Luxe Magazine - July/August 2025 Houston Special Editorial

Round Top Designer Showhouse

SITUATED AMONG A VERDANT GREEN LANDSCAPE IN THE HEART OF TEXAS, THIS BREATHTAKING HOME IS A SHOWCASE OF THE BEST IN DESIGN.

A few times each year, the Round Top Antiques Fair comes to life, inviting design enthusiasts and industry pros from around the state—and country—to browse and be inspired. This year, the organization took it a step further, welcoming a special team of experts to exercise their design minds in one home: the Round Top Designer Showhouse benefitting Camp for All. Welcome in

FLOOR COVERINGS

Madison Lily Rugs

PAINT

Sherwin-Williams

HARDWARE

Emtek

WOODWORKING

Cabinet Innovations | Wood-Mode

FURNITURE + ACCESSORIES DUXIANA

DECORATIVE PLUMBING Ferguson Home

INTERIOR DESIGN

Bankston May Associates

ART + FRAMING

Davis Gallery & Framing

FINISHES

Paul Montgomery

OUTDOOR LIVING

Tupelo Goods

AUTUMN + MARCUS MOHON OWNERS, MOHON INTERIORS

In the work of their namesake firm, Mohon Interiors, husband-and-wife team Autumn and Marcus Mohon reflect their shared passion for crafting extraordinary spaces. Autumn has a talent for bringing everything together through seamless execution; Marcus has the artistic vision to give her an agenda. Together, they blend architectural fluency with a deep commitment to personal connection. Their timeless, soulful interiors span the globe.

“Designing a combo space was like conducting a symphony, everything is in tune and there is a balance of textures, colors and architectural gestures.”

KARA CHILDRESS

PRINCIPAL + FOUNDER, KARA CHILDRESS INTERIOR ATELIER

Since 1984, Kara Childress has had the privilege of designing homes that serve as the backdrop for her clients’ most meaningful moments. From primary estates and second homes to luxury commercial spaces, her work seamlessly blends old-world European elegance with modern livability, embracing innovation to bring beautiful and well-defined environments to life. She believes that great design is all about collaboration.

“In the powder room, we blended timeworn beauty with modern elegance. Provençal details create a soulful, timeless retreat.”

KURT BIELAWSKI

OWNER, MORE DESIGN + BUILD

Through MORE+, Kurt Bielawski effectively combines clean architecture with custom, crafted finishes, as well as modern and contemporary art. The resulting spaces are comfortable, livable and chic. With nearly 20 years of experience, the design-build pro has overseen hundreds of new home construction and remodel projects for discerning clients throughout Texas. His talent for editing and focusing on exacting details is well-known.

“I designed my study in honor of Derrill Osborn, my first boss at Neiman’s. Menswear fabrics mix with his favorite colors of red and green.”

JULIE DODSON

FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DODSON INTERIORS

Julie Dodson has spent more than two decades creating timeless homes marked by a fresh French twist and an effortlessly chic sensibility. Her work reflects a refined yet approachable point of view, seamlessly blending elegance with ease. In 2016, she founded the Designer Dream Spree, a celebrated event that draws top design talent from across the country to Round Top.

“I designed the primary suite as a luxurious mix of tradition and modernity, pairing antiques with contemporary textiles for a stylish, serene retreat.”

DARLA BANKSTON MAY FOUNDER, BANKSTON MAY ASSOCIATES

With more than 25 years of experience in the design industry and a collection of accolades, Darla Bankston May has accumulated vast expertise and knowledge in all phases of design, from architectural planning and construction to interior concepts and furnishings. This multidisciplinary background enables her to seamlessly integrate aesthetics and functionality, context and personality, in each space.

“ We designed the lounge area as a bold mix of vintage and modern, layering rich textures, sculptural lighting and Western accents for a dramatic setting.”

SUSAN SEMMELMANN

PRINCIPAL, SEMMELMANN INTERIORS

Inspired by her passion for hospitality, Susan Semmelmann and her talented team of 30 in-house artists, seamstresses and designers at Semmelmann Interiors keep the client and their perspectives at the heart of every endeavor. With 25 years of experience and a host of ASID design award, the fruits of this labor are evident. She is known for her signature “organic glamour” style, in which she blends natural elegance with utmost luxury.

“In every detail, this room was designed to stir the soul. The floral wallpaper speaks to new beginnings, while the rug and bedding lend a sense of coziness.”

MONICA GIACOMAN + RENEA ABBOTT

SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER + FOUNDER, SHABBY SLIPS

Educated in New York City, Renea Abbott trained under the esteemed minds at the iconic firm Irvine & Fleming. After building her design chops there and in Los Angeles, Abbott and her mother, Barbara Carlton, founded Shabby Slips. Today, the pioneer of custom slipcovers, upholstery, antiques, global sourcing and design is abundant with the creations of Abbott and fellow designer Monica Giacoman.

“ The showhouse was a great experience and a new, much needed venue for Round Top. We are looking forward to an annual event with great Texas talent!”

STACI STEIDLEY

OWNER + LEAD DESIGNER, STUDIO STEIDLEY

A nationally acclaimed interior designer based in Dallas, Staci Steidley is renowned for her expertise in luxury architectural remodels, bespoke new builds and timeless interiors that blend elegance with functionality. A passionate traveler and sailor, she draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, historic architecture and the spirit of adventure. Her dedicated team at Studio Steidley is known for their deep client connections and stunning spaces.

“Our storybook guest room is where English textiles, antique treasures and a whimsical woodland mural create a cozy retreat, perfect for curling up with a good book.”

Madison Lily Rugs

Edgar Podzemny, OWNER

713.338.2803 | madisonlily.com | madisonlilyrugs

In any thoughtfully crafted home, there is that sense of a “certain something” that makes it feel just right—elegant, comfortable, tranquil. Oftentimes, that quality lies in the floor coverings. Take a rug out of a space, and one quickly realizes the subtle impact it has on the overall impression. This made Madison Lily Rugs a key member of the Round Top Designer Showhouse lineup. “We offer our clients the ability to achieve goals of aesthetic, utility and scale without compromising a

single thread of the artisanal integrity or luxurious comfort of a traditionally hand-knotted rug,” Podzemny says. Collaborating closely with the design teams on the project, Madison Lily Rugs helped them source a variety of wool rugs and one special wool-and-silk piece from Benjamin Johnston for the dining space. “We were brought on early in the process, because these creative professionals understand that finding the proper rug simplifies the rest of the design process.”

Sherwin-Williams

Ashlynn Bourque, DESIGNER MARKETING MANAGER

214.686.0779 | sherwin-williams.com | swdesignpros

Amid all the components that come together in a beautiful home design, there is one that sets the tone for just about everything else: paint. Hence, the team at Sherwin-Williams played a critical role in kicking off the Round Top Designer Showhouse design. With a rich history of its own, the company proved a perfect fit for the project. “The aesthetic of this home bridges past, present and future,” says Ashlynn Bourque, Designer Marketing Manager. “With nearly 160 years

High Sierra SW 9588 serves as a serene backdrop for eclectic details in this cozy, character-filled space.

of history, we value and understand the creative importance of marrying these influences.” Throughout the home, the brand’s premium Emerald Designer Edition™ and Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel™ were used in various hues to suit the goals of the spaces and concepts. The flawless finish and coverage of these products—not to mention the antimicrobial agents to prevent mold and mildew and low-VOC formula— made them perfect selections for the showhouse.

Emtek

Amy Switzer, SENIOR MANAGER OF DESIGNER ENGAGEMENT

800.356.2741 | emtek.com | emtek_products

Everyone knows that hardware is the jewelry of a home— that adornment that brings the final, finished feel to life. At Emtek, this perspective informs every beautiful design they roll out to the delight of homeowners and design pros everywhere. “Our philosophy is simple: hardware should be more than functional; it should make a statement,” Switzer says. “That is why we focus on thoughtful design, premium materials like solid brass and bronze and expert engineering.”

For Round Top’s interior doors throughout, Emtek provided Rustic cabinet knob options in Tumbled White Bronze and Medium Bronze. The brand also features in the kitchen and bathrooms. Asked to talk about the project, Switzer says, “Round Top is such a treasure hunt. It has a unique energy, blending history, craftsmanship and creativity. We were thrilled to collaborate with the designers, exploring materials and ideas to create something that feels unexpected, yet timeless.”

Cabinet Innovations | Wood-Mode

Nicki Kana, PRESIDENT

713.461.6424 | cabinetinnovationstx.com | cabinetinnovations

The Round Top Designer Showhouse exemplifies the creative prowess of experts who worked closely together to create something fresh, cohesive and thoughtful. For Nicki Kana and her team at Cabinet Innovations, that collaborative energy was aligned with how they love to work—and resulted in a butler’s pantry every home chef or entertainer would envy. “It was important for our space to feel cohesive with the remainder of the house,” Kana says. “We opted for a warm

medium-toned stain and tied it together by using the same Neolith counter material as the kitchen.” With plenty of storage for everything from dishes, cutlery and trays to a microwave and coffee bar, this all-important space is a small but mighty addition to the overall design. Speaking of, Kana enthuses, “This home is filled with big designs and bold choices that flow together effortlessly. It is rustic charm and modern elegance combined.”

DUXIANA

Henrik Ljung, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

214.484.7223 | duxiana.com | duxianausa

When one envisions a truly perfect home, one element certainly cannot be missing: comfort. Within the walls of the Round Top Designer Showhouse, DUXIANA plays a starring role in achieving this all-important goal. The Swedish heritage brand is built on nearly a century of craftsmanship and innovation, resulting in mattresses that enhance sleep, deliver on aesthetics and achieve the brand’s sustainable intentions. Speaking of the latter, CEO Henrik Ljung enthuses

about DUXIANA’s featured products in Round Top. “All of the beds we included here are from our signature Sustainable Comfort collection,” he shares. “The primary suite boasts a DUX 30, while two DUX 60 models are included in the upstairs bedrooms.” Each bed in this collection was crafted with long-term wellness and environmental responsibility in mind. They are handcrafted from natural, renewable materials, such as natural latex, wool, high-grade cotton and Nordic pine.

Ferguson Home

Lindsey Root, REGIONAL MARKETING BUSINESS PARTNER

800.638.8875 | fergusonhome.com | fergusonhomeofficial

So much of a beautiful home lies in the aesthetic touches, look and feel. But paramount is the ability for each space to provide the amenities needed by the inhabitants, as well. This is where a design resource like Ferguson Home comes in. “We provided the plumbing and appliance items for the showhouse, featuring Kohler and Thermador products,” Root says. “We worked closely with our manufacturers and showroom experts to source the newest finishes in

the most modern-transitional styles for a nice play on the Round Top farmhouse-meets-contemporary eclectic feel.” Indeed, the selections convey the perfect middle ground between the aesthetics. Having recently rolled out Ferguson Home, the legendary brand was in a perfect position to be a resource for the Round Top Designer Showhouse. “One name across our physical and digital footprint unites the sourcing and shopping experience for all.”

Bankston May Associates

Darla Bankston May, NCIDQ, RID, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

713.789.1912

| bankstonmay.com | bankstonmayassociates

Upon walking through the Round Top Designer Showhouse, one experiences a feast for the eyes. Each room abounds in a variance of textures, colors, stylistics influences and exquisite works of art. Yet somehow, it all comes together in perfect eclectic harmony. Enter, Darla Bankston May. With a multidisciplinary background in interior design, architecture and art history, the creative leads her firm, Bankston May Associates, with a holistic viewpoint. This project was an

ideal opportunity to do what she does best. “Round Top’s rustic charm, historic character and modern influence create a dream backdrop for imaginative design,” she shares. “Twice a year, we visit to dig for soulful pieces, reconnect with industry friends and find inspiration. This showhouse is a display of how much creativity this design mecca instills in our community.” It also beautifully exemplifies the look and feel for which May and team are known: “collected sophistication.”

Davis Gallery & Framing

Fallon Bartos, GALLERY DIRECTOR

512.477.4929 | davisgalleryaustin.com | davis_gallery

In any well-designed home, the artwork is a finishing touch that brings true feeling and personality into each space. For Bartos and her team at Davis Gallery & Framing, the act of championing local and regional artists, and helping homeowners to bring those works into their homes with custom framing solutions, is meaningful. Established in 1979, the company has been a leading resource for design pros and art enthusiasts in Austin for decades. Being brought into

the Round Top project was a dream. “This unique opportunity allows us to show visitors how they can experience artworks in their home, integrated into the design,” Bartos shares. “We worked with two different designers, Staci Steidley and Darla Bankston May. Each creative’s space had its own essence, and the pieces chosen—Amanda Wood’s Freya and B Shawn Cox’s After Glow, respectively—struck the perfect notes.”

Paul Montgomery

Paul Montgomery, PRESIDENT

540.337.6600 | paulmontgomery.com; themuralsource.com | paulmontgomerystudio

In every corner of the Round Top Designer Showhouse, unique features and masterpieces of craft abound. One such moment is found within the lounge, where a breathtaking mural was designed by Paul Montgomery. For more than 50 years, the firm has provided exceptional murals and artwork for luxury hotels, residences and clubs throughout the world. On this project, designer Darla Bankston May tasked the team with bringing one of its existing murals to life in

sepia tones—adding to the space’s moody, antique vibe. In a way, it truly is vintage. “The Equus mural was inspired by a mural called 100 Horses, which was originally painted in China hundreds of years ago,” Montgomery enthuses. “Our creation is a contemporary version in a loose but dramatic style.” They also crafted a companion sidewall pattern—a first for the team Inquire for hand-painted murals on paulmontgomery.com, and shop printed murals on themuralsource.com.

Tupelo Goods

Sara Kenton, CEO AND FOUNDER tupelogoods.com | tupelogoods

Understandably, the interior of a home tends to be the primary focus when undertaking a build or renovation. But in an age where outdoor living has become a central part of everyday life too, the open-air spaces are just as important. At the Round Top Designer Showhouse, the outdoor living spaces truly exemplify the beauty of the concept. “They are extensions of the indoor spaces and just as thoughtfully designed,” says Sara Kenton, CEO and Founder of Tupelo

Goods. The brand brought aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic, durable and versatile furnishings to the home, all in its well-loved Sandstone colorway (though there are six others on offer as well). Kenton shares a fun detail about the selection process: “We sent Darla Bankston May a kit with miniature chair models and material samples, so she could really envision the products.” One look at the luxurious alfresco vignette proves the fruits of their labor.

BENEFITING

A portion of all proceeds will benefit Camp For All, a nationally recognized, barrier-free camp headquartered in Burton, Texas.

Through innovative programming, state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with over 65 nonprofits, Camp For All provides transformative experiences each year for thousands of campers living with challenging illnesses or disabilities, empowering them and their families to discover life without limits.

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Thank You To Our Sponsors

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