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THE COMPLETE RESOURCE MAGAZINE FOR YOUR HOME | FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE
Citation preview
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net2
W W W. C A S T L E F D C . C O M3819 Fondren Rd. (Fondren & Westpark) • Houston, TX 77063 • (832) 201-1000
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house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net4
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house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net6
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6
CONTENTS
30355064
Floral Arrangement Tips
Spring Break Destinations
Architectural Landscaping
Front Exterior Makeovers
ON THE COVER:Monte Smith Designs and Mastercraft Homes CombineElegance and Comfort in The Woodlands. See page 16.www.montesmithdesigns.com
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Editor’s Note
Calendar
Editor’s Picks: Valentine’s Day Gifts
Decorating & Entertaining Secrets
Project: Selecting Draperies
Gardening: Pocket Planting
Pet of the Month: Bella
8141822267478
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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
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net8
It’s the dead of winter — the per-
fect time to begin planting ideas for
improving the curb appeal of our homes
with new or improved landscaping, and
doable facelift projects.I ran across a local landscape designer
who, with his talented team, incorporatessuch layered interest in each of his projectsthat I had to share his work with you all onpage 50.
If you’re doubting the value of landscap-ing, here’s what appeared in a newsletterarticle distributed by Quicken Loans. Theyreference Real.estate.com as the sourcewhen sharing these statistics and findingsregarding the importance of such:1. Raises the property value as much
as 12 percent.2. Increases your resale value by 14 per-
cent.3. Investments equal to 5 percent of your
home’s value can give up to a 150 per-cent return.
4. Decreases the number of days yourhome is on the market — sometimes byas much as six weeks.
5. Nearly 90 percent of all real estateagents encourage homeowners to investin landscaping prior to selling (so whynot enjoy it yourself a head of time).Congratulations are in order to FW
Heritage. We featured two of their FirstWard renovation projects last month.
Preservation Houston has just announcedthe company as being among their 2016Good Brick Award winners.
Preservation Houston will honor FWHeritage along with other winners on Feb.19, at the annual Cornerstone Dinner at theRiver Oaks Country Club. This year’s win-ning projects include a mid-century home inAyrshire, the conversion of a Heights mat-tress factory into loft space, and the re-useof a historic bakery building on WashingtonAve.
Preservation Houston will also presentthis year’s President’s Award to architect,educator and preservationist Barry Moore,FAIA, for his outstanding personal contribu-tions to historic preservation in Houston. Formore information on the event, call 713-510-3990 or visit www.preservationhouston.org
Happy Valentine’s Day!Susan (with Casey and Sam)
E D I T O R ’ S N O T E
PUBLISHER ........................Mike Harrison, Ph.D.
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ........Susie Reisenbigler
EDITOR ..............................................Susan Fox
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ....................................
..........................Barbara Canetti, Marsha Canright
..............................Angela Chandler, Amitha Verma
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS....................
..........................Carl Mayfield, Anthony Rathbun
ART DIRECTOR ............................Robert Coplin
SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ........Frances Dowling
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE....Karen Sims, David Tree
PRINTING ........................................RR Donnelly
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 2016, all rights reserved. HH&H isdistributed at most Houston area Randallsand HEB stores.
H O U S T O N
P.O. Box 131845 • Houston, Texas 77219(713) 523-6523 • [email protected]
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house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net14
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 A R T S • E V E N T S • M A R K E T S • W O R K S H O P S
In the GardenTwo classes take place this month at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM2920, Tomball, TX. The first is “Rose Pruning,” on Feb. 27, at10 a.m. Take the guesswork out of pruning with advice fromHouston Rose Society’s Gaye Hammond. She is involved in anumber of rose trials around the country and has evaluated Kordes’roses in trials in Oregon, New York and Texas. She is also a con-tributing author to “A Garden Book for Houston and the Texas GulfCoast,” and “The Sustainable Rose Garden.” “Seed Starting-101”is scheduled for Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. Angela Chandler with TheGarden Academy leads the talk. Seed starting is a fun and economi-cal way to increase the varieties of plants you grow in your garden.It's also a great way to manage succession plantings in your ediblelandscape. She is a member of the Harris County Master GardenerAssociation, in addition to being a member of the Garden Writer’sAssociation. Info: www.arborgate.com
Urban Harvest announces several classes related to fruit trees. Thefirst is “Growing Fruit Trees,” on Feb. 6. This series consists ofthree classes that will start with a two-and-a-half hour lecture-styleclass designed to teach you the principles of pruning and trainingyour fruit trees. The following two classes will be held at a privatehome orchard and will teach you to prune all of the basic fruits thatgrow in the Houston and surrounding areas. Class 1 is a prerequi-site. Class 2 explains pears, apples, berries, peaches and plums bydemonstrating on specific plants what should be done. Class 3 con-tinues with persimmons, grapes, citrus, pomegranates, figs, and astime permits other semi-tropicals. Instructor: Bob Randall, Ph.D, is
the author of “Year Round Vegetables, Fruits, and Flowers forMetro-Houston,” 12th edition. Fee is $120. Other classes:“Growing Fruit Trees in Small Spaces,” Feb. 9, 6 p.m. to 8p.m., “Basic Fruit Tree Care & Plan,” Feb. 16 (6 p.m. to 8p.m.), and Feb. 17 (10 a.m. to noon) www.urbanharvest.org
Home ShowsThe 30th Annual Texas Home & Garden Show-Houston isFeb. 12-14, at NRG Center. Meet with 300 exhibitors and testtheir products for the home. Experts from the Greater HoustonBuilder’s Association will be on hand as well. Attendees can expectto see garden and other DIY workshops. Examine various productsnow on the market – mattresses, gas grills, fireplaces and more.Info: www.texashomeandgarden.com
The 3rd Annual Lake Conroe Home & Garden Show is Feb.20 & 21 at the Lone Star Convention Center. DIY Networks’Rescue Renovation’s Kayleen McCabe will be onhand during thisweekend to discuss home renovation projects with attendees. Getinfo on remodeling, decorating, decks & docks, kitchens & baths,home building and more. Discount coupon online. Info:www.lakeconroehomeandgardenshow.com
The 8th Annual Cy-Fair Home and Garden Show takes placeFeb. 27 & 28, at The Berry Center. Speakers include both buildersand chefs. Product and expert information on pools, furniture,flooring, outdoor furniture, pools & spas, kitchen & bath, andlandscaping. Info: www.cyfairhomeandgarden.com
CALENDAR
EDITOR’S NOTE: Please send all calendar items to [email protected] by second Fridays for the following month’s issue.
American Institute of Architects Walking Tours (AIA-Houston): The Museum District tour (left) offers views of numerous cultural institutions and theBuffalo Bayou Park tour (right) offers 160 acres of beautiful scenery and skyline views. Photos courtesy of Visit Houston (Julie Soefer).
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Learn to prune roses at The Arbor Gate. Photo courtesy of Kaz Andrew.
DecoratingInterior designer Beverly Vosko leads a continuing ed classes fordesigners and others on Feb. 16, and Feb. 17. The first one focus-es on “Lighting & Daylighting.” The second addresses“Business of Designing” and “Aging in Style.” At the HoustonDecorative Center, 5120 Woodway. Info: www.interiordesign-ED.com
The Houston Design Center, 7026 Old Katy Rd, hosts a day fullof expert information. On Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to11:30 a.m., Fred Jackson with Estudio Group, LLC, gives a talkon “Stone Basics.” He will address stone usage and its limitations,new technology regarding the extraction of granite, marble, slateand limestone. This seminar gives you everything you need toknow, including cleaning and sealing. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m., meet acclaimed and celebrated interior designer and hostessextraordinaire Florence de Dampierre for an inspiring presenta-tion, book signing and luncheon. She grew up in Paris but current-ly lives in an older home in Conneticut. Info: www.thehoustonde-signcenter.com
Walking ToursThe American Institute of Architects-Houston (AIA) invites histo-ry buffs and walkers to tour three different areas of the city thismonth. On Feb. 13, at 10 a.m., the group strolls Buffalo BayouPark for an overview of downtown Houston's history and archi-tecture from its beginnings in 1836. On Feb. 20, at 10 a.m.,“Rock Building Stones: Downtown Geology & MaterialsTour.” This architectural and geological walking tour of down-town goes beyond the typical architectural focus to include theprovenance and geology of the buildings' materials. These sedi-mentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks have come from all overthe world and now call Houston home. On Feb. 27, at 10 a.m.,walkers tour the Museum District. On this two-hour walkingtour, experience the quintessential Modernism of Mies van derRohe, the structuralist view point of Gunnar Birkerts, the simplicityand craft of Isamu Noguchi, and the first free standing Americanstructure designed by Yoshio Taniguchi. Info: www.aiahouston.org
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Smith, owner of Monte Smith Designs and MastercraftHomes, tackles each project with an eye on efficiency and cre-ativity, and provides his customers access to his team of pro-fessionals to help them get the homes of their dreams.
“I want my customers to be happy with the end project.I want to satisfy my customers because I understand them,”he says.
For 35 years Smith has been in the house building business.He started as a carpenter’s helper and taught himself the tradeby learning from others and talking to professionals. He canmanage a construction site, build to specifications, modify asneeded, but his passion has always been in the design – thefirst step in the process.
The “Design/Build Advantage:” When clients hire
Monte Smith to design their new home, they also
can hire the builder, contractor, decorator and
finisher – all at once.
“When I talk to my clients, I find out their needs, theirwants and their budget, and then I go from there,” he says.“By listening, I can venture out with the plans and also changethem as we go along, if needed.
“So many things you do may need to be changed once yousee them in real time. We are flexible and we can adapt,” hesays. “The design doesn’t stop with what’s on the paper – it isall about what the customer wants.”
Sometimes the client wants to include something unique orexpensive into the building of their home. Smith sometimeswill refer these wants as “Gold Monkeys.” As a designer, hefeels it is his responsibility to discuss these options.
If my client wants Gold Monkeys hanging from a tree, wewill talk about it and after we look at all options and they stillwant the monkeys, then they will have them,”he says.
Even as a youth, Smith says he was labeled as “creative.”He was once ask by a teacher why he was coloring outside
the box. “I told the teacher I didn't see the lines at all.”Probably the best testament to Smith’s ability and profes-
sionalism is his customers – and his repeat customers.“I have one client for whom I've designed four houses. Each
time their needs change – starter home, growing family, grow-ing again and then empty nest – we’ve been able to create for
Old World EleganceNEW CUSTOM HOME COMBINES
ELEGANCE AND COMFORTBY BARBARA CANETTI • PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY RATHBUN
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Karen and Larry Cress
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them the kind of homes they need,” he says.He says he prides himself with creating high functioning
homes, which meet his high standards for quality and form.He envisions the flow of the house in the design and carefullymonitors how and where light enters the rooms.
He has a stable of professional contractors that he turns tofor every project.
“One thing you learn as a project manager is who NOT to hire. We have very high standards and only use subs thatfollow our instructions and meet our standards,” he says.
He works with a highly knowledgeable colleague and trusted interior designer, Sherry Smith (no relation) ofInteriors by Sherry, for advice on colors, finishes and furnish-ings. She works closely with the clients to find out exactlywhat they need.
Sherry Smith, who has been decorating for more than twodecades says she specializes in bringing warmth, beauty andfunction to spaces.
“I feel that homes need to reflect the family that lives there. I listen to the desires and dreams of my clients andwork to bring that to fruition,” she says. “My desire is thatmy clients cannot wait to walk through their door and lovebeing home.”
Karen and Larry Cress are clients of the Monte-Sherryteam. They wanted a family-oriented, Texas-Tuscan stylehome: an old-looking new house combining elegance andcomfort. Plus, it had to be “drop dead gorgeous,” says Karen
Cress. Their one-story, 5,700-square foot, four-bedroomhome near The Woodlands was designed and built by MonteSmith and decorated by Sherry Smith, meeting all therequirements the couple had requested.
“The thing about Monte that was so incredible was his abil-ity to take concepts from my mind and heart and put theminto reality. I described things that were locked inside me andMonte and Sherry got it – they captured the vision that Ihad,” says Cress. “They had the heart to care enough anddelve in and explore.
“The end result is lovely to behold. And everyone – every-one – who comes into our home says the same thing: it iswarm and inviting, and you just want to relax and enjoy it.”
The house was designed around a swimming pool; theCress’ wanted to be able to see the water from every room.Mission accomplished: the pool was built in the center of thehouse and it wraps around the decking, pool and spa.
Sherry Smith described the Cress’ house as a dream project:“Every room has a story and every space has a purpose.”Karen Cress noted that Monte Smith had designed and builtanother house for her husband many years ago.
“We had a choice when it came to designers and builders. Iam so glad we chose Monte and Sherry. They are both sogifted at what they do and what they did for us,” she says.
For more information about Monte Smith Designs and MasterCraft
Homes, call 808-688-6400 or visit www.montesmithdesigns.com
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net18
1. PICTURE PERFECTA sweet cloverleaf red accenttable ($499) sets the stage herefor a 3-inch square glass vasefilled with silk roses and ferns($149), a four-piece coaster set($54.99), and a 8 oz. SpanishMoss scent candle ($39.99). Abeautiful area rug hangs behind— or certainly can be placed onthe floor. 7.10 x 10.10 -footarea rug is $899. At DazzlingDécor Rugs & Accessories3003 Fondren Rd., 832-377-4665, www.dazzlingdecor-rc.com
2. VALENTINE BUBBLYOn Valentine’s Day, begin theevening with the perfect glass ofchampagne. Jan Barbaglio’s flutewith wild hibiscus flowers are$67.99 each. The heart, alsodesigned by Jan, is $70.99. Anda jar of wild hibiscus rose syrupis $12.99 for the small one, and$19.99 for the larger size. AtThe Arbor Gate,15635 FM2920, Tomball, TX,281.351.8851,www.aborgate.com
3. BEE MINEThis octogon-shappeddecoupage glass plate with goldtrim ($44) conveys your senti-ments everyday of the year. Partof the Bee Mine collection atMarye-Kelley, 1740 Westheimer,Suite 100, 713-524-0459,www.marye-kelley.com
4. SAY IT WITH ARTThis arrangement of wearableand visual arts reveals there issomething for everyone. TheCalla Lily painting is $800; theHibiscus artwork is $100; thebracelet is $30: the woodenbowl is $130. Check it all out atthe Brenham Downtown ArtGallery, 113 West Alamo,Brenham, TX, 979-251-7640 [email protected]
E D I T O R ’ S P I C K S
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Valentine’s Day
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house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net20
5. EVERLASTING GIFTGive her — or him — this hand-blown glass heart as an everlastinglove token. $24 at Eclectic Home,345 W. 19th St., 713-869-1414,www.eclectichome.ws
6. FLOATING HEART This unique contemporary sculp-ture is created from molded fiberwood coated in lacquer. It is is redand black on a black square base.13.75 x 6.25 x 16.5 inches; finishis red black and sits on a 6 x 1.25-inch square base. At K&D Home& Design Studio, Inc., 3190Fondren, 713-574-2457, www.kandhouston.com
7. READY, SITThe cherry red French prei deauwith Braille is $150. Burns AntikHaus, 2195 Calder at 6tth St., inBeaumont, TX, 409-790-1413,www.burnsantikhaus.com
8. PUPPY LOVEThe Snuggle Puppy puts pets atease by producing a realistic, heart-beat sound, reminiscent of thepet’s mother. Let your pet cuddleup to this soft and warm stuffedanimal to feel calm and peaceful,especially while you’re away fromthe house. The heartbeat technolo-gy helps alleviate loneliness andseparation anxiety. The cute designwill bring a smile to humans’ facestoo.
Next, the Heart Dino is just$7.99 and is a great stuffed animalfor cats and small dogs. The designis reminiscent of Dino from TheFlintstones TV show. Show yourfur friend some love with thisstuffed animal, that’s also easy topack for weekend travels with yourpet. The Snuggle Puppy retails for$39.99 at Natural Pawz storesthroughout Houston and Austin. Where:7 locationswww.naturalpawz.com
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K & D Home & Design StudioHOUSTON SHOWROOMContemporary Furniture
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house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net22
D E C O R A T I N G & E N T E R T A I N I N G
I want to let you in on a little design secret... Typically, when we work on home décor projects, our attention
goes to the BIG things: the sofa, the bed, the dresser, the dining table
and the like. But even when you start there, you can still walk into
your room and feel a sense of incompleteness. You might even wonder
if the room looks worse.
This is a common decorating dilemma. And it’s the reason we
determine every customer’s “art and accessories” budget during an ini-
tial assessment.
So the next time you’re shopping for arts & accessories, try to fight
the temptation to wonder: “Does it really matter?”
I’m here to tell you that it does matter. Your accessories give your
space its final finishing touches and the well-curated designer style
Amitha Verma
Small groupings are a good way to personalize a home.
BY AMITHA VERMA
IDEAS! 5 SMALL CHANGES FOR BIG IMPACT
For impact, bring together a collection of similar objects.
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Create a more interesting vignette by varying the height of items.
you’re looking for. Beyond that, your art and accessories are a
fun way to express your personality, unique style and also
push the envelope with“riskier”objects.
So how do you select the right accessories for your space?
Here are my top five tried-and-true tips:
Create collections of similar style objects.
For most of us, it’s hard to resist picking up more than
one of an item we love. To create the “wow” factor in your
design, do the same and collect more than one object with
similar style finishes.
You can see this in practice with this well-curated collec-
tion of Antique Glass Objects.
Use this on an entry table or on a buffet year-round.
I also love this collection of vintage style ex-voto objects.
These would be stunning in a bookshelf or on a tabletop.
Pro Tip: Look for at least 3-5 of the same objects and vary the
heights. When in doubt, go for a ratio of small, medium, tall.
Amitha’s Tip 2: Should you follow the décor trends?
www.hartzland.com
NOW A LICENSED IRRIGATOR
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net24
Amitha Verma, founder of Amitha Verma Furniture Paint and Owner of Houston’s best French décor store, Village Antiques. For over 4 years, top designers and homedesign aficionados flock to Village Antiques for one-of-a-kind furniture, art, décor and even expert design advice. With a growing fan base of over 30,000+ passionate fol-lowers, Amitha Verma holds the top spot for Houston Design Shows. Visit www.villageantiques.net/elitecard for access to Houston’s #1 design show and sign up for FREE
expert design advice, tutorials and tons of education on all things home and decor.
It depends. If you love the latest design trends such as
gold touches or geode-crystal accents, embrace it and start a
collection.
If not, collect and display what you already love, such as
cream ware, transfer ware, vintage wine bottles, or engravings
– whatever makes your heart sing!
In my home, I recently added a collection of these beauti-
ful leather bound books to add the finishing touches to a vin-
tage secretary in my guest room.
Include Lighting Accents in Your Accessory Plan
Special lighting adds warmth to any room. A secret design-
er trick is to add a pair of sconces to any wall to instantly cre-
ate a designer touch. You can do this on a foyer wall, a hall-
way wall, inside a niche, in a bathroom or even outdoors.
Skip those boring basic lamps and opt for a truly stylish
pair that expresses your personality.
When in doubt, include this surefire color in your accessorizing.
It works with every décor style and color palette.
Add some green to your décor. Green is one of the most
prevalent colors in nature and effortlessly exudes comfort and
ease in any space.
Pro tip: Add some green into your décor with these stylish, easy
to use boxwoods.
Make accessorizing your rooms intentional.
Are your home accessories just an afterthought?
To truly create a designer swoon-worthy space, make your
accessorizing intentional. Set aside a portion of your budget
and devote time to your accessory search. Refer to your
room’s existing color palette to help guide your selections so
you have eye-catching consistency and repetition throughout
your project. By doing these simple steps, you will enjoy the
creative process and fall in love with the stunning results.
Creamware: collect and display things you love.
Leather books add a nice touch. Decorative lamps make a statement.
LEFT: Boxwoods lend an organic, structural feel to a space.
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house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net26
P R O J E C T
Sheers invite in light and offer a breezy ambiance. By Ballard Designs.
A quiet pattern offers a springtime look. By Ballard Designs.
Layer Roman shades by BNI Interiors (www.bni-interiors.com)
Triple tuck pleats by Faye Fortune Drapery (www.fayefortunedrapery.com)
Soft color adds an additional layer of interest. By Ballard Designs.
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Window treatments bring texture and softness to decor, provideprivacy, and help reduce the inflow of heat during brutal summermonths. But selecting a style or a pleat from all the possibilitiescan be dizzying.
Houston designers say window coverings ricochet between lavish traditional and more casual fare, but new trends forsakethe next-to-nothing look for a more refined but easy elegance.
“Window treatments simplified a few years ago, becoming veryplain, but now we see details coming back," says designer NancyCharbonneau, owner of Woodlands Fabrics.
"My favorite drapery detail is the beautiful embroidered flattapes because they are not too heavy or overdone," she says.
Panels installed on medallions in formal areas and familyrooms are a significant trend, according to designer AlanLancaster who, with his wife Kathy, owns the Houston-basedWindow Magic Blind & Drapery.
“Minimalist treatments including Roman Shades are still indemand for contemporary homes and pairing rich gray linendrapes with stainless steel or pewter hardware in a ‘RestorationHardware style’ is also popular,” he says.
Lancaster has seen draperies that are pulled open with acord fall from favor and heavy swags have all but vanishedfrom the scene.
“We’re seeing a definite move toward neutrals, especially gray,and away from jewel tones. For materials, we're using a lot ofraw silk in more traditional formal spaces, which looks beautifuland linen, which has great texture and is durable,” he adds.
Though traditional and contemporary window treatmentshave little in the way of common ground, one trend appeals toboth: smart window technology, which allows motorized screensto be operated remotely.
"If you are vacationing in France, and want to raise or lowerthe shades in your Houston home, one touch on the iPad canmake that happen,” Lancaster says.
A line of Hunter-Douglas motorized shades have styles forevery taste, and many help to deflect heat.
Another important trend that appeals to the entire taste spec-trum, Charbonneau says, is the inverted pleat.
“It has clean lines and helps to create that easy elegance thatour Woodlands clients want," she adds.
“A simple pleat made without crinoline is a great way to takethe stiffness out of traditional pleated drapery. For a touch of
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detail, a contrast fabric & decorative trim at the bottom one-third of the panel make a nice impact."
Charbonneau says shutters also continue to be a good choicefor a clean look.
In living rooms with sky-high ceilings, two-story drapes arenot only on-trend, but a smart design choice, according toLancaster.
“You never want to treat the lower window only,” he says. "Itwill never look right and you’ll find yourself looking down onbrackets."
Another space to shake things up with window treatments isthe bathroom.
“Bathrooms have gotten so big that they can carry a windowtreatment,” Lancaster says. “We often recommend Duette shadesbecause they function well and water won’t damage them.”
However, not all clients are quick to jump on board.“Some customers tell me that they’re sure the rain glass will
provide enough coverage, and I smile to myself and take meas-urements,” he adds.
“The first time a husband is outside and watches his wife in theshower, he’ll be calling to ask about a way to make the spacemore private.”
An inverted pleated shower curtain from Woodlands Fabrics.
Ringed tops convey a casual feel. By Ballard Designs.
Patterned draperies add a signature look to a room. By Ballard Designs.
29
Six Drapery Styles & Tips for Selection—from Shane Inman for Houzz.com— interior designer andowner of The Inman Company in New York (www.theinmancom-pany.com)
1. Back-tab ripple fold. For a highly contemporary look, tryusing this heading, which makes draperies appear to levitate.Fabric sewn onto a clear plastic band guarantees gorgeousfolds of precise symmetry.
Tip: Install the track on the wall or ceiling — the latter worksgreat when the walls are all windows.
2. Pinch pleats. Although traditional, these perfect pleatsnever go out of style. For this heading, fabric is gathered deli-cately into three little folds and then pinched together to cre-ate one pleat.
Tip: The closer you place the pleats, the fuller the draperylooks.
3. Pierced heading. Grommets line the entire top of a whimsi-cal drapery heading so a drapery pole can slide through.
Tip: Many big-box stores carry this window treatment prefabri-cated. Match the finish of the grommets with other metal fin-ishes in the room for design cohesion.
4. Goblet pleat. The name of this elegant heading comesfrom the shape of the pleat, which looks like a goblet. Forthis treatment, a cone of fabric is formed and pinched slightlytogether at the desired length.
Tip: The more goblets you add to the top of this treatment,the more formal and elegant it will look.
5. Tie top. For the ultimate in shabby chic, use this headingtreatment that says, "Old is new again." Individual pieces offabric attached to the top of the drapery create ties. Tie themover the drapery bar for that easygoing cottage look. Tip: The longer you make the ties hang down, the "messier"and more effortless the drapes will look.
6. Smocked. This blouse-like and feminine drapery heading isdetail work at its best. Created by fastening pleats into anelaborate lattice pattern, this style is not for the faint ofheart.
Tip: This heading is great to use when your interior spacelacks architectural details.
RESOURCESWoodland FabricsNancy Charbonneau11133 Interstate 45 South#150 Conroe, TX 77302www.woodlandsfabrics.com281-419-0419
Window Magic Blind &DraperyAlan and Kathy Lancasterwww.windowmagiconline.com281-955-567617743 Tomball PkwyHouston, TX 77064
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net30
Pick up a self-indulgent bouquet for yourself or spontaneouslysend flowers to another as a surprise. Whether you’re thereceipient or buyer, you’ve helped to elevate the status of aroom -- taking it from being ho-hum to becoming pretty andelegant. It’s a fast and budget-conscious way to enliven a spaceor convey a very warm welcome to guests.
And in thinking about special occasions (like Valentine’sDay) or sentimental times, who doesn’t like to be greeted witha spectacular arrangement that quickly conveys a silent mes-sage of “I love you,” or “I’m thinking of you?”
Eric Buterbaugh, chief floral officer for The BouqsCompany (www.thebouqs.com), along with Valentine Florist(www.valentineflorist.net), offers these tips to get the mostfrom nature’s bounty:
How do you prepare flowers for a vase to ensure longevity? As a rule, I always suggest cutting the bottom of the stems at anangle and changing the water daily. Changing the water each dayand adding a drop of bleach will prevent any bacteria from growingin the water and will prolong the life of the flowers in the vase.
What flowers mix well together — from a visual standpoint andkeep the bouquet pretty?When mixing different types of flowers, it is a good rule toavoid using tulips, as they will continue to grow even whenthey are cut, therefore, it is difficult to keep the shape of thearrangement that you are creating, if they are incorporated.
What flowers offer scent? And which do not?I love placing flowers at the entryway of homes and busi-nesses, especially Casablanca Lilies. They offer a lovely fra-grant smell. I also like gardenias, lily of the valley, and Iabsolutely love garden roses; they smell absolutely glorious.Favorites at the moment are called Precious that includesjust that, beautiful pink garden roses.
What types of vases work best for the various flowers?It depends on the area of the house that the vase will be
placed (i.e., for a large area or various flowers, I suggestusing a wide mouth so that you are able to fit in variousflowers.
Check the water levels daily. Add water that is fresh, cold and cholorine-free. All photos courtesy of The Bouqs Company.
Flower PowerHOW TO KEEP ARRANGEMENTS FRESH AND PRETTY
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What flowers offer the best bang for the buck?Typically exotic flowers cost more but roses, on the otherhand, typically cost less and last longer.
What ideas can you offer that work well as filler — besides mag-nolia leaves, branches?Rolled leaves can make a great collar to an arrangement in avase and they take up a lot of real estate, so they work well asa “filler."What other tips can you give that allow us to enjoy our flow-ers longer?• Check the water level daily and replenish with fresh, cold,chlorine-free water.• Flowers that go limp are not drinking well and need to berecut.• Always discard wilted blooms.• Keep flowers away from air drafts, direct sunlight and ripen-ing fruits that tend to emit ethylene gas, a substance that caus-es buds to remain closed or rob petals of a richer color.
Do certain flowers complement décor styles better than others?It all depends on the taste of the consumer. Traditionalists cannever go wrong with roses of any color. Those who appreciatea more unique, or modern style might want to try some callalilies or orchids – there are so many colors and varieties ofeach there is never a shortage of options.
Place larger vases and arrangements in bigger spaces to provide appropriate scale.Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and air drafts to ensure longevity.
Adding subtle or complemenary filler can makes the bouquet look more substantial.
A simple mix in a nice tall vase speaks volumes.
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S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
Spring BreakEXPLORE THESE FUN-FILLED DESTINATIONS
Big Bend National Park near Marfa and Marathon, TX
The Gaylord Texan Resort near Grapevine, TX
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net36
SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS
Houstonians are about to get their big break— Spring
Break – a welcome weeklong pause in work and school
schedules. The beauty of living in a state as large as
Texas, where the terrain is so diverse, is that you can
have your dream vacation without crossing the state line.
More Texans than ever will vacation near home, so
avoid hot spots by choosing a destination that’s a bit off
the beaten path. Here are a few to consider.
1. Beachy KeenCarloads of Texans will spend their spring vacation on the shores ofSouth Padre, but if you’re not a fan of sunning with the masses, headto coastal villages a little farther off the map.
SURFSIDEWith miles of unspoiled beaches, there is plenty of room to stretch outon the powdery shoreline of Surfside Beach. Situated at the mouth ofthe Brazos River just across San Luis Pass from Galveston Island, thisquiet beachfront community is quaint, convenient, and only an hour’sdrive from Houston.
STAY: For cozy beach cottages, call in Coastal Sisters CharmingRentals. If you’re more in line with a quirky nautical inn, book a room atthe Ocean Village Hotel. (310 Ocean Village Dr.,www.oceanvillagehotel.com)
EAT: When you’re celebrating on the coast, meals revolve arounda culinary duo of crispy seafood and cold beer.
Sitting on stilts above the intercostal waterway, it's not hard tospot the sunny yellow storefront of Edgewater Grill. On the backdeck, diners can enjoy sweeping views of the water over a plateof pulled pork nachos. (135 Shark Lane, 979-239-4224)
When you’re hungry for fresh seafood, The Red Snapper Inndelivers on its promise: “Our fish spent last night in the Gulf.” Thislocal landmark has earned the endorsement of locals for itsseafood and steaks made with a Cajun-Greek twist. (402Bluewater Highway, (979-239-3226)
DO: It’s called Surfside for a reason, the deeper water and longjetties make the surf here some of the finest on the upper Texascoast. From their outpost at Ocean Village Hotel, Surfside ResortServices rents all manner of gear, and offers surfing and kite-boarding lessons and dolphin tours via jet ski. (310 Ocean VillageDr., 979-709-1665)
If you’re looking to catch your supper, hire an expert fromSurfside Beach Saltwater Charters to lead you to sweet spots forfishing. (979-299-4771) Open year-round, Beach Bum Horse Ridestakes groups of two or three trotting through the surf on horse-back. (979-373-8789)
Don’t let the small town vibe fool you, there are plenty of cul-tural outings to enjoy in and around Surfside Beach. So, if you findyourself too sunburned to stomach the shore, visit the SurfsideHistorical Museum located on the top floor of City Hall (1304Monument Drive, 979-233-1531) or the Brazoria County HistoricalMuseum in nearby Angleton (100 E. Cedar St, 979-864-1208).
C O M P I L E D B Y M A R S H A C A N R I G H T
PLANNING YOUR SPRING BREAK? HERE’S WHERE TO GO
Mustang Island, TX. Photo courtesy of www.cinnamonshore.com.
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MUSTANG ISLAND, CINNAMON SHORETravelers looking to venture a bit farther afield might head to MustangIsland just across the bridge from Corpus Christi.
Postcard-perfect Cinnamon Shore is anchored by a bustling towncenter. The community's design was inspired by idyllic neighbor-hoods of yesteryear, with an eye for modern convenience.
STAY: Cinnamon Shore caters to parties large and small with a fullspectrum of vacation rentals from compact condos to beach man-sions.
EAT: The toast of Port A since it opened in 2005, Lisabella’s Bar &Bistro anchors Cinnamon Shore's Town Center, and is the spot to goif you’re hungry for fresh coastal fare in a seaside setting.(165 Social Circle, 361-749-4222)
If you're coming straight from the beach, head for Seaside Cafe,with a more relaxed dress code. On tap is a tasty menu of bar foodfavorites, which, like the cocktails, are made with quality ingredients.To go with your meal, order a house-made Bellini or Mimosa preparedwith fresh squeezed OJ. (361-749-0422)
DO: Schedule a sand sculpting lesson where, under the tutelage ofMark Landrum, the Sand Castle Guy, you’ll learn the basics of stack-ing and how to carve towers.
Rent a bicycle and spend the day pedaling Cinnamon Shore’s
idyllic avenues past pastel and jewel-tone homes. If wheeling abouttown doesn’t suit your fancy, the Cinnamon Shore rentals officestocks a variety of sports equipment for onsite activities including golfcarts, fishing poles and tackle boxes, bonfire supplies, and more.
That said, it’s perfectly acceptable to pass on exertion and call ina personal chef to cook supper or wile away the afternoon with arelaxing massage. (Contact Cinnamon Shore at 361-749-0422)
2. In the Mood for MountainsFrom Houston and almost any metropolis in Texas, it takes commit-ment— a car trip across the state— to reach the peaks of the ChisosMountains.
Perhaps it’s the remoteness, the seemingly infinite terrain, andwide desert sky that keeps Big Bend National Park and the nearbysettlements of Marfa and Marathon from feeling overcrowded.
STAY: Backcountry campsites in Big Bend National Park come withmillion-dollar views, but the thread counts aren’t as high. So, if youhave your sights set on cushier digs, book a room at the historicGage Hotel in Marathon (102 NW 1st St., Marathon, 432-386-4205).Or, if you’re on the fence when it comes to rustic or refined, ElCosmico’s encampment of yurts and swanky AirStream trailers is alittle of both. (802 S. Highland Ave., Marfa, 432-729-1950)
SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS
Tyler County has paid tribute to the glories of Spring and the lovely dogwood trees
since 1940.
Join us Saturday, April 2, 2016DOGWOOD DASH (5K) 8am
ARTS & CRAFTS 9am-5pm
ANTIQUE AUTOS 9am-5pm
MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITION 9am-1pm
PARADE 2pm - Downtown
QUEEN’S CORONATION & HISTORICAL PLAY
7:30pm - Dogwood Amphitheatre
• FIREWORKS following the play
For more information, call 409-283-2632 or email
To purchase tickets, email [email protected]
WOODVILLE, TEXAS
39
Weekend Market open all year: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Round Top Vintage Market
Spring 2016 - ROUND TOP ANTIQUE SHOWMarch 24, 2016 to April 3, 2016, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free Parking ~ Free Admission ~ Food Court ~ And More!See Show Events at the Round Top Chamber of Commerce website, www.roundtop.org
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net40
SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS
EAT: Hikers can stock up on trail mix and healthy snacks at The FrenchCompany Grocer in Marathon (206 N. Ave. D, 432-386-4522) or grabbreakfast at Johnny B’s before heading to the park. (109 N 1st,Marathon, 432-86-4233)
If you’re in a more sit-down mood, try Marfa's Cochineal, anAmerican bistro with an ever-evolving menu. (107 W San Antonio St,Marfa, 732-729-3300)
Even if you don't go for supper, it's worth checking the bar for acocktail before scoring a bite at Food Shark’s Late Night Grilled CheeseParlour, which stays open until the wee hours on Friday and Saturdaynights. (300 W San Antonio, Marfa)
DO: In the shadows of the Chisos, there’s more than a week of activi-ties. Spend the days exploring Marfa’s gallery scene. Or, if you’re feelingambitious, go for a hike along part of the 150-mile system of trails inBig Bend National Park. If you’re just planning on a day hike, no permitis required. For information, see visitbigbend.com.
3. Wine Down in Historic GrapevineIt’s well known that Grapevine is home to an epic mall, but there is a lotmore to this north Texas town than Claire's Boutique and Cinnabon.Unlike bedroom communities that sprang up to accommodate thegrowing population, this charming hideaway on the northern outskirtsof Dallas can trace its lineage back to the 1840s.
STAY: Set on lovely Lake Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan Resort andConvention Center is brimming with authentic Texas style and hospitali-ty. (1501 Gaylord Trail, 817-778-1000)
Family fun awaits at the Great Wolf Lodge, which boasts an indoorwater park. Even if it’s cooler outside, the water stays a comfy 84degrees yearround. (100 Great Wolf Dr., 817-488-6510)
EAT: Start your day off with a trip to Main Street Bread Company andeat your way through a menu of delicious pastries, which includes anaward-winning almond croissant. (316 S Main St., 817-424-4333)
At lunchtime, try the one-time filling station now known asWillhoite’s Restaurant, which serves a buffet, burgers and sandwiches.(432 S. Main St., 817-481-7511). When the sun starts to set, head toTolbert’s Restaurant (423 S. Main St., 817-421-4888). It’s a Grapevinelegend known for comfort food classics like chili and chicken friedsteak. For fancier fare, try Dino’s Steak and Claw House. (342 S. MainSt., 817-488-3100).
DO: Once a booming frontier town where local police were terrorizedby the bandits Bonnie and Clyde, Grapevine’s five historic districts arelined with landmarks like the 1888 Cotton Belt Depot. It’s the site of theGrapevine Historical Museum and passengers interested in a day tripcan catch the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to the Fort Worth StockYards Station. (705 S. Main, 817-410-3123, gvrr.com)
Recognized in the National Register of Historic Places, the meticu-lously restored Palace Arts Center is the cultural epicenter of Grapevine.
It’s home to the Palace Theatre, an art deco movie house built in the1940s, which shows classic films on the first Friday of every month.(300 S. Main St., 817-410-3100)
The town is named for the native mustang grapes that can be seenspring from local fence rows, so it’s little wonder that Grapevine has aplace at the forefront of Texas’ burgeoning wine industry. Sample thelocal varietals in tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail. Five to try:The Wine Fusion Winery. (603 South Main St. Suite 304, 214-587-2897); Cross Timbers Winery, serving 11 varietals grown on the HighPlains. (805 N. Main St., 817-488-6789); Messina Hof Winery is a highlyregarded and awarded Texas winery featuring more than 50 wines from28 different varietals. (201 South Main St., 817-442-8463); DelaneyVineyards & Winery, the largest in North Texas, is built in the image ofan 18th century French chateau. (2000 Champagne Blvd., 817-481-5668).
4. Around Austin AdventureWhile the bar scene on Austin’s Sixth Street might seem thrillingenough for some vacationers, those seeking a less boozy rush will findplenty of outlets in and around the capital city. When you’re in pursuit ofthe natural world, it’s possible to steer clear of downtown, which will beoverwhelmed with visitors for South By Southwest.
STAY: The wilder terrain bordering Austin is now home to a selection ofstylish eco-retreats.
Stretched across a swath of land in pastoral Elgin, Green Acresbefits the adventurous spirit. There are four dwellings available—twosuper chic yurts and two retrofitted trailers. (greenacresatx.com)
For those with loftier ambitions, Cypress Valley Canopy Tours oper-ates a tiny compound of tree houses within earshot of a babbling creekon a Spicewood plot thick with foliage. (1223 S. Paleface, Spicewood,512-264-8880)
On the northern edge of the city limits near The Domain, Lone StarCourt is redefining the concept of boutique lodging. It’s the modernincarnation of an American roadside resort, complete with retro-inspiredaccommodations on four acres. (512-814-2625,www.lonestarcourt.com)
EAT: For a light breakfast, grab a green smoothie at one of the fartherflung outposts of Juiceland, a homegrown venture that’s now a full-grown empire. (North: 7329 N. Burnet Road, 512-524-1129; South:9901 Brodie Lane, 512-373-8731)
Come suppertime, there are many spots to score Central Texascuisine. While it's too close to the downtown corridor to avoid traffic,Eden East, is a hip and happening farm-to-table eatery, that’s almosttoo good to miss. (755 Springdale Road, 512-428-6500)
In the northern hamlet of Leander, Farm to Fork is a home stylemeets health food concept that fully embraces the eat local movement.(11880 Old FM 2243 West, Suite #201, 512-246-8158)
DO: Don’t let the serenity of the great outdoors fool you, there are thrillsto be had when you involve Lake Travis Zipline. With longest zip line in
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net44
SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS
Texas, this is a must-do for the thrill-seeking Spring Breaker. (14529Pocohontas Trail, Leander, 512-614-1996)
Or, get a climbing fix at Enchanted Rock, a massive rock formationwith glorious views at the top. Beginners can rely on local experts to leadthem on a rock climbing tour. (Austin Rock Gym, 512-293-7293; orOutpost Wilderness Adventure, 512-731-7596)
After a full day of activities, refresh with a pint at one of the brewerieson the south side of town. Make sure to stop by South Austin’s 512Brewing Company, which is legendary in the local beer scene. (407Radam, F200, 512-921-1545)
5. Cowboy ChicIf you’re looking to channel your inner cowboy, pack up your stationwagon and hit the not-so-dusty trail of Interstate 10 to the rolling, ruggedranch land of the Texas Hill Country.
STAY: Nestled in a quaint pocket of cattle country 60 miles northwest ofSan Antonio, the stone edifice of the Y.O. Ranch Hotel & ConferenceCenter sits against a backdrop of rolling green hills. (2033 Sidney BakerSt., 877-967-3767)
While it’s not technically a ranch, this Kerrville resort embodies thespirit of its namesake, which once encompassed more than 600,000acres.
Inside the foyer, leather sofas and elegant cowhide club chairs circle alimestone fireplace. Chandeliers crafted of antlers hang overhead. Thedecor is an indicator of the guest experience: it’s a taste of life on therange without sacrificing creature comforts.
Suites are spacious and well appointed for couples and families alike.Kids will love the separate split-wood forts available in family suites, whichprovide youngsters a fun place of their own.
If you’re not keen on exploring the Hill Country, there’s plenty to do atY.O. Ranch— a glistening swimming pool, and tennis, basketball, andsand volleyball courts.
EAT: If you’re headed in from Houston, it's worth making a detour to theOriginal Kountry Bakery in Schulenburg to fill up on the Besets family'sfamous kolaches. (110 Kessler Ave, Schulenburg, 979-743-4342)
In town, make sure to hit up the Hill Country Cafe for Texas-sizedbreakfasts and a fresh cup of coffee. (806 Main Street, 830-257-6665)
And, what would a visit to the Texas countryside be without a platefulof brisket? Around these parts, that means a trip to Buzzie’s, which hasbeen feeding the Hill Country’s hungriest since 1993. (213 Schreiner St.,830-257-4540)
DO: The picturesque Guadalupe River provides respite for water-lovingvisitors who want to cool down with a dip, kick back in a tube, or take alazy paddle in a kayak or canoe, all available at Kerrville Kayak andCanoe. (1617 Broadway, 830-459-2122)
45
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Proud host of First Saturday Arts Market.
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net46
SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS
Find a treasure or two in the nooks of Sunrise Antique Mall onWater Street in downtown Kerrville. When you finish hunting, check outthe Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, which is only a 2-minute walk. (228 EarlGarrett Street, 830.895.2911)
Or, head up the road to Sisterdale where Hill Country Trail Rides willtake you out for a 2-hour trot that includes a picnic lunch. (830-998-5548)
6. Houston Stay-cationThere’s ample fun to be had without leaving the city limits. Exploringand rediscovering the Bayou City is a delightful way to spend off time.
STAY:Why stay at home and be your own concierge when there are a bevy ofwell-staffed hotels in Houston? Splurge on a night or two in one ofdowntown’s downiest beds.
Built in 1926 by Houston investor Michele DeGeorge, what beganas the Auditorium Hotel in 1983 became The Lancaster Hotel andHouston’s first lodger to earn the boutique distinction. Behind its doorsguests will find a charming corner of the city, unperturbed by the com-motion of downtown, in which to enjoy the ambiance and upstandingservice. (701 Texas Ave., 713-228-9500)
It’s not quite at quaint, but J.W. Marriott’s newest Houston locale isa cushy place to hang your hat. What’s more, it’s contained within thewalls of a historic icon, the 102-year-old Samuel F. Carter Building,which, when it was first constructed, was the tallest building inHouston. (806 Main St., 712-237-1111)
EAT: Even if you can’t leave town for the break, you can experienceHouston’s diverse and thriving culinary scene.
Go for gyros at Helen in Rice Village, and stay for the Texas PecanBaklava Sundae. (2429 Rice Blvd., 832-831-7133)
Or, to find real-deal Neapolitan pizza in your own backyard, head toDolce Vita in Montrose. (500 Westheimer, 713-520-8222)
Get a saltwater fix at Bernadine’s, a relative newcomer to theHeights, whose concept is the marriage of Gulf Coast seafood kitchenand a classic English steakhouse. (1801-B N. Shepherd, 713-864-2565)
DO: Texas is full of wide-open spaces, but this is easy to forget whenyou spend your life navigating the spaghetti bowl of freeways acrossHouston. Fear not nature lovers, Memorial Park isn’t the only urbanoasis our city has to offer.
Lose yourself amidst flora and fauna at the Mercer Arboretum, a300-acre tract featuring a botanical garden, picnic area and barbecuepavilion, and miles of walking trails through an undisturbed woodland.(22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, 713-274-4160)
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Intriguing yardscapes — just as many paintings do — oftentell a story by capturing a past era, offer interpretation of afar-away place, or turn a desired fantasy spot into a reality.Selected colors and varied textures set the mood. And addedaccessories complete the mind’s eye picture of what it eventu-ally becomes.
When Jeff Halper at Exterior Worlds Landscaping &Designs begins the creative process to produce a commis-sioned job, his goal is to make it as picturesque as possible.
Great landscaping, if you think about it, iscomparative to art.
Architectural Landscaping BY SUSAN FOX • PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARL MAYFIELD
Black steel edging in the landscaping mimics the window muntins installed at this modern home.
OFFERS RELAXING ESCAPES IN VARIED STYLES
In the end, “I want it to feel like you’re walkingthrough a painting,” he says. The aim is for the landscapeto complement the architectural style of the home and tothoughtfully layer it with interest, and add areas that invitehuman interaction.
His use of rock, stone, winding pathways, water fea-tures, sculptural plants, garden benches, and giant potsand urns all help create those final tactile and visual touch-es.
When working at the site of a modern house, he mim-icked the look of the black window muntin by installing asimilar looking steel for the yard’s edging. He chose white
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Many elements are at play in this garden: a brick patio, iron pergola, water fountains, and elevated beds.
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net52
gravel because to com-plement the stuccoedwalls.
It was important tostretch the house intothe landscaping in orderto soften its more starklines.
He also wants proj-ects to evoke a calmingand relaxing feeling. Notwo projects are alike.Each one reflects thedesires of the owners,and ensures a congru-ous relationship withthe home itself.
“For instance, youdon’t want to place arock waterfall by anultra-modern house,”he says. It would lookout of place.
Additionally, “less isalways the betterapproach” in order toachieve the purist intentas well as the mostinviting look, accordingto Halper.
Halper’s work runsthe gamut, from tradi-tional, modern, toJapanese garden style.His company began at agrass-roots level; hebegan cutting lawnsand taking care of yards
Extending livable spaces intothe yard area increasesusability.
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net54
Located in The Woodlands, this garden patio features a negative space, leaf-patterned iron shade arbor for visual and emotional impact.
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net56
while in high school. Over time, he became more interested inart and architecture, and he eventually incorporated the princi-ples on each into his business approach.
Two tips he passes along . . . One is for those who likedependable plants that also offer architectural options and
West University: The front garden focal points are the dual flower urns perched on brick pillars, elevated to convey a strong visual presence.
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solutions. He suggests boxwoods and yupons, which he likesand uses because of their sculptural abilities. It is easy to turnthem into any shape you want.
The second is for those having extensive work done onproperties adorned with old towering oaks. It is important to
protect the root system. When doing one client’s home, hesays his team built a temporary bridge over a vast web ofexposed roots. When a lot of workers tromp all over the roots,they all becomes buried under the soil and the trees can even-tually suffocate.
Halper designs yard plans to be complementary to the home’s architecture.
Parterre landscaping -- a tightly clipped hedge look -- conveys French formality.
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BEFORE
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net64
Remodelers and architects, as it turns out, share a commonwork philosophy with The U.S. Navy. (Who knew?) They sug-gest it as a recommended guideline worth following by thosethinking about giving their house a facelift or new look. Andone that will ensure a better return on investment.
It is the KISS principle: “keep it simple and stunning.”(Well, when the Navy launched the acronym back in the1960s, they opted for “keep it simple, stupid.”)
“If you’re going to go through the challenges often associ-ated with remodeling, you want to do something that wowsyou,” says Robert Davis, owner of Design Build/Remodel-Houston (DBR).
Front Exterior MakeoversBY SUSAN FOX
HOW TO KEEP YOUR REMODEL “SIMPLE AND STUNNING”
“The most important thing to do first is to model it. Liveand breathe it by seeing it in extensive detail on paper. Youdon’t want to enter the project blindly, and you don’t want tosettle on ‘so-so.’ It probably won’t cost much more to makeit nice, to get exactly what you want,” says Davis.
All professionals working in the industry agree that the lastthing a homeowner should want is for the remodel to looklike an add-on.
“My advice is for people to take a good look at their exist-ing house, and think about what they would really want toaccomplish — and be realistic. Anything can be accomplishedwith enough money, but most people do not have extra
The owners wanted an area where they could go out and sit, and be part of
the neighborhood scene. They also wanted the home to impart a Southern
style that favored New Orleans. There was no porch at this home originally;
it did, however, have the second-floor balcony. Below it was a modest
flowerbed. A new concrete slab was poured and brick was added for conti-
nuity and style. Ceiling fans were added to enhance comfort. Additionally,
brick columns were added — with the masonry pro matching it exactly to
what was there. New wood windows were installed, in addition to a wood
door that was painted blue. Newly laid brick steps leading to the elevated
porch also were replaced to appropriate height.
CONTACT: Sandra Crook, Greymark Construction,
(www.greymarkconstruction.com), or 713-722-7226
65
money to burn through,” says architect Charles Todd Helton.“Make sure you are wanting to make an improvement that
will really make a difference in your life, and not just some-thing that will keep them up with the people next door,” headds.
“Typically, you want the addition to look like it has alwaysbeen a part of the house – like it was planned. And please, donot try and add too many types of exterior materials -- keep itsimple.
“Too many materials just look like a jumble. I cannot standto see a house that has brick, stucco, stone and siding, andthen has a shingle roof with metal roof accents — it is just too
much going on. Keep it simple and crisp,” says Helton.Because remodeling is not for the faint of heart — just
because owners are dealing with possibly moving out for anextended time or at the very least temporarily storing their fur-nishings, dealing with likely delays, and coping with sawdustand the overall mess — the decision to schedule phased-inprojects makes the most sense.
Sandra Crook with Greymark Construction says her RiverOaks client did that. They first tackled the inside, then thefront exterior and, lastly, the back side of the house.
Not all improvements have to take the “all or nothingapproach.” Sometimes, simple changes can add years to a
DURINGBEFORE
Homeowner Felicia Stevens dramatically transformed her Spring Branch area home’s exterior by replacing windows and roof, and painting the brick and wood trim.
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net66
house, not to mention boost curb appeal.The front door is a good place to start when wanting to
make a small but significant change and upgrade, according toDavis. “It’s a social gathering place; you ‘touch and feel’ thisarea. So, it also goes without saying that attention should alsobe placed on the types of locks and door handles you choose.”
He especially likes the idea of placing a Dutch door —which allows the owner to keep the lower section closed whileopening the top part only — at more modest or casual frontentries.
“They can cost more, but their usability factor is high. You
get your money out of them, particularly if you have dogs thatyou want to keep at bay when accepting, for example, a pack-age from UPS or someone. And, they do add another layer ofsecurity.”
Besides the front entry door, Davis also suggests looking atthe garage, which often is placed front and center of thehouse. Upgrading the doors there can have tremendousimpact.
The usual “spec” door at the garage is boring. But imaginewhat, say, a wood carriage style door can do to uplift the lookof the house. Or go with a modern version for a similar homestyle. The cost is a difference of about $1,700 for a niceupgrade.
“Paint is a good way to go” when budget conscious, saysarchitect Kelly Cusimano, who adds that white or a light coloradds so much to older homes. The historic homes typicallyoffer interesting architectural detailing that can be highlightedbetter with light, bright monochrome colors.
“Multiple colors can have a dizzying effect when also takingin the architectural movement of the house,” explainsCusimano.
If the house is brick, parging can be done to freshen up ahouse as well as give it added interest. Parging is essentially theprocess of applying a heavy mortar to the brick and the
BEFORE
“Eliminate unattractive areas,” says Robert Davis, DBR-Houston. “In this case, it was the front entry. We took the ugliest house in the neighborhood andmade it one of the best.” Before, the house had old vinyl siding, a drab door, poor lighting, and original, non-efficient windows. The project included replacing
the vinyl with narrow, smooth HardiePlank. The windows are fixed wood casements by Jeldwin on the first floor; the second floor has the same that crankopen. A portico was built for the new front entry that features a Dutch door, and a thin brick was placed on the newly poured concrete entry. The Hardie was
turned vertically at the front gable for a board and batten effect, which was added on the side gables as well to impart architecturalinterest. CONTACT: Robert Davis, Design Build/Remodel-Houston (www.dbrhouston.com), or 832-416-1411.
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“new” color is achieved through the paste. It does cost morethan a typical paint job but the result is having your homeconvey unique character.
In regard to paint, Helton advises to use no more than twoor three colors on the house. If making color selections is notyour forte, then Davis suggests consulting with a designer. Itwill be worth the money. “It’s too important to not get itright.”
At the very least, go to Sherwin Williams’ website (or anoth-er paint company), download a photo of your house and“paint it” using the company’s software, according to Davis.
He also gives caution about only relying on the paint strips
picked up at the paint store. They come in a glossy sheen,which will impart a different look than the flat or eggshelllooks. “Get samples and paint them on the side of yourhouse.”
Davis says hiring professionals to paint the house exteriorusually runs around $3 to $4 a square foot.
Buy the best exterior paint; it will pay off in the long run,accord to Davis, noting that the trades pay almost a third ofwhat the store charges consumers. It may be advantageous forthe painter to buy the supplies and bill for reimbursement.
In addition to doors and paint, Crook says shutters can ele-vate a home’s look, if the window area allows for them.
BEFOREWhen Tim Fabio noticed the “before” version of this house, he thought a front porchhad been removed. Closer inspection and a review of the Sanborne Maps revealedthat actually a recessed porch had been enclosed. A small section of the porch thatwas left open became a forbidding hallway.
Surprisingly, the original front door was still in place, though its large window hadbeen filled with plywood and the transom had fallen off its hinges.
In the end, the porch was reopened and the windows reinstalled in their original loca-tion. The plan had been for a Craftsman-style mix of masonry and tapered, squarecolumns. But Randy Pace, the city’s preservation officer, provided photographs ofsimilar homes built by William Wilson during the same period and all of them usedsimple round columns. So the plans were modified for the sake of authenticity.
The cantilevered windows upstairs were leveled and reinforced, and all the origi-nal brackets are still in place. The sashes were restored. Antique glass was sal-vaged from larger broken panes in other parts of the house to fill missing triangularpieces in the upper sashes. The new siding is HardiePlank.
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net70
As for porches, Gilbert Perez, owner of Bungalow Revival,says it is possible to expand those fronting many of the olderhomes — as long as they are not in a historically protectedarea. The result is practical and powerful. The same goes withbroadening the steps leading up to the porch or front door.
Crook says major porch renovations begin at about$15,000, depending on what is done. That price mightinclude raising the porch to new levels, building new steps,masonry work and etc.
Davis says adding thin brick to concrete porches also offers anice custom look, which is quite affordable. He cautions, asdid Helton, about combining too many different materials. It
is essential to honor the integrity of the house, to maintain anice continuous look appropriate to style.
When ready or eager to do more, consider replacing win-dows and siding material. “I would say using cement board(i.e. HardiePlank) is the number one exterior element thatlooks nice, is durable and also very affordable,” says Helton.
“But you need to know what you are doing with it. Youcan't just put on one size of siding, and use it everywhere, andexpect it to look nice when the job is done. You have to takethe time to truly design with the material to get it to look bet-ter than just nice or average.
“Here are some examples: Use smaller laps on the second
BEFORE DURING
The clients wanted their 1970s home to convey a more contemporary look. They did not want to move, so that was not an option for them. The scope was atotal (about 85 percent) makeover and facelift. They gave the exterior of the house a complete facelift -- both in terms of new materials, as well as a newstyle (the new style was really important to them from the beginning). They enlarged the garage and added a large second story over the new/expandedgarage, which consisted of two bedrooms suites, and a small craft room, and some additional storage closets. They also opened up the interior public
spaces of the home — the kitchen, foyer, dining room, living room, and den areas. All were all changed but remained part of the original footprint.CONTACT: Charles Todd Helton Architect, Inc.(www.charlestoddhelton.com), or 281-528-8181.
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This was an original 1900s car-riage house that did not offerthe fabric artist/owner much interms of usability. She primarilywanted an added, roomy carportand an upstairs studio. The origi-nal structure was elevated toallow for an 8-foot ceiling in theroom on the first level. The oldbarn doors were rebuilt toaccommodate the new height,but they re-purposed the littlehorse window to the right of thecarport area. The renovatedbuilding was also moved over tobe located in the center of theyard. The bay window wasextended outward, with underly-ing brackets added for interestand reinforcement. It also pro-vides relief from what could havebeen a plain-Jane flat surfacebuilding. It was painted white, inpart, to draw attention to thearchitecture.
CONTACT: Cusimano,Cusimano Architects (www.cusi-mano-architect.com), or832.465.0419.
This was a junky bungalowadorned in red brick with origi-nal siding underneath. Theyreplaced the window on theright side of the porch (seebefore) with double glass doorsthat now lead out to a newporch with a pergola-style roof.The brick was painted pastelblue with white trim to convey amore beach-like persona.Special attention was taken toensure symmetry by mimickingthe original arch at the oldporch with the newly built one.Board and batten siding wasinstalled below the new porch.While it adds architectural inter-est, it was also more inexpen-sive than building the skirtingin brick.
CONTACT: Gilbert Perez,Bungalow Revival (www.bunga-lowrevival.com), or 713-861-7494.
BEFORE BEFOREstory, and use larger laps on the first story; this will help thehouse in terms of proportion (the lower section will look heavieror more grounded),” he says.
“When using corner trim, use smaller trim on the second floor,and the wider trim on the lower floor — for the same effect asmentioned before. If there are any gable ends, maybe think aboutusing another product/shape there — we used the Hardie shin-gle siding to give a different texture and accent,” says Helton.
73
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G A R D E N I N G
Pocket PlantingBY ANGELA CHANDLER
Spring garden preparation does not have to be a big chorethat takes entire weekends or even hours to accomplish. Ifyou can’t wait to get started, try Pocket Planting!
The Pocket Planting method will allow homeowners tostart gardening in as little as an hour. It’s a great way toget spots of instant color, quickly start a few edible plants,or prepare a space for a larger herb or perennial. It is also agreat way to improve an existing bed over a period of time– working pocket after pocket as time allows until the bedis completely renewed.
To get started you will need one bag of Arbor GateOrganic Soil Complete and Arbor Gate Organic Blend.
This “one-two punch” provides everything you need tocreate a perfect pocket; compost-based, mineral-rich, well-aerated, living soil and the nutrients required to supportboth the soil and your plants.
Choose a spot that is roughly 18” – 24” in diameter. Thespot should be relatively well-draining, and should have thelight exposure required for the plants you have selected.Remove any existing mulch, plant debris and weeds fromthe spot. Scrape out the existing soil in the shape of a bigwok. You want the center of the pocket to be about 3 inch-es deep at the center, and taper out to grade level at thesides. Put the soil you remove in a bucket to use later.
Pocket gardens typically are from 18 inches to 24 inches in diameter. Perfect for cultivating seeds or for a burst of color here and there. All photos courtesy of The Arbor Gate.
house& home | February 2016 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net76
Angela Chandler is an associate of The Arbor Gate, (281-351- 8851),15635 FM 2920, Tomball, TX., www.thearborgate.com
If the existing soil is very tight and compacted, you maywant to open it up with a spading fork. Push the tines ofthe fork into the hole and rock them back and forth. It isnot necessary to turn the soil. Just poke holes in it until itlooks like a large sieve or colander.
Pour the bag of Organic Soil Complete in the center ofthe pocket. Mix in one to one-and-a-half cups of OrganicBlend. Spread the mix evenly into the pocket, hilling it upa bit in the center. If necessary, you can break up the soilyou removed from the hole and mix it in near the outsideedges of the pocket. Depending on the size of the spot youprepared, the pocket may be slightly raised above grade.This is desirable, so don’t try to correct it.
Your pocket is now ready to plant, water, and mulch.The roots of your new plants will get off to a great start inthe pocket. If they are shallow rooted plants, such as sea-sonal color, veggies, or shallow-rooted herbs, this newpocket will be all they need. Perennials, shrubs, and largerherbs will eventually penetrate the soil below the pocket.They will not tend to circle like they do in a hole withstraight sides. Earthworms will tunnel in and out of thecompost-rich soil, taking the organic materials even deeperand improving the texture of the soil. Larger pockets canbe created using additional material as needed.
Pocket planting offers the best of all words: edibles, splashes of color and easy maintenance. All that is needed is a good mix of soil (below).
77
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P E T O F T H E M O N T H
Female
ID: 300400
The Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Drive, isopen seven days a week, Monday through Friday,from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday andSunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to make choos-ing the adoption option as easy as possible!
MY NAME IS BELLA!I’m a shy girl looking for my foreverhome. I’m a little timid at first, butI’m a sweet dog who just needs a lit-tle time to warm up. I’m partiallyhousetrained and I usually stay in acrate at night. I have lived withother dogs and did really well withthem. In fact, I feel much more con-fident when I’m around anotherdog. (The buddy system helps meout quite a bit!)
I would prefer to be an indoorcompanion so that I can receive the affection and attentionthat I need since I tend to be a little anxious when left alone.But I do like to wind down in my crate where I can relax andchew on my toys.
I’m available for adoption for $95, so please ask for moreinformation on how to adopt me today!
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For Prompt Professional Service • 281-392-9111Frederick Cilurso
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