ABOVE: The Eastwood home artist/designer/architect Roberto Cervantes exhibits clever creative touches at every turn. The arched built-in cabinet is original to the kitchen, which is painted a wasabi-like green. The colorful objects on the shelves complement the striped table, designed by Roberto.
OPPOSITE: The stair landing was added during renovation, replacing a small doorway that opened to steep attic stairs. A new stairway was also constructed in order to match the original oak wood floors throughout and to make the steep angle less severe. The painting is by Ryan Gieger.
Craftsman with a Twist
Houston designer creates a nature-inspired bungalow redo Story & Photography by SARAH GANDY
Back in 2006, designer Roberto Cervantes decided to buy his 1920s bungalow in Eastwood for practical purposes as much as anything. “The house had been renovated in 2005 and all the electrical and plumbing had been redone,” says Roberto, “That meant I could get an inspection on it, get a mortgage approved and move right in.” All of these were essential elements for Roberto who was looking to move not only his home, but also his business from of a rented loft space. Another key characteristic of the property: there was ample space in the backyard for Roberto to build a separate studio for his multi-faceted design business. “There was nothing wrong with the house,” says Roberto. “Most peo70
ple would say it was fine.” And yet, for the designer and artist, best known publicly for his restaurant interiors, such as Barnaby’s, T’afia, Coppa, and Brasserie 19, the home still needed some refinements. Though the ideas for the house would start flowing quickly, any renovations would have to wait. “I moved in and decided to stabilize my business in the home first,” says Roberto. “Meanwhile I designed and built the studio behind the house, paying for that as I went along. Once that building was complete I was able to move my business there and begin work on the house itself. I didn’t do any renovations until 18 months after I moved in.”
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