HOME Austin-San Antonio
D E S I G N
&
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021
D E C O R®
contents october/november 2021
32
42
50
58
dwell
home design
contributors
16
32
ORGANIC LUXE
63
42
LIKE OCEAN CURRENTS
50
BUILDER’S CHOICE
58
TRADITIONAL WITH AN EDGE
20 22
RECOGNITION 2021 ASID Design Awards TRENDS The Bloomsbury Group DECORATING A Collected Christmas
24
DESIGN Upward Trend
28
ENTERTAINING Around The World On Your Holiday Table
REMODELER’S ADVICE Design First, Demo Second By Wells Mason of Buiders FirstSource Sponsored by Bes Builder
8 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
spotlights 10
From The Editor
64
Design
66
Advertiser Index
From the editor
I
It is always my mission to recognize the creative talents in our local designer-architect-builder-supplier community. This issue is no exception, with projects as diverse as our Austin, San Antonio and Hill Country markets. Haven Design & Construction took a spacious, new home and customized it from top to bottom to even the towels. Next, designed by Jackson & McElhaney Architects and executed by Dalgleish Construction, a contemporary home lining the edge of a cliff was a fabulous and daring endeavor. In Boerne, Christofilis Custom Homes knows exactly what works for clients because everything is put to the test in their personal homes. Back in Austin, it was the art collection of Shannon Eddings’ clients that drove the design decisions in their remodel. And it was exciting to learn more about the Bloomsbury Group from designer Amity Worrel — they were the original influencers. I’m also celebrating the designers in the Austin and San Antonio design communities who were awarded at the recent ASID Texas ceremony. To continue the celebration, I’m acting on what I have been aware of for years. With so many new decorating and menu ideas for the holidays, mixed with my family traditions, trying to do it all in just a short month’s time leaves me exhausted and often disappointed. In the end, I find myself gulping each holiday instead of sipping and savoring. So, in the spirit of prolonging the holiday season, I’m starting early. I hope the ideas in this issue inspire you as well.
Trisha Doucette Editor 10 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
On The Cover: In this whole home renovation, Haven Design & Construction addressed the soaring ceilings throughout the primary living areas with oversized — and extraordinary — chandeliers. Photo by Matthew Niemann. Page 32. OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Austin-San Antonio
www.homedesigndecormag.com
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021
VOL. 16 | NO. 5
Publisher
Louis Doucette
Editor
Trisha Doucette
Contributing Editor
Wells Mason, Builders FirstSource
Writers
Claudia Alarcón, James Frierson, Drew Henry, Ann Koehler, Janis Turk, Amity Worrel
Photography
Dror Baldinger, Molly Culver, Chris Medina, Andrzej Mrotek, Matthew Niemann, Buff Strickland
Architectural Publicist
Diane Purcell – Dianepurcell.com
Advertising Sales
Sandy Weatherford, Gerry Lair, Madeleine Justice
Business Manager Vicki Schroder
Design and Production
Tim Shaw – The Shaw Creative – theshawcreative.com
Phone
512.385.4663, Austin - 210.410.0014, San Antonio
Address
10036 Saxet Drive / Boerne, Texas 78006
President
Michael Mayer Maps Media, LLC Email: louisd@homedesigndecormag.com Website: www.homedesigndecormag.com Home Design & Decor Magazine Austin-San Antonio is published by Big City Publications, LLC. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent from publisher. Every effort is made to assure accuracy of the information contained herein. However, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Advertising is subject to errors, omissions and or other changes without notice. Mention of any product or service does not constitute endorsement from Home Design & Decor Magazine. The information contained in this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Home Design & Decor Magazine does not act as an agent for any of the advertisers in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified remodeling, home furnishings or home improvement firm based on your own selection criteria. Home Design & Decor Magazine, does not act as an agent for any of the realtors or builders in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase. Home Design & Decor Magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Home Design & Decor Magazine, is subject to the Fair Housing Act that states “We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.”
© Copyright 2021 by Home Design & Decor Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
AWARD-WINNING DESIGN FIRM u
RESIMERCIAL DESIGN u u LOCAL u
210.317.9982 scienceofdesign@live.com www.adriangalvan.com
dwell The people, places and things that elevate your home and living.
BAMBI A’LYNN INTERIOR DESIGN, PHOTO BY BUFF STRICKLAND
recognition
trends
decorating
2021 ASID Design Awards
The Bloomsbury Group
A Collected Christmas
16
20
22
design
entertaining
Upward Trend
Around The World On Your Holiday Table
24
28 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
15
2021
recognition
DESIGN AWARDS
The Celebrating Design Texas Awards is the annual design competition recognizing the finest interior design achievements within the ASID Texas Chapter. These designers are leading the charge in creating innovative, sustainable and impactful design as well as simply beautiful spaces in which to live and work. Congratulations to the winners within the Austin and San Antonio Design Communities. u Photos
PHOTO BY DANNY BATISTA
ABODE INTERIOR DESIGN DESIGNERS: Gina Roth, Allied ASID & Kory Jonsson, Allied ASID AWARD: u Residential:
represent highlighted categories.
Individual/Unique Space – 1st Place
PHOTO BY PAIGE SHINN, PAIGE-TO-PAGE
PHOTO BY MOLLY CULVER
DESIGN AND DETAILS INTERIORS LLC DESIGNER:
BANDD DESIGN
Kimberly Bruce, Associate ASID
DESIGNER: Sara Malek Barney, Allied ASID
AWARD: u
AWARD: u Residential:
Child/Youth Bedroom – 1st Place
16 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Commercial: Renovation – 2nd Place
PHOTO BY LINES & LIGHT STUDIO
PHOTO BY TALLYMARK PHOTOS
DESIGNOLOGY, THE LIFESTYLE DESIGN CO.
DESIGNOLOGY, THE LIFESTYLE DESIGN CO. & N2SPACES INTERIORS W/ INTERIOR TRADE CARTEL
DESIGNER: Adrian Galvan, Allied ASID
DESIGNERS:
AWARD: u Commercial
: Unique Space – 2nd Place
Adrian Galvan, Allied ASID & Nichelle N. Hosley, Allied ASID AWARD: u Commercial:
Industry Partner Collaboration – 1st Place
PHOTO BY MATTHEW NIEMANN
PHOTO BY MARK MENJIVAR
HAVEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
FORD, POWELL & CARSON, INC.
DESIGNER:
DESIGNER:
Jana Valdez, Allied ASID
John Gutzler, ASID
AWARDS:
AWARDS:
u Residential:
Product Design/Special Detail – 1st Place
u Residential:
Historic Preservation – 1st Place & 2nd Place
Residential: Entire Residence (> 5,000 Square Feet) – 2nd Place
Commercial: Corporate – Small (< 15,000 Square Feet) –
Residential: Contemporary/Modern – Kitchen – 2nd Place
2nd Place
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
17
PHOTO BY PETER MOLICK
PHOTO BY MOLLY CULVER
IA INTERIOR ARCHITECTS
JNID STUDIOS, LLC
DESIGNER:
DESIGNER:
Raul Baeza, ASID
Jessica Nixon, ASID
AWARD: u Commercial:
AWARD:
Corporate – Large (> 15,000 Square Feet) –
u Residential:
Model Home/Show Home – 1st Place
1st Place
PHOTO BY AMANDA TERRY, TWIST TOURS PHOTO BY ANDREA CALO
K. RUE DESIGNS, LLC & CALIFORNIA CLOSETS, ASID INDUSTRY PARTNER
MARTHA O’HARA INTERIORS
DESIGNERS:
DESIGNERS:
Kelly Sumpter, Allied ASID, Kim Kraemer, Allied ASID &
Heidi Feliz-Grimm, Allied ASID & Heather Berardi, Allied ASID
Cyndi Rodriguez, Allied ASID
AWARDS:
AWARD: u Residential:
u Best
Industry Partner Collaboration – 1st Place
18 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
in Show: Residential
Residential: Entire Residence (< 5,000 Square Feet) – 1st Place
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
PHOTO BY MOLLY CULVER
MEREDITH OWEN INTERIORS
PHOTO BY TRE DUNHAM
RUNA WORKSHOP
DESIGNER: Meredith Owen, Allied ASID
DESIGNER:
AWARDS: u Residential:
Jean Pierre Trou, ASID
Contemporary/Modern Bathroom – 1st Place & 2nd Place
Residential: Contemporary/Modern – Dining Room – 2nd Place
AWARDS: u Commercial:
Corporate – Small (< 15,000 Square Feet) –
1st Place, in collaboration with TMDA
Residential: Contemporary/Modern – Bedroom – 2nd Place
Commercial: Hospitality – 2nd Place
STUDENT DESIGN: RESIDENTIAL
THE ART INSTITUTE OF SAN ANTONIO
PHOTO BY JEFF JONES
DESIGNER:
Y INTERIORS
u Residential:
Tamara Anguiano, Student ASID – 1st Place
DESIGNER:
UNIVERSITY OF
Yussy El-Hibri, Allied ASID
THE INCARNATE
AWARDS:
WORD DESIGNER:
Traditional/Transitional – Dining Room – 1st Place
Residential: Entire Residence (< 5,000 Square Feet) – 2nd Place
Jennifer Salyer,
Residential: Individual/Unique Space – 2nd Place
Student ASID – 2nd Place
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
19
trends
The
Bloomsbury Group:
20th Century Influencers INSPIRING DESIGN — 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING — THE BLOOMSBURY GROUP IS THE FORCE BEHIND THE CURRENT DECADE’S BIGGEST INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS. by Amity Worrel, Amity Worrel & Co. and Amity Kett | Photography by Andrea Calo We like to think that trends, especially in interior design, are all fresh, new and unique, but more often than not, trending interiors hark back to moments throughout design history. The latest style movements of this decade have not been shaped by Instagram influencers but rather by free-thinking cultural and literary icons who were trending in their own right at the turn of the last century. In the early 1900s, the Bloomsbury Group began making waves in culture, art, politics and design. Made up of acclaimed English writers, intellectuals and “influencers” of the day, the group included notable members like Virginia Woolfe and E. M. Forster. This loose collective of friends lived, worked and studied together in Bloomsbury, London. United by a love of the arts, this set shaped new attitudes and beliefs around literature, aesthetics, feminism and even sexuality. Dorothy Parker famously said, “they lived in squares, painted in circles, and loved in triangles.” As it turns out, hippie culture was alive and well decades before the groovy 70s. The free-spirited mentality of the Bloomsbury Group spilled over from intellectual conversations onto the walls of their residences. The group occupied a small farmhouse in East Sussex called Charleston, which they used for meetings and parties. Rejecting the Victorian mentality of the day, these creatives 20 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
covered the dark and stuffy interior in bright hand-painted murals and stenciling inspired by the English countryside. Virginia Woolfe even styled her own estate, Monk’s House, with brightly painted walls, hand-painted accents, floral print textiles and decorative tiles. At its core, the Bloomsbury style broke away from the stuffy, standardized ideas of what the Victorian home should be and embraced personalization and color to the highest degree. Our current decade holds many similar cultural ideals in line with the Bloomsbury school of thought that was popular over 100 years ago. Today we see an embrace of free-spirited expression, a reconsideration of values and a fear of global uncertainties. In a time when it becomes intimidating or scary to look to the future, it is comforting to look back to the past and take note from those who have been there before. The reason trends circle back is simply because we all love a good dose of nostalgia. (And these designs have been tried and true.) Like the Bloomsbury Group rejecting the imposed stuffy style of the Victorian Era, today’s homeowners are rethinking what it means to live and work in their homes. In interior design, trends are shifting away from the uniformity and standardization that have dominated a cookie-cutter mindset and big box store push over the past few years. Now,
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
homeowners want to include upcycled items and antiques for sustainable designs rather than rely on mass-produced sofas with two-day shipping. We see a new appreciation of bright colors, patterned wallpapers, Laura Ashley-inspired floral textiles and cozy cottage elements you may have found in grandma’s house. “Grandma Chic” and “Cottagecore” have become popular labels for these looks, but they are all rooted in the Bloomsbury style and ideals. So, what are the components of Bloomsbury style, and how do you get in on the biggest trend that has been over 100 years in the making? The first step is color. Victorian homes were dark and muted. Similarly, many of today’s homeowners are haunted by beige walls, carpeting and furnishings. Bloomsbury art pieces and interiors embraced bright color palettes of turquoise blue, avocado green, dusty rose, burnt orange and bright yellow. I recently designed a bathroom with old-world-inspired emerald green tilework, a blue vanity and a bright yellow ceiling in our Summit Avenue project for Amity Kett. Similarly, we did an all-yellow bathroom for the Bellvue project by Amity Worrel & Co. that features a coordinating tile in a geometric pattern. These spaces are bright, energized, personalized and delightfully Bloomsburian.
Playing with patterns is another way to inject Bloomsbury style into the home. The Bloomsbury Group was on a budget, so they relied on do-it-yourself hand stenciling inspired by the English countryside to brighten up their spaces. In Holiday Haus, a recent project at Amity Worrel & Co., we commissioned a handpainted ladybug design for the bathroom walls. This playful surprise is charming and holds a personalized sentimentality for the homeowners. We also brought in even more patterns with cottage-inspired textiles, including red checks and floral prints. The result is an inviting space perfect for laid-back relaxation. The biggest factor to pay attention to in a Bloomsbury design, however, is personalized comfort. Instead of showpieces, homeowners today are looking for spaces where they can relax and simply enjoy time with their family and friends. In my Summit Avenue project for Amity Kett, we layered in comfortable details like a padded deco headboard, wall-to-wall carpets accented with layered rugs, charming antiques and plush upholstery with floral accents. All of these elements evoke comfort for the homeowners. While the Bloomsbury trend may feel new to some, it is rooted in a decades-old nostalgia for the simple comforts of home. We will continue to see a rise in the popularity of Bloomsbury-inspired spaces as homeowners embrace individuality and showcase the sentimental items that spark warm feelings of joy. After all, I think comfort is a trend we can all get behind. u Amity Worrel is the owner and principal interior designer of Amity Worrel & Co. and Amity Kett. She works on projects regionally in Austin and San Antonio, as well as nationally and internationally. Passionate about design history, she hosts Design 101 and Design Discovery events online and in her studios, posts weekly design blogs and pontificates on the Design Oracles podcast.
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
21
decorating
A COLLECTED CHRISTMAS CAREFULLY CURATED VINTAGE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS IN SHADES OF PINK, DESIGNER BAMBI BRATTON’S SIGNATURE COLOR, PROVIDE ENDLESS OPTIONS FOR HOLIDAY DECORATING AND FUN ANTIQUING TRIPS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. By Ann Koehler | Photography by Buff Strickland When Bambi and David Bratton began the search for their first home together, the property they chose held a small bungalow, built in 1938, framed by a white picket fence. At 640 square feet, they had a vision that one day this would become the office for their growing businesses, Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design and Watermark Homes by David Bratton. Behind the bungalow, on a nice grassy expanse, they could already picture the home of their dreams. Two years later, as both of their businesses grew and combined, they were ready to build. During those two years, David worked towards his vision of the new home addition and readapted office, and Bambi planned every detail, from the teal blue gloss paint in the library and the doublesided fireplace framed with hand-painted Moroccan tile, to the cozy banquette-lined dining nook where the morning sun filters through a row of windows framed by café-curtains overlooking the tableau. Even the upstairs space was carefully crafted with her growing nieces and nephews in mind — cozy bed alcoves tucked under the gables with trundles beneath, piled high with custom French mattresses and cheerful pillows in inviting hand-blocked prints. “Pink has always been my favorite color but in decorating my home with my 22 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
husband, I gravitated towards the blues that would balance the femininity that pink brings to a home. We used softer shades of blue-gray in the front rooms, a pale blue-green in the kitchen, a deeper shade of teal blue in the library and indigo blues in the upstairs guest quarters,” explains Bambi on how she created a balanced color palette that transitions from room to room. She has also scoured the Round Top Antiques Fair twice a year for collections — creamware, silver, antique linens and Christmas ornaments were bought and carefully stored until the day came when she could find the perfect placement in her new home. Bambi’s love for color, textiles and antiques comes even more alive during the holiday season when she decks her
home in shades of pink mixed with natural elements in green and white. In every room, there are coordinated holiday decorations displayed in very refined ways. Bambi’s strategy for consistency throughout the whole home: “We focus on highlighting specific areas with individual vignettes using vintage ornaments, pink glass balls, ribbon and fresh greenery.” Throughout the year, her mother and sisters comb estate sales and antique stores for antique pink ornaments to complement her white Christmas tree. “I usually find unique ornaments during my Round Top shopping trip. This year I am specifically looking for glass tree toppers and an antique crèche,” she says. As her holiday collection grows, so do her displays, saying that she has been adding to and cultivating the overall look since they moved into the addition 10 years ago. Already thinking ahead to this holiday season, Bambi adds, “Last year was a favorite but I always find areas to enhance. For example, this year I would like to incorporate the front yard and porch, including adding a live Christmas tree, boxwood topiaries and a new wreath.” u BAMBI A’LYNN INTERIOR DESIGN 214.354.5552 | bambialynn.com | @bambialynn
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
23
design
UPWARD TREND By Trisha Doucette | Photography courtesy of Herman Miller
THE DEMAND FOR HOME OFFICES IS INCREASING AS REMOTE WORK IS HERE TO STAY, AND DESIGNERS ARE ACCOMMODATING WITH A WIDE RANGE OF STYLES.
Left: Executive Office Group, 1942 Top: Action Office Group, 1972 Middle: Ergon Chair, 1976 Bottom: Aeron Chair, 1994
2020 might easily be called the year of working from home, with 2021 following closely behind. Actually, remote work is a trend that has been growing steadily over the past several years, especially in small companies and startups. And while there are companies that are not embracing this work mode simply because the nature of the work doesn’t make it possible, working remotely has become a seamless transition for many others, and implementing a hybrid workplace model is a sought-after benefit that employers can offer. There are many benefits to working remotely, such as saving commute time, which can be a big stress reliever, and having a flexible schedule that can provide a more optimal balance of work and home. But it also allows employees to create their own personal work environment. Allocating a designated work space in your home can generate an atmosphere with fewer distractions and promote productivity, and there’s a long history surrounding the concept of creating the perfect office. 24 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Herman Miller, the leader in office space and furniture design, may be known for developing the world’s first ergonomic chair in 1976, but its research in the relationship between workplace and people has been ongoing since the launch of its first line in 1942. Joseph White, Herman Miller’s Director of Workplace Futures & Insight, explains that while the 1930s were defined by singular, ornate furnishings, the Executive Office Group changed the course in 1942 by introducing a modular system emphasizing variety and utility. Each product in the group, including the desks, storage areas, dividers and add-ons, served a purpose and represented the shift to a free and modern atmosphere in the office.
While home offices today reflect the design sensibilities of the homeowner, the structure, function and comfort can be rooted in this early philosophy. Gina Roth of Abode Interior Design says, “Demand for a more functional and beautiful home office increased exponentially in San Antonio during the Pandemic. We have enjoyed helping clients create dedicated work spaces that inspire productivity and help them separate work from home life.” FINDING SPACE CG&S Design-Build | Photo by Ryan Davis Riddled with water damage, there was no saving the home’s first addition, so CG&S Design-Build constructed a brighter, better-organized primary suite and bathroom and refreshed some of the home’s interior spaces in keeping with the Cape Cod inspiration requested by the homeowner. The home originally had a home office and with the new configuration, that space turned into an outdoor living room. In the addition, a new hallway wide enough to accommodate the workspace and library, was created off the dining room and leads to the primary suite.
“When Gilbert Rohde lead Herman Miller into the era of modern design in the 1930s, he framed it as a moral imperative. In his mind, modern furniture was honest, respecting the way people live and reflecting its means of production. Speaking of the Executive Office Group he said, ‘This furniture has no escape complex, it looks like what it is and proclaims the clear-thinking executive who will have no cobwebs in his business.’ In 1945, George Nelson built on Rohde’s legacy, envisioning the office as a sort of ‘daytime living room where work can be done under less tension and with fewer distractions.’ Our approach to supporting work and life have been intertwined ever since,” says White. In 1964, Herman Miller introduced AO – the Action Office, but its next major office furniture breakthrough came in 1968 with Action Office II. Its launch was accompanied by the publication of “The Office: A Facility Based on Change,” written by Robert Propst, the line’s designer. White says, “In it he outlined two key ideas that propelled us on a research and development journey which we continue to this day. First, he focused our approach to the office as a ‘mind-oriented living space.’ Today, advances in cognitive science and environmental psychology help us custom tailor spaces for team dynamics and individual states of mind. Second, he envisioned each organization as having a unique structure—determined by its people and culture—that would enable it not only to respond to change, but to grow in the process.”
REFLECTING PERSONALITIES CG&S Design-Build | Photo by Ryan Davis For a UT professor of history, housing an extensive book collection was as important as having an inspirational place to work from home. Originally, books were spread out over
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
25
several rooms and levels of the house and needed to be consolidated into one room. His fascination with history and historical objects was not just something he taught but was a passion of his, and he’s used the space to research and write many lectures. His wife loves antiques, and so to create a space that felt historic and timeless but not old-fashioned was a fun challenge. The design inspiration originated from a photo of a Victorian mansion library.
CAMERA READY Haven Design & Construction | Photo by Matthew Niemann As a former Zoom executive familiar with being “on camera,” this homeowner’s office goal was to create a beautiful space with appropriate lighting. A large TV monitor was incorporated for Zoom calls, placed on a wall over two guest chairs. A beautiful piece of artwork was positioned behind her desk to provide a backdrop for Zoom calls. A desk with acrylic legs was selected to allow the space to be more visually open; however, a credenza with doors was added to store away the printer and other office items. To address lighting, a light-filtering shade provides natural light without being too bright for video conference calls. Finally, soft colors and fabrics give the room the relaxing and peaceful feeling that she requested. 26 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
WELL SEASONED Bradshaw Designs | Photos by Stephen Karlisch As a new build, it was important to the homeowner that the office looked aged and established. To bring provenance and age to the room, Old Chicago brick was specified for the fireplace wall. A few streaks of old green paint on the bricks inspired the regal Celtic green paint found on the walls, trim, bookcase and accessories. An antique stone fireplace was acquired to serve as the focal point in the room as well as bring age and texture to the space. Furnishings were chosen to create a masculine yet comfortable feel. The high ceilings created a space that was hard to anchor so a custom black and brass rolling ladder was designed to perfectly fit the space and assist in accessing all corners of the bookcase.
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
CUSTOM HILL COUNTRY Abode Interior Design | Photo by Abode Interior Design Working from the philosophy that office spaces need to be functional first and aesthetically pleasing second, the homeowner required very specific storage solutions in his home office, plus a contemporary-masculine Hill Country look. A custom built-in wall unit was designed according to his storage needs and the opening shelving lends a modern vibe with a few cubbies made to fit personal items. The solid walnut Parsons-style desk was also custom-made. Other accessories were carefully curated to brighten the space, and the result is a warm and inviting home office that the homeowner loves working in every day.
COASTAL CHARACTER Styleberry Creative Interiors | Photo by Madeline Harper Tasked with creating a light, bright work “retreat” instead of an office, hints of Hygge with a Nantucket vibe provided the inspiration for a relatively small space. The reduced footprint was maximized with bright white paint and lots of natural light, supplemented by task lighting, and two Ikea desks comfortably flank an Ikea shelving unit. The watercolor wallpaper mural speaks to ocean hues, and only minimal storage was required to hide larger pieces of equipment. Beachy, textural accessories complete the coastal feels in this office built for two. LAYERED TEXTURES Courtesy of Arteriors With in-office time scaled back for many in the workforce, Arteriors’ in-house design team, led by Visual and Branded Environments Director Vincent Fuentes, embraced how the hybrid work model is reshaping the future of work. The team incorporated over 234 Arteriors products across lighting, furniture and decor to show the full potential of using decorative furniture and accents to create an inviting and collaborative office environment designed to foster creativity. Arteriors’ Honour Desk is an ideal solution for modern home workspaces with its graphite leather foundation met with a solid smoke oak frame and drawers lined with graphite suede. u
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
27
entertaining
AROUND THE WORLD on your holiday table By Claudia Alarcón WHY NOT START SOME NEW TRADITIONS AND GIVE YOUR PARTY TABLE A GLOBAL FLAIR? WE HAVE SOURCED SOME FAVORITE SNACKS FROM PLACES NEAR AND
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce, broth and hot sauce and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, then cool to room temperature. Fold in fresh cilantro, taste again and adjust seasoning. Lay out empanada wrapper. Stuff with picadillo filling and seal. Bake or fry until golden brown.
FAR TO INSPIRE YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
PIQUILLOS RELLENOS Courtesy of Executive Chef Juan Carlos Bazan, Toro Kitchen + Bar torokitchenandbar.com Makes 12 Piquillos Rellenos The name piquillo means “little beak.” Traditionally, piquillo peppers are grown in Northern Spain and are handpicked then roasted over open fires. The peppers are peeled, all by hand, then packed in jars or tins. Roasting gives these bright red peppers a rich, spicy-sweet flavor. Stuffed with goat cheese, cream cheese and Serrano ham, Piquillos are ubiquitous at tapas bars across Spain. 12 Piquillo peppers 1/2 lb Cream cheese .7 oz Goat cheese 2 oz Manchego cheese 2 oz Serrano ham Spanish Olive Oil Parsley (optional garnish) Cut the Manchego cheese and Serrano ham into 1/4-inch cubes. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and the goat cheese until well blended. Add the Manchego cheese and Serrano ham cubes and mix well. Slice piquillo peppers in half and stuff to your liking. Sprinkle a little olive oil before serving and garnish with parsley.
PICADILLO EMPANADAS Courtesy of Executive Chef Heather Nanez, Lazo at Estancia del Norte hilton.com Makes about 12 empanadas Empanadas arrived in the Americas from Spain, but here in Texas we have given them our own unique twist. If you are pressed for time, you can use readymade empanada dough - Chef Heather recommends Goya brand. 1 lb Ground beef (you can substitute turkey, chicken or pork) 1 tbsp Chile powder 1/2 tbsp Mexican oregano 1 tsp Cumin Pinch of Allspice 1/2 lb Yukon gold potatoes, small dice 2 cloves Garlic, minced 8 oz Canned tomato sauce 1/2 cup Beef broth 1 tbsp Hot sauce 1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped 1 tbsp Cooking oil Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add oil, then onions and cook until just translucent. Add garlic, chile powder, oregano, cumin and allspice and cook for 1 minute. Add beef and cook while breaking up until brown.
28 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
EMPANADAS DE HONGOS Courtesy of Chef Iliana de la Vega, El Naranjo restaurant elnaranjorestaurant.com Makes about 12 empanadas This vegetarian version of empanadas is also gluten-free since it uses fresh corn masa instead of wheat dough to conceal a rich and savory mushroom filling. 1 lb Fresh white corn masa 6 tbsp Canola oil, divided 1/2 White onion, chopped 1-2 Jalapeño chiles, chopped 1 clove Garlic, chopped 1 Tomato, chopped 1 lb Mushrooms, fresh, rinsed and sliced 1 1/2 tbsp Epazote leaves, fresh, chopped Salt Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a sauté pan, add the onion and chiles and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the tomato and cook for 5 minutes. Mix in the mushrooms, reduce the heat to the minimum and cover the mixture with a lid. Let the mushrooms sweat for 10 minutes or until cooked through, add the epazote, season with salt and cool down before stuffing. Place the masa in a standing mixer bowl with 4 tbsp. of oil and mix with the paddle attachment. Add water if needed until the masa is pliable, not sticky. Add
sea salt to taste. Cover with a moist towel for 15 minutes. Once the masa has rested and the filling is cold, make balls with the masa, 1-1.5 oz each, place a ball in a plastic-lined tortilla press and form slightly thick tortillas, remove from the plastic and place a small amount of filling in the center, moisten the edges with water and fold as a turnover, press the edges with your fingers. Heat oil at 350 derees and deep fry the empanadas in batches. Serve while hot with salsa of your choice.
ESCARGOTS AND MUSHROOM VOL-AU-VENT Courtesy of Executive Chef Jeff Balfour, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, brasseriemonchouchou.com Serves four people This classic bistro appetizer may sound elaborate, but it is an easy, straightforward recipe that will wow your guests. You can find escargots at local gourmet shops such as Central Market and Whole Foods, and online at Amazon and others. 2 sheets Puff pastry dough 2 Eggs 24 Escargot 1 lb Oyster mushrooms, quartered 1 lb Button mushrooms, quartered 1/2 White onion, diced 1 tbsp Cooking oil 1 tbsp Garlic, minced 1/4 cup White wine 1 cup Heavy cream 1 sprig Rosemary 1 sprig Thyme 2 tbsp Pernod Chives for garnish Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a medium sheet pan with parch-
ment paper. With a 7-inch biscuit cutter, cut 8 circles in puff pastry and egg wash them. In 4 of the circles, cut another whole in the center with a 5-inch biscuit cutter. Place gently in circle with holes on top of the circle. Bake for 20 minutes. Keep warm. In a large sauté pan, bring cooking oil to medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic, mushrooms and snails. Stir for 2 minutes. Add Pernod and white wine, reduce by half and add heavy cream. Let cream reduce at low heat until thicker consistency. Add rosemary and thyme sprigs while the sauce is reducing. Add salt and pepper. Keep warm. In the center of the vol-au-vent, make a 1-inch-deep hole, fill and cover each hole with the creamy escargots and mushroom sauce. Garnish each vol-auvent with chopped chives and serve.
MINI MINCEMEAT PIES In the U.K., it’s not Christmas without mincemeat pie. The recipe is forgiving as you can use any kind of dried fruits you prefer — cranberries, figs, apricots, etc., and the brandy may be substituted for another spirit or liqueur. Shortcrust pastry is traditional, but you can substitute thawed, frozen puff pastry. FOR THE PASTRY: 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the work surface 1 cup Unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 pinch Salt 1 Egg, beaten Cold water, as needed Place the flour, butter and salt into a large bowl. Rub the butter quickly into OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles rough sand. Stir in the egg using a cold knife. Add water, a teaspoon at a time, and stir until the mixture binds but is not sticky. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes. FOR THE MINCEMEAT: 6 oz Raisins 4 oz Dried currants 4 oz Candied mixed peel, finely chopped 6 oz Vegetable shortening, shredded 1/2 lb Dark brown sugar 2 tsp Pumpkin spice 1 Lemon, grated zest and juice 1 Orange, grated zest and juice 1 Cooking apple, cored and finely chopped 4 tbsp Brandy In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the brandy, stirring well to make sure they’re evenly distributed. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave overnight for the flavors to meld. Heat the oven to 230 degrees. Remove the tea towel and cover the bowl with foil and place in the warmed oven for 2 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and stir well, then leave aside to cool, stirring from time to time to distribute the fruits evenly. Once cooled, stir the mincemeat again, add the brandy, and stir one more time. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. You can use a standard 12-cup muffin tin or a small canapé size one. Dust a work surface lightly with flour and roll out 2/3 of the pastry to 1/8 inch thick. Cut circles to line the cups of your tin; don’t worry if the pastry doesn’t come to the very top. Fill the pastry-lined tins 2/3 full of mincemeat. Roll out the remaining pastry to the same thickness and cut smaller circles to fit as lids, or cut stars or other fancy shapes. Dampen the edges of the tart bases with cold water and press the lids on. Make a small hole in the surface of each pie with a sharp knife to allow the steam to escape. Bake for 20 minutes (15 minutes if making canapé-sized ones), or until golden brown. Let cool. u
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
29
AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR DESIGN custom homes • condos remodels • commercial
Stephanie Villavicencio
Texas Registered Interior Designer
512.443.3200 www.bellavillads.com
DESIGNING WITH
FINE ART
Establishing style, character and personality in one’s home with fine art.
ORIGINAL FINE ART by Texas Artists
Custom Framing Workshops Classical Sound Concert Series Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm 512.551.9774 www.tagroundrock.com 30 minutes north of downtown Austin at 1706 N. Mays in Round Rock
HOME DESIGN
DALGLEISH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY & JACKSON & MCELHANEY ARCHITECTS, PHOTO BY DROR BALDINGER
Organic Luxe
Like Ocean Currents
32
42
Builder’s Choice
Traditional With An Edge
50
68 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
31
ORGANIC
LUXE
HAVEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATES NATURAL MATERIALS AND TEXTURES TO GIVE AN EXPANSIVE HOME A CUSTOM QUALITY AND WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE. By Drew Henry | Photography by Matthew Niemann
W
WHEN A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL COUPLE AND their family decided to build their forever home in the Belterra community of Dripping Springs located outside of Austin, they wanted more than the standard finishes and fixtures that their big box builder had to offer. While they loved the new home’s soaring ceilings and spacious floorplan, they desired curated finishes, luxury lighting fixtures and customized built-ins to elevate their home to the next level. So, they put their trust in Haven Design & Construction to renovate their standard builder home into a fully customized forever home, complete with luxuriously personalized touches and a warm and pleasant feel that they can grow into for years to come. Haven Design & Construction is an award-winning design firm led by husband-and-wife team Jana and Armando Valdez. This contractor and interior designer pair met salsa dancing at a mutual friend’s birthday party, and it was a match made in home design heaven. After they got married, they formed their design firm and have been creating lifestyle-centric home designs ever since. “We started out doing luxury kitchen and bath remodels,” explains Jana, “but now we have become known for entire home renova-
tions.” Jana dreams up fabulous designs and Armando carries them through with expert care and attention to detail. “We complement each other well,” explains Jana. “I am really good at the creative side and he’s really good at implementing the plans into the home. We have a yin and yang, and that’s what makes us a great team.” No matter the style of the house or the scale of the project, Armando and Jana do what it takes to deliver a dream result to their clients. “Nothing we do is easy,” Jana adds, “but we handle all of the unexpected twists and turns to make it look seamless to the client in the end.” When Armando and Jana were approached by the Austin couple to renovate their new construction home, they weren’t completely surprised. “We’ve noticed a trend where homeowners are approaching us to fully customize and elevate their newly constructed homes,” explains Jana. “Today, people want fully custom and personalized spaces that feel warm and cozy. Standard builder finishes don’t meet the lifestyle needs of many homeowners out there. After living in the space, they know they need something more — something that looks beautiful and works for their lifestyle.”
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
35
After this couple built their dream home, they realized that they wanted a home that felt warmer and more personalized. The house felt large and empty, and they needed help injecting their style throughout the finishing details. “While the home had great existing elements like the white oak floors, quartz countertops and marble backsplashes, it was missing those small details that really highlight the beauty of the space and tie it all together,” explains Jana. “We came in to add beautiful focal points, like oversized chandeliers, a marble slab fireplace and a stunning range hood. We also updated finishes, including all cabinet hardware, door hardware and plumbing fixtures, to add a level of needed character.” No details were overlooked in this expansive project. “All furnishings in this home were curated by our team, from drapes to artwork, bedding and even towels,” Jana adds. This turn-key project has been over a year in the making, and the final results are stunning. The couple came to Armando and Jana wanting clean lines, texture, neutral colors and a consistent feel throughout. The team delivered a beautiful palette of contrasting black, whites and grays with an occasional punch of color where appropriate. Natural fiber textiles, like cane, rattan and jute, tie each room together and allow the light and shadow of the textures to take center stage in the design. The finished result is an organic luxe home with an elevated sense of streamlined comfort and ease. When entering the home, you are greeted by doubleheight ceilings that soar 22 feet high through the living room, dining room and study. This striking architectural feature presented challenges as well as opportunities for a stunning design. “It’s difficult to make a space feel warm and cozy with ceilings this high,” explains Jana. “You have to pay close attention to proportion and scale.” The living and dining room contain two massive chandeliers from Restoration Hardware, spanning as wide as 60 inches in diameter. To install these light fixtures, Armando had to reinforce the ceilings to accommodate the weight, which was a challenge to pull off in a home that was already built. The team also replaced the tile cladding on the living room fireplace with four massive Calacatta Gold butterfly book-matched marble slabs to create a stunning and luxurious focal point for the space. “Installing these marble slabs was nerve-wracking, to say the least,” exclaims Jana, “but it was totally worth it!” The living and dining spaces are finished with sheer drapes, neutral furnishings and natural woven accents. “I wanted these spaces to look luxurious but also work for a growing family,” says Jana. “We picked highly durable textiles that can stand up to wear, pets and children, all while looking beautiful and inviting.” Unlike the other light and bright spaces in the home, the study has a darker and moodier feel. However, it still carries OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
37
38 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
39
through a cohesive look, featuring natural-toned materials like cane chairs, a beaded chandelier and gold-studded sisallook wallpaper on the ceiling. “We added the wallpaper on the ceiling to tie into the darker gray paneling, create a cozier feel and to also visually bring down the ceiling,” explains Jana. The final result is a breathtaking space fit for a day of work and meetings behind a striking live-edge stone desk by Palecek. In addition, the team added custom 12-foot-tall builtin bookshelves that make the perfect background for video conferencing. “When we took on the project, the study was just four white walls and a white ceiling. It is amazing to see the transformation,” says Jana. The original kitchen had good bones, with beautiful features like white quartz counters, soft gray cabinets and a herringbone marble backsplash. Without the right details, however, these elements weren’t living up to their full potential. First, Jana created a focal point in the massive kitchen by installing a new stainless steel and brushed brass range hood, anchoring the space. To complement it, she selected brushed brass cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures, which also highlight the existing cabinets and pop against the white counters and backsplash. In addition, they removed the standard 36-inch refrigerator and replaced it with a larger 40 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
42-inch integrated refrigerator that blends seamlessly with the cabinets. To complete the design, the team chose black and gold pendant lighting from Crystorama to showcase the massive waterfall-edge island. The adjacent breakfast nook was finished with cohesive materials, adding another comfortable spot for family meals. To finish off the home, Jana designed personalized spaces for the couple and their kids. The primary suite features a simple canopy bed by Doorman Designs, layered textures and multiple seating areas that make for a relaxing retreat. The children’s spaces include playful details like a bright green reading nook, a map of the world mural and a camping tent bed, all fit for little explorers. A game room provides a fun hangout, complete with a pool table, bar and mounted TV. While these spaces offer fun and functionality, they also work within the home’s overall theme — each room is united with natural finishes and textures. Now, the family has a fully personalized home that they can grow into and live in comfortably (and stylishly) for many years to come. u HAVEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION 210-996-9494 | havendesignandconstruction.com
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
IN TE R I O R D ESIG N
LU X U RY R EMO D EL I NG
havendesignandconstruction.com
NEW CO NST RU CT IO N
(210) 996-9494
LIKE
OCEAN CURRENTS
By James Frierson | Photography by Dror Baldinger Drone Photography by Andrzej Mrotek of ATX Aerials
THIS LAKESIDE MARVEL WAS BORN FROM THE HOMEOWNERS’ PRINCIPAL CREATIVE PHILOSOPHY THAT REFLECTED NOT ONLY THEIR PERSONALITY BUT THEIR LOVE OF MARINE LIFE — KEEP THINGS FLUID, FUN AND FUNCTIONAL.
44 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
T
“THE DESIGN OF THE HOME WAS BASED ON CHIP and Susan’s request for an organic, sinuous design with no right angles,” says architect Mike McElhaney of Jackson & McElhaney Architects. “They wanted a connection to the natural environment with no sharp corners.” This was accomplished with a modern but artistic touch, allowing both architect and builder to work with the cliffside terrain rather than against it, resulting in a sprawling but cozy home that is both understated and an interesting head turner for the neighborhood. Jackson & McElhaney Architects knew the homeowners from a previous project, one that was to be situated at the bottom of a Texas Hill Country canyon, and while it ultimately didn’t pan out, Chip and Susan were impressed by their sensitivity to the environment including the natural contours of the land and the position of the sun. So, when the opportunity for a new build site came about, the groups were able to reunite on an exciting venture. “When we visited the site for the first time, the panoramic view was obvious and our challenge was to provide as much of the view as possible,” explains Mike, who worked closely with partner Robert Jackson. Electing to work alongside the cliff’s edge and not to jutt
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
45
46 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
47
out too far from it created a “linear home layout,” says Mike, “so we did our best to give each room a postcard view of the Colorado River Valley as the home curves along the bluff.” Starting with watercolor renderings, executed by Robert, and productive meetings with the homeowners that involved a free sharing of ideas and rolls of trace paper, Jackson & McElhaney were able to bring the vision to life. “Simplicity was the goal. Light-toned wood floors and smooth white walls and ceilings were used to create a museum-like environment in order to highlight the owner’s impressive underwater photography and the expansive views through the floor-to-ceiling windows,” continues Mike. The eclectic shape of the home required a whole host of creative building solutions, but Dalgleish Construction Company was up to the task. “We were excited about the challenges presented with the terrain of the build site as well as the curvature of the home,” says David Dalgleish. “We knew that the challenges coupled with the fantastic clients and design team at Jackson & McElhaney Architects, as well as Alix Design Studio, would make for a great build experience and finished home we could all be proud of.” For a project as complicated as this, it was important for all teams to be in sync. “There was a really close tie between the architect and the builder,” says Ben Dalgleish. “I think we all 48 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
had a clear idea what Chip and Susan wanted…they said, ‘We trust you to do what we want.’” According to Ben, this trust freed the building team to “explore all the different avenues” when it came to extra special touches like sound-proofing the home from the noisy boats on the river or considering how the complex shape of the roofline would frame the views. Reed Critendon of Jackson & McElhaney worked closely with Ben and together they spent countless hours analyzing and refining the details of the home. By the time the project was finished, says Ben, there were “no surprises at the end” for Chip and Susan because they were involved with “every detail of the house.” Thanks to Chip’s decisive “CEO-kind-of attitude,” says Ben, the team was able to stay driven and efficient. “That kind of support just fuels you to try your best,” Ben adds. This is a good thing, too, because of all of the complicated decisions involved in the building process. “With all of the flat, straight surfaces,” says Ben, “it was critical we didn’t have any materials that shrunk or expanded or changed levels of sheetrock — it had to be completely flattened.” The home “was like a geometric puzzle,” says Sara Swenson, the Business Operations Manager at Dalgleish Construction, one the company learned immensely from. One effort that serves as an example of all the various talents working in concert is the positioning of the home’s
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
master bedroom. According to Ben, Chip had relayed that the “view out of their window in the bedroom when they get up in the morning was paramount.” Because the team was laying out the foundation at the time, they were able to simulate this view for a trial run. “We figured out where the center of the bed [would be],” says Ben, “and erected a scaffolding out to the finished height...and built a little bridge out there.” From this unique vantage point, the homeowners were able to specify exactly the kind of view they wanted each morning while Dalgleish Construction spotted, assessed and eventually removed out-of-use power lines that would interrupt the landscape. For Chip, Susan and all of the different people that touched the project, the whole process felt like an honest and stimulating conversation between colleagues. “They figured us out, they got us,” says Susan. “They really understood what we meant by ‘as few right angles as possible...the softness and fluidity of the result was as important to them as it was to us... That really was a beautiful thing to be understood so well.” Notes of encouragement and appreciation were exchanged between the subcontractors and homeowners on the drywall and plywood with magic marker (“You guys rock!”), adorned with little hearts and rainbows, and Susan would even bring treats to share with everyone on the build site. This friendly atmosphere contributed to a project where everyone felt for-
tunate to be present, even when lifting a nearly 4,000-pound granite bathtub via a 150-foot crane onto its eventual resting place. “They put in an extra steel beam right underneath where the bathtub was supposed to be,” says Susan, “I wrote a note on that steel beam that said, ‘Thanks for the support!’” Looking back, Chip and Susan had no shortage of stories that demonstrated the level of commitment from Dalgleish Construction, Jackson & McElhaney and Alix Design Studio. “Everybody felt that they were engaged in building a work of art as well as building a residence,” says Chip. The project is a “labor of love,” Chip continues, “Every single part of this house received that level of attention and detail from a deeply committed multi-functional team.” Mirroring Susan’s earlier sentiment, Chip was happy to express the team “got our aesthetic, they got us, and they got what we would care about.” u DALGLEISH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 512-346-8554 | dalgleish.net JACKSON & MCELHANEY ARCHITECTS 512-472-5132 | jacksonmcelhaney.com ALIX DESIGN STUDIO 512-809-3670 | alixdesignstudio.com
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
49
Builder’s
C HOICE
INSPIRED BY THE WIDE-OPEN SPACES AND NATURAL COLORS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS, HOMEOWNERS SHERRY AND DAMON CHRISTOFILIS ENJOY THE CONTEMPORARY FARMHOUSE CHARM OF THEIR LATEST CORDILLERA RANCH HOME CREATION.
By Janis Turk | Photography by Chris Mendiola
W
WHEN ASKED WHAT THEY LOVE BEST ABOUT THEIR home at Cordillera Ranch in Boerne, Sherry and Damon Christofilis say it’s the stunning Texas Hill Country vistas and close proximity to the golf course that are its biggest draws. But they’re being modest, for Damon actually designed and built their current residence, which doubles as a model home for his business, Christofilis Custom Homes. In fact, there are so many things Damon and Sherry love about the house, it’d be impossible to list them all. It’s but one of eight homes they have designed, built and lived in at Cordillera Ranch over the years. The couple’s keen focus on new home building remains grounded in their deep personal connection to the Hill Country landscapes, explains Damon. Leaning on earthy materials awash in the textures and colors of the country, juxtaposed against modern design elements, their home offers a glimpse of the myriad directions homeowners can go with design choices. Christofilis has been involved in the design and construction of more than 130 custom homes in this sprawling gated community, and the couple has lived in Cordillera Ranch since 2003. For the past year, they have resided in this four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom, 4,700-square-foot home, set on a one-acre lot, with a pool, a three-car garage, laundry room, office, two indoor living rooms and two outdoor living spaces. 52 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
“Our vision for this house was a ‘transitional’ home reflective of the current trends in today’s Hill Country homes, but that also leans toward modern design,” says Sherry. Damon wanted it to merge seamlessly into the ruggedly beautiful natural landscape. To achieve that, he began with the judicious use of reclaimed barnwood and other textures and materials, including stained timber and beams in the ceilings of the front and back patios, the use of window awnings made of hardy metals, and lots of light-giving aluminum clad, JELD-WEN Steel Grey wood windows, along with Texas limestone and other native elements. While intent on making the space comfortable, casual and
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
53
livable, as well as perfect for entertaining, the interior design employs light neutral colors, natural limestone, glass and wood textures, and cool gleaming marble countertops, as well as soft textiles. “The overall interior concept was to tie in with the exterior flavor and blend in with our mostly existing furniture. We were trying to be modern without being over-the-top contemporary, which would seem a little out of place in the Hill Country environment. So, we kept the bones of the house simple and basic, and that allowed Sherry to mix in the transitional feel with her wonderful touches and accessorizing,” says Damon. Theirs is a joint dedication to luxury design that arose from their collaboration with the very capable decorator, Barbara Burger. Overlooking the 14th tee box of the Cordillera Ranch Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the house’s uniquely interesting features begin out front where the home beguiles visitors with lush landscaping and pops of bright colorful flowers. Set against the neutral natural stone, metal, glass and barnwood materials, the color palate was inspired by the cedar, cypress and juniper colors of the Hill Country, the blue cloud-filled South Texas skies and the ruddy warm colors of the earth. Enter the home’s foyer with towering 14-foot ceilings, clean, pale off-white walls and warm hardwood floors, and 54 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
one instantly understands this house is special. Above the entry, an intricate barnwood ceiling design creates interest and a farmhouse flair. Opening to a large living area, kitchen and dining room, guests are drawn in to a serene space. A floorto-ceiling stone fireplace centers the main living room, lifting the eye to grand 25-foot-long Douglas fir beams in the ceiling. Flanked by built-in shelves and cabinetry, the fireplace looks utterly modern. Softer touches found in the textiles and furnishings give the home a comfortable, cozy yet clean feeling. Contemporary end tables and shiny silver art accessories seem fresh and modern. It works well when design elements combine an array of hard edges, soft curves and inviting lighting. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows draws attention to blue skies outside — the only really vibrant color the room requires. Off the main living space is a gleaming open-concept kitchen. Colorado Silver honed travertine floors create a backdrop
for a space showcasing a large, sleek marble island with a waterfall edge. A farmhouse sink and lots of storage in the custom cabinetry below the island are just a few of the ways the kitchen is both beautiful and useful. The kitchen features 12-foot-tall European-style, full-overlay cabinets and lighted display shelves, with a four-burner Wolf® Range featuring a large central griddle, a Sub-Zero® refrigerator hidden by custom cabinetry and double ovens along one wall that contain
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
55
both a convection oven and a steam convection. “We have the microwave set back in a granite cabinet, as I don’t like to see appliances on the countertops,” Sherry says. A dining table sits adjacent to the kitchen with windows overlooking the outdoor living spaces and pool. “We have two distinct outdoor living spaces,” explains Sherry. “One is more casual and informal for grilling, chilling and watching television. The other is a little more formal where we will host friends for dinner out on the covered patio listening to the water.” Another favorite space in the home is the bar and television game room. “That’s where everyone wants to hang; it has an icemaker and a wine fridge, too, along with three televisions for watching games for different teams at the same time or watching different sports,” says Sherry. An arresting mosaic effect of wood, glass and tile covers the front of the bar. Other inviting rooms include the spacious master bedroom and ensuite bath, awash in cool neutral colors and minimalist styling. “We have three guest rooms, but one of those is used as our workout space. It even has a full bath with a beautiful view,” says Sherry. A warm, masculine office space with leather furnishings is Damon’s domain, where the inspiration for the next Christofilis Custom Home comes to life. u CHRISTOFILIS CUSTOM HOMES 210-373-7768 | christofilishomes.com 56 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
TRADITIONAL WITH AN EDGE
SHANNON EDDINGS RENOVATES A WESTLAKE PROPERTY FOR A QUINTESSENTIAL AUSTIN COUPLE, ADDING FUNKY TOUCHES TO EVOKE A PLAYFUL VIBE THAT’S BEAUTIFUL, FUN AND A LITTLE QUIRKY. By Drew Henry | Photography by Molly Culver 58 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
W
WHEN SHANNON EDDINGS WAS APPROACHED BY a music and art-loving Austin couple to renovate their dated and closed-off Westlake property, she knew it would result in interior design magic. “I believe in client-led design,” explains Shannon, founder and principal designer of Shannon Eddings Interiors in Austin, Texas. “I also love bringing unexpected elements to a project, whether its color, pattern or a mix of quirky elements that spark a sense of fun. I am drawn to clients who are willing to take risks and create expressive spaces with me.” The Westlake couple was willing to do just that, bringing their own sense of style to the table from the start. “This couple came to me with an amazing collection of art, records,
books and curios from their travels, which we had to incorporate into the design,” says Shannon. Art pieces include a Slim Aarons pool photograph as you enter the space, abstract paintings by Renee Bouchon in the kitchen and living room, and a Wes Anderson print nestled on the top shelf of the custom built-in, large enough to house the couple’s collections. “The art collection drove many of the design decisions,” explains Shannon. “In the living room, we were able to create this beautiful moment with the Slim Aarons photograph, where we just had a blank wall.” The mid-century influence of the photo can be seen in other aspects of the open-concept living, dining and kitchen space. For example, a sputnik-style chandelier by Arteriors graces the dining portion of a massive 14-foot kitchen island. “The mix of lighting above the island really defines two zones,” explains Shannon. “Traditional pendants from Visual Comfort define the working side, and the chandelier sets apart the dining side with an unexpected edge.” Shannon masterfully blends traditional and contemporary design elements throughout the open-concept space. She selected traditional shaker cabinets for the kitchen but gave the overall design a punch with a few modern and colorful accents. The team worked with HaileyStudio architects to incorporate a window backsplash, which lets in natural light and feels exceptionally contemporary. Brass finishes on the hardware, fixtures, lighting and CB2 bar stools give a refined feel to the space, along with beautiful
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
59
quartzite slab countertops. “Unlike quartz,” explains Shannon, “quartzite is a naturally occurring stone. So, there is no other counter like this out there, which makes it unique and special.” The kitchen is outfitted with professionalgrade Kitchenaid® appliances, and lower cabinets are finished in a deep green to add a focal point of color. “When you tear down walls to create an open-concept space, it can be difficult to incorporate color and define separate zones in a way that feels cohesive,” says Shannon. Since neutral was not an option for this colorful Austin couple, Shannon and her team had to get creative. For the dining room, they sourced a large-scale patterned wallpaper from
the boutique Abnormals Anonymous studio. This garden print paper carries in the rich greens from the kitchen and is grounded with black and white elements in the rest of the space, including a contrasting striped rug, a dining set from Four Hands in Austin and a vintage white credenza. “I love to mix pattern and color,” says Shannon. “It’s all about finding the right balance of scale and those coordinating elements that bring it all together.” Shannon grounds the otherwise neutral living room with a full wall of built-ins painted in Iced Marble, a misty green color. “We love this color,” explains Shannon. “It complements the greens used in the kitchen and dining room without being too bold and over competing with the other areas of the space.” Custom throw pillows in fabrics from Schumacher and ZAK+FOX add pops of color and fun to the room. The rest of the living room design relies on a mix of textures. “Since the dining space and kitchen are so bold, we wanted to tone things down in the living room,” Shannon explains. The family-centric living space features a deep and oversized channel-tufted sectional finished in a performance fabric that can stand up to the couple’s children and three dogs. A cane accent chair adds visual interest from all angles. “When we started this project, cane wasn’t really being used much in interior design,” explains Shannon. “Now, cane chairs are all the rage.” It goes to show that selecting bold finishes can place you ahead of the design trend curve.
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
61
Just off this beautiful and vibrant living space, guests will find an unexpected powder room finished in a pastel floral Voutsa wallpaper and moody black accents. “When creating powder rooms, I like to design an experience for guests,” says Shannon. “So, we paired this traditionally feminine paper with a moody and masculine black ceiling and tile.” The result is a traditional space with an unexpected edge, where guests can feel free to linger as they check their lipstick, fix their hair or even take a mirror selfie. This delightfully Austonian home seamlessly combines traditional elements like old-world oil paintings and floral wallpapers with edgy contemporary style in the form of bold lighting and trending furnishings. Interior designer Shannon Eddings proves that boldly mixing styles can create a beautiful interior that pushes the envelope while offering a cozy space to relax. After all, who says traditional can’t be edgy? u SHANNON EDDINGS INTERIORS 512-496-7578 | shannoneddings.com 62 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
REMODELER’S ADVICE
DESIGN FIRST, DEMO SECOND It’s always tempting to start construction on a remodel project before the design details are finalized. But this can lead to unnecessary problems during the construction phase — including longer timelines, increased costs and runaway homeowner frustrations. We’ve all heard the adage: “Measure twice, cut once.” It’s time to adopt another adage: “Design first, demo second.”
THIRD STEP: MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS —
Because of the supply chain problems I just mentioned, you’ll want to finalize your design and order your products as early as possible. This includes windows, doors, flooring, appliances and even plumbing fixtures. By ordering early, you’ll avoid possible manufacturer price increases, and you’ll also be in a better position to manage your project timeline.
WELLS MASON
BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE
STEP BY STEP — With careful planning, supFIRST STEP: ESTABLISH THE SCOPE — How big is your project? If it’s a small project, like a window replacement or new interior doors, it’s always a good idea to talk to your contractor about different options. If it’s a larger project, like a kitchen remodel or an addition, you’ll need construction documents and city permits, and you’ll want to work with a contractor and a design professional.
pliers, remodelers and design professionals can help transform a house into a home and you’ll want to start enjoying your remodeled home right away. But wait! What about paint fumes and other airborne chemicals? Who moves the furniture back into place and hangs the art? What about manufacturer warranties on the products you’ve ordered? These are some of the other questions you’ll want to ask prior to demo. u
SECOND STEP: CREATE A TIMELINE — What’s your project
timeline? If you’re hiring a design professional, the design phase adds time on the front end, but it can save you time and money in the long run. It’s also important to understand that the supply chain for building materials is currently under duress. Many products have longer-than-normal lead times and other products are simply not available, and this can impact your timeline. And don’t forget to factor in delays caused by weather and holidays.
For more information, please visit our Austin website at austinnari.org or our San Antonio website at remodelsanantonio.org. This guest column is courtesy of Wells Mason, Business Development Manager for Builders FirstSource in Central Texas. Builders FirstSource is proud to be a NARI member. This column is sponsored by Bes Builder.
Design Build
& Home Renovations
NARI COTY 2021 REGIONAL WINNER: Residential Exterior $50,000 to $100,000
NARI COTY 2021 REGIONAL WINNER: Residential Bath : Under $25,000
www.BesBuilder.com 512.351.0258
design
SPOTLIGHT
Estancia del Norte Puts Local Charities First Estancia del Norte is excited to partner with local nonprofits to make San Antonio the best city it can be! The Estancia Cares Campaign awarded 24 local nonprofits with a free board meeting at one of Estancia’s event spaces, a complimentary two-night weekend package to be used for fundraising and a specialty cocktail from the hotel’s Paseo Bar available for one month with partial proceeds donated to the nonprofit. | In October, the hotel will celebrate with purpose by partnering with SA Cancer Council and Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, for their Cure Cancer Card Launch Party. 100% of proceeds will remain in the San Antonio area to support research and patients. | In November, Estancia will host Kelley Frost of Frosted Home for Tables Matter, where she will create seasonal tablescapes to inspire your holiday gatherings. The event includes holiday bites by Don Strange of Texas and shopping from Frosted Home, where partial proceeds
will benefit the Hope Lodge Facility in San Antonio. | A weekend Holiday Bazaar is set for December, with the hotel’s Regalo Boutique partnering with local vendors, artisans and craftsmen for shopping, food and fun. A portion of the proceeds from each vendor will benefit the 24 local nonprofits awarded through the Estancia Cares Campaign. All events are open to the public. ESTANCIA CARES COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Available now through December 31 TABLES MATTER WITH FROSTED HOME November 9, 8:00am – 5:00pm REGALO HOLIDAY BAZAAR December 3, 9:00am – 6:00pm December 4, 9:00am – 6:00pm December 5, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Wexel Art Displays Grab Attention Taking place at High Point Market in June of 2021, Wexel Art Displays showcased its beautiful new line, and caught the eye of “Style Spotters” Breegan Jane and Keia McSwain who spotted their record album and scarf frames as one of the newest trends in design. It was also recognized in the exclusive Trend Watch display, having Maggie Macdonald’s “Just the Essentials” framed in the new debut of stunning color-sided shadow box designers. Wexel Art Displays are a contemporary way to showcase art, photos and memorabilia in sleek, acrylic floating frames, shadow boxes and framed art. wexelart.com 64 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
design
SPOTLIGHT
Austin Ranked Fifth Best Street Art Hotspot
Emerging on the streets in the 1970s, graffiti was seen by many as an act of vandalism. Over the years, graffiti became seen as an art form and street art is now prevalent wherever you go, with many cities offering tours and Instagrammers using murals as backdrops. Leading online art gallery SINGULART pulled together hashtag and engagement data from Linkfluence to discover the street art hotspots, according to social media. Austin ranks fifth as the best city for street art in the United States. blog.singulart.com COURTESY OF VISIT AUSTIN
The Evolution of Home Design Please join designers, builders, realtors and savvy homeowners during Austin Design Week for an exciting panel discussion about Austin’s changing home design ethos. Moderated by Anita Erickson with Marketplace ATX, the panel topic is “The Evolution of Home Design: How It’s Changing and Why.” Panelists include Lieve Saether, owner and lead designer at Turnstyle Design, Carina Coel, principal architect and owner at Restructure Studio, Wells Mason, founder of Ironwood Industries, and Nikos Papadopoulos, founding principal of landscape architecture firm Furrow Studio. Acknowledging a wide range of influencing factors, including the pandemic, global warming, local culture and emerging technologies, these seasoned professionals will talk about the past, present and future of Austin design. Mark your calendars for Monday, November 8, 2021 from 1:30-2:30pm. The panel discussion location
COURTESY OF RESTRUCTURE STUDIO, IMAGE BY MICHAEL HSU PHOTOGRAPHY
is Curated Home & Jewelry at 3301 Steck Avenue in north Austin. There’s plenty of parking and it’s free to attend. For more information, visit www.austindesignweek.org or contact Anita Erickson at anita@steponeenterprises.com.
The World As Your Market Homeware brand August Sage was born out of a passion for exploring a world of masterful pieces and bringing them into lived spaces. Founder Rowena Lei, of Austin, has an endless desire to travel and discover unique histories and design, and works with artisans from Mexico to Africa to create homemade pieces for the home. Each August Sage piece carries with it a story spanning generations and lasts a lifetime. The team behind the brand aims to establish positive and impactful relationships with diverse communities across the world to bring special pieces that reflect the timeless qualities of each group. augustsage.com OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
65
ADVERTISER INDEX
ART GALLERY
Haven Design & Construction www.havendesignandconstructio.com 210-996-9494
Tiemann Art Gallery www.tagroundrock.com 512-551-9774
INTERIOR DESIGN
ASSOCIATIONS
Bella Villa Design www.bellavillads.com 512-443-3200
Austin NARI www.austinnari.org 512-375-2601
Designology www.adriangalvan.com 210-317-9982
NARI San Antonio www.remodelsanantonio.org 210-826-7200
Haven Design & Construction www.havendesignandconstructio.com 210-996-9494
BUILDING SUPPLIES TimberTown www.timbertown.com 512-528-8112
KITCHEN & BATH Expressions Home Gallery www.expressionshomegallery.com Austin: 512-454-4526 San Antonio: 210-349-7878
CUSTOM CLOSETS Container Store www.containerstore.com Austin: 512-349-0555 San Antonio: 210-341-7848
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery www.fergusonshowrooms.com Austin: 512-445-5140, 512-382-2032 San Antonio: 210-344-3013
CUSTOM GLASS DESIGN Wimberley Glassworks www.wgw.com 512-393-3316
LIGHTING Lights Fantastic www.lightsfantastic.com 512-452-9511
FLOORING & TILE The Tile Shop www.tileshop.com
OUTDOOR LIVING
FURNISHINGS & DESIGN Frosted Home www.frostedhomestyle.com 210-826-1993
Summer Classics www.summerclassicshome.com Austin: 512-953-2650 San Antonio: 210-223-4610
HOME REMODELING
WINDOW COVERINGS & AWNINGS
Bes Builder www.besbuilder.com 512-351-0258
Austintatious Blinds and Shutters www.austintatiousblinds.com 512-608-0302
Boerne Kitchens and Baths www.boernekitchensandbaths.com 830-446-1506
Vista Shade Co. www.vistashadeco.com 210-571-7178
HomeDesignDecorMag.com 66 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021
LOCAL SERVICE. EXPERT DESIGN.
Pirouette® with PowerView® Motorization The PowerView® App and additional equipment required for programmed operation.
12918 Shops Parkway, Suite 700 Bee Caves, TX 78738 | 512.608.0302 austintatiousblinds.com
