Century believes that style and service are personal and best provided by passionate local businesses. We are proud to be family owned and operated in Hickory, North Carolina since 1947.
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Architect: Michael Anderson of Abstract Architecture Photographer: Kim Smith Photography Follow us on Instagram
Casual, formal, something in between, no meal goes unnoticed when thoughtfully furnished with remarkable design, including an entrance that is both grand and seamless. Another evening gathering of family and friends, made more poignant by doors and windows that never compromise. Learn more >
ENDLESS INSPIRATION at every turn
We design + build award winning outdoor environments.
LANDSCAPING . POOLS . OUTDOOR LIVING
Finely-crafted modern furnishings created by Workshop/APD, suitable for all projects. Our new collection, At Ease, is available now.
THE ITALIAN SENSE OF BEAUTY
| AUGUST 2025
MINDSET Vacation
AS OUR SUMMER ISSUE BEGAN TO BLOOM, we found ourselves enchanted by projects designed as tranquil oases in a frenetic world. It seems the order of the day is fostering a vacation mindset at home, and what a perfect sentiment to celebrate this season. With escapism as our north star, we’ve assembled a summer issue that invites you to dive into a sea of inspiration lled with ideas for enjoying the ultimate at-home vacation—no suitcases or passports needed.
In every region of LUXE, it is evident that modern architecture is blurring the line between indoors and outdoors as more residences are being designed to integrate inhabitants with the surrounding landscape. Nature is the perfect place to unwind, which is why it takes center stage in our pages. You’ll nd bucolic properties with lush garden rooms, cozy guest quarters from New York to Southern California and alfresco entertaining ideas throughout.
If a remodel isn’t on your agenda this summer, we have a plethora of instant grati cation accessories to quickly transform your porch, deck or patio. Read on for vibrant enamelware, gem-hued outdoor lighting, the prettiest woven pool umbrella and much more.
In this and every issue, we feature eye-catching design from across America, and we are particularly excited to showcase a greater emphasis on the Hamptons in our Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut issue, which embodies the essence of relaxation and indulgence. You can also see these projects on luxesource.com, along with more stunning abodes from coast to coast.
Whether your adventures take you near or far, we wish you a summer lled with beauty, serenity and joyful moments.
Jill Cohen Editor in Chief
Follow me @jilleditsluxe
P.S. Check out this year’s RED Awards winners, honoring the very best in residential and product design.
PALMERA
Mural Wallcovering on Manila Hemp
Luxury, found locally. Visit today kolbewindows.com/where-to-buy
Project Credits: Gordon James Construction | Everson Architect
JUL AUG
Scene
The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.
Radar
Stan Dixon recalls the Kiawah Island courtyard he crafted as a Lowcountry love letter.
Nature-forward modern architecture sweeps across LUXE editions from coast to coast.
Visit posh guest quarters by McGrath II, Patina Home & Garden and Studio Gutow.
Architect Paul Wanzer’s own Seattle houseboat is where we all want to be this season.
Market
A selection of playful finds just in time for peak summer fun.
Designer hotels beckon travelers looking for a bespoke hospitality experience.
Read about the aesthetic behind Max Humphrey’s distinct product lines.
At a dreamy Napa Valley property, Peter Dunham shares his entertaining ethos.
Morris & Co.’ s iconic Arts and Crafts motifs are ready to go alfresco.
From sconces to lamps and lanterns, take your pick of lighting perfect for the outdoors.
Living
Refined patina unifies a Healdsburg property’s kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor living spaces.
2025
121 Excellence in residential architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and products.
FEATURES
Artful Escape
Bodron Fruit envisions a Dallas residence replete with glass and natural light to welcome a family and their curated portfolio of artwork.
Styling by Jenny O’Connor
170
Classic Meets Cool
Decadent, layered interiors by Henry Street Design, including a dazzling new pool house, put a Palm Springs twist on a storied Austin home.
Written by Jennifer Pfaff Smith
Photography by Stephen Karlisch
Styling by Stephen Pappas 182
The Bright Side
In Houston, interior designer Melanie King selected organic materials and rich tones to create a jewel-box abode perfect for entertaining.
Written by Charlotte Safavi
Photography by Julie Soefer
ON THE COVER: For this modern Dallas marvel with architecture by Svend Fruit, limestone walls soften the expansive windows. A channel glass treatment adds texture next to the staircase, which is adorned by a Plexiglas sculpture commissioned from Tomás Saraceno. Page 156
Written by Lara Hallock
Photography by Manolo Langis
Project by Tomlenovich Design with Photography by Giorgio Locatelli
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES, LOS ANGELES, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Kelly Phillips Badal
PACIFIC NORTHWEST, SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Mary Jo Bowling
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO, DALLAS + FORT WORTH, HOUSTON
Lara Hallock
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Grace Beuley Hunt
MIAMI, PALM BEACH + BROWARD, NAPLES + SARASOTA
Jennifer Pfaff Smith
ART
ART DIRECTORS
Candace Cohen, Maria Pluta
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jamie Beauparlant
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Kyle Anderson, John Griffin-Santucci
SENIOR RETOUCHER
Christian Ablan
DIGITAL
SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Claire Evans
WEB EDITOR
Brooke Robinson
CONTRIBUTERS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alexa Mulvihill
ART DIRECTOR
Doug Turshen
FEATURE DESIGNER
Steve Turner
PHOTO EDITOR
Catherine Armanasco
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL + BRAND CONTENT
Kathryn Given
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Hannah Lavine
ADAM I. SANDOW CHAIRMAN
FOUNDING EDITOR IN CHIEF EMERITUS
LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN
Pamela Lerner Jaccarino
CONTROLLER
Emily Kaitz
CHIEF OF STAFF
Stephanie Brady
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Monica Del Borrello
DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Joshua Grunstra
VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES
Lisa Silver Faber
SENIOR MARKET EDITOR
Sarah Shelton
ERICA HOLBORN
CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CHIEF MARKETING & REVENUE OFFICER
Bobby Bonett
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Michael Shavalier
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Kate Kelly Smith
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE
Jake Galvin
VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL
Caroline Davis
VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Laura Steele
SENIOR VIDEO DIRECTOR
Steven Wilsey
SANDOW was founded by visionary entrepreneur Adam I. Sandow in 2003, with the goal of reinventing the traditional publishing model. Today, SANDOW powers the design, materials and luxury industries through innovative content, tools and integrated solutions. With its diverse portfolio of assets, SANDOW has established itself as the largest design media company in the world which includes the following brands: LUXE Interiors + Design, Interior Design, Metropolis, DesignTV by SANDOW; ThinkLab, a research and strategy firm; and content services brands, including The Agency by SANDOW – a full-scale digital marketing agency, The Studio by SANDOW – a video production studio, and SURROUND – a podcast network and production studio. In 2019, Adam Sandow launched Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials. Other SANDOW brands include definitive authority on all things beauty, NewBeauty; luxury sampling platform, Test Tube by NewBeauty; Leaders Magazine; and exclusive private airport newsstand network, MediaJet.
STAY EXTRAORDINARY
Discover limitless experiences at over 475 luxury hotels and resorts globally. From the natural beauty of Six Senses to the modern decadence of Regent, exquisite escapes await.
Contact your Luxury Travel Professional or visit ihg.com/luxuryhotels to book today.
Regent Santa Monica Beach
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.
TANYA SUBER
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS OPERATIONS
VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL PUBLISHER
Michelle Blair
NATIONAL SALES DIRECTORS
HOME FURNISHINGS DIRECTOR
Sarah Smith
WEST COAST DIRECTOR
Lisa Lovely
MIDWEST + SOUTH CENTRAL DIRECTOR
Tanya Scribner
MARKETING
SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARKETING OPS Rachel Senatore
DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES Carly Colonnese
DIRECTOR, CLIENT STRATEGY Kasey Campbell Thompson
CLIENT STRATEGIST Verity Lister
SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Mery Nikolova
INTEGRATED GRAPHIC DESIGNER Antoinette Childs
EVENTS + AWARDS MARKETING
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS + AWARDS MARKETING James Nolan
MANAGER, EVENTS + AWARDS MARKETING Dana Jensen
MANAGER, EVENTS Janice Hyatt
PARTNER + PROGRAM SUCCESS
DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES Brittany Watson
SENIOR PARTNER SUCCESS MANAGERS Lauren Krause, Susan Mallek
PARTNER SUCCESS MANAGERS Brittany Blackwood, Chelsea Petrey
NATIVE CONTENT EDITOR + TEAM LEAD Greta Wolf
NATIVE CONTENT EDITORS Heather Schreckengast, Matthew Stewart
LUXE PREFERRED, PROGRAM SUCCESS MANAGER + ANALYTICS SPECIALIST Victoria Albrecht
LUXE PREFERRED, PROGRAM SUCCESS MANAGER Stephanie Fritz
DIGITAL OPERATIONS
SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL ADVERTISING Molly Polo
ADVERTISING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Rosemary Leo
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS
ARIZONA PUBLISHER Adrienne B. Honig
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO PUBLISHER Jim Wilson
GREATER CHICAGO PUBLISHER Kathleen Mitchell
MANAGING DIRECTOR Carolyn Funk
DIRECTORS Christine Bowman, Ashley West
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES PUBLISHER Katie Martin
DIRECTOR Travis Gainsley
DALLAS + FORT WORTH PUBLISHER Rolanda Polley
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
PUBLISHER Trish Kirsch
DIRECTORS, NEW YORK Kara Pfeiffer, Maritza Smith
HOUSTON PUBLISHER Amy McAnally
LOS ANGELES WEST COAST PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Virginia Williams
MIAMI, PALM BEACH + BROWARD, NAPLES + SARASOTA
DIRECTORS Jennifer Chanay, Susan Goldstein, Karina Gonzalez
PACIFIC NORTHWEST WEST COAST PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
DIRECTORS Cathy Cruse, Jay Jensky
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WEST COAST PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
DIRECTOR Sara McGovern
SOUTHEAST MARKET DIRECTOR Jim Wilson
REGIONAL MARKET DIRECTOR Natalie Hood
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEST COAST PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kali Smith
SALES ADMINISTRATION
SALES OPERATIONS DIRECTOR John Baum
REGIONAL SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER Addie Szews
SALES ASSISTANT, NATIONAL & GREATER NEW YORK Sylvia Coulson
SALES ASSISTANT, CALIFORNIA Gabriella Picano
CIRCULATION + DISTRIBUTION
SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC OPERATIONS Keith Clements
VICE PRESIDENT, REGIONAL Kathleen Mitchell This magazine is recyclable. Please recycle when you’re done with it. We’re all in this together.
Design A Level Above The Rest
KERRIE KELLY X FEENEY
LASERCUT COLLEC TION
SCENE
WRITTEN BY LARA HALLOCK | PRODUCED BY KRYSTAL RACANIELLO
FAB COLLABS
FROM RICHLY PATTERNED TILES TO WOVEN SHADES AND WALLCOVERINGS, THESE POWERHOUSE COLLECTIONS ARE CATCHING OUR EYE.
Donghia x Artistic Tile
WRITTEN BY LAUREN GALLOW
Known for its Italian-inspired textiles and upholstery, Donghia is bringing its retro feel to new parts of the home in its latest collaboration with Artistic Tile. “We thought their patterns and designs would translate well to tile,” explains Zachary Epstein, president and chief product officer of Artistic Tile. “Looking through the Donghia archives, there were many patterns that spoke to us.” Drawn to those with an elegant ’60s vibe, the team selected two heritage designs—Decadence (far right), a refined demilune, and Donghia’s signature Casino Royale (right) with lantern-like shapes that have been oversized in this tile incarnation. For the material, the team opted for mosaic tile in natural stone. “The colors have a warmth and softness that relates to the original fabrics, and mosaic tile has an old-world charm that expresses the patterns in a way befitting of their heritage,” Epstein says. The timeless craftsmanship of mosaic offers a striking contrast to these highly graphic patterns, making for tiles with a bold, stylish appeal. “Donghia inhabits a rich intersection of style and culture, and is known for its seductive glamour,” Epstein adds. “We’re excited to see these patterns live in spaces they never could as fabrics.” artistictile.com; kravet.com/donghia
Amy Meier x Hartmann & Forbes
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL
After exploring her interest in Japanese design in a prior collection for window and wallcoverings manufacturer Hartmann & Forbes, California designer Amy Meier has launched a new line with the textile company, this time inspired by Scandinavian style. “I’ve traveled to Sweden many times and always immediately feel at ease,” she says. “There’s a pared-back elegance there that creates calm but also warmth. That’s what I was trying to achieve with this collection, to make people feel the way I do whenever I visit.” Meier chose natural fibers like bamboo, ramie and banana for the six woven designs, all done in softly sunny shades with colorways like Wheat and Apricot. These are joined by a tone-on-tone ivory wallpaper inspired by the Swedish Grace movement of the 1920s and, more specifically, an inlay she spotted on a chest of drawers. The wallpaper, which hangs in Meier’s own bedroom, is embroidered with geometric and botanical motifs that evoke a neoclassical feel. In fact, her abode features the whole of the new collection and hosted its photo shoot. “I really wanted to show how I imagined these pieces being used,” the designer says. “And it’s amazing to live with the line, because it’s the manifestation of my imagination.” hartmannforbes.com; @amymeierdesign
SUMMER STUNNERS
TUPELO GOODS
From the buzzy backyard of the inaugural Round Top Designer Showhouse to the breezy cocktail patio of Austin’s Hotel Saint José, Tupelo Goods has been steadily drawing loungers to its sculptural, ergonomic outdoor chairs and side tables. Founded by former Yeti executives, Tupelo brings the famous cooler company’s innovation outdoors, applying its rotational molding techniques to create seamless and durable seating. “Rotational molding offers you a lot of freedom as a designer,” says Steve Nichols, head of product and design at Tupelo. “We knew there was an opportunity to create forms that are special and unique in the market.” The brand also uses marine-grade polyethylene—the same material as whitewater kayaks—so its furnishings can withstand weather and rest in the pool just as easily as on the lawn. Offerings come in a range of colors, including vivid summery seafoam, orange and pink as well as more neutral white, gray and cream tones. And for those seeking group seating, Tupelo’s first love seat debuts this summer, expanding their line of versatile outdoor products. tupelogoods.com
SHOWROOM SPOTLIGHT
VERELLEN ATELIER DFW
Melding modern American sensibility with Belgian craftsmanship, Verellen introduces its signature aesthetic to the Dallas Design District with a new setting. “We are thrilled to bring Verellen to a city with such a dynamic design community,” says CEO Tom Verellen. “This new space allows us to deepen our connection with designers and clients, offering a curated environment where they can engage with our collections in a meaningful way.” The third showroom following High Point and New York locations, Verellen Atelier DFW celebrates the brand’s beautiful contemporary furnishings and more. The space is meant to feel like a home away from home, designed by Sabine Verellen, the company’s chief creative officer. Expansive windows let natural light flow into the interior, where cozy nooks and tactile vignettes invite guests to linger. Pieces blend organic materials and artisanal detailing in a palette of grounding tones such as earthy browns and creamy beiges. Amid the high ceilings and wide-plank oak floors, furnishings designed to be lived in—plush, round chairs and deep, tailored sofas—combine with carefully considered accents like landscape photography, layered rugs, ceramics and greenery, providing a well of inspiration to bring home. Designers can also look forward to an event series where industry experts will lead thoughtful conversations and encourage creative exchange. verellen.biz
RETAIL THERAPY
EN GOLD
Gaining popularity for its handcrafted furnishings and homewares, En Gold recently opened a showroom in Houston. The first U.S. retail space for the Philippines-based company features a selection of stylish decor by Australian artisans and lifestyle brands. Here’s more from CEO Steffanie Ball on the artful new space. engold.com
Why Houston? There is such a vibrant design community, and we felt an instant alignment with the city’s warmth and openness. It’s a place where creativity, culture and innovation are thriving, and we wanted to be a part of that.
How did you envision the new showroom? We wanted it to feel like an extension of home—a place where people can slow down, explore and connect with the tactile beauty of handcrafted design. It’s intentionally curated, layered with soft textures, natural finishes and a sense of tranquility.
What can guests look forward to? Beautiful items from our Australian artists and brands, including linen bedding by Cultiver, luxury towels by Yōli, original artworks by Denise Quah and White On Walls as well as wall sculptures by Karv Studio and Adele Naidoo.
Tell us about the unique stone tile inlay technique used in En Gold decor. Found in plinths, side tables (right), mirrors and more, our signature technique using fossil stone originated in the Philippines, where this form of craftsmanship was nearly lost. Each piece is hand-laid, tile by tile, often taking days to complete. The texture and movement on each surface is like a landscape, shaped by hand.
LAUNCH
FOUR HANDS SPRING COLLECTION
In celebration of a worry-free lifestyle without sacrificing design, Four Hands’ new collection spotlights elevated silhouettes incorporating metal, stone and other natural components intended to stand the test of time. “Each material was selected for its ability to age beautifully and live up to the elements, making indoor-outdoor transitions effortless,” shares Adam Dunn, senior vice president of design at Four Hands. Performance textiles cover a wide variety of offerings, including an assortment of furnishings upholstered in Crypton’s stain-repellent, odor-resistant and easyto-clean fabrics. The brand also launched exclusive new colorways, including a mocha dubbed Nomad Mushroom. “We’ve always been known for our natural tones, which we believe help foster wellbeing in the home,” Dunn notes. “But this spring, we are bringing forward some richer shades of red to provide a touch of pop, including our Kika end table and Vernon dining table in smooth red concrete.” The more than 90 new pieces also include extensions of the Amber Lewis x Four Hands collection released last year. fourhands.com
RADAR
ARCHITECTURALLY SPEAKING | SNAPSHOT | READ THE ROOM | BLUEPRINT
Take a visual vacation with INSPIRATION FIT FOR THE SEASON , from a charming courtyard to plush guest spaces and homes BUILT TO MINGLE WITH NATURE .
SALT & STONE
ATLANTA ARCHITECT STAN DIXON REFLECTS ON THE MATERIAL MEDLEY BEHIND A KIAWAH ISLAND PROJECT THAT SPEAKS TO ITS LOWCOUNTRY LOCALE.
AS TOLD TO KATE ABNEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC PIASECKI/OTTO
Composing a retreat on Kiawah Island for designer Jackye Lanham, my longtime friend and collaborator, felt very much like a natural extension of our shared love for the area. We both have worked extensively in and around Charleston, so we were drawn to materials that reflect the historical architecture of the coast.
The house and garden structures are built from tabby—an aggregate of mortar and shells used in the Lowcountry since the 1600s. The material was originally structural, not decorative, but it has this extraordinary texture that feels right at home on a barrier island. For contrast, we incorporated handmade Charleston brick—its gray-brown coloring reminiscent of the bark of a live oak, or the pluff mud of Charleston’s salt marshes.
We spent a lot of time designing the courtyard, which is central to the home’s
layout, and were very intentional about the gate. Rather than wood, we chose wrought iron—light in profile and historically resonant for the Lowcountry. Collaboration with a local ironworker produced a design that feels early 1800s in spirit, not overly ornamental, but softened with a repeating circle motif.
Jackye found the 12-foot antique metal trough, repurposed here as a fountain basin, while landscape architect Glen Gardner sourced the bronze spouts. This component adds a beautiful sound of trickling water and nods to our idea of the home rising from the remnants of an old stable block. Final touches include the copper gas lanterns and sculptural pieces sourced by Jackye, such as garden statuary and the zinc pedestal table. The result is a space that feels rooted in its setting, quietly storied and timeless in style. dsdixonarchitect.com, jackyelanham.com
Architect Stan Dixon collaborated with designer Jackye Lanham on her enchanting Kiawah Island home and property. In the courtyard, Lanham’s elegant collections of glass and linen reflect the ease with which she and her husband use their outdoor spaces.
Outside IN
LUXE’s bird’s-eye view on American design reveals sublime modern architecture built to embrace nature’s bounty.
PRODUCED BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT
“The objective was to erase the distinction between interior and exterior, throwing focus on the lakeside bluff siting (above). To enhance a sense of calm, we made the home acoustically quiet so that the sounds of waves hitting the beach or wind in the meadow were what the clients heard.”
-Larry Booth, boothhansen.com
“This home is thoughtfully designed to highlight views and maximize natural light. Framed by exterior walls clad in limestone, this doubleheight stair volume (top right) features a decorative screen of glass channels that shift in appearance from day to night, offering layered transparency and diffused sunshine.”
-Svend Fruit, bodronfruit.com
“The intent was to keep this gallery space (right) neutral and clean so that you are immediately drawn to the desert and mountain range beyond. The building is merely a tool for allowing the clients to enjoy the serenity of the canyon it is located in, protecting them from the climate, while also enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.”
-Scott Carson, cosanstudio.com
Michigan
Arizona
Texas
“Throughout the project, this was never referred to as the ‘living room.’ Instead, we always called it the ‘view room’ (left). The perimeter is predominantly glass to invite the ocean into the space. The coolness of the sea is contrasted by the warmth of the old-growth redwood paneling that lines the interior.”
-Brad Krefman, bkinteriordesign.com
“Whether the owners are hosting in their great room or soaking in the primary bathroom’s sculptural freestanding tub (below) watching eagles fly by, this house is the epitome of waterfront living. It offers a peaceful, luxurious and comfortable lifestyle that is an effortless extension of its stunning lakeside surroundings.”
-Christopher Tellone, mcclellan-tellone.com
“This midcentury-inspired home celebrates Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle—as seen at this interior ‘elbow’ with courtyard views (below left). The material palette reinforces the Zen architecture and creates a calm haven for relaxing.”
-Mark Kirkhart, designarc.net
BE OUR GUEST
SUMMER MAY BE SYNONYMOUS WITH LONG WEEKENDS AWAY, BUT DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE COMPANY COMING BY. HERE, DESIGN PROS SHOW HOW TO CREATE WELCOMING, COZY SPACES FOR BOTH SURPRISE VISITORS AND LONGTIME INHABITANTS.
WRITTEN BY LISA BINGHAM DEWART
PHOTO: WILLIAM WALDRON / OTTO.
In upstate New York, Studio McGrath designed a mountain escape with Joan Heaton Architects that boasts sweeping views and interiors that are both relaxed and inviting.
UPSTATE ABODE
Mother-and-daughter design duo Suzanne and Lauren McGrath knew that the interiors of their clients’ mountain retreat in the Adirondacks needed to speak to its surroundings. “The house has such beautiful views from every angle, so we wanted that to take center stage,” says Lauren. “We chose soft, painterly colors and a neutral backdrop to let the outside in.” The eggshell, seafoam and taupe hues yield muted backdrops for a collection of vintage rattan, wicker and twig furniture appropriate to the area, giving the spaces a layered, collected effect. For both the homeowners and their guests (they entertain throughout the summer and play host to an annual family reunion), comfort was paramount: “You can sink into the furniture and relax,” she notes. As such, they outfitted guest rooms in a variety of ways. One features a pair of twin beds, a must in a vacation house, Suzanne maintains, while another has a simple upholstered bed with an Indian blanket at the foot. The designers particularly like to use vintage blankets and coverlets in guest spaces. “It’s an inviting accessory and adds color and pattern,” says Suzanne. “They don’t have to match—it throws things off a little and feels timeless.” The designers also suggest outfitting rooms with a desk and cozy chair for lounging. Adds Lauren, “It’s always nice to have a bookshelf stocked with easy reads, a nice glass on the bedside table and fresh flowers.” For them, small, thoughtful details create a welcoming landing spot away from home. mcgrath2.com
COUNTRY IDYLL
“The idea was a deconstructed house,” architect Steve Giannetti says of the vision for the Franklin, Tennessee, property he shares with his wife and designer, Brooke. “The guest rooms are separate from the main house and entertainment space, so it feels like its own selfcontained world.” While the buildings share a palette that references the greens and earth tones of the gardens around the couple’s 1850s log cabin, the guest quarters make visitors feel transported. “It was inspired by our travels to the Cotswolds, and the quirky places we’ve stayed,” says Brooke. While the open layout feels modern, antique barn wood frames the ceiling; the hearth is clad with rough-hewn stone; Inchyra textiles from Scotland cover the walls and ceiling; and the roll-arm sofa and Gustavian chairs would feel right at home in a cozy English cottage. To welcome visitors, says Steve, “There are always fresh eggs and flowers with pottery from our studio.” There’s even an extra car for guests to use. “It gives them a layer of independence,” says Brooke, and allows guests “the chance to feel what it’s like to live here.” patinahomeandgarden.com
COZY CORNER
“We wanted it to feel like a warm hug, so everything is very cozy and indestructible,” designer Melissa Rohani says of the multipurpose pool and guest house on her clients’ Ventura County, California, property. She and her partner at Studio Gutow, Lisa Berman, opted for warm, earthy shades with durable tongue-andgroove Douglas fir ceilings, flagstone flooring and raw wood cabinetry that underscores an overall rustic feeling. The relaxed vibe extends to the furnishings, which are mostly vintage and intended for heavy use. “The clients love that their guests don’t have to worry about putting a coaster down or a popsicle spilling on the floor,” says Rohani, who adds, “Everything is uber functional to fit as much in as tiny a space as possible.” The kitchen island, for instance, doubles as a table and can be moved outside for gatherings or for overnight guests to use for work. “Visitors need to have a spot other than a bed,” notes the designer. But when it does come to the bed, the designer advises, “If you can fit a king size, you should.” studiogutow.com
HOPE FLOATS
ON SEATTLE’S PORTAGE BAY, A DESIGN TEAM CREATES A LONG-DREAMED-ABOUT HOUSEBOAT.
WRITTEN BY MARY
JO BOWLING
For Paul Wanzer of Hoshide Wanzer Architects + Interiors, designing his own houseboat was a dream realized. “I grew up in Seattle,” he says. “For many people here, living on the water is the ideal.” When Wanzer and his wife took the plunge, they found a partner in Ren Chandler of Dyna Builders, a firm experienced with the style. “Houseboats are in the fabric of the Northwest, and people have a romantic nostalgia about them,” Chandler notes. “You must love them to build them, they are a special kind of challenge.”
The modernist Wanzer floating home isn’t the rustic dwelling you might picture. For privacy, the front façade is composed of black HardiePanel, two runs of narrow clerestory windows, and an oversized sliding door made with strips of cedar. Inside, glass walls wrap the rear exterior to capture water views. “It’s a constant parade of sailboats, kayaks and marine life,” says Wanzer. And when the family wants solitude, they simply pull exterior wood shutters over the glass. It’s a case of reality living up to the fantasy and as Wanzer explains, “I look at the view and pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.” hw-architects.com, dyna.builders
A floating home designed by architect Paul Wanzer and constructed by Dyna Builders is shielded on the front by sliding wood screens (below). The back of the home is lined with glass to take in dazzling views of Portage Bay.
When an enduring reputation for excellent design is heightened by a passion for new ideas and innovative ways of working, outstanding environments are the result. Enter Monica Wilcox. For more than 20 years, the Dallas-based interior designer, entrepreneur and television personality has been conceiving and creating one-of-a-kind homes and spaces for her discerning clientele. In a lively and informational interview, Wilcox shares the unique insights and expertise that has taken Monica Wilcox Interiors, her award-winning interior design firm, to the top of the industry.
I’ve always had an eye and a passion for design. As a young girl, I would rearrange the rooms in my family’s house, and I wouldn’t stop until I got it just right. Reconfiguring spaces to change their look and function is as fun for me today as it was then.
HOW DO YOU STAY ABREAST OF WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT’S NEXT?
By following industry leaders, tracking social media trends, attending events and experimenting, we ensure that our work remains fresh, relevant and innovative.
SHARE YOUR FIRM’S PHILOSOPHY AND PERSONALITY.
Our top priority is to realize our clients’ visions and bring them to life. My team and I do this by connecting with the client so that we understand their wants, needs and dreams. We then apply our in-depth knowledge of project management so that we can execute each project with detailed precision, exceptional quality and personalized care. Knowing that we have created a space where they feel warmth and inspiration is beyond gratifying and makes all the hard work worth it.
WHAT IS INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Space, serenity and minimalism. Because life can be so hectic, I want to convey a sense of peace, wellness and comfort in the spaces I design. I’m very drawn to neutral tones, natural woods and substantial textures. I am obsessed with bouclé fabrics as well as anything soft and cozy.
DISCOVERIES
eggersmann USA
Inspired by nature, the eggersmann Nami Island kitchen, designed with Yabu Pushelberg, embodies organic elegance. Its sculptural form and seamless stone surface balance artistry and function, creating a serene, sophisticated focal point for modern living. eggersmannusa.com
Newport Brass
The new Taft pull-down faucet by Newport Brass® pairs timeless, traditional design with solid brass construction and an intuitive trigger spray, offering versatile, elegant functionality in over 20 decorative finishes. newportbrass.com
Scavolini
Designed by Luca Nichetto, Jeometrica is a furniture solution by Scavolini characterized by the study and development of graphic design shapes and lines, where memory and innovation merge harmoniously. scavolini.com
DESIGNER FANS SHOP NOW
SEAN LAVIN ADLER 60" CEILING FAN IN AGED PEWTER HOUSING WITH LIGHT GREY WEATHERED OAK BLADES VISUALCOMFORT.COM
LUXE is leaning into ALL THINGS SUMMER with beautiful outdoor fabrics and entertaining ideas, must-see hotels and a wish list of finds that DELIVER ON COOL FACTOR .
SPLASH zone
DIVE INTO THESE PRETTY POOLSIDEINSPIRED PRODUCTS PERFECT FOR A STYLISH SUMMER SPENT OUTSIDE. PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND SARAH SHELTON
HANG TEN Los Angeles-based artist and illustrator Mary Matson’s line of wallpapers and fabrics, created exclusively for Temple Studio, is a playful ode to summer, as evident in the Surf Peeps wallpaper that's perfect for a beachside escape. templestudiony.com
TOWEL OFF Leave it to Weezie to deliver on fun towel motifs for the season with a collection of scalloped, Palm Beach-inspired floral patterns in collaboration with designer Meg Braff. weezietowels.com
SUNNY SEAT The Woven outdoor collection from Douglas & Douglas has the appearance of woven wicker, but is actually made of 100% recyclable fibrecane, making it durable against the elements in a range of shades, including Marigold. ngalatrading.com
LIGHT SOURCE Zafferano America’s cordless, outdoorfriendly Poldina Pro lamp can move about and brighten up tabletops that are far from an outlet. A fun addition? Handpainted, striped ceramic shades that slip over the model’s existing aluminum shade. zafferanoamerica.com
GROUND COVER Handwoven in London using high-performance silicone, Shore’s range of Mats offer the utmost comfort underfoot, while being heatproof, UVresistant, and available in a variety of covetable colors, such as this Lime shore-studios.com
MADE FOR SHADE The Regency Double Decker Umbrella in Cabana Blue Stripe by Santa Barbara Designs adds a bold statement to poolside hangs, complete with a crisp white-fringe trim. santabarbaradesigns.com colorway.
LUXE LOUNGER Molteni’s new outdoor collection, Pantalica, designed in collaboration with Italian designer Elisa Ossino, is named after the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sicily. The sculptural, cylindrical cushion construction and chunky aluminum base nods to the rocky outcrop setting in Southern Italy. moltenigroup.com
Paint that painting experts trust.
Wall: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Eggshell
Trim: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Satin
California Dreaming
Design changes everything.
Every moment becomes more if you dare to design it. Presenting the Veil®
smart toilet in Honed Black, starring creative director Laura Kim.
Texas designer Chad Dorsey was tapped to refresh Primland Resort, an Auberge property located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where he focused on communal spaces like the cozy and welcoming Lodge, shown here. aubergeresorts.com, chaddorseydesign.com
Clockwise from top right: Prairie Plaid Wallcovering in Beige on Light Blue / Price upon request / phillipjeffries.com Odile Lamp by Julie Terestman / Price upon request / lizobrien.com Solana Lounge Chair with Neil Zuleta / Price upon request / quintushome.com Mariner Cabinet / Price upon request / us.julianchichester.com Soup Bowl in Prune / $44 / eastfork.com Blue Branches Tray by Anūt Cairo / $198 / goodeeworld.com
Shades and Lighting
Part of a home ecosystem. Designed by Lutron.
MAX EFFECT
DESIGNER MAX HUMPHREY IS EMBRACING HIS PACIFIC NORTHWEST SURROUNDINGS TO DEVELOP COVETABLE PRODUCT LINES.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
In a sea of neutral bouclé sameness, Max Humphrey is a breath of fresh mountain air. The Portland, Oregonbased interior and product designer’s penchant for Americana aesthetics and nostalgic references sets him apart from the pack. This signature style is at the heart of Humphrey’s new collections with Sunbrella performance fabrics and Crow Canyon enamelware—both of which were driven by a desire to create the types of pieces he seeks out for his own projects. So, on the heels of his debut line with Sunbrella in 2023 (available exclusively through Pindler), the designer assessed what he found himself reaching for most and how the line could grow to include even more gingham, classic stripes, easy plaids and forest-inspired motifs.
In a seamless crossover, gingham is also at the forefront of his Crow Canyon tableware collection. “While I present in a more Paci c Northwest or lodge style, I made everything so it could lean preppy or more transitional,” points out Humphrey, who takes pride in getting the scale and coloring just right, along with the silhouette of what he lovingly refers to as “cowboy flower” botanicals. “I’m learning that I don’t have to hold back in terms of quirkiness,” says Humphrey. “If I water things down, it doesn’t work. Authenticity is what people want.” pindler.com, sunbrella.com, crowcanyonhome.com, maxhumphrey.com
A mug and dinner plate Max Humphrey designed for Crow Canyon mixes effortlessly with performance fabrics from his second line with Sunbrella for Pindler, including Little Gingham, Pacific Plaid and Lodge Stripe.
SEE THROUGH HIS EYES
SWEET SUMMER
DESIGNER PETER DUNHAM MAKES THE CASE FOR CRAFTING ELEVATED OUTDOOR SPACES THAT DRAW EVERYONE TOGETHER.
WRITTEN BY KELLY PHILLIPS BADAL
“Especially in California, there are so many opportunities outdoors to create inviting areas I like to call ‘come hither’ spaces,” quips Peter Dunham. That kind of irresistible draw is exactly what the Los Angelesbased designer strives for in all his work, no matter the locale—and it’s certainly an ethos personified by this soiree-ready alfresco dining “piazza” in Yountville. Featured in his debut book, The World of Peter Dunham, the elongated double-table setup is situated on the grounds of a former 19th-century working farm, and is ringed by mature oaks and sycamores. The dual tables allow seating to vary from intimate to large gatherings, and by placing them parallel to a rustic stone wall—part of a larger outdoor living area created by landscape architect Scott
Lewis—“they feel grounded and connected, like they belong in this poetic place,” explains Dunham. He envisioned the spot as a destination for casually elegant luncheons or summertime suppers. Colorful roses snipped from the estate’s gardens fill a collection of blue-and-white vases, which the designer placed atop paisley print outdoor fabric from his Peter Dunham Textiles line. (A passionate host, Dunham’s first dedicated tabletop collection, in collaboration with Hudson Grace, recently debuted). The pattern-onpattern effect is spirited and delightfully unfussy. “Successful design is a sort of sublimination,” Dunham observes. “As in, you don’t realize why a space makes you feel good, but it activates your senses—and then it just does.” peterdunham.com
Designer Peter Dunham paired his own textile collection’s Samarkand outdoor fabric with Hudson Grace linen napkins in a breezy Napa Valley setting.
Hollywood at Home indoor-outdoor chairs line the two dining tables.
Meaningful Design to Inspire People’s Lives
SILESTONE | DEKTON | SENSA
hollywoodathome.com
Mori Glass Hand-Blown Striped Tumblers / $350 for four abask.com
Colorblock Embroidered Linen Napkins / $160 for four misettetable.com
Sanderson Ceramic Vase / $89 markandgraham.com
Pretty Perch
Indoor/Outdoor Pouf in Asha Textile by Peter Dunham / $1,200
Sleek Service
Painted Border Dinner Plate with Kashmir Paisley Salad and Appetizer Plates by Peter Dunham x Hudson Grace / From $28 each hudsongracesf.com
Fine Lines
Glowy Glassware
Floral Frenzy
FLORA & FAUNA
IMBUED WITH THE ROMANCE OF AN ENGLISH GARDEN, MORRIS & CO.’S FIRST WOVEN OUTDOOR TEXTILE COLLECTION CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY OF NATURE AND PAYS HOMAGE TO THE ENDURING LEGACY OF THE ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT.
Clockwise from top: Bird & Anemone Weave in Sage. Thistle Weave in Hares Coat. Hammersmith Woven Stripe in Teal. Thistle Weave in Teal. Amble in Standan Clay. Amble in Wheat. Acorn Weave in Moss. wmorrisandco.com
PHOTO: COURTESY MORRIS & CO.
LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN IS TURNING 20!
To mark this milestone, LUXE is presenting Visionaries—a special program showcasing the stories of designers and brands who are defining—and redefining—residential design.
In our November/December issue, LUXE will present these champions of groundbreaking design, innovation and craftsmanship in “The Story of Home.”
A special thanks to our current Visionaries partners: Adriana Hoyos (Miami), California Closets (Miami), D'Amore Interiors (Colorado), Drewett Works (Arizona), Eichholtz (Los Angeles), Fabricut, Kat Black Interiors (Dallas), Pittet Architecturals (Dallas), The Luxury Bed Collection (Chicago + Dallas) and Walker Zanger.
RSVP TODAY FOR
Join us for Dallas Design Week featuring the iconic Dine + Design luncheon, brought to you by Sherwin-Williams (CEU eligible). Discover additional events, inspiring showcases, and unparalleled programming tailored for the business of design. Open to the trade only.
SEPTEMBER 16 - 18 2025
INDUSTRY INSIDERS
MEET TODAY’S DESIGN INDUSTRY GREATS
David Lewis Builder
Whether they are designing, constructing or outfitting a home or environment (or perhaps doing all three), it takes a creative vision and a passion for excellence to do it with style and skill. Within the pages of Industry Insiders, LUXE Interiors + Design celebrates those who dare to do just that with their own unique flair.
JOE TURNER ART
“I CREATE FROM A PLACE OF SELF-AWARENESS. THAT IS WHERE THE BEAUTY OF EACH PIECE BEGINS.”
Joe Turner PRINCIPAL
joeturner.art 205.200.7012
joeturner.art
One of design’s most thrilling moments is when a young new artist steps on the scene. Enter, Joe Turner. Making space for bold expression and selfdiscovery, Turner brings a powerful and personal voice to the world of contemporary art. Based in Dallas, Turner is a rising creative force whose largescale abstract paintings have captivated collectors, designers and national brands alike. “My greatest success,” he says, “has been sustaining myself as a young African-American artist in a new state, pursuing my dream.” His journey began with a high school commission that sparked a passion—and quickly evolved into a full-time pursuit of p ainting, interior design and entrepreneurship.
Today, Turner’s portfolio includes representation by Buckhead Art & Company, a feature in a well-known publication and a newly released print collection with Crate & Barrel. Whether working on originals for luxury residences or creating accessible prints for a wider audience, Turner’s mission remains the same: to fuse interior sensibility with artistic authenticity. “When I create, I’m thinking like a designer,” he explains. “My job is to execute a palette through the artwork while still maintaining the integrity of my style.” From prestigious galleries to magazine features, Turner continues to push creative boundaries, bringing sophistication, scale and soul to every piece.
ASK THE EXPERT
What are you known for?
I’m known for my abstract artwork, but mostly for the scale of the pieces. Some find it challenging to tackle a piece that may be six or eight feet tall, but I love it. A lot of my clients have large homes where making this kind of statement with art is incredibly exciting.
What type of project would you love to work on?
I’m looking forward to taking on more hospitality projects. I believe that this will give me the opportunity to create larger artworks.
What is your next move?
I want to grow into a mentorship role, offering young fellow artists guidance and connection as they cultivate their talents into a profession.
Top, Left, Right + Opposite With a living, moving quality to the line work and deep color palettes, Turner’s art brings energy to every space in which it is placed. The scale of his larger pieces magnifies this impact.
Photography Stephen Karlisch
DAVID LEWIS BUILDER
Alegacy of craftsmanship, vision and integrity lies at the heart of David Lewis Builder. Founded in 1983 after years spent in large-scale commercial construction, David Lewis launched the firm with a clear purpose: to create homes of lasting quality that truly reflect the individuality of each client. “I was only willing to put my name on the door if I was proud of the product,” Lewis says. Over the decades, the firm has become known for its elegant, timeless homes across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond, from Highland Park to the Texas Hill Country. The company’s work is especially renowned for its multigenerational ranch estates—refined retreats with private wings, guest casitas, equestrian facilities and even private airstrips. “We design spaces where families can truly reconnect,” Lewis notes. Deeply rooted in Texas’ architectural heritage and inspired by local and national design visionaries, the firm embraces sustainability through thoughtful
David Lewis PRESIDENT
material sourcing and modern systems integration. Yet despite the evolution of tools and technology, their focus remains the same: timeless craftsmanship and personalized service. “We’re still here after 40 years, getting better every day,” Lewis reflects. “Our people are our differentiator, and this is the most talented team we’ve ever had.”
ASK THE EXPERT
What is the next move for your firm?
We’re building out a full-service Estate Maintenance and Management division that takes over after the clients move in. Our team will automate and schedule customized service appointments, seasonal maintenance and site inspections to ensure performance of all operating systems.
What type of project or location would you love to take on?
My son has a place in Whitefish, Montana, and I suspect we will end up constructing a project up there at some point. That high, alpine Rocky Mountain environment tests its structures with heavy snow loads, extreme temperature swings, high UV exposure and persistent moisture. We would approach a project like this very carefully, but I like a challenge.
Top With panoramic views of the lake, this limestone-wrapped sunroom provides a quiet retreat from the outdoors without sacrificing the natural beauty of the surroundings. Left Situated atop acres of lakefront property, this David Lewis Builder creation is a Texas-size masterpiece true to its roots. Right Natural light streams through soaring windows in this Texas lake house retreat, where modern millwork adds warmth. Opposite left Nothing says welcome home like beams of natural light streaming through vast windows with lush landscapes beyond. Opposite right Modern elegance meets rustic charm in this expansive, light-filled kitchen.
Photography Top, Left, Opposite left, Opposite right + Headshot by Sara Donaldson; Right by Emily Minton Redfield
LIVING
KITCHEN + BATH
Tour A MAJESTIC VINEYARD PROPERTY whose alfresco emphasis celebrates its quintessential California setting. Plus, TIMELY MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS for the kitchen and bath.
Rustic
A design team finds inspiration in the patina of Healdsburg for a home that encourages connection with the outdoors.
WRITTEN BY LAUREN GALLOW
REFINEMENT
photo: paul dyer.
Landscape firm Lucas & Lucas worked with Surround Architecture to create levels of outdoor living, including terraced gardens, a firepit area and a pool house. A striking reclaimed log from a local slab yard and a metal dish fountain double as sculptures.
Set in Stone
After spending an enjoyable evening with Healdsburg, California, clients on the patio of their 1970s ranch home, architect Dale Hubbard couldn’t help but feel enchanted.
“As the day turned to evening, I was struck by the site’s combination of long vistas across Dry Creek Valley, a Jack pine forest running up the hill, and its own vineyard,” recalls Hubbard, founder of Colorado-based Surround Architecture. “This experience became the driving force for the project, inspiring us to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior.”
After discussing various renovation approaches, Hubbard and the project team, including general contractor John Rechin of Total Concepts, decided to bring the aging structure down to the foundation and design a new residence atop it, with the addition of an open-air pool house.
“Everything we did was inspired by the agrarian character of the area,” explains Kyle Greenhill, a designer at Surround.
An appreciation for handmade elements defines the kitchen, where quartzite counters and white-oak cabinetry are accented by House of Rohl fixtures and Sossego barstools. The outdoor dining area cantilevers over the yard and is capped by a corten steel pergola above RH furniture.
In plan, the home is oriented toward valley views, stepping down from the open living area to a covered outdoor kitchen, firepit, pool pavilion and vineyard designed in concert with landscape firm, Lucas & Lucas. “The client had this idea of ‘pajama gardening,’” recalls Hubbard. “She wanted to be able to get up in the morning and move seamlessly outside to tend to her plants.”
Inside, materials like honey-toned hemlock and blackened steel lend a sense of history, which the couple appreciated in their favorite Healdsburg haunts and wanted to emulate within their own home. “We drew a lot of inspiration from the town and its maker culture,” says designer Jesse Brew of Surround. White-oak cabinetry and a patinated range hood in the kitchen were fabricated by local artisans while aged limestone masonry, similar in color to the local soil, unifies the kitchen, deck and pool house bathroom. Notes Hubbard, “this creates architecture that feels like it belongs.” surroundarchitecture.com, lucas-lucas.com, totalconcepts.net
caps
shower area, creating pattern play with the sunlight. Outdoor fixtures, including a faucet and wallmounted showerhead in an oil-rubbed bronze finish, are Sonoma Forge.
ASPEN AIR
The goal was clear for celebrated kitchen designer Mick De Giulio: make his client’s Aspen kitchen a real showstopper by creating a connection to the outdoors and capitalizing on the sweeping mountain views. Working in lockstep with said client and collaborator, Houston-based interior designer Cherie Hassenflu, the duo surely succeeded. A vaulted ceiling and large Arcadia Custom picture window frame the postcard-worthy backdrop,
A COLORADO VACATION HOME LOOKS TO ITS SURROUNDINGS TO INFLUENCE ITS INTERIORS. WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
accented by De Giulio Collection distressed silver cabinetry, Belgian bluestone floors and an apropos antler chandelier. The materials, says De Giulio, weren’t dictated, but rather selected by instinct and feel. In warmer months, a sliding door makes way for easy access to the outdoor kitchen and entertaining area.
“The floorplan is almost completely open—it’s how I would want to live,” admits De Giulio. degiuliodesign.com
Kitchen designer Mick De Giulio partnered with interior designer Cherie Hassenflu of Savant Design Group on her Colorado kitchen, and collaborated with architect Bill Pollock of Zone 4 Architects, general contractor Chris Trautner of Trautner-Long Construction, and landscape designer Gyles Thornely on the project at large. The space boasts a paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf range.
photo: draper white.
NATURAL MUSE
TIMELESS APPEAL IS FOUND THROUGH ORGANIC MATERIALS IN ELEVATED ENVIRONMENTS.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
SERENE SOAK
WRJ Design created the ultimate indoor-outdoor oasis for one lucky client situated on 35 acres of scenic Jackson Hole terrain. There’s no question that the stunning Teton setting was a source of inspiration for the home’s lowerlevel terrace, where a wood-surround spa is framed by sandstone walls and a border of stones plucked from the mighty Snake River. wrjdesigns.com
INSPIRED BY NATURE, TAKE YOUR PICK OF THE SEASON’S LATEST SURFACES AND APPLICATIONS.
EL DORADO STONE RoughCut in Ranchers Ridge eldoradostone.com TIMBER TECH Harvest+ in Toasted Wheat timbertech.com
NEOLITH Fusion in Artisan neolith.com
Arneson Custom Homes is a premier boutique builder in the Dallas, Texas area, delivering bespoke residences with timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. With over 15 years of experience and 75+ custom homes completed, our commitment to excellence and enduring client relationships sets us apart.
TAKE NOTE
FROM MOMENTS OF RELAXATION TO ENTERTAINING IN STYLE, THE SEASON CALLS FOR ENJOYING YOUR KITCHEN AND BATH TO THE FULLEST.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
HOT SEAT
While the practice of sauna bathing in dry heat has been around for thousands of years—with bene ts ranging from stress relief to improved cardiovascular health— Klafs is reimaging wellness spaces for today. The Ariso model, left, is made of solid Scandinavian spruce and is available in four diff erent sizes and two exterior wood options. Klafs, now part of the Kohler family, re ects the brand’s growing commitment to turn-key, spa-like environments designed for the home. klafsusa.com, kohler.com
SINK IN
Cosentino and Urban Bon re have joined forces for the ultimate alfresco kitchen experience. In uenced by nature, this powerhouse partnership combines Urban Bon re’s innovative outdoor kitchen systems with Cosentino’s Dekton cladding. Shown here is Dekton Ukiyo x Claudia Afshar, which has a textured uted nish. (Dekton Slim, a more minimalist iteration with sleek lines, is also available.) Each system can be customized to include sink basins, power burners, grills and refrigeration to meet any cooking or entertaining need. urbanbon re.com, cosentino.com
entertaining need. urbanbon re.com, cosentino.com
COOK’S CORNER
easy to be green with envy over the new collection from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens. Created in partnernship with Italian design rm Nichetto Studio—marking a rst-time collaboration for the brand—Cube embraces sleek architectural lines and bold powder-coated nishes, like Dark Highland, shown. Crafted from Danver’s signature stainless steel cabinetry, the models are designed to mirror indoor kitchens adapted for outdoor use—from large outdoor living spaces to small rooftop terraces. brownjordanoutdoorkitchens.com
It’s easy to be green with envy over the new collection from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens. Created in with Italian rm Nichetto a rst-time lines and bold nishes, like Dark shown. Crafted from Danver’s stainless steel the models are to mirror indoor kitchens for outdoor use—from outdoor spaces to small terraces.
“From our roots in Texas to the hills of Portugal, our family company has always believed that exceptional projects start with strong relationships. Founded by my father in 1996, the company was built not just to offer premium products, but to create lasting partnerships grounded in shared values, quality, design and, above all, customer service. One of our most fortunate collaborations is with our remarkable partners in Portugal, Grupo Sosoares—their vertically integrated company's sleek, modern, minimal aluminum windows and sliding systems are a core part of our work. We work hand-in-hand with architects and builders to turn their visions into reality. Our company manufactures the finest steel and bronze windows and doors in-house. For us, this work is more than a business. It’s a bridge—connecting continents, cultures and creatives to bring extraordinary ideas to life. And it all started with my father’s simple belief that unique homes come from beautiful partnerships.”
–JOSEPH LEE
Introducing the 2025 LUXE RED Awards, honoring excellence and innovation for the best in residential projects and product introductions.
MEET THE JUDGES
LUXE Interiors + Design invited design professionals from across the country to compete in the 2025 RED Awards. After receiving more than 1,770 entries, a panel of industry experts weighed in to select our project winners, and the public voted for our Readers’ Choice awards. Read on to learn more about our judges.
SUZANNE LOVELL
PRINCIPAL, SUZANNE LOVELL INC.
Suzanne Lovell is widely recognized as a preeminent designer specializing in interior architecture, design and fine art. She started her namesake firm, Suzanne Lovell Inc., in 1985 and has completed projects across the globe. Lovell creates couture residences that reflect a masterful approach to architectural detailing and an imaginative dialogue around her clients’ collections and aesthetic. She has built an experienced team of professionals well-versed in coordinating all aspects of residential projects to create award-winning work. The Chicago-based firm has been featured in numerous publications and was inaugurated into the Chicago Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame.
FERNANDO WONG
CO-FOUNDER, FERNANDO WONG OUTDOOR LIVING DESIGN
Fernando Wong, called “one of the best landscape designers in the world” by the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London, started Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design in Miami Beach in 2005. Since then, the award-winning firm has expanded with offices in both Palm Beach, Florida, and Southampton, New York. His television show with Martha Stewart, Clipped, airs on discovery+ HGTV, and his work has been featured on The Today Show as well as in magazines and newspapers around the world. In 2024, he published his book, The Young Man and the Tree (Vendome).
KENDALL WILKINSON
CEO & FOUNDER,
KENDALL WILKINSON DESIGN
Known for creating interiors centered around connection and experience, Kendall Wilkinson fashions spaces that elicit an emotional response. The California native has been widely celebrated for her artful interpretations of her clients’ discerning visions. It was through the lens of aesthetic individuality that she established her eponymous San Francisco firm in 1992. Now, Kendall Wilkinson Design has a second office in Los Angeles, and the studio continues to render residences that accentuate both beauty and comfort. Wilkinson, who has an array of successful textile collections with Fabricut, has been widely recognized in esteemed publications and national press outlets.
CHAD DORSEY
PRINCIPAL, CHAD DORSEY DESIGN
Chad Dorsey makes spaces where people feel their most comfortable. The Tennessee-born designer has more than two decades of experience creating luxurious yet approachable interiors that reflect his clients’ personalities. Trained as an architect, Dorsey balances scale, proportion and light with honest materiality, enticing color and curated collections of sculptural furnishings and objects in every project. With offices in Dallas and Los Angeles, his studio has gained a loyal following of clients who share his penchant for clean-lined architecture and warm, inviting interiors. In 2025 he released his debut monograph, Relaxed Luxury (Assouline).
JESSE CARRIER
FOUNDING CO-PRINCIPAL, CARRIER AND COMPANY INTERIORS
Jesse Carrier is one of the founding principals of New York-based Carrier and Company Interiors, where, alongside his wife and co-founder, Mara Miller, he creates rooms that offer a confident mix of timeless and contemporary design. The Carriers, who have garnered accolades from the world’s most prestigious publications, have been sought out by leading furnishing manufacturers to bring their unique vision of home to a wider audience. Their latest monograph, Defining Chic: Carrier and Company Interiors (Rizzoli), showcases dwellings that express their clients’ personalities and dreams through the practical filters of lifestyle and location.
JILL COHEN
EDITOR IN CHIEF, LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN
Jill Cohen was named Editor in Chief of LUXE Interiors + Design in 2024. Prior to taking the helm, she had an accomplished book publishing and direct marketing career. She has held numerous positions in the industry, including founder, president and publisher of Conde Nast Books; president of Random House Direct Marketing; vice president of new business development at QVC; and vice president and publisher of Time Warner Book Group, Bulfinch Press. In 2006, Cohen founded her agency, Jill Cohen Associates, which has produced hundreds of best-selling architecture and design books. Today, JCA continues as a Sandow Company.
RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS
PROJECT WINNERS
BATHROOM
NATIONAL WINNER
Maros Designs
REGIONAL WINNER
Emmy Couture Designs ARIZONA
Alison Giese Interiors
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
BBA Architects
GREATER CHICAGO
Smith + Drake
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Maros Designs
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Krista + Home FLORIDA
Paris Forino
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Linda Eyles Design
HOUSTON
Jaqui Seerman Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Six Walls Interior Design
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
MJM Interior Design
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
River Brook Design & Construction
SOUTHEAST
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL WINNER
Bates Masi + Architects
REGIONAL WINNER
Rains Design, Inc. ARIZONA
A Parallel Architecture
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
dSpace Studio
GREATER CHICAGO
Studio B Architecture + Interiors
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
SHM Architects
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Melhorn Architecture & Construction FLORIDA
Bates Masi + Architects
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
M Architecture
HOUSTON
Studio William Hefner
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
William / Kaven Architecture
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Walker Warner Architects SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Summerour Architects
SOUTHEAST
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL WINNER
The Construction Zone, Ltd.
REGIONAL WINNER
The Construction Zone, Ltd. ARIZONA
Ryan Street Architects
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Kadlec Architecture & Design
GREATER CHICAGO
Centre Sky Architecture
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Lark Interiors
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
The Wall Studio
FLORIDA
Merrell Soule Architects
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Fifty Seventh & 7th Luxury Homes
HOUSTON
Sophie Goineau Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Farmer Payne Architects
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Studio Schicketanz
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
T.S. Adams Studio Architects, LLC
SOUTHEAST
INTERIOR DESIGN
NATIONAL WINNER
Hoedemaker Pfeiffer
REGIONAL WINNER
David Michael Miller Associates ARIZONA
Chupik Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Centered by Design
GREATER CHICAGO
WRJ Design
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Erin Sander Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Collarte Interiors FLORIDA
Alfredo Paredes Studio
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Benjamin Johnston Design
HOUSTON
Marmol Radziner
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Hoedemaker Pfeiffer
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Lindsay Gerber Interiors
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Suzanne Kasler Interiors SOUTHEAST
JEWEL BOX SPACES KITCHEN
NATIONAL WINNER
Sarah Coe Design
REGIONAL WINNER
Deluxe Designs of Arizona ARIZONA
Greer Interior Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Sarah Coe Design
GREATER CHICAGO
Nest Architectural Design
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Alexis Pearl Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Lisa Erdmann & Associates Interiors FLORIDA
Michelle Gerson Interiors
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Ecco Design
HOUSTON
@LuisFern5 Creative Design Agency
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Kat Lawton Interiors
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Tineke Triggs Interiors
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Colordrunk Designs
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Historical Concepts
REGIONAL WINNER
Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe ARIZONA
Annie Downing Interiors
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Anna Knight Interiors
GREATER CHICAGO
Julie Kay Design Studio
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
SHM Architects
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
KasaMia Interiors
FLORIDA
Enda Donagher Architect PC
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Katie Davis Design
HOUSTON
Morrison Interiors
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Heliotrope Architects
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Kristen Peña Interiors SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Historical Concepts
SOUTHEAST
PROJECT WINNERS
RESTORATION OR RENOVATION RESIDENTIAL
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL WINNER
Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture
REGIONAL WINNER
Berghoff Design Group
ARIZONA
Mariani Landscape
GREATER CHICAGO
Design Workshop
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Osterberger Design Group
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
KWD Landscape Architecture FLORIDA
Hollander Design
Landscape Architects
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Christine London Ltd.
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Land Morphology
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Scott Lewis
Landscape Architecture
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
OUTDOOR SPACES
NATIONAL WINNER
Dejager Design Inc.
REGIONAL WINNER
PHX Architecture ARIZONA
McWalters Collaborative Architecture and Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Liederbach & Graham Architects
GREATER CHICAGO
Design Workshop
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Maestri Studio
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Strang Design FLORIDA
Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC
HOUSTON
Dejager Design Inc.
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Jackson Design Build
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Regan Baker Design
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Well x Design
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Rowland+Broughton
REGIONAL WINNER
BedBrock Remodel
ARIZONA
Avery Cox Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Refined Renovations
GREATER CHICAGO
Rowland+Broughton
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Yates Desygn
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
MHK Architecture
FLORIDA
Mimi & Hill Design Studio
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Nadia Palacios Residential Design
HOUSTON
Assembledge+
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Studio TJP
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
William Duff Architects
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIF ORNIA
Ruard Veltman Architecture + Interiors
SOUTHEAST
WOW-FACTOR ROOM
NATIONAL WINNER
Tucker & Marks
REGIONAL WINNER
Candelaria Design Associates
ARIZONA
Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
James Thomas
GREATER CHICAGO
Tumu Studio
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Maestri Studio
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Wecselman Design
FLORIDA
Eric J. Smith Architect
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Creative Tonic Design
HOUSTON
Kovac
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Tucker & Marks
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
J.Banks Design Group
SOUTHEAST
READERS’ CHOICE BEST OF THE REST
Nash Design Group
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BATHROOM
Aardvarchitecture
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Collective Design
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES INTERIOR ARCHITEC TURE
Artistic Elements
FLORIDA | INTERIOR DESIGN
NJA Interiors
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
JEWEL BOX SPACES
Orange Coast Interior Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KITCHEN
Strata Landscape Architecture
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE (SHOWN ABOVE)
Cheryl Dempsey ARIZONA | OUTDOOR SPACES
McWalters Collaborative
Architecture and Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO RESTORATION OR RENOVATION
Haywoodmade Interiors
GREATER CHICAGO | WOW-FACTOR ROOM
Visible Proof
RICHMOND, VA BATHROOM
PKA Architecture
MINNEAPOLIS, MN EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Catalano Architects BOSTON, MA INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Woogmaster Studio LAS VEGAS, NV INTERIOR DESIGN
Woogmaster Studio LAS VEGAS, NV JEWEL BOX SPACES
Fowlkes Studio WASHINGTON, D.C. KITCHEN
Dan Gordon Landscape Architects
WELLESLEY, MA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Philpotts Interiors
HONOLULU, HI OUTDOOR SPACES (SHOWN ABOVE)
Neubauer Ennis Architects FALMOUTH, MA RESTORATION OR RENOVATION
Tartan & Toile
SWARTHMORE, PA WOW-FACTOR ROOM
PRODUCT WINNERS
BATH: ACCESSORY
ROBERN
Sculpt Hanging Mirror in Brass
BATH: FIXTURE
SHERLE WAGNER INTERNATIONAL
Sierra Faucet Set
BATH: BATHTUB
KOHLER CO.
Freestanding Bath from Landshapes™ by Daniel Arsham
BATH: SINK
STONE FOREST
Bronze Edo Vessel Sink by Tod Babick
BATH: COLLECTION
KALLISTA
Guise Collection
BATH: SYSTEM DORNBRACHT
Aquahalo by Michael Neumayr
BATH: VANITY
NATIVE TRAILS
Winemaker Series DOOR
FLOORING: COLLABORATION
TEXTURES WITH JEFFREY DUNGAN
Norfolk No.17
COLLECTION
LACANTINA DOORS
V2 Swing Door
FURNITURE:
ACCENT TABLE
MR. & MRS. HOWARD FOR SHERRILL FURNITURE
Amy Game Table from Nellie Jane Collection
FLOORING: DESIGN
LEGNO BASTONE
Copenhagen from European Elegance Collection in Herringbone
FURNITURE: CASE GOOD
UNA MALAN
Pulse Nightstand
PRODUCT WINNERS
FURNITURE: COLLECTION
FOUR HANDS
Modern Noir
FURNITURE: SEATING
AMERICAN LEATHER
Orion Accent Chair
FURNITURE: DINING TABLE
BERNHARDT FURNITURE
Agnès Dining Table from Bernhardt Interiors
HARDWARE COLLECTION
EMTEK
Select Program
FURNITURE: INNOVATION
ANN SACKS TILE & STONE
Genevieve Collection
KITCHEN: DISHWASHER
DACOR
24-Inch Dishwasher
KITCHEN: FIXTURE COLLECTION
RIOBEL BY HOUSE OF ROHL Authentica™ Kitchen Collection
KITCHEN: RANGE
SUB-ZERO GROUP
Wolf Dual-Fuel Range with Colored Accent Doors
KITCHEN: INNOVATION
BRIZO ® KITCHEN & BATH COMPANY
Pristive™ Tankless Reverse Osmosis System
KITCHEN: REFRIGERATION INNOVATION
GAGGENAU
Vario Cooling Expressive Series
KITCHEN: OVEN
SIGNATURE KITCHEN SUITE
30-inch Double Wall Oven from Transitional Series
LIGHTING: CHANDELIER ARTERIORS
Melt Chandelier by Workshop/APD
RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS
PRODUCT WINNERS
LIGHTING: COLLECTION
WILDWOOD Shiga
OUTDOOR: COLLABORATION
CENTURY FURNITURE WITH CARRIER AND COMPANY
Gio Outdoor Chaise
LIGHTING: INNOVATION
LUTRON
Ketra D2
OUTDOOR: COLLECTION
HARBOUR
Como Collection
LIGHTING: SCONCE
BLUEPRINT LIGHTING
Staten Island Sconce from The Boroughs Collection by Brownstone Boys
OUTDOOR: SEATING
TUUCI
Luma Collection
RUG: COLLECTION
SHIIR RUGS
The Odyssey Collection
SURFACES
COSENTINO
Le Chic Bohème by Silestone XM
RUG: DESIGN
Layers from Missoni Collection RUG: INNOVATION
STARK
TEXTILE:
COLLABORATION
GP & J BAKER WITH KIT KEMP
Robina’s Dinner Party
TAI PING CARPETS
Alizea I from The Biophilic Program
TEXTILE: COLLECTION
RAD GOODS
Inaugural Collection
PRODUCT WINNERS
Accent Bleu RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE IN
TEXTILE: DESIGN POLLACK
Weather Report from Happy Hour Collection
WALLCOVERING: COLLABORATION
KRAVET COUTURE WITH JOSEPH ALTUZARRA
Colorscape Panel
TILE: COLLABORATION
ARTISTIC TILE WITH LORI WEITZNER
Lola
WALLCOVERING: COLLECTION
ARTE
Essentials Brushed Suede
TILE: DESIGN
WALKER ZANGER
WALLCOVERING: DESIGN
PERENNIALS
Palmetto Wallcovering
READERS’ CHOICE
In the Round Top Designer Showhouse, the best of farmhouse, modern and local Texas flair come together.
Round Top Designer Showhouse
SITUATED AMONG A VERDANT GREEN LANDSCAPE IN THE HEART OF TEXAS, THIS BREATHTAKING HOME IS A SHOWCASE OF THE BEST IN DESIGN.
A few times each year, the Round Top Antiques Fair comes to life, inviting design enthusiasts and industry pros from around the state—and country—to browse and be inspired. This year, the organization took it a step further, welcoming a special team of experts to exercise their design minds in one home: the Round Top Designer Showhouse benefitting Camp for All. Welcome in
FLOOR COVERINGS
Madison Lily Rugs
PAINT
Sherwin-Williams
HARDWARE
Emtek
WOODWORKING
Cabinet Innovations | Wood-Mode
FURNITURE + ACCESSORIES DUXIANA
DECORATIVE PLUMBING Ferguson Home
INTERIOR DESIGN
Bankston May Associates
ART + FRAMING
Davis Gallery & Framing
FINISHES
Paul Montgomery
OUTDOOR LIVING
Tupelo Goods
AUTUMN + MARCUS MOHON OWNERS, MOHON INTERIORS
In the work of their namesake firm, Mohon Interiors, husband-and-wife team Autumn and Marcus Mohon reflect their shared passion for crafting extraordinary spaces. Autumn has a talent for bringing everything together through seamless execution; Marcus has the artistic vision to give her an agenda. Together, they blend architectural fluency with a deep commitment to personal connection. Their timeless, soulful interiors span the globe.
“Designing a combo space was like conducting a symphony, everything is in tune and there is a balance of textures, colors and architectural gestures.”
KARA CHILDRESS
PRINCIPAL + FOUNDER, KARA CHILDRESS INTERIOR ATELIER
Since 1984, Kara Childress has had the privilege of designing homes that serve as the backdrop for her clients’ most meaningful moments. From primary estates and second homes to luxury commercial spaces, her work seamlessly blends old-world European elegance with modern livability, embracing innovation to bring beautiful and well-defined environments to life. She believes that great design is all about collaboration.
“In the powder room, we blended timeworn beauty with modern elegance. Provençal details create a soulful, timeless retreat.”
KURT BIELAWSKI
OWNER, MORE DESIGN + BUILD
Through MORE+, Kurt Bielawski effectively combines clean architecture with custom, crafted finishes, as well as modern and contemporary art. The resulting spaces are comfortable, livable and chic. With nearly 20 years of experience, the design-build pro has overseen hundreds of new home construction and remodel projects for discerning clients throughout Texas. His talent for editing and focusing on exacting details is well-known.
“I designed my study in honor of Derrill Osborn, my first boss at Neiman’s. Menswear fabrics mix with his favorite colors of red and green.”
JULIE DODSON
FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DODSON INTERIORS
Julie Dodson has spent more than two decades creating timeless homes marked by a fresh French twist and an effortlessly chic sensibility. Her work reflects a refined yet approachable point of view, seamlessly blending elegance with ease. In 2016, she founded the Designer Dream Spree, a celebrated event that draws top design talent from across the country to Round Top.
“I designed the primary suite as a luxurious mix of tradition and modernity, pairing antiques with contemporary textiles for a stylish, serene retreat.”
DARLA BANKSTON MAY FOUNDER, BANKSTON MAY ASSOCIATES
With more than 25 years of experience in the design industry and a collection of accolades, Darla Bankston May has accumulated vast expertise and knowledge in all phases of design, from architectural planning and construction to interior concepts and furnishings. This multidisciplinary background enables her to seamlessly integrate aesthetics and functionality, context and personality, in each space.
“ We designed the lounge area as a bold mix of vintage and modern, layering rich textures, sculptural lighting and Western accents for a dramatic setting.”
SUSAN SEMMELMANN
PRINCIPAL, SEMMELMANN INTERIORS
Inspired by her passion for hospitality, Susan Semmelmann and her talented team of 30 in-house artists, seamstresses and designers at Semmelmann Interiors keep the client and their perspectives at the heart of every endeavor. With 25 years of experience and a host of ASID design award, the fruits of this labor are evident. She is known for her signature “organic glamour” style, in which she blends natural elegance with utmost luxury.
“In every detail, this room was designed to stir the soul. The floral wallpaper speaks to new beginnings, while the rug and bedding lend a sense of coziness.”
MONICA GIACOMAN + RENEA ABBOTT
SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER + FOUNDER, SHABBY SLIPS
Educated in New York City, Renea Abbott trained under the esteemed minds at the iconic firm Irvine & Fleming. After building her design chops there and in Los Angeles, Abbott and her mother, Barbara Carlton, founded Shabby Slips. Today, the pioneer of custom slipcovers, upholstery, antiques, global sourcing and design is abundant with the creations of Abbott and fellow designer Monica Giacoman.
“ The showhouse was a great experience and a new, much needed venue for Round Top. We are looking forward to an annual event with great Texas talent!”
STACI STEIDLEY
OWNER + LEAD DESIGNER, STUDIO STEIDLEY
A nationally acclaimed interior designer based in Dallas, Staci Steidley is renowned for her expertise in luxury architectural remodels, bespoke new builds and timeless interiors that blend elegance with functionality. A passionate traveler and sailor, she draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, historic architecture and the spirit of adventure. Her dedicated team at Studio Steidley is known for their deep client connections and stunning spaces.
“Our storybook guest room is where English textiles, antique treasures and a whimsical woodland mural create a cozy retreat, perfect for curling up with a good book.”
Madison Lily Rugs
Edgar Podzemny, OWNER
713.338.2803 | madisonlily.com | madisonlilyrugs
In any thoughtfully crafted home, there is that sense of a “certain something” that makes it feel just right—elegant, comfortable, tranquil. Oftentimes, that quality lies in the floor coverings. Take a rug out of a space, and one quickly realizes the subtle impact it has on the overall impression. This made Madison Lily Rugs a key member of the Round Top Designer Showhouse lineup. “We offer our clients the ability to achieve goals of aesthetic, utility and scale without compromising a
single thread of the artisanal integrity or luxurious comfort of a traditionally hand-knotted rug,” Podzemny says. Collaborating closely with the design teams on the project, Madison Lily Rugs helped them source a variety of wool rugs and one special wool-and-silk piece from Benjamin Johnston for the dining space. “We were brought on early in the process, because these creative professionals understand that finding the proper rug simplifies the rest of the design process.”
With an array of colors and unique shape, this exquisite rug adds ample character to the dining room.
Amid all the components that come together in a beautiful home design, there is one that sets the tone for just about everything else: paint. Hence, the team at Sherwin-Williams played a critical role in kicking off the Round Top Designer Showhouse design. With a rich history of its own, the company proved a perfect fit for the project. “The aesthetic of this home bridges past, present and future,” says Ashlynn Bourque, Designer Marketing Manager. “With nearly 160 years
High Sierra SW 9588 serves as a serene backdrop for eclectic details in this cozy, character-filled space.
of history, we value and understand the creative importance of marrying these influences.” Throughout the home, the brand’s premium Emerald Designer Edition™ and Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel™ were used in various hues to suit the goals of the spaces and concepts. The flawless finish and coverage of these products—not to mention the antimicrobial agents to prevent mold and mildew and low-VOC formula— made them perfect selections for the showhouse.
Emtek
Amy Switzer, SENIOR MANAGER OF DESIGNER ENGAGEMENT
800.356.2741 | emtek.com | emtek_products
Everyone knows that hardware is the jewelry of a home— that adornment that brings the final, finished feel to life. At Emtek, this perspective informs every beautiful design they roll out to the delight of homeowners and design pros everywhere. “Our philosophy is simple: hardware should be more than functional; it should make a statement,” Switzer says. “That is why we focus on thoughtful design, premium materials like solid brass and bronze and expert engineering.”
For Round Top’s interior doors throughout, Emtek provided Rustic cabinet knob options in Tumbled White Bronze and Medium Bronze. The brand also features in the kitchen and bathrooms. Asked to talk about the project, Switzer says, “Round Top is such a treasure hunt. It has a unique energy, blending history, craftsmanship and creativity. We were thrilled to collaborate with the designers, exploring materials and ideas to create something that feels unexpected, yet timeless.”
Transitional, colorful and highly functional, the Round Top kitchen features knurled cabinet hardware in Satin Nickel.
The Round Top Designer Showhouse exemplifies the creative prowess of experts who worked closely together to create something fresh, cohesive and thoughtful. For Nicki Kana and her team at Cabinet Innovations, that collaborative energy was aligned with how they love to work—and resulted in a butler’s pantry every home chef or entertainer would envy. “It was important for our space to feel cohesive with the remainder of the house,” Kana says. “We opted for a warm
medium-toned stain and tied it together by using the same Neolith counter material as the kitchen.” With plenty of storage for everything from dishes, cutlery and trays to a microwave and coffee bar, this all-important space is a small but mighty addition to the overall design. Speaking of, Kana enthuses, “This home is filled with big designs and bold choices that flow together effortlessly. It is rustic charm and modern elegance combined.”
The Cabinet Innovations team selected Brookhaven by Wood-Mode Cabinetry for the butler’s pantry. As Kana puts it, “Just like many antique furniture pieces, it has the reputation of being exceptionally well-made, from the dovetail drawer boxes to the silky finish options.”
DUXIANA
Henrik Ljung, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
214.484.7223 | duxiana.com | duxianausa
When one envisions a truly perfect home, one element certainly cannot be missing: comfort. Within the walls of the Round Top Designer Showhouse, DUXIANA plays a starring role in achieving this all-important goal. The Swedish heritage brand is built on nearly a century of craftsmanship and innovation, resulting in mattresses that enhance sleep, deliver on aesthetics and achieve the brand’s sustainable intentions. Speaking of the latter, CEO Henrik Ljung enthuses
about DUXIANA’s featured products in Round Top. “All of the beds we included here are from our signature Sustainable Comfort collection,” he shares. “The primary suite boasts a DUX 30, while two DUX 60 models are included in the upstairs bedrooms.” Each bed in this collection was crafted with long-term wellness and environmental responsibility in mind. They are handcrafted from natural, renewable materials, such as natural latex, wool, high-grade cotton and Nordic pine.
The primary bedroom’s DUX 30 bed boasts three layers of springs that work together to deliver dynamic, contouring support.
So much of a beautiful home lies in the aesthetic touches, look and feel. But paramount is the ability for each space to provide the amenities needed by the inhabitants, as well. This is where a design resource like Ferguson Home comes in. “We provided the plumbing and appliance items for the showhouse, featuring Kohler and Thermador products,” Root says. “We worked closely with our manufacturers and showroom experts to source the newest finishes in
the most modern-transitional styles for a nice play on the Round Top farmhouse-meets-contemporary eclectic feel.” Indeed, the selections convey the perfect middle ground between the aesthetics. Having recently rolled out Ferguson Home, the legendary brand was in a perfect position to be a resource for the Round Top Designer Showhouse. “One name across our physical and digital footprint unites the sourcing and shopping experience for all.”
Titanium and brass faucets in the kitchens and bathrooms connect these all-important spaces visually while complementing the home’s overall design.
Bankston May Associates
Darla Bankston May, NCIDQ, RID, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
713.789.1912
| bankstonmay.com | bankstonmayassociates
Upon walking through the Round Top Designer Showhouse, one experiences a feast for the eyes. Each room abounds in a variance of textures, colors, stylistics influences and exquisite works of art. Yet somehow, it all comes together in perfect eclectic harmony. Enter, Darla Bankston May. With a multidisciplinary background in interior design, architecture and art history, the creative leads her firm, Bankston May Associates, with a holistic viewpoint. This project was an
ideal opportunity to do what she does best. “Round Top’s rustic charm, historic character and modern influence create a dream backdrop for imaginative design,” she shares. “Twice a year, we visit to dig for soulful pieces, reconnect with industry friends and find inspiration. This showhouse is a display of how much creativity this design mecca instills in our community.” It also beautifully exemplifies the look and feel for which May and team are known: “collected sophistication.”
Sip in style the home’s wine lounge features a wonderfully moody vibe and plenty of storage for the sommelier’s collection. Studio Luddite ceiling fixtures and horizontal wine racks from VintageView bring beauty and function.
In any well-designed home, the artwork is a finishing touch that brings true feeling and personality into each space. For Bartos and her team at Davis Gallery & Framing, the act of championing local and regional artists, and helping homeowners to bring those works into their homes with custom framing solutions, is meaningful. Established in 1979, the company has been a leading resource for design pros and art enthusiasts in Austin for decades. Being brought into
the Round Top project was a dream. “This unique opportunity allows us to show visitors how they can experience artworks in their home, integrated into the design,” Bartos shares. “We worked with two different designers, Staci Steidley and Darla Bankston May. Each creative’s space had its own essence, and the pieces chosen—Amanda Wood’s Freya and B Shawn Cox’s After Glow, respectively—struck the perfect notes.”
After Glow by B Shawn Cox began as a collage combining two iconic but nameless Western portraits into one: a Hollywood-type cowboy and a burlesque dancer from the same era. The result is perfect for the moody wine lounge.
In every corner of the Round Top Designer Showhouse, unique features and masterpieces of craft abound. One such moment is found within the lounge, where a breathtaking mural was designed by Paul Montgomery. For more than 50 years, the firm has provided exceptional murals and artwork for luxury hotels, residences and clubs throughout the world. On this project, designer Darla Bankston May tasked the team with bringing one of its existing murals to life in
sepia tones—adding to the space’s moody, antique vibe. In a way, it truly is vintage. “The Equus mural was inspired by a mural called 100 Horses, which was originally painted in China hundreds of years ago,” Montgomery enthuses. “Our creation is a contemporary version in a loose but dramatic style.” They also crafted a companion sidewall pattern—a first for the team Inquire for hand-painted murals on paulmontgomery.com, and shop printed murals on themuralsource.com.
Complementing the Western horse country aesthetic that informs the entire project, the Equus mural proves a perfect addition to the lounge.
Tupelo Goods
Sara Kenton, CEO AND FOUNDER tupelogoods.com | tupelogoods
Understandably, the interior of a home tends to be the primary focus when undertaking a build or renovation. But in an age where outdoor living has become a central part of everyday life too, the open-air spaces are just as important. At the Round Top Designer Showhouse, the outdoor living spaces truly exemplify the beauty of the concept. “They are extensions of the indoor spaces and just as thoughtfully designed,” says Sara Kenton, CEO and Founder of Tupelo
Goods. The brand brought aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic, durable and versatile furnishings to the home, all in its well-loved Sandstone colorway (though there are six others on offer as well). Kenton shares a fun detail about the selection process: “We sent Darla Bankston May a kit with miniature chair models and material samples, so she could really envision the products.” One look at the luxurious alfresco vignette proves the fruits of their labor.
Arranged artfully around the fire pit, Tupelo Goods’ Loop lounge chairs, Loop table and Line ottoman in Sandstone are the perfect outdoor furnishings for the home.
BENEFITING
A portion of all proceeds will benefit Camp For All, a nationally recognized, barrier-free camp headquartered in Burton, Texas.
Through innovative programming, state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with over 65 nonprofits, Camp For All provides transformative experiences each year for thousands of campers living with challenging illnesses or disabilities, empowering them and their families to discover life without limits.
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Thank You To Our Sponsors
PREFERRED SPONSOR
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
PARTICIPATING SPONSORS
Azek Exteriors
Back Row Home
Chateau Domingue
Cosentino
Eros-Psyche Jewelry Studio
Eric Moreland Group
Fiber-Seal
Garrett Leather
Hartmann&Forbes
In Any Event
Inga Laughlin Smith
Katherine & Keith Brown
Killer Vino
Brix and Mortar
Kim Perdomo Kravet
LBWALDEN
Landscaping & Design
Megan Hotze Editorial
MOOR Curated
Neolith
Partners in Building
Perennials Sutherland
Russell & Smith Ford
Segreto
Sundown
Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry
Architecture: Svend Fruit, Bodron Fruit
Interior Design: Mil Bodron, Bodron Fruit
Home Builder: Barry Buford, BufordHawthorne Builders
Landscape Architecture: Tary Arterburn, Studio Outside
Artful Escape
A SLEEK DALLAS RESIDENCE BY BODRON FRUIT RIVALS GALLERIES WITH ITS NATURAL LIGHT, BALANCED PROPORTIONS AND IMPRESSIVE ART COLLECTION.
WRITTEN BY LARA HALLOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANOLO LANGIS | STYLING BY JENNY O’CONNOR
While he didn’t have a particular plan to leave the beautiful abode he shared with his wife, one Dallas homeowner had kept an eye on the contemporary designs of architect Svend Fruit, whose work he had admired over the years. “I’d been flirting with the idea of building a modern house,” the client recalls. One day, when an unsolicited offer to buy their existing home came knocking, he knew it was time. Collaborating with Fruit and interior designer Mil Bodron, the couple outlined their key objectives for the new residence: to create a sleek space to showcase
their growing art collection and draw their adult children back for some comfortable, quality family time.
Constructed by builder Barry Buford, who had also completed the couple’s previous dwelling, the house reads as an art gallery upon approach. Walls of glass stretch upward to a dark zinc fascia, softened by lightly fossilized limestone and warm walnut seen in the entry door, stairway and millwork. The consistency of materials provides a meticulous palette to show off a portfolio collected over the past decade under the guidance of art advisor John Runyon. “Placing art in a Bodronand Fruit-designed house is a luxury,” Runyon says. “The scale of the rooms, ceiling heights, finishes and lighting are perfectly suited to accommodate museum-quality art.” Greeting the family upon entry is one of the husband’s favorite paintings,
For the staircase, art advisor John Runyon commissioned an iridescent Tomás Saraceno sculpture. Monofilament fishing line suspends the piece above the walnut steps.
Opposite: The slatted walnut entry door pivots to reveal a Stanley Whitney abstract. A nearby wall displays Odili Donald Odita’s acrylic-onPlexiglas, Duo
Previous page: Architect Svend Fruit designed a sleek modern abode for a Dallas couple. A channel glass feature encloses the staircase, while limestone adds warmth.
Interior designer Mil Bodron anchored the living room with a custom Howard sectional from Egg Collective, then pinned a Linteloo chair and Vitra seats around it. On the floating wall is an artwork by Elias Sime made of reclaimed electronic components and wire.
“MIL BODRON APPROACHES FURNITURE LIKE ARCHITECTURE, WHERE
ALL
THE SCALE WORKS.”
—S VEND FRUIT
by Stanley Whitney, joined by fellow abstracts including a Frank Bowling acrylic and an Ugo Rondinone sculpture. Over the staircase hovers the primary commission designed for the new abode: a colorful Tomás Saraceno piece, whose geometric Plexiglas catches sunlight through the stair’s exterior wall of glass channels.
“The interior was all about the views—of the art inside and the yard outside,” Bodron explains. To this end, he forwent decorative light fixtures for flush-mounted track lighting and selected low-profile furnishings for streamlined views. “I like for a furniture palette in a modern house to be consistently low to the ground in order to maintain similar proportions,” he says.
Because the family often gathers in the living room to converse or watch a football game, the designer suggested a custom angled sofa, which establishes a main seating area while allowing for movement amid the open layout. Fruit also implemented floating walls that encourage circulation around the perimeter. “These volumes can become isolated walls for primary pieces of art, instead of a larger, continuous wall where it can look odd to hang more than one statement piece,” Bodron points out.
The open parameters augment the visual flow between indoors and out, a major priority for the clients. Doors from the breakfast room, for instance, open to a dining area with rolling screens that can fully enclose the space or open to the yard, which features landscape architecture by Tary Arterburn, complete with a pool and pickleball court. “When we have a party, it just flows from the kitchen right outside,” the homeowner observes. The primary bedroom, too, has a small private porch that leads to the pool area.
Artwork by Lee Mullican makes a bold statement in the dining area. Limestone floors run beneath the Zeitraum armchairs and table.
Outfitted with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, the kitchen is geared toward entertaining. LawsonFenning counter stools pull up to the walnut bar, above which hang WonderGlass pendants. Nearby is an etching by Richard Serra.
In
a
a
Right: A paneled fabric installation cocoons the primary suite. The painting by Jacqueline Humphries complements the rug from Interior Resources.
Below: Dramatic marble flanks the primary bathroom, where limestone and walnut continue in the flooring and millwork. The sconce is Roll & Hill.
Opposite:
the primary suite,
vintage Adrian Pearsall chaise and De La Espada chair form
seating area. The artwork is by Sam Moyer.
“WHEN WE HAVE A PARTY, IT JUST FLOWS FROM THE KITCHEN RIGHT OUTSIDE.”
—THE HOME OWNER
Gascogne Blue limestone pavers extend out to the exterior terraces, seamlessly connecting the inside to the outside. A series of subtle steps lead to a pool in the verdant backyard designed by landscape architect Tary Arterburn.
Despite prioritizing that open ethos, establishing a sense of seclusion in the primary suite was paramount. Fruit designed a hallway to subtly separate the couple’s area from the rest of the home and strategically placed the windows and egress to maintain privacy while still drawing connection to the outdoors. “The perimeter walls extend slightly beyond the glass to emphasize the plane,” Fruit notes. “That bit of visible exterior limestone, mixed with the limestone flooring, makes it warm
and cozy.” To add to this, Bodron installed fabric panels on the headboard wall and placed a nubby wool rug underfoot. The synergy between architecture and furnishings throughout is palpable, creating a narrative that allows the family’s art and lifestyle to shine. “Mil approaches furniture like architecture, ensuring all the scale works,” Fruit observes. “I think that’s really important in the end result—it’s a joint effort.”
Classic Meets Cool
HENRY STREET DESIGN BLENDS ANTIQUES WITH CONTEMPORARY ELEMENTS FOR A FRESH, GLAM AUSTIN ABODE.
WRITTEN BY JENNIFER PFAFF SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN KARLISCH | STYLING BY STEPHEN PAPPAS
Architecture: Paul N. Brow, Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC
Interior Design: Amanda Darnell Berry and Claire Ratliff, Henry Street Design
Home Builder: David Wilkes, David Wilkes Builders
Landscape Architecture: Jim Jech, Thompson + Hanson
The study shines from a Fine Paints of Europe shade. Armchairs in a Lee Jofa textile sit beneath a Charles Edwards light. Visual Comfort & Co. fixtures frame the Slim Aarons art.
Previous page, left: Quiet Moments by Benjamin Moore contrasts the Chesneys fireplace mantel in the living room. Schumacher fabric covers the armchairs in front.
Previous page, right: Gucci’s Heron wallpaper enlivens the dining room. A Murano-glass sconce illuminates a vase from The Antique Swan topping a 19th-century Italian console.
While working for the same prestigious firm in New York for years, interior designers Amanda Darnell Berry and Claire Ratliff clicked personally and professionally, despite their stylistic differences: The former leans modern and whimsical, while the latter favors classicism and symmetry. “We complement one another,” Darnell Berry says. “It’s a good balance.”
Their synergy has since transferred to Austin, where the duo launched a partnership. With a shared background in blending design genres, particularly incorporating antiques, they applied this expertise to their first full residence: a landmarked Georgian in a historic neighborhood. “The owners wanted to breathe a little life into the house,” Ratliff recalls.
The project began outdoors, as the clients desired a multipurpose pool house with living, dining and cooking capabilities. The ambitious addition would host everything from family game nights to catered fundraisers for 200 guests, yet the main directive—and challenge—was that the space be able to transform from an interior room to an open-air garden pavilion that connects to a pool and yard by landscape architect Jim Jech.
Inspired by the property’s hint of Hollywood Regency style, architect Paul N. Brow took cues from midcentury Palm Springs dwellings. “We wanted to reference that traditional detailing as a tip of the hat to the original landmark house but distill it, abstract it and make it more shallow to ensure that the addition appears subordinate,” he explains. His solution: a structure with a flat roofline, brick pilasters and floor-toceiling steel-framed windows that vanish into pockets, constructed by builder David Wilkes. “Although the pool house design is more contemporary than the main home, the trim details and exterior brick flow throughout both, leading to a seamless integration from old to new,” Wilkes notes. Because of the pool house’s lack of wall space, the team had to find other ways to infuse personality. So Darnell Berry and Ratliff looked to the flooring, settling on a high-contrast inlaid marble pattern that inspired brass-toned accents, such as a lacquered hood and the waterfall island’s metal base. Casual finds like rattan dining chairs balance this formality, and all the furnishings, including the three-piece dining table and modular sofa, are lightweight and can easily transition outside. “It’s got a Slim Aarons vibe,” Brow observes.
Benjamin Moore’s Newburyport Blue colors the kitchen island while the brand’s White Dove appears on the cabinetry. The Roman shade is a Kravet pattern; Dennis & Leen counter stools wear Brunschwig & Fils and Joseph Noble textiles.
“For every decision, we kept coming back to livable but glamorous, fun yet sophisticated at the same time.”
—CL AIRE RATLIFF
Darnell Berry and Ratliff carried this posh quality into the residence, freshening up spaces with color, varied forms and moments of drama in an overall elegant environment. Much like the designers’ contrasting style preferences, their strategy focused on mixing opposites, such as high-gloss paint with a sisal rug. In the primary bedroom, for instance, the team designed a scrolled headboard, then found black lacquered nightstands that bring depth to the romantic shape. “For every decision, we kept coming back to livable but glamorous, fun yet sophisticated at the same time,” Ratliff says. The living room communicates their distinctive points of view with light blue paneled walls—sounding Ratliff’s traditional voice—that counter a black-and-white stone mantle with geometric patterns, Darnell Berry’s contemporary response. The space’s pink rug calls to the dining room’s large-format crane wallpaper, which creates a scenic viewpoint for the windowless room. “We wanted to give the space a lot of personality and pop of color,” Darnell Berry explains. But the biggest “wow” factor is the tonal study, home to moody green walls, glossy bookcases with brass grills, and rich blue draperies.
Within the enlivened spaces, the designers maintained a fair amount of the clients’ antiques, making strategic edits to the collection. Pieces such as the family room armchairs were reshaped and re-covered, while others simply moved from one area to another—like the living room’s sconces and the dining room’s carved French consoles. “Sometimes it takes a fresh eye to come in and say, ‘What if we placed this there?’ ” Darnell Berry muses.
Like the foundation of their business, the designers created an abode that blends timeless charm with modern energy— and challenges preconceived notions. “A lot of people think the use of antiques has to be serious, not lively,” Ratliff points out. “We’ve had a lot of fun proving that’s not the case.”
In the backyard, a vast swimming pool by Thompson + Hanson is surrounded by deck flooring of square limestone pavers. Century Furniture’s Augustine chairs are situated in front of the pool house.
RH’s Balmain sectional, Memoire Design’s Louis XVI Trellis chairs and Noir Trading, Inc. tables furnish the pool house. Pocket doors by Western Window Systems allow the structure to open to the backyard completely.
Above: Marble flooring in a large-format pattern flows throughout the pool house. Sub-Zero appliances and a Wolf outdoor grill partner with a hood by architect Paul N. Brow. The Waterworks faucet is from Alexander Marchant.
Opposite: A waterfall of polished Arabescato Corchia marble envelops a brass-coated island base. Barovier&Toso Murano-glass pendants suspend over the metal Royère-inspired counter stools with upholstered seat cushions in a contrasting fabric.
After working with a couple on their previous residence, interior designer Melanie King developed a solid foundation with them that would be pivotal in creating their next abode. When they purchased a new property in the Houston area, the owners knew just who to call. “They wanted me to assemble a dream team to help them build their forever home,” the designer says.
To execute her clients’ wishes, King reached out to residential designer Danie van Loggerenberg and builder Brian Thompson. The team began to meet regularly with the owners to determine the direction for the ground-up build on their one-acre lot located in a Spring golf community. “The overall concept was to design a highly customized family home that could transition from hosting intimate gatherings to large formal events,” King says of what became the 9,240-squarefoot estate rooted in Cape Dutch tradition.
“I got my inspiration from the centuries-old architectural style found throughout the Western Cape of South Africa,” recalls van Loggerenberg, who suggested the approach. This vernacular includes decorated clock gables, whitewashed stucco and high-pitched roofs. The residential designer reimagined the base materials—stucco, brick and wood—and the nuances of the gables in a more contemporary way, using cleaner lines and smoother surfaces. “Instead of the typical smaller Cape Dutch windows, I went with large-scale modern steel-and-glass versions that let in more light,” he notes.
The abundance of glazing—seen in the French, pocket and folding doors—also encouraged a greater connection to the outdoors, as well as the ability to compartmentalize spaces within the open floor plan. “The sets of steel-and-glass pocket doors, which can close off the formal kitchen from the family
room or galley kitchen, still allow light and sight lines to pass through,” King points out.
Perhaps the most impactful use of steel and glass is in the double-height entry, where sunshine cascades through two window walls. “You can also see straight from the foyer through the parlor and out to the yard via the double sets of folding glass doors that open to the veranda and beautiful views beyond,” van Loggerenberg notes. From here, a gallery hall leads to the public wing on the right and the private wing on the left, which holds the couple’s bedroom and separate his-and-her bathrooms and dressing rooms. Directly ahead is a wine room and bar, the latter dressed in eye-catching Borghini marble and accented in brass. “It has a jewel-box effect as it captures light from both the front and back of the house,” King adds.
Throughout the abode, minimal trim keeps the aesthetic contemporary and clean. “When you do a modern house without traditional casings and moldings, there is no room for mistakes,” Thompson points out. “The work we did on these smooth walls, with sharp intersections, was precise.” White oak adds warmth via ceiling beams, herringbone-patterned flooring and push-to-open kitchen cabinetry. “The main kitchen is a showpiece of modern elegance,” King describes. Calacatta marble forms the 12-foot-long island, book-matched walls, countertops and crisply boxed-in hood. Adjacent, a charming pantry features brass-outlined flush white oak cabinets, with upper glass-fronted displays. To infuse a bit of glamour into the main cooking space, the designer commissioned the island lighting to pair with the Italian range. Meanwhile, navy barstools contribute a punch of color.
Architecture: Danie van Loggerenberg, DvL Custom Concepts
Interior Design: Melanie King, Melanie King Designs
Home Builder: Brian Thompson, Thompson Custom Homes
The Bright Side
INSPIRED BY A CAPE DUTCH VERNACULAR, A DESIGN COLLABORATION YIELDS AN AIRY HOUSTON HOME GEARED TOWARD HOSTING.
WRITTEN BY CHARLOTTE SAFAVI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE SOEFER
Double-height steel-and-glass windows and doors by ACI Metalworks frame the foyer. A hand-blown chandelier by Ochre complements a Meredith Pardue painting.
“The intent was to curate an elegant home with instant character and a sense of heritage.”
“Our palette uses whites, neutrals and blues, with more saturated jewel-tone groupings to support the artwork,” King explains. The family room, for instance, incorporates a range of oatmeals, with dusty-blue chairs providing a serene tone; in the parlor, vermilion lumbar pillows pull from the abstract artwork by Stallman Studio amid navy patterned textiles and wood-paneled walls.
King also utilizes decorative ceilings and wallcoverings to define spaces within the flowing layout and set the vibe in each area. “On the back veranda, we installed exposed beams onto painted tongue-and-groove rafters,” she says. “They lend
—MEL ANIE KING
the look of an exposed roof, like you might see in an old 1950s attic.” Custom white oak trusses frame the couple’s vaulted bedroom, where the palette emanates subtle softness. Woven silk and plaster wrap the walls, while a bouclé sofa forms a seating area with rose-hued velvet lounge chairs that allude to the velvet boards on the four-poster brass bed. All these carefully conceived and executed features contribute to the storied aesthetic of this abode. “The intent was to curate an elegant home with instant character and a sense of heritage,” King shares. “I feel like we achieved this well as a team.”
Stallman Studio artwork oversees a Holly Hunt silk-and-wool rug, grounding the parlor. A Lillian August sofa joins Baker armchairs in a Romo velvet.
Opposite: The wine room boasts Borghini Italian marble, white oak cabinets and brass-and-glass shelving. The California Faucets brass fixture and KWC pewter sink mix metals for interest.
Above: An unvarnished brass sconce by Visual Comfort & Co. illuminates a pantry corner. The open display cabinets showcase white oak with brass outlining.
Right: The kitchen reveals book-matched Calacatta marble walls, hood, countertops and island, above which suspend lights from The Urban Electric Co. In the foreground sits a Bernhardt dining table and chairs.
Holly Hunt’s Pebble silk wallcovering backdrops the primary suite’s four-poster brass bed by Baker, who also crafted the rose-velvet armchairs. Drapery features wool curtains over Thibaut sheers.
Folding steel-and-glass doors open to a veranda with plastered walls and reclaimed oak beams.
Furniture is by Janus et Cie, with overhead and side sconce lighting
by Visual Comfort & Co.
GROUNDBREAKERS
CELEBRATE THE INNOVATORS TRANSFORMING DESIGN
True innovation redefines boundaries, inspiring fresh ideas in architecture, interiors, construction, materials and more. Within this special section, discover the pioneering talents and creators whose groundbreaking work is shaping the future of design and transforming the way one experiences spaces throughout the home.
STEP INTO THE FOREFRONT OF DESIGN
Osterberger Design Group
Maestri Studio
214.823.1000 | maestristudio.com | maestristudio
Design is often a dialogue between eras, a conversation that becomes most compelling when past and present speak in unexpected harmony.
At Maestri Studio, Principal Eddie Maestri, AIA, channels that philosophy into work that feels at once historic and wholly original. “Being a groundbreaker means reshaping the past for the present in ways that feel unexpected and deeply personal,” he says. Whether restoring a Swiss Avenue landmark or debuting a sculptural fireplace mantel inspired by Italian modernism, Maestri’s vision fuses artistry with intention. Le Salon de Musique— his immersive room for the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas—epitomized this blend of bold storytelling and precise detailing. Every Maestri Studio project is treated like a prototype, tailored to the people who will live there. “We listen deeply,” Maestri says. “What inspires them? How do they want their home to feel?” The results are soulful, expressive spaces that celebrate character and challenge convention.
I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR CREATING SPACES THAT MADE PEOPLE FEEL SOMETHING.”
Future Focus
Alongside working out of its Dallas and Los Angeles locations, Maestri Studio is growing its in-house product offerings, beginning with a lighting collection and a line of architectural planters. Each piece reflects the firm’s design DNA—bold yet timeless, expressive yet functional—offering new personality for the built environment. Maestri also notes, “Our work with the Design Leadership Network’s Rebuild California initiative continues to be a meaningful focus, as we help shape architectural guidelines for rebuilding historic communities affected by wildfires.
Adaptive Design Thinking
As homes evolve to accommodate more functions, Maestri Studio prioritizes flexibility, designing spaces that seamlessly shift from office to sanctuary to entertainment hub. Integrated storage, pivoting walls and tailored hospitality moments ensure style and soul never take a back seat to utility.
Top Soaring panels of maple burl anchor Le Salon de Musique, where sculptural forms, layered patterns and tonal restraint compose a space as rhythmic as it is refined. Bottom The sculptural fluting of the Maestri Arcana Portland mantel sets the tone for a study where moody textures and understated luxury converge.
Photography Top by Nick Sargent; Bottom + Headshot by Jenifer McNeil Baker
In a world often driven by flash and fast trends, true innovation is about staying power, purpose and the quiet confidence of doing things right. That’s the philosophy behind Osterberger Design Group, founded by landscape architect Jason Osterberger. With more than 20 years of experience and a background rooted in both gardening and design, Osterberger has built a firm defined by intuition, intention and enduring impact. “We started with a single paycheck and a belief that we could offer something different,” he says. “Today, we’re still here—still listening closely, still showing up, still letting nature lead.” Whether through hand-drawn concepts or immersive 3D m odels, the team blends timeless craft with contemporary tools to create outdoor spaces that truly connect. “At the end of the day,” Osterberger adds, “what we’re offering is peace of mind, knowing the work will be beautiful, respectful and done right.”
Design In Layers
Osterberger Design Group is seeing a shift toward more organic, layered gardens that feel lived-in rather than overly structured. Osterberger shares, “Clients are embracing color again, inviting landscapes that are both expressive and relaxed, which is a welcome evolution from the stark blackand-white palettes of recent years.”
The Tech Advantage
While every project begins with pencil and paper, the team fully embraces digital tools like Lumion and SketchUp. These 3D models allow clients to visualize their space early in the process, turning conceptual ideas into tangible experiences and reinforcing trust through transparency and clarity.
Beyond
The Backyard
Outdoor living has evolved far beyond patios and plantings. Osterberger’s clients now request fire pit lounges, garden walls that double as movie screens and integrated sound systems. It’s all about spaces where form, function and fun converge under the open sky.
I BELIEVE THAT WHAT TRULY SETS A BUSINESS APART IS ENDURANCE.”
Right Layered plantings soften architectural edges, integrating the residence seamlessly into its surroundings and creating visual cohesion between home and garden. Left A defined walkway framed by native plantings carefully balances textures and proportion, leading visitors intuitively through the landscape. Bottom Clean lines define the pool area, balanced by intentionally placed greenery, reinforcing the home’s structured elegance through simple, refined landscape design.
Photography Nathan Schroder; Headshot by Rachel Logan
