Step inside an exploration of 12 breathtaking culinary spaces as 12 design firms from across the country invite you into their portfoliodefining works. Presented by Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, the following pages celebrate the details and dedication that go into every kitchen project, from the overall aesthetic vision and lifestyle dreams to finish choices, careful measurements, spatial balance and—of course—appliance selection. Keep reading for an exclusive look into each designer’s creative world.
LAURA KEHOE OWNER, LAURA KEHOE DESIGN
Known for being great listeners, Laura Kehoe and her team have spent more than 15 years crafting beautiful environments that are entirely personalized.
TINEKE TRIGGS
OWNER, TINEKE TRIGGS INTERIORS
With a penchant for vibrant hues, bold patterns and unexpected combinations, Tineke Triggs considers herself an artist and mixologist, bringing eclectic spaces to life.
SUSAN MARINELLO FOUNDER, SUSAN MARINELLO INTERIORS
When Susan Marinello designs a kitchen, she is striving to make a place that enhances its owners’ well-being and elevates their perspective on every aspect of life.
JOY YOUNG
PRESIDENT, TOWNHOUSE KITCHENS
For Joy Young, kitchen design is all about expanding the boundaries of a traditional design approach to infuse personality into every moment and minute detail.
REYNALDO ROUCO
PRESIDENT, MIACUCINA
When a space must meet functional goals, look beautiful and stand the test of time, quality is key—and this is what Reynaldo Rouco and team’s millwork is known for.
BROOKE WAGNER
OWNER, BROOKE WAGNER DESIGN
The kitchen is where one begins and ends the day, and Brooke Wagner takes the mission of designing an environment that supports every functional need to heart.
FERN SANTINI
PRINCIPAL, FERN SANTINI
At the heart of every Fern Santini design is a love for mixing precious pieces with trendy elements—marrying the vintage and the new in delightfully unexpected kitchens.
YVONNE JACOBS
PRINCIPAL, JACOBS + INTERIORS
Design is the path toward living your best life. This belief drives every decision and selection made by Yvonne Jacobs and her expert team, no matter the project.
MICK DE GIULIO PRESIDENT, DE GIULIO DESIGN
For Mick De Giulio and his team, kitchen design is all about capturing the client’s essence to create spaces that have a distinctive soul and improve lifestyles, day in and day out.
BARETTE WIDELL AND CHRISTINA BOSCHETTI
PRINCIPALS, WIDELL + BOSCHETTI
Determined, motivated and imaginative, Barette Widell and Christina Boschetti combine their talents to achieve timeless, quiet luxury in every design.
MARIE-JOE BOUFFARD
PRINCIPAL, JFY DESIGNS
With a goal of crafting spaces that feel expansive and practical, yet imbued with cozy vignettes and personality, Marie-Joe Bouffard is beloved for her custom approach.
DONNA VENEGAS
OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, VENEGAS AND COMPANY
A particular eye for the kitchen— with all of its precise measurements and practical needs—guides Donna Venegas and her team in a passion-fueled process.
laura kehoe , scottsdale , az
VIEWS TWO WAYS
When designer Laura Kehoe first stepped foot into this incredible home designed by PHX Architecture, one factor was immediately clear: she would have to do justice to some awe-inspiring views. Not only are the sightlines throughout the home expansive, but the kitchen is immediately seen upon leaving the foyer. “This felt perfect, because the kitchen always drives our direction throughout a project,” Kehoe shares. “It’s where people gather and usually the first space in which a family spends significant time each day everyone needs to love it.” In this project, it started with a goal of warming things up. “When the ceilings are so high, you often want to bring more warmth to the interior,” Kehoe explains. “We used aged brass and mixed finishes throughout to accomplish this. A suite of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products is the centerpiece. As designers, we love the flexibility the brand offers across all styles. We can do pretty much anything with creative paneling and color options through the knobs and bezels.” Plus, she enthuses, the local Arizona team makes the process a delight. “We couldn’t ask for better support. We love visiting the showroom to see what is new and experience the chef-led cooking demos, and they make the process simple from start to finish.”
With multiple Sub-Zero column refrigerators and freezers in the main kitchen, a refrigerator with freezer drawers in the butler’s pantry, two wine storage units, a Wolf dual-fuel range, a convection steam oven, multiple Cove dishwashers and more, the better question is really, what doesn’t this kitchen have?
photography by laura moss; styling by mandy cousins
susan marinello , seattle , wa STYLE + SUBSTANCE
It used to be that the living space was the center from which one took in the views of a home. Nowadays, it’s often the kitchen (or ideally, both). For Susan Marinello’s waterfront clients, crafting the dream kitchen was a threefold goal: emphasize and complement the views, choose light and bright finishes and incorporate nearly every culinary feature one could imagine. For the final, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove was the obvious partner. “With the Designer Series refrigeration we used, you have these gorgeous cabinet fronts that blend beautifully, but then when you open the door, it is practical perfection,” Marinello says. “That form-meets-function balance embodies my overall philosophy.” To that end, she and her team are celebrated for their belief that design enhances the user’s well-being, lifestyle and perspective on everyday tasks. It’s little wonder they lean on Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove for many a project. “With this suite of products integrated into their new design, my clients have a kitchen that invites gathering, entertaining and experimenting with recipes.” It’s also a prime place to take in the views. “What we see outside the windows always guides the interior palette, furnishings and how we tell the client’s story,” Marinello says. “This kitchen showcases the stunning results of that influence.”
“I have lived with Sub-Zero for 30 years. My produce, salad greens and meat are always fresh, above and beyond what other brands can do.”
With two islands and a dedicated bar area, this kitchen is made for entertaining. The large appliance suite includes a Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer, wine storage unit, beverage center and undercounter ice maker, a Wolf six-burner dual-fuel range with an infrared dual griddle and a Cove dishwasher.
photography by aaron leitz; styling by janna lufkin
DYNAMIC DUO
One could say that the kitchen is a carefully orchestrated marriage of two major elements: millwork and appliances. Enter, Reynaldo Rouco and his team at MiaCucina. He shares, “For this project, the bay views were key, so we wanted to achieve an open yet functional space that seamlessly integrates high-end appliances with our signature Italian millwork.” Naturally, Sub-Zero’s unparalleled panel-ready options provided a defining selection. “We were also excited about the performance features, from Sub-Zero’s exceptional preservation technology to Wolf’s precision and versatility to Cove’s advanced cleaning and quiet operation,” Rouco says. While on the subject, he offers up a personal anecdote: “The Wolf range revolutionized my cooking experience. Its precise temperature control and versatile cooking modes have elevated the quality of my meals, making it easier to achieve professional-level results at home and with little to no effort!”
It’s an experience the owners of his beautifully crafted project will now have as well, as they enjoy their contemporary Italian millwork masterpiece.
All about the views but also designed for supreme practicality and entertaining, this kitchen features numerous fan favorites: a Wolf convection steam oven, a contemporary gas cooktop, hood liner, coffee system and drawer microwave with a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer.
photography by kris tamburello; styling by joy bennett
reynaldo rouco , miami , fl
tineke triggs , san francisco , ca
PANACHE + PERFORMANCE
Most designers will say that every project has its special flair. But there is something extra enticing about the blank canvas of a new-build, whole-home dream concept. For Tineke Triggs, one San Carlos residence presented precisely this opportunity. “After living in the area for more than a decade, my clients jumped on the chance to purchase this corner lot when it became available,” she shares. “They envisioned a New England-style home with a white picket fence, made for entertaining … and that idea certainly extended to the kitchen.”
With aesthetics and high function both top of mind, Triggs and team immediately knew that their appliance selections would be a defining factor. “We turned to Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove and incorporated everything on the homeowners’ wish list,” Triggs says. “We wanted cabinetry akin to beautiful furnishings. We were able to accomplish this thanks to Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s panel-ready options, while ensuring that every appliance goal, from the refrigeration to the range to the wine column, was met.” It’s the best of style meets sophisticated practicality, which is Triggs’ modus operandi. Also core to her ethos is a focus on the experience to come for the homeowner. “Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s U.S.-based operations means that replacement parts are readily available and there is a large network of repair specialists, ensuring long-term support.”
“Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances are energy-efficient, reliable and long-lasting, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing waste in landfills. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with eco-friendly home design.”
An expansive floor plan is a bonus when designing a kitchen, and this final concept makes the most of it. A Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer and undercounter beverage center, a Wolf gas range, convection steam oven, warming drawer and microwave and a Cove dishwasher—it has it all!
photography by aaron leitz; styling by mikhael romain
joy young , new york city , ny
DRIVEN BY DETAIL
When couples share a home, does design become a compromise? Usually, this is somewhat true, but a great designer will take two halves and make them whole, merging both wish lists and influences into one environment. Take Joy Young and the kitchen she affectionately describes as having the “marriage” palette. “The wife of the two loved neutrals,” Young shares. “Meanwhile, her husband had a strong preference for wood grain and gloss finishes. The pairing of glossy wood veneer with the matte finish of other surfaces brought the two visions together beautifully.” Young continues to elaborate on the level of thought and detail she employed in sourcing for the project: “They often cook with saffron, turmeric and other spices that can stain marble. That made the countertop choice critical, and we went with a porcelain by Neolith.” They also chose a suite of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances for their performance capabilities and their aesthetic versatility. “I love that Sub-Zero’s refrigeration has flexibility on the weight and height of panels you can use,” Young says. “I can even utilize ribbed paneling that adds to the seamlessness.”
This sleek and striking kitchen includes two Wolf ovens alongside a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer hidden behind the project-defining custom panels.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by frances bailey
brooke wagner , newport beach , ca
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
There comes a moment in every designer’s career wherein they have the chance to create their own personal oasis. For Brooke Wagner, this manifested itself in a waterfront home. “We moved from a larger house that we had custom-built, because we wanted beach access and great views for our family of ocean lovers,” she shares. “Downsizing to this updated 1950s cottage has meant that every square inch needs to serve a purpose.” Of course, this is especially relevant in the kitchen. The layout was given ample thought, but so too were the appliance selections. “Because we are so tight on space, I chose to eliminate the microwave and, in its place, installed a convection steam oven,” Wagner says. “We use it every day for everything, from reheating leftovers to baking, toasting bread and steaming vegetables, rice and fish.” She adds that it has brought a new level of flawlessness to her signature recipe: puffy German pancakes—“get in touch for the recipe!” The steam oven isn’t her only Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove love, though. “Years ago, when I purchased my first Sub-Zero refrigerator, I noticed such a difference in the duration of produce freshness,” Wagner says. “That is still true today, and I appreciate the continued innovations for style versatility, like the panel-ready design that eliminates the exposed vent.”
The indoor kitchen on this project features a Wolf gas range and convection steam oven, Sub-Zero refrigeration and a Cove dishwasher, but it doesn’t end there. A trip to the roof reveals a gorgeous outdoor kitchen complete with Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers and a Wolf grill.
photography by lisa romerein; styling by rebecca farr
fern santini , austin , tx
GALLERY FOR A CHEF
While every project a designer takes on has unique attributes that contribute to the joy of working on it, there are some endeavors that come to embody a special essence. Imagine, for example, a homeowner who is an Anglophile with a robust collection of English bird engravings and wants their residence to feel like the country houses of Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens. This, indeed, would be a once-in-a-lifetime sort of project, and it is precisely where designer Fern Santini found herself with a recent client. “We decided to turn the kitchen into a gallery for those engravings, with the added twist of Simone Crestani’s blown-glass birds and animals hanging above the island like food larder,” Santini enthuses. “It’s not every day that a well-loved and functional kitchen can also serve as an art showcase.” As for the function element, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances played a key role. “The Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator and freezer make this concept oh-so-perfect,” Santini says. “With no exposed vents or metal trim, and the very best in performance, it brings the pretty together with the practical.” Meanwhile, the Wolf rangetop infuses a pop of bold color via its well-known knobs. “I personally feel this is the workhorse of the kitchen, but I appreciate the style element as well, especially since Wolf now offers so many finish options—I do love to mix brass with stainless!”
“Cove is my favorite dishwasher, bar none. It has all the bells and whistles, with added flexibility inside. It dries infinitely better than others ... and it has a six-year warranty!”
A unique kitchen demands a high-impact custom suite of appliances. A Sub-Zero column refrigerator and freezer with ice maker provide panel-hidden performance, while the Wolf built-in double ovens and the rangetop’s iconic knobs steal the show.
photography
by nathan schroder; styling by adam fortner
mick
de giulio , chicago , il
PRECISE PERFECTION
The kitchen is arguably the most high-function space in any home, so it’s natural that the homeowner’s lifestyle guides its creation. For designer Mick De Giulio, the featured project started out just this way. “Our repeat clients wanted to update their kitchen to accommodate a growing family—now including spouses and grandchildren—within the existing footprint. Refrigeration topped their list, so step one was to incorporate a 36-inch-tall column refrigerator as well as a drawer section for drinks.” Alongside these Sub-Zero upgrades, an impressive doubleoven Wolf range and a more spacious island bring the expanded capabilities the owner’s craved. For De Giulio, the invitation to focus on this culinary center made the project a favorite. “I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of precision,” he says. “Unlike placing a sofa, you can’t easily move an island if it’s a few inches off.” The same is true for appliances. For this reason, De Giulio says, “Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove has earned my trust. Over the years, I’ve experienced firsthand the quality, consistency and best practices by which they operate, and my clients are always thrilled with their appliances.”
This remodel for a repeat client certainly leaves nothing left to be desired, with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, refrigerator drawers, a freezer with an ice maker, a dual-fuel Wolf range and a Cove dishwasher.
photography by werner straube; styling by hilary rose
marie - joe bouffard , nashville , tn
SPATIAL INGREDIENTS
In the modern age of fast-paced lifestyles, open floor plans often lie at the heart of the high-end, high-function home. However, these layouts do present their own set of design challenges. Just ask Marie-Joe Bouffard. She elaborates, in discussion about her featured project: “The goal was to blend modern function with historical elegance, as the exterior of the home sits firmly in the classic camp but the floor plan is expansive. One of my aims was to create cozy moments within those larger rooms, especially the kitchen.” Indeed, touches of deep wood tones and golds bring the warmth back into the otherwise light and bright culinary space. Bouffard shares more about her influences, saying, “I come from a French-Canadian family who loves to cook and entertain. My approach to designing my clients’ kitchens is akin to how I cook, in a way. Most of the ingredients for a great kitchen may be similar: quality appliances, great lighting, functional storage, etc. But the result is always unique, flavored by the clients’ preferences.” In this case, a stunning shade of painted cabinetry gives way to pops of color in cool hues and the Wolf range’s iconic red knobs. Panel-front Sub-Zero refrigeration is beautifully concealed, contributing to the design while enabling the homeowners to take full advantage of stellar appliance performance.
Light, bright, beautiful and chock-full of culinary goodness—welcome to this stunning kitchen. A Wolf dual-fuel range complete with the iconic red knobs, hood insert and warming drawer pairs with Sub-Zero refrigeration and a built-in Cove dishwasher.
photography by zeke ruelas; styling by kendra surface
SLEEK + CHIC
When the source is meaningful, receiving recognition can feel like the culmination of years spent perfecting a craft. For Yvonne Jacobs, being named a Design Icon by a family of brands she has consistently leaned on to execute stunning concepts might just be that moment—especially because the featured project is so impressive. “The remodel was extensive, as the client purchased a traditional home but wanted to reimagine it in a modern-meetsmountain aesthetic,” Jacobs explains. “For the kitchen, function was of the utmost importance.” Jacobs and team incorporated storage wherever they could, commissioned custom-made dark oak cabinetry from Heartwood Custom Woodworks and craned in a steel beam as an alternative to an existing column that disrupted the design. The eye-catcher in the space? Those iconic red knobs on the Wolf range. “Everything else has a paneled front, but that appliance is the perfect standout,” she says. Jacobs elaborates on her love of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s flexibility. “Every client wants a different feel for their kitchen, so I appreciate that you can go very classic or very integrated.”
Combining a Sub-Zero column refrigerator and freezer with undercounter refrigerator drawers takes this kitchen’s fresh-food functionality to another level. It also features a Wolf dual-fuel range, convection steam oven and hood liner.
yvonne jacobs , edwards , co
photography by eric lucero; styling by natalie warady
barette widell and christina boschetti , philadelphia , pa
A BAKER’S DREAM
Every so often, a single point of inspiration guides an uncommonly creative design concept. In the featured project by designers Barette Widell and Christina Boschetti—the latter’s personal residence—this is precisely the story. “We wanted to bring the outside in, since Christina’s home is surrounded by trees,” Widell shares. “The stone simulates roots of a tree, and we used it in unexpected ways.” Boschetti chimes in, “We also incorporated bold motifs and expressive colors, all of which were inspired by that organic sense of beauty. My intention was to create kitschy, unanticipated moments throughout the long, narrow space.” Alongside this, her appliance wish list came into play. Sub-Zero’s panel-ready refrigeration suited the design and provided an interior water dispenser, something Boschetti notes “isn’t always a given in luxury refrigeration” and which was essential for her family. But the Wolf range is the real star. “I bake a lot, and since baking is like a science, the temperature balance is a game changer,” Boschetti says. “My mom’s chocolate cake recipe, which she invented at 16 for her chemistry thesis, is extremely fragile. The varied reaction of a typical oven can change the outcome. Since using my Wolf appliance, it has been perfected with ease on dozens of occasions.”
From the Wolf gas range, microwave drawer and coffee maker to the Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer and wine storage unit to the panel-ready Cove dishwasher, every appliance in this awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind kitchen is a high-performance win.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by helen crowther
donna venegas , boston , ma
HIDDEN GEMS
In the case of a especially unique property, an unconventional approach is sometimes necessary. Take Donna Venegas’ recent project in which a townhome in Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard had all the makings of a wow-worthy residence. It faces an active marina and is just steps from the USS Constitution, but it needed a bit of help to reach its full potential. “Walls came down to share the light throughout the first floor, and the kitchen was relocated to the south-facing patio,” the designer shares. “The open plan was the trickiest bit how to design a kitchen that doesn’t feel like one? We layered materials and brought in metals, stained woods, textured metallic tile and leathered marble countertops.” Venegas and team also took full advantage of Sub-Zero’s concealed refrigeration, hidden behind panels that complement the aesthetic. “We were able to recess the Wolf contemporary gas cooktop into the marble countertops, too. The recirculating vent insert fits perfectly behind the custom brass hood.” Asked to share her personal favorite feature, Venegas says, “I just adore the integrated refrigerator drawers. I incorporate at least one into every kitchen. They are so compact and useful, whether in the kitchen, a primary suite or out on the deck.”
Designed for cooking and entertaining alike, this stunning space features a contemporary gas cooktop, wall oven and microwave from Wolf for multitasking at its best. The Sub-Zero refrigerators, wine storage unit and beverage center top it all off.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by helen crowther
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s extraordinary showrooms o er an experience like no other, with a focus on education and inspiration. Chef-led cooking demonstrations showcase capabilities while delighting the senses. Consultants explain features and finishes. Collaborative space welcomes conversations between homeowners and their designers. There’s only one element missing: the sale. For that, guests are directed toward Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s trusted network of dedicated dealers. Visit a showroom to be welcomed, enlightened and nourished.
1 Boston, MA; 2 Milford, MA; 3 South Norwalk, CT; 4 Manhattan, NY; 5 Roslyn Heights, NY; 6 Pine Brook, NJ; 7 Syracuse, NY; 8 Bu alo, NY; 9 Philadelphia, PA; 10 Columbia, MD; 11 Richmond, VA; 12 Cleveland, OH; 13 Auburn Hills, MI; 14 Cincinnati, OH; 15 Charlotte, NC; 16 Atlanta, GA; 17 Miami, FL; 18 St. Louis, MO; 19 Chicago, IL; 20 Glendale Heights, IL; 21 Minneapolis, MN; 22 Kansas City, MO; 23 Houston, TX; 24 Dallas, TX; 25 Denver, CO; 26 Salt Lake City, UT; 27 Scottsdale, AZ; 28 Costa Mesa, CA; 29 San Francisco, CA; 30 Seattle, WA
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Photo by Adahlia Cole and Colin Peck
Experience the Difference: Club 1683
Gaggenau, maker of luxury kitchen appliances and the Home Kitchen Appliance Brand Partner of the MICHELIN Guide, prioritizes partnerships with its trade network. Club 1683 was developed to offer a select group of top tier industry trade professionals the opportunity to participate in the exclusive membership program promoting excellence in residential kitchen design. Qualified participants, including luxury designers, residential architects, kitchen studios, and single-family builders, gain access to personalized guidance, professional assistance, rewards and exclusive experiences.
For those who know the extraordinary.
Learn how to qualify.
The difference is Gaggenau
Company’s Coming
Design isn’t just our business, it’s our passion.
As an editor, I am not only captivated by images of great architecture and design— I’m obsessed with them. They become my inspiration and my escape, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by a like-minded staff As a team, we live for that alchemical moment when we review an extraordinary home, fall in love with it and immediately start planning how to best show it to you, our readers. That is our primary mission: to feature great design and the people who create it.
Inside this issue, you’ll nd inspiring ideas from top design talents who share strategies for the ultimate guest room, elegant festive decor, perfecting the powder room and all things relevant to prepping for this holiday season. As for gifting, we’ve curated a collection of designers’ favorites along with gift ideas from artisans we’ve previously featured. But before you dive into those stories, take a close look at the creatively designed kitchens from across the country in our opening pages.
You may view this as our endof-year issue, but for me it’s the beginning of a transformative year at LuxeInteriors + Design. In 2025, we will be evolving the look of the magazine and the way we tell stories, all while remaining focused on our goal of bringing you the very best of American design. It is this spirit that we bring to the season of gathering and gratitude while we celebrate the creativity of the design community.
Wishing you peace and happiness in the new year.
Cohen in Chief me @jilleditsluxe Jill Editor Follow me
At Alfredo Paredes’ Locust Valley, New York, home, the holidays call for mantels and banisters bedecked with garlands.
NEW YORK CHICAGO DALLAS NASHVILLE BOSTON SAN FRANCISCO GREENWICH SHORT HILLS CANNES JAKARTA
SCENE
WRITTEN BY LARA HALLOCK | PRODUCED BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN
NEW CHAPTERS
DESIGN POWERHOUSES HOLLY HUNT AND MOLTENI&C SHARE AN INSIDE LOOK AT THEIR DEBUT BOOKS AND RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS.
WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH EXLINE
HOLLY HUNT
If you want to know what to expect from Holly Hunt’s recently published monograph, look no further than the title: Holly Hunt: Fearless in the World of Design Minimalist, direct and full of personality, it embodies what Holly Hunt (both the designer and the brand) is all about. “The central question in the book is, ‘How did you find so much success without any professional training?’ ” Hunt observes. The answer is deeply personal: As a single mom of three sons, she knew fear and failure played no part in her future. Accordingly, the book’s selected projects all shine a light on how she redefined American design by leveraging craftsmanship, precise proportions and the collective expertise of a team that came to feel like family. As she says, “Innovation and inspiration are imperative to success.” Accordingly, this summer the brand launched its Series II line of sculptural furniture (left), which incorporates their trademark artful lines and comfort-inducing proportions. “Each of the pieces has a personality and a refined story to tell,” Hunt observes. hollyhunt.com; rizzoliusa.com
MOLTENI&C
Just as its cover evokes a movie set, Molteni Mondo: An Italian Design Story tells the saga of a family legacy that owes its success as much to creative vision as to exquisite craftsmanship. Marking the brand’s 90th anniversary, the recently released monograph takes readers through the triumph of Molteni&C’s iconic designers (including Vincent Van Duysen), its production processes, its details and designs (with a special focus on the Gio Ponti collection showcased within the Venezuelan villa) and its museum in Italy. “At the center is the representation of a world of objects and thoughts, ambitions and imperfections, rooted in the desire to cultivate a deep knowing of how to do and be,” says Giulia Molteni, chief marketing officer of Molteni Group. The family-owned company has also opened seven flagship stores this year in major cities across the globe that exemplify their approach to Italian design: Take a passion for art and functionality, factor in collaboration with the industry’s brightest minds and stay open to reinvention. molteni.it/us; rizzoliusa.com
OPEN HOUSE GAGGENAU
Houston home chefs and design enthusiasts, rejoice: Luxury kitchen appliance brand Gaggenau just opened a beautiful location in the Bayou City. The company’s fifth U.S. showroom, envisioned by Munich-based architectural design firm 1zu33, draws from the vibrant Houston art scene and Texas landscape. Large, wide spaces outfitted in sandy, warm colors evoke the desert. In the main kitchen, which features Gaggenau appliances available for clients to try, the plains and hills of Texas influenced a large dining table that serves as a central gathering point for events and demos, while a gridded wooden ceiling element is reminiscent of a barn roof. These signature timber accents—responsibly sourced from Germany’s Black Forest by Schotten & Hansen—provide a contemporary look and represent Gaggenau’s regional origins. “The showroom makes you feel as if you are entering a well-curated gallery within a warm, earthy architectural shell,” says Heather Ryan, head of Gaggenau North America. The space also showcases products by the brand’s select partner artisans, such as Spanish ceramic studio Apparatu and German lighting design firm Occhio. gaggenau.com
SET IN STONE ARTISTIC
TILE
Spanning 12,000 square feet and lined in monumental stone samples, Artistic Tile’s new Dallas slab gallery is the third of its kind in the country. Each week, the world’s most sought-out quarries send the gallery shipments of treasures such as Arabescato Orobico marble from the Cornalita Quarry in northern Italy, Venetian terrazzo blends from manufacturer Santamargherita and Danby Imperial marble from Vermont’s Green Mountains. “Natural stone is our true passion,” says Zach Epstein, president and chief product officer at Artistic Tile. “Our new slab gallery is only a few blocks away from our tile showroom, which allows us to better share our slabs with our Texas clientele.” The space incorporates wide aisles and color-correcting lighting to create an accurate viewing environment; its large worktables give clients space for pairing their favorite slabs with the brand’s decorative tile. Also on view are Artistic Tile’s featured collaborations, including its latest collection of customizable tiles by New York interior designer Michelle Gerson. artistictile.com
COLLAB
PALOMA CONTRERAS X SCHUMACHER
Over the past few years, Houston interior designer Paloma Contreras noticed a shortcoming in the textile market.
“While there seem to be millions of fabrics in the marketplace, the same cannot be said of decorative tapes and trims,” notes the designer, known for her fresh take on traditional style. To address the issue, she partnered with Schumacher to formulate a charming new portfolio of six timeless trims. Each pattern is satin-stitched in a selection of versatile colors onto white faille or plain-weave tapes.
“I find it to be very important for rooms, or in this case, tape trim designs, to maintain a sense of elegance and timelessness,” Contreras observes. Her love of French architecture inspired the patterns: for example, Royere Scroll, a bold and simple flowing wave pattern, honors the metalwork of French designer Jean Royère; Porte Parisien’s (below) concentric rectangles and dots were informed by a rivet detail Contreras spotted on a door in Paris. “The trims are beautiful along the leading edge of drapery or Roman shades, or on pillows and as trim on upholstery,” Contreras says. “I cannot wait to see how other designers end up using them.” schumacher.com
TABLE TALK
DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN X LOBMEYR
Renowned photographer Douglas Friedman recently teamed up with 200-year-old Viennese glassmaker Lobmeyr to create a dynamic new glassware collection inspired by West Texas. Lobmeyr’s craftsmanship merges with Friedman’s artful edge in a carafe and six tumblers emblazoned with cowboy motifs that take cues from the photographer’s Marfa ranch. A tumbler scene of the desert, windmills and Texas skyline, for example, evokes the panoramas seen from his property, while a mustachioed cowboy on the carafe bears a striking resemblance to Friedman himself. “Every one of those glasses reminds me of home,” he observes. Lobmeyr’s famed attention to detail also comes into play: Some of the illustrations wrap around the glasses to create multidimensional scenes that shift at every angle, interacting with the opposite side. “The paintings seem to glow on the glass,” Friedman says, “and the crystal is so light it practically floats out of your hand.” Find the collection exclusively on Abask. abask.com
HOLIDAY HOSTING
KENZIE ELIZABETH
Since starting her YouTube channel more than 10 years ago, Kenzie Elizabeth has climbed the charts to become one of Gen Z’s favorite home and lifestyle experts, launching her House Guest podcast and Friend of Mine home goods line along the way. Here, she shares her top hosting tips. @kenzieelizabeth
Stay organized in style. I’ve created a hosting closet with a wrapping station, cookbook wall, invites, menus, tableware, tablecloths, extra utensil sets and more. It’s helpful in a practical way, and it inspires me for future hosting.
Help guests feel at home. I like to customize everyone’s table place cards. This extra touch is a small effort that goes a long way.
Change the scenery. During one dinner party, we ended the evening outside with s’mores by my fire pit. Vintage teacups, a hot cocoa tray and cozy blankets took it to the next level.
YOUR PROJECT IS OUR PRIORITY
Our showrooms are designed to inspire, with bath, kitchen and lighting choices from top brands curated in beautiful, hands-on displays. From product selection to delivery coordination, an industry expert will be there to support your project every step of the way.
THE TEXAS CHAPTER IS PLEASED TO PRESENT THE JOHN STAUB AWARDS PROGRAM.
These awards recognize and promote excellence in the classical and vernacular traditions. Awards will go to design and craftsmanship that contributes to these traditions in Texas and, in turn, builds on the legacy of John Staub. Here are the 2024 winners: INSTITUTIONAL | CIVIC | ECCLESIASTIC | MULTI-FAMILY | COMMERCIAL
Michael G. Imber, Architects | Creech & Associates
St. Joseph’s Seminary, Phase I
COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
Cathy Kincaid
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
ADDITION | RENOVATION | FOLLY Curtis & Windham
Bonney Brier Pub
Don B. McDonald Architects Carriqui Restaurant
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 WINNERS
RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION | FINE ARTS
St. Mark Fine Arts Conservation & Restoration
Rosenberg Library Museum: Original Historical Collection
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Austin Studios, Inc.
Hamilton Palace Chimneypiece
EMERGING PROFESSIONAL
Daniel Glasgow
Our Lady of Fair Love Pilgrimage Shrine
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
MORE THAN 10,000 SF
Larry E. Boerder Architects, AIA
Park Lane Residence: A Tale of Six Palladian Windows in the Regional Palladian Style
ADDITION | RENOVATION | FOLLY Curtis & Windham
3311 Del Monte
DOUBT
FACETS COLLECTION by Mat Sanders
30" LED Bath Vanity Sconces
RADAR
With holidays on the horizon, leading talents share thoughtfully designed spaces that are sure to inspire a season of merriment and joy.
Merry Making
AT HOME IN LOCUST VALLEY, NEW YORK, ALFREDO PAREDES’ LOVE AFFAIR WITH CHRISTMAS COMES FULL CIRCLE.
WRITTEN BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT
photo:
björn wallander.
Honoring the timeless character of his English manorstyle abode’s front entry, designer Alfredo Paredes styled the scene with faux evergreens dressed up with gold and ruby ribbons from Mood Fabrics. The antlers above the door were purchased from Randall Tysinger Antiques.
Paint that painting experts trust.
Wall: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Eggshell
Trim: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Satin
“With every house I have ever looked at or lived in, my first question has always been, ‘Where will the Christmas tree go?’ ” says designer Alfredo Paredes, who professes to mentally clocking where an outlet would have to be hardwired in the floor for every would-be residence in question. Paredes’ passion for all things holiday took root early in life. As a child growing up in Coconut Grove, Florida, the season began in early October, when he would promptly unbox decor (“I would drive my mother crazy,” he admits), assume the role of Santa’s elf, and fantasize about cold, snowy Northeast winters.
It’s not exactly surprising then that crafting Christmas magic came to be a cornerstone of Paredes’ prolific career.
Prior to launching his eponymous interior design studio in 2019, Paredes dreamt up and delivered dozens of inspired holiday themes, from Dr. Zhivago to Balmoral tartan to teddy bears, in exacting detail during his 33-year tenure at Ralph Lauren.
But at the enchanting Locust Valley, New York, residence that he shares with husband Brad, daughter Carolina and son Sebastian, the Christmas season calls for decidedly less production. “The house sits in a woodland setting and looks like an English manor or a hunting lodge,” says Paredes, describing the 1929 Long Island charmer. “It’s tailor-made for the holidays, so you don’t have to throw too much at it. I wanted to keep things low-key.”
The dining room is fit for a crowd with its Richomme table set with vintage candelabras. Fine & Dandy Co.’s Aegean mural juxtaposes an enormous Noguchi lantern. Dressed in his version of a Christmas sweater, Paredes (below) poses at his living room’s distinct fenestration.
Take the classic swags of evergreens that drape mantels and stair banisters, or the bountiful winter berry bouquets placed just so, or the miniature bellbedecked wreaths that hang at every door. They are all, Paredes shares without a shred of remorse, faux. “Who wants to vacuum and have fire hazards everywhere?” he posits pragmatically, crediting Afloral and Terrain as favorite resources for convincing artificial flora. Christmas trees, however, are the real deal and entail a solo pilgrimage to a favorite tree farm in Southold, New York, to chop down the most perfectly imperfect specimens.
When pressed for his holiday hosting mainstays, Paredes espouses white flannel
sheets for every bed (a “cozy but not crazy,” touch, he notes), a jazzy 1930s playlist on rotation, scented faux bois candles and always, he stresses, playful decorative accents to temper the architectural seriousness of the home—and tap into everyone’s inner Christmas child. Take, for instance, the chocolate Santa figurines that he tucked into napkins at last year’s dinner. Paredes’ approach to gift wrapping, which involves ordering rolls of sundry wallpapers and ribbons from Etsy for a bohemian mixand-match vibe, is another signature stroke that lends a certain je ne sais quoi
But the traditions that bring Paredes the most joy are those being built, brick by brick, by his young family: an ever-expanding stash of hand-selected
sentimental ornaments; a beautiful menorah scored at a Palm Beach antique shop to honor Brad’s religious roots; sheepskins artfully arranged into snowscapes beneath the tree and upon windowsills, where Paredes’ heirloom collections of ceramic figurines are set up for the children to delight in.
For the little boy who grew up loving Christmas, life in Locust Valley is proving to be a dream come true. Last year, 18 family members were hosted for the holidays a ‘la Alfredo. And while it “didn’t snow on the day of, it did a few weeks later, and it was just incredible,” he recalls. “It is a very, very romantic house for capturing that feeling.” alfredoparedesstudio.com
photos: björn wallander.
A stone-top console from Obsolete offers a beautiful decorating opportunity at the second-story landing, joined by a Jamb pendant and drapes of Kravet fabric. Synthetic garlands make a convincing case for faux on the stairwell banister and at the living room fireplace.
Hidden Gem
A CELEBRATED SOUTHERN DESIGNER’S EYE FOR AMBIENCE COMBINES ANTIQUES WITH INGENUITY.
WRITTEN BY KATE ABNEY
When a project has Tammy Connor at the helm, it’s clear from the very beginning that the designer’s trademark ability to introduce treasured antiques in livable, modern ways will transform and invigorate. Case in point: this historic Beaux Arts estate on Buckhead’s Tuxedo Road—a masterpiece completed by preeminent Georgia architect Philip Trammell Shutze in the early 20th century— that Connor’s Atlanta clients asked her to restore and revitalize.
The wife envisioned living among family heirlooms in a less fussy way than she had during childhood, and a pivotal sourcing trip to her ancestral homes in Europe endowed the Charleston- and Birmingham-based designer with a trove of meaningful heirlooms she could conceive anew. In the library, a Sarouk rug and 18th-century chinoiserie screen became focal points for the space, driving its palette, style and mood. Connor collaborated with architect Stan Dixon to seamlessly integrate the tall screen into Shutze’s exquisite casework, aided by new bespoke bookshelves enrobed in peacock blue.
To
an
To underscore the room’s welcoming purpose—the couple use it both for entertaining and as a serene retreat— Connor carved out a surprise pocket bar tucked within the intricate millwork. The clandestine cabinetry conceals walls lined with lush persimmon linen velvet, emphasizing the designer’s penchant for fabulous fabrics and bestowing a touch of luxury that whispers demurely. “This textile felt warmer and cozier to me than lacquer, and there’s just something about a sound-absorbing upholstered wall that I love for a quiet space,” the designer explains. Even when incorporating such sumptuous elements, “We choose not to take things too seriously, applying details in a way where it’s a little bit of a surprise,” Connor notes. “There needs to be some humor in a design, a little whimsy.” tammyconnorid.com
cultivate
immersive experience, designer Tammy Connor approaches historical projects with equal parts reverence and reinvention: Rooms incorporating antiques are intimate and inviting rather than precious or off-limits.
Rustic Warmth
FOR ONE WYOMING DESIGN FIRM, THE MAGIC OF ENTERTAINING STEMS FROM THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
Every region of the country has its own brand of hospitality. Take the Mountain West, where the rugged landscape informs both the local design vernacular and the entertaining style. For Rush Jenkins, designer and founder of Jackson Holebased WRJ Design, the two are undeniably linked. “When you travel to an incredible restaurant, the question to ask—beyond the food—is, ‘How does this space make me feel?’ ” he notes. “What emotions
connect you to the architecture, and what about the space is welcoming, cozy and romantic?” Together with Klaus Baer, his partner in life and in business, Jenkins has found the answer to crafting entertaining spaces with an undeniable lure. One of their many secrets to success is living the Rockies lifestyle themselves. Consummate hosts at home—Jenkins oversees the vibe, Baer handles the food— the duo lets a refined yet welcoming rustic
In the former dining room of WRJ Design founders Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a Jonathan Browning Studios chandelier hangs over a Molteni&C table. Loro Piana draperies frame the surrounding windows.
Kashima. Michel Ducaroy Made in France
aesthetic take center stage. Their former dining room, the quintessential postcard of mountain living, featured the region’s triedand-true materials like reclaimed woods and stone, shearlings, and wools. For their tables, no fussy tablecloth is necessary, but elegant taper candles, earthenware ceramics and local ora are a must.
This authentically warm ethos is not limited to their lives at home. This year, Stags Landing—WRJ Design’s combination headquarters, gallery, event space and private residence—was unveiled.
A living, breathing manifestation of their vision and craft, Stags Landing draws inspiration from the traditional manor homes of the Cotswolds (Jenkins fell in love with the architectural vernacular while working for Sotheby’s in London), and is where the duo hosts clients one-onone and entertains large groups. The goal was clear: “It’s all about welcoming people into a home environment,” Jenkins says. Visitors are greeted in the great room, where two large stone replaces create a natural gathering place to relax with
ALPINE CHIC
a drink in hand. Steel-framed windows look out into the courtyard’s English garden—a dreamy backdrop for intimate client lunches.
“I think our niche is creating beauty and luxury using materials that are comfortable,” Jenkins re ects. Every corner, every nish is an opportunity to impart a feeling that will leave guests yearning to return, whether at home or work. “The mohair, the cashmere, the reclaimed wood—it is all an opportunity to romance design.” wrjdesign.com
CHANNEL THE ELEGANCE OF MOUNTAIN LIVING WITH COZY PIECES IN TIMELESS MATERIALS.
The great room at WRJ Design’s new headquarters, Stags Landing, situated at the base of Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole, boasts wire-brushed hardwood floors, reclaimed wood ceiling beams and a large stone fireplace. The sofa is Poltrona Frau, and the desk is André Arbus for Baker.
Sourcing the highest quality marble, quartzite, quartz, granite and soapstone for a meticulously curated collection to ensure your search for surfaces ends with Architectural Surfaces. Visit one of our luxury showrooms today.
Featuring Alexandrita Quartzite
Natural Stone | PentalQuartz™
Guest Book
MATTHEW PATRICK SMYTH SHARES HIS TRIED-ANDTRUE APPROACH FOR CREATING A CONGENIAL VISITOR EXPERIENCE.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
When it comes to designing the perfect guest-ready country home, orchestrating the effortless balance between lively communal spaces and private retreats is essential. And no one understands this equation better than designer Matthew Patrick Smyth, a New York City dweller and Connecticut country mouse in his own right, who was entrusted to reimagine a Federalist farmhouse in Litchfield County, Connecticut, for a young family and their healthy roster of weekend visitors.
According to Smyth, the ultimate litmus test for any getaway home is an inviting dining area. “If I was hired to do only one space, it would be the dining
room,” Smyth admits. “It’s where you have a captive audience with guests sitting around the table for a couple of hours sharing a meal, which is the most intimate way to entertain.” Situated off the entry foyer near the library, his clients’ space offers up a warm first impression and serves as the backdrop for routine meals and special holiday gatherings alike. There, guests not only break bread and partake in joyful conversation but are also visually delighted by the room’s tableau of handmade glazed wallpaper framed by floral drapery and punctuated with contemporary artwork by local artist Lizzie Gill. The antiques peppered
The formal dining room plays host to gatherings yearround at this young family’s Connecticut weekend escape designed by Matthew Patrick Smyth. The Surfaces by David Bonk wallcovering is joined by Schumacher drapery and floral artwork by Connecticut artist Lizzie Gill.
photo: simon upton.
throughout the dining room—above the table is an original light fixture dating back to at least 1870—are equally appreciated by the young couple, who have a penchant for old things with provenance and aren’t afraid of anything too precious.
In this abode, the convivial common spaces are the yin to the private guest quarters’ yang. Upstairs, a cozy attic room is a storybook reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the first floor. Located in the oldest part of the home, the room’s original beams highlight the tall ceilings, but it’s the built-in bed nook, another original detail, that steals the show. It is both a perfectly cocooned suite for visitors with young children (adults on the custom horsehair bed, kids in the alcove)
and a quiet place where the homeowners can relax and curl up with a book when without houseguests. It is a space as physically comfortable as it is mentally— exactly what any host hopes to provide.
“An old house is like the game of telephone,” Smyth jokes. “You start with a communicated idea, and by the time you get to the end, you’re totally off message. The design is about returning to square one by peeling back the layers.” Though honoring its roots, the homeowners are undoubtedly writing a new chapter for this storied property, one that has seen generations of friends and family pass through, all looking for the same comfort of a New England country home. matthewsmyth.com
“There’s lots of activity going on here during the holidays,” says Smyth (above). The attic bedroom (top) is a guest favorite. Farrow & Ball’s Old White coats the bed nook and trim, and the walls are Benjamin Moore’s Dove Wing.
NOTABLES
Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture
The team at Meredith O’Donnell loves dogs, so they created a hand-built, Mission-style bed to keep them as comfortable as possible. After all, it’s their home too! Available in three sizes.
meredithodonnell.com
Creative Blinds
Welcome the new year with a fresh perspective on home decor at Creative Blinds. The brand’s extensive selection of custom window coverings and wall treatments will help you breathe new life into your home, turning your vision into a reality.
creativeblinds.com
Cabinet Innovations
Elevate your space with custom factory cabinets designed for modern living and innovative storage solutions. Whether it’s maximizing storage in a small kitchen or creating a luxurious home office, Cabinet Innovations can provide both practicality and a personal touch.
cabinetinnovationstx.com
The Rug Shop That Wove Its Way into Houston’s Heart
The place was Houston and the year was 1974 when Samuel and Omana Abraham turned a shared passion for art and craftsmanship into something truly extraordinary. “It wasn’t just about launching a business, it was about starting a journey for two graduate students from India, a collection of small-sized Oriental rugs and a whole lot of heart,” Omana says. Samuel—with a graduate degree in finance and a law school acceptance letter in hand— and Omana—a scholar of Islamic art and history—didn’t exactly have “rug moguls” written in their stars but, as the saying goes, fate loves a good twist.
From Pastime To Passion
What began as a humble hobby—collecting intricately designed rugs—quickly spiraled into something much bigger. “By 1974, we’d opened our first store at the Decorative Center Houston, a designer’s haven that was the perfect launchpad for what came next: another store in the Highland Village Shopping Center just a year later,” Samuel shares. But this wasn’t a run-ofthe-mill rug shop. It was where passion met precision and every customer walked away with a piece of history. “We weren’t just selling rugs, we were sharing stories that were woven in every thread and dyed in every hue,” he adds.
The Art Of The Custom Rug
Fast-forward a few years, and Samuel finds himself face-to-face with a challenge. “A prominent designer walked into the shop, looking for something grand—a hunting scene with animals, a river backdrop and, oh, it had to be massive,” says Samuel. “No big deal, right? Here’s the kicker, I didn’t take a deposit, which, understandably, made the designer a bit worried.” However, three years later, the stunning, handcrafted rug was delivered at a fraction of the expected cost. “The designer was floored (pun intended),” he exclaims. “What followed were referrals, and what followed from those referrals was the foundation of Abraham’s Oriental Rugs as we know it today.”
Craftsmanship with a Conscience
One of the Abrahams’ secrets to success is that they own looms back in India where, according to Omana, “Master weavers are able to bring any design, color or size to life. From custom creations to a collection that spans everything from very affordable pieces to jaw-dropping antiques, we have something for everyone.” But what truly sets Abraham’s Oriental Rugs apart is their integrity—something rare in today’s fast-paced, profit-driven world.
New + Next
Still inspired by that original spark of passion, the Abrahams continue their quest for exceptional beauty, artistry and service from their two Houston locations—5801 Westheimer Road and 2515 Bartlett Street. With their sons now stepping into the fold, Samuel and Omana’s legacy is set—Abraham’s Oriental Rugs will continue to weave new stories into Houston’s vibrant tapestry. “Stepping into one of our showrooms, you aren’t merely buying a rug,” Omana shares. “You are buying a piece of our journey.” A journey that’s been about so much more than business, it’s been about bringing art into people’s homes, one rug at a time.
Antique and Semi Antique Rugs
French Royal Garden Rugs
Flemish Tapestry
Modern Age Rugs
FROM VISION TO VIEW
Thoughtfully crafted moving glass walls and windows redefine the boundaries of indoor-outdoor living, offering you the freedom to design, build, and live in spaces that inspire. Scan the QR code to learn more.
MORE SELECTIONS ORE FOR EVERY STYLE OR
Discover premier cross-category sourcing at Las Vegas Market Winter 2025!
Explore Building B, Floor 2, where new and expanded elevated design resources await. B2 is packed with captivating brands and products, perfectly complementing the 120 lines open 2 year-round at the Las Vegas Design Center. In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, it’s your ultimate one-stop-shop for exceptional product discovery. Preview some of the incredible brands at Las Vegas Market below, including Caracole, Elegant Furniture and Lighting, Empire Art Direct, Four Hands, O.W. Lee, Theodore Alexander, and Varaluz. our
Varaluz
O.W. Lee
Elegant Furniture and Lighting
Theodore Alexander
Caracole
Four Hands
Empire Art Direct
DISCOVERIES
Artistic Tile
Inspired by Lori Weitzner’s renowned textile design, Lola translates the woven layers and mix of materials signature to the designer’s luxurious fabrics into tile. A modern reimagining of an arabesque, Lola creates a palimpsest of pattern play. It is a tailored-to pattern, crafted entirely in-house. Starting at $220 per square foot. artistictile.com
Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring
Make a statement in style, with world-class flooring right beneath your steps. Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring products are timeless, resilient and long-lasting. Featured here is Teresa from the LaFamiglia collection. legnobastone.com
Lancaster
Relaxed sophistication describes Lancaster’s Alyce sofa in lush performance velvet. Classic familiarity meets a current aesthetic in this domestically handcrafted beauty. Made to order in your choice of materials, this profile is also available as a sectional or occasional chair. lancasterccu.com
MARKET
Dive into the Luxe Gift Guide, full of gorgeous handcrafted ceramics, divine design books and pretty hostess presents to please everyone on your list.
Artful Offerings
Nadia Stieglitz
WRITTEN BY FOLASADE OLOGUNDUDU
Look no further than the art of ceramics if you’re on the hunt for extraordinary pieces to make this season of gifting memorable. “Ceramics is a medium capable of exploring complex conceptual ideas,” Charleston-based artist Nadia Stieglitz explains. “These items are not simply decorative objects; they carry messages that can elevate an entire space.” Her own layered production process combines multiple hand-building techniques, beginning with fashioning her stoneware and earthenware forms around a bulbous object, and then contouring with slab molds and coils. A layer of watered-down clay is added in spontaneous patterns, and once the pieces are dry, Stieglitz embellishes them using the sgraffito, or scratched, method. These marks evoke a worldly beauty, referencing botanical or marine motifs and the resulting biomorphic silhouettes are utterly ethereal. nadiastieglitz.com; @nadiastieglitzstudio
Lindsey Wohlgemuth
WRITTEN BY LAURA FENTON
If you happen to be following Era Ceramics on social media for a behind-the-scenes dive into artist Lindsey Wohlgemuth’s creative process, you may just get an early clue as to when the next collection is being released. Act on it quickly—Era Ceramics often sell out the moment a new drop is announced, due, no doubt, to both this intimate inside look and the fact that craft and care are visible in every piece. The homegrown family business—Wohlgemuth and her husband are partners—began with a kiln on a porch and a deep love for working with clay, and now creates bespoke earthen ceramics that adorn some of the top tables in Austin. “Different clay bodies have unique textures and colors,” Wohlgemuth notes. “It takes practice to get to know all the materials and make refinements.” The artist’s experimentation with pit firing, in which smoke and ash finish the clay, gives the wood-fired bowls, plates and vases an amazing organic quality. eraceramics.com; @eraceramics
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Cody Hoyt
WRITTEN BY SUSANNAH
GRUDER
The geometric and floral inlay ceramic creations of Brooklyn artist Cody Hoyt all share the mark of his unique style and aesthetic, with much of their design, in a way, left up to chance. “There’s an incidental quality to them that you can’t force by hand,” Hoyt says. Almost all his works begin as a slab of clay which Hoyt inlays (or rather, “mashes”) with gestural forms. In other cases, he extrudes shapes and assembles them together before slicing cross sections with wire. The resulting thin tiles become the building blocks for a vessel or mosaic. As Hoyt continues to hone his craft, his pieces are growing in creativity, with varying inspirations like Japanese Nerikomi pottery or the hypnotic optical art of Josef Albers, but he is careful not to coerce anything to fit his will. As Hoyt puts it: “I’m trying to figure out ways to coexist within the desires and inclinations of the material.” codyhoyt.com; @codyhoyt
Liadain Warwick Smith
WRITTEN BY SHANNON SHARPE
Ceramist Liadain Warwick Smith takes a thoughtful and considered approach to her delicate heirloom objects, which are simultaneously rustic and sophisticated. “I try to make each piece completely unique and individual while repeating certain details,” the artist shares. She begins by slipping, scoring, pinching and building up her trademark red clay forms before beginning the long process of drying, firing and glazing each item. Known for her white pieces in which deep, red-brown clay tones peek through perfectly imperfect glazes, she’s recently begun experimenting with black finishes that, while different, still feel elegant and regal. Warwick Smith sees her wares as utilitarian: vases to be filled with flowers from the garden and plates on which to enjoy meals surrounded by loved ones—simple experiences elevated by the beauty of each work. liadainwarwicksmith.com ; @liadainws
photos: tria giovan. copy: excerpted from “slow burn,” luxe hamptons jul/aug 2024
Pretty Presents
TODAY’S TOP DESIGNERS WEIGH IN ON THEIR GO-TO PIECES PERFECT FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.
“ This bowl is my favorite gift for clients. It embodies the aesthetic and the optimism I try to infuse into all my projects.”
–RAYMAN BOOZER, apartment48.com
“We have these bottle openers made by an eccentric artist out of Portland, Oregon, who uses a lost-wax technique to cast them out of brass. It’s unexpected and special.”
Soleil d’Hermès Salad
Soleil d’Hermès Salad Bowl, hermes.com
“These handcrafted champagne coupe glasses by Fferrone are a stunning addition to any barware collection and perfect for celebrating special occasions. An ideal gift for those who love to entertain with a touch of class.”
–NINA MAGON, ninamagon.com
Margot Champagne Coupes, erronedesign.com
–BRADLEY ODOM, bradleyodom.com Gira e Bottle Opener, dixonrye.com
“Having an artisan create a gift always makes it special, and Christopher crafts the most unique objects. It’s a gift that can be presented as is or with fresh owers.”
“Soft, luxurious, and brimming with character, this throw is a guaranteed showstopper and makes an impeccable gift for him, her or both.”
–SUZANNE KASLER, suzannekasler.com Faux Bois Cache Pot, christopherspitzmiller.com
“My
–DENISE MORRISON, morrisoninteriors.com
Copper Salt & Pepper Mills, roaniris.co
favorite holiday gifting tradition is giving things we’ve created ourselves. These solid brass keepsakes are hand-cast from living sprigs of California mistletoe.”
tradition is mistletoe.”
MEIER
–AMY
Cast Brass Mistletoe, amymeier.com
“Handcrafted in Greece, these salt
“Handcrafted in Greece, these salt and pepper mills make a truly special hostess gift for enhancing someone’s kitchen and are the perfect mix of utility and elegance.”
“I love everyday functional items that are so beautiful they can stand alone as decor. This decanter is lovely lled or standing empty and set out for display.”
–GINGER CURTIS, urbanologydesigns.com
Pebbled Glass Decanter, thecollectivehome.com
“Each of these candles has a rich, long-lasting scent that transforms the ambience of any room. Their unique fragrances and elegant design make them a standout choice for holiday gifting.”
–CLAUDIA AFSHAR, claudiaafshar.com
Three Sisters Candle Set, flamingoestate.com
Three Sisters Candle
“I keep an eye out for unique nds that parlay into that perfect token of appreciation for a host or hostess. Recently, our studio gifted this Mous vase to clients as Christmas presents.”
“I keep an eye out for unique nds token of for a . our studio this Mous vase to clients as Christmas
From left to right by row: Veere Grenney: Seeking Beauty by Veere Grenney / vendomepress.com Cullman & Kravis: Interiors by Elissa Cullman, Lee Cavanaugh, Sarah Ramsey and Alyssa Urban with Judith Nasatir / rizzoliusa.com The Art of Gracie: Handpainted Wallpapers, Timeless Rooms by Jennifer Gracie, Mike Gracie, Zach Shea and Brian Gracie with Judith Nasatir / rizzoliusa.com The Savage Style by Jonathan Savage / gibbs-smith.com Forever Beautiful: All-American Style All Year Long by Mark D. Sikes / rizzoliusa.com The Perfect Room: Timeless Designs for Intentional Living by Marie Flanigan with Susan Sully / rizzoliusa.com Interiors Styled by Mieke ten Have by Mieke ten Have / vendomepress.com The Young Man and the Tree: Fernando Wong Landscape Design by Tim Johnson / vendomepress.com Outside In: Interiors Born From Nature by Brian Paquette / gibbs-smith.com
Michelle Gerson, Founder of Michelle Gerson Interiors, selected Artistic Tile’s Rosa Velluto Onyx for her office desk.
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SOPHISTICATED STYLE
Dallas: Your Design Destination
OPEN DAILY TO THE TRADE
Interior designers from coast-to-coast rely on nterior Dallas Market Center for hundreds of premier allas design resources, including lighting, furniture, home accents, floral and holiday, tabletop, ome client gifts, and endless inspiration. lient
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Norwalk Palecek
Revelation
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Visual Comfort
Riviere wallcovering in Blue by Brunschwig & Fils. kravet.com
A clients’ love of ceramics inspired their Kansas City, Kansas, powder room designed by Mark D. Sikes, where a collection of Imari plates hangs in the vestibule (opposite) and runs along the bathroom’s lower walls (above); the Iksel wallpaper was custom colored and patterned to mimic them.
The console sink is Waterworks, the mirror is from John Rosselli & Associates and the sconces are Mark D. Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting.
Small Wonders
DESIGNER MARK D. SIKES SHARES HIS SECRETS TO DECORATING THE ONE ROOM EVERY GUEST IS SURE TO SEE.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY
GRACE BEULEY HUNT AND SARAH SHELTON
With the holidays—and their onslaught of parties and guests—upon us, Luxe decided to dive into what makes for a truly fabulous powder room. Proudly petite and designed to be admired, the space offers a rare opportunity for flash and fantasy. And who better to tap for their playbook than designer Mark D. Sikes? Beloved for his artfully layered schemes and luscious color palettes, Sikes has a reputation for elaborate, elegant takes on what he dubs “the jewel box of the home.” Fresh off the release of his bestselling third monograph, Forever Beautiful (Rizzoli), the designer sat down to share his expert tips for creating a loo that company won’t soon forget. markdsikes.com
What is your philosophy for putting together a distinctive powder room? This is the one place in the house where it’s universally accepted to be unique and innovative. And, because it’s a small space in terms of square footage, it provides a rare opportunity to splurge on something lavish, like a hand-painted wallpaper or beautiful wall upholstery, that might be cost-prohibitive in a larger space. It is a room for full creative expression.
Can you discuss design elements that are often overlooked? If you’re looking at the layout of a powder room, it’s important to have both a place for guests to sit and a place for bags and belongings. In a perfect world, the floor plan would include a little entry vestibule with a bench or stool, and then a small table inside the powder room where guests can rest their bag while they touch up their makeup, etc. I think you always need a table in the powder room for this reason. We try to make our spaces feel comfortable and functional, and these elements seem to work nicely in terms of hosting company.
Montecito Panel Set in Indigo by Mark D. Sikes schumacher.com
Ludaix Wallpaper in Pacific by Henry Holland for Harlequin sandersondesigngroup.com
Claire Wallpaper in Navy thibautdesign.com
Safi Wallpaper in Blue on Blue by Anna Spiro studiofournyc.com
Monica Wallpaper in Bluebird luliewallace.com
Creating a through line for his Kansas City clients, Sikes clad a secondary powder room in another customized Iksel wallpaper.
A Mark D. Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting sconce injects a contemporary note into the mix and plays off the bone inlay mirror.
Is there a single most important piece for a powder room? Hanging a super special mirror is really important because this is one of the few utilitarian rooms where you have the liberty to do that. In primary or guest bathrooms, storage is a must, and mirrors are often medicine cabinets and more “apothecary” in look and feel. I love to use antique mirrors in the powder—something with a beautiful, unique shape. Then, when it comes to selecting hardware, I like to use something a bit more precious, such as antiqued silver or burnished brass; antique mirrors tend to look better with those finishes.
Talk to us about lighting. Dimmers are important in the powder room (and in every room) for functional purposes, but, generally, I like lighting in this space to be more subtle, romantic and moody. It’s a wonderful room to mix di erent types of fixtures—think modern sconces with an antique table lamp. It’s also an opportunity to play around with beautiful custom fabric lampshades. I particularly like
shades in a powder because they cast such a soft, beautiful light.
silk pleated
Volver Single Sconce in Brass by Kelly Wearstler visualcomfort.com
Hector Pleat Wall Light originalbtc.com
Javelin Bathroom Sconce modernforms.com
Curves No.1 Wall Sconce by Mark D. Sikes hvlgroup.com Luna Wall Light in Brass & White
A whimsical Morris & Co. wallpaper contrasts with Royal Makkum delft tiles from Country Floors in this Sun Valley, Idaho, powder room. Layered lighting, including a Jamb sconce and a table lamp with a marbled paper shade, complements an antique mirror.
How do you create personality when you’re starting with a blank slate? It’s all about the materials and the finishes. Most of the work we do now is completely original and very decorative. For instance, instead of doing a wallpaper, we will have our decorative painter, Joseph Steiert, come in and depict a mural on the walls. Or instead of having traditional painted cabinets, we will have an artisan hand-glaze them so that they aren’t a stark white and instead have a rich patina. We also love to source antique tiles and fabrics that give the appearance of years of fading in the sun.
What are your favorite finishing touches? Beautiful hand towels (my favorites are Julia B. Casa). Something alive, whether that’s a plant or flowers in a chic bud vase. A café curtain, Roman shade or sheers at the window for privacy. A candle with a great scent—my go-to is Orange Blossom by Jo Malone—and a book of matches in a pretty container because it’s the polite thing to do. The best houses are the ones that make people feel comfortable and welcome!
GO GOLD
TAPS BRING A JEWELRY-LIKE FEEL.
Widespread Lavatory Faucet in Unlacquered Polished Brass franzviegener.com
rockymountainhardware.com
In a powder room (top) in Pacific Palisades, California, a wooden commode was stripped and given a Newport Brass faucet. An antique bone inlay mirror is backed by an Iksel wallpaper for a characterful look. The sconce is from Galerie des Lampes. Sikes’ third monograph (above), Forever Beautiful (Rizzoli) was released in September.
Wall Mount Faucet with Arched Escutcheon in Silicon Bronze Light
3 Hole Lavatory Filler in Antique Gold with Gloss Black Chrome samuel-heath.com
No. 16600 Swirl Basin Set in Polished Brass peguerin.com
Griffey Widespread Lavatory Faucet in Antique Brass newportbrass.com
Classic
Clockwise from top left: Jacqueline Faucet
ONES TO WATCH
THE CREATIVE MINDS REIMAGINING THE FUTURE
From architecture to interior design to building, remodeling, manufacturing and beyond, innovators with groundbreaking ideas, concepts and ways of working breathe new life into their projects as they redefine excellence for their clients and industries.
TURN THE PAGE TO MEET THESE EXCEPTIONAL VISIONARIES.
Herndon Design
Bering’s
713.785.6400 | berings.com | beringshardware
It’s always noteworthy when a family-run business manages to thrive. Augie Bering, the thirdgeneration owner of Bering’s, is proud to be at the helm of his family’s long-standing store. Founded in 1940 by his grandfather, August C. Bering III, the store began by selling primarily lumber, building materials and hardware. Augie’s father joined the business in the sixties and it began to expand into the 1970s. Augie himself came on board in 2000 to help manage a new location and today happily leads the Houston team. “For me, the success of Bering’s is due to our culture,” he says. “Our loyal customer base spans generations and continues to grow. It’s important to me to bring on good employees who will nurture our team culture.” Another key to the success of Bering’s is their specialized offerings. Augie says, “We have a team of seasoned buyers and I am very particular about what we sell.”
AUGIE BERING, OWNER
I PLAN TO PRESERVE OUR STORE’S LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE. BERING’S IS BUILT TO LAST!”
Building Experience
Early outdoor training helped Augie prepare for his leadership role. “I was a National Outdoor Leadership student,” he says. “I graduated from the University of Montana and spent years as an expedition mountain and sea kayaking guide in Alaska and Baja. When I wasn’t guiding, I worked on a crew with an amazing leader building off-grid houses in Taos, NM. I attribute all of those experiences to my success. I learned to work through any problem and how to deal with obstacles and adversity with grace and patience. If you’re not making mistakes and learning from them, then you aren’t going anywhere.”
Top Benjamin Moore has released a cozy palette inspired by the warm, comforting hues of autumn. Bering’s has color samples!
Photography Headshot by Lauren Holub
Photography
COURT | HOUSE
713.705.3265 | court-house.co | courthouse.co
The great benefit of working for a small company is that the energy is usually all hands on deck, which means that everyone gets to learn a bit of everything. Courtney Cangelosi of COURT | HOUSE can relate. “I started my career at a small design firm and it had a big impact,” she says. “It gave me the ability to gain experience in all phases of a project, which, over time, grew into the confidence I needed to go out and do it on my own.” She launched her firm in 2013 with a focus on residential design. Her goals are to be transparent, responsive and respectful on her projects. “Challenges always come with home builds, but most can be navigated with clear communication and patience,” Courtney says, adding, “I love the personal side of residential design, being able to connect with people on this level and providing something specific for their hopes and needs. It is a fulfilling part of my life!”
Photography Sara Essex Bradley
COURTNEY CANGELOSI, RID, FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
MY CLIENTS INSPIRE ME. I ALWAYS LEARN SOMETHING NEW AND IT HAS A POSITIVE IMPACT ON MY DESIGNS.”
Design Goals
Courtney outlines how she approaches her designs. “Each project is unique to the client,” she says. “I don’t give my clients a regurgitated design. It’s important to me to personalize spaces for each project as much as possible.” One way she achieves this is by using items that are important to the homeowner. “I love to incorporate sentimental items,” she says. “I like a design to feel curated and collected over time—incorporating objects with history and a story adds warmth and a sense of character. In today’s world, where technology takes over, new is not always better.”
Success Metrics
For Courtney, success is a career she loves—one that challenges her, inspires her and creates lasting spaces clients will enjoy for years to come.
The key to innovation is pushing boundaries and not being afraid to take risks. Sarah Herndon, of Herndon Design, says, “Don’t be afraid to try something different! That’s where originality is found.” Herndon launched her firm in 2014 after seven years working alongside a talented and award-winning designer in Houston. She quickly captured her own accolades, recognized as an ASID winner for both residential and commercial spaces, and featured as an ASID Awards highlight in the Houston Chronicle Herndon is a big believer in timeless designs, noting, “I feel a previously designed space should be easily refreshed by changing pillows, art or upholstery.” When it comes to preferred projects, she enthuses: “It’s truly a tie between new construction builds and full-scale remodels. I love being a part of the planning, construction and layout stages just as much as I love making design selections.”
SARAH
HERNDON, OWNER AND INTERIOR DESIGNER
EVERY SPACE HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE STORY TO TELL BASED ON THE PEOPLE THAT INHABIT IT.”
Design Secrets
Years of experience means that Herndon has learned a lot about design. Here, she shares tips:
• Less is more. Keeping a clean palette creates a timeless space that one can enjoy for years to come.
• People are busy! Clients are always on the go, so creating a special spot for everything and building in organization solutions is a must. This often means getting creative to make a particular room or design function to fit client needs.
• Healthy homes are important. It can be a battle to keep indoor air quality at a healthy level, so the materials we select and accessories we place need to be considered.
Left This chic space does triple duty, combining a home office with a comfortable sitting area and ample, discreet storage space.
Photography Kerry Kirk; Headshot by Emma Herndon
Meraki Kassa
An Ethos Apart
“Incorporating sustainability, feng shui principles and the philosophy of wabi-sabi into my projects whenever possible adds depth and meaning to the spaces I create,” Yturralde says. “These elements, combined with a deep understanding of my clients’ needs, allow me to craft environments that are not just visually appealing but also nurturing.
I BELIEVE YOUR HOME IS YOUR SANCTUARY— YOUR PALACE.”
Many of the world’s greatest designers point to travel as a source of inspiration. But for Catalina Yturralde, the act of finding creative drive through exploring new places is an art form. Born in Bogota, Colombia, she was then raised in Venezuela and moved to the U.S. nearly three decades ago. In the States, she has called Chicago, Miami, New York City, Greenwich, Boston and Houston home. “These diverse environments have significantly influenced my design perspective,” she shares. Indeed, the journey has given her the opportunity to design for clients from varied backgrounds and walks of life, with such different tastes. The result is an approach praised for being holistic and entirely customized. “Through my firm, Meraki Kassa, I meld the principles of wellness, beauty, functionality and sustainability into everything as I translate my clients’ needs and personalities into cohesive environments.”
Womanhood In Legacy
Asked to share her goals for herself and her firm in the next several decades, Yturralde’s answer inspires. “I envision gaining more experience and wisdom in areas like menopause,” she says. “I dream of creating an integrative space where design, creativity, nature and nutrition come together to enhance women’s lives during and after this significant life transition. In 20 years, I want to be a resource for women navigating this phase, helping them emerge stronger and more empowered in every aspect of their being.”
CATALINA YTURRALDE, FOUNDER
Left A stunning petrified wood table, beautifully set on an area rug by Inigo Elizalde Rugs, creates an inviting atmosphere. Top right Loads of fun! Who said the laundry room can’t be chic, stylish and functional? Bottom right Originally a dark, outdated environment, this kitchen is now a modern marvel. The upper cabinets showcase the client’s glass vase collection from Prague, Greece and elsewhere.
Photography Susana Armengol; Headshot by Septra’s Lens
Teri Pugh Studio
713.581.7975
| teripughstudio.com | teripughstudio
For many design pros, the journey to establishing a firm is a long, yet rewarding one. This is certainly the case for Teri Pugh, who began in commercial furniture sales before helping her father launch a home building business. After 10 years, she decided to follow her design dreams. Now, Teri Pugh Studio is celebrating its 15th year at Houston Design Center. Pugh and her team are known for their client-centric approach to each project. “We strive to do the best job for our clients while making it an enjoyable experience for them and equally for us as a team,” Pugh says. “To be creative, you have to be at peace with the project and client.” When she isn’t crafting dream homes, Pugh might be found engaged in her work as the local ASID chapter’s Finance Director, preparing for her upcoming role as President Elect in the organization or caring for her dogs and horses—always how she recharges.
EVERY PROJECT HAS A SOUL AND HEART OF ITS OWN, AND WE EMBRACE EACH EXPERIENCE.”
Unexpected Details
“Our signature is delivering the unexpected, while managing to keep comfort and function in mind for each client,” Pugh shares. “I like to use different styles and mix pieces to deliver the unexpected, sometimes juxtaposing antiques with a splash of modern art or using color with a monotone overall background. I want people to look at my spaces and think, ‘I would never have thought to put that together, but it looks amazing!’”
Future Calling
Asked to share her vision for her career legacy, Pugh says, “I want to be involved until I can’t be, with others becoming partners in my firm while I’m still part of it. I love seeing the next generation ready to bring fresh perspectives and keep design relevant. I intend to always be teaching and giving back by sharing my experiences, mistakes and fortunate times.”
Photography Sonya Sellers Photography; Headshot by Colleen Scott Photography
TERI PUGH, PRINCIPAL AND LEAD DESIGNER
La Dolce Vita
Backdropped by the verdant hills of Austin, an idyllic Tuscan-inspired villa gets a stylish breath of fresh air.
MONIQUE MCINTOSH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA ROMEREIN STYLING BY ROBIN TURK
BY
WRITTEN
Interior Design: Marcus Mohon, Mohon Interiors
The front façade exudes Tuscan romance, with thick walls of native limestone featuring deep-set, wire-brushed mortar for added texture. The heavy custom front door was fabricated by Austin Woodwright.
With its rolling green hills and ancient stone-clad farmhouses, the Italian countryside has become the stuff of celluloid dreams, capturing imaginations worldwide.
One family found a slice of this part of the globe in Austin, where they purchased a picturesque Tuscan-style abode perched on the hills above Barton Creek. Views overlook acres of treetops and undulating landscape. And inside its thick, rough-hewn walls, the villa seems to leave Texas far behind for the climes of Chianti and Val d’Orcia.
The family turned to interior designer Marcus Mohon to update the dwelling, which was a career highlight when he originally designed its interiors in 2007. He’d tirelessly obsessed over every detail of the original home and its interior architecture, collaborating with architect Gary Koerner and builder David Dalgleish. So nearly two decades later, when the new owners invited him to reimagine the residence to their taste, it was like returning to an old friend. “I remember every door and doorknob,” the designer says. “For me, the challenge was to create something that feels different but equally beautiful for a house I carried so close to me.”
His new clients adored the home’s old-world gravitas, opting to leave many of its original finishes untouched—like the limestone walls with deep mortar crevices, the wide-plank oak floors and the locally quarried Lueders limestone flooring arranged in a Versailles pattern. But to suit their more casual lifestyle, the couple wanted a “kind of relaxed, coastal approach, with a lighter, airier color scheme,” Mohon notes. So, the designer imagined transporting the house to the Etruscan coast—“maybe 100 kilometers west of where we envisioned it originally,” he says.
A few subtle gestures were enough to pivot the interiors toward an organic coastal mood. The oak ceiling beams went “from a rich espresso to a deep taupe brown,” Mohon observes. All of the interior doors were lightened to soften the thresholds, and the kitchen, which had already been designed in a timeless style, was refreshed with quartzite countertops, a coat of white paint on the dark cherry cabinets and an eye-catching flower-bedecked light fixture.
A lighter, easeful spirit also seeps into the gathering spaces, where Mohon curated a
collection of European antiques and faithful reproductions, then dressed down their traditional mood with more casual, contemporary elements. This way, “The home can feel relaxed while still maintaining its elegance,” he explains. In the living room, classic Savonarola chairs and an ornately carved Gothic-style table live alongside a stylishly rumpled slipcovered sofa. These were matched with Belgian-linen armchairs featuring pleats fashioned to look as if an opera cloak had been thrown over them. Room by room, marquee lighting continues the mix of classic and casual, ranging from swooping French-style chandeliers to more avant-garde pieces such as the kitchen’s scaffolding-like fixture.
Composing this eclectic mix is “like throwing a good dinner party,” the designer muses. “You need different kinds of guests to keep the evening interesting, yet these contrasting styles still share a dialogue with each other because of their authentic details.” Pieces old and new favor solid hardwoods, from darkly stained to gently whitewashed. Textiles embrace natural weaves “because I wanted them to all feel luxurious to the touch,” Mohon notes. Sofas and armchairs are dressed in linen or mohair upholstery and adorned with silk damask throw pillows; custom rugs warm the cool limestone floors. Sunlight filters through swaths of translucent drapery, such as the billowy unlined wool crepe surrounding the living room, while metallic accents, as in the library’s brass sconces, bring bright flashes of glamour. Meanwhile, more earthy elements, such as the living room’s custom stone mantel, keep the effect grounded.
Outside, casual entertaining is made effortless with generous picnic tables and deep-seated sectionals on the romantic terraces, which overlook tiered gardens originally designed by James Hyatt complete with olive trees, climbing vines and boxwoods planted among native live oaks. Limestone steps lead down the hill to a scenic pool complex with a guesthouse, also visible from the homeowners’ suite.
Though imbued with a breezy, buoyant mood, the home’s Tuscan romance remains intact. Each new piece weaves a cohesive narrative with the surrounding architecture, creating spaces that still conjure reveries of candlelight suppers, sprawling lazy afternoons and outdoor lunches on the sunlit terrace. “It’s like the house is wearing a different wardrobe, with different jewelry,” the designer says. “But it still has the same soul.”
Above: Classic and contemporary pieces, like an antique Gothic desk from Carol Hicks Bolton and millstone coffee table by Formations, mingle in the living room. Saladino’s Santa Barbara sofa and Trunk chair provide relaxed seating.
Opposite: An antique stone sculpture poses next to the wool crepe sheer drapery that frames the entry to the living room. Spread across the limestone flooring is an antique Turkish rug from Madison Lily Rugs.
Above: Furnishings of different eras again converge in the breakfast nook, anchored by an Eero Saarinen dining table and two antique Italian klismos chairs from 1stdibs. The custom banquette and high-back campaign chair are upholstered in Perennials and Link fabrics, respectively. A Porta Romana floor lamp provides cozy lighting.
Opposite: An ethereal Water Lilies chandelier by Paul Ferrante crowns the refreshed kitchen. Quartzite countertops and newly lacquered cabinet doors originally fabricated by Kingwood Fine Cabinetry add a fresh face to the space, alongside its existing Thermador range.
“It’s like the house is wearing a different wardrobe, with different jewelry. But it still has the same soul.”
–MARCUS MOHON
Artworks and collectibles fill the library, including an abstract Tyler Guinn work whose colors converse with a piece from the owners’ collection above the sofa, which was reupholstered in white S. Harris mohair. New additions include a sheepskin floor covering by Marc Phillips and Porta Romana’s Lille sconces.
Left: In the primary bedroom, upholstered paneling designed by Mohon Interiors surrounds the bed. A Porta Romana lamp provides a gentle glow from its spot on the bedside table, also designed by Mohon Interiors.
Opposite: A Thassos mosaic marble floor brings characterful detail to the primary bath. Next to the original tub sits an antique-inspired chair by Kerry Joyce for The Fournir Collections and Rose Tarlow Melrose House tiered shelving.
Above: Overlooking Barton Creek, the outdoor patio provides a sun-kissed dining area for entertaining, complete with a custom zinc table covered in a Fortuny tablecloth. Folding chairs from Elegant Earth add to the rugged refinement.
Opposite: More limestone clads the home’s exterior walls and staircase leading to the gardens below. Newly planted olive trees bolster the property’s original thick tree canopy.
Architecture: Craig Fusch and Robbie Fusch, Fusch Architects, Inc. Interior Design: Philip Thomas Vanderford, Studio Thomas James
Home Builder: Mike Regan, Regan Custom Homes
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN KARLISCH
A new home in Dallas puts a fresh spin on traditional to create a thoughtful, timeless design.
BRIGHT IDEA
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL
For a retired couple building their forever home, the hard decisions came surprisingly easily. They knew how they wanted to spend their time and what they wanted to bring from the lives they’d built together, as well as what they were ready to leave behind. “This wasn’t a case of downsizing but of moving into something more manageable while still being gracious for hosting dinner parties and book club meetings,” interior designer Philip Thomas Vanderford says.
To begin with just the right canvas, the couple turned to builder Mike Regan, architect Robbie Fusch and residential designer Craig Fusch, who created the University Park home in an informal French style with a façade that includes arches, lanterns and shutters, all very much in keeping with the refined nature of the neighborhood.
“What makes this house so interesting is that it’s a courtyard plan,” Craig observes—a novelty in an area known for maximizing every square inch of a lot. “Because resale value wasn’t an issue here, the homeowners could build purely for themselves.” As empty nesters, the couple didn’t need a traditional backyard, but they did want as much natural light as possible. “A C-shape plan really gets light into the middle of a house, and it’s efficient,” Craig explains. Not unlike the interior courtyards of ancient villas, the private garden space he envisioned infuses fresh air and the feel of nature into all the rooms that surround it.
The homeowners have grown children in the area, so also high on their priority list was a generous living room (space for a card table was a must) and a family-friendly kitchen and breakfast area at the back of the house. “That’s where they knew they would really live and spend most of their time,” Craig says. To round out the couple’s wish list of practical spaces, the layout includes an office nook off the kitchen for the wife, who loves to cook; a whimsically tiled and wallpapered laundry room; and a mudroom made extra tidy by the addition of pale-blue lockers.
When planning out the rooms, Vanderford gave special consideration to the clients’ passion for travel and collecting, carefully whittling down
their possessions to treasured pieces perfectly scaled for the new home. “This project was all about getting the bones of the house ready, then editing and refining what they had,” he explains. In the living room, he repurposed the furniture, rug and draperies from the couple’s previous living room but added a pair of bright blue side chairs to “bring more color energy.” He also found key places for much-loved antique furniture, vintage prints and other items from the homeowners’ collection. In the process, he realized he was working a little magic. “With new construction, it can sometimes be hard to create soul because everything is so perfect, but this house immediately had heart because their pieces had meaning,” the designer says. “It had a wonderful lived-in atmosphere right from the start.”
What Vanderford found equally exciting was the clients’ willingness to be daring, especially with the palette. “They didn’t shy away from anything, and bursts of color and pattern helped us create different moods in each room,” he says, noting that repetition of stone through elements such as the entryway flooring and living room mantel kept things feeling connected and elevated. In the dining room, a scenic wallpaper of flowering trees in spring shades brings a sense of fresh air and views. And the coral-lacquered kitchen and scullery—the latter one of the few rooms the owners insisted stay roomy to accommodate elaborate meals—elicit smiles from all who visit. “The clients really liked the warmth of old-world kitchens, and the color gives it such personality,” Vanderford adds.
For the primary bedroom, the designer again “shopped” the clients’ collection to create a new bedroom suite with antiques that once occupied their former home. Even the couple’s bathroom partakes of a few period pieces, including an antique mirror that reflects light from a newly procured glass chandelier. A guest bedroom received a covetable Louis XVI-style bed, along with a wash of salmon pink that relates to the color story downstairs.
“I’m so glad the clients were willing to be bold with the backgrounds here—the wallpapers, the paint colors—because setting familiar furnishings against a different backdrop really makes them feel like new,” the designer shares. “Nothing feels dusty. It all feels layered, balanced and fit for today.”
The entryway of this new Dallas home features striking stone flooring from Paris Ceramics. The contrasting colors continue up the stairs through a Stark runner. Lanterns from Visual Comfort & Co. illuminate the walkway.
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Opposite: A D’Arts wallpaper sets the mood in the dining room and suits the romantic silk drapes and collection of English antiques. A Baker end chair upholstered in wool sateen caps the table, which is grounded by a vintage silk rug.
Left: Designer Philip Thomas Vanderford painted the scullery with Benjamin Moore’s Venetian Rose, punctuated by a bright marble countertop from Walker Zanger. The custom cabinetry incorporates
wine refrigerator by Sub-Zero.
The kitchen features splashes of Benjamin Moore’s Venetian Rose, matching the leather-upholstered stools by Highland House Furniture. The bright hue pops against the Ann Sacks tile-clad wall behind the sink. Chapman & Myers’ Gracie pendants from
Visual Comfort & Co. and the gilded hood detailing above the Wolf range add touches of glimmer.
“ THEY DIDN’T SHY A WAY FROM ANYTHING, AND BURSTS OF COLOR AND PATTERN HELPED US CREATE DIFFERENT MOODS IN EACH ROOM.”
–PHILIP THOMAS VANDERFORD
Above: The primary bathroom features a bold wallpaper and vanity stool print by Scalamandré as well as lighting fixtures from Visual Comfort & Co. Whimsical porcelain Staffordshire pups watch over the Victoria + Albert tub, above which hang two vintage floral prints from the owners’ collection.
Opposite: In the primary bedroom, modern touches complement antique items. Cowtan & Tout fabric covers the settee, while a Groundworks print gives a classic side chair new life. A Stark rug spreads across the floor underneath a mahogany bed with pillows covered in Holly Hunt and Scalamandré textiles.
Everyday Artistry
Craftsman Jordan Goetz of Growler Domestics makes custom wood furniture that celebrates quality and simplicity.
WRITTEN BY LAURA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUFF STRICKLAND
FENTON
As
expanded,
Growler Domestics’ business
founder Jordan Goetz (opposite) taught himself welding and metalworking. Goetz’s handmade furniture starts with designs sketched on paper (below). The Seaholm Cocktail Bar (right) and the Pebble Collection tables (bottom) show off his talent for creating curves with wood.
Jordan Goetz may not have dreamed of a future in furniture, but making things always came naturally to him. “I loved building things even as a kid, with erector sets, cardboard boxes, anything I could get my hands on,” he says. Somewhere along the way, though, he felt he’d lost his innovative spark. And then, 18 years ago, he moved to Texas. “As soon as I got to Austin, I felt creative again,” he recalls. “There is something very special about the city and its creative frequencies.” Once he acquired some hand tools, he was back to building.
Goetz also loves design. “I don’t think I realized what design was when I was young,” he reminisces, but as he grew as an artist and furniture maker, he did a deep dive, finding inspiration in the work of Donald Judd, Charlotte Perriand and Frank Lloyd Wright. “I think there’s so much beauty in simplicity,” he explains.
But simplicity can be deceptively hard to create. “When I first started, I was limited with my skill set, but now that I’ve been doing it for years, I feel like I can make anything,” Goetz shares. That sense of possibility is likely what interior designers love about working with Growler Domestics, Goetz’s three-person shop. For example, when interior designer Samantha Voges brought him a rendering of a curved cantilevered table, Goetz agreed to create it even though, he admits, “It was terrifying. T here was zero room for error.” Every angle was hand-carved, and if he made any mistake shaping the curves with the hand plane, he’d need to start over.
While most of Growler Domestics’ work is commissioned, Goetz occasionally makes something for his own edification. Once, when a conversation with a designer about organically shaped side tables didn’t lead anywhere, Goetz went ahead and made two sets, dubbed the Pebble Collection. Like many Growler creations, the Pebble tables feature rounded edges. “I love curves,” Goetz observes. “They’re challenging and push us to get creative.”
Over the years, Goetz’s business has grown in lockstep with his skills. Today, he has a team of craftspeople working with him in a 2,000-square-foot studio. “This is my happy place,” he says. “From watching the forklift bring a massive stack of wood, to putting the boards through the joiner, to when you start to see the grain underneath, it’s all exciting. I love everything about designing furniture.”
Modern Classic
These Houston homeowners looked back to look forward, asking for a Tudor-style abode fit for contemporary family life.
WRITTEN BY RACHEL GALLAHER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASEY DUNN
STYLING BY JESSICA HOLTAM
Architecture: André De Jean and Andrea Caicedo, Reagan & André Interior Design: Elizabeth Garrett DeWitt, Elizabeth Garrett Interiors Home Builder: Austen Potts, AP Builders Landscape Architecture: Heath J. Thibodeaux, HJT Landscape Architects, LLC
Outgrowing their home but looking to stay in their traditional neighborhood, one Houston couple had something special in mind. The two wanted a new residence that would fit in with the stately houses that populate their street and accommodate their active lifestyle and large family. But rather than the ranch or midcentury styles more typical of the neighborhood’s historic properties, the owners wanted a Tudor look reminiscent of residences they had seen while living in Washington, D.C., the city where the husband grew up and the couple first met.
After assembling what the wife describes as “a fabulous team”—architect André De Jean, his partner Andrea Caicedo and interior designer Elizabeth Garrett DeWitt—she put in a few requests: offices for her and her husband, bedrooms with en suites for the kids and a large backyard with a pool, which is where landscape designer Heath J. Thibodeaux came in. Then, she set the designers loose with a lot of creative freedom. “I’m busy; I don’t have much time to shop,” she explains. “We brought Elizabeth in early and asked her to give us two or three options for things. I would pick one and not change my mind.”
The resulting house, a timeless two-story abode brought to life by builder Austen Potts, is full of warm colors, oak millwork and thoughtful details (custom outdoor lanterns, leaded-glass windows, handcrafted ceiling beams, arched thresholds) that make it feel as though it’s been there forever. The team delved into the Tudor aesthetic and paid homage with niche references to British design—including the study’s inglenook, a cozy alcove complete with a fireplace—while bringing it into the modern day with ample light and large windows.
On the first floor, which holds the public spaces, a high-traffic living room emphasizing attractive but durable materials such as wool and performance fabrics looks out onto a manicured lawn and pool. DeWitt employed an earthy palette of tans and creams as her base
to complement the custom-notched beams and other woodwork. “We used heavy timbers around many of the openings between rooms and carried the detailing of those archways throughout the home,” Caicedo notes. “It ties everything together.” Layered furniture and textiles in shades of blue break up the continuity.
The kitchen, especially, is a deeper tonal departure, with its bluestone floor tiles, stormy paint and blue pendant lights. Its brick wall, which alludes to the home’s natural brick façade, carries into the adjacent breakfast room. One of the children’s favorite spaces, the room also incorporates bluestone flooring and a customwashed ceiling intended to blend the seams between indoors and out. “The space feels like it used to be open, but we enclosed it,” DeWitt muses. With its tall, linen-curtained windows, the room is airy in all weather and lets in some of the best light in the house.
Upstairs, the bedrooms are spacious, with the primary suite providing a cozy place of retreat. A vaulted ceiling, large marble fireplace and custom four-poster bed create a sense of romance; soft blue on the walls fosters serenity; and a large glass chandelier injects a moment of glamour. To hide the motorized drapery, De Jean added a shouldered arch that continues the room’s dreamy aesthetic.
The primary bathroom is pale with shades of tan and white, which both brighten the room and provide functionality: “I tend to use lighter colors in main bathrooms so when makeup is being applied the walls aren’t affecting the light bouncing off the mirror,” DeWitt shares. Walls were plastered to highlight the curves of an architectural dropped ceiling element that outlines the bathtub from above. “The tub itself is centered to the bedroom,” De Jean adds, “so if the bedroom door is open, in the distance you see the tub with the window behind.”
It’s these thoughtful details, paired with allusions to architectural history, that make the designers’ work feel so timeless. “Everything the architects did was planned so well, and every design element was intentional,” DeWitt says. “It can be hard to give older charm to newer construction, but when you do it right, it makes such a difference.”
In the living room, a Matt Camron Oushak rug rests beneath a custom sofa and armchairs by The Joseph Company, which surround an iron-and-limestone Formations coffee table. Above the stone mantel—which incorporates reclaimed brick in a geometric pattern—hangs a geode-like abstract from the clients’ collection.
Right: Reclaimed wood flooring laid out in a chevron pattern adds rustic warmth to the front hallway.
A Formations console and sconce are joined by an antique French mirror from MAI.
Opposite: Vintage pieces, like the chairs from Joyce Horn Antiques, Ltd. (reupholstered in Jerry Pair and Schumacher fabrics) and buffet from Lolo French Antiques, populate the dining room. Above is an Iatesta Studio chandelier.
Embracing the clients’ love of blue, designer Elizabeth Garrett DeWitt painted the kitchen cabinetry Sherwin-Williams’ Grays Harbor and installed Italian bluestone flooring from Farmhouse Stone. Pendants by The Urban Electric Co. hang over counter stools by Peck & Company.
Above: In the pantry, defining kitchen elements are carried over: blue paint, bluestone flooring and Taj Mahal quartzite countertops from Pomogranit + ADR. A Tudor-style leaded-glass window by Marvin lets in natural light, while a brass faucet from Elegant Additions and antique French sink elevate the workhorse room.
Opposite: Just off the kitchen is the breakfast nook, with its wall of handmade Park Ridge brick by Old Carolina Brick Co. A custom table from Doro’s Unique Flooring, Palecek side chairs and a banquette fabricated by The Joseph Company form an ideal morning coffee spot.
Above: The primary bathroom incorporates a soft plaster wall treatment and a palette of calming neutrals. Beyond the tub from Elegant Additions, a chair from Joyce Horn Antiques, Ltd. tucks into the built-in vanity. Airy Holly Hunt fabric café curtains enhance privacy without feeling heavy or dark.
Opposite: With a vaulted ceiling and four-poster bed by The Joseph Company, the primary bedroom feels cozy yet sophisticated. A custom chaise by Hien Lam Upholstery, covered in Lee Jofa fabric from Kravet, nestles into a corner niche near the fireplace.
“It can be hard to give older charm to newer construction, but when you do it right, it makes such a difference.”
–ELIZABETH GARRETT DEWITT
The clients prioritized a backyard where their kids would spend hours playing sports and splashing in the pool, which was installed by Water’s Edge Outdoor Living and features bluestone coping. Designed as an extension of the interior scheme, the outdoor dining area is outfitted with a concrete table by Made Goods and woven Palecek chairs.
