Designing a House to Call Home
The Home issue has always been one of my favorites. I love looking at what's new and figuring out how I might incorporate it into my home. You'd think, having owned nine different houses across the country and abroad, I'd be tired of it, but I'm not. Do I want to get on my hands and knees to scrape up old floors myself? No, I am content not to be as hands-on at this stage in my life. However, I still have ideas I'd like to try, so can I direct others on what to do? Ah, you bet.
So which comes first: the art or the house? I prescribe to the notion that your home should be liveable art. This means art that you and those you share the space with are comfortable with. What that means to you will be as individual as you are.
A single item, color, or combination thereof might inspire you. I once had to decide what interior colors to use for an entire new house in one day while I was in a different state from that house. My inspiration came from the rug I was sitting on. I drew from its familiar and time-tested color scheme, which ended up providing comfort to my family as we entered a new phase of our lives. So, I'd say go ahead and start with the art whenever you find something that speaks to you. Your inspiration can change as you move through the world and are influenced by it; that's how you develop your style, but rarely will you ever wholly depart from it. I'm at a point in life where I appreciate collaboration and gaining new ideas. It would be a joy to sit down and explain my vision to someone else and have them run with it. People like Nina Magon, Ronald Enriquez, and Rob Black who each know their business and have the wisdom to spare.
This month's issue is full of stories about people who can inspire and help you no matter where you are on your journey. Enjoy them all!
ALISON KARTEVOLD, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Alison Kartevold | Alison.Kartevold@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jo Hammon | jo.hammon@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Tonya Butler | Tonya.Butler@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Delaney Baysinger | delaneybaysinger@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Alison Kartevold
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Nina Magon Studio
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
inside the issue
Bath Pro’s Rob Black says beautiful tile should be covering quality parts and workmanship Featured 14 20 24 30 20
Local Art for Your Home
The Greater Conroe Arts Festival highlights the variety of talent the area has
Redefining Luxury Design
Houston Based Nina Magon Studio’s bold rebrand and global expansion
Livable Remodel Trends
Finding the balance between what’s new and what’s you.
Quality Bathroom Trends
The WD Residence, designed by Nina Magon Studio, showcases a visionary blend of traditional architectural grandeur and contemporary sophistication, resulting in a residence that exudes timeless elegance and modern flair.
Nina Magon Studio
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: The Conroe Lake Conroe Chamber held its Chairman’s Ball at Margaritaville Lake Resort. 2: It was an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, magical fun, and incredible company. 3: State Representative Will Metcalf joined the celebration with Chamber President Scott Harper. 4: Randy Barcus of Consolidated Communications, Inc. found himself in lovely company. 5: Scott Harper joined outgoing Chairman Jennifer Millington and incoming Chairman Clint Nichols. Good luck, Clint! 6: After dinner, entertainment was found at the “for fun only” casino tables and dance floor. 7: Truly a night in the “Enchanted Garden!”
ROUNDUP OF
The Modern Skein has moved to Conroe
Montgomery County’s only yarn and fiber shop for knitters and crocheters has relocated from downtown Montgomery to a new space in Conroe. “This move not only brings us closer to many of our customers, but the new space also allows for more shoppers, expanded hours, more classes, and events!” states Sharon Graff, Owner and long-time Conroe Resident. 1909 Longmire Road, Suite H-4. Conroe, TX 77304 themodernskein.com
Lama Mediterranean and Latin Grill Opens in Conroe
This is where the rich flavors of Mediterranean, Persian, and Latin cuisines come together in a unique fusion experience. Located in Conroe, the business offers a delicious blend of traditional dishes and bold flavors. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, flavorful bites, and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for everything from casual meals to celebrations. 721 W. Davis St., Conroe lamamediterranean.com
Oscar’s Bistro Opens Permanent Location
After running a successful food truck in Montgomery County, the Gonzalezs are ready to take up permanent residence in Montgomery. The new restaurant offers a variety of chef-inspired casual menu items, including crab cakes, pork belly deviled eggs, truffle fries, and fried chicken, all homemade from scratch. The business will continue to offer catering services as well. 107 Old River Road, Ste. I, Montgomery
Panicafe is Expanding to Woodforest
This European-style restaurant and bakery is opening at Pine Market. Founded in 2015, Panicafe is well established in Argentina and Spain, but this is only its second shop in the U.S. From the coffee to its freshly baked goods, it is designed to offer a sensory experience that transports you to a European café. It offers pastries made with natural sourdough yeast and artisan bread, including croissants, bagels, and sandwiches. 859 Pine Market Ave., Ste. 200A, Montgomery panicafetx.com
Our Award Winning Neighbors
The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Celebration has earned global recognition, winning the Communitas Award for Excellence in Community Service, Company Service, and Community Partnership. The Communitas Awards are an international effort to recognize exceptional businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to serving their communities. The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Celebration was a yearlong tribute commemorated five decades of vision, innovation, and excellence, culminating in a week of community-wide festivities in October last year. Way to go, guys!
The Greater Conroe Arts Festival highlights the variety of talent the area has to offer
Look around your home. If you see a space that needs some art to set the mood and define your style, or if you are looking for a family activity that can inspire you or your child, then we have just the event for you: The Greater Conroe Arts Festival.
The festival, a cornerstone event of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance since 1993, showcases Montgomery County's rich artistic tapestry. With 21 participating arts organizations representing diverse genres, such as performance, visual, literary, and cultural arts, the festival promises a multi-faceted experience for attendees of all ages.
Held in Conroe’s charming Historic District downtown, the festival features a diverse array of local and Texas-based artists showcasing their talents across various artistic disciplines. From paintings and sculptures to live music and theatrical performances, the festival offers a feast for the senses, an opportunity to discover unique artworks, and a chance to connect with the creative community.
Activities will take place throughout the festival. At 3:00 p.m., the Founders Stage will host an Arts Auction featuring artwork created by local and national artists during the festival. The Owen Theatre will also present 10-minute plays throughout the festival for everyone’s enjoyment, and there will be competitions for the public to participate in.
If you have an eye for international fine art, make sure you stop at the Conroe Art League. For the past ten years, it has held its International Fine Art Competition and Exhibition, which aligns with the festival. The winner will be announced at an awards reception on March 22nd at 6:00 p.m., and cash awards totaling $5,500 will be awarded at that time.
Award-winning artist Zaeed Kala, originally from Mauritius, is this year’s judge. He has already selected 70 pieces from multiple countries as finalists for the 2025 show. You can see all the finalists' entries at the festival and on display throughout the month of March in the Madeley Fine Art Gallery located at 127 Simonton St, Conroe, TX.
Furthermore, the following weekend, the Greater Conroe Arts Film Festival will occur on Saturday, April 5th, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Owen Theatre. Tickets are available on the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance website.
Opposite Left Top: Sidewalk chalk art taken to a new level.
Opposite Left Bottom: Artists representing various mediums offer demonstrations.
Opposite Right Top: Painting by Conroe Art League member Debra Riley Above: Multiple fine arts vendors fill the streets.
...ADORN YOUR HOME WITH A STATEMENT PIECE, ENGAGE IN HANDS-ON ARTISTIC ACTIVITIES, OR SOAK UP THE CREATIVE ATMOSPHERE...
The Greater Conroe Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization that actively promotes and supports arts and cultural organizations and events in the Greater Conroe area, which boasts a rich cultural heritage. The Alliance firmly believes that participating in and supporting the arts benefits the entire community by providing both economic growth and a culturally enriching experience.
Whether you're looking to adorn your home with a statement piece, engage in hands-on artistic activities, or soak up the creative atmosphere, the Greater Conroe Arts Festival promises an unforgettable experience. Bring your family and friends and join in this annual celebration of the arts!
GREATER CONROE ARTS FESTIVAL FAQ
• The Festival is FREE!
• Where is the Festival located?
The Festival is located in Downtown Conroe at Founder’s Plaza. The best address for your GPS is 205 Metcalf St., Conroe, TX 77301
• What time is the Festival?
The Festival is from 10 AM - 4 PM
• Where is the best place to park?
Downtown Conroe has tons of parking within walking distance of the festival. There is street parking near the Festival plus two Free Parking Garages at: The Montgomery County Parking Garages
350 Simonton St. | Conroe, Texas 77301
511 N. Main St. | Conroe, Texas 77301
• Will there be things for the kiddos to do? Yes! It will have a Kids' Art Village with tons of fun things to do! Inside the Kids Art Village, you will find a 4ft by 8ft interactive Mural, a Take-Home Art Project, a Music Petting Zoo, a Lego build-along, and so much more!
MEMBERS OF THE GREATER CONROE ARTS ALLIANCE
INCLUDE:
• Avanzare Vocal Ensemble: A Conroebased singing ensemble performing both standard and contemporary choral music. Brandon Ramos is the conductor and artistic director.
• Christian Youth Theater (CYT): An afterschool musical theater arts training program for students ages 4-18.
• Conroe Art League (CAL): A nonprofit organization offering art education classes in many mediums.
• Conroe Live, Inc.: Provides literary, scientific, arts, entertainment, educational, and cultural events to Conroe and Texas.
• Conroe Symphony Orchestra: A community orchestra founded in 1997, composed of professional and amateur musicians.
• Crighton Theatre Foundation: A historic theater built in 1934, home to Stage-Right Productions, Montgomery County Performing Arts Society, Sounds of Texas Music Series, and Christian Youth Theatre.
• Friends of the Flag Foundation: Showcases Montgomery County as the birthplace of the Lone Star Flag.
• Golden Needles Quilt Guild: A charitable organization serving women and children of Montgomery County by providing scholarships and donating quilts.
• Grace Pointe Dance: Offers various dance classes and competition teams for ages four and up.
Left : Artists’ work while you watch or model.
Top: Painting by Conroe Art League member Elena Martino
Bottom: Students fill the air with live Jazz music
• Heritage Museum of Montgomery County: Features exhibits that chronicle the county’s roots and it is housed in the historic Grogan/Cochran home.
• Indie Films Foundation: Supports the Indie Film Industry by producing movies and teaching filmmaking.
• Jazz Connection: A non-profit organization with a jazz ensemble for young musicians from our area's junior high and high schools.
• Montgomery County Choral Society: A non-profit organization formed in 1972 to bring choral music to Montgomery County.
• Montgomery County Genealogical and Historical Society: Locates, researches, preserves and publishes genealogical and historical records.
• Montgomery County Historical Commission: Promotes the local community’s cultural aspect, including history within the realm of the arts.
• Montgomery County Literary Arts Council: Hosts distinguished writers and poets for the citizens of Montgomery County.
• Players Theatre Company: Offers seven main stage productions each year at the Owen Theatre.
• Stage Right: A non-profit community theater organization offering six productions yearly and Bravo Company, a children's performing arts school.
• The Art of Music Studio: Offers year-round private lessons, group classes, and summer camps for various instruments and music genres.
• The Woodlands Show Chorus: An auditioned acappella chorus that strives for musical excellence.
• Young Texas Artists Music Competition: An official state music competition encouraging excellence in young musicians pursuing a career in classical music.
Top : Work by Conroe Art League member Loraine Tomon
RIght: Houston Children’s Youth Theater takes pictures with aspiring thespians and Frozen Fans.
Bottom: Work by Conroe Art League member Annette Howe
REDEFINING LUXURY
ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD PHOTOGRAPHY BY NINA MAGON STUDIO
HOUSTON BASED NINA MAGON STUDIO’S BOLD REBRAND AND GLOBAL EXPANSION
The Nina Magon Studio's client list encompasses individuals and companies from Conroe to Dallas and Houston to Milan. Now
Nina Magon, an internationally renowned designer in Houston celebrated for her visionary collaborations with luxury brands such as Balmain and Saks Fifth Avenue, has unveiled a complete rebranding of her namesake studio. This comprehensive transformation includes a striking new visual identity and logo, reflecting the studio's evolution as a leader in ultra-luxury interior design.
This exciting New Chapter in the Studio’s Legacy showcases a sharpened focus on transformative design and elevating the future of global luxury. The rebrand coincides with the studio's expansion into new luxury markets, including aviation and yacht design.
Nina Magon Studio has also embarked on a landmark $20MM development project: 19 luxury townhomes in a prestigious Houston neighborhood. Designed and developed exclusively by Magon, these three-story residences, ranging from 2,300 to 3,000 square feet, offer exclusive amenities and start at $1.2 million. This project exemplifies Magon's commitment to elevating luxury residential design.
"We're not just rebranding; we're redefining what it means to be a luxury design firm. Our new identity is a testament to our unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence. It is a reflection of our journey, a testament to our growth,” says the studio's principal, Nina Magon.
Since 2008, Nina Magon Studio has been synonymous with bold, boundary-pushing designs that transcend trends. This rebrand reaffirms the studio's continued growth and influence within the luxury design industry, showcasing an entirely fresh yet sophisticated aesthetic that embodies the convergence of art, fashion, and architecture.
Nina Magon, the founder and principal of Nina Magon Studio, believes designing luxury interiors isn’t defined by extravagance. Instead, it embodies refined taste, impeccable craftsmanship, and a seamless fusion of beauty and functionality. It’s about curating spaces that transcend trends and embrace timelessness.
“Interior designers play a pivotal role in translating visions of opulence into reality,” states Magon. “Their expertise in selecting sumptuous materials, envisioning architectural marvels, and orchestrating harmonious designs is what elevates a space from mere grandeur to artistry.”
Nina - photographed by Jay Marroquin
LIVABLE REMODEL TRENDS
Finding the balance between what’s new and what’s you.
ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Let's be honest: no matter how much we love our homes and their decor, as the seasons change, new products, innovations, and designs will eventually catch our attention. What once felt perfect may now need a refresh.
Ronald Enriquez, owner of Classic Floors and More, has been connecting good people with quality products for decades in Montgomery County. His expertise goes beyond fleeting trends; he has witnessed them come and go, only to return in new forms. The key to navigating trends is determining how closely you want to follow them and then keeping pace.
Enriquez has been in business long enough now to do repeat remodels. He has returned to some homes not for repair work but because of changing tastes and times. "Don't get me wrong; I love repeat customers. They keep us in business," says Enriquez, "but if you are determined to stay on top of every trend, it is going to be expensive.” To lower costs, you can match yearly trends by changing a room’s paint colors, interior decor, or light fixtures, but before you target things like cabinets, countertops, and flooring, make sure the trends really suit your style.
Ronald remembers a home with property in semi-rural Conroe where he installed practical one-foot square tiles throughout the living space when the house was built in 1999. Fast forward two decades, and he returned to find a new owner, wanting everything ripped up and replaced with engineered hardwood.
There was nothing structurally wrong with the floor, but it was both off-trend and off-style for the new owner, which made it the perfect time for an overhaul. "That is actually how I got the job," says Enriquez. "The new owners were impressed with the quality of our work. It was right there under their feet. Twenty years later, not a single tile was loose."
I asked Ronald to share his experience and compare what homeowners here are looking for this year to how it aligns with what is trending nationwide.
The 2025 trends embrace complexity and visual depth through strategically mixing colors, textures, and materials within the same space. Designers want homeowners to explore creative combinations that add visual interests that define different areas of their living spaces. Enriquez says, "In carpets, we are getting more requests to remove the frieze-style carpet that has been popular in past years and install patterned carpets, which definitely plays into that."
Designers are also calling for a return to nature, and Enriquez says that trend is well underway here. "People are removing their dark floors and moving toward lighter, natural tones. They also incorporate organic textures and natural materials, or ones that look natural, and adopt earth-toned color palettes, which are becoming increasingly popular.”
These color palettes also apply to paints. The days when cool grays ruled all are waning. "True," says Enriquez, “Instead, they want warmer, soft grays and, again, lighter natural colors."
Uniformity continues to fall out of favor. Variations are expressed through texture or subtle pops of color within warm palettes throughout the interior. Designers are pushing bold green cabinets to occupy the kitchen space this year. Shades range from calming sage to vibrant emerald, and these colors bring energy and freshness to the hearths of their homes.
Companies are encouraging a mix of colors and textures in their fixtures, including glass and metal, saying it adds depth and character to a space that extends into cabinetry. Modern-traditional and slab-front cabinets offer low-maintenance options and a clean line. Warm tones like orange and terracotta are increasingly popular and create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. At the same time, blues and greens stand out for their ability to establish a calm yet energetic kitchen setting. These are all things that are already showing up in the Conroe market.
"My high-end clients at Classic Floors and More are on trend with their remodels but don't tend to be worried about being defined by trends," says Enriquez. "Like most Texans, they want to be comfortable living in their homes first. Ultimately, it will be their taste first and trends second."
“PEOPLE ARE REMOVING THEIR DARK FLOORS AND MOVING TOWARD LIGHTER, NATURAL TONES,” SAYS RONALD ENRIQUEZ.
QUALITY Bathroom Trends
BATH PRO’S ROB BLACK SAYS BEAUTIFUL TILE SHOULD BE COVERING QUALITY PARTS AND WORKMANSHIP
ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE TILE SHOP
Minimal glass and sloping floors to the drain with large tile are on trend.
Tile and fixtures offer a plethora of options when it is time to update your bath, but make sure you are not just following trends but the advice of a qualified professional. Failing to do so can cost you dearly.
Places like The Tile Shop can provide the perfect visuals to wrap your project in all the trending styles, but first, we need to discuss what’s going on underneath.
“The shower system is very technical, and it can cause a lot of damage if not built properly,” says Rob Black, the Owner of Conroe Bath Pro, a local contractor. “People make a big mistake when they are shopping by price. A cheap shower that leaks is far more expensive than a properly built one.”
You don’t want to go through the expense and inconvenience of a remodel just to have a leak in three to five years and have to do it again. According to Black, “If you can see the edges of your tile or you don’t have caulk on all corners, then you don’t have a quality shower. If you keep getting mildew in the corners then water is leaking behind the tile. It may be leaking into the walls.”
So before you get ahead of yourself choosing the pretty wrapping, first make sure you choose a quality contractor and make sure a warranty comes with the products and workmanship. This is true even if you are building new. Black says, “If you are building a house, insist on a namebrand name shower system or even select the contractor to install the shower and tile throughout the house.”
White marble and marble-look tile are classics that are always in style and the large cutouts are trending.
Filetto Camel tile, this fluted and raisedpattern wood-look tile is another popular design trend this year.
“What is behind the tile, is far more important than the tile itself. The most expensive shower is the one that leaks and has to be rebuilt, which happens way too often. If your contractor isn’t using shower systems from Schluter, Laticrete, Wedi, or HydroBlok, then you don’t have a warranty,” says Black. “These manufacturers provide up to a lifetime warranty against leaks, and they take much less time to install, which offsets the higher material costs. Unfortunately, most contractors and almost all of the builders are installing cement backer boards and not sealing them properly.
Look for contractors who are members of the National Tile Contractors Association and look at their Google Reviews.”
Once you’ve done that, it’s time for the fun stuff. Here are some of the trends in bathroom remodels.
Black says, “The trend in bathrooms is larger tile with fewer grout lines. Porcelain tile looks just like high-end stone and comes in common sizes of 24” x 48”, yet the cost per square foot is the same as smaller tiles. These larger tiles make it easier to clean and maintain the shower. Porcelain is completely waterproof, unlike natural stone, and is harder than steel.”
To be on trend, any new shower must have large niches for storing your products. Black says another common trend is to remove the bathtub in the master bathroom and build a large walk-in shower with little or no glass to clean. It creates a larger more open feel to the space.
“We make these showers with a very low curb or even curbless so they are easier to access, and there’s often benches with sliding shower heads. This allows older clients to stay in their homes much longer, or it makes it a convenient place to wash your dog.”
“The most expensive shower is the one that leaks and has to be rebuilt, which happens way too often.”
If an elderly client can stay in their home rather than move to an assisted living facility for even a few more months, the savings can actually pay for the renovations. Adding heat is a luxury you might not think of at first, but you should consider it. Black says it’s something that people ultimately really enjoy.
The larger tiles require perfectly flat walls and a little more planning for the layout, so again, hiring the cheapest contractor may not save you money in the end.
“We’ve added heated floors and benches, heated towel racks, and heated jacuzzi tubs inside the shower, making the floor waterproof and sloped to the drain. While most people can’t imagine why they would want a heated floor in Texas, the clients that have installed them rave about stepping on a warm floor in the morning.”
Not to mention the heated seats for your derriere.
Beautifully textured 3D tiles will create an artistic feel to your bathroom with elegant movement and charm.
Zellige Alabaster Gloss tile is handmade, giving it unique variations in color and shape.
MARCH 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 15TH & 16TH
Wellness Expo
The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, 9055 Airport Rd, Conroe | 11:00 AM
Well-loved in North Texas since 1994, the Wellness Expo promotes the lifestyles of natural health and personal and spiritual growth. The Houston area expo will feature over 75 exhibitors and 24 lectures. It offers vendors the perfect place to demonstrate products and services to a like-minded audience.
MARCH 27TH - 30TH
Lone Star Luau 2025
Margaritaville on Lake Conroe, 600 Margaritaville, Park Way, Montgomery, TX 77356
Shake off the winter blues and join hosts Thom Shepherd and Coley McCabe for a three-day tropical luau in paradise! CMA of Texas Songwriter of the Year Thom Shepherd and Country recording artist Coley McCabe welcome a stellar lineup of Texas Country and Trop Rock artists along with Nashville Songwriters for a four-day festival of music and fun in paradise!
MARCH 29TH
Montgomery Music & Mudbugs 2025
1097 McCaleb Road | Montgomery, TX 77316 | 1:00 PM
Gulf Coast Fiber Services presents this year’s festival featuring artists Pat Green, Shenandoah, Josh Weathers, Wayne Toups, Scooter Brown Band, Trent Cowie ...and more! The fun will include food trucks, vendors, and a kids’ zone. Ticket Info: $35 - Advance General Admission ($40 Day of Show) $10 - Ages 12 and under Ages 3 and under are Free
www.haleygarciagroup.com www.grpropertygroup.com
