Memorial, TX March 2026

Design Smart. Build Better. Live Exceptionally.

Heart & Home

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to our annual Home Issue - one of the most anticipated and beloved issues of Memorial Lifestyle each year. This edition is especially near and dear to my heart, as I have always had a deep love for real estate, interior design, and home building. There is something incredibly special about the spaces we live in and the stories they tell.

This issue allows us to highlight many of our valued local partners who are passionate about creating beautiful, functional homes. Just as importantly, it reflects the vision I have as owner and publisher: that Memorial Lifestyle becomes part of the heart of your home. Each month, as the magazine arrives in your mailbox, my hope is that it serves as a trusted resource - one you turn to for inspiration, ideas, and a deeper connection to our community and the lifestyle we share.

You will find several exciting features in this issue. One standout article is “It’s All About the Mix,” showcasing designer Emily Spanos. Emily has a true gift for curating interior spaces that feel both elevated and deeply personal, blending treasured pieces into homes filled with warmth and joy. I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do.

You will also discover features highlighting talented interior designers, home builders, and real estate professionals throughout our community. And, of course, no issue would be complete without food. Each month, our Managing Editor, Gabi De la Rosa, brings us “If You Eat One Thing” - a feature highlighting a fabulous local dish worth savoring. You will also find a fun piece on Houston restaurants who are elevating the art of mac – n - cheese. Yum!

Finally, we share highlights from our five-year anniversary Heart & Home celebration of Memorial Lifestyle, held January 21 at Collins Lobby Bar. It was a beautiful evening spent with community friends and partners, and if you have not yet visited Collins Lobby Bar, it deserves a spot on your short list.

Thank you, as always, for welcoming us into your homes. I hope you truly enjoy this issue.

SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER @MEMORIALLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Kahlden | jennifer.kahlden@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Savannah Schakett

INTERN

Antonio De la Rosa

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allyson Straczek, Diane Cowen

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Daniel Arizpe - Apollo Productions

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

3:5-6

Houston

Three

Designer

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN MARCH 2026

city scene

1: Chef Pedro Garcia presents paella at the Delicious Alchemy banquet benefiting Recipe for Success Foundation. 2: Dr. Justin McRay, Dr. Christopher Chance at the Recipe for Success Foundation Delicious Alchemy banquet 3: Lauren & Ambassador Tilman Fertitta at the cocktail reception at the MFA, H. 4: Chris Kase, Harry & Diane Gendel, Nancy Strohmer at the dinner honoring 2026 Treasures. 5: Jackie Martineau, Tom Bowes, Veronica Foley at the Spindletop Community Impact Partners 51st annual Holiday Ball. 6: Chair Farida Abjani, Alicia Smith, Maria Moncada Alaoui at Texas Women’s Hall of Fame Gala. 7: Anita & Gerald Smith at the British American Foundation of Texas Gala.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Spring Branch Memorial Library Plant and Book Festival

The Spring Branch Memorial Library Plant and Book Festival returns March 27 and 28 at the library, 930 Corbindale Road. Sponsored by the Friends of the Spring Branch Memorial Library, the beloved event has served the community for more than 25 years. Shop a colorful mix of shrubs, bedding plants, flowers, and herbs from vendors including Tall Plants Nursery and Grove Hill Farm Landscape and Design, plus browse gently used books in every genre inside.

New Menu by Chris Shepherd Available at Hobby Center

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts teams up with renowned James Beard Award winning chef  Chris Shepherd to launch an all-new curated menu available exclusively for its Live at the Founders Club Series, an intimate music club experience showcasing both local and global talent.  Patrons are invited to purchase full tables or meet new friends as parties of one, two and three may be seated with other guests.

New Art Commission at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is pleased to announce a major site-specific commission by world-recognized artist Rafeal Lozano-Hemmer (b.1967, Mexico City) in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Lozano-Hemmer is a Montreal-based multi-media artist working at the intersection of architecture and performance art, who blends audience participation and technology, resulting in transformative experiences. Artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's "Undercurrents" will be on view April 24, 2026 — January 24, 2027.

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market® SPRING Returns After Four Years

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market® SPRING returns to NRG Center this April 17–19, 2026 after a four-year hiatus. The beloved sister show to the popular fall Nutcracker Market, Nutcracker Market SPRING will feature nearly 150 merchants showcasing seasonal finds just in time for Houston’s warmer weather. Shoppers will browse merchant collections of spring and summer items, including apparel, accessories, home décor and gourmet goods.

A Very Mac-andCheesy March

HOUSTON RESTAURANTS ELEVATE NOSTALGIC MAC AND CHEESE WITH HOUSEMADE PASTA, LUXE CHEESES, AND INDULGENT TOPPINGS FIT FOR GROWN-UP COMFORT CRAVINGS.

As kids, the hallmark of a great meal was the blue box with bright orange powdered cheese. At Houston restaurants, however, there’s no reason to settle for anything less than housemade indulgence, from hearty pasta and creamy cheese to elevated toppings that turn a nostalgic favorite into a grown-up comfort classic.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

Truluck’s (facing page)

The base of the King Crab Mac & Cheese is brie, which brings a rich, buttery creaminess that feels luxurious without being heavy. To make it even more decadent, guests can add king crab or lobster, elevating the dish while keeping it nostalgic and approachable. trulucks.com

Prime 131

At one of the Heights’ hottest steakhouses, the Ricotta Stuffed Mac & Cheese is not just an accompaniment to a prime steak; it is a must-order every visit. Large pasta shells stuffed with silky ricotta cheese are the star, delivering rich, comforting bites that can easily steal the spotlight from the main event. prime131.com

Loch Bar

Visit this River Oaks staple for bubbling elbow mac topped with creamy cheese. The Shells & Cheese is as simple as that. Add crab or lobster to let everyone know you appreciate the good life, then sit back and enjoy. lochbar.com

Turner’s Cut

Made with strozzapreti pasta and smoked Gouda cheese sauce, the Alaskan king crab mac & cheese is a favorite at Post Oak hideaway, Turner’s Cut. It is a perfectly elevated version of the classic that pairs well with either a steak or a seafood option.turnerscut.com

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“While the days get brighter, so do our shopping carts, filled with pieces that are perfect for the warm months ahead.”

Spring is officially here, and we are happily along for the ride. While the days get brighter, so do our shopping carts, filled with pieces that are perfect for the warm months ahead. This season’s lineup is all about effortless polish and small luxuries, including statement boots that ground any outfit, cozy slippers that turn mornings at home into a mood, and a perfectly relaxed top that nails

that throw-on-and-go magic. Beauty gets an overhaul with products that work overtime, while a crisp new fragrance adds a clean, confident finish. For nonstop days, there are accessories that bring just the right pop of color. Consider this your spring shortcut to looking pulled together, feeling refreshed, and leaning fully into the season’s easygoing optimism.

A cheerful edit of spring-ready essentials, from polished wardrobe staples to glow-boosting beauty and everyday luxuries worth gifting.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

PARACHUTE, TERRY STRIPE SLIPPERS

Pattern, please! Soft, supportive, and mood-lifting, the terry-striped slippers add a playful pep to your step. The classic slipper, thoughtfully re-designed for added comfort and longevity.

$59 $25

CONSUELA X JAMES AVERY, ENAMEL CONSUELA ROSE RING

These rose rings from the James Avery x Consuela collaboration are made in sterling silver and hand-enameled in three classic rose colors: red, pink, and yellow.

$79

TECOVAS, THE JOLENE BOOT

A fresh take on a fan favorite, Tecovas’ updated design brings elevated craftsmanship to a timeless silhouette. The new horseshoeinspired inlay pattern adds depth and dimension.

$395

TARTE COSMETICS, MACARON BLUSH & GLOW DUO

This 2-in-1 cream-andpowder formula lets you mix, match, and layer matte cream with baked shimmer for a custom look. Available in 6 shades.

$38

LAURA GELLER, LINE SMOOTHER TARGETED FINE LINE FILLER

This unique formula provides an instant effect for temporary results with long-term benefits. It helps quickly tighten, firm, and smooth the delicate eye area.

$45

Where Luxury Lives Now

A look at priorities shaping Memorial homes as buyers value wellness, technology, and sustainability.

As we look ahead to 2026, luxury homebuyers are becoming more intentional about how they live and what they’re willing to pay for. In Memorial, where lifestyle and location matter just as much as design, sellers who understand what’s hot (and what’s not) will have a clear advantage.

What’s Hot

Seamless smart-home technology is now an expectation, not a bonus. Buyers want intuitive systems that control lighting, climate, security, and entertainment without visual clutter. Homes that feel e fortless to operate immediately stand out.

Wellness-driven design continues to dominate. Spa-like bathrooms, steam showers, home gyms, meditation rooms, and abundant natural light are highly desirable. International buyers, in particular, are drawn to homes that offer privacy and tranquility while still feeling luxurious and modern.   Entertaining spaces remain critical. Open-concept kitchens with high-end

appliances,  wine rooms, outdoor kitchens, and resort-style pools are at the top of buyer wish lists.  Outdoor living areas that function year-round are especially appealing in Memorial.

Sustainability is also a priority. Energyefficient systems, high-quality insulation, smart irrigation, and thoughtfully chosen materials resonate with globally minded buyers who value responsible luxury.

What’s Not

Overly formal layouts, dark interiors, heavy drapery, and dated finishes can slow a sale.  Buyers want clean lines, flexible spaces, and homes that feel current.   Memorial continues to attract both local and international buyers seeking space, prestige,  and convenience. If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, positioning your home to reflect today’s luxury lifestyle can make all the diference. Presentation matters — and so does understanding your buyer.  energy-realty.com

SPRING SEASON’S HOUSE RUSH LOADING

Spring brings fresh beginnings — and one of the busiest times in real estate. If you’re thinking about making a move, now’s the moment to get ahead of the season’s rush.

Sherry and her team are

— Energy Realty Client

With years of experience in Houston’s fast-paced market, Broker and Founder Sherry Campbell helps you achieve the best results. Sellers showcase their homes with smart pricing, professional staging, and marketing that draws serious buyers. Buyers receive expert guidance and local insight to find a home that fits their lifestyle. With personalized support and skilled negotiation, our team is with you every step of the way.

Houston’s

Style Makers

Three interior design tastemakers share how confidence and creativity shape personal style, spaces, and living.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

Lily Barfield

Founder of Lily’s Vintage Finds and The Marlene lilysvintagefinds.com & themarlene.com

WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU?

I think style comes down to confidently standing behind your choices. The most stylish people I know are those deeply rooted in their own point of view and don’t feel the need to constantly explain or justify it. Everyone has a unique perspective. When you commit to that perspective and trust your instincts, whatever you create becomes meaningful because it’s an expression of you. It’s what separates something that feels designed from something that feels personal.

WHEN ARE YOU MOST CREATIVE?

I’m most creative when I’m having new experiences. There’s something about seeing a place for the first time that sharpens your eye and heightens your awareness. Those first-impression moments continually shape how I think about design, hospitality, and atmosphere.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I draw so much inspiration from the Southern hostesses in my life, especially the women I grew up around. There’s this incredible rhythm to the way they host. Guests always have a drink in their hand, the music is just right, and somehow everything flows without ever feeling forced.

HOW DO YOU KEEP TRACK OF YOUR IDEAS?

You can ask anyone who knows me well; I’m a far cry from organized, and I have a lot of ideas. I also don’t shut up about them. I call my mom ten times a day to tell her what’s on my mind, and I’m constantly bombarding my husband with half-formed ideas. That constant verbal stream of consciousness actually helps me sift through what’s worth revisiting and what can fall away.

Lauren Wills Grover

Principal, Wills Design Associates willsdesignassociates.com

WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU?

Style is about creating spaces that feel intentional, collected, and comfortable. I want my clients to feel inspired and at home through my designs. When I give design presentations, the goal is to surprise and excite clients about living in the spaces I present.

WHEN ARE YOU MOST CREATIVE?

I am the most creative when I’m traveling. Clearing my mind, relaxing, and spending time with my family help me reset and make room for creativity. I also keep my Fridays clear of meetings and deadlines to take a creative day.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My daughter Lucy inspires me to work hard. I hope she looks up to me as she grows up. Creatively inspiring, though, are Kelly Wearstler, Celery Kemble, Ken Fulk, and Wes Anderson. They all have the most incredible attention to detail.

HOW DO YOU KEEP TRACK OF YOUR IDEAS?

Keeping track of my ideas has been an ongoing learning process. There is so much information thrown at us. I have specific folders on my phone, Pinterest, and Instagram for clients, styles, and rooms. I am constantly organizing so I don’t lose information.

Co-Founder & Principal Designer, Owen Group Interiors owengroupinteriors.com

WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU?

Style, to me, is simply what you love to live with. It’s the furniture, artwork, and pieces you’re naturally drawn to. I don’t think style has to fit into one category. It’s about mixing things that feel right together and create a home that feels comfortable, calm, and timeless.

WHEN ARE YOU MOST CREATIVE?

I’m most creative when I am working with our team. We really feed off each other’s ideas, and that back-and-forth is where the best designs come from.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Brelan, my daughter and the co-founder of our business, inspires me every day. She’s always pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and brings new ideas to the table. She keeps us thinking differently and helps move our work forward.

HOW DO YOU KEEP TRACK OF YOUR IDEAS?

We keep inspiration boards for each project and for ideas we want to revisit later. Whether it’s for a current project or something down the road, it helps us stay organized and keep those ideas in one place.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COOPER AND RICCA

IF YOU EAT ONE THING

A Houston favorite since Mama Ninfa Laurenzo was grilling her famous fajitas and handmade tortillas in 1973, The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is one of the few local restaurants that has withstood the test of time. From infused margaritas to tasty ways to serve fajitas, the restaurant is always up for a reinvention, and Ninfa’s “Award-Winning” Fajita Burger is a prime example. Executive chef Patricia Delgado explains why it is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. ninfas.com

THE FAJITAS

The Original Ninfa's is known for its world-famous fajitas, and when the culinary team wanted to find new ways to serve them to customers, the all-American burger came to mind. "We wanted to find a way for fajitas to elevate an existing dish, and who doesn't love a good cheeseburger?" explains Executive Chef Patti Delgado.

Always made with high-quality ground chuck, the burger patties are topped with a healthy portion of diced fajita meat, prepared on a wood-burning grill. "We want to showcase the fajita and make it the crown on top of the burger patty," Delgado said. "We wanted to make sure there is fajita in every bite."

THE TOPPINGS

Toppings for the burger are meant to add a kick to the dish, offering that quintessential Ninfa's experience. While the grilled fajita meat is a topping in and of itself, the burger features additional toppings for flavor. "We add rajas, which includes grilled onions and poblano peppers, as well as a blend of white and yellow cheddar cheeses that are grated in-house," said Delgado.

THE SAUCE

An in-house Chipotle mayo, made with blended chipotle and adobo, with lime juice added for an extra kick, is also featured on the burger. According to Delgado, "the sauce adds a bit of smokiness to the burger."

The dish comes with spicy ketchup to accompany the roasted Idaho potato wedges. The wedges are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and pair perfectly with the ketchup. Finally, pickled zucchini is also served on the side for those looking to pack more into their burger bites.

THE BUN

The bun is a brioche bun sourced locally from Slow Dough Bread Co. “The bun is buttery and served after being kissed on a plancha grill for a light toasting on the inside of each side,” said Delgado. “It's not too dense, yet light, airy, and perfectly toasted.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MIX

ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAUDIA CASBARIAN

DESIGNER EMILY SPANOS COMBINES OLD AND NEW WITH COLOR TEXTURE AND PATTERN FOR ROOMS WITH STYLE AND PERSONALITY.

Rooms that look collected over time, filled with current, vintage and antique furnishings and accessories fill the portfolio of Emily Spanos, founder of Emily June Designs.

“My style is timeless and layered. I’m textile-forward and like to get color and pattern early on and let it guide the rest of the project,” said Spanos, who has been named the March Leader In Design by the Houston Design District. “We’re all about making meaningful spaces that bring joy and soul to the home.”

For one client who loves lime green, the bright color was used in draperies as well as on a pair of chairs that sit in front of bookcases painted a deep blue-gray. A stained wood antique side table brings

a little history and holds a dainty vase found in a local thrift store. A rug that had the perfect color but was too small for the space was placed on top of a larger natural fiber rug. The room is a mix of old and new, bold and subtle.

“I always want to incorporate natural materials, vintage finds and antiques. That really helps the look of the space not feel so sterile – like it all just came out of a furniture store. A lot of clients have a great art collection, and we like to incorporate that, too,” said Spanos.

A 4th-generation Houstonian and 2006 graduate of Baylor University, Spanos began her design career at a full-service drapery work room, then worked for Ethan Allen before helping builders with custom homes.

One custom home client asked her to help them furnish the home, and Spanos used that to launch her residential interior design business. She and her husband have two sons, an 8-year-old and a 15-month-old who’s taking his first steps.

“IALWAYSWANTTOINCORPORATENATURAL MATERIALS

She custom designs some pieces and shops trade-only showrooms, but she also scours thrift stores such as The Guild Shop and Bluebird Circle and is a regular at Round Top antique shows, especially for favorite vendors such as Joyce Horn Antiques and Janet Wiebe’s Murano glass chandeliers and lamps.

Her home shopping list frequently includes vintage and antique lighting, side tables, chests and small accessories, and it’s hard for her to pass up anything made of brass.

Spanos has three storage units filled with things she’s bought through the years and in April she hopes to hold a pop-up sale to scale back a decade’s worth of her own collecting.

Inspiration often comes from her travels. Her husband grew up in Greece, so visits there are frequent. A recent trip to London brought inspiration from English-style architecture.

“Travel inspires me. The architecture, the castles, I think about those and reimagine them,” Spanos said. “Just looking at vintage pieces and seeing how they were made, I’m very inspired by that.”

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A Thoughtful VISION FOR WATERFRONT Living

Seahorse Estates offers waterfront living that immerses families in nature while creating lasting memories.

ARTICLE BY ALLYSON STRACZEK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SEAHORSE ESTATES

Drive about one hour south of Houston, and enter a Texas Gulf Coast paradise on Follet’s Island, where John and Amanda Howton, the owners and founders of Seahorse Estates, are intentionally building a luxury paradise for multi-generational families while conserving the natural habitat of the island.

John’s family began purchasing the land on Follet’s Island in the 1990s. The goal was always to create a subdivision for families, including the Howtons, to call home. In 2006, John finally succeeded in having the land recorded as a subdivision.

As part of the master plan, John and Amanda have carefully plotted only two rows of homes: beachfront homes with panoramic Gulf views and unobstructed bay views, and bayfront homes (second-row beach) with panoramic bay views over the 56-acre Drum Bay Nature Preserve and unobstructed Gulf views. Each custom, luxury home comes with 70-foot wide staggered lots more than half an acre in size, while allowing a minimum of 20 feet between homes.

“We wanted residents and vacationers to have lifelong views, privacy, and room to breathe,” John explains. “Everyone can enjoy sunrises to sunsets without leaving their homes.”

Beachfront homes sometimes have the worry of eroding shorelines, but the homes in Seahorse Estates are different. They are positioned on the most stable section of Follet’s Island, with growing beaches, according to the General Land Office. These pristine, uncrowded beaches provide the perfect setting for swimming, shelling, and family gatherings. Carefully planned amenities include putt-putt golf, bocce ball, and cornhole. Fireworks are also allowed on the beach, and with top-notch amenities, luxury dwellings, and one-of-a-kind views, it’s not hard to imagine endless days and evenings at Seahorse Estates.

Bayside, the homes are situated adjacent to the Drum Bay Nature Preserve, where there is an abundance of wildlife, including more than 250 bird species. Residents and visitors have easy access to an elevated ADA-compliant boardwalk that traverses three natural ponds for crabbing and ends in a well-lit fishing pier that extends into Drum Bay.

As developers, the Howtons could have selected any plot of land to call home, but they selected bayside. Amanda loves that their bayside home faces the beach, with bay views behind the house.

Designed for multi-generational families and separate families vacationing together, the luxury homes include elevators, high-speed Wi-Fi, sound systems in the living spaces, water filtration systems, pre-wired generators, summer kitchens for grilling fresh fish outdoors, and hot tubs on outdoor decks for relaxation. “Inside, each home has two living areas with fireplaces to allow for flexible family gatherings,” says Amanda.

Withstanding harsh weather conditions is essential to waterfront home design. At Seahorse Estates, decks are constructed of composite water-shedding materials; aluminum roofs are installed to protect against the elements; and homes qualify for Texas State Windstorm insurance. Natural geological protection is provided by the growing beach and deep setbacks (currently approximately 276 feet from the vegetation line).

Seahorse Estates has a homeowners association (HOA) to continue to plan thoughtfully for the community. HOA amenities include mosquito spraying, well-managed water, and backup systems with zero water bills for homeowners.

“We wanted to maximize the return for the homeowner,” says John. “While a few will choose to live on the island year-round, others will rent their homes to vacationers. We provide on-site property management to preserve a family-friendly environment. Cabana and full-time concierge services add to the luxurious vacationing amenities.”

The 49-home community has seven beach walkovers and a centrally located ADAcompliant ramp to provide easy access for growing or aging family members. Parking has been designed to accommodate large families without disrupting the beautiful beach and bayfront views or neighbors’ enjoyment.

“Our goal is to build legacy homes for the families that build here and create life-long memories for the families that vacation on Follet’s Island,” says John. “Every decision we make is made with the love of this diverse and beautifully bayside and beachfront landscape and the wildlife that inhabits the area. We want to protect this natural environment for generations to come.” seahorsetx.com

Seahorse Estates is built on Amanda and John Howton’s love of nature and family.

Amanda shares, “Our greatest memories are with our family on this island. Our children caught their first crab and fish with John’s dad in the bayside ponds. Now that they are older, they still want to come to this paradise with their friends. It’s a special place where everyone wants to call home. Life is about enjoying spontaneous moments together, and what better place to create moments than Follet’s Island? Family legacies are built in this sanctuary.”

Seahorse Estates 5227 Bluewater Highway, 77541

737-777-8855

seahorsehomestx.com

Memorial Lifestyle Magazine Celebrates Five Years

An elegant evening honoring community, lasting relationships, and shared success.

Memorial Lifestyle Magazine celebrated its fifth anniversary with a party that felt as meaningful as the milestone itself. Founded in 2020, the magazine was built on a simple belief: home is where trust is formed, community is strengthened, and sincere connections take root.

That spirit was on full display as friends, family, and longtime clients, including loyal supporters from day one, gathered at Collins Lobby Bar to toast five years of storytelling, style, and community building that continues to bring the Memorial community together.

The Fresh Start

A GUIDE TO PEACEFUL AND INTENTIONAL SPRING CLEANING

ARTICLE BY HEATHER SPINKS

Take a second to close your eyes and picture this: The afternoon sun streams through your windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Outside, Robins and Blue Jays sing their familiar melody, welcoming the season’s return. A gentle breeze slips through the slightly cracked window, carrying the crisp scent of early spring as your curtains sway softly. You stand in your kitchen, pouring a midday cup of coffee, feeling lighter—hopeful even— because warmer days are on their way.

There’s something about this fresh, ethereal feeling that not only melts away the last traces of winter but also sparks a quiet urge to refresh our surroundings. The cupboards that need decluttering, the baseboards that have gone untouched for months, the unworn clothes that no longer serve us—it all calls for renewal. This is the essence of spring cleaning:

Refresh and Declutter

Week1

clearing out the old to make space for the new, both in our homes and in our minds.

For some, the idea of cleaning feels anything but peaceful. The thought of tackling clutter and dust can be overwhelming, turning what should be a refreshing transition into a dreaded chore. That’s why we’ve created a simple, practical guide to help you navigate spring cleaning with ease, turning it into a rhythmic, intentional process that mirrors the calm of the season itself.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing and decluttering—it’s about creating a home that nurtures and uplifts you. By embracing this season of renewal with a gentle, intentional approach, you can welcome spring with open arms and a refreshed spirit.

Let this be the year when cleaning isn’t a chore but a ritual—a way to honor your home and the season’s promise of new beginnings.

• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.

• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items

• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.

• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.

• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.

• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.

• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.

• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.

• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.

• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.

Week2

Deep Clean and Rejuvenate

Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions Week3

• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.

• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.

• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.

• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.

• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.

• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.

• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.

• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.

• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.

Week4

Finishing Touches and Maintenance

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculp tural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creat ing depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about per fection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human con nection, a space was created that already feels loved.

PROJECT CREDITS

Builder - Buildwell

Architect and Interior Architect - Flower Architecture

Designer - Kate Manz

MARCH 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST

Houston Symphony presents Wagner's Tristan and Isolde

Jones Hall for the Performing Arts | 7:30 PM

A tale almost a thousand years old, Tristan and Isolde has long been considered the ultimate tale of passionate, romantic love in forbidden circumstances. With its universal theme of all-consuming love and bitter-sweet tragedy, it fits perfectly into Wagner's repertoire of epics, and the composer's opera is often considered one of the greatest ever.

MARCH 4TH

Cardi B in Concert

Toyota Center | 7:30 PM

Cardi B returns with her long-awaited second album,  Am I The Drama?, a 23-track epic featuring powerhouse collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Janet Jackson, Selena Gomez, and more. This headline-grabbing American rapper marches to the beat of her own drum and this album cements Cardi's reputation as a larger-than-life force, whose recent singles  Outside and  Imaginary Playerz are already hits.

MARCH 6TH

Blood Orange in Concert

Bayou Music Center | 8:00 PM

Fusing pop, funk, and jazz with searing lyrical content and spoken word poetry clips focused on the social and generational forces shaping black culture, politics and his own personal experiences, Hynes' soulful outpouring veers from avant-garde to unabashed, expertly crafted pop that never lacks emotional depth.

MARCH 11TH

Diana Ross in Concert

Smart Financial Center | 7:30 PM

The list of Diana Ross' achievements is staggering. She's won a dozen Grammys, sold over 100 million records worldwide and was Oscar-nominated for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in The Lady Sings the Blues. In 1976, Billboard named her the greatest female entertainer of the century, and there was a lot more to come from Ross after that. Armed with a catalogue which stretches back some 60 years, Ross will be touring across America.

MARCH 11TH

Conan Gray: Wishbone World Tour With Special Guest

Esha Tewari

Toyota Center | 8:00 PM

Following the unforgettable Wishbone Pajama Show tour, Conan Gray is once again hitting the road. After selling out legendary rooms like Madison Square Garden, the Kia Forum, and Wembley Arena, he's bringing the Wishbone World Tour to fans around the globe in celebration of his fourth studio album, Wishbone.

MARCH 13TH

Houston Symphony presents Mozart and Elgar's Enigma Variations

Jones Hall for the Performing Arts | 7:30 PM

Vasily Petrenko leads the Houston Symphony Orchestra in this brilliant program, culminating with a performance Sir Edward Elgar's career-defining Variations on an Original Theme. Beloved to audiences the world over since its 1899 premiere, the multi-faceted work is sure to stir the soul throughout, from the passionate strings of Variation 1 to the elegant autumnal flow of the Nimrod Variation.

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CONTINUED

MARCH 14TH

Il Divo in Concert

Smart Financial Center | 7:00 PM

The multinational Il Divo first came to the world's attention on the UK's X-Factor way back in 2004. Since then, Urs, David, the late Carlos, and Sebastien have more than flown the talent show nest, playing to millions across the world and been handpicked to support the likes of Barbara Streisand on tour.

MARCH 28TH

Phil Collins Story

Bayou Music Center | 8:00 PM

Everyone knows Phil Collins' iconic track "In The Air Tonight" with its wailing guitars, thundering drums and haunting vocals, but not all will have had the chance to witness the spectacular live. The team behind acclaimed shows celebrating Simon & Garfunkel and Aretha Franklin bring you The Phil Collins Story, with talented musicians from around the globe performing his timeless hits.

MARCH 28TH

Asleep at the Wheel in Concert

Smart Financial Centre | 7:00 PM

A Country Music institution, Asleep at the Wheel have been honing their bouncy brand of Western swing revivalism for over four decades, blending jazz and country to infectious effect. Among their best known tracks 'The Letter That Johnny Walker Read', 'Choo Choo Ch'Boogie' and 'Route 66'. Now on tour again, don't miss your chance.

SEAHORSE HOMES

Can you go on a whim? Is your view eroding? Can the home grow with your needs?

The true value of a second home is creating a multigenerational gathering place for spontaneous, priceless family memories. To encourage frequent visits, your retreat must be effortless to reach Located just one hour south of Houston, Seahorse Estates is the unforgettable paradise within reach

Unlike crowded developments, our rare two waterfront row layout ensures permanent, unobstructed beach and bay views These protected corridors offer a level of privacy and " room to breathe" unavailable in typical communities With only 49 exclusive homesites, this hidden gem is a limited-supply opportunity for significant appreciation

Featuring chef-grade kitchens, spacious game rooms & at least 1 built-in bunkroom, our homes are designed for comfort & luxury entertaining. A three-stage elevator ensures the home remains accessible to every family member as you age. This thoughtful design creates a functional multigenerational retreat built to evolve with your family.

Already Own a 2nd Home? Consider an Upgrade to Seahorse Estates! Own Beachview:

Own Bay or Lake Access:

Own Out of State:

Seahorse Estates offers superior beachfront living with rare dual-water views on a growing coastline Our bayfront homes provide panoramic beach and bay vistas at prices comparable to Galveston’s second row

Seahorse bayfront living offers unobstructed beach views and quick access to deep water fishing just minutes away at Surfside VIP Marina It is premium lake-style living with beach access right across the street

W hy not own and rent at Seahorse Estates? Use the rental income to enjoy even more vacations with the added benefit of spontaneous getaways throughout the year, and on-site property management