing with your outfit. You can pretty much guarantee that having any of these shoes will also work with any outfit in your wardrobe.
Take your tonal look to another level by combining different textures. Leather, silk, cashmere and tweed, as well as denim and sequins will add interest and dimension to an ensemble.
PATTERNS: Neutral doesn’t mean only solids! How about adding any of these prints in a neutral color to up the excitement: leopard, polka dot, stripes, snakeskin, camo or floral!
ACCESSORIES: You can add a bit of shine, which will also produce contrasting texture while still staying in the tonal lane. Shades of golds AND silvers can both work, depending on the tone of the garment, however, even mixing metals is an interesting way to play up the neutral game.
42 WATERWAYS | April 2022
BALANCE IS ESSENTIAL: Being in one color head to toe can sometimes look sloppy if it is ALL unstructured. To keep it chic, consider balancing the pieces of a final look. If your dress is loose, balance it with a structured blazer. When wearing a slouchy, cozy sweater or oversized white blouse, pair with a tailored pant. And if your pants are full and flowing, opt for a fitted top. One of the best things about neutrals though, is they can be worn year-round. No matter the occasion or season, they’re always appropriate! So go ahead and give neutral dressing a try!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VOGUE.COM
ADD TEXTURES:
IN A STYLE RUT?
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Bites & beverages
A selection of drinks and dining options to celebrate the best of spring
TORR NA LOCHS VINEYARD/WINERY
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CLUB
Bring your friends, family and furry friends to come relax at Fitzhugh Brewing. Children will enjoy our playscape while the adults enjoy a brew or two from around the world and some comfort food under the towering oaks of our outdoor beer garden. : @fitzhughbrewing fitzhughbrewing
Torr Na Lochs translates loosely from Gaelic to “hill over lakes”. Perched high above the Colorado River Valley, our winery overlooks Inks and Buchanan Lakes. Come relax and enjoy the variety of 100% Texas grown wines poured at your table by our friendly staff. : @torrnalochs torrnalochs.com
If you bleed burnt orange, or just love the energetic spirit of the university campus, there is no better spot than the UT Club! Located inside the legendary Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, the Club is a beloved institution for Longhorns of all generations. : @TheUniversityofTexasClub UTCLUB.com
THE GARDEN AT ELLERA
ACRE 41
GHOST NOTE BREWING
Inspired by The North End in Boston, The Garden brings an authentic Italian seafood experience to Austin for brunch, lunch and dinner. Happy hour is Monday - Friday, 3- 6pm at each location in Bee Cave, Georgetown, and South Austin! Get 10% off your order by mentioning the code WATERWAYS10. : @thegardenatx thegardenatx.com
Austin’s upscale American restaurant features
Family and fido-friendly, all are welcome Thursday through Sunday to unwind to live music under our giant oaks or open-air taproom. Sip a unique ‘porch-style’ brew, grab a crowler or settle in for a flight and grub from the onsite food truck. : @GhostNoteBeer ghostnotebrewing.com
PHOTOGRAPHER: BRIAN LEDDEN
FITZHUGH BREWING
Bubbles & Brunch on the weekends, specialty wagyu dishes, and over 150 unique wines and whiskeys from around the world. The Acre 41 team always goes the “extra acre” to deliver outstanding and excellent service, food, and experience.
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Introducing an exclusive collection of new luxury condominium residences at Horseshoe Bay Resort offered from the $900s - $1.4M. Call today to experience lavish resort living within steps of the Horseshoe Bay Yacht Club and Lake LBJ. Due to high demand, please call for availability. 830-521-5178. WatersLakesideHSBResort.com
Architectural and structural metal fabrication, contemporary lighting, and exquisite blown glass handmade daily for those with exceptional taste. 22111 Texas 71, suite 803, Spicewood, Texas : JSchneiderstudio jschneiderstudio.com
Finding the right home starts with finding the right agent. In this competitive market, it’s more important than ever to get it right the first time. Cathy Romano has the local knowledge and experience to help you find the house to call home. 512-627-4849 : @cathyromanoatx cromanorealtor.com
Insurance Your Way Kate Mayer Personal Lines Sales Agent ~ Personal Lines Risk Advisor (512-372-2241 Direct Line 512-338-1196 Fax KateM@Whortonins.com A Division of Whorton Insurance
AUTO • HOME • LIFE • HEALTH • BUSINESS Whorton Insurance Lakeway @ Falcon Head 14360 Falcon Head Blvd, Suite 100 Bee Cave, Texas 78738
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NoT To BE MISSED
FAB FINDS HEALTH & WELLNESS // HOSPITALITY // SHOPPING
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Over 20 LOCAL artists and artisans. Original artwork! Artful gifts, workshops and awesome and unique clothing. Something for everyonefrom local honey, soaps, ceramics, glass, candles and more. Jewelry and clothing for men and women. : @mercerstreetartImage
Austin’s premier, family-friendly outdoor hospitality and RV resort situated in the Texas Hill Country 20 minutes from Lakeway/Bee Cave. Stay in one of our vintage RVs, tiny homes or bring your own RV. We offer campsites with electricity and tons of family activities! : openairresorts OpenAirRV.com
Casual Chic and Effortless Style is the focus at this local gem. You’ll find well-stocked shelves full of cool clothes, fun gifts and loads of accessories that arrive daily. Tribeca is a boutique lover’s one-stop shop. : @ Tribecaatx tribecaAtx.com
something for
you and
FIRESONG RANCH
LAKEWAY SPINE CENTER
You’re minutes away from your romantic bucket list adventure. Every modern amenity is at your fingertips; a spa and soaker tub, outdoor fireplace, and sumptuous décor. The natural beauty, tranquility and luxurious comfort of our NDotto bungalow will restore your soul and relationship. : @firesongranch firesongranch.com
Lakeway Spine offers chiropractic care, non-surgical spinal decompression, and clinical massage therapy. A board-certified spinal decompression specialist, Dr. Andrea Luise provides a safe, gentle, effective approach to managing disc disorders. lakewayspine.com : LakewaySpineCenter
your family
Built on Solid Trust www.baileyandbear.com p: 512-689-8346 e: matt@baileybearconstruction.com
KITCHEN REMODELS • BATHROOM REMODELS NEW CONSTRUCTION • PAINTING: INTERIOR & EXTERIOR ALL FLOORING • AND MORE!
Business Hours: Mon. - Fri: 8am - 5pm
SPE C I A L S E C T I O N
ASK THE EXPERT KNOWLEDGE/COMPETENCE/RELIABILITY/QUALITY/SERVICE/SATISFACTION
Landscaping Q: What is Deep Root Fertilization and how does it help my trees? DRF is the process of using high pressure to inject nutrients into the soil that may be lacking. When leaves and twigs fall in our yards, we pick them. By doing this we are robbing our trees of potential nutrients when they decompose. DRF replaces these nutrients and breaks up compacted soil at the same time, which promotes root growth.
CASEY HUMMELL, Certified Arborist Good Guys Tree Service | 10713 N FM 620 Bldg. E, Ste. 521 Austin, TX 78726 | 512-524-3015 goodguystreeservice.com
Improv ement s Q: Does a Ceiling Stain Mean My Roof is Leaking? Ceiling stains can come
Education Q: Why is Singapore Math important for today’s students?
Q: What is CCIM certification and why is it important?
Singapore Math students are among the world’s math leaders. Students learn concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations to fully understand and visualize what they are practicing. They apply math concepts to real world problems to help them truly engage with what they’re learning. Singapore Math supports everyone in growing as knowledgeable and thoughtful mathematicians. In the end, we want students to not only master math but to love it!
CCIM- “Certified Commercial Investment Member” is a prestigious internationally recognized designation, often labeled as a Ph.D. in Commercial Real Estate and is recognized as the Gold Standard in Commercial Real Estate education. The CCIM designation represents proven expertise in negotiations, financial and investment analysis. It additionally gives me access to exclusive, powerful analytic and demographic tools that provide valuable decision-making benefits to my clients.
TIM REILLY, Head of School International School of Texas | 512-351-3403 istexas.org
GAYLE BERKBIGLER, CCIM Compass RE Texas, LLC | c: 512.844.4653 (GOLF) 12117 Bee Cave Rd, Bldg 3-180 Bee Cave, TX 78738 gayle.berkbigler@gmail.com
Wel lness Q: Are new approaches available to address my depression & anxiety?
inspect and repair your roof.
Yes! Traditional psychiatry is a trial and error process with varying results in efficacy and side effects. However, Mynd Works Psychiatry uses your brain waves (EEG) to create a customized treatment plan to predict which medication is most likely to normalize your brain and improve your symptoms. In other words, it minimizes trial and error and increases your chances of getting well faster!
LAKE TRAVIS ROOFING, LLC | 512-886-5060 info@laketravisroofing.com LakeTravisRoofing.com
KATHIE BOLLES, APRN, PMHNP-BC Mynd Works Psychiatry, PLLC 512-829-7792 | Urgent: 512-791-5433 5000 Bee Caves Road, Ste 106 Austin, Texas 78746 kathie@myndworkspsych.com
from an extensive list of causes: Pest infestations, mold and mildew, chemical spills, water leaks, malfunctioning HVAC ductwork, shower pans, chimney or stucco cracks, bad plumbing installation or plumbing line faults. Many of these issues can be easily addressed, so have a roofing expert
Real Estate
answers from some
experts in the field
Four Points
Lakeway
Oak Hill
Dripping Springs
8300 N FM 620 Austin, TX
2127 Lohmans Crossing Austin, TX
6705 W HWY 290 Austin, TX
2440 US 290 Dripping Springs, TX
512-996-9636
512-263-9546
512-892-4845
512-858-2221
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Realtor
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16 Luxury Homes in the Heart of Lakeway Now Accepting Reservations 512-413-0261 For more information visit
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If you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on getting what you’ve always got.” – W. L. Bateman
TRANSFORMATIONAL COACHING WITH STEPHANIE PUENTE Certified Coach & Professional Speaker
workshops | retreats | presentations
stephaniepuente.com • • • •
Step into your next level of growth and success, schedule a complimentary session! Call 512.743.1319
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2127 Lohmans Crossing, #300 Lakeway | 512.266.1715 | www.harrisonjewelerslakeway.com
Early Childhood
(Jr. Pre-K and Pre-K)
Elementary (K-4th)
Elementary Campus: 4402 Hudson Bend, Austin, TX 78734 Middle School: 15506-C TX-71, Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 351-3403 info@istexas.org
Middle School (5th-8th)
MINDFULNESS
Holistic Spring Cleaning Decluttering Your Mind, Body & Spirit
By Stephanie Puente, Certified Life Coach
Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions.
The question of what you want to own is a
—Barbara Hemphill
question of how you want to live your life.
When your home is cluttered it can feel like a bunch of “stuff” just hanging around that you’re not sure how to deal with, yet it’s taking up residence in your surroundings and distracts you on a daily basis. You haven’t made a decision to do anything with it, and you haven’t gotten rid of it, either. It’s that in-between space that can tend to feel stagnant. And that stagnant feeling has an impact on your energy, mindset and well-being. Spring cleaning feels so good because it’s a way of becoming more clear, decisive and intentional, and clearing the indecisive, stale and ambiguous that is lurking around. You may have noticed, physically clearing out clutter in your house seems to free up a lot of mental space too, right? But you can take that even further and intentionally clear out your mental and emotional space, too, for a holistic spring cleaning. And, it doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are three steps to declutter your life this spring that will enliven your mind, body and spirit and help you start the season feeling more revitalized, vibrant and alive. 54 WATERWAYS | April 2022
—Marie Kondo
STEP #1 PHYSICAL DECLUTTERING: CLEARING OUT As a coach, I always begin with vision. Without vision, there’s no direction and you find yourself reacting to life rather than moving toward what you really want. So when you start to clean things out from your home or office, it’s important to ask yourself, “Is this part of my vision? Do I love it?” When you look at your space as belonging to the version of you already living your vision, you start to curate your life in a way that aligns to your dreams. By doing so, you are sending a clear signal to the universe, “This is who I am. This is how I live my life, and this is the type of environment I’m choosing.” You will inadvertently start attracting more people, objects and opportunities that reflect your vision as you begin to actually live it. Decluttering your physical space is a significant step toward decluttering your mental space, which is step number two. >>
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MINDFULNESS Clutter is not just physical stuff. It’s old ideas, toxic relationships and bad habits. Clutter is anything that does not support your better self. —Eleanor Brownn
by choosing new thoughts and allowing yourself to feel how those new thoughts cause you to feel. Because when you emotionalize a thought, your subconscious mind sees it as real. It takes it seriously. And the more you “wire and fire in” those new thoughts and feelings, the more you begin to naturally feel that way. It becomes authentic and automatic. But you have to be willing to release the old patterns of thinking, just like you would get rid of old stuff from the attic. It may be familiar, but it’s just getting in the way. So if you want to feel more confident, self-assured and decisive, start thinking and feeling that way. Decluttering your mind is a way of claiming back your mental space so that it reflects who you truly want to be. It’s rigorous, but with repetition it will stick, and you’ll realize that your self-doubt was never true, anyway.
Clutter smothers, simplicity breathes.
You may have noticed, physically clearing out clutter in your house seems to free up a lot of mental space too, right? But you can take that even further and intentionally clear out your mental and emotional space, too, for a holistic spring cleaning.
STEP #2 MENTAL DECLUTTERING: RELEASING If we’re being honest, the way we think is so habitual, isn’t it? A lot of the same thoughts that have been running through our minds in childhood are still running through our minds now. And it’s a huge energy drain when we’re trying to accomplish something new and the same old self-defeating thoughts keep stopping us in our tracks. The good news is you have control over your thoughts. Sure, your subconscious has been programmed over the course of your life, based on the experiences you’ve had and the beliefs you’ve formed as a result, and there’s a strong gravitational pull to our familiar way of thinking. But once you realize that your thoughts are changeable, you can begin to reprogram your subconscious mind simply 56 WATERWAYS | April 2022
—Terri Guillemets STEP #3 EMOTIONAL DECLUTTERING: LETTING GO Feelings can be addictive, because we interpret our most familiar feelings as a “comfort zone.” And a lot of the time they aren’t even good feelings! We’re just used to them, so anytime we want to venture into the unknown and try on a different emotion, we can get triggered in fear and go back to what we’re used to. You may have experienced this with relationships. Maybe you found yourself in romantic relationships or friendships that reflect your family dynamics growing up. You might have wondered things like, “Why do I keep dating the same kind of guy?” But it’s just a matter of feeling familiar. You have to be willing to let go of those “familiar” feelings in order to emotionally declutter, feel good and move forward in your life. Because your thoughts and emotions are not “truth-tellers.” They aren’t there to reveal something about who you are. They’re simply showing you where you are right now so that you can make changes in order to think, feel and be who you really are. When you’re willing to declutter your emotions and choose to feel differently, you’re free to be yourself, have healthy relationships and find the peace of mind you’ve been after on a very profound level. By decluttering your physical space, mental space and emotional space you claim back authority over your life and like an artist, have a blank canvas to create whatever your heart desires.
WATERWAYS
THE HOMES ISSUE
APRIL 2022
