Roche Bobois. Cestello cocktail tables, designed by Gabriele Fedele. Unfold
Experience Life Defined
A mecca of design and master planning set within the captivating landscape of the Gulf of Mexico coastline of Northwest Florida, Alys Beach is a living gallery of the works of some of the country’s most revered architects and designers. While the town inches towards full completion, a variety of home ownership options remain, with custom build opportunities presenting on a limited release basis. Creating a legacy of design, Alys Beach is built for resilience and longevity, cultivating a luxury coastal lifestyle to be enjoyed and sought after for generations to come.
Since 1938 ince
STARK delivers timeless luxury through innovative craftsmanship and expert service. For nearly a century, our master artisans and design consultants have transformed exceptional spaces with the world’s finest carpets and rugs, ensuring flawless execution every time.
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Lush Lilies, Gelatin Silver Lumen Print, 2023
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MARCH | APRIL 2025
Celebrating Creativity
IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO ESCAPE CREATIVE EXPRESSION.
Here at LUXE, nearly everything we see and touch has been thoughtfully conceived and skillfully crafted. As I travel across the country—visiting art fairs that showcase renowned artists and touring workrooms and studios where home goods are meticulously made by craftspeople whose names you may never learn—I marvel at the beauty produced by the creative community. Their talents are displayed on the most personal of canvases: our homes. At LUXE, we consider ourselves curators of these individualized, residential artworks. We are always searching for engaging projects and memorable homes that will captivate our audience. Being immersed in this creative world makes me feel deeply grateful and reminds me why home is so very special. Our homes, and every item within, have a proud story to tell. They are our own creative incubators.
In our March/April issue, you’ll nd a wellspring of inspiration with boundary-pushing design, rooms where color and pattern live together fearlessly and homes with dramatic natural surroundings—just to name a few. You can enjoy these beauties, and more, in your regional issues, or as they roll out on our freshly redesigned website luxesource.com.
As these descriptions suggest, you are about to see a refreshed explosion of color (both indoors and out) across our pages. Spring has arrived, and we are celebrating the imagination, inventiveness and talents of designers, makers and builders. While you’re at it, look around your own home with a renewed respect for the labor of love that goes into every detail. Then, open the windows wide, lighten up the linens and head outdoors.
Enjoy the season,
Jill Cohen Editor in Chief
Follow me @jilleditsluxe
There are many approaches to expand a living space. Perhaps none so captivating as walls of glass that transform entire rooms, and push the boundaries of interiors with a gentle glide. Fresh design without limits, a daily occurrence for doors and windows that never compromise. Learn more >
MAR APR
Scene
The little black book of all things
and fabulous in the local community.
Along with architect Tim Adams, designer Amanda Wyatt and landscape designer Alex Smith shape a serene North Carolina escape.
Showstopping rooms from our issues across the country suggest a shift toward fearless color.
Brittany Bromley, Sasha Bikoff and Chauncey Boothby school us on sophisticated kids’ rooms.
Benner Landscape Design and Green 17 Design share their ethos for emotive California landscapes.
Read about the inspiring work of Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and a forthcoming book celebrating 50 years of the Decorator Show House.
Market
Discover spring’s new fabrics and wallpapers showcased within three distinct color combinations.
Shop the look of these eye-catching interiors pulled from our regional features.
Outdoor furniture company Harbour chats with LUXE about its evolution and what’s on the horizon.
The latest furniture, lighting and
debuts for alfresco living that have caught our editors’ eyes.
A lush Palm Beach retreat by Marshall Watson is the perfect backdrop for entertaining in style.
Jeffrey Alan Marks takes us behind the design of his charming Connecticut kitchen and dining spaces.
Nickolas Sargent of DBA Sargent Photography
Branching Out
An Austin home with architecture by CoXist Studio and interiors by Ann Tucker combines sculptural aesthetics and tactile comfort.
Georgian on Their Minds
With a timeless blend of old and new, designer Mary Beth Christopher reimagines a characterful Dallas residence.
Grand Expectations
Houston designer Paloma Contreras envisioned a gracious update for a historical property passed down through generations.
Memory Lane
Earthen materials set the backdrop for a Dallas dwelling by interior designer Erin Sander and architect David Stocker.
ON THE COVER: Celebrating tradition while providing an elegant update, Houston interior designer Paloma Contreras wrapped this dining room in de Gournay’s Nordic Garden wallpaper, crowning it with a chandelier of her own design for Visual Comfort & Co. Lining the table from Neal & Co. are sleek leather chairs from House + Town. Page 158
Written by Maile Pingel
Photography by Chase Daniel
Written by Laura Fenton Photography by Lisa Petrole Styling by Russell Brightwell
Written by Lara Hallock
Photography by Brittany Ambridge/OTTO
Styling by Benjamin Reynaert
Written by Monique McIntosh
Photography by Nathan Schroder
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
JILL COHEN EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
STYLE DIRECTOR
DESIGN DIRECTOR Pam Shavalier DIRECTOR, DIGITAL Ileana Llorens
ART DIRECTOR
Candace Cohen
Brittany Chevalier McIntyre
SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR
Colleen McTiernan
Kelly Velocci Jolliffe
EDITORS
MANAGING
Krystal Racaniello, Clémence Sfadj
HOMES EDITORS
ARIZONA, GREATER CHICAGO
Brittany Chevalier McIntyre
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO, DALLAS + FORT WORTH, HOUSTON
Lara Hallock
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES, LOS ANGELES, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Kelly Phillips Badal
ART
ART DIRECTOR
Maria Pluta
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jamie Beauparlant
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Kyle Anderson, John Griffin-Santucci
SENIOR RETOUCHER
Christian Ablan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITORS
Catherine Armanasco, Kristen Roeder
Kathryn Given
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Hannah Lavine
GREATER NEW YORK, HAMPTONS
Grace Beuley Hunt
MIAMI, NAPLES + SARASOTA, PALM BEACH + BROWARD
Jennifer Pfaff Smith
SENIOR MARKET EDITOR
Sarah Shelton
PACIFIC NORTHWEST, SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Mary Jo Bowling
SOUTHEAST
Kate Abney
DIGITAL
SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Claire Evans
WEB EDITOR
Brooke Robinson
ADAM I. SANDOW
CHAIRMAN
ERICA HOLBORN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CHIEF MARKETING & REVENUE OFFICER
Bobby Bonett
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Michael Shavalier
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Kate Kelly Smith
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE
Jake Galvin
VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL
Caroline Davis
VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Laura Steele
SENIOR VIDEO DIRECTOR
Steven Wilsey
SANDOW was founded by visionary entrepreneur Adam I. Sandow in 2003, with the goal of reinventing the traditional publishing model. Today, SANDOW powers the design, materials and luxury industries through innovative content, tools and integrated solutions. With its diverse portfolio of assets, SANDOW has established itself as the largest design media company in the world which includes the following brands: LUXE Interiors + Design, Interior Design, Metropolis, DesignTV by SANDOW; ThinkLab, a research and strategy firm; and content services brands, including The Agency by SANDOW – a full-scale digital marketing agency, The Studio by SANDOW – a video production studio, and SURROUND – a podcast network and production studio. In 2019, Adam Sandow launched Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials. Other SANDOW brands include definitive authority on all things beauty, NewBeauty; luxury sampling platform, Test Tube by NewBeauty; Leaders Magazine; and exclusive private airport newsstand network, MediaJet.
TANYA SUBER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS OPERATIONS
This magazine is recyclable. Please recycle when you’re done with it. We’re all in this together.
LOS ANGELES · CHICAGO · DANIA BEACH · NEW YORK
SCENE
WRITTEN BY LARA HALLOCK | PRODUCED BY KRYSTAL RACANIELLO
LAUNCH
CAT ALEXANDER
Guided by the historic ink arts of Japanese suminagashi and Turkish marbling, Austin-based designer Cat Alexander is now transforming her handmade art into an array of eponymous wallpapers and textiles. “Every one of my prints is inspired by a distinct experience in nature,” she shares. Often named for their muses, the designs evoke the look and feel of locations ranging from the Alpine meadows of Cortina, Italy, to Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. Each artwork is the result of hours spent over a basin of ink and water, which Alexander has set up outside her studio under the shade of a pecan tree. The print is then adapted into a wallpaper or textile with rounds of iteration to consider scale and size. Finally, she translates it into numerous colorways that designers feature on vibrant walls, furniture and even lampshades. catalexanderdesign.com
PARADISE FOUND
TRAVIS CLUB
Featuring 10,000 feet of scenic lakefront property, Travis Club’s private community aims to set a new standard of excellence in architecture and lifestyle. Located on Lake Travis just outside of Austin, the 1,500-acre gated development plans to have its first homes under construction this summer. With a master plan by architect Hart Howerton, the team carefully considered the environment, maximizing views and emphasizing natural, native materials. The property will dedicate half of its acreage to open space, conservation and golf course areas. Created by renowned designer Beau Welling, the exclusive course harnesses dramatic elevation changes and hilltop vistas. Additional luxuries include a private club with indoor-outdoor dining, waterfront restaurant, wellness retreat, marina and gear shed stocked with kayaks and paddleboards—all alongside 30-some miles of hiking and biking trails. “This seamless blend of natural beauty and world-class amenities makes Travis Club one-of-a-kind,” says Leisha Ehlert, CEO of Travis Club. travisclubaustin.com
NEW IN TOWN
MODULNOVA
Transporting Modulnova’s modern Italian aesthetic to Texas, the brand’s Houston location features a range of contemporary kitchens, baths, living spaces and outdoor decor. The new Upper Kirby District showroom acts as a stage to spotlight the company’s latest offerings. Through four outfitted kitchens, customers can explore innovative items such as the minimalist Fly island with its integrated cooktop and the Ghost paneled pocket-door system used to conceal prep space. “We want to showcase the breadth of Modulnova’s solutions and how they can be incorporated throughout the home,” says Maria Fortoul, cofounder of Modulnova Houston. The company’s new finishes are also on display, from their Gold Brown ceramic used on the Fly island to the Bronze Dust aluminum in panels and doors. modulnovahouston.com
MINDFUL DESIGN
MHM LIVING
Twenty years ago, Botond Laszlo leveraged his background in architecture and his aptitude for building science to found MHM Living. Since then, the Dallas-based full-service design and build firm has remodeled more than 516,000 square feet of beautiful, functional spaces. The company has also launched their “It’s Not Pretty” initiative, which highlights transparency and the client experience throughout the renovation process—including decidedly less glamorous moments. Here, Laszlo reflects on his firm’s thoughtful approach. @mhmliving
How has your background influenced your views on lasting design? Growing up in rural Romania during communism, we kept, fixed and repurposed almost everything. Sustainability goes beyond material selection; it includes how your space will continue to support you and your family over decades.
Tell us about your process. We emphasize the preconstruction design phase, going beyond concept and delving into technical design and selections. This initial focus on details limits the potential obstacles during construction. Communication expectations are defined early as well and followed through with daily updates during the project.
How do you collaborate with others in the design community? We believe in having exceptional partnerships and together providing an extraordinary experience for our clients. We also enjoy working with our design partners because they have cutting-edge ideas that push us to think innovatively.
Gaggenau
For those who know the extraordinary. or The difference is Gaggenau e
Gaggenau Showroom Houston, Texas
Design with IMPACT
THIS SPRING, GIVE BACK IN STYLE AT THESE CHARITABLE DESIGN EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
WRITTEN BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN, KRYSTAL RACANIELLO AND CLÉMENCE SFADJ
ROUND TOP DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE
Nestled on 2 acres and located just one mile from town square, the inaugural Round Top Designer Showhouse reimagines farmhouse living with a modern edge. Open March 20-April 5, during the famed Round Top Antiques Fair, this 3,500-square-foot custom dwelling celebrates sleek lines and elevated finishes for a timeless look. Ten acclaimed Texan designers—Marcus Mohon, Julie Dodson, Kara Childress and more—are bringing the interior and exterior spaces to life, showcasing their distinct styles.
SAN FRANCISCO DECORATOR SHOWCASE
On April 26, the San Francisco Decorator Showcase returns for its 46th iteration. This year, a century-old Pacific Heights home will be transformed by the region’s top designers, including Kelly Hohla and Geoffrey De Sousa. “The large roof deck will provide incredible opportunities for community engagement,” says Decorator Showcase Executive Director Stephanie Yee. Once again, the event will benefit the San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Program, having raised over $19 million for the cause since its inception. decoratorshowcase.org
“For the great room, I explored the relationship between antiques and contemporary living,” Mohon describes. “People come to Round Top first and foremost to shop for antiques. So, the show house needed a good dose of them.” The Austin designer further put his stamp on the space by incorporating pieces from his personal Round Top collection. “I’m pulling from my favorite finds that I’ve gathered from the fair over the years. This room is my own Round Top ‘best of’ album,” he muses.
The show house offers more than visual inspiration—proceeds support Camp For All, a nonprofit providing transformative camp experiences for both children and adults with illnesses, disabilities and special needs. roundtopdesignershowhouse.com
DESIGN ON A DIME
Starting April 23, New York’s Metropolitan Pavilion will host the 20th edition of Design on a Dime. The four-day event supports local nonprofit Housing Works, which helps provide communities with housing and healthcare. Helmed by co-chairs that include Alessandra Branca, Charlotte Moss, Miles Redd and Young Huh, to name a few, Design on a Dime’s model rooms will double as shoppable galleries at 50 to 80 percent off retail prices. “What began as a handful of designers at a Housing Works thrift store has evolved into an extensive fleet,” reflects founder and designer James “Ford” Huniford. housingworks.org
Designer Marcus Mohon’s sketch of his Round Top Designer Showhouse great room.
RADAR
CREATIVE APPROACH | SNAPSHOT | READ THE ROOM | ASK THE EXPERT | GIVING BACK
Step inside LUXE’s spring issue where we’re celebrating inspiring landscapes, creatives having fun with color, design doing good and so much more.
Appalachian IDYLL
There is one project recently completed by architect Tim Adams in Cashiers, North Carolina, that reads as something plucked from a dream. “The property sits in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, bordered by national forest on one side, with a pretty meadow that runs down the middle of it,” says Adams, whose clients asked him to craft an idyllic vacation retreat capitalizing on those comprehensive views.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES ENHANCE A BUCOLIC WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA COMPOUND, TIED TOGETHER BY MATERIALS AND DISTINGUISHED BY MOOD.
WRITTEN BY KATE ABNEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA ROMEREIN
STYLING BY ELEANOR ROPER
From the beginning, Adams’ winecollecting clients requested a creative method to store treasured vintages. An ingenious solution emerged as landscape designer Alex Smith was softening the incline of the lot’s topography into a gentle slope, integrating a stone retaining wall to hold back plant material and soil. Everyone agreed on a wonderful opportunity: tucking the cellar directly into this new hillside, complete with an antiqued oval door.
The same indigenous Doggett Mountain eldstone Adams chose for the main home reappears here on the façade, while native plantings spill over the structure, blending seamlessly with the landscape. “It becomes a found experience, something very personal,” Adams says. The result is a golden-hour retreat where savoring a rare bottle feels even more special, where teak seating can easily whisk onto the pea gravel courtyard for impromptu picnics.
Introducing the Spring 2025 Collection
Explore our full offering of textiles, wallcovering and rugs at hollyhunt.com.
“ Between the main house and the two guest cabins , we wanted to create three different experiences, three different languages.”
–TIM ADAMS
proportions complemented by hand-hewn ceiling beams and soft white plaster. Creating points of connection throughout the property was also a priority, so a guest bedroom in the main house (below) reflects a similar femininity.
Continuing threads of connection throughout the compound, Adams again used the same endemic stone on woodburning fireplaces in two guest cabins guarding the forest and meadow’s edges. “We wanted to create three different experiences, three different languages,” Adams says of this enchanting estate, which is set to be showcased in his upcoming monograph, Tradition Made New: Houses With a Sense of Soul and History (Rizzoli, September 2025). “One cabin feels more of the woods; the other, more of the meadow.” Meanwhile, interior designer Amanda Wyatt further differentiated the dwellings
through thematic touches. The woods cabin is darker and more grounded, while the meadow cabin (above) is brighter and airier, conjuring the European countryside through pale plaster, ivory textiles and botanical motifs. This lighter approach harks back to feminine spaces in the main house, including a guest bedroom dressed in cheery pinks (left). “It’s nice to have a space to get away that’s a little bit different,” Wyatt notes. “Much of this project was about moments of contrast, but everything works together.” tsadamsstudio.com, design-insider.com, alexsmithgardendesign.com
This Cashiers, North Carolina, estate by architect Tim Adams and designer Amanda Wyatt includes an outdoor wine cellar (previous page) and pair of cabins, each with a different material palette to reflect the destination. The meadow cabin (right) shines thanks to lofty
Designers
GONE WILD
LUXE spies fearlessly colorful interiors from coast to coast.
PRODUCED BY
GRACE BEULEY HUNT
“The rug was inspired by suiting fabric with superimposed flowers that pop off the surface. Conceptually, this den (right) was meant to feel ‘mod’ but in a modern sense, with very controlled color.” –Erick Espinoza, anthonybaratta.com
“We deliberately chose a neutral backdrop so that the serpentine sofa’s curves and pink color would burst onto the scene and draw you into the living room (below left).” –Julie Massucco Kleiner, massuccowarner.com
“The white linen-wrapped millwork featured in this home office (below middle) forms a soft canvas for a modern twist on the classic coastal blue and yellow color palette.” –Michael Cox, foleyandcox.com
“This sky-blue office (below right) doubles as a bedroom for the clients’ nieces and nephews. The emerald-green-striped circus ceiling isn’t visible on Zoom calls, but it’s a fun addition for young visitors sleeping over!” –Isy Runsewe, isysinteriors.com
New York
Florida Washington
New York
FOREVER YOUNG
TODAY’S TOP TALENTS ARE CRAFTING KIDS’ SPACES BRIMMING WITH DESIGN IDEAS FOR ALL AGES.
WRITTEN BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT
Christopher Farr Cloth’s La Jungle swathes the walls and ceiling of this Bedford, New York, bunk room designed by Brittany Bromley, continuing onto the lower bunk bed curtains. Taconic Builders crafted the custom millwork, which is painted Benjamin Moore’s New Born’s Eyes.
“Our brief was to create something fun and whimsical that didn’t take itself too seriously and managed to be durable and re ective of the home’s overall aesthetic,” shares designer Brittany Bromley of the multipurpose bunk room she designed in Bedford, New York. Bromley’s vision for the space (which would cater to games and crafts, homework sessions, movie nights and sleepover parties), was to offset a generous deployment of energetic colors and patterns with sophisticated furniture silhouettes and elevated lighting.
In turn, an envelope of hand-printed wallpaper bedecked with leopards and elephants sets the stage for a navy, green and sky palette popped with clean white and warm rattan accents that blend masculine with feminine, and youthful with elegant. The wallpaper also brings balance to the unusual dimensions of the space, which is tucked under a pitched roof. “Had we chosen to stop the paper before the eaves, the ceiling would have stood out and been plain by comparison. By having the pattern climb, we took advantage of the architectural detailing.” The nished mix, Bromley declares, makes for “everyone’s favorite room in the house!” bbromleyinteriors.com
Peter Dunham Textiles’ prints cover the sofa and chairs in the bunk room. A Currey & Company pendant hangs above, tying to the rattan Serena & Lily bistro chair at the Rove Concepts homework table (right). The rug is Fibreworks.
“I’m a Virgo, so I take my organization very seriously,” shares designer Sasha Bikoff. Naturally, she tapped her longtime collaborator, California Closets, to outfit her son Dino’s playroom in East Hampton, New York, with workhorse built-ins.
“It’s always great to work with California Closets; they tackle the technicals so that I can focus on the design, and together we fine-tune,” Bikoff says. The resulting program—a clever combination of open and closed storage concealing all manner of kiddie clutter—is as hardworking as it is fun to look at.
One side of the room features twin closets with a pulldown bed tucked between, while the other side holds ample drawers and cubbies—as well as a workspace for mom. “I incorporated a desk because I imagine designing while Dino plays,” she muses. “The success to being both kid-friendly and sophisticated is to create an environment that you and your child can equally enjoy.” The fact that the room’s inspiration is the family’s beloved vacation destination (the multitone blues were plucked from the nearby bay, the oranges and yellows evoke East End sunsets and the ceramic veggie knobs nod to the Hamptons’ iconic farm stands) further cements the space as one for all ages to enjoy. sashabikoff.com
Benjamin Moore’s Mystical Blue, Tidal Wave and Clearest Ocean Blue create a color-block effect on designer Sasha Bikoff’s custom California Closets storage system. The shelf and play table are both Nestig and the rug is Sasha Bikoff for Flor.
For this playroom and little girl’s bedroom in Larchmont, New York, designer Chauncey Boothby employed a “playful yet subtly sophisticated palette” to craft a fairy-tale ambiance with timeless appeal. Hushed pink paint wraps the ocularly-shaped bedroom (which is located, fittingly, in a turret of the home), while creams, gray-greens and more soft pinks envelope the third-floor playroom. There, Boothby went all-in on storybook fantasy, crafting a scalloped tent valance to hide a projector and movie screen, and stashing an adorable built-in dollhouse behind a petite doorway.
“As the girls outgrow their kid furniture, those pieces can be moved out and the rooms will become chic sleeping and sitting areas in their tweens and teens. It’s a perfect haven for them to socialize,” Boothby continues. “When designing children’s rooms, I always look to accessories and other ‘smalls’ to create a youthful vibe, but pair them against beautiful wallpapers, fabrics, and in this case, lighting fixtures, that they can grow into and are not stereotypically childish.” chaunceyboothby.com
Aleta’s Bouquet Jal wallpaper was the jumping-off point for the playroom (above), which designer Chauncey Boothby paired with a Couristan rug, Poppie chairs and a Milton & Goose tables. Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground decorates the bedroom walls alongside a pendant by The Urban Electric Co. and an RH Baby & Child crib.
GARDEN DELIGHTS
A PAIR OF GOLDEN STATE LANDSCAPES START WITH THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.
WRITTEN BY KELLY PHILLIPS BADAL AND MARY JO BOWLING
California is known for seamless indooroutdoor living, so it’s fitting that when looking to create a harmonious, integrated experience between house and garden, a landscape designer would consider a dwelling’s architecture. Such was the case for these two projects, and although one was sparked by a midcentury gem and the other by classic Mediterranean style, both are studies in serenity.
SoCal Sanctuary
Los Angeles is a hothouse of midcentury abodes, often with striking landscaping to match. So, after Patricia Benner’s client purchased a 1963 Buff, Straub and Hensman dwelling, the landscape architect immediately envisioned aligning the garden spaces with its modernist roots. The owner, committed to preserving the
home’s architectural integrity, “was all about cozy, beautiful and restful gardens, and had a definite idea about the mood she wanted,” notes Benner. A meditative interior courtyard—shaded by a partial roof—became the serene centerpiece of the project. Linear wood slats play off the home’s interior details and warm up the space; Boston ivy traces the walls, and a boulder was fashioned into a water element. Fluffy tufts of Irish moss billow around pavers and bonsai-like juniper trees nod to a Japanese garden design aesthetic. “We focused on layering different textures of plant material to create a sense of perspective within each space,” she muses, pointing out the kinetic nature of her choices. “This is a richly textured but also very simple sanctuary—a word we used again and again while creating it.” benner-design.com
In a midcentury modern L.A. home’s inner courtyard, a Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan rocking chair is situated beside a firepit and boulder-turned-water element, both the work of Roger Hopkins Stone Sculptors. Views of an enclosed side garden (left) are visible from the client’s bedroom and bath.
DESIGNER
LIGHTING SHOP NOW
IAN K. FOWLER KEARS LARGE BRACKETED WALL LIGHT IN AGED IRON WITH CLEAR GLASS VISUALCOMFORT.COM
Refuge in Napa
When landscape designer Tim O’Shea began crafting this St. Helena garden, he looked to his clients’ love of travel and their classic Mediterranean-style home for inspiration. “The residence is like an Italian villa in wine country,” he notes. O’Shea gave the project formal structure and symmetry—hallmark characteristics of Mediterranean gardens—using the column-like forms of sycamore trees to create allées and rows of boxwood to define spaces—important concepts for the couple who enjoy entertaining and dining outside. “When you create a beautiful garden, people enjoy looking at it,” the designer says. “But when you define rooms within the landscape, they can immediately understand how to use it. It creates an instant intimacy with the land.” Thus, there are clearly designated spots for small daily rituals like morning coffee as well as larger spaces for alfresco dinner parties. Amidst this order, there is also a profound sense of peace. “Elements such as low stone walls and bold but simple plant combinations create a restful environment,” notes O’Shea. “It becomes a place of refuge.” green17design.com
Landscape designer Tim O’Shea created defined spaces in this Mediterranean-inspired St. Helena garden by using rows of sycamore trees and boxwood (left). A kumquat tree is planted in an antique pot from Living Green (below and bottom left).
Open up to Spirit of Place
SWEET CHARITY
On the occasion of a milestone anniversary, LUXE celebrates the life-changing work of Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, as well as the Decorator Show House and the dynamic design community that supports it all.
WRITTEN BY JUDITH NASATIR
The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, a non-profit dedicated to improving kids’ lives in the Bronx, New York, often depends on the kindness of strangers. A unique synergy with its patrons though, changes destiny even further. Instrumental to Kips Bay’s mission is its bond with the design community, as evident in a half century of Kips Bay Decorator Show Houses, feted in a new book, and the club’s 10 facilities.
The growth of design industry involvement reveals the force multiplier of this charity’s
leadership—specifically executive director Daniel Quintero and Nazira Handal, director of special events and corporate partnerships, board president (and New York Design Center CEO and president) James Druckman, and board members like designer Ellie Cullman, who spearheaded a club culinary center. With Kips Bay show houses in Palm Beach and Dallas now joining the New York flagship, romancing the home is the gift that keeps on giving. Today, the club enhances the lives of 11,000-plus kids ages 6-18 with training in life skills, the arts, STEM subjects and more. How’s that for beauty? kipsbay.org
It’s Golden
A NEW BOOK SHOWCASES THE KIPS BAY DECORATOR SHOW HOUSE AT 50.
There’s nothing in the world like the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, both for its annual presentation of American design and decorative finesse at its most imaginative as for its ongoing devotion to the Bronx charity that gives it purpose. A new book, Iconic Rooms: Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50, celebrates this half century of superlative beauty with glorious photos of iconic rooms from the 1970s to the present and brief essays by the club’s leadership and luminaries from the design world.
Developed and produced by Sandow Bo oks in partnership with Gibbs Smith
LUXURY HOME TOUR
EXPERIENCE WHAT’S NEXT
The exclusive 2025 Dominion Luxury Home Tour features six opulent and innovative homes in the Bluff at The Dominion — San Antonio’s premier neighborhood. Explore the latest architectural styles, colors, appliances, lighting, and furnishings. Immerse yourself in spectacular pools, spas, and water features. Chat with San Antonio’s premier custom home builders.
EKLEKTIK INTERIORS’ FREE DESIGN FRIDAY
Are you ready to transform your space into a reflection of your style and sophistication? Eklektik Interiors invites you to our Free Design Fridays, held on the 4th Friday of every month. Enjoy a complimentary 30-minute in-store consultation with our award-winning design team. Transform your home. Elevate your life.
Schedule Today
NOTABLES
Cabinet Innovations
Elevate your space with custom factory cabinets designed for modern living and innovative storage solutions. Whether it’s maximizing storage in a small kitchen or creating a luxurious home office, Cabinet Innovations can provide both practicality and a personal touch.
cabinetinnovationstx.com
Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture
Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture is known for “best of a category” luxury furnishings, and this includes artwork. Check out the selection of original oil paintings, reproductions, prints and European antiques.
meredithodonnell.com
Madison Lily Rugs
The Concentric Champagne rug blends contemporary design with a nostalgic vintage finish for a unique and timeless look. madisonlily.com
MARKET
Feast your eyes on gorgeous textiles, a plethora of exciting design finds, chic outdoor furnishings and a dreamy alfresco tablescape.
Clockwise from top right: Bahia Fabric in Lemon by Serena Dugan
Fabric in Euphorbia / houseofhackney.com Lucia Fabric in Seafoam by Nathan Turner / jamesshowroom.com Canvas Chenille in 07 Gold by S. Harris / fabricut.com Shantung Silhouette Sisal Wallpaper in Yellow / schumacher.com Mystique Fabric in Citrine by Peter Fasano / johnrosselli.com Bursa Willow Fabric in Peacock by Ferran Textiles / johnrosselli.com Benjamin Moore Majestic Blue and Tranquil Blue Paint / benjaminmoore.com 60 Oaks Fabric in Buttery Blue by Isobel / studiofournyc.com Linara Fabric in Jonquil / romo.com Vista Fabric in Seafoam /
It’s All in How You Frame It.
Bring the natural textures of the outdoors into the interior with Feeney®’s DesignRail® resin infill options with organic embedded materials.
Welcome to the World of Feeney, where our designer custom options make it easy for you to create your own masterpiece, all while keeping it perfectly within frame.
Reach out to a Feeney Design Specialist to learn more: design@feeneyinc.com
COBALT + COTTON + SKY
Clockwise from top: Benjamin Moore Mistral and Cumulus Cotton Paint / benjaminmoore.com Lunar Dot Fabric in Ivory by Kravet Basics / kravet.com Hedgehog Fabric in Denim White with Neisha Crosland / schumacher.com Fresh Air Sheer in Blanca / perennialsfabrics.com Malachite Wallpaper in Sky by Harlequin / sandersondesigngroup.com Luster Linen in 01987 Chambray by Trend / fabricut.com Dorset Fabric in Ocean by Cowtan & Tout / cowtan.com Medina Fabric in Indigo / pierrefrey.com Vita Fabric in Blue by Décors Barbares for Namay Samay / johnrosselli.com Enzo Print Fabric in Coastal / schumacher.com Arene Santorin Fabric in 006 (on button) / metaphores.com Linara Fabric in Surf (on button) / romo.com Jenga Fabric in 104 Marine by Stroheim / fabricut.com Ishi Fabric in Ice Blue / perennialsfabrics.com Arene Santorin Fabric in 006 / metaphores.com
TERRA COTTA + BUFF + MELON
Clockwise from top right: Seaweed Fabric in Birch / salvesengraham.com Ishi Fabric in Shell / perennialsfabrics.com Lunaria Fabric in Blush on Terracotta with Drusus Tabor / schumacher.com Iford Floral Fabric in Sienna Pink by Kate Loudoun Shand (on button) / studiofournyc.com Scarlet Stripe in Blush / thibautdesign.com Nurole Sheer in Bianco / coraggio.com Agafay Fabric in Terracotta / pierrefrey.com Comfort Zone Fabric in Desert Rose / perennialsfabrics.com Leni Stripe Woven Sheer in Potter’s Pink by Imogen Heath / studiofournyc.com Regia Fabric in Paprika / thibautdesign.com Loxley Fabric in Ivory by GP & J Baker / kravet.com Pittura Fabric in Blush by Clarke & Clarke / kravet.com Iford Floral Fabric in Sienna Pink by Kate Loudoun Shand / studiofournyc.com Linara Fabric in Serandite / romo.com Benjamin Moore Pink Moiré and San Antonio Rose Paint / benjaminmoore.com Prisma Fabric in Blush / thibautdesign.com
COLOR CUES
INTERIORS FROM OUR REGIONAL ISSUES OFFER FRESH PALETTES FOR SPRING. PRODUCED BY SARAH SHELTON
Go Graphic
Behold a daring Manhattan kitchen designed by Anthony Baratta and Erick Espinoza that proves the timeless combination of blue and white is always ripe for reinterpretation. anthonybaratta.com Counterclockwise from top left: Norma Wall Mirror with Megan Molten / Price upon request / cooperclassics.com Pumo Lamp with Fabio Novembre in Blue / $245 / kartell.com Katya 8990F Rug in Blue/Beige/ Price upon request / feizy.com Silhouette Dining Table / Price upon request / bernhardt.com USM
Bright Idea
Kemble Interiors infused a Palm Beach villa with Sunshine State-appropriate colors: cheery yellow and soft shades reminiscent of the sea, resulting in a mood-boosting space for all to enjoy. kembleinteriors.com
from top right: Calvari Performance Fabric in Limone with Veronique de Soultrait / Price upon request / christopherfarrcloth.com Greek Key Mirror in Sugar Bag Light by Farrow & Ball / Price upon request / studio-atkinson.com Curtain Call 3 Seater Sofa in Sky Laidback Linen / Price upon request / nicolaharding.com Citron Bowl / $437 / caitlinwilson.com Carson End Table in Gold / Price upon request / chelseahouseinc.com Joie de Vivre Tibetan Knot Rug / Price upon request / perennialsfabrics.com Murphy Table Lamp with Yellow Shibori Linen Empire Shade and Yellow Ceramic Base / $325 / us.pooky.com
Clockwise
FAMILY AFFAIR
AUSTRALIAN-BORN OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS COMPANY HARBOUR CONTINUES TO MAKE ITS MARK STATESIDE.
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL
“We’re a family effort,” says Nicholas Condos, chief creative officer of Harbour, the outdoor furniture company founded by his father, in Sydney, in 1976. While Nicholas leads design, his brother, Harrison, CEO, oversees manufacturing.
“Our father was a blacksmith by trade, and while we’ve expanded his ideas, we’re
committed to his principles of simplicity and functionality,” he adds. The Condos’ shared vision is also rooted in their Mediterranean ancestry. “We spend a lot of time outdoors with our family, and we want our pieces to offer the same sense of comfort for other families, too.”
Headquartered in California since 2012, the brothers divide their time between Los Angeles, New York and Sydney, while spending part of the year in Asia and Europe. “Travel inspires us— architecture, hotels, fashion—and our new collections tell stories about different destinations,” says Nicholas. Originally crafted in aluminum, today Harbour offers teak and stone pieces, as well as
in Asia and “Travel us—
upholstered seating, and launched six new collections this year alone. “I’m really excited about the fresh curves of the Chloe Collection, while the Palm Beach Collection speaks to our expertise in materiality.” The company also recently partnered with Sunbrella on a line of fabrics, which includes plush velvets and chenilles—a rarity for outdoor seating. “Giving customers the ability to make our designs their own,” Nicholas explains, “is especially satisfying.” shopharbour.com
PHOTOS: COURTESY HARBOUR.
Harbour’s new Chloe Collection (pictured) includes a sculptural teak-framed coffee table. Nicholas (standing) and Harrison Condos lead the outdoor furniture company today.
This Isn’t Wood. This is Fortina.
Fortina is a remarkable architectural system that looks and feels like real wood, but is made with aluminum and a hyper-realistic non-PVC surface.
Available in over 100+ wood and metal finishes and 50+ profiles for interior and exterior applications. Now with integral lighting as well as larger, up to 2" x 12" profiles.
OUT & ABOUT
UP THE ANTE ON OUTDOOR LIVING WITH NEW AND INNOVATIVE FINDS THAT DELIVER ON COMFORT AND STYLE.
PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND SARAH SHELTON
Did you hear? Tuuci, the Miami-based manufacturer known for ultra-posh umbrellas and pergolas, has debuted outdoor furniture. The Sail Collection (pictured), which lives up to its name with a spinnaker weave upholstery treatment, is one of four new lines created by founder, CEO and designer Dougan Clarke. tuuci.com
Not all umbrellas are created equal. Dreamed up by Henrik Pedersen for Gloster, the Ambient Sol tures a chic, all-weather wicker canopy with a builtLED light that provides a warm glow as the sun goes down, making this shade accessory a double-duty workhorse gloster.com
created Dreamed up Henrik Pedersen for the Ambient Sol features a all-weather wicker canopy with a builtin LED that a warm as the sun goes this shade accessory a
Tom Dixon is taking his industrial design sensibility outside—a first for the company—with the Groove collection. The curvy and coiled aluminum silhouettes embody an Art Deco flair across chairs, tables and stools in shades Putty (pictured) and Moss. tomdixon.net
Behold Jeffrey Alan Marks’ Asilomar Outdoor Wall
Lighting is one of the brand’s fastestgrowing and this boasts a special synthetic wicker that won’t fade or split—standing up to the elements and the test of time.
Alan Marks’ Asilomar Pendant for Palecek. the brand’s fastestcategories, and this unique piece non-toxic, recyclable that won’t fade or to the elements and palecek.com
Adding to its colorful trove of fabrics and wallpapers, Thibaut has launched outdoorfriendly rugs for all manner of alfresco living. The preppy New England-inspired striped designs (above) are named after Newport and Nantucket, respectively, while other styles are ideal for mountain or city living. thibautdesigns.com
PALM BEACH CHIC
IN HONOR OF HIS FORTHCOMING BOOK, DESIGNER MARSHALL WATSON SHARES A SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR RETREAT WITH LUXE.
Travel the country in high style in Marshall Watson: De ning Elegance, the designer’s latest tome, which takes readers on a decorating journey from one sophisticated scheme to the next. The wide range of spaces prove just how adept Watson is at crafting re ned, pared-down interiors that remain layered and full of life. For a Palm Beach project (pictured), Watson and his team transformed a
once-sad spec home into an inspired and beautiful Mediterranean Revival abode. Below, the designer shares his distinct take on this one-of-a-kind residence.
As for our approach: My partner, Kate Reid, and I agreed that the success of the interiors relied on certain inviolate principles. First and foremost, the house had to be authentically, unmistakably, “Palm Beach.” From tropical Jazz Age
panache to 1950s swank, from Moroccan romance to Persian exoticism, our design would precisely re ect the locale’s worldly sensibility. We wanted the home to be inviting, witty, and stylish, but free of anything trivial. The idea was to preserve a measure of the formality typical of the local style in its heyday. marshallwatsoninteriors.com, rizzoliusa.com
Surrounded by lush flora and fauna, a Palm Beach pool cabana features a bold interweaving of colors and materials, providing the perfect perch for a fabulous fête.
Verde Sim Dinner Plate by Ivo Angel / $53 Granada Napkin in Thistle / $174 for four
Cirql Nu Armchair with Werner Aisslinger / Price upon request dedon.de
FIRST ANNUAL
Texas Designer Showhouses is thrilled to present the inaugural Round Top Designer Showhouse, benefiting Camp for All, which opens to the public on March 20 and coincides with the Round Top Antiques Show.
Eight of Texas’ top designers will transform the home and landscaping, incorporating state-of-the-art materials, products and furnishings that will inspire ideas for your own home.
MARCH 20 – APRIL 5, 2025 |
ROUND TOP, TEXAS
Tickets on sale now at RoundTopDesignerShowhouse.com or at the door. roundtopdesignershowhouse
FEATURED DESIGNERS:
✦ Marcus Mohon (Austin)
✦ Kara Childress (Houston)
✦ Julie Dodson (Houston)
✦ Kurt Bielawski (Dallas)
✦ Darla Bankston May (Houston)
✦ Renea Abbott (Houston)
✦ Staci Steidley (Dallas)
✦ Susan Semmelmann (Dallas)
✦ LB Walden (Landscape: Houston)
Transform your home at Calico! ransform
From custom window treatments to upholstery, bedding, rom and more, we’re your one-stop shop for custom decorating. Enjoy free design advice every step of the way. Start today njoy at calicocorners.com or visit a design shop near you!
THE TOTAL HOME DESIGN APPROACH
Benjamin Johnston Design seamlessly blends architecture and interior design. In today’s design world, the relationship between a home’s architecture and its interiors has grown ever more intimate, with discerning homeowners seeking a holistic approach that connects the two. At Benjamin Johnston Design, that philosophy is at the heart of every project. “We bring a level of excellence in both design and service that our clientele appreciates, especially as we take on both the architecture and interior design of their most precious asset,” shares Creative Partner Benjamin Johnston. “Our ‘total home design’ approach combines architecture and interiors to create layered,
sophisticated environments that balance functionality with beauty.”
As a full-service, licensed architecture and interior design fir m, Benjamin Johnston Design delivers unparalleled luxury and artistry with a global perspective. The team’s work is defined by clean lines, carefully considered details and an effortless harmony of styles, time periods and cultures that consistently defy the cliché. “We approach every project with sensitivity, ensuring the design is not only beautiful but also thoughtful and deeply personal,” Johnston explains. “Neither minimalist nor maximalist, our goal is to create spaces where every element feels essential and tells a story.”
Above With the use of brick, steel, glass and a low-slung roofline, the exterior of this home references architectural designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, while still maintaining a fresh, contemporary feel. Opposite left Bold geometric shelving and a luxe interplay of materials create t he perfect backdrop for a client’s collectibles in this dynamic home office. Opposite right A stunning home bar is layered with materiality through various visual and tactile textures such as leathered marble, grass-cloth wallcovering and burnished brass cabinetry.
Photography Opposite left + Opposite right by Julie Soefer
DREAM TEAM
At the core of Benjamin Johnston Design is a talented and diverse team led by Johnston, Greg Roffino, Paola Neri and Michael Viviano. Their collective expertise spans architecture, interiors and art direction, ensuring every design is executed with intention and excellence. “Our team brings a variety of perspectives and voices to the table, allowing us to ensure each home is as unique as the clients we serve,” Johnston notes. “Together, we are storytellers and tastemakers, dedicated to crafting unforgettable environments that embrace individuality and an authentic sense of place.”
“ WE CREATE WITH CARE, SERVE WITH JOY AND COMMIT TO EXCELLENCE.”
LIVING
KITCHEN + BATH
Tour the dreamy Connecticut estate that designer Jeffrey Alan Marks imbued with light, color and effortless West Coast style.
The colorful hues of designer Jeffrey Alan Marks’ Plain English kitchen, with dual islands painted Mushy Peas, are tempered by white lacquering and oak planks from New England Custom Floors. The sconce is from The Urban Electric Co.
California Calling
When the opportunity struck to purchase a 1928 Georgian Manor-style home in Greenwich—once decorated by his personal icon, Billy Baldwin—designer Jeffrey Alan Marks packed up his life in Montecito, California, energized by the prospect of test driving the Connecticut idyll and restoring the residence to its former grandeur. Naturally, one such home needed a showstopping kitchen at its heart.
“The house merited this very interesting kitchen,” muses Marks. The designer teamed up with Plain English (“their clean lines and
simple yet elevated cabinetry matched the legacy of the property perfectly,” he notes) to craft a layered space defined by a blue, green and pink palette—a request from his five-year-old daughter, James, that proved surprisingly sophisticated.
The challenge: Bringing an airy disposition to the room’s dark, patrician architecture. “By adding a large picture window over the sink, gallons of high-gloss white paint on tongueand-groove siding, and window screens to enclose the bar, the space became breathable,” he explains. And oh, what a bar it is.
A breakfast nook off the kitchen is enlivened by collected artworks. The banquette is clad in Loro Piana velvet and joins a Richard Wrightman table, Paul Ferrante pendant and Paul Smith for The Rug Company rug.
More glossy paint—this time emerald green, gives the feel of an old-timey pub room. Another star detail is the cocktail serving island Marks fashioned from an oversized antique French laundry basket purchased on a whim. “We spend a lot of time in there as a family; it’s cozy and intimate,” Marks re ects. “And whenever we have parties, it’s the room that everyone gravitates towards.” Coziness similarly de nes the breakfast nook, a sunken space off the kitchen where casual meals are enjoyed reside, ensconced in a green velvet banquette that echoes the tones of the bar.
The living room, trimmed with Baldwin’s original moldings, graces the cover of Marks’ new monograph This Is Home (Rizzoli).
Featuring an array of residences for repeat clients, the tome explores the idea that we don’t stay in multi-generational dwellings as our ancestors did—we move and change with the people we call home as compass. Practicing what he preaches, Marks recently sold the Connecticut property, embarking on a California comeback and leaving a transformed piece of history for its next lucky stewards.
Living Laboratory
“I have always loved to garden, so elevating the outdoor spaces was a real passion project for me,” shares Marks of his property’s transformation. “The original owner in the 1920s treated the grounds with meticulous care, and I’m so happy they survived the past century,” he notes, pointing to a vast green lawn with meandering seating areas, a “play garden” favored by James and the family puppy, a magnificent array of old growth lilac trees and a 100-year-old sunken English garden. There, injecting his signature flair, Marks composed an outdoor dining room rimmed with espaliers “to give structure” and dotted with boxwoods in woven planters designed in collaboration with his longtime partner,
Palecek. Known for their emphasis on natural materials and traditional artisanal techniques, the Bay Area-based brand has collaborated with Marks since 2012, finding common ground in their shared coastal-chic ethos and attention to detail. “I love mixing my pieces into the garden. Right now, I’m experimenting with 10 different types of ropes for a new collection in development with Palecek,” shares the designer, as he preps for his West Coast move. “It is a testing ground for all of my exterior product collections. People think California sun is tough, but I’m learning from the seasons here what will last and what won’t!” jeffreyalanmarks.com, palecek.com
A Palecek lantern and chairs alongside a Sutherland table create a dining destination within Marks’ English-inspired garden. More of the designer’s home can be seen in his new monograph, This Is Home (below).
Design is more than what meets the eye—it’s vision, collaboration and the ability to bring bold ideas to life all while managing the business. On the following pages, today’s women of design showcase their skills in every area, as they shape the next chapter of the industry and inspire future generations with leadership, ingenuity and passion.
Nadia Palacios Residential Design
Atelier Interiors
One interesting aspect of home design is that clients are often seeking out a change in their environment when their lives are also evolving. Amy Lyn Darrow, Founding Principal of Atelier Interiors and Registered Interior Designer has noted this trend in her customer base. She says, “Many clients come to us in a moment of transition—whether it’s a growing family, downsizing, moving or another major life change. It is incredibly fulfilling to meet them at their current place in life and help them transform their outer environment to reflect very real changes taking place in their lives.” It comes as no surprise that Amy believes good communication is key when designing these custom homes. She adds, “Our philosophy is that client input is the most vital component in creating someone’s dream house. When we take on a new project, our goal is to turn client dreams and visions into reality.”
Reflective Visions
The Atelier Interiors team is proud to design in a range of styles that meet their clients’ needs and desires. Amy explains, “A common question we get when interviewing prospective clients is what our style is. My response is always that it’s not about my style, it’s about yours! We are here to serve our clients’ visions. We don’t pigeonhole our studio into one type of architectural style or look. We produce designs for beautiful traditional spaces, warm contemporary designs and urban environments. I’ve had the good fortune of working on a huge variety of projects in my career— from large to small and in at least a dozen different architectural styles. New projects are welcome challenges that keep me on my toes! That said, there are a few underlying themes consistent in our work. Our homes are always timeless, edited, livable and personal.”
WE KNOW THAT OUR WORK IS DEEPLY PERSONAL AND IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES IN SUCH A MEANINGFUL WAY.”
Top The team added dimensional art to the client’s existing collection. The glass bubbles work well with the pre-existing art above the bed.
Right This kitchen is spacious and provides a decidedly clean aesthetic.
Far right The living room is designed for comfort and conversation
Photography + Headshot Laurie Perez
Many interior designers realize that the field is their true passion after years of aesthetic appreciation and are thrilled to have the opportunity to turn their skills into a fulfilling career. Owner and Lead Designer Brittney Ferguson founded her namesake firm in 2019 and her path to design was forged with the help of her own skills, the encouragement of family friends and a supportive environment. The story? Ferguson says, “I was always a fan of design and appreciated beautiful homes, but I didn’t consider working in the design industry until a friend’s mother asked me to help build her beach home. The rest is history!” Known for merging traditional and contemporary looks, Ferguson creates fun and sophisticated spaces. She and her team are based in Beaumont and create designs for commercial and residential projects throughout Texas—including Beaumont, Port Neches, Katy, Houston, Austin and more.
Icons And Ideas
Ferguson shares her thoughts on her design inspirations and future goals.
• What mentors have inspired you? Personally and professionally, Kristen Nix has been an enormous help. I am so grateful for her support and encouragement. She is incredibly talented, too! I always find inspiration in her work.
• Who do you consider an industry icon? Julie Neill is a true icon. I am a huge fan of her fun play on design and use of plaster. I also love that she and her daughter are able to work together. I hope that one day my daughter and I might be able to work together, too!
• What do you look for in an ideal client? We love our clients and are lucky to be selective and intentional in the projects that we go forward with. Our goal is to always work with great people and to create beautiful and unique spaces.
Top A little girl’s dream bedroom! A Visual Comfort light fixture, Scout Design Studio custom bed and custom monogrammed pillows by Edelweiss Embroidery set the scene. Left Wallpaper from Supply Showroom, a Stark rug and a custom daybed outfit the nursery designed for a little girl. Right The dining room environment is a playful mix thanks to the Schumacher wallpaper and paired Patterson Flynn rug, all lit by a Visual Comfort chandelier.
Photography Top by Michael Hunter; Left, Right + Headshot by Gisele Parra
Boutique design firms are able to devote dedicated attention to their handselected client base. Lauren Grumbles, Owner and Principal Designer for her firm, believes that to be an industry advantage. She says, “Prioritizing quality over quantity has been a lifelong philosophy of mine that continues into the world of my design studio. This mindset allows us to make sure we partner with a select number of homeowners who fully align with our vision and strategy. This sets us apart from many in the industry, as it allows us to create close partnerships between our team and our clients. Over the years this has proven to be exactly what our customers are looking for.” The firm specializes in new home construction, large remodels and multiroom interior designs in Southeast Texas. When it comes to defining their signature style, Grumbles says, “We are known for creating timeless interiors that inspire joyful living.”
Meaningful Mentors
While on her career path, Grumbles has been able to benefit from relationships with strong mentors. She explains, “Early in my career Cathie Johnson of Johnson-Blohm Interiors and I became friends via shared office space. She had an incredible sense of style and an influential confidence. When I was young and had no idea how to advocate for myself professionally, she took me under her wing and was a huge source of wisdom. She was an amazing mentor and her advice still echoes in my thoughts today.” Later in her career, Janie Ellis became a friend and mentor. Grumbles says, “When I took a leap of faith and started my own studio in 2017, she cheered me on and encouraged me to pursue the type of business that I set my aspirations on. Janie held me accountable and refused to let me settle for anything less than the best for myself and my new business.”
I LOVE FINDING DESIGN SOLUTIONS. PROBLEMS ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO UNCOVER NEW CREATIVE IDEAS AND PUSH ME FURTHER AS A DESIGNER.”
Top In the primary suite, plaster walls and white oak details set the stage for a sculptural freestanding tub with dramatic lighting. Bottom A cozy reading nook tucked into a larger living room has custom walnut cabinetry details that add texture and interest.
One benefit to a career in architecture and design is avoiding the monotony of a boring routine. As Nadia Palacios, Principal of her firm and member of NCARB, AIA and ASID, says, “Every day is different and I love that! The only thing typical about my workday is that I’m going to drop off my kids at school and have coffee at 8:30 am. After that, anything can happen: a site or showroom visit, a client meeting or drawing new designs.” Palacios finds inspiration from many sources—particularly during travel through Europe and Latin America—and she believes that “architecture must stand the test of time.” Her firm is known for being very detail-oriented and for the intricate designs they create i n wood and stone. Palacios proudly adds, “Our team always takes into great consideration the function of each room and balances exterior beauty with interior functionality and aesthetics.”
WE
WORK TO UNDERSTAND
OUR CLIENTS’ LIFESTYLES AND DAILY RITUALS SO THAT WE CAN CREATE HOUSES TAILORED TO THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS.”
Industry Improvements
As Palacios outlines, the field of architecture is seeing improvements in its gender breakdown. She says, “Architecture schools are currently made up of at least 50-percent women and there are more female principals of major firms today then when I graduated 20 years ago. Still, our country is lacking resources that enable women to continue in the profession, like affordable childcare and paid parental leave. Those social safety nets are crucial for women to not be forced to make hard choices between their personal and career goals. On the bright side, NCARB has recently changed some of their parameters for licensing, moving to eliminate the time limit to pass all exams and reinstating old passed exams. This change is hugely beneficial for everyone—and particularly so for women who have historically achieved licensure at a lower rate than men.”
Top The library features a stunning blue ceiling with the same shade echoed in the bookshelf. A zebra-patterned rug adds more visual interest. Bottom Dark cabinetry and counters with gold fixtures and lighting elements mix to create a refined and glamorous look in the kitchen.
Photography Jack Thompson; Headshot by Jack Opatrny
This extraordinary, one-of-a-kind property presents a rare opportunity for both commercial and residential use. Currently operating as a charming boutique historic retreat and event venue, it is set on over 60 picturesque acres and features more than 22,000 square feet of space across 11 beautifully crafted buildings. It’s a perfect fusion of history, modern amenities and unmatched versatility. Situated near the Sam Houston National Forest—just an hour from downtown Houston and 35 miles from The Woodlands—this property combines timeless charm with contemporary conveniences, offering endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking for a turnkey business opportunity, a lavish private estate or both, this remarkable gem is ready for you to make it your own.
Luxury Living at Its Finest
36 Saddlebrook Court | Tomball, Texas, 77375
7 Beds | 12 Baths | 13,233 SQ.FT.
Priced at $8m+
Discover an exceptional French estate set on over six meticulously manicured acres in the prestigious gated community of Saddlebrook Estates. Perfectly located just minutes from The Woodlands and the Grand Parkway, this masterpiece offers effortless access to Houston while providing a serene retreat. Every detail of this home reflects artisanal craftsmanship, featuring imported wall coverings, Venetian plaster, hand-painted tiles and custom stone fireplaces. The grand kitchen is a chef’s dream, boasting a hand-carved Bombay wood center island and a full suite of professional appliances. Step outside to an enchanting landscape designed by McDugald Steele Landscape Architects, with a resort-style pool and more.
Architecture: Frank Lin and Megan Lin, CoXist
Studio Interior Design: Ann Tucker, Studio A Group
Home Builder: Brent Fannin, FIA Homes Landscape Architecture: Brian Pearson, Pearson Design Studio
The clever navigation of heritage oaks has one newly constructed Austin abode rising above the rest.
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DANIEL
BRANCHING OUT
Nestled among a grove of centuries-old live oaks is a home that sits so lightly on the land, it almost appears to be hovering. The trees, protected by city ordinances, made some buyers wary of the lot’s restrictions, but a little architectural ingenuity rewarded the homeowners, a young professional couple, with an inspired house that feels at one with its setting.
“Designing this home within the trees was a powerful experience,” says architect Megan Lin, who worked with her architecture partner and husband, Frank, on the project. Because they could neither dig down nor build up with ease, planning took an especially studied approach. “We needed the house to oat above the sensitive root zones, so we mapped the trunk diameters and set up critical root zones based on city rules— we also needed to map the trees’ arms, which go everywhere,” Frank explains.
The resulting design, constructed by builder Brent Fannin, is a series of pavilion-like structures that surround a central courtyard and pool. Each is elevated above ground with an articulated roo ine that “hugs the trees,” Megan notes, pointing out how natural materials including hemlock and slate further connect the home to the site.
The architecture duo continued the exterior palette inside, most dramatically with slatted hemlock ceiling and wall panels in the main living areas. It’s a dynamic feature that adds texture and character. “The various woods and nishes used throughout the home, as well as the contrast of smooth and rough, light and dark, give the house a handcrafted feel,” Frank observes. The living room and kitchen, on axis with the courtyard for an easy ow, share a certain synergy, while the dining room is separated by a see-through replace. “Sometimes an open plan can be too open,” Megan muses. “People want different spaces again, and this replace connects the main rooms while still de ning them.”
With cues from the architecture, interior designer Ann Tucker applied an equally considered strategy to furnishing the rooms. “We worked to highlight the owners’ personalities and add material nuance to the project,” she re ects. To do so, she brought in subtle draperies
that mitigate light while adding privacy. Tucker also focused on an earthy palette and textural fabrics like the slub linen used on the living room’s multisided sofa, a design chosen to elicit easy conversation with anyone in the kitchen and living space as well as engage with the pool area outside. “We didn’t want the traditional sofa-andchairs setup because this couple often cooks and entertains by the pool,” the designer elaborates. “More conventional furnishings would have been too static in this space.”
Key for Tucker, who worked with associates Anna Henry and Rebecca Brown on the home, was creating an arc of time. The team sourced design classics, such as a vintage Torbjørn Afdal lounge chair in the living room and contemporary editions of a 1950s Pierre Jeanneret chair for the dining room. “The clients wanted comfortable but great-looking pieces, and they were interested in acquiring things with history—they weren’t afraid of patina,” the designer remembers. In their bedroom, she paired a vintage leather chaise with a round painting by British artist Tahnee Lonsdale, which hangs on a drapery-covered wall for an unexpected backdrop. “I like a little surprise, something that engages the eye,” Tucker adds. Another important factor was creating exibility within the home. “Some spaces are uid, with multiple functions, while others are programmed for a speci c use, like the meditation room and a casita dedicated as the wife’s office,” the designer describes. “Having to leave the main house for the office creates a good mental shift in the day.” It also provides an opportunity to commune with nature. “The less ‘designing’ we do, the less damage we do,” landscape designer Brian Pearson says of his hands-off approach. “And because there’s a great microclimate under the oaks, we left the original lawn. It even survives summers without irrigation.” Pearson augmented the existing greenery with yuccas and grasses for softness and added Hill Country river rock for contrast. “It’s the oaks that really matter here— everything is subservient to them,” he says.
“A critical aspect of our work is evoking emotion, so we were conscientious about scale and creating rooms that felt like sitting in the forest,” Megan adds. “Everywhere you turn, you’re connected to the trees, and it de nitely has a calming effect.”
Surrounded by heritage oaks, this Austin home was thoughtfully designed by husband-and-wife architecture team Frank and Megan Lin, with interiors curated by designer Ann Tucker. The front door pivots to reveal a bench from Dmitriy & Co and a painting by local artist Tyler Guinn.
Previous page: Expansive glass doors blur the boundaries between the abode’s indoor and outdoor living spaces.
more privacy, the team conceived a sliding screen that can close across the façade.
An oxidized-walnut table centers the
dining room. The Pierre Jeanneret-style chairs are from 1stdibs, where the chandelier— a vintage piece by Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos—was also sourced. The Zach Harris painting was found through Perrotin.
In the living area, a Dellarobbia modular sofa from Nest Modern joins a vintage Torbjørn Afdal chair from 1stdibs, travertine-and-oak coffee table from Yucca Stuff and Santa & Cole floor lamp. Art by Sidival Fila adorns the fireplace, which boasts plasterwork by Legend Stucco. Underfoot is a rust-hued rug from Armadillo.
Framed on one side by slatted hemlock, the kitchen features Gaggenau appliances and a backsplash of handmade tiles from Dunis Studios. A Brizo faucet sprouts from the island, above which Tucker added a brass pendant from Giffin Design.
The Roda outdoor dining table, from Scott + Cooner, bares a glazed-ceramic top in a dark green shade. The chairs, inspired by traditional Mexican equipal seats, were made by Moisés Hernández for Mexa and purchased at Meso Goods.
A Native Trails tub anchors the primary bathroom paired with a filler and hand shower from Waterworks. Slate flooring from clé completes the scene.
Opposite: The primary bedroom showcases a custom bed built by EMC Interiors with a headboard covered in a Designs of the Time fabric from Canvas Showroom.
A painting by Tahnee Lonsdale hangs against a backdrop of Bruder drapery from Supply Showroom.
GEORGIAN on Their MINDS
A DALLAS RESIDENCE GETS A FRESH START WITH DETAILS THAT MAKE IT FEEL EQUAL PARTS TIMELESS AND THOROUGHLY MODERN. WRITTEN BY LAURA
Interior Design: Mary Beth Christopher, MBC Interior Design
Home Builder: Mac Hill, Robert Elliott Custom Homes
Landscape Architecture: Carl Reynolds, Reynolds Landscape and Pools
Interior designer Mary Beth Christopher adorned the formal sitting room with a chandelier by Marie Flanigan for Visual Comfort & Co., a carved oak cabinet by Athena Calderone for Crate & Barrel, a pair of armchairs from Lawson-Fenning and a vintage rug. The custom wood paneling is coated in Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee.
Previous page: Christopher refreshed the outside of the Dallas home, painting the brick Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. The new windows, bluestone walkway installed by Reynolds Landscape and Pools, and copper gutters complete the transformation.
It’s easy to fall for Georgian homes with their strong symmetry and elegant proportions—something Neimat Gunawardena discovered when a particular house hit the market in her Dallas neighborhood. Neimat arranged to tour the property, even though she and her husband, Mel, weren’t planning to move. “I fell in love with what the home could become,” she recalls. Neimat convinced Mel they should buy and revive it, but they would need help.
“I was looking around just to see what caught my eye,” Neimat says of her hunt for an interior designer. “I was waiting for someone’s work to pop up and make me think, ‘Wow, I love that.’ ” And that moment came when she stumbled upon designer Mary Beth Christopher, who specializes in traditional design with a relaxed California influence.
Christopher flew in from her home base of Manhattan Beach, California, to see the house, and she quickly agreed to take on the longdistance project. The designer, who had renovated her own Georgian abode a decade earlier, remembers, “It was like déjà vu.” This residence was also a trip down memory lane for builder Mac Hill, who grew up exactly one block away. “It was the same layout as the house I was raised in, which was built in the 1930s,” he says.
Surrounded by mature trees, the home was constructed in the 1990s to imitate the older dwellings nearby. Along with updating the grounds with the help of landscape designer Carl Reynolds, the Gunawardenas wanted to elevate and refine the abode to make it comfortable and functional for their family of four. “There were some unfinished details,” Christopher notes. “It felt like it was missing some of the history and elegance of a Georgian home that would’ve been built in the ’20s or ’30s.”
The kitchen was the jumping off point—and the biggest transformation. Originally separated from the living room by a wall with a pass-through window, the kitchen required a down-to-the-studs renovation and reinforcement—courtesy of a new structural beam—to open it up. There was also awkward, underutilized space between the cooking area and
the breakfast nook, which the designer remedied by extending the cabinetry across the entire wall, so everything felt like one continuous space.
Christopher wanted the kitchen to feel like a natural extension of the home, so she opted for painted, inset cabinets with timeless brass hardware. To add a West Coast spin, she introduced wood tones, weaving white oak into the coffee station cabinet and woven-back wood stools along the island for texture and warmth. “Once Neimat and Mel signed off on the kitchen and living room, it gave us direction for the rest of the project,” the designer says. “Everything flowed from there.”
The mix of classic and California influences continue throughout. The architecture dictated traditional details, like adding wall paneling to the formal rooms and cast stone mantelpieces. But Christopher tempered these old-school elements with clean-lined furnishings in understated, natural materials such as linen and character-filled vintage rugs. Window treatments were kept simple to maximize daylight and the views of greenery outside.
Upstairs, Christopher played with color and pattern, giving each daughter’s bedroom a strong color theme (one pink and one periwinkle). The designer also used the kids’ rooms to indulge Neimat’s love of whimsical wallpaper. Meanwhile, the couple’s bedroom is quieter, with white walls accented by blues and beiges. Its original ceiling coving was retained and streamlined, while a large custom oak canopy bed embodies the home’s traditional yet relaxed style. Christopher replicated the bed’s warm wood tones in the woven shades, velvet lounge chairs and brass table lamps. The primary bathroom wears more wood paneling and a soft shade of off-white paint, creating a sense of serenity furthered by a castiron tub and marble tile flooring.
When asked about the finished house, the owners, builder and designer all agree that the magic is in the details, from the elegant millwork down to the brass light switches. “Every time I look around and see those details, I think, ‘It’s so beautiful,’ ” Neimat says. It’s a full circle moment: Her own home is now the “wow” she’d been searching for.
The kitchen’s custom cabinetry by Metroplex Cabinets complements the Neolith Calacatta Gold countertops and backsplash from Il Granito. Palecek stools cozy up to the 11-foot-long kitchen island, which is lit by a billiard pendant from The Urban Electric Co.
Centered around a coffee table conceived by MBC Interior Design and fabricated by Surfridge Design, the living room’s two sofas and Lee Industries swivel chairs offer ample seating. An iron chandelier from Aerin suspends overhead, and a lamp by the same brand provides reading light.
Opposite: In the breakfast nook, Christopher extended the kitchen cabinetry all the way to the U-shaped banquette. Lewis Windsor chairs from Four Hands line a custom oval pedestal table. Agnes sconces by The Urban Electric Co. illuminate the space.
Serena & Lily’s Priano wallpaper lends this child’s bedroom a whimsical air and creates a backdrop to framed prints by Céline Nordenhed. Glass table lamps by Aerin for Visual Comfort & Co. rest atop Worlds Away side tables.
Right: Continuing the sophisticated yet playful vibe, the adjoining bathroom features Dolomite with rose marble mosaic flooring. Above the round nickel looking glass from Mirror Home is a wall sconce by Waterworks.
In the primary bathroom, wood
surrounds a
paneling
cast-iron tub from Penhaligon with plumbing fixtures by Waterworks.
A pendant from Ralph Lauren Home for Visual Comfort & Co. hangs above Calacatta Gold tiles from CW Custom Flooring.
Opposite: A bespoke oak canopy bed by Community MFG is the focal point of the primary bedroom. Velvet lounge chairs by McGee & Co. flank an Arteriors table at the foot of the bed. The vintage-inspired floor covering is by Loloi Rugs.
GRAND EXPECTATIONS
Honoring tradition while embracing the future, a Houston designer renovates a home passed down through generations.
Acentury ago, a father built his newlywed daughter a house where she could settle down and raise a family. Set atop a hill and spread over several acres, the abode overlooked a small but bustling oil town and surrounding Texas landscape. Aside from a minor update around the 1960s, the home became outdated before being passed down to her granddaughter. Upon inheriting the property, the new owner had a thought: Why not update and restore it to a state that would honor, or even surpass, its original splendor?
Enter designer Paloma Contreras. “The client really wanted to give this house new life,” she recalls. While keeping the historical façade intact, the interiors were taken down to the studs. “I tried to imagine who her grandmother would be and how she would want her home designed if she were a young woman today,” Contreras says. The designer and her team started by reworking the layout. In the entry, they expanded and widened the foyer and stair hall, then added a white-and-blue leafy scrolling wallpaper that climbs the walls to the second level. The entry’s wood floors were laid in a herringbone pattern to contrast the adjoining rooms while still making it feel like its own space.
In keeping with 1920s sensibilities, the original dwelling already boasted expansive living and dining rooms, where guests would traditionally congregate. For the latter, Contreras brought in a new candelabra-esque chandelier and selected a garden-inspired wallpaper that has a faded quality. “I liked that it had a patina, because we could pretend it had been part of the home for a long time,” she shares. Its blues and greens continue throughout each floor in celebration of the verdant surroundings, which are visible from nearly every room in the house. “We wanted there to be a common thread, a curated palette, but for each space to have its own distinct point of view,” Contreras describes.
The kitchen underwent the most drastic of changes, notes architect David Stocker, who collaborated on the project. “We had to update
it because so much more entertaining happens in the kitchen these days,” he says of the formerly small and dim area. New windows were added, and the room was expanded to include a sunny dining space. “It was envisioned like a conservatory, with a lot of glass to bring light in,” he adds. Daintily gold-veined marble on the counters amplifies the natural illumination, continuing as a backsplash all the way to the rich wood ceiling. Vintage-inspired pendants over the island further nod to the property’s history, offset by a long and linear pendant above the table.
Nearby, the team also transformed a former porte cochere into a bright sun room. The original arched doorways were filled with windows, and an ivory paint was applied to the original brick. The space was filled with natural materials, as in the jute rug, wicker chairs and a swinging sofa.
While the homeowner’s suite annexed space from other rooms to create a separate seating area, the bedroom itself kept a small footprint. Because square footage was limited, drama was added with a beautiful canopy bed. Its greenvelvet headboard, designed by Contreras, and chintzy floral cornice draw the eyes up and make the space feel grander. The primary bathroom, meanwhile, is airy and bright, dressed in marble floors and crisp white paint. Since it had an awkwardly open layout, the designer sequestered moments of privacy, such as a new floating wall that separates the nickel tub from the shower. The room also presented a rare dilemma—too many windows—but rather than closing any off to create a mirrored vanity, a mirror was simply suspended from the ceiling.
Because the client often uses the property to gather for special occasions, guest quarters take on the vibe of a boutique hotel, each with its own personality and descriptive name. The Blue Room, for instance, is covered in a cerulean-andwhite pattern that repeats in the wallpaper and drapes, adding levity to an otherwise cozy area. Just like the rest of the home, these rooms hold wisdom from eras past. “There’s a duality to the spirit of the design,” Contreras muses. “There’s this reflection on generations before but also an optimism of looking toward the future.”
In the entry, walls are clad in an azure scrolling fern wallpaper by Soane Britain. An antique Louis XV-style commode with a marble top nods to the home’s history, while Aerin’s Rosehill semi-flush light fixture provides an elegant update overhead.
Previous page: De Gournay’s Nordic Garden wallpaper creates an elegant backdrop for the dining room, embellished with Paloma Contreras’ Brigitte chandelier from Visual Comfort & Co. Custom leather chairs by House + Town surround the bespoke table from Neal & Co.
Denise McGaha’s Etienne fireplace in the living room offers mantel space for a painting by Chris Brandell. Carlos Moreno fabricated the custom skirted sofa, which wears a Kravet velvet. A Paloma Contreras chandelier hangs above the Montpelier cocktail table by Suzanne Kasler.
New windows and doors let sunlight spill into the kitchen, also illuminated by Eddystone pendants from The Urban Electric Co. Lining the marble-topped island are Serena & Lily’s Portside counter stools with hand-wrapped sea-grass seats and backs.
Above: The previously dim kitchen underwent the most changes in the home, refreshed with custom cabinetry and a Wolf range. Modern Calacatta Gold Borghini Diamond marble countertops from Aria Stone Gallery stretch to the ceiling for a clean and bright aesthetic.
Opposite: In the former porte cochere, a new sun room features the original brick with a crisp coat of Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. Serena & Lily’s Springwood hanging daybed faces Thomas O’Brien’s outdoor chairs, complemented by wicker urns and pedestals from Paloma & Co.
To inject a sense of grandeur to the primary bedroom, a custom canopied bed in Venetian velvet is swathed in Matouk bedding. Lee Jofa’s Aurora fabric by Paolo Moschino forms the cornice, pillows and draperies, accompanied by two tufted armchairs by Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture.
MEMORY LANE
Steeped in nostalgia, a Spanish Colonial Revival house in North Dallas distills the best of past and present.
WRITTEN BY MONIQUE MCINTOSH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN SCHRODER
In the office, matching club chairs from Four Hands cushioned in Opuzen fabric are coupled with a footstool swathed in Holland & Sherry leather. The marble-and-iron table from Bobo
Previous page, left: The light-filled entry stays true to the home’s take on Spanish Colonial Revival style. A vintage iron-and-leather table serves as a focal point.
Previous page, right: A custom
sit a
Intriguing Objects and Jamie Young Co. floor lamp rest atop a Stark rug.
ottoman in Jerry Pair Leather material anchors the living room. Around it
Palecek sofa, a Hollywood at Home swivel chair adorned in a Zak+Fox print and an Oly chair upholstered in a Christopher Farr Cloth fabric.
One bright day in 2018, Lauren and Robert Vaughn were married at the Monterey Peninsula Country Club in Pebble Beach, California. The 1926 Spanish Colonial Revival clubhouse was a natural choice for their nuptials, as it had played backdrop to many shared memories with their families. Building their own custom home years later, they would revisit that night dancing under its vaulted ceilings buttressed with thick timber beams. What if they could conjure the clubhouse’s magic on a leafy corner lot in North Dallas? The idea “was very sentimental,” Lauren recalls. “We both wanted to recreate the beautiful mix of stucco walls, barrel-tile roof and wood accents.”
Their mood board of memories would guide architect David Stocker and designer Erin Sander from the beginning, as they incorporated personal gestures throughout the abode. Backed by a skilled team of craftspeople led by builder Scott Faulkner, the project evolved into “a refined, elegant take on the architectural style that’s so closely tied to the family’s history,” Sander describes.
The exterior channels those classic hallmarks, with rich plastered walls, a terra-cotta-tiled roof and prominent wood frames. All together, these Spanish-style features “could feel weighed down,” Stocker notes. So, the architect favored large-format windows and sliding glass doors to soften the residence’s visual density while nurturing a sense of indoor-outdoor living. In turn, the home’s distinct J-shaped layout “ensures all the main living areas receive light from at least two sides,” he notes. Elegant archways help define the otherwise open layout, creating dedicated zones for the formal living and dining areas alongside more fluid spaces like the kitchen-anchored great room. “Traditional Spanish Colonial Revival houses needed those divisions of space,” the architect muses. “We were always trying to find a balance.”
This sense of definition continues inside, where reclaimed hewn Douglas fir beams bolster the ceilings, especially the vaulted heights of the family room and primary bedroom. The thick timber “has some natural checking and a little bit of age to it, which pushed forward that Monterey Peninsula Country Club aesthetic,” Sander observes. Hand-sculpted limewash plaster details further underscore the theme, from the kitchen’s hood to the living room’s fireplace.
For the office’s ceiling, the designer conceived a labyrinth of millwork inspired by a beloved Aboriginal artwork the couple collected during their honeymoon in Australia. They also gravitated toward reclaimed French terra-cotta tiles for much of the flooring, which are similar to those Robert recalled from his own childhood home. “I remember coming in from the pool and not having to worry about leaving wet footprints,” he reminisces. They imagined the sturdy material would recreate the same carefree joy for their future brood.
Sander deepened this nostalgic palette with equally warm finishes, like the honeyed white oak millwork framing in the kitchen and the built-in demilune banquette lined in aubergine leather. Moroccan mosaic tile brought eggplant tones around the family room’s fireplace. Meanwhile, large slabs of dramatic gold-veined marble encase the jewel-box bar, designed as the centerpiece for many celebratory nights to come.
While referencing the owners’ past, the designer frequently straddled her gaze on the future. The balance is evident in the curation of new pieces, which interpret traditional textures in fresh ways. Familiar Spanish Colonial Revival features like wood and wicker brought weighted heft to the otherwise streamlined furniture, weaving through the main gathering area’s deep-seated sofas, broadarmed chairs and pedestal tables as well as the couple’s jute-wrapped four-poster bed. The rugs, upholstery and gauzy drapes preserved the neutral tones of the surrounding materials. “We took that terra-cotta base and added soothing whites, oatmeals and earthy greens,” Sander points out.
Such characterful ceilings also begged for substantial lighting, like the ornate metal filigree detailing typical of Spanish-style abodes. However, “with the floors and beams being so heavy, we wanted to take a softer approach with the lighting,” Sander explains. The kitchen’s handmade ceramic pendants and the primary bedroom’s tapered plaster fixture introduce gentle textures that still suit the home’s organic finishes. In the dining room, a forged-iron chandelier reimagines botanical metalwork with even more delicate craftsmanship.
Summed up, these little idiosyncrasies create a home “that feels authentically us,” Lauren reflects. And as the house grew from the ground up, so did their family; the couple welcomed two children during the building process. Every step of the way, “knowing this would be the house our kids would grow up in felt really special,” Robert shares. “That’s when our home became real.”
A botanical Porta Romana chandelier comes to life in the dining room, floating above a walnut table by The Franco Company and Thomas Hayes Studio chairs wrapped in Schumacher leather. An Interior Resources Moroccan rug brings a burst of blue.
Opposite: Organic hues and textures infuse the living room with warmth, from the ropedtrim Palecek sofa to the hand-loomed flat-weave rug. Behind, a shaded George Cameron Nash lantern illuminates the bar alcove lined in Calacatta Viola marble.
Custom rift white oak cabinets in the kitchen conceal built-in appliances such as the Sub-Zero refrigerator. The soft hue complements the Olympian White marble countertops from The Stone Collection and the floor’s reclaimed antique French terra-cotta bricks.
Opposite: Made for intimate family dining, the curved breakfast banquette wears a lush Fabricut leather by Perez Custom Upholstery. An oval wood table from David W. Gilbert & Associates’ The Sheffield Collection and a pair of classic wishbone chairs complete the cozy nook.
Opposite: A Palecek bed and Loloi Rugs floor covering center the primary bedroom, where a Currey & Company chandelier highlights the vaulted ceiling. A Stahl + Band swivel chair and McMullin floor lamp form an inviting reading corner.
Left: In the primary bathroom, the bespoke vanity features rift white oak millwork and an Arabescato Vagli marble countertop. Twin NPage Studio sconces flank the RH Lucien parchment mirror.
