houston house & home magazine april 2013 issue
DESCRIPTION
The Complete Resource Magazine For Your HomeTRANSCRIPT
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com2
3003 Fondren Rd. Houston, TX 77063 832.377.4665 • www.robertscarpet.comMon: 10–8. • Tues–Wed: 10–6 • Thurs: 10–8 • Fri–Sat: 10–6 • Closed Sunday
Coupons apply to regularly priced merchandise only. One coupon per item.
Thirty Percent Store MerchandiseNOW THIRTY PERCENT OFF!
30-30 Sale!10%
OFFaccessories
& area rugs!Expires 4/30/13
15%
OFFtables &lighting!
Expires 4/30/13
20%
OFFupholstered furniture!Expires 4/30/13
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com4
Castle Contemporary Furniture 3819 Fondren Rd. (Fondren & Westpark) • Houston, TX 77063 • (832) 201-1000
I T A L I A N D I N I N G R O O M S B Y T O N I N C A S A A T C A S T L E C O N T E M P O R A R Y
www.castlefurniture.com
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com6
CUSTOM CABINETRYUnlimited selection l Made to order
STOCK CABINETRYAmerican made l Real wood l Maple doors
CABINET REFACING
COUNTERTOPS
281.249.5424 l www.frelsburgwoodworks.com
7
814
40
24
78
57
18
26
departmentsEditor’s Note
Calendar
Before & After: Palette PerfectionColor coordination revives a couple’s master bath
The Hort Whisperer: All About Redbuds
Project: Bath MakeoversSimple projects can make a hugeimprovement
Pet of the Month: Betty
featuresMid Century LegacyPreserving Houston’s MidCentury Modern homes
Modern BungalowA new home suits a youngfamily in the Historic Heights
contentsAPRIL
26
57
56
on the coverMcIntire+Robinowitz designed and built a newhome for a family of five that suits both theyoung family and the historic Heights location.
Photo by Ben Hill.
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com8
PUBLISHER......................Mike Harrison, Ph.D.
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ....Susie Reisenbigler
EDITOR ........................................Sandra Cook
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ..........Anne Breux,
........................Brian Hoffner, Joetta Moulden
ART DIRECTOR..........................Robert Coplin
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Tim Beeson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER ....Ben Hill
SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ..Frances Dowling
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ................................
..........................Elle Cavatore, Susan Mahmood
PRINTING..........................DROR International
Blue Thumb Inc., dba Houston House &Home ("HH&H"), is a news magazine withemphasis on interior design and remodel-ing. HH&H does not knowingly accept falseor misleading advertising or editorial con-tent, nor does HH&H or its staff assumeresponsibility should such advertising or edi-torial content appear in any publication.
HH&H has not independently tested anyservices or products advertised herein andhas not verified claims made by its advertis-ers regarding those services or products.HH&H makes no warranties or representa-tions and assumes no liability for any claimsregarding those services or products orclaims made by advertisers. Readers areadvised to consult with the advertiser and/orother home repair and renovation profes-sionals regarding the suitability of an adver-tiser's products.
No reproduction is permitted withoutthe written consent of the Publisher.Copyright 2013, all rights reserved. HH&H isdistributed at most Houston area Kroberand HEB stores.
H O U S T O N
P.O. Box 701038Houston, Texas 77270-1038
(713) [email protected]
April offers theHouston area some of the most refresh-
ing weather of the year—coolmornings and sunny after-noons, followed by briskevenings. As we witness thegreening of the trees, shrubs andturf, it reminds us to reflect on theundeniable beauty of nature. April22, 2013 marks the 43rd anniver-sary of Earth Day. Learn aboutEarth Day and find a multitude ofresources at www.earthday.org.
Our garden expert, MercerArboretum’s Darrin Duling, spot-lights the distinctive springtimesplendor and year-round delights ofRedbuds. Discover their uniqueblooming habit and fabulous foliagein Darrin’s monthly column, “TheHort Whisperer.”
April has us relishing the weatherand the joys of spending time out-doors, but for some Houstonians,outdoor living is a way of life virtu-ally year round. In our April homefeature, Heights couple Holly andJosh requested a home with a largescreened-in porch for their newhome, a two-story ModernBungalow. Holly and Josh had theprivilege of taking this design jour-ney with their friends and neigh-bors, Mike McIntyre and BobRobinowitz of McIntyre+
Robinowitz Architects. The firmalso oversaw the construction of thenew home for a family of five.
Speaking of Modern design,April brings Houstonians the ulti-mate opportunity to learn about orenhance their appreciation for MidCentury Modern design. We areexcited to feature an informativearticle by Brian Hoffner, director ofHouston Modern Market Week,which benefits Houston Mod.We’ve also included the full sched-ule of events happening April 5-22.
With Mid Century design get-ting more and more well-deservedattention, it’s easy to see the sublimesimplicity of the Mid CenturyModern aesthetic. And the currentpermutations of the style are a testa-ment to how ideas hatched some 50years ago work beautifully today.
Sandra [email protected]
Like us on Facebook Twitter: @househomemag
editor’s note
ACCEPTANCE APPLIANCE CENTER, INC.
Authorized As-Is Dealer
6757 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W. • Suite 200Houston, TX 77064 • 281-955-0861www.acceptanceappliance.com
MAKING A SPLASH WITH INTEGRITY
BERRY POOLS l 713.824.8182 l BERRYPOOLS.COM
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION l ASK ABOUT THE NEW ULTRAVIOLET POOL SYSTEMS
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com10
11
Concept • Design • CompletionKitchen & Bath Design Center
Hi, I’m Amy Waldrup, an interior designer
for NSG. I invite you to browse our beautiful
10,000 sf showroom & products. I am here
to address all your designing needs.
Direct Importer of Kitchen & Bath Cabinettry – Granite – Marble Slabs & Prefabs – Travertine – Wood – Ti les10,000 SF showroom • 80,000 SF Warehouse • 400,000 • SF Granite Yard • Wholesale Pricing
13202 Murphy Road • Stafford Texas 77477Tel: (713) 778-0888
naturalstonegallery.net
Hardware & GiftsFULL LINE HARDWARE STORE UNIQUE DECOR & GIFTSC&D
Lil’ Tex EliteThe “Elite” wood pel-let grill by Traeger fea-tures a multi-positiondigital thermostat con-trol, upgraded wheelsand a durable powder-coat finish.This amazinggrill offers the best ofboth worlds--the flavor ofwood cooking and the convenience ofelectricity. Come in for a demo.
Enhanceyour
entrancewith a new
mailbox that isoriginal and time-less with lastingvalue and quality.Other styles & finishes
available.
Spring is HereMetal window screens made
and repaired.
314 E. 11TH STREET (THE HEIGHTS) • 713.861.3551 • www.CandDhardware.com
NEW! SolarBirdbathEmbossed
and PaintedGlass. Other
StylesAvailable.
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com12
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm l Sat & Sun 10:00 AM- 4:00 pm
LM TILE,INC.9911 Gulf Frwy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-378-4537100 Cypress Wood Dr., Ste. 1100 & 1200 • Spring . . . . . . . . . 281.528.5342
Selection...BEAUTY...Convenience...Savings
Porcelain l Marble l Wood l Granite Countertops l Natural Stone l Clay Roof Tile l Medallions
SPECIAL: Ceramic Tile Starting 49¢ psf and up
Best Mosaics Selection In Town and In-Stock
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com14
WOODCRAFT & ARTS EVENTSWoodworking pros and enthusiasts take note: the Texas Woodworkers
Show takes place April 12-14 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Thistraditional trade show offers the latest in tools and products available towoodworkers, but includes demonstrations and seminars covering every-thing from getting started to in-depth sessions for the advanced wood-worker. The show provides an opportunity for local woodworkers toexplore new materials, processes, and tools, plus a selection of craftsavailable for purchase by the general public. Information: 713.503.2284 orwww.texaswoodworkersshows.com.
Now in its ninth year, the HSPVA Visual Arts Department Print Show
features more than 100 framed prints and photographs, all juried worksfrom HSPVA’s talented pool of young visual artists. The one-night eventshowcases the students’ work, but also gives the public an excellentopportunity to purchase art by emerging young artists at reasonableprices. The HSPVA Print Show 2013 happens April 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. atHeritage Plaza, 1111 Bagby Street in downtown Houston. Proceeds fromthe HSPVA Print Show ensure that the school’s visual arts students contin-ue to have the supplies, equipment and scholarships that they require.Information: www.hspva.org.
HOME & GARDEN TOURSThe East Montrose Home Tour and Art Walk takes place on April 13from 10 to 4. Situated in the shadow of downtown Houston, and borderedby Montrose Boulevard, West Gray, Genesee, and Fairview, EastMontrose was platted in the early 1900s. Many original homes and cot-tages, some dating to the 1890s, and modern glass and steel residencesbuilt in the last decade, combine in the eclectic mix of traditional and con-temporary style, which is the hallmark of East Montrose. A diverse mix ofold and new homes are showcased on the tour, with tastings from fivearea restaurants. Information: eastmontrose.org.
Walk through a designer dream home during the American Society of
Interior Designers (ASID) Show Home Tour happening May 11-27. TheShow Home, located in the Sugar Land neighborhood of Riverstone,spans 6,261 square feet and is named Vista Fontana for its Italian farm-house styling. More than a dozen designers from the ASID Texas GulfCoast Chapter contributed their talents to the project, including award-win-ning designers Kelly Amen, Sharon Staley, Donna Vining and DianaWalker. The home is located at 22 Ivy Bend, and is open 10 to 3,Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 to 5 Saturdays, and Noon to 5 Sundays.
Admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit theASID Foundation, which supports interior design research, education andscholarships. Information: www.asidtgcc.org.
The Houston Pond Society and the Lone Star Koi Club present the 2013
Water Garden and Pond Tour, May 4-5, with 20 locations across theHouston area. Enjoy beautiful settings and fascinating fish, as well as con-versing with club members about their backyards. Advanced tickets can bepurchased at Nelson Water Gardens, starting April 13, or at any of theponds on the tour. Information: www.lonestarkoi.com.
CLASSESGardeners looking for knowledge and ideas will always find an impressivevariety of classes at The Arbor Gate. On April 7, Master Gardener AngelaChandler teaches a class on Bees, Butterflies and Blooms. Learn thevalue of attracting these garden pollinators to your landscape, as well asthe blooms that bring these helpers to your garden. April 11, Dr. DavidCreech of Stephen F. Austin State University conducts a class on Small
Flowering Trees. The Arobr Gate’s own Jason McKenzie shares hisPineywoods expertise for the class, Functional Garden Design with Flair
on April 27. Information: www.arborgate.com or 281.351.8851.
Grill Master 101 hosts frequent classes at their outdoor pavilion in Spring.On April 5, Chef Molly Fowler, the Dining Diva, leads a class onMaximizing Your Grill and Outdoor Kitchen. This well-traveled chef nowcalls Houston home. This particular class goes beyond the basic burgersand dogs, offering instruction on how to create breads, appetizers, sidedishes, and desserts to accompany your entrée—all prepared in your out-door kitchen. On April 26, Cheff Molly teaches a class on Sensational
Seafood. Information: 800.833.5998 or www.grillmaster101.com.
If you’ve ever dreamt of a classic, wood-framed barn with living space,then check out the Famous Barns 101 – The Spring 2013 Design &
Build Workshop. Set for May 4, the event takes place at The Prairie by
Rachel Ashwell, in Round Top, Texas. Learn the elements of constructionand design, plus trade secrets from a land broker and an appraiser’s per-spective. Central Texas Consultant for Rachel Ashwell Shabby ChicCouture, Kim Thweatt shares her knowledge, experience and the philoso-phy behind Rachel’s mantra of Beauty, Comfort, Function, set in authenticShabby Chic surroundings. Also, Sonja Howle, owner of Famous Barns,highlights various types of barn construction and showcases some of theregional stars from her 2011-2012 Famous Barns Tour. Information: www.famousbarns.com
april calendar
Vista Fontana in Riverstone is this year’s ASID Show Home, open for tour-ing May 11-27.
The East Montrose Home Tour and Art Walk on April 13 features sevenhomes and seven art spaces, plus gourmet bites.
15
Now accepting Credit Cards-
BBlliinndd && DDrraappeerryy SSiinnccee 11998811
17743 Tomball Pkwy • 281.955.5676
Southwest AreaMobile Showroom • 713.781.9009
Woodlands AreaMobile Showroom • 281.362.0640
Follow us at Facebook.
M- F 10 - 5:30 Sat 10 - 5Major credit cards accepted
windowmagiconline.com
Visit Our Showroom In Tomball • Product & Design Service281-356-2168 • www.texaspitcrafters.com
Spring is around the corner.
Texas Pit Crafterscan design and
build your customoutdoor kitchen—including a real
pizza oven!
Manufacturer of Gas Grills, Burners, Smokers/Pits and Outdoor Kitchens
Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen with smoker, gas grill and pizza oven!
All Stainless Steel outdoor kitchen with gas grill,high BTU burner and smoker/pit!
Texas Pit Crafters outdoor kitchen with grill,burner and pizza oven.
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com16
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com18
before && after
PalettePerfection
PalettePerfection
19
When Denise Strittmatter called me, I did not know that herhusband Mike had already checked out my website and lookedat my “before/after” photos. He advised budgeting my services intotheir overall plan to ensure quality.
“Even when we bought the house, we did not think the wallpaperlooked right against the tile.” Denise said. “We wanted a much warmerlook and knew the wallpaper had to come off,” she explained.
They loved the layout of the room but not the colors—too much whiteand brass for their liking. “I felt overwhelmed by our first meeting.”Denise said. “You had such vision not only for the bath but the entirehouse and our visit encompassed so much more than just choosing paintcolors—thank goodness!” she laughed.
TIP: Just because the builder envisioned the bath one way, does notmean you cannot change it.
It turned out that Mike was onboard a lot sooner than she was—he wasthe steady one “who made me do everything on your written plan,”Denise explained. She just could not wrap her arms around all of my sug-gestions and said, “frankly, I thought some of them were just crazy. Over
BY JOETTA MOULDEN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET LENZEN
AFTER: Removing the wallpaper and painting the walls flat Sherwin Williams “Latte”and vanities Sherwin Williams gloss enamel in “Coconut Husk,” changing out the ceil-ing light, removing the 2-inch blinds since the window is frosted glass, brass towel barand hanging a modern giclee from Overstock.com updated this bath.
BEFORE: Busy wallpaper that did not match the tile, mismatched brass and chromehardware, dated ceiling light and dated vanities were spoiling this master bath.
Color coordination revivesa couple’s master bath
BEFORE
FREE UPGRADES ONBLINDS & SHUTTERSSilhouette® Country Woods®
*8 windows and $1,500 min. Limited time offer. ® and ™ trademarks of Hunter Douglas Inc.Patented in the U.S. and other countries. **AOC ***See stores for details.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty • Energy Efficient • Painted and Stained• Custom Shutters Available in Both Wood and Faux Wood
• Specialty Shapes • Contoured Arches
FREE INSTALLATION*Ask us about 0% INTEREST for 6 Months**
Call store for details.
KATY/SUGARLAND • 5614 W. Grand Prkwy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-394-0344MEMORIAL/SPRING BRANCH • 9930 Katy Frwy #500 . . . . . . . . . . 713-469-3213BAYBROOK/GALVESTON • 19072 Gulf Freeway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-456-3052WEST U, BELLAIRE, RIVER OAKS • 5808 Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-568-6017SPRING CYPRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile Showroom 281-456-3048SUGARLAND/RICHMOND/ROSENBERG • 5614 W Grand Pkwy S. . . 281-241-4614WOODLANDS/CONROE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile Showroom 936-647-3858
PlantationShutters
creativeblinds.com
creativeblinds.com
JUSTANNOUNCED!
$50 to $100rebate per
shade on selected Hunter Douglas
Products.***
See Store for Details
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com20
time, I came to understand thatyou were really right about every-thing.”
TIP: Paint is cheap and consis-tently gives you the most bang foryour buck.
The hardest suggestion for her tovisualize was painting the vanities adarker brown from the BenjaminMoore “White” Interior Roomgloss enamel that they had alwaysbeen. I explained that one of thethings she hated about her bathwas all the white surfaces and thevanities would look more like free-standing cabinets if they werepainted. To save money, the coupleopted to leave the chrome/brasstwo-tone faucets rather than replacethem with brushed nickel faucets.
She admits she was uneasy untilshe saw the finished product. “Ispend a lot of time in this roomgetting ready, and now it is a warm
AFTER: Painting the vanity with SherwinWilliams gloss enamel in “Coconut Husk”and changing accessories made a hugedifference. Denise replaced the old benchwith a new rattan bench from HomeGoods.
BEFORE: A boring builder white vanity,colorless accessories and thick beigecushion on the stool dated this bath.
BEFORE
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com22
and inviting space to be in,” Denise said. She saidtheir friends and family love the changes, too!
“I am a firm believer in hiring a professional,” sheexplains. “If you are going to spend money to doanything to your house, you want your choices towork.” She would recommend budgeting for profes-sional services as a must.
Joetta Moulden offers home makeovers using your ownhome furnishings to create the home you’ve alwaysdreamed of. Joetta believes your pieces collected throughthe years reflect your personality and can be artfullyarranged. Her ability to focus on your personal style andnot let her own preferences influence the design of yourhome makes her unique. See more makeovers on her website at www.shelterstyle.com, e-mail her at [email protected] or call 713.461.2063. If an initial appoint-ment or referral is booked by April 30, a 10 percent firstmeeting discount will be given.
Shelterstyle.com holds a "Pages of Happiness" ratingand, for the fifth consecutive year, a “Super ServiceAward” presented to 5 percent of companies that achieveand maintain a superior rating on Angie’s List.
TRADE SECRETS• HIRE A DECORATOR to look objectively at your spaces and make sugges-tions that will help you redecorate on your budget.
• A DECORATOR CAN HELP YOU STRETCH YOUR BUDGET, no matterhow small it is.
• SOMETIMES THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY is to first rethink what’salready paid for.
AFTER: Replacing the shower trim with brushed nickelinstantly updated the bath. Another option here would be aframeless glass shower with brushed nickel trim and showerguard glass.
BEFORE: Brass shower trim added decades to this bath.
BEFORE
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com24
Dear Plantophiles,Flowering trees reign supreme in many spring planting schemes andnone are better suited for our Gulf Coast gardens than redbuds. Thisgroup of approximately 10 species, in the genus Cercis, occurs through-out warm temperate regions in Europe, Asia, the Middle East andNorth America. They are large shrubs and small trees ranging from 10-25’ tall, and make perfect border plants or accent trees for tucking intosmall spaces. They decorate our early spring landscape for nearly amonth with tiny flowers produced in masses along bare branchesbefore their leaves emerge.
All save for one rare Chinese species, Cercis racemosa (flowers inhanging clusters—if you find one, please do let me know), exhibit cau-liflory; popping their flowers directly from stems, branches and eventrunks. Redbud flowers are not actually red but a rich orchid (as permy childhood box of Crayolas). Cultivated varieties vary from a darker,red-violet shade, to clear pink. White-flowered forms are also avail-able—called “whitebuds”, and they are exquisite in bloom—makes theubiquitous Bradford pear look like a hippo in a hula skirt.
Plant breeders have worked extensively to go beyond attractionbased on flowers: the handsome, heart-shaped foliage appears in a vari-ety of colors: gold and apricot; “Rising Sun”, burgundy; “Forest Pansy”& “Merlot”, and white variegation; “Ace of Hearts”. There are alsospectacular weeping varieties; “Lavender Twist” & “Ruby Falls”. Theseand other cultivars tend to fly off of nursery pads as soon as they areset out!
Redbuds grow well in full sun to light shade, and tend to be rathertough and forgiving of anything but soggy soil. We are fortunate tohave three species (some botanists classify them only as varieties) nativeto Texas: Cercis canadensis, from our eastern region, C. texensis fromthe western limestone ridges and C. mexicana from extreme southwest-ern Texas. The European native redbud, Cercis siliquastrum, is com-monly known as “Judas Tree”; legend has it that this is the tree thatJudas Isquariot used to hang himself. Please don’t let this name deteryou, as redbuds are completely reliable and will never betray you,beautifying your garden for many years.
Keep on growing!
the hortwhisperer
Y O U R G U I D E T O H O R T I C U LT U R E I N H O U S T O N BY DARRIN DULING
Darrin Duling, Director of Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, is a botanical horticulturist, environmentalist and landscape designer. He holds aMaster of Science Degree in Plant Taxonomy from the University of Reading in England, as well as the Royal Horticultural Society Certificate of Training
and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Diploma of Horticulture. Duling has managed major gardens in Thailand, New York and Florida. For information on Mercer Arboretum, visit www.hcp4.net/mercer.
“Rising Sun” redbud has golden leaves that emerge pinkish-orange. “Merlot” features dramatic, near-black leaves.
Whitebuds are a most elegant spring flowering tree.
A beautiful specimen redbud complements a gazebo at Mercer Arboretum.
25
281 351-7195 www.bolfingbrothers.com Showroom: 18407 Telge Road, Cypress Texas 77429
L et our decades of experience give your home an EDGE.
PSALM 42:1
MARBLE, INC.olfing rothersB B
Experience makesall the difference.Over 3 decades of consistent quality, professionalfabrication and installation, expertservice to the construction community andadded value to the homeowner.
! GRANITE
! NATURAL QUARTZ
! GREEN MATERIALS
! KITCHEN & BATHCOUNTERTOPS
! TUBS
! REMODELING
STATUE MAKERSSINCE 1966
2003 Blalock Rd. Houston, TX 77080 • 1.5 Miles North of I-10 on Blalock10-6 TUES.-SAT. • SUNDAY 1-5 (CLOSED MON.)
713.467.9082 • www.statuemakers.com
• Urns & Pedestals• Architectural Ornaments• Benches & Bird Baths• Classical & Asian Statuary• Animals & Whimsical Statuary
Dealer for:Campania International, Fiore Stone, Massarelli’s & many others
CLASSIC FOUNTAINS
Fiore Stone
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com26
If you explore old neighborhoods around Houston, you will comeacross pockets of post-war, modernist homes built in the mid-20thcentury. Many of these little gems have been lovingly cared for byowners who understand and appreciate their architecture. However,many of them have seen decades of deterioration or insensitiveremodeling. There is a trend, encouraged by local non-profit groupHouston Mod, to buy these Mid Century homes and restore them.Brought back to the way the original architects intended them to beenjoyed by the American family. Those architects understood thatgood architecture and design make living more meaningful andenjoyable. Houston has one home by the architect most Americans
can name, Frank Lloyd Wright. He believed the mission of architec-ture is to help people understand how to make life more beautifuland the world a better one for living in. Wright said, “Wheneverarchitecture was great it was modern, and whenever architecture wasmodern human value was preserved.”
Houston has a rich history of notable and important MidCentury Modern architects that we can be proud of: HowardBarnstone, Preston Bolton, Bruce Goff, Hugo Neuhaus, HarwoodTaylor, Lars Bang, Karl Kamrath, Philip Johnson, William Floyd,and William Jenkins, to name a few. The modernist work that thesearchitects have left us is a legacy to the city of Houston. These
Modern LegacyPreserving Houston’s Mid Century Modern Homes
By Brian Hoffner • Photography by Brian Hoffner and Ben Hill
Jenkin’s House II, 1955, by William Jenkins. Constructed in Steel, concrete, and glass this house is a beautiful example of minimalist modernism. Photo by Ben Hill.
27
NO SALES TAX
888.379.1312 Toll Free • www.GreatFence.com
• RUST FREE• EASY INSTALLATION • LIFETIME WARRANTY
America’s #1 Aluminum Fence & Gate Store
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com28
homes are treasured as part of our heritage and many Houstoniansappreciate their potential. They are acquiring them at great prices,understanding that they provide a good investment, a particulardesired aesthetic, and quality way of living.
“People are flocking to these Mid Century homes and there aregreat deals to be had,” says Robert Searcy, a realtor who specializes inMid Century homes. The key is to avoid insensitive remodeling, as itwill kill the golden goose. If they restore them responsibly, respectingthe architecture, they will find themselves living in art space that willalways grow in value. This affects the neighborhood systemically asothers follow suit and the area enjoys architectural revitalization thatbecomes an asset to the entire city.” Mid Century finds will typicallyrequire effort and budget to return them to the minimally modern aes-thetics that was the intent of their original design. Many of them needto have faux facades, bad flooring and moldings removed in order toreturn them to the beautiful, clean and minimalist lines that laybeneath.
ABOVE: The Kamrath House, 1939, by Karl Kamrath. Mackie and Kamrath became Houston’s best known architects in the 1950s.BELOW: The organic interior of the Kamrath House blends modern architecture with traditional décor to provide a warm and welcome living space. Photos by Brian Hoffner.
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com30
IN THE MARKET? Interested Houstonians can learn much about Mid CenturyModern architecture at this year’s Houston Modern Market Week.There are architectural lectures, two of them by Houston’s very ownarchitectural historian Stephen Fox. Mr. Fox is a very importantasset to the city of Houston and the author of many books includ-ing the Houston Architectural Guide which is in its third printing andwill be available during Modern Market Week, signed by StephenFox, who says “Houston has a rich and exceptionally varied array ofMid Century residential architecture. There is not only somethingfor everyone—Usonian, Miesian, Regionalist, Contemporary, evenGoogie—but the houses are amazing in their tectonic rigor and spa-tial amplitude.”
The festival this year, includes five films of post-war modernarchitecture that made Palm Springs, California, the mecca ofmodernism that it is today. Three of the five films will include atalk with author and historian Alan Hess. To top off the week,guided modern architecture tours will be included, but seats arevery limited for the popular tours. The interior design of thesehomes is as important as the look of the interior. HoustonModern Market Week is also a gathering of the best antique deal-ers and modernist designers to help you make the right selectionsfor your home.
APPRECIATING ASSETS Stepping into a Mid Century home is like stepping into a timewhen America was at the height of its industrial might, whenspace exploration was king in Houston, and cocktail parties wereabuzz all over the city. There is a certain feeling one has when liv-
ing in a Mid Century Modern. You can sense this just by visitingone of them. It awakens an appreciation to architecture anddesign that has been set aside by decades of cookie cutter designwhere quality is measured by square footage. Frank Lloyd Wrightalso said “quality and quantity are not on speaking terms, nevercan be.” Thankfully, we are beginning to see a return to energyconservation, living in a way that is increasingly green, and moreintelligently scaled to family. The smaller Mid Century home isthe logical and affordable choice for many families throughoutthe United States. The communities are typically closer to townand offer a shorter commute to work and to cultural centers.
Yet, Houston Mod, a 501c non-profit whose mission is to pre-serve our modern architecture, says that our heritage of architec-ture is at a critical juncture. Beautiful and important architectureis falling victim to the bulldozers of development at irreparablecost of heritage and history. Post-war architecture is now a half-century old. At this critical age it can be recognized and preservedas a national heritage or just as easily perceived as an old housesitting on a desirable lot and bulldozed down and replaced by astucco clad condominium project. Organizations like HoustonMod and events like Houston Modern Market Week are bringingeducation and recognition of good design, art and architecture.As Houston moves forward in the 21st century we must preserveour rich architectural heritage lest we lose our integral identity.
Brian Hoffner is director of Houston Modern Market Week, April 15-22. Learn more about the event at www.HoustonModernMarket.com.Find out about the preservation efforts of Houston Mod atwww.HoustonMod.org.
THIS PAGE: The Weintraub House, 1956, by William Jenkins is a beautiful sight to see while driving through Meyerland in the evening. The interior of the Weintraubhouse brings the outdoor in, while the earth tones of the vintage modern furniture provide an earthy feel to a beautiful room. Photos by Ben Hill.
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com32
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, APRIL 5 & 6 PREVIEW WEEKEND10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rhythms of Modernism: Paintings from Mid-Century Texas
Collector Preview: William Reaves Fine Art, 2313 Brun St., Houston 77019 (free)
SATURDAY, APRIL 62 p.m. to 4 p.m. LECTURE: The Challenging Phenomenon of Jermayne MacAgy, Houston Years, 1955-64
Chelby King, instructional assistant and MA candidate, University of Houston, former director, Lawndale Art Center, former director of civic art, Houston Arts Alliance (free) William Reaves Fine Art, 2313 Brun St., Houston 77019
7 to 9 p.m. Houston MOD House Party Celebrate with Houston Mod as they kick off Mod Month and recognize 10 years of education and advocacy. The evening's venue is a mid-century house designed by architects Lenard Gabert and W. Jackson Wisdom (featured in Houston Architectural Guide). Enjoy small bites, libations, cool tunes and good company. Address: 3007 S. Braeswood, Houston 77025. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door; benefits Houston Mod
MONDAY, APRIL 15 FILM: DESERT UTOPIA: MIDCENTURY ARCHITECTURE IN PALM SPRINGS Followed by a talk with author, architect, historian, Alan Hess River Oaks Theater, 2009 West Gray, Houston, cocktails and Alan Hess book signing at 6 p.m. (cash bar) ($20, limited seating, advance purchase highly recommended. All proceeds benefit Houston MOD and Design Onscreen). Sponsored by Lewis & Maese Auctioneers and Appraisers
TUESDAY, APRIL 164 p.m. to 6 p.m. A talk and book signing with author, architect, historian Alan Hess
River Oaks Bookstore, 3270 Westheimer, Houston 77098
7 p.m. FILM: JOURNEYMAN ARCHITECT: THE LIFE AND WORK OF DONALD WEXLER Followed by a talk with author, architect, historian, Alan Hess River Oaks Theater, 2009 West Gray, Houston, cocktails and Alan Hess book signing at 6 p.m. (cash bar) ($20, limited seating, advance purchase highly recommended. All proceeds benefit Houston MOD and Design Onscreen). Sponsored by Lewis & Maese Auctioneers and Appraisers
WEDNESDAY APRIL 177 p.m. An evening with Stephen Fox
“Border Modern: Modern Architecture of the Texas-Mexican Border” (free) Lecture by author Stephen Fox at AIA Arch Center Houston, 315 Capitol #120, Houston 77002
THURSDAY APRIL 187 p.m. FILM: WILLIAM KRISEL, ARCHITECT
Followed by a talk with author, architect, historian, Alan Hess River Oaks Theater, 2009 West Gray, Houston, cocktails and Alan Hess book signing at 6 p.m. (cash bar) ($20, limited seating, advance purchase highly recommended. All proceeds benefit Houston MOD and Design Onscreen). Sponsored by Lewis & Maese Auctioneers and Appraisers
FRIDAY APRIL 196 p.m. to 10 p.m. Houston Modern Market Preview Party, ($50, three-day market pass)
Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street, Houston 77007 Put on your best mod chic and enjoy libations, lite bites, live entertainment, socializing, and first chance at shopping the modern treasures before the market opens.
6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mod Design Lounge with American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Bring your design dilemmas for creative solution (free with preview party market pass, no appointment required)
Houston Modern Market Week Schedule 2013Advance ticket purchase recommended. Go to www.HoustonModernMarket.com
Preview Party and Market tickets available in advance and at the door.Film and Tour tickets available in advance online sales or at the door until sold out (tickets are limited)
33
7:30 p.m. Fashion Show
9 p.m. Silent Auction Ends Winter Street Studios. All sales benefit Houston Mod.
SATURDAY APRIL 20, 201310 a.m. to 6 p.m. Houston Modern Market ($10, two-day market pass)
Shop til you drop Mod booths and artist studios Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street, Houston 77007
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Houston Modern Market Design Tour (free with two day market admission. Reservation required. Obtain a free ticket from the ticket sales page.) Designer from the American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast Chapter takes you on a tour of special design objects throughout the market and talks about applications for use in your home or design project.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mod Design Lounge with American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast ChapterBring your design dilemmas for creative solution (free with market day pass, no appointment required)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vintage Car Show (free) Winter Street Studios
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MOD Picnic with Astroturf and food trucks benefitting Houston Mod, Sponsored by Waste Connections, Inc.
11 a.m. LECTURE: Designing Domesticity: Industrial Design for Modern Living, 1935-1965Don Emmite, Author and Lecturer (free with Market admission). Sponsored by Russell Tether Fine Art.
12 Noon Modern Architecture Tour, Tour A Guided driving tour by Architectural Historian/Enthusiast Jason Smith $35 ticket, limited seating. Departs from Winter Street Studios.
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com34
1 p.m. LECTURE: The Silver Gringo: William Spratling and the Revival of Mexican Silver DesignChristine Gervais, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts & Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts Houston (free with Market admission)
3 p.m. Modern Architecture Tour B Guided driving tour by Architectural Historian/Enthusiast Jason Smith $35 ticket, limited seating. Departs from Winter Street Studios.
4 p.m. LECTURE: The Emergence of the Houston Art Scene at Mid Century David Brauer, senior lecturer, Glassell School of Art, Museum of Fine Arts-Houston (free with market admission)
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Houston Founders Party, A Celebration Honoring Houston’s Pioneering Mid Century Modern Artists with lite bites and libations at William Reaves Fine Art, 2313 Brun St, Houston 77019 ($20 suggested donation at the door, all proceeds benefit Houston Mod)
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Charity Auction Party A fun charity auction, in a party like atmosphere, with lite bites, libations, and fun, benefitting Houston Mod. Lewis and Maese Auction House, 1505 Sawyer St, Suite C, Houston 77007 (free)
SUNDAY APRIL 2110 a.m. to 5 p.m. Houston Modern Market ($10, two-day market pass)
Shop til you drop Mod booths and artist studios Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street, Houston 77007
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Houston Modern Market Design Tour (Free with two-day market admission. Reservation required. Obtain a free ticket from the ticket sales page) Designer from the American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast Chapter takes you on a tour of special design objects throughout the market and talks about applications for use in your home or design project.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mod Design Lounge with American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast Bring your design dilemmas for creative solution (free with market day pass, no appointment required)
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MOD Picnic with Astroturf and food trucks benefitting Houston MOD Sponsored by Waste Connections, Inc
11 a.m. LECTURE: Interactive Design Workshop: “Less is More” Concept of DesignAriana Smetana, Design Principal/Founder, artVIA | lifestyle design crossroads (free with market admission)
12 Noon Modern Architecture Tour A Guided driving tour by Architectural Historian/Enthusiast Jason Smith $35 ticket, limited seating. Departs from Winter Street Studios.
1 p.m. FILM: COAST MODERN: Inspired living by the pioneers of West Coast Modernist Architecture, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Brown Auditorium (tickets available http://www.mfah.org/films/ or at the door)
2:45 p.m. Art Raffle Winner Presentation Benefits Houston Mod
3 p.m. LECTURE: A look at Houston’s Modern Architecture through the Houston Architectural Guide, Third Edition by author Stephen Fox, book signing to follow (free with market admission)
5 p.m. Houston Modern Market closes
MONDAY, APRIL 227 p.m. FILM: VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN
Followed by a talk with film Director Eric Bricker River Oaks Theater, 2009 West Gray, Houston, cocktails at 6pm (cash bar) ($20, Limited seating, Advance purchase tickets highly recommended. All proceeds benefit Houston MOD and Design Onscreen.) Sponsored by Lewis & Maese Auctioneers and Appraisers
35
2635 Karbach • Houston, TX 77092(290 Between 34th & Mangum – Big Yellow Building)Open M-F: 8am-6pm • Sat:10am-6pm • Sun: 10am-4pm713.943.3333
This Month’s Special
GRANITECOUNTERTOP
$99
Wholesale Priceson Flooring
OVER 1 MILLION SQ. FT. OF CERAMIC TILE IN STOCK!
Photo by KraftMaid Cabinets.
• Natural Stone • Hardwood & Laminate• Outdoor & Pool Tile • Carpet• Granite Countertops • Cabinets• Kitchen & Bath Remodeling• Window Coverings
6265 Cypress Creek ParkwayHouston, Texas 77069281-444-9299www.lightinghouston.com
Lighting Your Way® Since 1974
Whether you are remodeling or just updating a single room, let the ALA professionals at THE LIGHTING GALLERY help you create a look that compliments your style. The best pricing, selection, style and value since 1974.
• INTERIOR & EXTERIOR FIXTURES • LAMPSHADES • LAMPS• MIRRORS, PICTURES & ACCESSORIES • CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS • CEILING FANS
Visit our convenient location in the Champions area.
Make a Bright Investment HomeShowSALE!
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com36
37
Over 60 Artists on Fayetteville’s Historic Square with Fine Art,Jewelry, Wine Tasting, Foodand Fun for the ChildrenBenefitting Rural Art ProgramsJust75miles from HoustonorAustinSat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Moving Sale!40-75% Off!
Antiques • StatuaryFountains • PlantsPond Supplies • PotsGarden SuppliesFREE Fish from ourbeautiful ponds! FREEexperienced officekitties to goodhomes
In Rice Village713-528-2654
5122 Morningside
Special Orders, Chemicals, Bagged Goods excluded.
CenturyGlass&InteriorsInterior Decorating l Draperies l Bedding l Fine Furniture
Unique Showroom l Art l Gifts l Accessories
2007 South Main l Missouri City 281.499.9570 l www.centuryglassandinteriors.com
Visit our showroom Mon.-Sat. 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m.
Interior Decorating by Maybritt
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com38
We do it ALL and MORE...
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING • CUSTOM PATIO COVERSPAINTING • ADDITIONS • SIDING •ROOFING • CARPENTRYCONCRETE • POWER WASHING • SHEETROCK
BEFORE
AFTER
Your Complete Home CareSame Name, Same Phone Number Since 1991
Lewis Construction713-944-5257
www.yourcompletehomecare.com9125 Airport Blvd A-2 Houston, TX 77061
Hien Lam Furniture“Where quality, service and price make a difference”
Phone: (713) 523-1558
Fax: (713) 523-0810
2032 W. Alabama • Houston, TX 77098
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com40
Modern BungalowA new home suits a young family in the Historic Heights
Holly and Josh, a young Heights couple, had had many conversations about homedesign with their neighbor, Bob Robinowitz, who co-owns the architecture firmMcIntyre+Robinowitz with partner Mike McIntyre. When Holly and Josh found anappealing lot in the Heights, they immediately consulted their friends atMcIntyre+Robinowitz, to design the ideal home for their family.
BY SANDRA COOK • PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN HILL
41
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com42
The large screened porch was situated to cap-ture the cooling southeast breeze and featuresa gas grill and fireplace as focal points. Holly,Josh and their boys utilize the porch dailythroughout the year and regularly dine al fres-co for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hang-ing sculpture is by Houston artist LeeLittlefield. The fireplace is by Isokern and sur-rounded by Featherlite concrete block.
With the architects onboard, the nextstep was to find a builder. Holly beganhaving discussions with her father, anengineer, about the design of the homeand the faith that she had in the archi-tects. Her dad was intrigued and had lotsof questions for the architects, so BobRobinowitz and Mike McIntyre invitedHolly’s dad to come in for a meeting todiscuss various mechanical aspects of theproject. When he proposed the idea ofMcIntyre+Robinowitz serving as thebuilder, all parties unanimously agreed.Mike McIntyre had recently built his ownhouse and the firm had been looking foran opportunity to take on the generalcontractor role.
McIntyre points out a key decision onthe construction was to go with a com-pletely sealed home, which includes sprayfoam insulation throughout.
“At 3,600 square feet, the two-storyhouse needs just a 4.5-ton air condition-ing unit,” says McIntyre. “We also builtthe home up off the ground at a similarheight as a typical Heights pier-and-beamhouse, but it sits on a slab with 18-inchpony wall with built-in access to wiringand plumbing for access as needed.”
Holly’s background in art and print-making fueled her collaboration with thearchitects, whom she already knew quitewell. Right away, Holly insisted on havinga big screen porch, lots of natural lightand open spaces for family togetherness,especially in the kitchen, dining, livingareas. She asked that the bedrooms notdominate the home’s square footage.
“I didn’t want big bedrooms whereeveryone went off to be all the time,” shesays. “I wanted big family spaces, wherewe could all spend lots of our time.”
Josh, a school administrator and coun-selor, was quite confident and supportiveof Holly’s design instincts, especially afterwitnessing the design conversations withtheir architect friends Bob and Mike on
“They don’t just see outdoorsthrough the windows, butthey can be outdoors on thescreen porch daily.” —Bob Robinowitz
43
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com44
Turquoise is one of Holly’s favorite colors, so shechose a soft aqua blue for the kitchen cabinetsand a bolder version for the barstools from BendSeating. Bob Robinowitz designed the island tomimic an old Hermann Miller piece with painteddrawers on front and natural wood on side. GreyCeasarstone tops the counters, while the floorsare 150-year-old oak reclaimed from old barns.The light fixture over the dinging table was creat-ed by the homeowner and her father.
several occasions. Josh simply asked for adouble showerhead in the master bath andhis own man cave.
“First on the wishlist was the screenporch,” says Holly. “In our old house wehad this one back room where we were allthe time. I just wanted a nice big spacefor the family to spend time and feel con-nected.”
“Holly told us she didn’t want thehouse to be a big box at the front of thelot,” says Bob Robinowitz. “The lot islocated in a historic district, so it was agiven that we needed to adhere to his-toric guidelines. Essentially, Hollydescribed the idea of the house as aModern Bungalow—they wanted some-thing compatible with the neighborhood,but also pushing toward a more modernvocabulary.”
Holly’s visual sense clicked immediate-ly with McIntyre and Robinowitz, andthe trio maintained a good groovethroughout the design process. Theyfound it easy to exchange ideas. BobRobinowitz describes the design processas “highly collaborative.”
From time to time the group wouldmeet to show Josh the progress on theplans. Each time he looked at the plans,he confirmed that all of the couples’ prior-ities were still included. And each timeJosh reports he said, “looks good to me.”
“He honored the fact that I loved theart and design part of it,” says Holly. “Hehad complete trust in us.”
“He was very supportive every time weconsulted him,” says Robinowitz aboutJosh.
EXTERIOR MOTIVES
“We looked at what she didn’t want: atwo-story box with detached garage andmaybe a rear porch and L-shaded yard inback,” says Robinowitz. “Then we looked
“I didn’t want bigbedrooms whereeveryone went off tobe all the time. Iwanted big familyspaces, where we all spend lots of our time.” —Holly, homeowner
45
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com46
RRIIGGHHTT:: Josh’s study is painted Exciting Coral (Sherwin Williams),which gives a lively stage for several of Holly’s artworks, as wellas pieces found in Austin. The study doubles as a guestroomwhen needed.
“The aesthetic of our work is about refinement of thought, sothere’s a tightness to what we do that elevates the quality andI think people sense that when they walk in.”
AABBOOVVEE:: The linear social zone allows ample space for family time. McIntye+Robinowitzdesigned the offset bay (painted purple) and the exposed-rafter portion of the ceiling to cre-ate a horizontal contrast to the elongated space. The elephant painting is by local artist MattMessigner; deer head by Rachel Denney.
—Bob Robinowitz
47
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com48
at houses with a more slender presence on thestreet and instead of a rear yard, we postionedthe yard more on the side and the front. Thismakes for a great spatial plan and is a little moreof a pubic experience with the neighborhood.”Robinowitz also notes that the longer, east-westaxis orientation of the lot is ideal for passive solardesign, which allows for sun control and mini-mizing afternoon heat gain. The orientation onthe lot also allows for making the most of theprevailing breeze from the southeast.
With the screen porch designed as an integralroom, rather than an afterthought, the homeoffers a dual indoor-outdoor living experience.
“They don’t just see outdoors through thewindows, but they can be outdoors on the screenporch daily.
“We use the porch everyday,” says Holly. “Thekids usually go out to the porch right afterbreakfast.”
The generous porch, equipped with a fire-place, grill, ample seating and play space servesmany purposes for the family.
GROWING FAMILY
Holly and Josh had one child at the beginningof the planning phase, but after the plans wereunderway, they learned that their adoptionwent through for their second child and aroundthe same time they were pregnant with theirthird child. So they started the process with onechild but moved into the new home with threeboys.
“We always knew we wanted at least threekids,” says Josh. “But it happened prettyquickly.”
“At that point, the biggest driver of our con-struction schedule was Holly’s baby,” says MikeMcIntyre. “So we organized choices early tostay ahead of Holly and the baby. We gave hera list of things that that had to be selectedbefore she neared her due date—and she did agreat job. She was able to make quick and won-derful decisions.”
Holly appreciated Mike’s recent experiencewith building his own home, and explains thathepled her step back and think about whichdecisions would matter in five years. This kepther from getting bogged down in the details and
LLEEFFTT:: Robinowitz envisioned and installed the semi-open ceiling in the powder room to allow naturallight from above yet provide the necessary privacy.The sink/vanity was a collaborative effort betweenHolly, her father and the architects. RRIIGGHHTT:: The wall colors in the master bedroom areSherwin Williams “Rainwater” and “Urbane Bronze.”Holly found the antique sofa at a Heights antiquesstore and had it recovered in her favorite hue.
49
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com50
RESOURCESArchitects & Builder: McIntyre+Robinowitz, 713.520.9336,www.mcintyrerobinowitz.com
Shower glass and mirrors: Bobbitt Glass, 713.523.7369
Interior and Exterior Doors: BMC, 281.440.9090
Windows: Eagle Windows of Austin, 512.454.0559
Concrete Block: Featherlite, 512.255.2573
Spray foam insulation: Garland Insulating, 713.896.4608
Fireplace: Isokern, 800.642.2920
Tile: La Nova, 713.796.9050
Lighting: M&M Lighting, 713.667.7541
Hardware: Lighting Inc. Hardware, 713.599.1536
Kitchen Counters: Ceasarstone, Venetian Blind CarpetOne Floor & Home, 713.489.5032
Reclaimed Oak Floors and Treads: The Woodshop ofTexas, 888.950.9663
Plumbing Fixtures: Morrison Supply, 713.861.2343
Appliances: K&N Sales, 713.868.3611
Holly and Josh were already fond of the historical character of the of area, so McIntyre+Robinowitzworked with the couple to design a home that is not a dominating presence from the street , but rathera harmonious structure that complements the family and the surrounding neighborhood. The mainentry is on the side, while the yard and garden wrap from front to side for a continuous outdoor areanear the large screen porch.
to see what was really worth the time to ponder andwhat could be handled quickly.
“When aesthetic things came up, Holly would say let’sgo for what looks good, because behavior can adapt,”says Robinowitz. “She would always be supportive of theroute that led to good design, and we appreciated that.”
“We’d ask her opinion and if she had a strong opinionshe gave it to us, and if not, she’d say ‘I’ll let you guysdecide,’” added McIntyre.
And from time to time, Josh would say “looks goodto me.”
THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
“The aesthetic of our work is about refinement ofthought, so there’s a tightness to what we do that ele-vates the quality and I think people sense that when theywalk in,” says Robinowitz.
“Yes, they do,” Holly agrees. “We are very conscious of what’s appropriate for
Houston,” says McIntyre. “Sometimes you see housesgoing up that don’t seem like they should be in this cli-mate. You wonder if they even thought about things likerainfall, drainage and sun exposure.”
The front of Holly and Josh’s house is a bit more tra-ditional, but the back of house evolves into a more mod-ern feel.
“The higher windows towards the back introducemodern vocabulary into the architecture,” saysRobinowitz.
Holly says they wanted something a different fromthe majority of new construction in the Heights. “I real-ly appreciate the combined aesthetic and how it reallyreflects us, not solely the architects. “
AABBOOVVEE:: New pine floors add to the light and airy feel of the second floor. Holly’sstudio space doubles as a play zone for the boys. The tall work table is a Sears saw-horse fitted with a sturdy top.
BBEELLOOWW:: The two younger boys share a sunny room with eastern exposure.Cushions mounted on the walls serve as bumpers for the hanging bubbleswing.
53
Sharon Staley, FASIDSharon Staley Interiors713.668.9689www.sharonstaleyinteriors.comWhat is your design philosophy? Provide designthat best suits the clients’ needs by creating aspace that is well-developed in style, quality, color,texture, personality, and function.
How do your clients' tastes or personalities influence design
projects? Each client brings their own flavor to the design process: stylesor colors they are drawn to, needs they have for each space to make it themost successful for them
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
What is the most important thing you wish to accomplish?
What initially drew you to interior design? My father owned successfulfurniture stores here in Houston and was also president of the FurnitureAssociation, so I grew up in the industry, sharing my father’s passion forquality design.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit
for their project? A client will know they’ve found the right designer forthem when they feel truly “heard”. A good designer listens to what the clientwants and applies her talent, knowledge & experience toward making aspace tailor-made for the client.
meet the designers
ffiinndd aa llooccaall eexxppeerrtt ffoorr yyoouurr pprroojjeecctt
Hiring an interior designer can save homeowners time andmoney with their professionalism and expertise, as well asdeliver a polished, put-together look for your rooms.
Karen Moore Moore Interiors, Inc.713.974.9320www.mooreinteriorsinc.comWhat is your design philosophy?
Listen carefully, always design with your client'stastes as the key directive. If they don't knowwhat their tastes are then get to work on teaching them, help ferret it out and find it!
How do your clients' tastes or personalities
influence design projects? Every job will reveal itself and has a story to tell. Just listen and let the story unfold. The true fun in any project is discovering what it is the client truly wants their space to say about them.
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
Please tell me what I need to know to best help you with your project.
What initially drew you to interior design? I’ve always been a designer. I was known in my family as the go to person— if you don't know where toput something, ask Karen.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit
for their project? Clients who tune into their own tastes and preferencescan better communicate to the designer what suits them. My goal is to helpyou make your dreams come true.
Hollie Landrith, HL Designs, Inc.6230 Lynbrook • Houston, TX 77057713.528.7667 • www.hldesignsinc.comWhat is your design philosophy? To provide a high level of clientservice by creating beautiful balanced and comfortable residentialspaces while working with our client's tastes and budget
How do your clients' tastes or personalities influence design
projects? They are the client. It is the designer's job to put theirlifestyle into their home.
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
What is the overall feel you are trying to achieve?
What initially drew you to interior design? Since early childhood Iwas drawn in by the different ways a room could change and shapeyour emotions.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit for their project?
A potential client and designer need to take the time to get to know each other's character andvision for the project. Only then will they know the possibility of a successful project.
Maria T. Bordelon, ASID Bordelon Design Associates675 Bering Dr., Ste 140 • Houston, TX 77057713.789.9681 • www.bn-design.com1. What is your design philosophy? I try to bring comfort, quality, andgood taste to every project in such a way that reflects the needs and personality of the owners.
2. How do your clients' tastes or personalities influence design projects? I offer suggestionswith first choices and alternates and the client chooses which scheme or which piece of furnitureattracts them.
3. What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
How do you want this room to “feel”? What are your goals of the project? How will the room beused?
4. What initially drew you to interior design? My love of the fine arts and design. My constantneed to create something.
5. How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit for their project?
The most important factor is that the client feel comfortable with the initial conversations. A photo-graphic portfolio review is good too, but I for instance, do very targeted styling to each individualclient, so photography alone will not demonstrate the originality of the client’s project, northe camaraderie required of a true partnership between client and designer.
Kelly Gale AmenP.O. Box 66447 • Houston, TX 77266713.206.5346 • www.kga.net1. What is your design philosophy? To guide the client as theymove through the process of change, taking the client and expandingtheir understanding of space, dimension and function in ways thatthey hadn’t considered before.
2. How do your clients' tastes or personalities influence design
projects? Each project should highlight the individual’s needs, wantsand desires as we aesthetically and functionally increase the usabilityand sensitivity of the space.
3. What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
My favorite thing is to ask the client what they don’t like or want toembrace during this process of change.
4. What initially drew you to interior design? Color—its potential, impact and ability to transformboth a space and a person’s point of view.
5. How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit for their project?
I think that it’s like a shoe—if it fits, so does the foot. There is a comfort and an ease in theexchange, process, and relationship as it unfolds. If it doesn’t work, you will know very quickly.
meet the designers
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com54
Debra Sabrsula, Allied ASIDDesigning Spaces for Living979-320-7754 • www.sabsdesigns.comWhat is your design philosophy? Good design is timeless. Each personhas unique needs and desires that may change over time. I provide honesty,knowledge, skill, value and quality with aesthetic and functional excellence.
How do your clients' tastes or personalities influence design projects?
The designer's job is to help clients define their needs now and in the futuresuch that the finished interiors reflect an individual's unique tastes and desires.
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project? Close your eyes and share withme how you envisage yourself in the new space. What are you most delighted with?
What initially drew you to interior design? Watching my father slowly make his way through hishome clinging to walls to steady his stance, I became aware of how our environment affects ourability to age safely and comfortably. Designing Spaces for Living! ensures all members of the family enjoy the comforts of a new or enhanced home.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit for their project?
Answer yes to these questions: 1) Has the designer listened to and understood my particularneeds and desires? 2) Has the designer asked good relevant questions?3) Can we collaborate successfully?
Claudia Sundin • CS DESIGNS713.385.5585 • www.csdinteriors.comWhat is your design philosophy? Every client is unique, and everyproject should reflect that. Follow the basic design principles of scale, bal-ance, proportion and color harmony and the end result will be rewarding.
How do your clients' tastes or personalities influence design
projects? I listen carefully to what they like or don't like, how theywant the room to function. I'm there to pull it all together to look thebest it can. It’s not about what I like.
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
Depending on the room/rooms and budget, I give my clients binders ofphotos collected from magazines and ask them to bookmark colors,fabrics, furniture, lighting, etc. of what they like.
What initially drew you to interior design? As a young girl I loved rearranging my bedroom. Isold computers in my twenties and traveled the world in my thirties with an airline. It wasn't until myforties that I pursued a degree in Interior Design and formed my company.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit for their project?
Usually clients are referrals from other satisfied clients. However, a client will be working closelywith their designer, so it's important to like his or her personality. You will know if the designer is a“good fit” after the first meeting.
Carol Scott, ASID Student MemberInternational Student chamber of Commerce2900 S. Gessner Rd. • Houston, TX 77063832.439.3482 • www.carolstudiointeriors.comWhat is your design philosophy? I love creating a room that reflects thestyle, beauty and uniqueness that’s been on the client’s dream list.
How do your clients' tastes or personalities influence design projects?
I like clients who don’t mind stepping outside the box. When a client has theability to mix different trends, colors and textures to create a room thatreflects their exact personality and taste.
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
What are the day to day functions of the room? Will any existing furnishings be reused? Do theyhave a design concept in mind? What is the budget?
What initially drew you to interior design? I updated my own bland apartment and the propertymanagement liked it so well, they upgraded the other units with my ideas. That’s when I began toconsider a career in design.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit for their project? I feelthat a client and the designer should have a comfortable relationship. The client will feel this fromthe first meeting. If the designer’s work impresses the client, everything else falls in place.
55
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com56
Diana S. Walker Interior Design713.520.1775dwalkerdesign@sbcglobal.netdianaswalkerinteriordesign.netWhat is your design philosophy? Most peoplehave a strong concept of what they want at thebeginning of a project. I maintain project focus sothat their vision is realized.
How do your clients' tastes or personalities
influence design projects? I am happiest when I can contribute to theproject, and make their concept better than even they considered possible.The collaborative process is my specialty. I like to see the joy on some-one's face when I bring them the perfect solution they couldn't articulate.
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
What experiences have they had with other professionals and was that agood experience? If they haven't worked with a designer or an architect, ora builder, then I can set the standard of what they can expect.
What initially drew you to interior design? A friend who saw all I haddone for her over the years, and encouraged me to seek this career path.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit
for their project? Ask questions! Can they relate comfortably at the firstor second meeting? Do they agree with each other about concepts andstyle? Talk to their other clients? Do you agree with their process, their levelof expertise for your project, and understand their fees? Do you have a gutfeeling that makes you hesitate?
Donna Jarnigan, ASIDLacy-Boone, LLC713.647.0647www.lacyboone.comWhat is your design philosophy? Our goal hasalways been to help the client “own” their home oroffice. We want the interior to reflect their personal-ity, lifestyle, taste and preferences, not ours.
How do your clients’ tastes or personalities influence design
projects? Our motto “It's all about the client”. We always begin by listen-ing to the clients wants, needs and desires. How they live or work is thefoundation of the design.
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project?
What do you want to do, what do you want to envison for this project?
What initially drew you to interior design? I always had the eye and natural gift for design. As a child my Aunts asked me questions like, “What color should I upholster those chairs?” and “Where should I placethat piece of furniture”. I guess you might say it’s in my blood.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit
for their project? Do you mesh with that person? I find many times theinitial consultation will be the ‘tell’ for both client and designer as towhether they will work well together.
Keron Weathered, Out of the Box Design, LLC713-269-5475 • www.KeronOutOfTheBox.com [email protected] What is your design philosophy? My philosophy is successfully completing adesign project that will thrill my clients. I know I can find beautiful and interestingpieces, but I make sure I understand the style and colors the client envisions.
How do your clients' tastes or personalities influence design projects?
I listen and brainstorm with clients, often by looking through photos from maga-zines for styles, colors and pieces they like. I also find out what does not interest them. Some clients want to be more hands-on and others just let me work on the project myself.
What's the first thing you ask a client when starting a project? I like to know the timeline andparticular budget for the project. I work with all budgets and if the client has a vision beyond whatthey can afford, I work in phases. Honesty and communication are key.
What initially drew you to interior design? I was an art major but got married before I finishedcollege. During all the previous jobs, I was always doing creative things for the owners. Finally, Idecided to go to interior design school and become an interior designer.
How can a potential client know if a particular designer is a good fit for their project?
View photos of the designer's work and read comments from previous clients. Interview the designer to learn how they work and to discuss budgets and deadlines. You need to feel comfortable that your project will be as important to her as it is to you.
meet the designers
57
SIMPLE PROJECTS CAN MAKE A HUGE IMPROVEMENT
Bath Makeovers No matter how large or small your bathroom is, there’sprobably room for improvement. All-out bathroom renova-tions can be costly. Consumer Reports recently found thata mid-range remodel averages $16,552.
But improving the look and function of your bath doesn’t alwaysrequire a full-scale renovation. Smaller projects can yield a dramaticupdate for a reasonable price.
IMPROVING YOUR REFLECTIONSomething as simple as dressing up a plain, wall-to-wall mirror with adecorative frame provides instant panache for a ho-hum bath. Mirror-framing companies, such as Mirror Makeover, specialize in this quick
project
BEFORE AFTER
Mirror Makeover specializes in dressing up plain mirrors with decorative frames.
Photo courtesy of AnnSacks Tile & Stone.
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com58
LEFT: Metro Bath Bar by Tech Lighting, Lumens.com.
and cost-effective solution. Once a professionalmeasures your mirror, a frame is then custom-made to fit the space, which is later profession-ally installed over your existing mirror.
SEE THE LIGHTProper lighting that provides the ideal illumi-nation and styling makes the whole room—and those in it—look better. Lighting canactually change the mood of the bathroomand it can also help to ensure you have a goodstart and end to your day. Be sure to installample lighting in key areas such as in theshower and near the primary mirror.
“Bathroom lighting can be a very impor-tant part of a remodeling or building project,”says Ann Morgan of The Lighting Gallery.“Light fixtures can coordinate with the plumb-ing, cabinet hardware and the granite and tilesurfaces in a bathroom. More importantly, thecorrect bathroom lighting is essential for illu-mination and practicability, as well as beauty.”
project
Shower yourself in
Best Value in the City!Let us explain how!
Eliminate hard water stains withShower Guard Glass
Precisely measured & installedby deSola Glass employees
Also Offering...Mirror • Mirror Frames • Glass Table TopsCabinet Door Glass • Residential Window Pane Replacement
Visit Our Beautiful Showroom:7770 Louetta • Spring, Texas 77379
281-763-2500www.desolaglass.com
Monday-Thursday 9:00am-6:00pmFriday 9:00am-5:00pm • Saturday 9:00am-3:00pmArt & Frame Gallery
Same Ownership Since 1958
Luxury...COMPLETE FRAMELESS
GLASS SHOWER ENCLOSURES
59
FromGarden Dreams
ORGANIC OUTDOORENVIRONMENTS SINCE 1999
Garden Dreams
Garden Dreams creates sustainable,healthy outdoor environments includingchlorine- and chemical-free swimmingpools that your whole family can enjoy.
13424-B Briar Forest Dr. Houston, TX 77077281.558.1112
texasgardendreams.com
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com60
projectBEYOND THE CURTAINClumsy curtains and awkward frosted doors can lend a cluttered lookto a bathroom. Sturdy, clear glass shower enclosures offer a modernlook and a larger sense of space.
“A glass shower enclosure can be installed in any shower,” says JoeMujadzic of Century Glass and Interiors. “There are really no limita-tions as long as it is measured, fabricated and installed by a profession-al glass door installer.”
Mujadzic says from the time of the consultation and final measure-ment for the new glass enclosure, the process takes about 7 to 10 daysfor completion. He also says the cost savings depends on the conditionof the existing shower.
“If your tile is in great condition and if you do not have any issueswith it, your savings can be substantial,” says Mujadzic. “New showerglass enclosures do not require that changes be made to the showerpan, tile or design to accommodate a new glass shower.”
SAVE WATER IN STYLEToilets are the main water wasters in the home. According to the EPA,toilets account for nearly 30 percent of indoor water consumption.Replacing older, ineffective toilets with new high-efficiency toilets can
LEFT: Photo courtesy of Century Glass & Interiors.
Over 30 Years of Experience onResidential & Commercial Properties.• Dramatic Uplighting • Tree Lighting • Accent Lighting• Delicate Moonlighting • Low Voltage Lighting • Mosquito Misting• Feature Lighting • LED Lighting • Maintenance
DESIGN & ESTIMATE
61
Value Windows & DoorsMANUFACTURER OF QUALITY VINYL WINDOWS & DOORS
H O U S T O N
13715 Murphy Road, Suite D • Stafford, Texas 77477 • 281.261.6660 [email protected] • www.valuewindowsdoorshouston.com
* Plus tax
281.261.8900
10 Windows Installed $2,799.00(Up to 108 UI)
Double Pane (LoE366 w/Argon Gas) • Lifetime Warranty • Get Free Estimate Now
Save up to
50%on
Energy Bills
2 Frame MinimumNot valid with other offers.
Offer expires 4/30/13
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com62
projectdramatically reduce water use. Also, adding an eco-friendly toilet canhelp to update the style of the bath by providing a more contemporaryfeel to the room. Many of the latest, water-efficient toilets availabletake up less space than older toilets, so you can gain several inches offloor space in addition to saving water.
A new showerhead can yield lower bills, too, for both water and theenergy used to heat it. By replacing an existing showerhead with apowerful low-flow model, homeowners can enjoy their showers whilesaving water and money.
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, aeratorsare considered the single most important water conservation deviceyour faucet or shower head can have. They make efficient use of thewater that flows through them, usually by mixing air into the waterstream.
They can save as much as 50 percent of your water usage andreduce the amount of energy used to heat the water, by as much as 50percent as well.
If an aerator is already installed on the end of your faucet, youshould be able to read its rated flow imprinted on the side. The ratingshould be no more than 2.5 g.p.m. (gallons per minute). If your aera-tor is rated at more than 2.5 g.p.m., it should be replaced.
Faucet aerators generally cost less than $10.
Tub-to-shower conversion overlays, such as Bath Fitter and ReBath, can transformyour old bathtub into a spacious shower that is age-in-place friendly.
63
3 4 5 W 1 9 T H S T H O U S T O N H E I G H T S
H O M E F U R N I S H I N G S & A C C E S S O R I E S713.869.1414 Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 1pm-5pm
Check us out online.
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Hurricane(Is All Your Glass Ready 24/7?)
Breaking and Entering(Will Your Glass Stop Burglars and Break-ins?)
Cuts solar heating(Save energy, and it can pay for itself over time)
NEVER “BOARD UP” AGAIN!“ARMOR YOUR GLASS” WITH ARMOR GLASS!
ArmorGlass
.com
✓
✓
✓
Armor Glass International, Inc.12926 Dairy Ashford, #100
Sugar Land, TX 77478713-213-5080
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com64
projectSTEALTH TOILET The patented hydraulic and water-saving technology behind NiagaraConservation’s Stealth toiletinvolves a remarkable combinationof air and water working in unison,which helps to deliver a cleanerand more reliable flush. BecauseStealth technology maintains pres-sure in the toilet’s trapway insteadof the tank, it produces a surpris-ingly quiet flush without residualnoise. In addition, the Stealth fea-tures a sleek, stylish design and iseasy to install. The system is alsocapable of functioning efficiently atvarying water pressure levels andhas no expensive parts to replace,providing further savings to thehomeowner.
Multi-light fixtures are ideal for bathrooms.Photos courtesy of The Lighting Gallery.
Custom Glasswork
12307 Chimney RockHouston, TX 77035
(713) 729-3699www.artglassbywells.com
• Etchings • Transoms • Stained Glass • Entry Doors • Sidelights • Domes • Shower
Enclosures • On-Site Repairs
Since 1962
50thANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATINGOUR
Sales, Service andInstallation Since 1986
713-988-2665TACLA000410C
Things are heating up, butkeep your cool
65
Correct unevenness, sinking, settling or cracking of:
• Driveways • Sidewalks• Pool Decks • Garage Floors• Patios • Porches• Parking Lots • Stairs• Stairs • Bike Trails
SAVE 30 TO 50% OVER REPLACEMENT
CONCRETEImprovementsDiscount Concrete Leveling will work with any residential, multi-family, commercial/municipal
concrete situation anywhere in the Houston area.
Call for a FREE ESTIMATE713-568-9456
www.discountconcreteleveling.com
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
AFTER
MASONRY & GLASS SYSTEMS INC.
Glass Block Windows and Showers
9363 Winkler Drive 713-944-9716
www.houstonglassblock.com
Let the Beauty of
Your New Tile Shine Through With a Clear Glass Block
Shower.
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com66
project
The Manhattan line of vanity cabinets from Xylem comes with an array ofcountertops including stone, glass and china.
CHOOSING A BATHROOM VANITY TOPBy the National Kitchen & Bath Association
If you’re looking for a bathroom countertop—usually called a vanitytop—look for something that will stand up to water, soap, toothpaste,cosmetics, and alcohol- and acetone-based liquids. Replacing a vanitytop is a feasible do-it-yourself project since you don't have to replace thewhole vanity cabinet if you don't want to. Most bathroom vanity topsare surfaced with one of the following five materials:
• Granite and marble• Laminate• Solid surface material• Tile• Wood
GRANITE AND MARBLEThough marble and granite are unrivaled for their beauty, at $125 to$250 per running, or linear, foot (as measured from one end of thecounter to the other), these classic materials warrant careful thought.Also, while marble stains easily, granite shrugs off most stains, exceptgrease, especially if the granite is unsealed. If a solid sheet of stone foryour countertop is beyond your budget, granite or marble tiles may besubstituted at a lower cost.
CONSIGNMENTSFINE FURNISHINGS
ESTATE FINDS • ANTIQUES 9,000 Square Foot Showroom Open 7 Days Per Week
New Inventory Arrives Daily
5200 Louetta Road, Suite 138, Spring, Texas 77379www.StillGoode.com • 281-370-4447
MONUMENTS & MARKERSMartin’s Cemetery Services
Cemetery Lettering • Core DrillingBoom Truck Monument Erecting
Computer Design Services Diamond Saw Cutting • Foundations
On Premises Guarantee Serving All Cemeteries
SHOWROOM:2460 South Dairy Ashford Rd.
281.531.0036 • 281.531.0045 fax
www.midtown-monuments.com • email:[email protected]
www.kronbergsflagsandflagpoles.com
713-661-9222“A full service company for the flag flyer.”
67
APPLE GLASS CO.www.appleglass.com
Houston: 713-680-14003111 Antoine DriveHouston, TX, 77092
The Woodlands: 281-296-060026215 Interstate 45The Woodlands, TX, 77380
• Vinyl Replacement Windows • Shower Doors • Window Glass Repair • Mirrors, Table Tops • Auto Glass
Renovation & Repair Experts • Custom Pool ConstructionPlaster • Tile • Coping • Waterfalls • Spa Additions
Pool Decks • Equipment Changeouts
(713) 875-3838www.aestheticpools.com
Keith J. Smith, President
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com68
project
This marble-topped vanity and stone sink allow the festive small glass tile back-splash to stand out. Photo courtesy of New Ravenna Mosaics.
Cultured marble is less expensive and is made from real chips of naturalmarble embedded in plastic. It's available in sheet form and in standard counterdimensions of 19 and 22 inches deep. Cultured marble comes with or withouta wash basin molded into it, for $50 to $80 per running foot, installed.Although easy to clean, cultured marble must be well cared for. Once scratched,it cannot be resurfaced. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for whattype of finish to apply to cultured marble to best protect it.
LAMINATEAt an installed price of $24 to $50 per running foot, laminate offers good valueand performance. As a result, it’s the most widely used countertop material inbathrooms, just as it is in kitchens. Various manufacturers market laminatesunder different brand names, but they're all based on the same principle—astack of thin plastic layers bonded together under heat and pressure. Laminatecountertops clean easily and are resistant to water and stain. However, laminatescan burn, wear thin, and dull over time. Hard blows can chip or dent the plas-tic, and there's no remedy short of replacement.
Available in many colors and patterns, laminate finishes range in texturefrom high-gloss smoothness to a mottled, leather-like look. Dealers usually havea few standard patterns in stock; you can view color chips in the store to orderothers.
Do-it-yourselfers can buy prefabricated laminate vanity tops or have themmade to order with a hole for the sink cut where needed. Installing the finishedcountertop is a fairly easy matter. You can apply pieces of laminate material toan installed particleboard countertop, but a professional will do the job best.
Interior Design & Renovation
• Remodeling concept to completionFull Service General Contractor
• Low budget room makeovers...Staging for resale(Using existing furnishings)
• Custom furniture, upholstery, window treatments
• Curb appeal: Exterior elevation modification, landscape design
• Insurance water damage expertOni Roberts
2 8 1 - 6 5 5 - 4 2 8 8www.onidesigns.com • Oni Designs
ALWAYS HOT
Tankless Gas Water Heaters
U-Plumb-ItPARTS • FIXTURES • FAUCETS
INSTRUCTION
1424 MontroseHouston, TX 77019
713.942.2277
Endless hot water for your entire homeheated only when you need it
FEATURING TOTO
BATHROOM FIXTURES
Call 713-973-9282
2035 Pech RoadBldg. GHouston, TX 77055
◆ FREE in-home design consultation
◆ FREE removal of old shower door
◆ Beveled mirrors
◆ Polished mirrors
◆ To revitalize your bathroom’s look & feel!
◆ To eliminate those ugly water stains!
◆ To increase the value of your home
Let us help you fulfillyour dream with a:
Are you dreaming of updating your bathroom?
Email: [email protected]
69
Specialty plants and unique accessories for your garden and home.
IInn TThhee GGaarrddeenn
“Charming...”
“Esquisite...”
“A neighborhood hidden treasure!”
1405 Cedar Post Lane • Houston, TX 77055(Westview/Blalock) 713-932-7652 • Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-3:30
WROUGHT IRON FURNITURE
281-446-4244 • 2803 FM 1960 E • www.ironplus.com3 miles East of Hwy 59
Excellence in Iron
(281) 313-3434 www.pulloutshelf.com
■ All Dove TailConstruction
■ Great for Pantries, Cabinets or Bathrooms
■ Patented All Steel Mounting with 100 lb. Capacity
■ Custom Build to Fit Cabinets
■ Center Post Removal Service
FREE In Home Estimates
Lifetime Warranty
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com70
projectSOLID SURFACESolid surface countertops offer many of the advantages of stone with few ofthe drawbacks. Cast from an acrylic resin that sometimes include crushedstone—particularly quartz—solid-surface material demands little maintenanceand is extremely durable. Intense heat and heavy falling objects (which should-n't pose much of a threat in bathrooms) can cause damage, but scratches, abra-sions, and even minor burns (if you leave a curling iron on the vanity top, forexample) can be repaired with fine-grade sandpaper. The methods and toolsneeded for working with this material are similar to those required for wood-working. However, some manufacturers require that a trained pro fessionalinstall their materials.
Solid surface material is available in white, beige, pastels, and imitationstone, usually in ready-formed vanity tops with integrated sinks. Prices rangefrom about $100 to $250 per running foot installed.
TILEAs it does for floors and walls, ceramic tile makes an attractive, durable finishfor countertops. It's available in many colors, designs, and textures. Grout linesthat trap dirt and encourage mildew are a major drawback, although newgrouts and sealers help alleviate these problems to some degree. Costs rangefrom $10 to $40 per running foot installed.
Getting professional results with tile is a challenge for do-it-yourselfers. Aslightly irregular look can be appropriate for rustic, unglazed quarry tile, butmost other tile varieties demand greater precision. Using pregrouted tile sheets,or sheets of mosaic tile on a mesh backing, makes it easier to space tiles evenly.
WOODAs a countertop surface, wood isattractive, versatile, and easy toinstall. It is, however, especially vul-nerable to water damage, and itsporosity makes it difficult to keepclean. All hardwood and softwoodspecies must be well sealed withpolyurethane or marine varnish.Special care should be taken to sealaround the edges of plumbing fix-tures so standing water can't seepin and cause wood rot.
Maple butcher block is a popu-lar countertop material in the thekitchen, and it sometimes appearsin bathrooms as well. Available in24-, 30-, and 36-inch widths,butcher block is thicker than vanitytops, so to install it you may needto modify plumbing connections. Costs for wood countertops run $25 to $40per linear foot, installed.
To find a local bathroom remodeling professional who can help you pur-chase or install a bathroom vanity top, search for fabricators and installersin your local area at NKBA.org/ProSearch.
ResourcesCENTURY GLASS & MIRROR CO.,281.499. 9570
CRESTWOOD CONSTRUCTION,832.388.5371
DESOLA GLASS ART & FRAMEGALLERY, 281.763.2500
THE LIGHTING GALLERY, 281-444-9299
MARATHON SPA & BATH,281.342.8775
MIRROR MAKEOVER,281.305.3444
Antique Pine, Aromatic Cedar, Ash, B. E. Maple, Basswood, Birch, Bloodwood, Bocote,Bubinga, Cherry, Cocobola, Curly Maple, Cypress, Lacewood, Mahogany, Maple,
Mesquite, Mexican Rosewood, Oak, Padouk, Pecan, Purpleheart, Poplar, Spanish Cedar, Sycamore, Teak, Walnut, Wenge, Zebrawood and More
Open 7:30-5:00 M-F; 8:30-12:00 Sat.
Quality Domestic & Imported Plywood (Interior & Marine)Edgebanding & Veneer Sheets • Butcher Block Tops
Flooring • Moulding • MDF & Melamine
www.houstonhardwoods.com
Specializing In Hardwood Lumber, Plywood and Moulding.PERSONAL SERVICE
PROMPT DELIVERY
On-Site Custom Moulding & Planing
713-686-6176Fax 713-686-32174910 W 34th St.
Custom Rug Work RoomWall-to-Wall Carpet • Binding Service
3130 Rogerdale Rd., Suite 150 • www.rubinscustomrugs.com
7 1 3 . 7 8 4 . 1 1 8 0
R U B I N ’ SCustom Rugs and Fine CarpetCustom Rugs and Fine Carpet
71
CENTURY GLASS &MIRROR COMPANY
281.499.9570 l 2007 South Main St., Missouri City
Custom Mirror Walls•
Frameless Glass Shower Doors•
Custom Shower & Tub Enclosures•
Window/Glass Replacements•
Decorative Glass•
Home Accessories•
Custom Glass Table Tops
Visit our Unique Showroomwww.centuryglassandinteriors.com
AAMMEERRIICCAANN CCOONNCCRREETTEE
NNeeww CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn ~~ DDeeccoorraattiivvee ~~ BBrreeaakk OOuuttss ~~ RReemmoovvaall
RReessiiddeennttiiaall && CCoommmmeerrcciiaall ~~ IInnssuurreedd && BBoonnddeedd
771133--444433--00442211eessttiimmaattiinngg@@aammeerriiccaannssttrruuccttuurraallccoonnccrreettee..ccoomm
$25 OFF
(713) 932-UNIT unitshouston.com
1st Month Rental Feewhen you mention this ad
Expires 12/31/13
The Best Containers & Service in the Mobile Storage IndustryMoving, Storage, Home Staging, Document Archiving & More
MOLD, MILDEW, UV & WATER RESISTANT
REMODELING?YOU’RE GONNA NEED STORAGE!
BONUS!SAVE $50
We also refinish:• Garage Doors • Shutters• Window Frames
713.861.2081www.restoreyourdoor.com
Serving San Antonio and Austin • Franchise Opportunities Available
10060 West Road #203Houston, 77064Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com72
5755 Bonhomme Rd., Ste 408Houston, Texas 77036281-831-5256
www.garyswindowtinting.com
AARON’S POOL SERVICEAARON’S
936.582.4495
•Remodeling•Service & Repair•Weekly
Maintenance• Pool Service• Repair of
Automated Pool Cleaners
FREE ESTIMATESFREE ESTIMATES
Color Hardeners • Releases • Acid StainsPremium Sealers • Polyurethanes • Counter Top Mix
Self Leveling Overlays • Stamps • ToolsTraining & Support • Seminars • Furniture Molds
8310 Castleford St. #250 • Houston, TX 77040713-462-8884 • www.decorativecs.com
Serving Texas and the U.S.
We Stock Integral Colors!
We Stock Integral Colors!
Come See Our
Showroom
Antiques on Memoriala collection of Fine Shops
Unique Treasures for Your Home
7000 sq. ft. Showroom FeaturingFurniture, Silver, Ironstone, Transferware, Linens, Jewelry, China Matching
14034 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079
(281) 920-9424Mon-Sat. 10AM-6PM • Sun. 12AM-5PM
Located at Memorial & Kirkwood
Window Coverings: Blinds Shades Shutters
713.664.0444 ■ www.cityblind.com
Pickup & Delivery Available
You Break’em...We’ll Fix’em!
City Blind RepairCity Blind RepairMost repairs can be made on-site
Concrete Staining • Decorative Overlays
281-330-3356 • www.ggcoatings.comTaking Concrete To The Next Level
UGLY CONCRETE?UGLY CONCRETE?
G&G Concrete Coatings,LLCG&G Concrete Coatings,LLC
We Clean and Seal:Patios • Pool Decks • Driveways
73
TACLA015311E
Trim-A-Slab is much easier to install and less expensive thanthe gooey stuff. Available in black or grey in 50 ft rolls at
your local hardware store. Made in the USA.
832-618-37261401-A Link Rd.League City, TX 77573www.trim-a-slab.com
STOPbeing afraid to look down.
A product of the R&D Workshop
BEAUTIFUL POOLSBEAUTIFUL POOLS at affordablepricesREFLECTIONPOOLS & SPASOffice. . . . 713.559.1100Houston • Dallas • Austin
www.reflectionpoolsandspas.comwww.reflectionpoolsandspas.com
PPeeggggyy HHeerrrriicckk, Owner/Designer281.778.3115 / 281.678.4959
[email protected]/mherrick
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com76
77
JJMMCCoouullssoonn..ccoomm
Factory DirectShuttersSpecializing in Humble, but
serving the Greater Houston Area
FFuurrnniittuurree && AAcccceessssoorriieess OOuuttlleettTAX SEASON SPECIALSNo Interest Financing for 24 months
NO CREDIT CHECK (Your job is your credit)
$500 OFF*
See Store For Details*With this ad. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 3/15/13
281-894-8838 9214 Cypress Creek Pkwy. (FM 1960) & Perry Rd.M-Sat: 10-7 • Thur: 10-7:30 • Sun 12-6
We DoWindows..and Doors
Personalized Service at Affordable PricesCall Nelson Fisher for estimates, brochures or more details.
Prices gladly quoted by phone.
Texas Windows & Doors Inc.908 Town & Country Blvd. #120713-984-7543
www.texaswindowsanddoors.net
Replacement Window Specialist • Since 1985
• universal design (ADA guidelines) • certified aging in place contractor • bonus rooms • replacement windows • kitchens & bathrooms • countertops • wood, laminate & tile floors • crown molding & art niches• pergolas & arbors • fireplace surrounds & mantels • roofs & fences281.693.5754 • 281.678.4615 cellwww.gsremodelers.com
Serving the Katy Area
Certified LeadDust ContractorMichael Poulin
4200 Westheimer • No. 102Houston, TX 77027
713.627.8970 cabinetsanddesigns.net
Kitchens • BathsEntertainment Centers
Home OfficesClosets
Design l Value l ServiceSince 1972
Free Budget Estimates
ForYour Life...
CabinetsDesignsI n c o r p o r a t e d
PROFESSIONAL REUPHOLSTERY
11330 Northwest FreewayHouston, TX 77092(290 West b/t 34th & Antoine)713.957.0003 Phone713.957.1450 faxMon-Sat, 10-5:30
Home Furnishings Accessories Fabrics Trims
w w w . m a x i m u m f u r n i t u r e . c o m
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com78
pet of the month
¡HOLA AMIGOS!I’m a 10-month-oldChihuahua mixwith the good for-tune to have theold-school name ofBetty. I love all thefamous Bettys: Betty Grable, Betty Page,Betty White. Those gals had style, panacheand bravado. Remind you of a certain breedof lovable, yet assertive pooch? Well thisBetty is down on her luck, lookin’ for love inall the wrong faces. Don’t get me wrong, Ilove other dogs, but I’d really like to cuddleup with you and watch black-and-whitefilms on AMC. Could you help a dame out?
ID# 213193
HOUSTON SPCA900 Portway Drive, Houston 77024, 713.869.SPCA (7722)Open daily, www.houstonspca.org
ATs’ANTONIO’S
TREESWHOLESALE
Custom Made Silk Trees
8600 Westpark Dr., Ste.112 • Houston, TX 770638600 Westpark Dr., Ste.112 • Houston, TX 77063
antoniossilktrees.com • 713.278.1145antoniossilktrees.com • 713.278.1145
Take an ordinary journey to an extraordinary place
15635 FM 2920 • Tomball, Texas 77377www.arborgate.com • 281-351-8851
The Arbor Gate
BOUTROS CONSTRUCTIONA L L P H A S E S O F H O M E R E M O D E L I N G
OVER 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE • 713-587-0000 • WWW.BOUTROSCONSTRUCTION.COM
MayecoMagnetic Interior Insulating Windows
Are Your Windows The BiggestSingle Energy Waster In Your Home?
Here’s What
the Magnetic®
Window System Does
For YOUR Home...
• Deadens Outside Noise• Greatly Reduces Heat Through Windows• Lowers Energy Costs• Stops/Prevents Ultraviolet Fading of Drapes/Furnishings• Quick Payback on Investment
1-800-627-8061
One DayInstallation
79
10009 Hwy. 6 South(between Bissonnet & Old Richmond)
281.564.1345
873 S. Mason RoadSuite 300
(next to CiCi’s Pizza)
281.398.2319
24627 I-45 North(between Hardy Toll
Road & Sawdust
832.813.0813OVER 22 YEARS OF SERVICE
COMPLETE KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING, PAINT & MUCH MORE
WECOVERIT ALL:Tile & Stone
•Hardwood
•Laminate
• Granite
Countertops•
Carpet•
Backsplashes•
Much More
Advertise in this section for as little as $160/month
Call 713.523.6523 for more information.
“Quality You Can Trust - One Call Does It All”Family Owned & Operated
22 Years Exp. Complete Home Repairs■ Painting Interior & Exterior■ Kitchen & Bath Remodeling■ Cultured Marble Tops &
Kitchen Countertops■ Whirlpool Tub Repair
■ Sheetrock Repairs■ Carpentry Repairs■ Siding■ Rental Property
Make Readys
Bob’s Renovations
713-557-3310
Gallaway Porcelain Works■ Porcelain■ Acrylics ■ Simulated Marble■ Fiberglass ■ Tub Chips■ Antique
Clawfoot Tubs
281-304-9300 TexasTubs.com
Reconditioning Repair Refinishing
Refinisher for the Emporium
Plantation Shutters • Blinds • ShadesFREE MEASURMENT!
832.482.0041www.HoustonShuttersAndBlinds.com
HoustonShutters & Blinds
of
Porcelain RepairBathroom Detailing
OWNER CRAFTSMAN-WESLEY MCDOUGLE
Bathtubs • Sinks • Tile • Repaired • Removed • Installed • Cleaned & Polished
FREE ESTIMATES713-498-8532
www.reflectionpoolsandspas.com
Reflection Pools&SpasReflection
Pools&Spas713-559-1100Beautiful Pools atAffordable Prices
713-464-2600www.bobjacksonremodeling.com
In businesssince 1973
A+rated
Interior/Exterior Painting & Remodeling • Custom Construction, Cabinetry, Painting • Faux Finish, Venetian Plaster & Antiquing
Complete Kitchen & Bath RemodelingBOB JACKSON PAINTING & REMODELING
121 Heights Blvd. (S. of I-10)713-868-3175www.heightsstationantiques.com
Fun shopping in an 1895 CarriageBarn. Unique Gifts, Home Decor,European and American Furniture,Rock 'n Roll & Sports Memorabilia.
Heights StationAntiques
281-821-2900
• Gutters• Shutters• Siding• Kitchens• Counter Tops
• Bathrooms• Granite-Marble• Carpets• Cleaning• Restretch
• Painting• Drywall• Carpentry• Cabinets• Roofing
• Tile-Wood• Brick-Concrete• Pools & Decking• Decking• Sprinklers• Landscaping
BESTCARE HOME SERVICESBESTCARE HOME SERVICES
- INSURED -281-821-2900www.bestcarehomeservices.com
www.sspropaint.com
713-294-5706Commercial / Residential
Since 1980
WAYNE’SHARDWOOD • CARPET • TILE
(1-10 @Kirkwood)
281-596-8187M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5 or Appoint.
Peggy’s Services & Hazel’s Custom Drapes1560 Eldridge Pkwy Suite 148,Houston TX 77077 (Inside Rouge)
281.345.0077 www.peggyservices.com
• Custom Drapes• Shutters• Blinds Staging & Design FREE
In-HomeConsultation20% Offon all custom orders
expires 4/15/13
CREATIVE IMPROVEMENTS, LLC.Residential & Commercial
Room Additions • Roofing • Painting • Carpentry • Electrical •Plumbing
Doors • Siding • Decks • Interior & Exterior Repairs.
FREE ESTIMATES281-804-3108 PhoneREFERRALS AVAILALBE
www.creativeimprovementsllc.co
CREATIVE CONTOURSLANDSCAPE CO.
CREATIVE CONTOURSLANDSCAPE CO.
• Landscape Lighting• Sprinkler Systems• Soil pH Testing• Design • Installation
• Underground Drainage Systems
• Brick, Brick Paver,& Stone Patios
• Landscape
Russell BudnickGrad. Texas A&M
713-723-9318713-723-9318www.creativecontourslandscapingLLC.com
$50 OFF With This Ad
A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G H E AT I N GFOR DEPENDABLE COMFORT
We Service All Brands • www.AirDepot.com • 281-477-3700
Check us out on the Web!
License # TACLA000227C
& 225C
Total Renovations:Decking • Tile • Resurface • Waterfalls
Call now for a free estimate
www.competitionpools.com281-955-8114281-955-8114
HOUSTON’S PREMIER POOL REMODELER SINCE 1982Pool Remodeling SpecialistsPool Remodeling Specialists
Specialists in pointing and filling brick and mortar cracksalong with Patio & Outdoor Firepits
“Simply the best in brick repair”
713.856.8329 • www.mrbrickofhouston.com
GOLD - BRASS - NICKEL - CHROMEANTIQUES - POLISHING
BRIGHT METALSOF THEHEIGHTS
Gus Olivares 713-861-0729www.brightmetals-oftheheights.com
[email protected] E. 11th St. • Houston, TX 77008
Residential • Commercial
BROTHERS UPHOLSTERY& DRAPERY
BROTHERS UPHOLSTERY& DRAPERY
Antique - Refinish & RestorationCustom Made Furniture
Window Coverings • Shutters
I-10 - Memorial AreaI-10 - Memorial Area 713-461-2196713-461-2196
Money MakersMoney Makers
www.moneymakersflags.comwww.moneymakersflags.com1517 Blalock 713-461-1153Houston, TX 77080 800-838-11531517 Blalock 713-461-1153Houston, TX 77080 800-838-1153
Flags, Banners, PolesWindsocks and Pennants
Flags, Banners, PolesWindsocks and Pennants
w w w . b r a z o s b e n d t r e e f a r m . c o m
BRAZOS BEND TREE FARMQuality Container Grown Trees
23111 FM 1462 Damon, TX • 979-553-3441 • 979-553-3756 fax
Open To The Public
Open To The Public
BUYFARMDIRECTAND SAVE
BUYFARMDIRECTAND SAVE
AZTEC HOME REMODELINGAZTEC HOME REMODELING
• Kitchen Remodeling• Bathroom Remodeling• Cabinets–Granite Countertops• Cultured Marble Vanities• Tile–Ceramic–Stone–Slate• Carpets–Hardwood–Laminates• Painting–Sheetrock–Texturing• Hardie Siding–Custom Carpentry• Windows–Doors–Crown Molding• Roofing–Gutters–Pressure Washing• Brick–Patio Rooms–Deckings• House Leveling - Fences
Water DamageExtraction & Restoration
Water DamageExtraction & Restoration
228811..552288..55555533228811..552288..55555533• A Plus Rating •
Bright Landscape Designs Inc.Bright Ideas for Landscaping
281.496.3576www.brightlandscapedesigns.com
Custom Landscaping • StoneworkLighting • Maintenance
Water Features • IrrigationDesign & Installation • Consultation
Serving greater Houston and surrounding areas since 1982!
CLASSIFIED SECURITYA TOTAL SECURITY RESOURCEHOME & CORPORATE SECURITY SYSTEMS
FREE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM INSTALL WITH APPROVED CREDIT4 CAMERA SURVEILLANCE PACKAGES JUST $995.00832.524.7005WWW.CLASSIFIEDSECURITY.COM
Security
AlarmMonitoringAs low as$19.95
Authorized Dealer of Central Security Group
KatyKitchen Bath281.391.6279
COMPLETE KITCHEN REMODELS• CABINETS• FIXTURES• COUNTERTOPS
www.KatyKitchen.com
SEVEN-TIME AWARD WINNER ARMANDO’S PAINTING
& REMODELINGInterior & Exterior • Sheetrock • All Types Texture • Cabinet GlazingPressure Washing • Siding • Hardy Plank • Ceramic Tile • GraniteFree Estimate • References Available • Residential & Commercial
www.armandospainting.com
Excellent Quality, Best Service 281-660-3517 Cell
ARMANDOGOMEZ
AAMMAAZZIINNGG FFEENNCCEESS && BBUURRGGLLAARR BBAARRSS
Beating the competition for years!Free Estimates
281-467-1898 • 281-397-8354 fax
Iron • Wood • Chain Link • Automatic Gate Openers
house&home | Apr i l 2013 | house and home on l ine . com82
InsulatedReplacement
Windows
HardiePlankSiding
• HardiePlank • Double Pane Windows• Patio Covers• Sunrooms• Pergolas• Roofing• Stonework• Room Enclosures
VISIT OUR WEBSITEFOR SPECIALS
Ask about our 0% financing for 12months
281.852.1866888.335.2036
12314 FM 1960, Houston, Texas 77336
Authorized Dealer
BBB PINNACLE WINNER!
Call my granddad– he’s the BEST!
832425 Broad Street • Houston, TX 77087 • 713.847.1754 • www.gulfbasco.com
order today, install next week
WOLF Classic Cabinets® offer eleven popular door style/finish combinations at extremely attractiveprices, including no up charges for the upscale look of paint. With a broad selection of accessories andmouldings, WOLF Classic Cabinets will make your kitchen both beautiful and affordable.
* Rug Gallery store locations
www.robertscarpet.com
CLEAR LAKE 20810 I-45 SOUTH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 281-332-4477WOODLANDS 19053 I-45 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 936-271-0000SOUTHWEST 3003 FONDREN-2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 713-785-1900*Dazzling Decor 3003-1 FONDREN _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 832-377-4665
CENTRAL 3404 KIRBY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 713-523-0666NORTHWEST 6920 FM 1960 W. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 281-580-9495SUGAR LAND 12614 S.W. FRWY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 281-240-8200GULF FRWY 4750 GULF FRWY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 713-926-5100WEST 11177 KATY FRWY_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 713-468-1300HUMBLE 20465 HWY. 59 N _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 832-445-0800
**
* Rug Gallery store locations