River Oaks, TX March 2024

BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN

MARCH 23-24 2024

10 AM TO 6 PM

FEATURED ARTIST KARINA LLERGO

n 250 National & International Artists

n 19 Disciplines of Art

n Live Music & Entertainment

n Active Imagination Zone

n Frost Bank VIP Hospitality Lounge

n Art Installations & Exhibits

n Food Truck Park

n Craft Beer Garden

n Culinary Arts Stage

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

www.bayoucityartfestival.com

An Eye For Design

Happy March!  It is with great excitement that I unveil our much-anticipated annual Home Issue, a celebration of everything home that transcends the ordinary.

Our feature story, Leaders In Design , promises to be a visual feast for the discerning eye.  Written by the esteemed Diane Cowen, formerly of The Houston Chronicle, Diane takes us on an enchanting journey into the reemergence of the Leaders In Design program by the innovative team at the Houston Design District. The luminaries featured in this program are trailblazers in the world of interior design, offering fresh perspectives that redefine the boundaries of aesthetics.

Within these pages, you will also find inspiring articles featuring the craftsmanship of two local custom homebuilders, each one a master at transforming spaces which redefine the essence of luxury living.

Finally, I am delighted to present an exclusive feature on the newly opened River Oaks Salon, a sanctuary of style and indulgence. Step into a world where beauty meets sophistication and immerse yourself in the latest trends and pampering experiences that redefine the concept of self-care.

This issue is a labor of love, curated to captivate your senses and transport you to a realm where luxury is not just a lifestyle but an art form. We invite you to savor every page of this issue of River Oaks Lifestyle. Here's to a year filled with inspiration, beauty, and the unparalleled joy of indulging in the extraordinary.

SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER @RIVEROAKSLIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett

suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanne Schakett

suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kayla Shutts | kayla.shutts@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Savannah Schakett

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Diane Cowen

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lauren Holub Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

city scene

1: Cicely Reid, Travis Torrence at the Festari for Men 30th anniversary party. 2: The Junior League of Houston Community Assistance Committee awarded 17 Houston area organizations monetary grants. 3: Brian Caress & Jessica Strehlow at the Western-themed “Deep in the Heart of JFS” celebration. 4: 2024 Hometown Hero Gala chairs Julie and Scott Lile (left) pose with Nicole and Will Murphy. 5: Alexander JFS president Sandi Helfman Wolf & Steven Wolf at the Jewish Family Services gala. 6: Amy and Dr. Stephen Popp and Angie and Danny Signorelli at Interfaith’s Hometown Hero’s announcement party. 7: Joan Alexander Chesed Award-winner Greg Lewis with Sue and Milicent Lewis.

COURTESY PHOTO

STEVEN TRAYLOR

WINNER:

FINALIST:

Under $1

business monthly

Micro-retail Village Shop X Opens at Post Houston

POST Houston’s dynamic micro-retail village, Shop X, opened recently, transforming the downtown hub into Houston’s newest shopping destination. A brand-new way to shop and experience the best of Houston’s local artisans, merchants and unique finds, Shop X provides a platform for Houston’s large and rich base of small retailers and provides shoppers with a curated selection of over 15 premier local retailers and shops, tailored specifically for Houstonians.

Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott launched its first-ever collaboration, a joint apparel and jewelry collection with global denim brand  Wrangler®. The limited-edition  Wrangler® x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott collection features signature Kendra Scott silhouettes and inlaid gemstones. This product line presents both jewelry and apparel, a first for the Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott brand, and celebrates ranch culture, the natural environment of the Southwest and the spirit of its hard-working people.

Gorjana Opens its Third Houston Location in Rice Village

Founded in 2004, the Rice Village store is the brand’s 65th location, with many more on the way in 2024 Gorjana’s newest location is an exciting milestone for the brand as it continues its regional and statewide expansion, marking its ninth store in Texas. At the 1,386-square-foot store in the heart of the University Place neighborhood, shoppers can browse the nationally-recognized brand’s popular designs, ranging from everyday to fine necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more.

Photography by Post Houston

Photography by Kendra Scott

Where eminence meets exclusivity.

For more than 85 years, it’s been our privilege to assist the most prominent members of Houston society in establishing their legacies to become part of our city’s extraordinary heritage. Only at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons can you create a remarkable final tribute that exemplifies your place in Houston’s history, guaranteed.

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Landscaper

Strong Landscaping stronglandscaping.com | 713.469.4449

Hogue Landscape Services hoguels.com | 713.360.6924

Blackstar Landscaping Houston blackstarlandscaping.com | 832.464.6669

Core Landscape Group corelandscapegroup.com | 713.688.2673

Helms Landscape Design helmslandscapedesignllc.com | 713.367.4644

Pest Services

Pestop houstonpestop.com | 713.896.8850

Berrett Pest Control berretthomeservices.com | 281.712.1608

Natural Care Pest Control naturalcarepestcontrol.com | 346.815.2738

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Long Point Pest Control longpointpest.com | 713.468.2883

Samson Pest and Termite Services samsonpest.com | 281.698.0085

In a short 14 days, our agent with Nan and Company Properties assisted in closing 3 varied properties: a townhouse in Rice Military, a mid-rise condo across from the beautiful Buffalo Bayou, and a home on acreage in a country estate neighborhood. I strongly recommend Nan and Company Properties and their team of extremely talented agents.

J.

Honestly, there isn’t enough good things I could say about them. They got us into our beautiful new first home within a month or two and supported us every step of the way. Whether it’s selling, buying, renting, anything. We are so happy we chose Nan and Company Properties!

SIX HOUSTON INTERIOR DESIGNERS ARE INDUCTED INTO CITY’S PRESTIGIOUS PROGRAM

Leaders in Design

ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN

Cathy Chapman blended vintage, antique and new furnishings and accessories in this family room. Photo by Tria Giovan

Leaders In Design, the program that for more than a decade has honored Houston’s top interior designers, is back with six new honorees: Cathy Chapman, Steve Clifton, Connie LeFevre, Micqui McGowen, Teri Pugh and Rainey Richardson.

The program was started by the Houston Design Center back in 2012, but ended in 2019 with nearly 90 inductees when it lost its presenting sponsor. It’s now a product of the larger Houston Design District and has a new presenting sponsor in Stuart Rae’s Thorntree Slate, Marble and Porcelain

The first awards will be given out during a reception in his Design Center showroom in the spring, followed by monthly additions of new inductees.

A long list of past winners includes some of the city’s most notable names in design and architecture, including Lynne T. Jones – part of the first class inducted – as well as Benjamin Johnston, Nina Magon, Cheryl Baker, Anne Breux, Kara Childress and Lauren Rottet.

“While it is not the norm for us to recognize such a large group of Leaders In Design in one quarter, each of these designers is very well accomplished with a great body of work and should have been recognized as Leaders in Design a decade ago,” said Denzil Hollingsworth, managing director of the Houston Design District.

Red and white tile adds a big pop of color and style to this primary bathroom designed by Rainey Richardson of Houston - based Rainey Richardson Interiors.

Photo by French Blue Photography

HIS CLIENTS BECOME FRIENDS

Steve Clifton was certain that a career in architecture was his best path. A smart professor at the University of Houston steered him toward interior design and Steve, who has succeeded on every level, hasn’t looked back.

He founded his Scene One Interiors design firm from his bedroom 42 years ago and jokes that back then he was peddling mini-blinds. Today he has a design studio and retail storefront that caters to interior designers leaning more contemporary but has plenty to offer to traditional fans, too. He and his team handle 60 to 70 high-end custom homes a year, many of which they’re in on from the early design phase through move-in.

“Most of my jobs start with a blank piece of paper and new construction,” Steve said. “I love residential design for the person-to-person connection and I think a home should reflect who people are, not what’s pretty and what’s in.”

Photo courtesy of Steve Clifton

Steve Clifton of Scene One Interiors. Photo courtesy of Steve Clifton

Many of Steve’s clients are repeat customers and he talked about one for whom he’s designing their fifth home. He was with the clients when their architect handed over his final drawings. The wife in the couple handed them directly to Steve and said “I’ll see you in a year; I don’t want to see it until it’s done.” When Steve protested that they should be more involved, she told him that in the past her involvement may have slowed him down or held back creativity. On their fifth home together, she trusted him to get things done.

FUNCTION AND BEAUTY

Rainey Richardson, an upbeat, get-thingsdone kind of person, came to design after a short career in education. She worked as a Texas history teacher for Katy ISD for several years and shifted to interior design 23 years ago.

Soon, the detail-oriented Richardson was getting more involved in the remodeling and construction process and the scope of her design firm, Rainey Richardson Interiors , expanded. She works on new-build spec homes with builders as well as custom home design with clients, handles the details of remodeling projects and, of course, fills homes with furnishings.

She and husband, Tom, a partner in her business, have three grown daughters and three grandchildren, so she’s fully aware of the need for both function and beauty in a home.

“We are a little different in that we focus on function first. We get to know how our clients live and what they value and then design around those values and make things beautiful,” Rainey said.

So, if a family room is used for frequent game nights, furniture might need to be movable and adequate seating is important.

“Now, we live, work and celebrate in our homes and the function is even more important,” she said. “The pandemic emphasized how important home is, and I don’t see that going away.”

Richardson designed this home at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Here, a balcony patio feels like part of a treehouse with a lake view. Photo by Gordon Greg

DESIGN AND SHOWROOMS

Connie LeFevre followed her high school sweetheart to Louisiana for college, married and then followed him to Houston, for his job in the energy industry. She’d already studied business, but after settling in Houston, she signed up for courses that spoke to her heart: fine art and interior design.

Today, Connie and her husband, Ross, have three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and she manages a busy design studio plus two

showrooms at the Houston Design Center: Design House and Fabric House, where she sells hundreds of brands of furnishings, lighting, accessories and fabric. Design House opened in 2002 and Fabric House opened in 2011.

“When I went back to school and studied what I wanted to do, I started wondering, ‘Is this too frivolous? Is this really what I should do?’ Then I realized that interior design positively affects how people live, and I got really good at it,” Connie said.

This home's cozy library has plenty of places to sit and read . The home was designed by Connie LeFevre. Photo by Kimberly Gavin Photography

Visitors to this condo designed by Connie LeFevre are greeted with black lacquered double doors and a stunning entry with a sheepskin fur bench and antique mi

Photo by Emily Minton Redfield

STAYING AHEAD OF TRENDS

When Micqui McGowen was in college, holiday and summer jobs were automatic – working for Kitchen and Bath Concepts , a specialty showroom and design firm founded in 1986 by her mother, Peggy McGowen, a legend in Houston’s design community.

Eventually, Micqui and her sister were partners with her mother, but Micqui now owns the showroom on her own, using the skills she has learned through 34 years of experience. Her team works on 20 to 30 projects a year, some directly with clients, and some with designers who bring in projects that are bigger, more complex and within the luxury market.

“A good kitchen design will last a lot of years. A lot of the advances are the technology that’s being integrated into the kitchen,” Micqui said. “Now you have to be able to pivot to stay in business. I learned that from my mother: “always stay in the forefront and always be ready to pivot.”

Micqui McGowen of Kitchen and Bath Concepts was the lead designer on this kitchen project with LBJ Construction.

Photo by LBJ Construction

Micqui McGowen of Kitchen and Bath Concepts. Photo courtesy of Micqui McGowen

BESPOKE STYLE

Cathy Chapman lived all over the country as her dad’s job as an Alcoa executive meant frequent moves. Always, Houston was an anchoring city since she came here frequently to visit her maternal grandparents.

She married a native Houstonian and arrived for good with degrees from Vanderbilt University the New York School of Interior Design. Though her husband died six years ago, Cathy’s two sons and five grandchildren live here.

While she does some hospitality and commercial design in her Chapman Design firm, Cathy’s focus is on residential design, creating unique homes that speak to clients’ personalities, mixing new things with antiques and existing furniture, too.

While recently shopping for clients in Paris, Cathy said, “I often use clients' existing furnishings and art, mixed with fun new fabrics and furniture. I have always enjoyed using antiques and love the warmth they add to a room. I truly believe having a beautiful bespoke home adds so much to a family's well being.”

A gallery wall of art decorates this space in a family room designed by Cathy Chapman of Chapman Design. Photo by Tria Giovan

ART AND ARTISTRY

Teri Pugh is happiest when she has a paintbrush in her hand, which is obvious in her art-driven approach to interior design. While she studied fine art, she always had an interest in architecture and interiors, working for a decade at her family’s business, Termeer Custom Homes.

In 2009, she opened Teri Pugh Studio and has helped dozens of clients create beautiful homes.

“My taste is fairly eclectic. I like to mix antiques and new and I like to have something unexpected in a space. It might not be a safe choice, but it makes a statement,” Teri said. “It’s a signature for me to have modern art in a space that has antiques.”

While most of her work is residential, Teri also takes on commercial jobs, such as a medical office and offices for a wealth management firm. They get a residential treatment, too, so they feel like more relaxed places to be.

An antique table provides a center work space in this kitchen designed by Houston interior designer Teri Pugh. Photo by Michael Hunter

Interior designer Teri Pugh created this home office for an ASID Gulf Coast chapter Show House. Photo courtesy of Teri Pugh

Your baby's movement and posture is important for their ongoing development, not just of motor skills, but play, social, and cognitive abilities as well!

Call or email our clinic today to schedule a FREE consultation with our PHYSICAL THERAPIST!

713-999-5358

office@foundationspediatrictherapy.com

BV @foundationspediatrictherapy 3312 Marquart St, Houston, TX 77027

INDULGENT SANCTUARY

Winfrey Design Build works with clients to build luxury custom homes in Houston.

ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WINFREY DESIGN BUILD

Winfrey Design Build, a custom home builder in Houston, is known for its thoughtful approach. It emphasizes thorough communication and well-established building processes as the cornerstones of successful projects and enduring client relationships. With decades of experience, the focus has been on crafting one-of-a-kind luxury custom homes in a collaborative process with discerning clients. In the face of challenges like cost considerations and supply chain disruptions during COVID-19, their commitment to maintaining the highest quality remains constant.

What sets Winfrey Design Build apart is a fusion of expertise in construction science and a passion for the art of building luxury homes. The company’s ideal customer appreciates a fun collaboration in creating a unique vision. With a strategic 24-meeting process, Winfrey Design Build ensures clients stay engaged and excited throughout the efficient and dynamic luxury home-building journey. winfreydesignbuild.com

RIVER OAKS SALON IS THE NEWEST FULLSERVICE HAIR SALON IN THE RIVER OAKS AREA. OWNER CASEY CLAY SHARES INSIGHT INTO HIS JOURNEY AND HOW HE STAYS AT THE FOREFRONT OF STYLE AND INNOVATION.

ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN HOLUB PHOTOGRAPHY

Stylist and River Oaks Salon owner Casey Clay, a native Texan, has over 15 years of expertise in the hair industry. Born and raised just an hour outside Houston in Catspring, Casey's childhood was filled with woodland adventures. However, his heart was set on moving to the big city, leading him to Houston in his early twenties.

Casey perfected his craft and worked new clientele as he trained with seasoned master stylists in the River Oaks area. Over a threeyear training period, he worked with three different master stylists, gaining invaluable insights and behind-the-scenes knowledge about the hair industry. Casey learned the best practices on how to deal with customers, to staying up-to-date with the latest trends, and perfecting his styling techniques. This thoughtful approach to learning the business from the inside out made it possible for him to succeed when he finally began his solo career.

PLACES WE LOVE: RIVER OAKS SALON

About six years ago, Casey prioritized his mental and physical well-being. Setting goals and saving money became his mission, with the dream of opening his own salon always at the forefront. Three years ago, his husband, a commercial real estate broker, made good on his promise to find the ideal location in River Oaks. The couple spent weekends driving to properties until they found the perfect spot. Casey knew the current location of River Oaks Salon was the right place, even when it was just concrete and sheetrock.

A firm believer in manifestation, his dreams slowly became a reality. Casey and his husband designed and built the salon themselves from start to finish. River Oaks Salon was no longer a dream; it was the result of Casey's hard work and dedication.

Nestled in River Oaks, the salon caters to the fashion-forward residents. The salon is more than just a business for Casey; it's a space thoughtfully curated to inspire the most creative and professional stylists in Houston. Casey's vision for River Oaks Salon revolves around helping stylists achieve their goals and dreams, whether financial milestones, family time, or becoming salon educators; he sees his salon as a platform for opportunities.

Owning River Oaks Salon brings Casey immense satisfaction. In a craft constantly evolving, much like fashion, he finds joy in guiding new stylists to perfect their skills. The salon fosters a collaborative environment where experienced stylists stay in tune and up-to-date with the latest trends. Casey's commitment to creating a supportive and inspiring space has transformed River Oaks Salon into a hub for stylistic excellence.

"As hair stylists, our craft is constantly evolving into something new, very much like fashion. I really enjoy guiding new stylists in perfecting their capabilities behind the chair and maintaining a collaborative environment where

experienced stylists stay up-to-date on what’s trending."

– Casey Clay, Stylist/Owner of River Oaks Salon

River Oaks Salon

3727 Westheimer Rd. Ste. A

Houston, TX 77027

713-527-7496

riveroakssalon.com

River Oaks Salon team (L to R): Stefani, Grace, Casey, Ava, and Katarina.

River Oaks Salon owner and stylist Casey Clay.

Feels Like Home

FIND

OUT HOW LEVELTX™ CAN HELP MAKE A LAKESIDE SECOND HOME A REALITY.

ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LEVELTX™

Many dream of owning a vacation home or a weekend retreat. Maybe it’s a lakeside cabin or a rustic cabin in the woods? No matter the location, LevelTx™, a luxury custom home builder in the Houston area, is dedicated to innovative design with a focus on functionality. With convenient headquarters in The Woodlands, LevelTx™ is building custom homes in the Lake Breeze and Clear View neighborhoods with access to Lake Conroe. Just a short distance from Houston, Lake Conroe is the perfect location for Houston families to make lifelong memories in a lakeside vacation home.

There are many considerations when choosing a home builder. Everything from communication to safety, materials, and the builder’s team are essential. With decades of combined experience, LevelTx™ is not only a leader in the industry, but they distinguish themselves from other custom home builders through a unique commitment to making luxury a standard feature in every home.

LevelTx™ also stays ahead of design trends, integrating cutting-edge technologies and adapting to changing lifestyles. The satisfaction of their clients and the desire to exceed their

“By consistently delivering exceptional homes, personalized service, and transparent communication, LevelTx™ creates an environment where client satisfaction is not just a goal but a standard we uphold with pride.”

– Jonathan Manzala, Marketing Manager

expectations motivate them to maintain the highest standards of craftsmanship and design. LevelTx™ sees each project as an opportunity to craft unique, luxurious lifestyles that stand the test of time.

The home-building process can be long, but LevelTx™ has a six-pronged approach to keep clients happy and engaged throughout the process. They are committed to clear communication, personalized consultations, and having a transparent process. LevelTx™ also believes in quality assurance, collaborative design, and post-purchase support. They are unique in that they believe the relationship doesn’t end with the completion of the home. They address any questions or concerns that may arise after move-in, which ensures a positive and lasting experience for their clients.  leveltx.com

THE LEVELTX DIFFERENCE

TAILORED LUXURY

LevelTx™ recognizes that their clients are not just looking for a house but a home that mirrors their success and aspirations.

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY

LevelTx™ commitment to excellence extends to using premium materials, top-notch craftsmanship, and innovative design.

PERSONALIZED SERVICE

LevelTx™ understands that the home-buying process is a personal journey. Their team provides a personalized and seamless experience, from initial consultation to the final walkthrough.

MARCH 2024

Shop Where the Designers Shop

MARCH 1ST

Brilliants, presented by Texas Ballet Theater

Bass Performance Hall | 7:30 PM

“Brilliants” features four shorter works that show the evolution of ballet over time: “Without Borders” traverses the boundaries between the neoclassical and contemporary. “Grand Pas Classique” and “Le Corsaire Pas de Deux” each showcase classical technique, artistry, and physicality. Choreographed by George Balanchine, “Rubies” is a crisp and witty neoclassical piece that sparkles as vividly as the jewel itself.

MARCH 1ST

Cirque Du Soleil - Corteo

Toyota Center | 7:30 PM

The most enchanting arena show to ever be produced is returning to Houston after six years. Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity.

MARCH 5TH

Beetlejuice the Musical

Sarofim Hall | 7:30 PM

It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. The product has an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld.

ROOFING DONE RIGHT

It is the perfect time to have the experts at Duque Roofing inspect your roof to ensure it’s performing at its best. We protect your family and give you peace of mind.

Christyna S Lewis Financial Advisor 3310 Katy Freeway Suite 330 Houston, TX 77007

MARCH 6TH

Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age

Zilkha Hall | 8:00 PM

In “Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age,” he covers all the bases: sex, death and bacchanalia, with a set list as eclectic as the man himself. Songs from Cabaret authors Kander and Ebb blend with contemporary favorites and even a self-penned paean against plastic surgery.

MARCH 13TH

I’ll Have What She’s Having Mobile Mammogram Day

3401 W TC Jester, 77018 | 9:00 AM

I’ll Have What She’s Having presents our 3rd annual Mobile Mammogram Day in partnership with The Rose. Mammograms are free of charge to restaurant and bar workers. Appointments can be secured by calling The Rose at 281-464-5136 or via IHWSH.org Public support of this event and others to provide preventive and mental health care to uninsured hospitality workers includes purchase of our Galentine’s Day Gift Bag or via tax-deductible donation to I’ll Have What She’s Having

MARCH 26TH

Hats in the Park

McGovern Centennial Gardens 11:30 AM

Hats in the Park celebrates the return of spring in the McGovern Centennial Gardens! The luncheon is the perfect way to rejoice in the new blooms and greenery that the change of season brings as well as a chance to gather with fellow community-minded Houstonians to support Hermann Park Conservancy’s mission.