Home Design & Decor
Home Design & Decor
Home Design & Decor
D E S I G N & D E C O R
From the Editor
W
hile I always praise the talented architects,
designers and builders who are featured, one
consistent comment in this issue was the
contributions made by the homeowners of
their projects. It’s proof that great home
design is the outcome of accommodating
the families who will live there. As you flip through these pages of featured
homes, it’s never been more evident that luxury goes hand-in-hand with
comfort and personal style.
Joseph Smith designed the contemporary cover home, while the home-
owner carried with him a floorplan and collaborated on the project through
completion. Rick Burleson designed a sprawling weekend home for a
Houston family who spent years contemplating the perfect retreat. Texas
Construction Company built a home for owners who wanted space to share
with their grandchildren while also incorporating many aging-in-place
features. And individual space for each family member was just one goal in
a design by Martha O’Hara Interiors.
Oysters and tea may or may not be a perfect pairing, but both are perfect for
this time of year. In Food Design, learn a little about the myths surrounding
oysters (Aphrodisiacs? Yes, it’s true!) and see how chefs are serving oysters in
raw applications as well as delicious chicken fried and grilled dishes. As winter
finally enters the scene, it’s time to put down the iced sweet tea and cozy up to
a steaming cup served with traditional sandwiches and scones, and some other
delightful accompaniments. Tea time is more popular than ever with many
restaurants brewing the perfect pot.
As we move through the holiday season, everyone at Home Design & Décor
magazine wishes you a most wonderful, healthy and fresh start to a brand
new year.
Happy Holidays,
Trisha Doucette
On The Cover:
Joseph Smith Architects’ modern and sleek
U-shaped design provides privacy even with
expansive glass windows throughout this
4,200-square-foot, one-story home. Page 20
authentic Italian faves like polpette and porchetta, and wine Advertising Sales
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partnering with his nutritionist wife Kay Spears Paparella for Business Manager
their launch of Red Bird Farmacy, an organic vegan soup line Vicki Schroder
that sells out every Sunday at the Castle Hills Farmers Mar- Design and Production
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ket. Sold in 16 ounce bottles, current flavors include Butter- Printing and Direct Mail
nut Squash and Sweet Potato, Carrot Coconut, Tomato Basil SmithPrint
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provide meal planning. Folks with families, busy lifestyles or
Address
specific dietary requirements can visit with the chef-nutri- 10036 Saxet Drive / Boerne, Texas 78006
tionist couple to put together a custom meal plan. For more Email
information about this special service, visit Kayspears.com or louisd@homedesigndecormag.com
call their office at 210.764.2121. Rossinibistro.com Website
www.homedesigndecormag.com
SIGNATURE Home Design & Decor Magazine Austin-San Antonio is published by Big City Publications,
LLC. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved by copyright. No part of
Chef Andew Weissman’s latest venture is part of San An- 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.
tonio’s beautiful La Cantera Resort transformation. Housed However, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Advertising is subject to errors,
in a freestanding building on the property, and designed by omissions and or other changes without notice. Mention of any product or service does not
constitute endorsement from Home Design & Decor Magazine. The information contained in
Jill Giles, the décor combines 17th century antiques, Mexi- this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Home Design
& Decor Magazine does not act as an agent for any of the advertisers in this publication. It is
can tiles and South Texas ironwork, and the menu is equally recommended that you choose a qualified remodeling, home furnishings or home improvement
firm based on your own selection criteria. Home Design & Decor Magazine, does not act as an
as eclectic with seasonal game and seafood, local olive oils, agent for any of the realtors or builders in this publication. It is recommended that you choose
handpicked herbs and fine European cheeses. Says the chef a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase.
himself, “It’s an experience that begins with the sounds of Home Design & Decor Magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that is a
driving up on pea gravel, and having someone there to greet violation of the Fair Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Home Design & Decor Magazine, is
subject to the Fair Housing Act that states “We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for
you on the drive. If you are at all familiar with countryside 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
Michelin-rated restaurants, we want it to be like that. You housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.”
just sort of happen upon it, we want it to have a sense of place © Copyright 2017 by Home Design & Decor Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
and feel clearly like something you’d find in South Texas, but
also something that wouldn’t feel out of place in the South of
France.” We are so lucky! Signaturerestaurant.com
2015 & 2014 CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR
National Remodeling Association San Antonio Chapter
CROSS is a full-service residential remodeling and custom home builder, with an established customer base
in San Antonio and the surrounding area. We pride ourselves on sound ethical business principles
and a strong desire to provide complete customer satisfaction.
28
20 36
cover departments highlights
20 Clearly Contemporary why this space works factory builder stores
50 Wide Open Spaces 52 5 Elements of a Luxury Home
66 Ad Index
fabulous finds
64 Hot Spots
Such is the case with a retired couple’s home in West Austin where a minimal
that’s cozy when it’s just the two of them and comfortably accommodating
T he couple’s son, New York-based architect David Fox of Stonefox, worked with Texas
Construction Company to design a home that would suit their needs as they relocated
from St. Louis to Austin to be nearer to their grandchildren. Other than being closer to
help out with their grandchildren and having enough space to accommodate multiple generations of
a large family, Royce Flournoy, president of Texas Construction Company, says the couple wanted
a home where they would be able to comfortably age in place.
With those objectives in mind, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house takes a U-
shaped form, wrapping three sides of an intimate internal courtyard. The heart of their nearly
4,000-square-foot, single story home — a sprawling space flanked by generous white-trimmed win-
dows that allow natural light to pour in from both sides — is divided into three separate functions:
den, formal living and formal dining. Two paneled partitions effectively establish spatial separation
without using any doors or walls, allowing for three different functions inside the room while main-
taining connection and flow throughout the space.
OU TDO OR LU X U RY
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an extension of your home. We will help you create a seamless transition from inside to outside.
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Design | Martha O’Hara Interiors
EASY
ELEGANCE By JULIE CATALANO | Photography by PAUL FINKEL
When an active family wanted time together but also time apart in their newly remodeled
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Design | Why This Space Works
WIDE OPEN
SPACES
By JULIE CATALANO | Photography by JENNIFER SIU-RIVERA
“The home was built in the late 1980s, with a half-wall divid-
ing the family room and the kitchen,” says Julie Bradshaw,
ASID, RID, owner of Bradshaw Designs in San Antonio. “They
were looking for something more open.”
The room was in desperate need of improved traffic flow,
adds designer Crystal Romero, RID, who describes the for-
mer layout as “awkward. There was a hallway in between the
kitchen and family room, a wasted space.”
Craig Scott, president of CROSS, a construction company
in San Antonio, explains the process, “We ‘grew’ the kitchen
by removing the wall on the right side, pushed back the in-
terior kitchen wall four feet to absorb the hallway, and then
recreated the opening into the dining room which really
made the project.”
The transformation was stunning. “It brought the traffic
flow through the dining room into the kitchen. Most people are
scared to remove a load-bearing wall, and those are the most dra-
matic projects, but if you spend a little more, you are completely
redesigning the space instead of just updating it,” says Scott.
Taking out a wall presented a storage challenge. “We had to
make sure the homeowners were okay without all of the cabi-
nets that could be there if we didn’t have an opening instead
of a wall,” says Romero. The “super-organized” homeowner,
she adds, “doesn’t keep a lot of dry goods, so a huge walk-in
pantry wasn’t necessary.” A small pantry with a U-Line un-
dercounter beverage refrigerator was sufficient.
The designers also opted to extend the cabinets all the way to
the top of the 11-foot ceilings. “We thought long and hard about
that,” says Romero, “but in the end we thought, why not? Big-
ger is better, and it really adds to the drama of the space.” The
soaring cabinetry makes use of every inch of wall space — elimi-
LUXURY
For-go the full-time butler with convenience built into every
room. For example, with a microwave drawer and refrigera-
HOME
tor drawer built in to the TV room, you can refill drinks and
whip up snacks without having to pause your favorite show.
Enjoy fresh barista-style coffee delivered to your bathroom
while you’re getting ready in the morning with a built-in cof-
fee maker. Or uncork and unwind with a chilled glass of wine
By CELIA M. VRNAK in the bathtub from your integrated wine cooler.
Photography courtesy of FACTORY BUILDER STORES Hands-free operation provides another layer of conve-
nience. Many cabinet manufacturers, such as Ultracraft Cabi-
netry and Plato Woodworks, are offering bump-to-open draw-
Luxury comes in many forms and though ers and doors which automatically open with a light touch.
Touch-free water faucets are becoming more popular as well;
it is somewhat subjective, there are a few you can turn them on with a simple swipe below the spout.
You can even get a dishwasher or wine cooler with knock or
key elements which define a luxury home
push-to-open doors for a sleek, hardware-free look.
by today’s standards. Whether you’re
INTEGRATION
looking to upgrade your current home Nothing says “luxury” like integration. Think hidden doors. If
building a secret tunnel through your home doesn’t seem prac-
or build your dream home, these tips tical, try hidden appliance doors in the kitchen. With custom
panels to match your cabinetry, your appliances will look like
will help you achieve true luxury. they were made just for you. This is also a great way to reduce
visual clutter or interruptions, especially if you’re implement-
ing refrigeration drawers or coolers in other rooms of the home.
PERFECTLY
Driven by homeowners’ desire for open spaces,
natural light and outdoor living, rooms with a
CLEAR
view are more and more outfitted with some
multiplicity of glass doors. Thanks to technology,
consumers have more choices than ever before
GLASS
that combine aesthetic and function.
DOORS ARE
doors take the idea into an interactive modernity adding ex-
panses of light and space. Stacking doors — when opened, all
panels can stack, hiding behind just one — allow maximum
ON TREND
access, and make the best of the outdoors year round. Inde-
pendently moving panels offer one of the greatest flexibilities.
One of the most appealing characteristics is the abundant
light available through glass doors. Additionally, the ability to
By CHERYL VAN TUYL JIVIDEN
integrate outdoor spaces into home interiors allows easy ac-
DESIGNS ON
What is your signature jewelry piece that you always wear?
My wedding band and belt buckle — of my own design.
JEWELRY
By CHERYL VAN TUYL JIVIDEN
What’s your favorite part of your job?
That it is not a job, but a life’s passion. Waking up every day ex-
cited about what is on the horizon and what we will create next. I
have the best team of people that I consider family.
If you’re looking for style and beauty, these Where are your pieces available?
Eliza Page, Anna Gray and Neiman Marcus. Online through
Texas-based jewelry designers offer some of these fine retailers, others and on my own website.
design aesthetic and a variety of styles that How did you come to be a
jewelry designer?
might just speak to your own personality or
I have been designing, making
make a splendid gift for someone special. and selling jewelry since I was 8
years old. My Mom and Grandma used to take me to gem shows
a couple times a year — three generations on the hunt for trea-
AUSTIN: sures. I started collecting beads and spent hours making jewelry
SHAESBY SCOTT and barrettes out of anything I could get my hands on. I began
Shaesby, 512.453.7671 selling to stores in my neighboring town and throwing jewelry
Shaesby.com parties for friends and family…and the rest is history. Jodi Rae
Designs was born in 2000.
How did you come to be a jewelry designer?
I pursued a fine arts degree with a concentration in Sculpture. What influences your designs?
After graduating college at Colorado State University, I moved to My most obvious inspiration is the stones… unique, rare, dif-
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I was inspired by the way jewelry adorned ferent. I love the hunt for the most beautiful of Mother Nature’s
the cultures of South Americans past and present. I began to creations. I seek out stones that strike me with a force. It must be
work on my first collection 15 years ago. beautifully cut, polished and composed. Then I open myself up to
what will accentuate its already spectacular beauty, not compete.
What influences your designs?
The organic forms found in nature, architecture, fine art and What makes your designs fresh, different, unique or classic?
experiences from travel, friends and family. I am told I have a very recognizable style… bold, strong and
unique. I use a lot of circular elements stamped with my unique
What makes your designs fresh, different, unique or classic? patterns. My stone selections also stand out as I have a very par-
My passion for creating ticular eye for composition and balance in my stones, as well as
jewelry is derived from my in the way my pieces lay on the body. I love creating opportunities
own journey and experiences. for versatility in my work, so all of my necklaces have adjustable
I approach it as an art form, lengths, can be layered up, stacked and worn day or night.
not to be influenced by trends.
I am proud that our jewelry What is your signature jewelry piece that you always wear?
is made in our Austin studio I am almost always wearing my Labradorite Joy Necklace and
by expert craftsman with a big chunky Sunstone Double Stack Ring. And if I am wearing
only the best materials and jewelry, it is 99.99% of the time of my creation.
methods. Our first unique
pieces are still as relevant and What’s your favorite part of your job?
timeless today as the day they My favorite part of my job is two-fold. First is the act of cre-
were made. ation — working with my hands in a very physical and concrete
HOLT HOLT
HOTEL less property that swirls old world luxury with sophisticated
WITH HISTORY
By MAURI ELBEL | Photography by JAKE HOLT AND LARS FRAZER
modernism — the result of an extensive renovation in 2013
orchestrated by one of Austin’s most influential architecture
and interior design firms.
“We love projects like this one on so many levels, from appre-
ciating the roots of a project and its many transformations over
It’s no secret Austin is home to an its history, to its importance within the neighborhood it exists
today,” says Michael Hsu, principal of Michael Hsu Office Of
ever-expanding spread of diverse Architecture. “To develop a concept of what we wanted to ac-
complish for this project and a road map for design, we started
lodging options, but guests who with an extensive historical research of the project.”
choose to stay at Hotel Ella are In 1878, Thomas Dudley Wooten, one of the university’s
founders purchased the land on which Hotel Ella now sits, ex-
resting their heads in a gracefully plains Hsu. The Goodall Wooten House, designed by Architect
Charles O’Connell, was originally built in 1898 and completed
revamped chapter of history. in 1900 when Wooten’s son, Goodall, moved into the home with
I
his new wife Ella Newsome who oversaw the home’s transfor-
n the heart of Central Austin, Hotel Ella is housed in the mation into the Greek Revival-style mansion that stands today.
historic Goodall Wooten House — one of Austin’s origi- Known for her impeccable taste, Ella called upon Neiman Mar-
nal landmark estates. Formerly the Mansion at Judge’s cus to redecorate the entire home in 1925 for $10,000, which to-
Hill, the stylish boutique hotel is now found on the National day would equate to roughly one million dollars. For the Greek
Register of Historic Places thanks to its rich history and ties columns, she turned to the Vanderbilts for a recommendation,
to The University of Texas. But fast-forward more than a eventually choosing the same stone carver who constructed the
century through its storied past and you’ll discover a time- famous Biltmore Mansion in Asheville.
HOLT HOLT
custom-designed furniture, a cabana-lined lap pool, a wrap- ing the grounds is a diverse collection of artwork carefully
around veranda ideal for sipping signature cocktails from Ella curated by Will Meredith with the history of the property in
Parlor Bar, Goodall’s Kitchen, a causal American bistro and mind but with a nod to the contemporary, says Colombo of the
stylish grounds speckled with a diverse collection of art. mixture of historic black and white photos, works from con-
Maintaining the historical integrity of the existing mansion temporary artists and an exclusive collection of iconic sculp-
while modernizing its look and feel, the firm’s crisp, clean- tures by Charles Umlauf and Barbara Segal.
lined updates blend in flawlessly with original details. Hotel While Hsu says his firm isn’t technically known as preser-
Ella represents a respectful renovation that gave the historical vationist architects, the well-known Austin architect says they
Greek Revival mansion a new life without covering up its past. truly enjoy projects like this one.
“It is challenging to strike a good balance between what is “They pose a unique challenge for us in thoughtfully remov-
old and what is new,” says Jay Colombo, partner at Michael ing the renovated/altered elements over time to reveal the dig-
Hsu Office Of Architecture. “Yet what we attempt to do is cre- nity and grandeur of the original home — and then to strike a
ate a harmony between those elements so neither is dimin- balance with the new design features that we want to add to
ished or detracted from. So through combining more tradi- the historic narrative of the project that help amplify the origi-
tional materials and techniques like marble surfaces, brass nal details,” Hsu says. “The original home was beautiful, and it
elements, wood moldings and wainscots detailing, we bridge is sometimes very hard as an architect to just selflessly expose
the design gap between old and new without simply just repli- what existed and just step back and not over design a project.” v
cating what existed.”
Walking into the expanded entry foyer, the eyes are immedi- MICHAEL HSU OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURE
ately drawn to the custom cranberry-colored wallpaper featur- 512.706.4303 | Hsuoffice.com
OYSTERS:
HEAVEN ON A HALF SHELL
By CLAUDIA ALARCON
Photography by CLAUDIA ALARCON
MASTER SUITES
LEAD WITH LUXURY
In a recent study conducted by the National Association of Re-
altors®, the master suite remodeling project — which includes
a larger master bedroom, built-in closets
and ensuite bathroom — adds overall
value to a home but the biggest impact is
consumer joy which rated a whopping 9.7
( out of 10) from a satisfaction and happi-
ness perspective.
Key areas to consider: Bathroom, Clos-
et, Privacy and Workout Space. KAYVON LEATH,
• Design a larger shower to ensure Executive Director,
Austin NARI
there is enough space for more than one
person. Manufacturers offer solutions for
surround showers with multiple wall and
ceiling mounted faucets and body sprays.
Waterproof controls and speakers guar-
antee you’ll always have access to your
favorite playlist.
• The finishes you choose also deter-
MARTHA BIZZELL,
mine the level of luxury. Use of natural Executive Director,
stone for tile, flooring and countertops NARI San Antonio
can add to the overall feeling. Lighting fixtures also impact the
ambiance — chandeliers or pendant lighting can provide various
lighting levels and design styles.
Push Pull Open Close • A double sink vanity and separate grooming areas are must-
haves. The tech savvy homeowner can also have a flat-screen
The Mobile Decorative Hardware Store TV installed in the mirror. When the TV is turned off, the mirror
appears normal. Other trends include ways to hide cords and
prevent tangled wires for grooming products.
• A standard size walk-in-closet is 7 by 10 feet for a single
person or 10 by 10 feet to share. Include built-in shelves, draw-
ers and shoe racks, and consider full-length mirrors and a small
chair or ottoman. Pamper feet with padded carpeting or throw
rugs that delight visually and provide comfort. Other luxury
items include motion activated lights (when opening a closet
or cabinet door), wireless remotes and lighting under shelves.
Battery-operated light options eliminate additional electrical
outlets or cable/cord management.
• Incorporating a specialty space for working out is the ulti-
mate luxury. Wall-to-wall mirrors, a wall-mounted TV and sur-
round sound can envelop you in calm and peace or provide the
energy and excitement to run the extra mile.
The master bedroom is the first and last thing you see every
“WE BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU ” day. Create a luxury experience that satisfies all your senses. v
To set an appointment
call 512.694.7762 To find a professional remodeler in Austin or San Antonio,
or jonathan.hiebert@pushpullopenclose.com visit Austinnari.org or Remodelsanantonio.org.
Fabulous Finds
HOT
SPOTS By JULIE CATALANO
STEEPING ROOM
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Pirouette®
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Duette
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Architella® Honeycomb Shades
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In-Home estimate
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