HOME Austin-San Antonio
D E S I G N
&
DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019
D E C O R®
Woodworking at its
FINEST
Kingwood has produced over 5,000 kitchens and related projects in its 40-year history. Our furniture grade custom cabinetry designs can be found in homes throughout Texas and beyond. Please visit our new showroom in Fredericksburg, Texas for additional information.
401 S. Lincoln St., Fredericksburg, TX | 830.990.0565 | www.kingwoodcabinets.com
contents december 2018/january 2019 dwell 18 Transcending The Ages 22 Seeing The Light 24 In A Whole New Light 26 Design Board
28
features 28 The Music Box 36 Casa Del Fuego 40 A Modern Extension 46 Ayres Apparent
design 54 Southtown’s Free Spirit
contributing editors 53 Kayvon Leath, Austin NARI Martha Bizzell, NARI San Antonio Make A Statement With Your Entryway
collection 57 Avenue B Development
36
40
58 Levesque & Co. 59 BF Homes, LLC
fab finds 60 Eating Fredericksburg
spotlights 12 From The Editor 64 Design Spotlight 66 Advertising Index
10 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
46
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
From the editor
Dream It Plan It Do It u
u
T
hese words probably resound even louder as we look forward to a brand-new year. At my house, they are bouncing off the walls. From holiday entertaining to home improvement to work objectives and travel plans, I’m bouncing off the walls, too. But oh, what fun it is! Dream It - Plan It - Do It is more than a motto. When life necessities start to bog me down, it’s a reminder. And, of course, these eloquent words of wisdom that I am sharing came from a reputable source — I stole it from a funky souvenir I bought in Akumal a few years ago that sits front and center on my desk. I’m certain this three-step process drives most of you out there, too, but if it doesn’t, consider this a reminder. Honestly, there is no correlation to my babbling and the homes in this issue, other than many other people went through this process of dreaming, planning and doing for their homes. There’s the jaw-dropping and envy-invoking lake house by Shiflet Group Architects and Dalgleish Construction Company, and a home design-build project by the Kissling brothers that literally rose from the ashes. Then two historic home remodels couldn’t be more different. Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects added an ultra-cool, modern extension to their project, while Wigodsky & Derrick Architects did everything possible to preserve a home by the late, great Atlee B. Ayers. For Collection, custom builders take center stage, and we’re happy to feature Dan Kennedy, Dominique Levesque and Becky Fuller. In closing, and as the new year awaits us, I will tout my Dream It - Plan It Do It motto once more. I hope everyone has the grandest dreams for 2019, the most delightful time planning for them and the absolute best results they could ever imagine. All of us at Home Design & Decor sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to our magazine over the past year and years, and we send the merriest and brightest wishes.
Trisha Doucette
On The Cover: 1,000 tons of hand-chiseled stone were used to create the beautiful, sculptural forms both inside and out in this stunning lake house designed by Shiflet Group Architects and built by Dalgleish Construction Company. Photo by Paul Finkel. Page 28 12 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
Austin-San Antonio
www.homedesigndecormag.com
DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019
VOL. 13 | NO. 6
Publisher Louis Doucette Editor Trisha Doucette Contributing Editors Martha Bizzell - NARI San Antonio Kayvon Leath – Austin NARI Writers Claudia Alarcon, Mauri Elbel, Julie Catalano, Angela Rabke Photography Paul Finkel, Ryann Ford, Jake Holt, Greg Hursley, Nick Johnson, Craig McMahon Architectural Publicist Diane Purcell – Dianepurcell.com Advertising Sales Sandy Weatherford, Gerry Lair, Janis Maxymof, Janet Sandbach, Madeleine Justice Business Manager Vicki Schroder Design and Production Tim Shaw – The Shaw Creative – theshawcreative.com Printing and Direct Mail SmithPrint Phone 512.385.4663, Austin - 210.410.0014, San Antonio Address 10036 Saxet Drive / Boerne, Texas 78006 President Mark Herrmann Urban Home Publishing Email: louisd@homedesigndecormag.com Website: www.homedesigndecormag.com
DESIGN
INSPIRATION For more inspiring architecture
and interiors with the most current design and product trends from Central Texas’ talented architects, builders, designers and showrooms, visit HomeDesignDecorMag.com.
Home Design & Decor Magazine Austin-San Antonio is published by Big City Publications, LLC. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent from publisher. Every effort is made to assure accuracy of the information contained herein. However, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Advertising is subject to errors, omissions and or other changes without notice. Mention of any product or service does not constitute endorsement from Home Design & Decor Magazine. The information contained in this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Home Design & Decor Magazine does not act as an agent for any of the advertisers in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified remodeling, home furnishings or home improvement firm based on your own selection criteria. Home Design & Decor Magazine, does not act as an agent for any of the realtors or builders in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase. Home Design & Decor Magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Home Design & Decor Magazine, is subject to the Fair Housing Act that states “We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.”
© Copyright 2018 by Home Design & Decor Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
dwell The people, places and things that elevate your home and living.
CONCEALED COLOR-CHANGING LINEAR LED LIGHTING AVAILABLE AT LIGHTS FANTASTIC
Design Transcending The Ages
Market Seeing The Light
Trend In A Whole New Light
Profile Kim Kraemer
Page 18
Page 22
Page 24
Page 26
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
17
design | rugs
TRANSCENDING THE AGES
Image courtesy of Loloi Rugs, Empress Collection
With rich, vibrant colors, intricate designs and a storied past that’s thousands of years in the making, Oriental rugs can transform a space like few other objects can. These handmade works of art are a singular combination of craft and aesthetic vision. 18 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
Having been around since before Jesus’ time, the earliest known record dates 2,400 years ago. Excavated in 1949 from the grave of a Scythian nobleman in the Pazyryk Valley in Siberia, the carpet was determined to have been woven in the 4th century B.C. The design consists of 24 cross-shaped figures framed by a border of griffins, which are framed again by a border of deer. So how is it possible that a centuries-old design piece transcends time and lands happily in the most modern spaces? Beauty, that’s how — because no matter what color, scale, origin or pattern, a quality Oriental rug never goes out of style. With so many patterns, weaves and colors, it can be difficult to distinguish one type of Oriental rug from another. Here’s a handy guide to help.
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
AUBUSSON
KAZAK
Origin: Villages of Aubusson and Felletin in central France, however, Aubusson-style rugs are currently produced in China, India and Pakistan Colors: Soft pastels (especially blue and dusky rose) and ivories Design: Floral motifs and pretty painterly patterns
Origin: Traditionally woven in Afghanistan and Armenia Colors: 3-7 colors and a common palette of deep indigo, red and ivory Design: Geometric motifs of animals, flowers and tribal medallions
KHOTAN
BALUCHI
Origin: Concentrated near the border of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan Colors: 6-10 bright, unexpected colors Design: Hallmarked by playful patterns with geometric designs and tribal symbols
Origin: The ancient city of Khotan in the southern region of Xinjiang (Chinese Turkistan) Colors: Can be rich and warm (deep reds and golds) or light and pastel (pale pinks and light grays) Design: Chinese and central Asian influences; stylized geometric and floral patterns
KILIM
BOKHARA
(FLATWEAVE)
Origin: Pakistan, Afghanistan and central Asia Colors: Solid, jewel-toned background color with 5-8 repeating colors Design: Highly stylized pattern of usually three rows of octagonal medallions
Origin: The former Ottoman Empire Colors: 3-8 colors from turquoise and purple to the more traditional red, pink, ivory, green and blue Design: Predominantly geometric; most commonly medallions, multiple connected diamond-shaped medallions and all-over octagonal shapes.
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
19
OUSHAK
Origin: Uşak, Turkey Colors: Silky, shimmery wool in shades of cinnamon, terracotta, grey and soft pastels Design: Large-scale geometric floral patterns
PERSIAN MEDALLION (ALSO CALLED KASHAN)
Origin: Iran and Pakistan Colors: Diverse palette of 15-25 colors Design: Floral and arabesques motifs with unique central medallion
QASHQAI
Image courtesy of Loloi Rugs, Nyla Collection
Oriental rugs can be woven into the design matrix of any room with a keen eye and the right mix of pieces. Ideally, start from the rug and build up. Your rug will most likely be the most important piece in your room and set the stage for the quality of your other belongings. Here are just a few examples of how to incorporate one (or many!) in any part of your home. DILUTE — This might seem like sacrilege, but if you worry about the rug clashing with other patterns, diluting the rug with neutral surroundings is actually the best way to highlight it. Think white walls, hardwood floors and a soft color palette. ALL IN THE FAMILY — Celebrate the overall look of your Oriental by selecting one color family in the rug and carrying it through your design. For example, if one of the background colors is a deep plum color, pick pillow patterns, throws or artwork that have plum colorways. EMBRACE — Sometimes, the mis-match is what makes design special. Embrace the oddity in pairing a beautiful red Persian with a cobalt blue velvet sofa, bringing just the perfect sense of completion to a room. COMBINE CLASSICS — Oriental rugs themselves are classic designs so pair them with other mainstays like paisley, plaid and even hides to give an overall feeling of timeless compatibility.
Origin: Iran Colors: Typically features 6-9 alternating colors (typically deep indigo blue, red or gold/yellow) Design: Bold, geometric designs interspersed with tribal symbols 20 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
WHIMSICAL WORKS — Though Oriental rugs can seem formal, adding whimsy to your design can tone down the stuffiness and dial up the comfort. Pair a club chair covered in cheeky fabric with a Persian underneath and you’ve created a space that’s unassuming and humble. Additionally, many contemporary rugs come in up-to-the-minute shades and innovative designs to suit a more modern lifestyle. u DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR DESIGN custom homes • lofts spec homes • commercial Stephanie J. Villavicencio, ASID
512.443.3200
Texas Registered Interior Designer
www.bellavillads.com
Build the Backyard of Your Dreams! custom ironworks fences
u
entry doors stairways
u
u
u
railings
steel planters
patio covers carports
gates
u
screen rooms
outdoor kitchens
decks
u
pergolas
512-410-2510
www.moderndeckandoutdoors.com
market | home automation
SEEING THE
LIGHT By Julie Catalano Photography courtesy of Bjorn’s Audio Video
Home automation has been the next big thing for some years now, and it’s only getting bigger. Where to start? Look towards the light — and the shade. It was at the famed Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in 2014 when Kris Dybdahl, vice president of Bjorn’s Audio Video in San Antonio, found himself on the “smart home” floor, where a relatively new industry of automated controlling systems were interacting with a variety of products, many of which — like televisions and stereos — were already being sold at the home electronics store that Dybdahl’s father, Bjorn, had founded in 1975. That experience, says Dybdahl, “kicked off something in my brain. I could see the tidal wave coming of smart home stuff. This was the future.” Knowing that he was on to something, Dybdahl quickly discovered the best pathway to a whole new audience. “Lighting seems to be the place where everybody goes, ‘Oh wow.’ When you are pulling down your street and the outdoor lights come on, or you open the front door and the rooms are illuminated, or you go out of town but the lights are programmed to make the house look occupied — people want that.” If automation was helping homeowners program and control their indoor lighting, the next logical step was to conquer outdoor light — otherwise known as the sun. “The next thing 22 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
Featured Advertiser Editorial was window shades,” says Dybdahl, with one big difference from automated lighting. “This is a luxury item that has not come down much in price, although,” he adds, “other brands are starting to pop up and chip away at that price point.” Still, the lure of being able to control the amount of light (and heat) streaming through glass has proven irresistible as more customers are exposed to just what these systems can do and how they add beauty, comfort and convenience to their homes and lives. As for energy savings, no-touch motorized shades lowered in the summer and raising them in the winter can help with energy costs depending on home layout, but mostly it’s the “ultra cool” factor that entices with everything from programming that slowly introduces morning sunlight, to the gradual closing of shades around the house as the sun heats up, to coming home just in time to see rising shades reveal a perfect sunset. Customers can choose from a wide range of fabrics from sheer, to light filtering, to total room darkening (ideal for media rooms) in roller shade or accordion-type styles. Wood blinds, vertical blinds and track systems are special order items. For lighting or shades, Bjorn’s Audio Video’s impeccable customer service is there from start to finish and beyond. “We schedule a walk through, take exact measurements, and evaluate which types of shades will work where,” explains Dybdahl. Home technology experts discuss specific needs and budget, give quotes and describe the installation process. They are also on hand after the sale to guide users through the learning curve of programming, although sophisticated automation systems like Lutron, Control 4®, URC® and Josh.ai®, are user friendly and controllable from a tablet, smart phone or on voice command to an Amazon Alexa device. Speaking of which, Dybdahl thinks that voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home are key in the public’s ever-growing interest in smart homes, taking the futuristic voice-activated automated home from fantasy to reality. “Years from now, I think we’ll say that these voice assistants were the biggest breakthrough in the growth of home automation.” Dybdahl himself ends each day with final commands to Alexa to dim the lights and lower the shades, among other things. With a growing shift towards custom smart home-type installations for both new and existing dwellings, Dybdahl says plans for the new year will keep going in that direction at Bjorn’s Audio Video. “We plan to rethink the space in our showroom to make it more of an experience for customers, demonstrating all the exciting things that automation offers and putting the spotlight on lighting and shades as a great place to start. u BJORN’S AUDIO VIDEO 210-828-3237 | www.bjorns.com
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
trend | lighting
Featured Advertiser Editorial
In A Whole
NEW LIGHT
There’s a quiet revolution going on — one that beautifully enhances our lives in new and brilliant ways.
By Julie Catalano Photography courtesy of Lights Fantastic
Quiet, yes. Invisible, no. In fact, effects from subtle to spectacular can be seen and felt immediately with creative uses of light and color that can illuminate everything from a single wall to one room to an entire house, inside and out. It’s all thanks to Concealed Color-Changing Linear LED lighting, according to Robert Contos, general manager at Lights Fantastic in Austin, one of the company’s four locations in Texas with showrooms in Austin, Houston and two in Dallas. “LED has been around for some years but now that technology has become small and flexible enough to arrange in a linear form, we can now control and customize the intensity, nature and color of light,” he says. “It’s a brand-new tool set in how lighting is designed, used and applied.” That’s putting it mildly. The possibilities of using color and light technology as a design element are limitless. Controllable and customizable — two words rarely heard when talking 24 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
about traditional light sources — have become big draws to both trade customers such as architects, designers and builders, as well as home and business owners who want to make a statement using these dynamic products and methods. In new construction, Concealed Color-Changing Linear LED lighting becomes an integral part of the design from the beginning, even incorporating it into the building plans for placement into walls, ceilings, niches and coves. “Because of the many ways to manipulate and customize the light,” says Contos, “this can often require preplanning for wiring, including one or more series of controls that allow the user to control color levels and intensity.” Don’t need or want color everywhere? The technology allows unprecedented flexibility and practicality in a wide range of white light from warm to cool. As an example, says Contos, “In kitchens, the intention might be to produce
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
clean, soft white glows when wanted, then bright, functional working light when needed.” Existing homes can also benefit from and enjoy a lighting makeover. “Products are increasingly being designed and built for use in retrofit or remodeling situations,” says Contos. “We work with the user and/or the contractor in helping them with proper installation, wiring and the types of control options available. The technology is moving so quickly that it’s difficult for customers to keep up.” That’s where Lights Fantastic comes in. “We have a team of project lighting consultants,” explains Contos. “People technically skilled, creative and experienced in assisting both trade and end user clients working either on new construction or remodeling.” Professional lighting consultations can be scheduled at any of the company’s locations. The team also educates consumers on sustainability, product life and ease of maintenance. Lights Fantastic offers products from their own brand Saylite, along with Klus, Edge Lighting and more. The intimidation factor is also reduced for customers looking to start slow — or don’t know where to start. “We can do as small or large a project as you want,” says Contos. “We regularly do single rooms like media rooms, master bedroom, or one bathroom.” For these projects, Contos describes a “layering of light” technique, where lights are concealed in the corners, in the ceilings (“in fixtures no larger than a dime,” he says), and in the perimeter to transform white walls into deep blue in a kind of “color wash.” For one staircase, he says, “we used LED fixtures no larger than a hockey puck, and with the advent of optical systems were able to control and shape the light into tight beams just several inches wide.” With lines being blurred between commercial and residential products, dramatic exterior lighting effects once seen only on big city buildings can be tailored for backyards, pools, water features, statuary, gates and fences, rock gardens, driveways and more.
Consumers can also choose how they want to control light and color — from within the fixture itself, from a panel mounted on a wall, through integration with home automation systems like Lutron or Alexa, or by using third-party apps on their tablets or smartphones. Whether choosing colors that are bright, dim, pastel, intense, cheerful, romantic, intimate or festive, customers are finding endless ways to use light for ever-changing moods and looks — intense, soothing, intimate, romantic or festive. Contos says the uses and applications will only increase exponentially as the boundaries of light continue to expand — to the delight of customers who watch their homes and businesses undergo life-changing transformations. “You’re not just looking at the source of the light, you’re feeling the effects of what the light can do,” says Contos. “We are creating spaces and environments in ways not possible before” u
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
LIGHTS FANTASTIC 512-452-9511 www.lightsfantastic.com www.lightsfantasticpro.com |
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
25
profile | design board www.uttermost.com
Before
KIM Kraemer,
Rendering
K. Rue Designs
My clients loved their home, their location and their neighborhood but after 17 years, they felt it was time to update. The main focus was to brighten the great room and highlight the view of their beautiful backyard. Additionally, the dining room felt dark and needed refreshing. Despite two-story windows, the flooring, paint and fireplace surround made the large great room feel dark. A lighter area rug and two new chairs with intricate back details were added to complement the existing sofa, chair and coffee table. The flow of the room was improved to enhance the conversation area and the view through the windows, and showcase the new entertainment wall. With a dark area rug and paint, the dining room felt a bit dim. The addition of a light-colored area rug and new dining chairs helped brighten the room. A gold/silver shimmer grass cloth was installed on the upper half of the walls and the size of the chair rail was increased from 30 to 36 inches. Goldcolored drapery panels hang from rosettes, adding softness to the windows without blocking the beautiful mahogany shades. New accessories further the metallic theme.
vanguardfurniture.com
After
dvkap.com
progresslighting.com www.thibautdesign.com
26 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
www.paragonpg.com Before
www.loloirugs.com
After DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
HOME DESIGN
SHIFLET GROUP ARCHITECTS, DALGLEISH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, FERN SANTINI DESIGN. PHOTO BY PAUL FINKEL.
The Music Box
Casa Del Fuego
A Modern Extension
Page 28
Page 36
Page 40
Ayres Apparent
Southtown’s Free Spirit
Page 46
Page 54 DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
27
28 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
the
MUSIC box A place for
laughter and love on the lake By Mauri Elbel Photography by Paul Finkel and Nick Johnson
FINKEL
When Tom and Evonne Smith sold their Houston-based oil and gas exploration software company more than a decade ago, they set out on a path toward building an architecturally stunning home that they –– and everyone who FINKEL
had a hand in creating –– would be proud of.
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
29
JOHNSON 30 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
N
“
either of us had ever built a nice home or grew up in a nice home,” says Tom of the modest lifestyle he’s shared with his wife of nearly 50 years. But when a spectacular Lake Austin property boasting 300 feet of prime waterfront real estate popped up, it provided the perfect opportunity for the couple to move from their simple home in Houston to be closer to their son in Austin and embark on their dream home. “We were looking for a place that was going to be warm and inviting and friendly,” says Tom, a geophysicist. “Not a museum. But a place people would want to spend time at.” Their son, an Austin periodontist, compiled three lists consisting of architects, contractors and interior designers who specialized in high-end homes. “It was actually our son who said it would be great if we could pick all three areas at the same time,” recalls Tom, who tapped Dalgleish Construction Company, Shiflet Group Architects and Fern Santini Design for the job. “From our very first meeting, we sat down with the architect and the general contractor and the interior designer and we turned this project over to them to get started.” During a pre-construction meeting, Shiflet Group Architects presented two conceptual design ideas — a traditional rectilinear plan with all of the rooms facing Lake Austin in the same orientation and a second option to angle, or splay, a section of the house to create more interesting views and a different dynamic. “We call that ‘cranking’ or turning portions of the house,” explains architect David Shiflet. “Tom thought that approach was far more interesting and asked if we could do more cranks. We smiled and said sure.”
FINKEL
FINKEL
FINKEL
As Shiflet Group Architects cranked away at the original drawings, the 8,000-square-foot rectilinear box expanded into an awe-inspiring 17,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece set back from the sparkling lake on two waterfront acres. “The house then took on a life of its own with approximately five cranks, so very few walls were parallel and perpendicular,” says Shiflet. “The outcome caused very interesting and challenging forms, offering a new personality to the house.” Boasting crisp lines that contrast flawlessly with undulating curves, the Santa Barbara-inspired lakefront residence comprises four bedrooms and seven full bathrooms in the main house, two bedrooms and two bathrooms in the guest house, a boat house big enough for two boats, and two three-car garages. Large homes have a tendency of presenting challenges, with hallways that can become linear and boring, but the architects had a remedy for that. “The idea of the ‘hallways’ in the Music Box was to curve these paths so you can’t see from one end to the other and to bulge them at stairways and wet bar areas and entries so you are moving through spaces rather than down boring halls,” says Shiflet. “It is just like driving down a straight interstate or winding down a country road. We chose the winding road and we are happy we did.” The design was originally drawn with stucco swooping in multiple directions, but the Smiths asked if it could be done in stone instead. “That was a huge challenge because the house had many large arches, curves and splays that would be almost impossible to do in stone,” recalls Shiflet. “So we began mocking up stone and chiseling it into curved forms and cantilevering those curves which was both difficult and expensive. We then blended the stone and mortar to give the house a monolithic look because the cranked and curved forms were too busy to be done in a normal stone pattern.” In the end, the home was constructed with roughly 1,000 tons — 2 million pounds — of hand-worked Texas white lime-
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
31
JOHNSON
stone that was cut, chiseled and smoothed to shape and form the various arches and create the flowing, lyrical design. While the entire process was much more complex, timeconsuming and expensive, the beautiful, sculptural form that resulted was well worth the effort. “Every piece of stone was hand-chiseled,” says Dalgleish. “To get the one-of-a-kind stone eaves was quite complicated. It was a pretty incredible place to build.” From the beginning, the Smith’s goal was to create something everyone involved would be proud of. “How we got there was a whole series of steps and we really enjoyed the process,” says Tom. “We really just fell into how well it all worked. We wanted this to be something the workmen would look back on and be proud of and we stuck to that.” Nothing about the house, nicknamed the Music Box, is ordinary. From the moment you enter the home, a two-story 32 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
window wall in the back in the house allows views of Lake Austin to pour right in. Reclaimed walnut — from the subfloor of an old chicken coop — and reclaimed white oak wood beams embrace a historical character that contrasts brilliantly with the new construction. One of the most unique features inside the home is the spiral staircase, a structural feat built without the central support at the request of the Smiths by sliding limestone treads over stainless bars mounted into the surrounding concrete wall which allows each step to be completely visible. The home’s nickname, The Music Box, couldn’t be more fitting. In fact, the Smith’s home embodies every word etched on the bronze plaque on the inside of the front door: “The Music Box: Built with pride and dedicated to laughter and love.” Below those words are the names of everyone who had a hand in the project including around 50 subcontractors.
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
JOHNSON
But the name doesn’t come from the home’s lyrical design, nor the classical music that is frequently playing inside, nor for the sleek Steinway piano inside the living room. Rather, the name serves as a reminder of the childhood memories Tom collected at the summer lake cottage his grandfather built for his grandmother in the 1920’s on West Okoboji Lake in northwest Iowa. “My grandmother and grandfather’s cottage got to be known as The Music Box because of my grandmother, Alice, who was a musician and would compose music and sing songs for everyone,” says Tom. “So here we were many, many years later and had just finished this beautiful home on Lake Austin. Evonne and I are not sophisticated people in any sense. However, when we got toward the end of the project, we decided to name the house The Music Box.” There is no doubt The Music Box has created a place of harDECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
JOHNSON |
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
33
FINKEL
FINKEL
mony where the couple can build their own happy memories. “It’s the unity of all of the components of this house — the design, the materials — that go together so well and make the ambiance hard to surpass,” says Tom, sitting in his office with his feet propped up on the desk and staring out at another stunning sunset sparkling on the lake just beyond. “This place is a music box.” But the project brought with it other blessings as well. “Our son actually ended up marrying Fern Santini’s assistant and now we have two grandkids,” laughs Tom. “So The Music Box has been wonderful for us in many ways.” u 34 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
ARCHITECT Shiflet Group Architects 512-328-2955 | www.shifletgrouparchitects.com BUILDER Dalgleish Construction Company 512-346-8554 | www.dalgleish.net DESIGNER ABODE|Fern Santini Design 512-300-2303 | www.fernsantini.com
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
By Angela Rabke Photography by Craig McMahon
Bulverde architect Jim Kissling never intended to design a brand-new home for his good friends, who had lived at the same address for over 20 years. After raising two kids on the deep, tree-lined lot, the couple knew they loved the area, but they also knew that their home needed an update. As they began putting together ideas with Kissling, misfortune struck in the form of an electrical fire. The fire completely destroyed their home, but left a foundation for their future.
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
37
T
hat existing foundation was extended to accommodate a contemporary single story 2,932-square-foot home that is designed for a lifetime. And by working with the existing foundation, they were able to shave a tidy sum off of the budget. Understanding that the empty-nesters planned to live in the home well into their later years, Kissling and his brother John, who is a builder, put together a plan that can transition seamlessly from the couple’s current active lifestyle to a less mobile scenario. These thoughtful touches are not obvious or necessary at present, but ensure that the couple can easily transition into old age in their home. Each doorway in the residence is three feet wide, there are no steps or elevation changes throughout the layout, and the 4 x 12-foot master shower is large enough to accommodate seating or even a wheelchair. The organization of the space is also critical. “There are no dead ends in the house,” says the architect. “Maintaining good flow is especially critical in smaller homes, and this house has both open circulation and areas to escape to.” Another especially notable aspect of the three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home is its impressively low cost per square foot. Achieving this was
38 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
possible due in large part to the involvement of the homeowners, who spent countless hours online sourcing the best deals to achieve their design goals. “It was so great to work with such involved clients,” says Kissling. “The process really grew our friendship in a positive way.” Appliances, light fixtures, plumbing and doors were carefully selected with the goal of meeting a strict budget while honoring the design aesthetic. The home, although new, fits into the context of the older, established neighborhood. Framed by majestic oaks, the home has a welcoming stucco exterior, a metal roof and generous windows. The striking grid-patterned double front door contributes to the architectural composition of the front elevation, and was one of the design elements that the client helped source. “She would hunt things down on the internet,” Kissling laughs. “We were really able to trust her instincts. She searched and searched to find the design elements that elevate the project architecturally, while keeping the cost minimal.” The home was designed to create a direct connection to the outdoors, and facilitates easy entertaining. Inside, an open kitchen and living area includes 12-foot ceilings and a bay of glass doors leading to an expansive covered back porch, which
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
includes an outdoor kitchen, fireplace and seating area. A separate outdoor area adjacent to the master suite includes an outdoor shower and courtyard. The stone fireplace structure is completely separated from the main house, but is positioned so that the couple can enjoy watching it from both the outside and inside living areas. The thoughtful programming includes “his and her” side entrances, with one entrance creating a direct connection from grocery shelves to pantry shelves. A commercial refrigerator in the garage expedites the process of unloading groceries and supplies. This wing of the home includes a jealousyinducing laundry room, a generous pantry and immediate kitchen access, as well as a home gym and the master suite. The couple enjoys traveling, so the floor plan connects the master closet directly to the utility room to keep things tidy while expediting the packing and unpacking process. The other entrance, which will eventually incorporate an exterior workshop and carport area, includes an elegant hallway bar and direct access to the outdoor cooking area. The new house on Donella proves that a tasteful and architectural home can be constructed within the same budgetary confines as a custombuilt home. “It is so important to keep things simple on the front end,” shares Jim. “Projects tend to become more complex as they go on, but by keeping it simple and well-organized, we were able to achieve something beautiful at a fraction of what it would usually cost.” u ARCHITECT Kissling Architecture 830-980-4773 www.kisslingarchitecture.com BUILDER Kissling Design Build 210-317-2660 www.kisslingdesignbuild.com DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
39
A MODERN EXTENSION By Claudia Alarcรณn Photography by Jake Holt
When remodeling homes of a significant historic nature, the expected outcome is an attempt to blend the new with the old to create an appearance of continuity. But for the renovation and addition of this home in an Austin historic district, Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects went for a completely different approach.
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
41
T
he home was built in 1894 by local builder Nick Dawson, known for many of the Queen Anne-style limestone cottages in the Castle Hill Historic District. At the time it was developed, W. 10th Street was considered a middle-class suburb of Austin, conveniently located along the newly constructed West Line streetcar route. While the home is not individually a historic landmark, it is a contributing structure to the historic district, and the neighborhood does have rules about what can and can’t be changed. However, since the addition was built in the back of the property and is not visible from the street, the team had freedom to explore and experiment with a bold modern design to contrast with the original construction. “The homeowners wanted something more modern and open for the new spaces,” says architect Hugh Randolph, who transformed the property into a 4,183-square-foot, four-bedroom, threeand-a-half-bathroom home. “While we don’t have any set formula for our designs, we like to allow the particulars of every old house and each clients’ personalities to help shape the final outcome.”
42 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
Randolph recruited builder Risinger & Co. to take care of demolition and construction. The interior was totally gutted, but the exterior had fewer changes. The rock didn’t need much repair, and the wood shingles are original. Numerous changes were made to look as though the updates were always there, while other changes are purposefully modern in their aesthetic. The living room appears original when, in fact, it is the combination of two smaller rooms. Inside,
every wall was moved except for one, changing the rooms’ sizes and layouts to adapt to the homeowners’ lifestyle and needs. The restored floors in the main public space are the original long leaf pine. Aside from reutilizing as much material as they were able, new insulation throughout ensures energy savings, and strategically set windows allow a large quantity of natural light. A steel catwalk on the upper level, and the new sunroom with large pivoting custom steel windows, offer a dramatic counterpoint. “The great views of the state Capitol and the UT tower inspired the large open windows,” says Randolph. Modeled after the mechanical qualities of old Victorian green-
houses and conservatories, the custom-designed sunroom windows were built by local fabricator Drophouse Design. The ochre colored framing adds a striking contrast to the traditional white wood elements of the original home. The green floor tile was selected to blend into the abundant greenery outside as well as to give a traditional element to the space. The original staircase incorporated another new, modern element. Iron railings with glass balusters were designed to allow natural light to pass through as well as to provide a respect for the solid permanence of the old stone structure. While the front staircase railing did not exist at the time of the remodel, the team had access to old photographs and
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
43
was able to rebuild to look like the original. Randolph took advantage of the space under the stairs to add a powder room with a clever mirror swing door. “This mirror was used to allow the powder bath to blend in as well as to reflect the natural light in the stairwell,” he says. “We also thought that a mirror outside a bathroom added a fun element of whimsy.” The new downstairs bedroom features cast-concrete walls fabricated onsite and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that is a near continuation of the upstairs sunroom, and opens to a patio in the private backyard. Recently featured on the AIA Austin Homes Tour 2018, Randolph says, “The renovation project was an exploration of preserving and celebrating the historic character of the original house. We do find that contrasting modern elements with the old is a powerful way to help create dynamic places.” u ARCHITECT Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects 512-796-4001 | www.austinarchitect.com 44 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
46 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
Ayres
Apparent By Angela Rabke Photography by Greg Hursley Vintage photos courtesy of Wigodsky & Derrick Architects
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
47
48 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
S
an Antonio’s architecture aficionados are all familiar with the work of turn-of-the-century architect Atlee B. Ayres (1873-1969). The former State Architect of Texas partnered with his son Robert in 1924, and their successful firm created well-known works throughout Central and South Texas such as the Atkinson Residence (now known as the McNay Art Museum), the Woodward Residence (now known as the Women’s Club of San Antonio) and the Oppenheimer Residence, built is 1924 for Jesse Oppenheimer, Sr. The residence, located on Arcadia Place in Terrell Hills, is a grand English Tudor mansion that had fallen into some disrepair and risked demolition before being purchased by a couple who were dedicated to its historic reuse.
San Antonio architects Dan Wigodsky and Danny Derrick of Wigodsky & Derrick Architecture were familiar with the residence — Dan was friendly with some of Oppenheimer’s grandchildren, and when new homeowners called him to look at the project — which included a substantial addition — he knew it would take surgical attention to detail to get it right. The goal was to add a new garage, guest quarters and family room that seamlessly blended with the existing historic home. “Most of the major timbers were rotted, the plaster in the gables had deteriorated, and the decorative brick had come loose, so we began with taking out windows and replacing all of the woodwork around the house,” shared Dan. Leaded glass windows were recreated and replaced where necessary. Ad-
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
49
50 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
51
ditionally, a clunky stucco-clad family room addition with a window unit had been added along the way, and the entire addition needed to be removed. The team set about finding matching brick immediately. The original home was built with red Clinker bricks. Clinker bricks originally came to be when the brick-firing kilns of the early 20th century — called brick clamps or “beehive” kilns — did not heat evenly, and the bricks that were closest to the fire emerged harder, darker and with more vibrant colors, according to the minerals present in the clay. Initially, these Clinkers were discarded as defective, but starting around 1900, they were salvaged by architects who found them to be usable, distinctive and charming. By scouring the Internet, the architects for the Arcadia House found perfectly matching salvaged brick in Iowa and had them shipped to San Antonio. The result of this effort is stunning, in that it’s practically impossible to distinguish the older portion of the home from the new addition. The same attention to detail was paid to the roof. The original roof includes four different colors of slate tile. After removing damaged tiles and consolidating the remaining tiles to the front of the house, the designers worked with multiple quarries to find perfect matches for the balance of tiles needed. Again, old and new are virtually indistinguishable. The interiors of the home are carefully decorated to reflect the home’s history. The interior study had an indoor pond that was removed, and as with so many other aspects of the remod-
52 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
el, the team was determined to hunt down the perfect match for the replacement tiles. “The tile, a Moravian tile, came from Mercer Tile Works, outside of Philadelphia,” shared Danny. “The grandson still runs the business, and he was able to find an original invoice from 1921 with the matching tiles.” (Moral of the story: save your receipts.) Mostly, though, the downstairs interiors were repaired, freshened up and simplified where necessary. The only other significant change to the ground floor was to the living room fireplace, which did not originally have a mantel. Through a local marble supplier, the architects connected with a Florence-based sculptor, Mr. Oresanti, who painstakingly carved a massive new showpiece for the dramatic room. Upstairs, the team worked to completely re-imagine the space for the family, including a media room, generous closets and updated bathrooms. “The clients really saved this home,” shares Dan. “Keeping the human quality of the materials and maintaining the craftsmanship was critical, and the quality is truly evident throughout.” The history of the home is magnified by the precision with which the owners and current architects restored it, and it’s safe to say that the legacy of Atlee B. Ayres is strong on Arcadia Place. u ARCHITECT Wigodsky & Derrick Architects 210-822-2400 | www.wigodskyderrick.com
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
REMODELER’S ADVICE
MAKE A STATEMENT
WITH YOUR ENTRYWAY Entryways are the ultimate first impression to new visitors when they enter your home. Decorating your entryway is a sure way to express yourself to guests.
KNOCKING ON THE FRONT DOOR What’s the first thing you notice when you’re waiting for someone to open the door? Consider whether you want a double door versus a single door. Or start by deciding which material is right for you. Wood doors are beautiful but can get damaged over time. Fiberglass is also a good option. And floor to ceiling steel and glass doors are hot right now. Using side windows as a border around your door provides natural light and is also convenient for you to see visitors before opening.
FOYER FURNITURE
KAYVON LEATH,
Executive Director, Austin NARI
MARTHA BIZZELL, Executive Director, NARI San Antonio
Prioritizing your needs will assist with this. For instance, is it important to have a sitting area where people can wait and linger? Or would it be more convenient to have a table to put keys, mail, art or flowers? A bench that tucks under a console table satisfies both needs if space allows.
INNOVATIVE ENTRYWAY IDEAS Add shelving or a table to place pictures, candles or other items, so guests are acquainted with members of the family. Maybe you would prefer to have a mirror or an oversized painting in your entryway. Consider adding a beautiful rug. Or, a bold wallpaper will really wake up your entryway. No formal foyer? Add a screen to create a room divider. Necessities include an outside light switch near the door to help guests exit and enter, and a place beside the door to hold umbrellas and coats. All of these options are what makes each home unique and exciting to visit.
SET THE PROPER STAGE Many homeowners tend to neglect their entryways in the following ways: • Clutter, including mail, shoes or coats • Dirty floors and/or windows • No outside light or working doorbell • Nowhere to hang up coats u
ALPHA GRANITE & TILE is proud to bring you MaxFine, the original large format porcelain panels. MaxFine opens up a new dimension in horizontal and vertical surfaces. This technology allows you to cover large areas with minimal grout lines and the most beautiful colors and designs in the world. Bring the veins of Calacatta Marble to life with the durability of MaxFine Porcelain Panels. Gone are the days of stains and the need of sealers to protect your marble surfaces. MaxFine brings it all to life! CALL US TODAY FOR MORE INFO. 915 W. Howard Ln., Austin, TX 78753
To find a professional remodeler in Austin or San Antonio, visit: www.austinnari.org or www.remodelsanantonio.org.
512-834-8746
www. al phagr ani teaus ti n .c o m
COMMERCIAL DESIGN
Southtown’s
FREE SPIRIT Maverick Texas Brasserie
W
By Claudia Alarcón Photography by Ryann Ford
hen it came time for partners Peter Selig, Christopher Carlson and Joshua Thomas to choose a name for their new Southtown eatery, Maverick seemed like the perfect moniker for an independentminded restaurant — a “Texas Brasserie” that has adopted the tagline “Make Your Own Rules.” The upscale restaurant opened for business in an existing 1920s building on the border of the historic Lavaca and King William Districts, and was beautifully refurbished by Christopher Sanders of Austinbased Sanders Architecture. The team was inspired by Samuel Augustus Maverick, a legendary Texas lawyer, politician, landowner, cattle rancher and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. A freespirited character, Maverick refused to brand his cattle and allowed them to roam freely across his sprawling Matagorda Island ranchland. Eventually the other ranchers on the island began referring to this rogue livestock as “mavericks.” The 54 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
term eventually came to mean a person who is independentminded and goes against the grain. Located within walking distance from the San Antonio River Walk and spanning from South St. Mary’s Street in front to South Presa Street in back, the building is comprised of three different structures built during the last century. The architecture of the interior space carefully joins these three structures, incorporating the existing timeless materials into the design while navigating changes of grade between the three. Original exposed brick walls highlight the rustic, historic nature of the buildings. “We took care to maintain the historic qualities of the building’s exterior, only making meaningful design interventions where it mattered most: the main entrance, lighting, sidewalk seating and the patio area,” says Sanders. The design of the 240-seat, 8,500-square-foot restaurant creates three unique dining experiences: the Tavern Room, the Chef’s Kitchen and Le Palm, a covered patio surrounded by a 50foot hedge of Rhaphis palms. “Each space is uniquely different, drawing from the volumes and materiality of the existing build-
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
ings and a different design approach for each room,” says Sanders. The different spaces allow both casual and special occasion dining, family dining on the patio or in the Chef’s Kitchen dining room — where guests can catch a glimpse of chefs at work, or date night in one of the many strategically placed tables for two. “The Chef’s Kitchen and La Cave wine room bring in celebratory-minded folks who get a special place to hang together,” says Peter Selig, Maverick’s President and Founder, who also co-founded San Antonio stalwarts Biga on the Banks and Ácenar. “We seem to be able to mix the crowds with a seating and interior design in which we spent a significant amount of time, and people are really responding to being in the space.” All tables and banquettes were custom designed and made, and the color scheme, the materials, the music system and lighting combine to create a welcoming atmosphere for brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour and late-night dining. “Our location draws neighborhood, downtown visitors and foodies from throughout the city, so it is a real mash-up of locals and visitors to Southtown,” adds Selig. The team’s goal was to achieve a relaxed, unpretentious “New York look” while keeping the space authentic to Southtown and the retail-industrial architecture of the 1920s and 40s. Selig has known Sanders for a long time as a friend and was impressed with his designs of hospitality spaces in Austin, as well as his collaborative and enthusiastic work ethic. To tie the architectural theme with the interior, Sanders brought in designer Mark Cravotta of Austin’s Cravotta Interiors to help with colors, materials and furniture. Cravotta incorporated details in a distinctive emerald green — a shade reminiscent of palm leaves — throughout the dining areas, including dining room chairs and banquettes enrobed in velvet upholstery. The color also makes an appearance on exterior signage, murals and window graphics by the Pentagram team, which also designed print collateral materials including menu designs,
coasters, napkins, business cards and matchbooks. “We brought Pentagram onto the team after architectural design had begun,” says Sanders. Sanders, Cravotta and Pentagram worked together to be in alignment on design. Given the lush green locale and the colorful history of Sam Maverick’s “independent” cattle grazing across Matagorda Island, the Pentagram team built the restaurant’s identity around a sophisticated but playful mark featuring a lone steer standing underneath a palm tree on a little green island. The exterior wall on the north side of the restaurant features a large-scale mural of the “lonesome island-steer” logo, and the south wall and awnings on the east and west entrances feature the Maverick wordmark. Locally renowned Norma Jeanne of Red Rider Studios hand-painted the logo lockups and additional typography in gold leaf on the windows. “Maverick is a brasserie-inspired everyday restaurant with a menu that allows patrons to make their own rules, or be a real maverick, in how they put their meal together,” says Selig. “Brasseries are traditionally more liberal in their menu selections than bistros, so we select classics offered daily as plats du jour, and simply grilled or sautéed meats and fish.” Chef Partner Christopher Carlson boasts a resume that includes the kitchens of Le Rêve, The Sandbar, Edera Osteria Enoteca and Silo, among others. The “a la carte” menu allows customers to choose their protein and portion size, with additional sides and sauces to complement their selections. At the center of the open kitchen is an Argentine-style wood grill that imparts a smoky taste in many of the dishes, as well as a warming atmosphere and a visual centerpiece. Joshua Thomas, Hospitality Director, Sommelier and Partner, has created a unique, accessible and affordable wine list. He also oversees the cocktail program of classic and signature libations served at an elegant handcrafted copper-top bar, which serves as the center of the tavern design and is a warm and friendly space to visit with friends. Selig sums up the team’s main directive while creating Maverick, “All in all, we hope to have created a new Southtown classic that will be popular and earn its keep with many regulars.” u MAVERICK TEXAS BRASSERIE 210-973-6050 | www.mavericktexas.com ARCHITECT Sanders Architecture 512-482-9258 | www.sanders-architecture.com
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
55
collection An assembly of forward-thinking and innovative Custom Builders of Central Texas.
LEVESQUE & CO. PHOTO BY DROR BALDINGER
Dan and Renee Kennedy Avenue B Development
Dominique Levesque Levesque & Co.
Becky Fuller BF Homes, LLC
Page 57
Page 58
Page 59
56 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
THE COLLECTION
Featured Advertiser Editorial
PHOTO BY CL FRY CREATIVE
DAN AND RENEE Kennedy, Avenue B Development
The soul of Austin’s Home Building and Remodeling Industry Avenue B Development has been synonymous with quality craftsmanship and Austin soul since its inception over a decade ago. The award-winning construction, remodeling and interiors firm took on new ownership at the start of 2018 when founders Jeff and Katie Bullard followed a new career opportunity in Oregon. This began the process of looking for the right person to carry on the brand and reputation they had established in the Austin residential construction industry. That person was Dan Kennedy. Avenue B, being founded by a husband and wife team, made for a natural transition for Dan, as he and his wife Renee have been combining their backgrounds in real estate knowledge and expertise since moving to Austin in 2013. Dan understands first-hand the importance of creating any space, whether it be giving new life to an outdated kitchen, adding an addition to enhance an existing home or seeing an architectural design evolve into a new home. Prior to Avenue B, Dan worked for some of the top custom home builders in Austin and managed the construction of multiple new homes across the Greater Austin Area. Renee Kennedy, an agent with the boutique real estate firm, Platinum Realty, works alongside Dan on a daily basis focusing on the design needs of Avenue B clients as well as managing investment projects within their portfolio. The duo’s synergy and ability to skillfully walk clients through the home buying, remodeling and designing process has led them to gain a strong reputation within the Austin custom building and real estate communities. As an active member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Dan is continually building his knowledge and getting involved in the community. Most recently, the company earned the People’s Choice Award and the Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration over $250,000 at the NARI Contractor of the Year Awards. The Avenue B team’s mission is to bring a superior level of service, knowledge and skill to every client they have the pleasure of working with.
PHOTO BY CL FRY CREATIVE
PHOTO BY AMY WOLF
Avenue B Development 512-910-9656 | www.avenuebdev.com DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
PHOTO BY AMY WOLF |
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
57
THE COLLECTION
Featured Advertiser Editorial
PHOTO BY NATALIE SEEBOTH
DOMINIQUE
Levesque,
PHOTO BY PAUL BARDAGJY
Levesque & Co.
In the early 1990s, Dominique Levesque (pronounced “Leh-Vake”) came to Austin via New Hampshire intending to play music. While performing with a few bands, he relied on the skills he learned from his father, a roads and bridges engineer, to establish himself as a reliable contractor. Over the last twenty years, he’s formed a reputation for precision and organization while building more than fifty homes in central Austin neighborhoods, many of which received FiveStars from Austin Energy’s Green Building program. Along with his wife Barbara, the couple has grown what was Dominique Levesque Construction to become Levesque & Co., one of Austin’s leading design + build firms. The company employs a handful of skilled craftsmen, professional project managers and a team of loyal, reliable subcontractors, all of whom achieve a consistent level of excellence on every project. Dominique and Barbara understand the sacred relationship people have with their spaces. They know their role is to not only manifest an architectural vision but to make each home a sanctuary. Dominique has a signature landscape style and design eye that seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor experience. This approach emerges from his personal motivation to offset the busyness and complexity of modern urban living with proximity to nature’s healing energy. Employing the industry’s latest technological innovations and their in-house craftsmen, each build becomes a functional space as well as a work of art to be proud of for years to come. Levesque & Co.values service, efficiency and lasting relationships with architects and homeowners. Dominique and Barbara reside in central Austin’s Allandale neighborhood with their son René and two dogs Little Man and Itsy Bitsy. Levesque & Co. 512-633-1419 | www.levesqueco.com 58 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
PHOTO BY ANDREA CALO
PHOTO BY PAUL BARDAGJY DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
THE COLLECTION
Featured Advertiser Editorial
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASEY DUNN
PHOTO BY ADAM MOROZ
BECKY
Fuller,
BF Homes, LLC Getting it done and doing it right. Becky’s unique vision and attention to detail complements her reputation for extremely high-quality execution of architectural designs. With a hands-on approach and feminine touch, Becky has established herself as a top builder in the greater Austin area. Prior to founding BF Homes, Becky distinguished herself as a successful sales executive managing multi-million-dollar IT projects for Fortune 100 companies. Having delivered customer satisfaction for mission-critical business applications, Becky seamlessly transferred the skill sets required to manage the construction of multi-million-dollar residences. Since 2009, BF Homes has delivered uniquely impressive homes to discerning clients who value the guidance and eye for style that Becky provides to each project. Situated in Austin’s most sought-after neighborhoods, BF Homes combines design and luxury with spaces that are well appointed for Austin’s unique climate and lifestyle. Becky treats each client with respect, realizing that building a home is a personal journey. She helps guide and direct them every step of the way. In addition to new construction homes, Becky has also completed several remodeling jobs which have significantly increased the value of each client’s home. Becky strongly believes that “you’re only as good as the people you hire.” She leverages her people skills as a homebuilder to find the best of the best in architecture, design and construction. She has developed a team of stars who builds homes with show-stopping details in Austin’s most desired neighborhoods. BF Homes LLC 713-582-2282 | www.beckyfullerhomes.com DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
59
department | fabulous finds
FREDERICKSBURG BED AND BREW
EATING FREDERICKSBURG
By Julie Catalano Photography courtesy of Fredericksburg CVB
There are so many things to do in the historic Hill Country town of Fredericksburg that you just might forget to eat. Fat chance. From Old German to New American, Fredericksburg’s bounty knows no bounds. But like the lowly stomach, a space can only hold so much, so here are just a few selections to start. As always, call ahead for days and hours of operation. STARTS WITH “P” Fredericksburg is where peaches rule, even if summer seems an eternity away. There are peach orchards aplenty in these parts: Vogel Orchard, two miles west of Stonewall on 12862 US-290E. This is a family business with a peach tree lineage 60 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
stretching back to the early 1900s. More than 20 varieties ripen from May through August in overlapping stages, starting with the Clingstone Springgold in May; the famed Freestone varieties are ready in early June through the end of the season. They also grow and sell tomatoes, plums, blackberries, watermelons, cantaloupes and other assorted fresh vegetables. Check their website for approximate peach picking dates, or receive crop updates by email. 830-644-2404 | www.vogelorchard.com Donald Eckhardt Orchards, 2150 S. US-87. Third generation peach growers established in 1936, their award-winning peaches are sold retail and wholesale (no pick-your-own). 830992-7113 | www.hillcountrypeaches.com Burg’s Corner, 15194 US-290. Another family business, this one is housed in a big red barn east of Stonewall and Fredericksburg. The original business began in 1848. There’s an online store, plus yummy recipes for peach pie, cobbler and muffins. 830-644-2604 | www.burgscorner.com
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
CABERNET GRILL
CABERNET GRILL
FREDERICKSBURG BED AND BREW
DINING FINE August E’s, 203 E. San Antonio Street, one street over from E. Main. A sophisticated, elegant dining experience not to be missed. Chef Leu Savanh presents Nouveau Texas Cuisine using products from local and regional suppliers and his own quarter-acre organic garden of herbs, tomatoes and peppers, plus aged Angus steaks, Akaushi beef, duck from Maple Leaf Farms and fresh-never-frozen Sashimi Grade fish shipped overnight from around the world. Check out Thai Tuesdays when Chef Leu prepares signature dishes celebrating his heritage, and enjoy a full bar, specialty cocktails, specialty wines anytime. 830-997-1585 | www.augustes.com Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant, 2805 S. State Highway 16. Executive Chef and owner Ross Burtwell and wife Chef Mariana Burtwell have created an upscale menu in a casual, warm and welcoming atmosphere, focusing on locally and regionally sourced ingredients from farmers, vintners and others, impeccably presented and served. It’s hard to choose favorites, but here goes: roasted butternut squash soup with maple cayenne cream; pecan-crusted crab cakes; threecheese grits and oh so much more. Ross is also co-author of the restaurant’s cookbook, Texas Hill Country Cuisine (San Antonio: Creative Noggin Press, 2014). Their all-Texas wine list of more than 100 labels (the largest in the U.S.) landed the Cabernet Grill on Wine Enthusiast’s America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants 2018. 830-990-5734 | www.cabernetgrill.com
VAUDEVILLE
FARM HAUS BISTRO
Farm Haus Bistro, 405 Whitney Street. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner among a lovely garden setting at Fredericksburg Herb Farm in a picturesque historic rock house. Fresh soups, salads, pizzas, quiche, sandwiches, burgers (both Angus and portobella); dinner features French/Italian influenced fare in delectable entrees of meats and seafood and luscious desserts. 844-596-2302 | www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com Fredericksburg Bed and Brew, 245 E. Main Street. Enjoy traditional German and Southern eats in full view of the gleaming brewing equipment from Europe making ales and lagers (the ale is featured in their Cheddar Ale Soup, Brew Stew and Oma’s Meatloaf). Comfort food abounds in bratwurst, knackwurst and pepperwurst on toasted hoagies or as samplers with German-style sides. 844-596-2303 | www.yourbrewery.com Across the way on 230 E. Main Street is the ultra-chic Vaudeville, part gallery, part home décor boutique, part bistro-style cafe, and on Monday, Friday and Saturday nights — part supper club with a three-course prix fixe menu in the courtyard (reservations required) and Sunday Brunch. New American comfort food features daily lunch specials and freshbaked pastries. Dinner on Friday and Saturday nights is a seven-course chef’s tasting menu by Chef Jordan Muraglia. Craft beers. Wine club. 830-992-3234 | www.vaudeville-living.com
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
61
THE SWEET LIFE Chocolat, 251 W. Main Street. Owner Lecia Duke is the talented, knowledgeable and gregarious owner of this confectionary that is a chocoholic’s dream. Duke is the first creator of European-style liquid centered chocolate in the U.S. Her story is a fascinating one and she has a video cued up for those who want to learn more, or check out her virtual shop experience on Facebook. Get ready for chocolates on another level — melt-in-your-mouth delights filled with cognac, bourbon, Irish cream, tequila, amaretto liqueur and more. Non-alcoholic fillings include Southern Pecan, and black cherry and raspberry nectar. 830-990-9362 | www.liquidchocolates.com
loaded pecans (they call them “health nuts”) and pecan oil — a light, versatile cooking oil. Stop by for a sample, stock up on chopped pecans for baking (pop them in the freezer and use as needed), and check out their tins and baskets for the perfect pecan gift. 830-997-7378 | www.texaspecansandgifts.com Fischer & Wieser’s Specialty Foods, Inc., 1406 S. Highway 87 South. Celebrating 50 years in 2019, Fischer & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus® started life as a roadside fruit stand and grew into the #1 gourmet food company in Texas. In 1976, founder Mark Wieser purchased an historic warehouse that sits on the family’s land close to the original roadside stand.
OPA’S
CHOCOLAT
FREDERICKSBURG PIE COMPANY
DAS PEACH HAUS
Fredericksburg Pie Company, 108 E. Austin St. Oh my. The pies in this precious white cottage off Main Street between Adams and Llano are like pie to the tenth power. Then there’s fresh coffee, handmade Texas quilts, books, and before you know it, you’re fantasizing about curling up with a book and a pie. Whole pies, half pies and pie slices of cream, fruits, pecans, meringue, even sugar free or no sugar added (call ahead), all made fresh and up to 20 different kinds. Come early — open only on Thursday-Saturday, and they close up shop when the pies sell out. 830-990-6992 | wwwfredericksburgtexasshopping.com FREDERICKSBURG TO GO Fredericksburg Pecan Company, 711 E. Main Street. Nanette and Olin Tisdale (high school sweethearts) oversee a true family business with three children who also share a “passion for pecans.” Grown in the Texas Hill Country, fine quality, fresh, non-GMO pecans are used to make an impressive variety from plain roasted and salted to chocolate amaretto, chocolate toffee, hot and spicy, cinnamon, sugar-free chocolate and more. The owners tout the many benefits of antioxidant62 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
FREDERICKSBURG PECAN COMPANY
It now houses the larger of their two retail stores along with the Culinary Adventure Cooking School (the other retail location is at 315 E. Main). CEO and president Case Fischer developed the company’s award-winning flagship product — The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce® joins a huge assortment of jams, jellies, preserves, sauces, condiments and more, also sold online. Culinary classes include weekly and private classes in a gorgeous on-site teaching kitchen at Das Peach Haus. 830-997-7194 | www.daspeachhaus.com Don’t even think of leaving Fredericksburg without a stop at Opa’s on 410 S. Washington Street, a family business rightfully earning fame in Texas and beyond since 1947 for their unparalleled selection of smoked meats using authentic recipes based in German heritage (the sausage sales alone account for more than 2.5 million pounds a year). Opa’s market and deli offers box lunches, party trays, sliced meats and cheeses, condiments and sides, plus a take-out menu of signature sandwiches and salads that will keep you fortified on your journey home. 830-997-3358 | www.opassmokedmeats.com u For more information, visitfredericksburgtx.com
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
design
SPOTLIGHT
Canan Yetmen Receives TxA Honorary Membership
Fall is Design Awards Season
The Texas Society of Architects conducts an annual Honor Awards program recognizing exceptional members, firms, individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture, the built environment and quality of life in Texas. Through her work at TxA, architectural journalism, and as a novelist, Canan Yetmen has played a remarkable role in promoting the profession and the importance of architecture in society to a wider audience. She has also made significant contributions to the careers of many celebrated architects in Texas and beyond as an editor and consultant on AIA Fellowship applications. www.cymkgroup.com
We live in a design driven world — doors should not be an exception. That’s why SWING specializes in crafting the finest doors of all shapes, sizes, materials and finishes including pivot, sliding, glass, wood, metal and more. We offer in-house services to design custom entry doors, garage doors and interior door packages. SWING offers professional installation in the Central Texas region and ships to all lower 48 states. www.swingdoorcompany.com
KM Builders Updates Logo Attention to detail, quality and experience are three things homeowners look for when entrusting their remodeling projects to a contractor. After 34 years of providing the highest level of service and craftsmanship, KM Builders has redesigned their logo to reflect their company’s longevity and stability which has earned them the reputation of being the largest design-build remodeling firm in San Antonio. www.kmbuilders.com 64 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
The ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) chapters in Austin and San Antonio recently held their annual competitions to recognize the finest design and remodeling achievements by local individuals and companies. For complete lists, view each organization’s website. JEI DESIGN PHOTO BY CASEY DUNN
Austin Design Excellence Awards Best in Show: JEI Design www.tx.asid.org San Antonio Pinnacle of Design Awards Best in Show: Haven Design and Construction www.tx.asid.org Austin Contractor of the Year Awards Overall Contractor of the Year: Camelot Custom Homes www.austinnari.org San Antonio Contractor of the Year Awards Overall Contractor of the Year: Haven Design and Construction www.remodelsanantonio.org
HAVEN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHOTO BY MATTHEW NIEMANN PHOTOGRAPHY DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
design
SPOTLIGHT Hearth & Soul
PHOTO BY THE VELOX
Chic. Southern. Italian. Longtime local restaurateurs Steve and Heather Potts, the owners of the city’s beloved Cedar Door, are bringing a Southern take on Italian to Austin with the opening of La Volpe. At this chic space, located in Austin’s Central Business District and nestled right next door to the Cedar Door on Brazos Street, executive chef Will Eason, sous chef Josh Wilson and pastry chef Amanda Neber blend traditional Italian with ultra-fresh ingredients and Southern flavors. www.lavolpeaustin.com.
New Name Reflects LongTime Partnership
DAN WIGODSKY
DANNY DERRICK
Dan Wigodsky founded Wigodsky & Associates Architects, LLC, in 2001, but in 2018 the firm name was updated to Wigodsky & Derrick Architects to reflect the contributions by Danny Derrick. Danny joined the firm in 2005 and has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial architecture in both traditional and modern genres. Coupled with Dan’s 42 years of experience, they have collaborated on all of the firm’s projects, from design through construction, ranging from a small private residence to the recently completed new 317,000-square-foot, K-12 school campus. www.wigodskyderrick.com
Austin’s new 4,000-square-foot lifestyle store is laid out like a home with product offerings and experiences in multiple specialty areas: kitchen, family room, dining room and entertaining, library, bed and bath, women’s and men’s apparel and accessories, patio and pet specialty items. The vision of Susie Busch Transou, and born out of the desire to create a gathering place where friends can connect, discover and acquire unique and interesting things — including top brands and artisan goods — design services and a modern wedding registry are also available. www.hearthandsoul.com
Antiques Roadshow Stops at Historic McNay Art Museum Saturday, April 27, 2019 Admission to the Antiques Roadshow is free, but tickets are required and must be obtained in advance. Fans can apply for a chance to receive one pair of tickets per household. The 2019 Tour ticket application process opens Monday, November 12 at 3:00pm; deadline for applications is Monday, February 11, 2019 at 11:59pm. At each appraisal event, around 3,300 ticketed guests will receive free verbal evaluations of their antiques and collectibles from experts from the country’s leading auction houses and independent dealers. Each guest is invited to bring two items for appraisal. www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/tickets/faq
Texas Made/Texas Modern The House and the Land (October 2018, The Monacelli Press) In Texas Made/Texas Modern, Helen Thompson and Casey Dunn, the writer/photographer team that produced the successful Marfa Modern: Artistic Interiors of the West Texas High Desert, investigate the unique brand of modernism that is so fundamental to the culture of Texas today. This Texas-centric style is focused on the relationship of the house to the site, the materials it’s made of (most often local stone and wood), and the way the buildings function in the harsh Texas climate. Featuring nineteen houses across the state — from major urban centers like Dallas and Austin to suburbs and rural areas — the use of thick walls, metal roofs, courtyards, patios, dog trots, trellises or arbors connect site and place. www.monacellipress.com DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
|
HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO
65
ADVERTISER INDEX
AUDIO VISUAL
The Tile Shop
Factory Builder Stores
Bjorn’s
www.tileshop.com
www.factorybuilderstores.com
www.bjorns.com
San Antonio-East: 210-998-5212
Austin: 512-834-1442
210-828-3237
San Antonio-West: 210-201-8891
San Antonio: 210-349-9333
Austin-South: 512-420-4146
ASSOCIATIONS
Austin-Gateway: 512-420-4152
Kohler Signature Store
Austin NARI
Round Rock: 737-209-5204
by FACETS of Austin
www.austinnari.org 512-375-2601
www.kohlersignaturestoreaustin.com
HOME BUILDERS
512-382-7939
Avenue B Development NARI San Antonio
www.avenuebdev.com
LIGHTING
www.remodelsanantonio.org
512-910-9656
Lights Fantastic
210-826-7200
www.lightsfantastic.com BF Homes LLC
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
www.beckyfullerhomes.com
Zurich U.S. Properties, Inc
731-582-2282
www.zurichproperties.com 210.225.5877
CUSTOM CABINETRY & DESIGN
512-452-9511
OUTDOOR LIVING Modern Deck
Levesque & Co.
www.moderndeckandoutdoors.com
www.levesqueco.com
512-410-2510
512-633-1419
POOLS
KingWood Fine Cabinetry www.kingwoodcabinets.com
HOME REMODELING
Anthony Sylvan Pools
830-990-0565
Boerne Kitchens and Baths
www.loveourpools.com
www.boernekitchensandbaths.com
888-495-1537
CUSTOM METAL WORK
830-446-1506
Architectural Metal
Liquid Assets
Solutions/Magnolia Doors
INTERIOR DESIGN
www.liquidassets-pools.com
www.ams-gr.com
Bella Villa Design
Austin: 512-444-5444
210-366-0490
www.bellavillads.com
San Antonio: 210-680-7665
512-443-3200
GRANITE, STONE & FLOORING Alpha Granite & Tile
KITCHEN & BATH
WINDOW COVERINGS & AWNINGS
www.alphagraniteaustin.com
Cosentino Center Austin
Austintatious Blinds and Shutters
512-834-8746
www.northamericacosentinocenter.com
www.austintatiousblinds.com
512-386-7791
512-608-0302
www.pacificshorestones.com
Empire Countertops
Texas Sun & Shade
Austin: 512-339-2300
www.empirefab.com
www.txsunandshade.com
San Antonio: 210-494-8282
Austin: 512-637-5240
512-402-0990
Pacific Shore Stones
San Antonio: 210-651-3281 Expressions Home Gallery www.expressionshomegallery.com Austin: 512-454-4526 San Antonio: 210-349-7878 66 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
Austintatious Blinds and Shutters 12918 Shops Pkwy Ste 700 Bee Caves, Texas 78738 M-F: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun: Closed 512-608-0302 www.austintatiousshutters.com Call now for a free consultation or come by our state-of-the-art showroom!