CRIS TRUEBA OF SHOWER DOORS TODAY DESIGNS BATHROOMS WITH INTENTION, CONFIDENCE, AND A WOMAN’S TOUCH.
ANTONIO “TONE” GONZALEZ BUILT TONED HOMES TO ELIMINATE CONTRACTOR HORROR STORIES FOR GOOD. HOME + DESIGN
ERICA AND DAVID BOGRAN ARE CHANGING HOW SAN ANTONIO BUYS FURNITURE, ONE HONEST CONVERSATION AT A TIME.
March is my birthday month, which already makes it elite. But beyond that, March just does something to people. The light shifts. The air feels lighter. And one random morning you look around your house and think… huh. We could do better in here.
This issue came together in that exact spirit. Not the burn it all down, buy everything new kind of refresh. The more honest one. The what would actually make my life feel better kind.
You’ll meet Cris from Shower Doors Today of San Antonio, who gets something deeply important. Bathrooms are personal. They’re where mornings start, nights end, and where a woman goes when she needs five minutes to herself. Cris designs custom showers with intention, confidence, and a woman’s perspective in an industry that has not always made room for it. And you can feel that the second you hear her talk about her work.
You’ll also meet Antonio “Tone” Gonzalez of Toned Homes, a guy who built a company specifically to eliminate contractor horror stories. Clear communication. Real timelines. Respect for the fact that people are still living their lives while work is happening. If you have ever delayed a home project because you just did not want the stress, this story will feel like a deep exhale.
And then there’s Venta Furnishings, owned by the kind of couple who reminds you that your home does not need to look perfect. It just needs to feel like you. Comfortable. Warm. Lived in. Loved.
This issue is your sign to walk through your house and notice what wants attention. One room. One project. One local business at a time.
Happy March! Let it be a fresh start in all the small ways that matter most.
Same place next month?
CHELSEA HUMPHREYS, EDITOR @STONEOAKCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Jonathan Mottu
jonathan.mottu@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Sarah Mottu
sarah.mottu@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Chelsea Humphreys chelsea.humphreys@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Christina Garcia christina@stylesavvysocials.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erin Lyons, Sydney Leever, Antonio Gonzales
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Chelsea Humphreys
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
At M I Dental Designs, we're dedicated to providing a comfortable, high-end dental experience Led by Dr Imam, our team offers exceptional care, from routine checkups to full-mouth rehabilitations, in a patientcentered environment We cater to those who expect the
We look forward to meeting you and working
attaining your smile goals!
1: One of San Antonio’s hidden walkways 2: Breaking bread and just having a good time with our community. 3: The Chickfila Cow crashes Avery and Isaiah's wedding! 4: The students at Lilypad thrive with play based learning activities. 5: A fabulous birthday celebration at the hidden gem, Little Death on St Mary's Street. 6: Ready for spring at The Pearl's Hotel Emma. 7: Karen Evans Art Curator and Joseph Bravo Art Critic at The Vidorra!
Agarita begins 2026 with major artistic milestones, including its debut album recording with internationally acclaimed guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas. The season features world premieres, expanded Agarita Loft concerts and lectures, and free community programming across San Antonio, continuing the ensemble’s mission to make classical music accessible, intimate, and deeply connected. Learn more at Agarita’s website at agarita.org
The Tacos & Tequila Festival returns to San Antonio on May 9, 2026 at Retama Park. Headlined by Three 6 Mafia, the festival features a full day of throwback hip-hop, tacos, tequila, lucha libre wrestling, and high-energy entertainment. Early bird tickets start at $49. https://tacosand tequilafestival.com
Photography by @socialhouseent
Two Methodist Healthcare hospitals are being celebrated as 2026 High Performing hospitals for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, the highest recognition in the annual study. Methodist Hospital ranked #1 in San Antonio and Top 10 in Texas, while Methodist Hospital Stone Oak earned the #3 local ranking, honoring exceptional care for mothers and newborns across the region.
At The Fountain of Youth Spa in San Antonio, we specialize in non-surgical treatments designed to rejuvenate and empower. From the revitalizing Hydro Facial to Body Sculpting, our services are tailored to enhance your natural beauty. Experience firmer skin, a youthful glow, and the confidence that comes with looking and feeling your best. Embrace the art of ageless beauty because you deserve it!
Book your customized treatment today
Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Closets.
It’s the perfect time to organize your life and your legacy Spring is a natural reminder to review your estate plan Outdated documents, missing plans, or unclear wishes can leave your loved ones facing unnecessary stress when it matters most
A thoughtful estate plan ensures your wishes are honored and your family is protected This spring, put everything in order so your loved ones are not left sorting through the mess later
Schedule your Estate Planning Session and enjoy peace of mind this season.
Protect your
and preserve your legacy
a
you can trust.
Zen Natives is a residential and commercial landscaping company focused on Texas native plants and sustainable design. Each project begins with thoughtful planning, followed by expert installation and longterm care partnerships. By prioritizing native landscapes, Zen Natives supports pollinators, conserves water, and creates outdoor spaces designed to thrive in Central Texas. Learn more at zennativestx.com
ARTICLE BY ERIN LYONS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA HUMPHREYS
Buying a new piece of furniture can be stressful. It’s easy to find yourself in a high-pressure situation with expensive price tags and confusing terms getting thrown at you. At Venta Furnishings, owners Erica and David Bogran want you to have a different kind of experience in their showroom. They focus on making clients feel educated,
empowered, and genuinely cared for, creating a family-first experience that turns a home investment into a confident decision.
The Bogran’s journey in the furniture business began a little over nine years ago when David made a small investment with a partner, selling furniture out of a storage unit. After the first month, David came to Erica and told her that he felt like this could really turn into something. They agreed to invest the money they had earned that month back in the business, and they quickly grew to ten storage units. That is when Erica and David decided to move into the showroom that they have now, just down the road from the original storage units. They are still in that showroom today. They expanded and upgraded the space in 2019.
Erica made Venta Furnishings her fulltime job in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic forced most businesses to close their doors. Venta Furnishings was able to remain open because mattresses were considered essential materials. They persevered through that challenging time as Erica learned the business side of running a furniture store.
You can buy just about anything you would need for your home at Venta Furnishings. They have a wide variety of living room, bedroom, and dining room sets. Mattresses, home office, entertainment, and outdoor furniture are also on display in the showroom. If you are looking for smaller pieces to decorate your home, they offer accessories like rugs, lamps, and wall art. Custom-made pieces are available to order as well.
A small team runs Venta Furnishings, including Erica’s father, who helps in the showroom now that he’s retired. Venta Furnishings also employs a dedicated warehouse and delivery team. Most of them have been with the company for years. This allows Erica and David to tell their customers with total confidence that the people handling their new furniture and entering their homes will do so with care and respect throughout the entire process.
Erica was born and raised in San Antonio, so serving its residents feels particularly important to her. She feels like the world is so fast-paced these days, and she wants people to be able to slow down, take their time, and make a connection when they walk into the Venta Furnishings showroom. Erica shared that what often begins as a simple search for furniture quickly turns into something more. Customers find themselves sitting on a couch they’re considering, opening up, and sharing stories from their lives. “This is not transactional. It’s a relationship.”
Erica tries to get to know her customers first because it’s her goal to speak to them like they are a member of her family. Sometimes that includes difficult conversations about money. She told me that being up front and honest about the budget is the first step when helping a customer with a potential purchase. It helps her advise them on how much they should be spending and what to buy. Then they try to balance style and quality with the budget. “We really try to work with a customer on what is genuinely the best fit for them.” Erica can also provide a personalized design session with clients who would like more guidance.
David and Erica want to be able to provide furniture to anyone who walks into their showroom, which is why they always want to know each person’s goal for their purchase. If the customer is tired of replacing their couches every few years, then they prioritize the quality and durability of the sofa along with their budget. Customer education is also a high priority at Venta Furnishings. David and Erica like to communicate the difference in materials and durability to their customers. They also want them to know the lifetime of the products they are buying, as well as the warranties that will come with their purchase.
Erica prefers to educate her clients even if that means they may not purchase as much that day. Many times, she will see those same educated customers come back in a year, ready to buy the next piece of furniture. Erica and David try to sit down with each customer and go through everything in an itemized way, line by line. Erica told me, “I don’t ever want anyone to feel taken advantage of.” Many customers have told them that no one has ever explained these things to them when they’ve made similar large purchases. That kind of care is what keeps customers returning to Venta Furnishings over and over again.
Erica is particularly excited when returning customers visit the showroom, so she can hear about how their lives have been going since the last time she saw them. Venta Furnishing’s business has mostly grown through client recommendations, and a large portion of their monthly sales are with returning customers and referrals. They also place a lot of importance on having a no-pressure showroom. If a person comes into their showroom and just wants to look around, the team at Venta Furnishings respects that. Their hundreds of 5-star reviews are evidence of a satisfied customer base.
While there may be plenty of places to buy furniture in San Antonio, there are probably only a few that would know you by name. Venta Furnishings is one of those places. David and Erica Bogran truly enjoy serving the San Antonio community and providing their customers with beautiful furniture at a price they can afford. They take the time to ensure everyone leaves the showroom feeling informed and confident in their purchase. But the most meaningful part of their customers’ experience is the lasting relationship built not just with a business, but with a family that genuinely cares.
FITNESS COACHING FOR WOMEN
Personalized 1:1 Coaching
100% Online Coaching
Workout Programming
Nutrition & Meal Planning
Accountability & Mindset Coaching
BY SYDNEY LEEVER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA HUMPHREYS
GLASS QUEEN CRIS TRUEBA REDEFINES THE MOST IMPORTANT ROOM IN THE HOUSE
When a woman walks into a great bathroom, she knows immediately. This is mine.
For women, your bathroom is your sanctuary. But did you know that most bathrooms are fully designed and installed by men? Shower Doors Today of San Antonio is the city’s only woman-owned business that can bring your bathroom to the next level. Their family business is headed by matriarch Cris who creates custom showers fit for a queen.
Cris grew up in the Rio Grande Valley as the daughter of a glass shop owner, but she never envisioned herself following in her father’s footsteps. “My dad is my hero, but it’s a man’s world – I never thought I would get into it.” Cris worked in banking for many years, and while she had invested in Shower Doors Today of San Antonio when it
launched, she didn’t have much to do with the company. Everything changed when her bank closed and she started as a receptionist for Shower Doors Today of San Antonio. “I had to work my way up to get here, but it was always my destiny.” Cris now fully owns the store ten years after it opened.
Cris is kept busy with calling, appraising, and scheduling clients. Her husband Gabriel supervises installation and contracting, and their youngest son Jordan helps Cris with administrative work. Their son Josh does the bookkeeping and Stephen does their marketing. “Being family-owned, we really take care of our business and our customers.” They treat their clients like family – Cris has even helped customers plan their next night out or vacation.
Cris describes herself as a workaholic. She’s the first person in the office, the last person to leave, and she’ll often need to make calls from her home office after hours. “My dad taught me to get the work done, and it helps that I love what I do.” Cris is dedicated to her craft. She’s a skilled glazier that knows everything there is to know about glass. “I’ll go to meetings and be the only girl in the room, so I’ve had some challenges; I had to know more than they do to be taken seriously.” She picked up the basics from her dad, but she had to study and learn the specifics herself.
Shower Doors Today of San Antonio specializes in custom shower doors for everyone. “We work with both contractors and homeowners to find the perfect shower.” Cris herself appraises customers and draws a concept to ensure a quality design. “Our turnaround time differentiates us from others – our expertise makes us efficient.” They keep everything they need on-site in San Antonio so that they can have a beautiful shower door including handles, hinges, and glass within 48 hours of taking measurements in the home.
Cris says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the finished project. “Most of our work is on custom homes, so we work with lots of amazing contractors, and our showers fit like a perfect last piece of their puzzle.” When a house has a great bathroom, any woman is going to walk in and say “Oh my god, I love this bathroom!” Cris enjoys seeing her customers love their new bathroom and providing them with their own gorgeous space for a self-care retreat.
Cris never plans on retiring. “I love my job too much for that!” She’ll be at the shop for as long as possible. Shower Doors Today is located on 2537 Boardwalk St in San Antonio, open 9AM to 5PM every weekday.
Fostering
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
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 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.
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.
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 sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.
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, creating 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 perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”
PROJECT CREDITS
HOW ANTONIO “TONE” GONZALEZ ELIMINATED CONTRACTOR HORROR STORIES FOR HOMEOWNERS
Have you ever needed work done on your home and realized you did not have a go to person you truly trusted? An AC issue. A drywall repair. New windows. A deck. A kitchen remodel. Every homeowner eventually needs help with maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. The real challenge is finding a company that checks all the boxes.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONIO GONZALES
Toned Homes is that company. And Antonio “Tone” Gonzalez is that guy. Tone started working in home services as a teenager, sanding countertops and installing AC ductwork. In 1999, he launched his first DBA, Toneair, and
has been serving homeowners in San Antonio and the surrounding areas ever since. He is an autodidact with a deep passion for learning and craftsmanship. As a state master license holder in HVAC and a certified installer with expertise across nearly every aspect of residential construction, Tone has spent decades learning from experience, mentors, and the homes themselves. That knowledge shaped the best practices Toned Homes uses today to help homeowners protect and improve their biggest investment.
Toned Homes specializes in occupied homes. That matters. Their project managers have been with the company for over ten years, some for more than twenty five. This is a team you can trust around your valuables, kids, pets, and schedule. The company is built to minimize risk, stress, and disruption while work is being done.
On the remodeling side, Toned Homes handles nearly everything a homeowner might need. Kitchens, bathrooms, windows, flooring, interior and exterior paint, outdoor kitchens, flatwork, masonry, sunrooms, screen rooms, decks, and more. On the AC side, they provide maintenance, repair, replacement, ductwork, and air purification solutions.
The philosophy is simple. Make Toned Homes your first call. If they do not do something in house, they will refer you to someone who does and meets their standards.
Most homeowners have heard contractor horror stories. Poor communication. Long gaps with no one showing up. Endless change orders. Dust everywhere. Missed timelines. Money taken with no follow through. Tone built Toned Homes specifically to eliminate these problems.
The company uses customer management software so clients can communicate with the office anytime. Work happens consistently from start to finish,
Monday through Friday. Every project receives the same level of attention, with experienced specialists assigned to each phase. Toned Homes is financially stable and vetted, offering financing through Synchrony Bank. They use dust control systems and specialized tools to reduce airborne particles during construction. When it comes to timelines, they do not make promises they cannot keep. If something is unknown, they say so.
Toned Homes is a one stop resource for home maintenance and improvement, designed to give homeowners a better experience.
Clients consistently describe them as professional, knowledgeable, experienced, insured, easy to work with, and solutions focused. They are praised for honest assessments, smart design thinking, and minimal change orders.
Public reviews back it up. Toned Homes holds hundreds of positive reviews online, an A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau, multiple Angie’s Super Service Awards, HomeAdvisor recognitions, Nextdoor Favorites, and nominations from Houzz.
If you want a project with less stress, a skilled team, clear communication, and thoughtful execution, Toned Homes should be your first call.
STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”
Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”
Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.
“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”
Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.
“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.
Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, bluepurple, red-purple and sky blue.
This data is a sampling of sold properties from January 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.
MARCH 1ST - APRIL 3RD
130 King William San Antonio, TX 78204
Celebrate the emerging talent and creative energy of the area’s college and university departments of art. This exhibition continues the Art League’s long-standing tradition of championing emerging artists by providing them with an exhibition experience in a professional setting and a platform to share their creativity with the community. Free.
MARCH 7TH, 14TH, 21ST
River Walk St. Patrick's Artisan Show
602 E Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78205
Experience the beauty of the San Antonio River Walk at the Artisan Show by shopping over 40 handmade artisan booths, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork, and more. Located at the River Walk Extension (close to the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Building and the Shops at Rivercenter)
MARCH 14TH
10 10th St San Antonio San Antonio, TX 78205 | 10:30 AM
Kick off St. Patrick’s Weekend with the Emerald Run along the San Antonio River Walk, dyed emerald green for the celebration. Enjoy a warm up dance party, festive costumes, finisher medals for the first 300, and River Walk after parties.
Family Walk: 10:30 AM | 5K Run: 11:15 AM
MARCH 21ST
Woodlawn Lake Park - 1103 Cincinnati Ave San Antonio, TX 78249 | 4:00 PM
Join us March 21 for Lighten Up at Woodlawn Casting Pond and Park, 138 S Josephine Tobin Dr. This free, family friendly celebration welcomes spring with illuminated art installations, live music, poetry, yoga, and holistic experiences. As the sun sets, enjoy community, creativity, and conscious art glowing across the water. 210.995.7377 or e-mail at satxbliss@gmail.com
MARCH 26TH
The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio 312 Pearl Parkway, Bldg. 2 Suite 2102 | 6:00 PM
In our fast-paced world, finding time to cook a nutritious meal can be a challenge. This class is designed to empower you with the skills to whip up healthy and flavorful weeknight meals in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy professionals, parents, or anyone looking to add some efficiency to their evening routine. (18+ only) https://www.ciafoodies.com/cia-texas-san-antonio-classes/
MARCH 27TH
2410 N Saint Marys St San Antonio, TX 78212 | 8:00 PM
Experience Jay Webb live on March 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM in the Side Room at Paper Tiger. This intimate show features soulful vocals, raw talent, and great vibes in one of San Antonio’s coziest live music spaces. Tickets available now.
Deaver Garage Door Service delivers precision, honesty, and long-lasting craftsmanship on every repair and install. We never rush, cut corners, or upsell what you don’t need. We use premium parts and clear communication to keep your door running smoothly and safely.
Stone Oak City Lifestyle Magazine readers also receive a FREE consultation. When you want it done right, count on Deaver.
