hhh_0312_rda_tour_homefea

The Nyquists 1937 redbrick Georgian-inspired home is a wonderfully demure example of River Oaks’ early days. Sublime and stately, the two-story residences is well-proportioned with windows distributed symmetrically, and one Oculus window above front door, lending a third eye of sorts to the face of the home.

By SANDRA COOK | Photos by PAUL HESTER When Judy and Scott Nyquist relocated to Houston from London 14 years ago, they landed in a River Oaks relic, a 1937 Georgian-inspired two-story on the superbly scenic stretch of Kirby Drive. The home is quite handsome and notably understated amidst its neighbors on this oftogled, oak-lined boulevard.

But the quiet, respectful exterior serves as something of a chocolate coating encasing the Nyquist’s delicious mélange—complex and curious artworks amidst colorful, contemporary and comfortable furnishings. Judy Nyquist, who studied art history at University of Michigan and Northwestern, takes pride in the livable art experience that has evolved at their home. Each room resembles an art gallery, yet no room is untouchable or forbidden. Family and guests may lounge and linger (and do so often).

The idea of preserving a 1930s home only to fill it with a young family and a dynamic array of art may be unfamiliar to some, but not

London transplants inspired by Houston’s vibrant local art community dare to transform a historical home in River Oaks with equal parts dignity and delight LEFT: In Judy and Scott Nyquist’s casual living area, art, color and family life find harmony. An abstract exploration of color and pattern by Houston’s late Robin Utterback hangs behind Knoll’s Womb Chair in crimson red. The low-profile sofa allows the outdoor scene to enhance the space, while movable, modular tables morph to accommodate various activities and refreshments. Photo by Julie Soefer.

25

to Judy Nyquist. “The concept of a contemporary insertion into old building as a sensibility is common in the UK and all over Europe,” says Judy. “It happens a lot in central London, so that was a very familiar aesthetic to me.”

SOLD ON ART “I’ve really always had a desire to collect,” says Judy. “My studies were specialized in works on paper.”

Judy moved to London when she was engaged to Scott, who was working there, and the pair began collecting 16th-and 17th-century drawings and prints because they were small and portable, easy to move from flat to flat.

They also perused London’s local galleries, but bought the majority of their collection at auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Bonhams.

After moving to Houston, the Nyquist’s collection of contemporary pieces expanded dramatically in response to the vibrant contemporary art community in Houston. Today, their collection is largely made up of contemporary art.

“It’s actually an easy move from old master drawings to contemporary art,” says Judy.

TEARDOWN? NONSENSE. “I loved the bones of the house when I walked in,” says Judy. “I was told it was a ‘teardown’ by the real estate agent—I didn’t even know the term, because it doesn’t even exist anywhere that I had ever lived. I had also been told that Kirby Drive wasn’t an ideal place to raise young children. I had just about 24 hours to look at houses and make a decision. I told the agent, ‘I’ll take it.’”

The Nyquists employed Natayle Appel & Associates to renovate and update their 1937 River Oaks home, originally designed by William G. Farrington Company (who designed a portion of the River Oaks Shopping Center and the Lamar-River Oaks center, opposite Lamar High School).

Natalye Appel, FAIA, and her then-associate Lonnie Hoogeboom, AIA, immediately were inspired by the history and significance of the Nyquist’s collection of works on paper.

“It was the beginning of that mix of the older works and the contemporary art that was so fun and inspirational about our design process,” Appel. “We had a supRIGHT: The kitchen in the 1930s home received a major upgrade in 2000.

Maple cabinets are topped with richly hued concrete by Spirit Ridge Studios. Architect Natalye Appel designed the glass front and back cabinets above the sink area to maximize the natural light in the kitchen and allow Judy and Scott to keep watch on the pool and back yard.

26

house& home | M a r c h 2 0 1 2 | h o u s e a n d h o m e o n l i n e . com

27

porting role to the art— that was the nice thing about being involved in this project.”

“The final look of the architecture and millwork was an attempt to let the building fade into the background,” says Hoogeboom. “We introduced a lot of natural light and art-specific lighting to let the space be fairly neutral so the art could take the foreground.”

“We really went for simplicity when we renovated the house, says Judy. “The house was handsome to begin with, but we didn’t want to introduce any additional detailing,” says Judy. “I told Lonnie, ‘I want lots of natural light, but I need walls’,” laughs Judy.

Architect Lonnie Hoogeboom designed an asymmetrical set of display cases to flank the doorways between the comfortable den and the more gallery-like front living room. The cases were created for a collection of purses made to look like Hermès Kelly Bags by cardboard artist Matthew Sporzynski (whose work appears frequently in Real Simple ).

“I see the collaboration between the art and the LEFT: In the Nyquist’s gallery like front living room, Todd Brandt’s meticulous assemblage of 35mm film canisters filled with latex paint hangs above a ceramic representation of a dog bed. Two similar display cases were designed to showcase Judy’s collection of delicate cardboard purses fashioned to resemble Hermes Kelly bags by cardboard artist Matthew Sporzynski.

architecture—with the art collection going from mostly older works to more contemporary pieces—as similar to the house itself,” says Hoogeboom. “The house started as very traditional older home that evolved into a space for modern living, inhabited by a vibrant family and housing a dynamic variety of contemporary art.”

HISTORIC PROPORTIONS From the beginning Judy and Scott did not want to change the footprint of the house. “We wanted to keep the human scale,” says Judy. They didn’t want to create a residence that looked like palace for royalty, so no vast, vaulted interiors, nor ballrooms were considered.

“It has such a lovely scale from the street,” says Appel. “As architects, we are often tasked to solve problems. The front of the house had a charming, classic look, while the back was a mish-mash of later additions. We tried to respect the original footprint and work toward bringing the back view inline with the look of the front.”

The respectful renovation efforts resulted in RIGHT Much of the art collection is family appropriate. Teenagers Sarah, Jake and Jessica have grown up with their own art creations displayed amongst the many renowned artists’ works in their home. Lately, 16-year-old Jake accompanies his mom to galleries and art events and reportedly “has the collecting bug.”

the home receiving a historical designation from the City of Houston.

Initially, the Nyquists hired Natalye Appel & Associates to make a few improvements to their guest house in 1998.

Soon after, Judy and Scott worked with the firm to carefully plan and execute the major renovations on the main house that were completed in 2000. As the children grew up, and the art collection expanded, Appel & Associates were called upon once again to rework the kids’ rooms, create an office for Judy and finish out the attic as a media room.

With the attic work planned, Scott insisted on addressing the 1930s home’s energy efficiency by upgrading HVAC systems, insulation and more.

He reports the efforts have yielded 25 to 30 percent savings on utilities. “Visually the effects are invisible, but still important,” says Judy.

CURRATOR’S VISION Hoogeboom recalls the unique collaboration between the design team and the homeowners, noting that the Nyquists approached the renovations as an art project, daring to take risks in subtle ways to produce extraordinary environments for living with their art collection. An example is the Nyquists dining room. This former dark, cave-like gentleman’s study is now a RIGHT The sparsely furnished living room/galley is the first main room off the entry. The arrangement of the room allows guests (and the Nyquists) to breathe in the varied artworks and sets the tone for the art experience that awaits. Todd Brandt’s clever combination of film canisters and latex paint dominates one wall. Two Kelly green chairs flank an antique chest, which it is topped with an assortment of contemporary pieces. Photo by Julie Soefer.

30

house& home | M a r c h 2 0 1 2

delightful setting for dinners thanks to widened doorways, walls painted a cheerful pink, and the stainless steel fireplace surround envisioned by Judy and crafted by Spirit Ridge Studios.

Here, dining guests enjoy the company of a Warhol silkscreen of Marilyn Monroe and a Picasso etching depicting a woman with two children.

The front living room is also a mix of ponderous artwork and homey comforts. The room is anchored by the tiled fireplace, two Kelly green chairs alongside an antique chest and Scott’s grandfather’s wooden desk with typewriter shelf. The solid wood heirloom desk functions as a foundation for display, with various work of art perched upon and suspended above it. An old typewriter found at a junk store is a curiosity to the Nyquests teenagers and other young observers. Ample open space throughout the room allows the viewer to breathe in the art array, thus preparing guests for art experience the entire home holds in store.

It’s easy to see the playful, whimsical nature of many of the Nyquist’s pieces, but with further observation, the more intriguing intellectual elements capture the eye. Judy and Scott still admire the remarkable works on paper acquired in London, but are truly passionate about the world of contemporary art they’ve encountered in Houston.

RIGHT Landscaper Cedar Baldridge reworked the landscaping and included many artful touches into the architecture.

She worked the word “shade” in the poolside pergola, in response to Judy’s affinity for the artistic nature of text. Baldridge also custom-designed delightful gates and had unique finials hand-carved by artisans in Massachusetts. Photo by Julie Soefer.

32

house& home | M a r c h 2 0 1 2

“When I moved to Houston, I discovered an amazing, burgeoning, incredible contemporary arts scene—and it was seductive,” says Judy. “So I became very involved in not only purchasing and looking at contemporary art, but also getting involved in all the institutions. I am dedicated to working with local museums, galleries and art publications, in addition to Houston causes like the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Houston Arts Alliance and Hermann Park Conservancy. It’s funny, I’m a non-native, but I have huge pride for Houston and the many aspects it has to offer, because it was a surprise to me. It’s really delightful. We’re incredibly lucky to be here among all this with everything so accessible.”

ABOVE: British artist Lisa Milroy’s large-scale painting of spectacles greets guests just inside the front door. Houston artist Rachel Hecker’s illuminated matchstick sculpture lights up the corner as well as visitors’ faces.

34

RESOURCES ARCHITECTURE 1937 William G. Farrington Company 2010, 2000, 1998, Natalye Appel + Associates- 713.522.7992 2003, Stephanie Eugster, 713.256.6600 (Guest House) GENERAL CONTRACTOR Dovetail Builders, dovetailbuild.com, 713.665.0200 LANDSCAPING ARCHITECTURE Cedar Baldridge, Baldridge Landscape, 713.529.2646, www.baldridgelandscape.com CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS, STAINLESS FIREPLACE SURROUND Spirit Ridge Studios, Steven Dvorak, 713.768.3026, spiritridgestudios.com WINDOWS Pella, 713.572.6444

OPPOSITE (above): The former wood-paneled study was converted into a cheery dining space by expanding the doorway and painting the walls a delicious shade of pink. The glass-topped table and simple, black chairs keep the artwork in the spotlight.

CARPENTRY Trim Contracting, Richard Juroska, 281.331.0656

OPPOSITE (below): A neon Ice cream cone beams a happy glow over the comfortable seating area that overlooks the backyard and pool.

WOOD FLOORS Floors, Etc., 713.880.8888

house& home | M a r c h 2 0 1 2 | h o u s e a n d h o m e o n l i n e . com

35