texas home & living

August 2010

LivingSummer

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2 Texas Home & Living • July/August 2010

contentsJuly/August 2010

COVER STORY

Backyard Texas Oasis 80CG&S Design-Build created a spectacular multi-purpose structure complementing the existing home by seamlessly integrating materials and landscape.

FEATURES

The Great (Lake) Escape 34A Houston couple builds a lake home perfectly suited to their family of six and its natural surroundings.

A Dallas HOME with a Mississippi HEART 42When it came to designing her own dwelling, Dawn Henderson let her imagination and instincts run wild.

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Remarkable Life inspired.

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contents

2280

in every issue 8 Welcome

10 Reader Services

12 Events: Performing Arts

14 Events: Just for Fun

design resources49 Design Texas

54 Kitchens & Bath

78 Retirement Living

84 Outdoor Living

34

Book Notes: Kennedy Green House 18

Antiques: Tiny Texas Houses 22

HADA: On Everyone’s Short List 28

A Fantastic Affair 56Texas Home & Living looks back at the 26th Annual Women’s Symphony League of Austin Designer Showhouse at The Austonian.

Houston High-Rise 64Designer Jane-Page Crump transforms a warehouse-style condominium into a palace in the sky.

The Broadway: San Antonio 69

Downsizing Goes Upscale 74Today’s retirees willing to pay the price can live their golden years in style at ritzy retirement communities – and stay close to home while doing it.

Backyard Texas Oasis 80

A Hacienda for All to Enjoy 86

A La Carte: The Best of Besh Comes to San Antonio 90

The Tex-Mex Grill and Backyard Barbacoa Cookbook 93

Summer’s Best 95

On The Town 96

Cover photography by ©Greg Hursley. This page clockwise from top: Photography by Glenn James, by ©Greg Hursley, Courtesy of Brad Kittel


Associate PublisherBrona Stockton

Contributing WritersLauren Churchin

Barbara P. CrozierJessica Dupuy

Jack FrinkSuzanna LoganNancy Myers

Photographers Tre Dunham

Robert FrenchGreg HursleyGlenn James

Rob MuirRick Patrick

Robert PatrickDan Piassick

Art DirectorKim Worley

Advertising ExecutivesDallas

Suzanne Gosselin(214) 351-6071 • [email protected]

Dallas • HoustonKim Lawhorn

(214) 384-9417 • [email protected]

Austin • San AntonioDennis Carter

(512) 637-0371 • [email protected]

Accounting ManagerAlicia Glover

Web and Network ManagerRyan Jurgensen

Publications & Communications, Inc.President

Gary L. Pittman

Texas Home & Living (ISSN 1091-5001) is published bimonthly by Publications & Communications, Inc., Gary L. Pittman, President, 13581 Pond Springs Road, Suite 450, Austin, TX 78729, 512-250-9023. Sub-scriptions are available for $18 per year; single copy price is $5.00. Payment must accompany orders. Copyright ©2010 by Publications & Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.Postmaster: Send change of address to TH&L Circulation Dept., 13581 Pond Springs Road, Suite 450, Austin, TX 78729

VOL. 4 NO. 4

DESIGN • FABRICS • TRIMMINGS FURNITURE • ANTIQUES • ACCESSORIES

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Welcome

Brona Stockton Associate Publisher

The hot days of summer are here. Withstand the heat, and you’re a true Texan. But even in the heat, take the time to do those things that make summer so wonderful: Whip up some homemade peach ice cream, drink lemonade on the front porch or dip your toes in the nearest body of water you can find.

During summer, there is no better place to entertain and catch a summer breeze than a lake house like the one in “The Great (Lake) Escape” (page 34) or around a pool in “A Dallas Home with a Mississippi Heart” (page 42) and “Backyard Texas Oasis” (page 80). Take a respite from the heat and page through our recap of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin’s Designer Showhouse in “A Fantastic Affair” (page 56). Discover how the designers executed their visions with color, texture, furnishings and accessories.

Texas summers are for slowing down and evenings spent in front of the grill entertaining family and friends with recipes featured in “The TexMex Grill and Backyard Barbacoa Cookbook” (page 93) and “Summer’s Best” (page 95), and taking the time to cherish the things in life that really matter.

This issue of Texas Home & Living is all about the special moments of summer with your family and friends, the people you love. Make sure you capture and cherish them. Enjoy!

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Reader ServicesSUBSCRIPTIONS

To subscribe or to purchase back issues of the magazine, please call (800) 678-9724 ext. 344 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information, please visit texashomeandliving.com and click on the Subscribe link.

ADVERTISING INFORMATIONIf you are interested in advertising in Texas

Home & Living magazine or in our online Marketplace, Designer Finder, or Home Buy-ers Guide, please contact one of our account executives: Dallas, Suzanne Gosselin, (214) 351-6071, [email protected]; Austin-San Antonio, Dennis Carter, (512) 637-0371, [email protected]; Dallas-Houston, Kim Lawhorn, (214) 384-9417, [email protected]

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONSDesigners, architects, developers, build-

ers, and homeowners are encouraged to submit photography of their completed proj-ects for editorial consideration. If you have a project or story idea to submit, please e-mail [email protected].

UPCOMING EVENTSTexas Home & Living would like to hear

about your organization’s upcoming event. Events having to do with design, architec-ture, visual arts, performing arts, family activi-ties, and dining are the most likely to be included in our calendars. Please e-mail press releases or event listings at least two months in advance to [email protected].

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events performing arts

INDUSTRYPARTNER

Kathryn EdwardsJennie Perry

July 4 – Houston – Houston will set the stage for an extraordinary patriotic cel-ebration at Mayor Annise Parker’s annual Fourth of July event, Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks. Texas singer-songwriter Pat Green will headline the annual event with his performance culminating the nation’s largest land-based fireworks show, presented by Shell Oil Company. Admis-sion is free with the donation of one canned item per person to the Houston Food Bank. freedomovertexas.org

July 8, July 22 – San Antonio – Combin-ing an evening of beauty in the Garden with excitement of live music the San Antonio Botanical Gardens presents Con-certs Under the Stars. Guests are invited to relax on the lawn and dine in the Gar-den’s evening atmosphere. Gourmet box dinners may be pre-ordered from Central Market and picked up at the concert. Featured bands – July 8 – Calao, July 22 – Terri Hendrix. (210) 829-5100, sabot.org

July 25 – Dallas – Dallas Symphony pres-ents Kenny G for a night of spectacular music. He brings his smooth saxophone sounds for an unforgettable performance alongside the Dallas Symphony Orches-tra, bringing those unforgettable melodies that have earned him a Grammy Award and numerous top spots on the Billboard charts. dallassymphony.com


events just for fun

www.horsesandhomesonline.com

June 16-July 28 – Austin – For just 50 cents per child, kids and adults can experience the magic of Children’s Day Art Park, presented by the Austin Sym-phony. The eight-week event will include an Instrument Petting Zoo, which will intro-duce the youngsters to the fascinating world of musical instruments, an opportunity to speak with and hear symphony musicians, a performance by a live jazz band, and much more. The Symphony Square Amphithe-atre will house the proceedings. (512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

June 26-October 24 – San Antonio – The San Antonio Botanical Gardens will hold an original exhibition, Playhouses and Forts. The opening weekend of June 26-27th is scheduled for a series of fun fam-ily events. The innovative, unique designs for the playhouses were chosen from 33 entries submitted in a contest earlier this year. (210) 207-3250, sabot.org

July 8-11 – Dallas – An opportunity for the general public and dog community throughout the world to enjoy a major canine event. The Lone Star State Clas-sic is a four-day dog show that will be the only All-Breed AKC Dog Show in Dallas all year long. Dallas Market Hall will house all three regional dog clubs (Greater Col-lin Kennel Club, Texas Kennel Club and Trinity Valley Kennel Club) and over 150 different breeds of pups. Professional dogs only, please leave your pooch at home! (214) 749-5491, lonestarstateclassic.com

July 16-17 – Fredericksburg – Help cel-ebrate Fredericksburg’s German heritage and Texas hospitality during the Night In Old Fredericksburg festival. For two days and nights, downtown Marketplatz will house nine different polka bands, show tunes, country music and acts like the world-famous Sauerkrauts and the Shiner Hobo Band. A tasty, varied menu includes German favorites like sizzling wurst and other Tex-Mex stand-bys like tacos and fajitas. Fun for the whole family; the kids can enjoy a regular carnival of events including bungee jump, ferris wheel and more. (830) 997-8515, tex-fest.com


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events just for fun

July 16-August 15 – Bryan – Award-winning winery and resort Messina Hof celebrates its 33rd anniversary with Sum-mer Harvest by inviting wine lovers, including special guests and celebrities, to roll up their pants and partake in the first phase of winemaking by picking and stomping the year’s harvest. Not only will they will get their feet wet, they will be rewarded for their hard work with a Harvest Cuisine Dinner prepared by the culinary team of Messina Hof’s Vintage House Restaurant. (800) 736-9463 ext.34; to choose a Harvest Festival package. messinahof.com

July 17 – Houston – The drama of clas-sical music will be paired with the awe-inspiring power of the planets at Jones Hall for The Planets – An HD Odyssey. In the must-see multimedia event, an HD film of planetary images is projected onto a screen above the stage while the sym-phony performs a live version of Gustav Holst’s The Planets. An additional treat are the celestial, classic works of John Williams, as the orchestra will perform selections from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and Star Wars. (713) 224-7575, houstonsym-phony.org

August 7 – Austin – Join The Wiggles, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dino-saur, Henry the Octupus, Wags the Dog and all the Wiggly Dancers for Wiggly Circus Live! at the Paramount Theatre. Children can have even more fun with WiggleTime.com, the Wiggles very own virtual world created specifically for pre-schoolers and their parents. Tickets for the performance may be purchased online at austinsymphony.org, (512) 472-5470

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book notes

You just can’t keep those Kennedy boys down. In 2003, the Mt. Kisco, New York home of tireless environmental advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was damaged by summer floods. An unstoppable, toxic mold crept over the

house, causing breathing problems for Kennedy’s children. So RFK Jr. put his money

where his mouth is and had the house razed and re-built with environmentally-friendly

methods. The result is a marvel of modern architecture and green technology: the Ken-

nedy Green House.

Author Robin Wilson, who was in on the ground floor of the construction as part of

Kennedy’s “Green Dream Team,” covers the house’s creation from the blueprint stage to

furniture placement. The Green Dream Team – a collective of top-tier architects, build-

ers, engineers and designers – also become a major figure in the book’s storyline.

Wilson’s writing is matter-of-fact and teeming with technical details that are still

understandable to the house construction layman. At times the verbage becomes

Kennedy Green HouseText by Jack Frink

The main kitchen has dimensions of 17 feet by 45 feet and is made up of three interconnected spaces.

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book notes

a bit perfunctory, and the syntax is occasionally clumsy, but Wilson’s subject is so fascinating, with such a wealth of insight about home improvement, that small prose slip ups do not drag the proceedings.

The heart of the book is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his family. A personal side comes out whenever they are included in the nar-rative. One revealing moment comes about three-fourths of the way through the long construction process. When asked if he’s looking forward to his house’s green perks, Kennedy simply replies, “I’m excited about going home.”

Although many readers of Kennedy Green House probably lack the means of the Ken-nedy family, the book is still useful to those who want to make their household a health-ier place to live. The book is dotted with helpful, affordable tips that can be universally applied to any living space, and between chapters are further pointers on improvements to various areas of the household. The photographs adorning the book’s pages are gorgeous. You don’t have to be rich or an activist to get a lot out of the story behind Kennedy Green House. TH&L

top The newly-minted Kennedy Green House sits on 12 acres of land.

above The Kennedy’s dining room embodies the ideals of conservation and was designed for regular use.

Author Robin Wilson

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T

antiques

The houses in which we live characterize our lives in ways that only the places we call home can. The residences we restore, the rooms we renovate, the dream homes we design and build signal who we are and how

we live. In this often perplexing 21st century, Americans are beginning to long to live

more simply, to build things better and to be part of something that makes more sense.

In this case, that more sensible something is choosing to make sound environmental

building choices. The charming, authentically green, demi-homes that are the signature

pieces of Tiny Texas Houses, dramatically characterize the sensibilities of their owners

and their builder. And they reflect a growing awareness of the need for environmental

responsibility and the vast recycling opportunity of selecting salvaged materials.

When I wrote my first article for Texas Home and Living about a collective green-

consciousness growing within the antique industry, Brad Kittel of Discovery Archi-

tectural Antiques had already stepped out on a recycled limb. Brad, who with his wife

Suzanne, founded one of the largest architectural antique businesses in the Southwest in

1997, had for over a decade been selling individual salvaged elements to builders, design-

ers, and homeowners across the nation. Then in 2006, driven by his Texas-sized appetite

TEXAS HOUSES

The fanciful colors of this Tiny Texas House are mirrored in the early morning light of a Texas sum-mer sky.

opposite page Whether it’s sitting on the side of the road as it does today, or crowning the top of the roof as it will tomorrow, the simple silhouette of this weathervane makes passers-by pause and smile.

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Text by Barbara P. Crozier


antiquesto create, Brad began to build houses from the architectural elements he sold. Brad started building Tiny Texas Houses and the landscape along I-10 just north of Gon-zales was never the same. And neither was Brad. He became part of the trillion-dollar inventoried, paradigm-changing, construc-tion phenomena of salvage building.

Kittel believes that Tiny Texas Houses are possibly the most purely built-from-salvage structures available in the modern marketplace. Yet while these tiny homes are part and parcel of the remnants of our past, they embrace 21st-century design simplicity and function. Brad is quick to point out how seamlessly the sleek, modern energy- efficient appliances blend with the gleam-ing vintage flooring, wainscoting, and fix-tures that are staples in a Tiny Texas Home.

These little gems are constructed from some of the finest lumber ever milled. Har-vested from the vast, relatively untouched forests of mid-19th century America, it is still unsurpassed in beauty and durability. That lumber, whether a structural beam, a framing stud, or a piece of tongue and grove flooring is the cornerstone of the building materials in a Tiny Texas House.

If 19th-century salvaged lumber is the staple of a Tiny Texas Home, it is the staggering array of recycled decorative resources to which Kittel has ready access that is the spice. The beauty, and some-times quirkiness, of their decorative ele-ments separate these tiny custom-designed castles from their cookie-cutter competi-tors, and gives them a plus-sized person-ality. These houses, some as tiny as 200 square feet, are unique designs. They are, as often as not, shaped by their daring dec-orative choices. The entire design of a Tiny Texas House can start with the discovery of a single piece of salvage … a piece that might have been discarded, overlooked, or abandoned for decades.

Consider the simple weathervane/vent that sat perched on the side of the drive into the Tiny Texas Houses lot. Tomor-row the perfect proportions of its salvaged silhouette might determine the height and style of the roof on a custom studio of a home. It could determine the type of

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antiquesroofing materials, and influence how the new home will be positioned on the land. That’s not a bad future for a piece of salvage only recently rescued from a distant ditch.

It’s no coincidence that a Kittel tiny house nearly always uses fine 19th century hardware and decorative elements. The vast inventory of glistening doorknobs and backplates, hinges and cabinet hardware, transom tracks, window locks and weather vanes amassed by Brad and Suzanne at Discovery Architectural Antiques, is a proverbial treasure chest of inspiration for Kittel and his clients.

Brad’s desire to give new life to thousands of pieces of salvaged beauty fueled a thriving new business, and created a new set of chal-lenges. Before starting Tiny Texas Houses, when Brad helped a client select the perfect front door, he knew just which salvaged hinges they should use to hang it. But the first time he helped them select 100-year-old siding for the home he would build for them, he discovered they wanted paint not only appropriate in its look, but compatible with a healthy environment. He found that the flooring he was about install needed finishes that not only capture the depth of the wood graining, but would endure the test of time without damaging the environment. Brad

top A startling arrangement of the salvaged win-dows in cypress siding seems to give a welcoming wink and a nod to approaching visitors.

bottom The great glass of the rescued windows, the warm glow of the rich woods, and the gay col-ors and perfect patina of the linseed-oil paint make this Tiny Texas Porch irresistable.

opposite page left With a ladder leading to a lofty, little space this 19th century salvage home mirrors the modern image of the Lake House loft. Classic function-driven design is always in style.

opposite page top right Embossed sheet-metal roofing, salvaged from a King William District roof-top in the heart of turn-of-the-century San Antonio, now surrounds a Tiny Texas shower in the heart of the distant Badlands of North Dakota.

opposite page bottom right A salvaged metal ceiling and longleaf pine woodwork add a bit of drama to this Tiny Texas kitchen, while the oversized proportion of the vintage sink provides the work-space a modern kitchen demands.

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construction, but when you consider how long it will be before you will have to repaint, or replace a porch, or re-roof – the cost dif-ference diminishes quickly. Brad believes that if you calculate the enormous cash outlay spent on treating chemical-related health problems, the gap evaporates completely.

While Brad’s building passion has grown into a thriving, environmentally-conscious, salvage-building business, this one-man, one-piece-at-a-time process is far too modest for Brad’s vision. Kittel envisions operations much like Tiny Texas Houses across the United States, employing thousands of salvage miners, restorers, and environmentally-conscious builders. He believes that if you started a tiny house operation every 300 or so miles, you could capture the very essence of the move to regionalize con-sumer consumption. And you would protect those regional pecu-liarities that make architecture distinct, engaging, and sensible.

Regionalizing salvage-building operations could employ thousands in areas hardest hit by the rural flight of the 1950s and urban blight of the 1960s, where today, some of the richest salvage opportunities abound. Regionalization would recycle trillions of dollars of traditional building materials, and save millions of gallons of fossil-based fuel in the process. It is most certainly a win-win approach to building.

Brad’s enormous enthusiasm for building something better is completely contagious. Tiny Texas Houses, an operation that now

started a systematic search for the perfect paints and finishes, and he found centuries-old solutions. He rediscovered linseed-oil products, milk-based paints, and tung-oil finishes. Allback, a Swedish com-pany whose exterior paints he now uses exclusively, produces high-quality linseed-oil paint in the same manner it has been produced for hundreds of years. With a simple application of pure linseed oil once every 8-10 years, two properly applied coats of this linseed-oil paint can last up to 50 years. Linseed-oil paints hold up heroically in extreme heat and cold, and don’t emit the environmentally danger-ous VOCS of modern petroleum-based paints.

He discovered that old-fashioned, milk-based paint creates the soft, luminescent finish modern homeowners want in their inte-rior spaces. This old favorite still makes the most sense, offers the widest color selection and leaves the least effect on the environ-ment. Now the interiors of all Tiny Texas Houses glisten with water soluble, milk-based paint of The Real Milk Paint Company.

So … we come to the pressing question: how much does all of this modern technology, these conscientious environmental choices, and so many great salvage selections cost? A Tiny Texas House, complete with the best lumber in the world, the finest hardware ever manufactured, the most environmentally friendly paints and finishes, costs roughly $200 per square foot. Kittel concedes that is substantially higher that the average modern

An inviting front porch doesn’t just expand the square footage of a Tiny Texas home. A porch like the one pictured inspires the kind of relaxed social opportunities that bind family and friends together.

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This tiny Texas cottage, built with a passion for the protection of our planet, the preservation of our past and the function of timeless design, is a Tiny Texas House that everyone can love.

builds dozens of houses each year, hums with energy. The song of its saws and clang of its hammers amplifies Brad’s enthusiasm. I felt a little like Snow White watching as these guys whistled while they worked – and worked hard at the hard work they clearly love. Brad characterizes the palpable energy that drives his operation as the excitement of change. Kittel and his crew of salvage miners and Tiny Texas House builders are busy changing the accepted paradigm of what we build, what we build it with, and how we build it. TH&L

This is the third in a series of articles about the green aspect of buying “antique” that Barbara Crozier of Laurel Ridge American Antiques in Gonzales, Texas has written for Texas Home and Living. Her other articles explore the benefits of going green with antiques; whether it is the fine 19th century furniture in which she specializes or the great recycled hardwoods and hardware one finds around the corner from Laurel Ridge at Discovery Architec-tural Antiques.

antiques

830-672-6532 • 888-672-1095www.gonzalestexas.com

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Text by Barbara P. CrozierPhotography Courtesy of HADA

MMore than 150 of the world’s most-respected antique dealers will assemble in Houston’s George R. Brown

Convention Center for a spectacular 3-day

event this September 17, 18, and 19. The

antique extravaganza is sponsored by The

Houston Antique Dealers Association.

HADA, as it is more familiarly dubbed,

is one of the oldest antique associations

of its kind in the nation. The quality of

shows HADA has assembled throughout its

long history is legendary within the antique

industry, and the upcoming September show

promises to be another stand-out exhibition.

Several new events promise to add sizzle

to the show. Two lucky attendees will win

the trip of a lifetime … and the chance

to scout the secret buying sources usu-

ally only insiders ever see. The lucky pair

will accompany a HADA dealer on an all

expenses-paid, antique-buying excursion to

London, England.

The shimmering beauty of the silver overlay on this stunning art glass vase epitomizes the elegance that earmarks the Houston Antique Dealers Association show.

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become a part of the important show circuit that connects qual-ity exhibitors and committed collectors from across the United States – and around the world. Attendees are often amazed to find that the purveyor of the pristine porcelains that caught their eye at a show in Philadelphia, New York, or Paris, might be just across the aisle from their favorite Houston haunt at the next HADA show.

A key to the success of any show is to attract exhibitors of the most extraordinary antiques, and of course, the shoppers who desire those objects. I find myself musing about what it is that draws

In another first-time event, shoppers are invited to stop by the design booth and register for a complimentary consultation with a Houston-area interior designer. The weekend after the show, HADA will sponsor and judge a new design competition for the local chapter of American Society of Interior Design – The Best Use of Antiques in Design. As if these exciting events aren’t enough to entice even the most hesitant of first-time antique shoppers to the show, HADA has added an entire booth of antique items with a price tag of $200 or less. New events, educational opportunities, and exceptional exhibitors promise that the September show will be a show to remember.

There are those of us who look forward to HADA shows not just for their new events, but for their commitment to authenticity, integrity, and education. It is good to know that those things haven’t changed. All the new events and dynamic collaborations are lock-stepped with the mission of this not-for-profit association: to educate an expanded audience about the benefits of purchasing antique.

Since 1964, HADA shows have educated antique collectors, inspired decorators and designers, and enticed first-time buyers into the antique arena. Other shows have waxed and waned, and completely disappeared. HADA has not only flourished, but has

top left This aerial view of the aisles upon aisles of antiques at a HADA show gives one an idea of the size and scope of the antique extravaganza.

top right A handsome Welsh cabinet cradles the curious shapes and patterns of an extensive offering of exceptional majolica pieces.

bottom left Committed collectors and casual shoppers alike find the luminous luster of fine art glass too alluring to resist.

bottom right To understand and collect antiques is a continual source of pride and enjoyment, and is more than obvious on the faces of these collectors.


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exhibitors and collectors back to HADA year after year. I am certain one reason they return is the expertise of the vetting team that places their stamp of approval on each item in a HADA show. A dozen profes-sional appraisers from the Houston area systematically vet all HADA shows. Vetting authenticates the claims exhibitors make about the age, provenance and manufacture of the antiques they offer. It is an invaluable facet of any serious antique show, both for the exhibitor and the purchaser.

Before the time restraints of running my own brick-and-mortar shop, managing my online store, and writing about antiques for Texas Home and Living forced me to forego the show circuit, I exhibited in HADA shows. I can attest to, then, what a sense of satisfaction it was when the vetting team authenticated each piece of my American furniture. No matter how sharp your eye for detail, how long you have been in the business, or how much research you have done on a piece – there is nothing like a well-respected, concurring second opinion.

There is no doubt about it, a HADA show is a first-class show. It is a show that educates. It is a show with strong, long-standing alliances. The HADA-sponsored lecture series at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts is always one of the highlights of the winter antique season.

A HADA show is a philanthropic show. It is a show that contributes. PBS, The Heritage Society, the Houston Symphony, the Brookwood Community and the Hous-ton Junior Forum all receive financial sup-

port from the Houston Antique Dealers Association.

A HADA show is a big show. It is a show that confuses your sense of directions. Carry a notebook. Mark the location of your favor-ite dealers, and the objects you desire. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’ve found a landmark to guide you back to them. Remember, in this maze of beautiful objects everything looks like a landmark.

A HADA show is a friendly show. It is a show that is wheelchair-friendly, stroller-friendly and provides valet parking. It offers food on the premises, provides a carry-out service for large items and there are always plenty of volunteers to answer questions. The icing on the HADA cake is the fact that The George R. Brown Convention Center is conveniently close to fine down-town dining, lodging and nightlife.

When you add everything up, it’s clear why exhibitors and shoppers alike list the HADA show as one of their favorites. A HADA show is always committed to quality, diversity and the authenticity of the antiques they assemble. It always inspires and edu-cates. And this September, it has added some fabulous new events in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Add it up. And it becomes crys-tal clear why the HADA Fall Show is a show that makes everyone’s short list. TH&L

Barbara Crozier, a frequent feature writer for TH&L, owns and operates Laurel Ridge Antiques in Gonzales, Texas, specializing in American furniture of the 19th century. For ques-tions e-mail [email protected]

This pristine example of a rare piece of Americana, a child’s circus wagon, proves that there really is little difference in the toys of men and boys.


The Great (Lake) Escape

The perfect gathering spot after a day on the lake, this new lake home was designed to have a vintage feel.


A Houston couple builds a lake home perfectly suited to their family of six and its natural surroundings.

Text by Suzanna Logan | Photography by Robert French


WWhen most people build a new house, they want it to feel, well, new. But Ashley Birdwell had something different in mind when she and her husband, Steve, began making plans to build a vacation home on the shore of Lake

McQueeny. “I wanted the home to feel old, vintage, like it had been there awhile,” she

explains. “The lake has a wonderful nostalgic feel to it, and I wanted our house to fit in.”

Unlike many lakeside vacation spots with homes able to dwarf the lakes they reside on,

Lake McQueeny has remained true to its beginnings. Many of the small cottages original

to the area are still in use. Although the Birdwells wanted plenty of space for their family

of six and frequent visitors to enjoy, they steered away from ostentation and opted instead

for an easy lake-cottage look.

While the style was to be simple and relaxed, the Birdwells knew the decorating process

would still require plenty of effort. To help get things just right, they enlisted project designer

Sara Hillery and Sandra Lucas, ASID, of Houston-based Lucas/Eilers Design Group, who

had worked with them on their primary residence in Houston.

In addition to discovering that the couple wanted the home to have a laid-back vintage

vibe, Sandra found they also hoped to create a seamless blend between the indoors and

out. “The idea was to be a part of nature rather than conflict with it,” explains Sandra.

As you might expect, the exterior blends effortlessly into the environment thanks

to a mix of cedar siding and forest green trim. Undoubtedly, the interiors would blend

just as well if it wasn’t for the four walls. Rough-cut cedar beams, knotty alder trim and

A vivid Oriental rug heirloom tops a part of the asymmetrical flagstone floor in the living room. Custom pillows capturing the rug’s vivid colors, along with the blues and greens.

opposite page A settee in the upstairs hallway is hand-appliquéd with the owner’s initials.


French Oak floors in the upstairs and master bedroom lend a rich, warm feel to the interiors. To ensure the inside spaces would always feel just a step away from the lake, the greens, blues and browns found outside the Birdwell’s doorstep also grace the walls, furniture, and accessories. Not content to leave any surface so-so, Sandra even pulled the ceilings into the indoors-turned-outdoors design. She used a technique traditionally used in porches, covering the v-groove paneled ceilings with a pale blue to mimic the sky.

Although the overall color scheme con-sists of light, airy shades, the home, like nature, is not without bold hues. Proof of this is a vivid Oriental rug that Ashley had inherited from her grandmother and was determined to work into the living room’s design. To make the bright shades work, Sandra had pillows made from an antique Suzani fabric found in Sante Fe, New Mex-ico. “The pillows helped tie the rug’s colors together with the greens and blues,” she says.

As with any good design, the Bird-wells’ home is not simply beautiful, it is a reflection of the family. A settee in the upstairs hallway that leads to a lake-view balcony is hand-appliquéd with Ashley’s initials. The master bedroom also features monogrammed pillows with a scrolled “B.” Another customized element is the subtle use of dragonflies in the décor, which has become a family moniker. The back of each dining room chair features a small, hand-embroidered dragonfly, which adds a touch of whimsy to the all-white seating area. The lake-loving insects also appear on pillows on the porch. “I had cups made that say ‘The Birdwells’ on one side and ‘Lake McQueeny’ with a dragonfly emblem on the other side,” says Ashley. “When we go out on the boat, we can still take a little bit of home with us.”

The dragonflies aren’t the only outdoor creatures that made their way inside. French antique prints of ducks hang in the dining room, fish prints hang in the hallway, and

The back of each dining room chair features a small, hand-embroidered dragonfly, which has become a family moniker, adds a touch of whimsy to the seating area.

three-dimensional hand-carved ducks take flight over the bed in the bunk room.

The bunk room, with its decidedly mas-culine feel, was designed for the Birdwells’ 16-year-old son, Cody, who trains falcons. In addition, the bedding on the four built-in bunks stacked along the walls features hunting dogs, birds, and deer. The bunk room also appeals to the Birdwells’ younger children’s sense of adventure with indi-vidual reading lights at each bunk and shutters that open and close between the beds to share a secret or two.

The master bedroom, guest suite and girls’ bedroom are a study in all things feminine, where intricate headboards, hand-woven rugs, and rocking chairs abound. The bathrooms have a romantic ambience with free-standing copper tubs and reclaimed antique tiles that add an unexpected dose of pattern and color. Free-standing basins and countertops were custom-designed for each bathroom.

Although the interiors offer plenty of reason to remain indoors, with the water just a stone’s throw away, Ashley wanted to spend more time on the boat and less time cleaning. To this end, the materials in the home had to be simple to maintain. The upholstered furniture is protected with a stain guard, and Sandra used mate-rials generally reserved for the outdoors in unusual ways. The dining room table, with its pale blue base, is topped with a zinc slab, which quickly gained an earthy, aged patina. “The accompanying chairs are cov-ered in an outdoor fabric, so you can get right off the boat, come in and sit down in a wet bathing suit and have a lovely din-ner,” Sandra explains. If you’re worrying about the state of the floors during dinner, don’t. Knowing the Birdwells’ children and their friends would be running in and out of doors throughout the day (and likely dripping water all the way), Sandra suggested carrying the flooring from the porches and walkways right through the front door. The asymmetrical flagstone


heightens the flow between the outdoor and indoor spaces and is completely fuss-free. “I never have to worry about how wet the floors get,” says Ashley.

In addition to being used on the floors, the flagstone also sur-rounds the summer kitchen. The outdoor living area has all the charm of an old-fashioned sitting porch without sacrificing mod-ern convenience. The space features an of-the-moment grilling station and a dining table with custom-made benches to reinforce the casual, outdoor feel and ensure plenty of seating for family and friends. At the end of the porch, cushioned furniture invites guests to relax for awhile. (The indoor/outdoor fabric allows Ash-ley to relax, with no worries of staining or fading.) Finally, func-tioning floor-to-ceiling shutters add style points while filtering out the sun’s rays or ushering in breezes off the water.

Besides the summer kitchen, the home also offers an inviting upstairs sleeping porch. Double French doors lead to the screened-in area that features iron beds, a writing desk, and two hanging porch swings. “It is very much an interior living space, even though it is outside,” explains Sandra.

There may be a blurred line between the indoor and outdoor spaces of the Birdwells’ home, but stepping through the doors still garners a distinct reaction from Ashley. “Every time I walk in, I can’t believe how perfect this house is,” she insists. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” TH&L

The four built-in bunks stacked along the wall appeals to the younger visi-tors’ sense of adventure with reading lights and shutters that open and close between the beds.

The bathroom features a free-standing copper tub and reclaimed antique tiles.


The master bedroom brings the outdoors in with floral drapes, pillows and furniture trim. A monogrammed pil-low lends a feminine touch.

The guest room also has an outdoor feel with large windows, a balcony door, floral drapes and furniture coverings and an intricate headboard.

The base of the glass dining table was originally a reinforced iron basket from India, and the dining room is reflected in a

large silver mirror from Paris.

opposite page The living room features treasures from the designer’s many trips to Paris, including the painting from her

collections of nudes over the fireplace.

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IInterior Designer Dawn Henderson has once again created a paradise of a home – this time, for herself. The trendy abode, in Dallas’s desirable Lakewood neighborhood, boasts many a nod to the designer’s

Mississippi roots and an evolved sense of spaciousness. In fact, she’s nearly doubled

the size, transforming a typical two-story into an urban oasis that’s a stunning

reflection of her talent.

Henderson discovered the 1,700-foot ‘40s-style cottage, set amidst similar bun-

galows and modest two-stories, in 1997. It’s now 3,200 square feet, lofty guesthouse

included. “When I bought the house I put a contract on it and came over here

A Dallas Home With A Mississippi Heart

When it came to designing her own dwelling, Dawn Henderson let her imagination and instincts run wild.

Text by Nancy Myers

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and drew the outside of the house,” Henderson says. “I was trying, over time, to have a bigger house, and to figure out how I could add a master bath upstairs. And it worked. I went from one-and-a-half to three-and-a-half baths, which is a big accomplishment for these streets.”

From that initial sketch on, the creative juices flowed freely as she designed every room and hand-selected all of the fabulous furnishings, most of which were chosen specifically for the home. In fact, the renovation provided the perfect opportunity for Hen-derson to draw from her most coveted resources – Big Mango Trading Company, Art of Old India, Allan Knight and Associ-ates, Global Views, George Cameron Nash – and to display more than a few of her favorite things, many from buying trips. She’s also big on incorporating architectural salvage, especially when there’s sentimental value attached. “I like mixing all these really rustic pieces, and throwing in a little contemporary,” she says. The living room features several prominent items from frequent jaunts to Paris, including a painting from her collection of nudes over the fireplace and a massive mirror anchoring one wall.

The dining room exemplifies the home’s eclectic undertones and the designer’s finesse, from a silver mirror purchased in Paris to cathedral prints procured in Europe. The base of the dining table was originally an iron basket, a type used in India to protect plants from being consumed by goats. Henderson took the basket, added support, and put the glass top on it, creating a work of art reminiscent of old India. The glass top highlights the base, while making the room seem larger. “I love that din-ing room,” Henderson says. Table settings are often personalized with a set of small brown McCartys Pottery glasses mingled among wine glasses. “They signify the Mississippi River. Lee McCarty (a former Old Miss professor) is now 87 and has done this his whole life,” she says of the craftsman from the Merigold-based, internationally renowned pottery business. A delicate chandelier and silk draperies with sheers complete the look, and a sunroom off the dining room adds an additional touch of airiness. The sunroom, a favorite spot for reading the morning paper, was the first space Henderson designed. The airy look worked so well that she hasn’t changed it since.


above The media/family room Venetian plaster walls showcase a vibrant piece of modern art from Mississippi artist Jere Allen.

top right The cozy addition of the guest quarters bed-and-bath, dubbed “the Treehouse” is animal-themed throughout.

bottom right The guest quarters bath with green onyx countertops and antique vanity.

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The main house’s three bedrooms (the guest quarters makes four) are all upstairs, including the generous master suite, complete with flowing window draperies of Bennison fabric in the bedroom. A nude over a loveseat is another from her collection of nudes, and sheers from India drape the canopy bed. These sheers, Henderson says, set the tone for the room’s collected look. The adjoining mas-ter bath is a study in creative space allocation and illusions that add to the room’s capacious effect. A long counter is topped with Roho Alicante marble tile; sconces and a decorative mirror are mounted on the larger counter-length mirror; and multiple mirrors are embedded in the closet’s pocket doors. There’s even an inset with a fireplace at the end of the tub. “The master bedroom is very

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The outdoor living area is the perfect place for guests to relax and enjoy a dip in the pool or game on the outdoor TV. Above the fireplace is a custom wall piece made from a collection of rock and stones from the designer’s lifelong travels.


calming and serene to me,” says Henderson. “It’s like a safe little peaceful haven. And the marble, I think, was a great continuation of the colors in the master bedroom.”

A cozy-chic bar/library – another addition – also opens onto the pool area. The space is lined with bookshelves and bar cabinets done in rich knotty alder with a chiseled-edge countertop of Texas Cor-dova Cream stone. The bar’s tumblestone backsplash has wine labels sporadically interspersed. “It’s all dark and cozy,” Henderson says of the space. “We put herringbone wood floors in there, and it was the only place I changed the pattern of the floor. I love that there’s a flow to the house, that when I have parties, there’s not just one room where everyone gathers. I’ve had as many as 200 guests at a time.”

The cozy above-garage bed-and-bath addition, dubbed “the Treehouse” by Henderson’s friends’ kids, is animal-themed throughout. Henderson conceived and commissioned the guest bed frame, which sports centipede, spider, butterfly, dragonfly, and snake designs in its headboard. (The same artisan crafted a pedestal sink for the home’s powder room.) The ceiling and floor contain porch-flooring pine from Henderson’s family’s farm in Mississippi, and the space owes much of its whimsical nature to several cow paintings. Over the loveseat is a portrait of a Hereford with horse images portrayed on the body of the cow, by artist Cathy Pegues, and a pair of cow prints over the bed comes from fashion executive Derrill Osborn’s (Neiman Marcus) legendary Bovine Collection. Animal figures from McCartys Pottery are displayed on the coffee table and nightstand. The adjoining bath is the perfect accompaniment to the bedroom, with green onyx countertops and an antique coffer that was converted to a van-ity. “It came that way, with that green and orange paint on it,” Henderson says of the aged piece. “I found it on a shipment that came from Indonesia and it looks like it was made for that onyx.”

The guesthouse balcony overlooks the pool and its lush sur-roundings, and it was the addition of the pool that led to the cre-ation of the media/family room. “The reason I did all this was that my garage was attached, and I wanted a pool, and the only way anyone would be able to watch kids from inside (she was thinking resale value) was to put glass all the way across the back of the house. So I added this great media room/family room there.” The artful space is decked with Venetian plaster walls, rough-hewn ceiling beams imported from Indiana and scraped floors. Warm reds complement the rustic features, and one wall is dominated by a vibrant piece of modern art from Mississippi artist Jere Allen.

The designer’s flair extends to landscape architecture as well. “I had this very long narrow spot, so the backyard is mostly pool,” Henderson says, although with her climbing roses, gener-ous potted plants, and thriving greenery, the outdoor space is anything but sparse. A breezy cabana multi-functions as a livable outdoor space with all (or most!) of the comforts of the home’s elegant interior. The floors around the fireplace and sitting area are heated, so it’s comfortable year-round, and is equipped with a flat-screen TV for outdoor viewing. “It’s everyone’s favorite place to come watch the Mavericks games,” Henderson says. Above the

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fireplace, a piece of custom wall art that resembles an old window holds a collection of rocks from her lifelong travels.

Henderson’s talent seems so innate that it’s hard to imagine her in any other profession. But before she became an established, sought-after designer and head of Dawn Henderson & Associates, Henderson was a CPA. “My father said I wouldn’t know how to run a business unless I got an accounting and a computer science degree,” she says. With 19 years of high-end residential design experience and 14 years of multi-family experience, she continues to broaden the firm’s range and has expanded to include the hos-pitality category.

As for this gem of a home, Henderson says she has no plans to leave – ever. “It’s a great neighborhood, and it’s convenient to Downtown, the Trinity River District, to work. And I’ve maxed it out; there’s not another ounce of square footage I can build on. I’ve finally got it the way I want it.” TH&L

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The master suite with flowing drapery fabrics and sheers from India draping the canopy bed give the space a calming sophistication.

The master bath topped with Roho Alicante marble continues the color palette of the master bedroom.

design TEXAS1 By Design Interiors Inc. is “Houston’s Best” Award winning Design Firm with a reputation of integrity and impeccable service. Our expertise and talents have been delighting clients for over 20 years. It is our goal is to “make your world more beautiful, BY DESIGN.” (281) 587-8755, bydesigninteriors.com

2 Pride of Persia Rug Co. welcomes sum-mer with a refreshing color collection. Bring a hint of cool into your home with these soft creams and icy blues. Appointments recommended. Their course “The World of Persian Rugs” begins September 14. 7026 Old Katy Rd., Suite 164, Houston, TX 77024. (713) 522-7870, prideofpersia.com

3 Estancia Home Collection is one of Austin’s best-kept secrets; located across from the Hill Country Galleria. Their vintage showroom includes solid hardwood dining tables handcrafted in Patagonia, Chile, unique custom upholstery, and dis-tinctive accessories. 12703 Highway 71 W., Bee Caves, TX 78738, (512) 263-8781, estanciahome.com

4 Grand Openings, Inc. offers the best selection of elegant windows and doors for your next residential or commercial project. With showrooms in Dallas, Austin, and Houston, we invite you to visit and see the timeless beauty found only through superior crafted materials. grandopenings.com

5 Emmet Perry & Co. has been spread-ing the world’s finest on the floors of Texas homes since 1988. The selections are vast but the experience is intimate with most rugs on easy to manage swing arms. Approvals wel-come. 8200 Washington Ave. in the Wash-ington Square Design Centre, Houston, TX 77007. (713) 961-7665, emmetperry.com

6 Krantz Recovered Woods & Jimmy’s Cypress provides virgin growth sinker andnew growth Cypress and reclaimed Long-leaf Pine lumber products. Headquartered in Austin, we work with architects, builders, and homeowners and manufacture and ship our lumber materials nationwide. 14807 US Hwy. 290 E., Manor, TX 78653 (512) 278-9998, krantzrecoveredwoods.com

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design TEXAS1 The Hästens Store Dallas provides a comfortable environment for consumers to experience these unbelievably comfortable and luxurious beds from Sweden. Hästens began supplying beds to the Royal Court of Sweden in 1952. Now, with its introduc-tion in the United States nine years ago, Hästens beds are quickly becoming the most sought-after in the world. 4252A Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX 75219; (214) 252-0101, mydreambeds.com

2 At Persepolis Rugs, you’ll find a remark-ably diverse selection of rugs offered at unequalled value in a relaxed atmosphere. We specialize in providing you the most beautiful handmade rugs and the most exclusive and extensive selection in North Texas with over 35,000 handmade rugs in stock in all sizes. Frisco (214) 599-9966, Dallas (214) 521-8866, persepolisrugs.com

3 Jane Page Design Group showcases an award-winning outdoor kitchen designed with a tiered wall and a pizza oven that serves as the focal point of the kitchen area. The fireplace faced in a white Texas limestone serves at the focal point of the conversation area. 500 Durham Drive, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 803-4999, janepagedesigngroup.com

4 Savannah House creates interiors with great feeling using their custom furniture designs from antique architectural ele-ments, custom lamps from antique tins and the compliment of perfect fabrics in this Texas Ranch design. Whether your project is a loft, urban retreat or a hill country ranch, SH has years of experience to offer a creative design concept. (713) 863-2948, Savannah-House.com

5 Pride of Persia Rug Co. offers a full range of professional wash and restora-tion services. Whether your rug needs basic maintenance or major reweaving, trust Pride of Persia to keep it top shape. Their course, “The World of Persian Rugs,” begins September 14. 7026 Old Katy Rd., Suite 164, Houston, TX 77024. (713) 522-7870, prideofpersia.com

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design TEXAS1 Rutherford’s offers this unique Seat Belt Chair, available in purple, red, orange, black and white as shown. Fits everybody’s shape. Shown here with a Bronze Horn table with white granite top. 5417 W. Lov-ers Lane, Dallas. (214) 357-0888

2 Alyson Jon Interiors offers the luxuri-ous sophistication of the Parisian Sofa from Hancock & Moore shown here in a cream leather with quilted seat and back cushions.This versatile sofa frame is available in a broad range of leathers or fabrics, with or without quilting, and can be customized to fit your interior from soft contemporary to traditional or casual to formal. Austin, Houston and Beaumont; alysonjon.com

3 Laurel Ridge Antiques overflows with extraordinary 19th-century American antiques. Featured is a finely embellished American Classical sleigh bed from the 19th century. 827 St. Joseph, Gonzales, Texas 78627, (830) 672-2484, laurelridge antiques.com

4 Gary Riggs Interiors has become renown for its ability to transform resi-dential and commercial projects in days rather than months. With 40,000 square feet of merchandise at their disposal, their designers are well equipped to handle any and all design projects. Dallas and Allen. (214) 547-1054, garyriggsinteriors.com

5 Tropicomedia Videoworx brings its 30 years of film and video production exper-tise to the real estate industry, promising cinematic HD quality video tours that will separate their clients’ homes from the pack. (512) 278-0600, tropicomedia.com

6 Hall Lighting & Design – Wood-ard Patio Furniture is so comfortable you won’t want to get up. We have the biggest selection of chaise lounges, sofas, love seats, bar stools, benches, lounge chairs and ottomans in South Texas. Visit our 12,000-square-foot showroom in Victoria, Texas. hallelectric.com

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Kitchen & Bath1 Kohler’s Flipside Handshower offers four distinct showering sensations, each with its own dedicated sprayface. Innovative Flipside technology makes selecting a spray both simple and stylish. Just flip the spray on its axis – its effortless – and customize a shower to meet your needs today. Visit Bath & Kitchen Showplace’s website bkshow-place.com to find a location near you.

2 The Kitchen Source, an exclusive Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry dealer, specializes in cabinets, appliances (including Sub-Zero/Wolf and Miele), countertops, plumb-ing fixtures and any remodeling needs. The kitchen is not the only place where they can provide cabinetry; they can extend their expertise to other areas of the home as well. For the homeowner who wants a hassle free, one stop shopping experience, The Kitchen Source has the product and staff to complete any look and provide you with the very best. 1544 Slocum St., Dallas, TX 75207 (214) 741-1912, thekitch-ensource.net

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Home Fragrances, Exclusive Table Top Accessories, Elegant Home Decor, Exceptional Bath Products, Bridal Registry, Baby Gifts, Women’s Fine Accessories, Gourmet Items and Books

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LAG_229 1 4/9/10 10:53:18 AM

showhousestyle

Unit E Kitchen + Dining

Janna Paulson, RID, IIDA, LEED AP; Kelle Contine, RID, IIDA, LEED AP; Becky Blackhall, RID, IIDA, LEED AP

PPDS

PPDS’s kitchen for Unit E, with its metal-paneled, soapstone island standing proudly in front, is a durable and urban space. With its eclectic mosaic backsplash and the custom, hand-painted, translucent panels on the pantry, the cooking area becomes a transpar-ent, flowing affair. The custom pantry opens on an obtuse angle and the rich wenge cabinets combine with the white oak floors to further push integration of the kitchen into the rest of the household.

The dining room sits on top of the world. The sheer floor-to-ceiling windows next to the metal-and-black marble table look straight down on the streets of Austin. Overhead, what first appears to be a ceiling fan is actually a visually deceptive piece of modern sculpture that, with the table placed below it, creates an arresting mirror effect. Next to the living room, the dining room is the highlight of Unit E’s social gatherings.

A Fantastic AffairTexas Home & Living looks back at the Women’s Symphony League of Austin De-signer Showhouse. This year’s 26th Showhouse was the first in the tradition to be held in downtown Austin and located in the new residential high-rise building, The Austonian. The Showhouse consisted of three separate condos transformed by Aus-tin’s best designers.

Text by Jack FrinkPhotography by Tre Dunham


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Foyer, Gallery + PatioLeslie Fossler, RID, IIDA

LFI (Leslie Fossler Interiors)

According to designer Leslie Fossler, “The entry foyer/art gallery was a con-ceptual design based around the hypothetical resident profile – a mid-60’s couple who were UT graduates and past residents of Austin who wanted a place for entertainment and to flatter their collection of Texas art.” The paramount design element, beyond the vital artwork, is the foyer’s embossed chocolate crocodile finish on its wall. “It got a very positive response,” Fossler says. “People kept stroking the wall.”

Another Leslie Fossler creation, the patio was designed as a sort of “second living space.” There is room for four people out on Unit E’s patio, and it works equally well as an entertainment and lounging space as it does for a nice view of the city. “It’s more of an outdoor entertainment room,” Fossler explains. “Like a patio trying to grow into another living space.”

Living RoomDick Clark, AIA, IIDA, RID

Karen Cano, RID, ASIDSuzi Dunn

Dick Clark Architecture

The living room acts as a sort of nimble giant. Its windows put it astride the entirety of downtown Austin, and that’s just the back end. The custom millwork that makes up the front wall houses a media center and a library which serves as a room divider between the living and guest rooms. Upholstered furniture is arranged with maximum conductivity to interaction and conversation and spread over a pat-terned area rug and white oak floors.


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Master BedroomTim Cuppett, AIA, IIDA, RIDTim Cuppett Architects

A white and compact bedroom overlooking the Austin vista, Tim Cuppett’s bedroom was “relatively small, so I decided to play with scale to make the volume feel big-ger than it is.” The furniture in the room is pushed low and a sheetrock canopy over the bed adds a pleasant “ghostly” (Cuppett’s words) feeling to the sleep area.

Study/Guest BedroomMary Helen Pratt, RID, FIIDA, LEED APStudio Works

A study in symmetrical colors, Mary Helen Pratt’s study is divided by a custom-made, white cowhide rug that halts the storage wall unit’s (which it shares with Unit E’s living room) hardwood textures. The low-lying white couch leans back to the pristine walls. A single, large piece of artwork becomes the centerpiece of the room, standing out sharply against a simple color palette. The study can be totally closed off with sliding panels that extend from the audio/visual library on the living room side.

Master Bathroom + ClosetHarmony Edwards, RID, IIDA, LEED AP

Kathleen Mulhausen, RID, IIDA, LEED APEdwards + Mulhausen Interior Design

The bath area by Edwards + Mulhausen is a sassy, fun space consistent with the rest of Unit E’s design ideals. “Our original vision for the master bath was to create a relaxing environment for the homeowner to decompress which included many state-of-the-art amenities one might find in an upscale boutique hotel,” says Kathleen Mulhausen. “The adjacent master bedroom by architect Tim Cuppett was designed to be serene, minimal and intimate and we wanted the bathroom to be complementary when you turned the corner to enter the space.” Mulhausen credits the collabora-tive nature of the project for its success: “There is a real sense of cohesiveness throughout the home. The master bathroom is just one part of the larger puzzle.”


showhousestyleUnit C Entry, Gallery + UtilityJessica Nixon, ASID, RIDKimberly V. Briggs, Design AssistantJessica Nixon Interior DesignJessica Nixon’s designed entryway makes the most of its sleek space with silver plaster walls and a lengthy contemporary floor runner map-ping the path into the house. Nixon says “my original vision for the entryway was a design that would visually increase the size of the entry hall and wow the guest with great art.” The Venetian plaster on the walls, a large floor mirror that reflects light, a silver leaf, contempo-rary chandelier and art donated by the Austin Art Garage achieves Nixon’s goals.

Kitchen, Breakfast + Dining RoomJeanne Whittington, Allied Member ASID, RIDJCW DesignUnit C sports a Jeanne Whittington-designed kitchen with locally built, custom walnut European-styled contemporary cabinets accented with frosted glass. Top of the line appliances include a state of the art under-counter microwave and wine cooler. Low-backed, stainless steel barstools create a place for free-floating bodies to roost, while the Italian glass mosaic backsplash fills the room with various shades of bronzes and greens. The hand-blown glass lighting pendants illu-minate the recycled glass Icestone countertop at the breakfast bar. A practical Demilume drop-leaf table pulls double duty as a sofa table or a dining table.


Bath 2Maria Martin, ASID, RIDInterior DesignWorks“My bathroom has glass pebble flooring in the shower to look like water,” says designer Maria Martin. “It was a fun, unexpected finish for the space; something to add person-ality to a small area.” This is a room that makes the most of a minimal space by using economic placement of art and plant life to liven up the white interior. “In small spaces it is very important to edit your design so that there is a desire for more,” says Martin. “I love the glass knobs and the high contrast in the walnut wood and recycled glass countertops. The porcelain metallic tile in our space was a big hit; it made the space light and bright.” Unit C’s Bath 2 hides a lot of activity with its unassuming breadth. “However understated the simplicity may seem, The Austonian is nothing but first class with the highest level of materials and design,” Martin says.

Master BedroomGwen Klein, Allied Member ASID, RIDGwen Klein Interior DesignWhoever sleeps in the luxurious king-sized bed will wake up to a beautiful morning view of downtown Austin through a panoramic view provided by the lightly-accented, floor-to-ceiling curtained windows. “While the size of the bedroom is adequate to accommodate the king size bed, it’s not huge,” says Klein. “So I paid attention to size, scale, and perceived mass in order to visually maximize the space.” The room’s half-circle shape creates a very secure, almost sanctuary-like sleeping space. The mellow tone is further enhanced by the room’s muted gray-green color scheme and the natural fiber coverings on the wall, carpet and bed. “Throughout the show, I heard the words ‘peaceful,’ ‘serene,’ ‘calm,’ and the always welcome ‘beautiful’ – just the reac-tion I had in mind,” Klein says.

Master BathStephanie Villavicencio, ASID, RIDAdam Nash, Allied Member ASID

Bella Villa Design StudioThe master bathroom is a creation of Stephanie Villavicencio. “We took the main glass mosaic floor tile and had it cut into strips to look like planks and laid it in a running bond pattern so that it looked like wood flooring,” Villavicencio says. “Our main decorative tile was a beautiful blue-green iridescent glass mosaic tile which appeared in the backsplash and in the shower in a bamboo-like pattern. The shower pattern was mirrored very subtly on the water closet wall in Marittimo plaster from American Clay.” Much attention was lavished on the sink setup. “Everyone also loved the hammered polished nickel sinks,” says Villavicencio. “The vanity cabinet was custom designed to give the appearance of a furniture piece yet still provide for storage needs.”

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showhousestyleLiving Room

Stephanie Villavicencio, ASID, RIDAmanda Ayala, Allied Member ASID

(Design Assistant)Bella Villa Design Studio

Stephanie Villavicencio, the designer of Unit C’s living room (as well as co-chair of the entire Unit C Showhouse), says the original concept “was based on designing for an empty nest couple who wanted a smaller space. All of the designers collectively selected the color palette and the porcelain floor tile that got rave reviews. Everyone who walked in asked what was on the floors and loved it. It is a soft metallic striated tile in a light bronze color that went well with both the espresso-colored cabinets and the silvery colored hardware and fixtures.” Bella Villa’s inspiration for the living room was the glass bead wall covering behind the TV. “Everyone loved the wall covering,” Villavicencio says.

BalconyJoy Kling, Allied Member ASID, Associate IIDAJoy Kling InteriorsThe obvious talking point of the balcony is the large piece of modern art that anchors the wall closest to the house. While an intricate, complex piece, the aluminum sculpture fits into the sur-roundings and nicely fills the space. It is comple-mented by a white chaise lounge decked out with pumpkin-orange pillows. In between the art and the lounging chair is a petite accent table that connects the furniture like a period between sentences. Both the chair and table are from Richard Schultz’s classic 1966 collection. The entire balcony is grounded with a lustrous, grass-like turf that makes the space maintenance-free.

Guest BedroomJill Williams, ASID, RID

Jill Williams DesignA great “hang-out” den, the guest room for Unit C would be perfect for a cozy movie. The art on the wall is a signpost for where the armless, umber couch’s residents will sit. The couch also folds out into a queen-size bed. The coffee table pops up to provide easy access for reading and computer work and features an exotic, multicolor finish. The inter-locking table colors at the center are the heart of the room, and warm metallics encase the environment.


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Unit A KitchenMarla Bommarito-Crouch, RID, FIIDA, ASID, LEED APThe Bommarito Group and The Austonian Design TeamUnit A’s kitchen is a warm, welcoming place that fits in perfectly with the room’s con-nection to home and family. Made up of Ubatuba granite tops on the kitchen island counters, a vermilion ceiling, stainless-steel backspash and multi-material glassed and wood cabinet fronts, the room radiates an ornate humanity.


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Living RoomA wall of windows giving an extraordi-nary view of downtown Austin, the living room Marla Bommarito Crouch has put together for Unit A is the key location for entertaining guests. The room flows across its Studio Italia Steelworks tile floor to the laid-back, lounging chairs. The dining room table sits in front of the windows, which makes it perfect for dinner stargaz-ing. Finally, the sky-blue back wall ends the room on a peaceful note. TH&L

Master BathRed butterflies run up the wall and inside the shower and inject a natural, refreshing tone into the Master bath. The double sink, complete with a Verde Butterfly gran-ite slab counter top highlights the rows of beautiful tile on every wall.

Text by Lauren ChurchinPhotography by Rob Muir

HouSToNHigh-Rise


H Houston’s alluring River Oaks community boasts several gen-erations of Texas’ most well-respected families, including infamous characters and popular astronauts, politicians, professional athletes, celebrities, and busi-

nessmen. Numerous legacies have been born in the exclusive 1,100-acre enclave, making

it one of the most prestigious zip codes in the United States. The Huntingdon, a 34-story

high-rise condominium complex built in the 1980s, is the tallest residential building in

the “Bayou City” with sweeping views of downtown and the Texas Medical Center.

Desiring a more low-maintenance lifestyle, but without compromising space or the loca-

tion, owner Bryna Stryker purchased the unfinished 6,000-square-foot space and promptly

enlisted long-time friend and local designer Jane-Page Crump, ASID. Crump founded

Houston, TX-based Jane Page Design Group more than 20 years ago, and is known for her

award-winning residential and commercial

creations. Plus, the duo had previously col-

laborated on other homes, so Stryker was

confident in Crump’s attention to detail,

purposeful aesthetic, and stunning results.

“Jane-Page really takes the time to

get to know people and their lifestyle

before delving into the design project,” says

Stryker. “She’s amazing to work with.”

The design team was presented with

the immediate challenge of transform-

ing the homeowner’s boxy, warehouse-style

floorplan into a fluid multi-faceted layout,

which was accomplished by incorporating

key sculptural elements. Repeated use of

circular shapes throughout the home, from

ottomans, columns and arched doorways

to the tri-tiered kitchen island, gives it an

inviting aura. This technique embraces the

panoramic skyline views while creating an

organic environment that makes inhabitants feel suspended far above the city below.

“We were also challenged by having to take into account plumbing and electrical

supply lines within the condo building,” says Crump. “There was an awareness of these

obstacles when determining room placement in order to cut down on unnecessary costs.”

Hosting family and friends played an important role in the home’s design strategy.

Stryker requested an inviting cook’s kitchen, generous storage, energy-saving appliances

and timed, motorized shades with layered window coverings to maximize the home’s

efficiency. Additionally, cherished collections of heirloom antiques and hand-made nut-

crackers gifted by her children had to be properly displayed. The result is a one-of-a-kind

Rich wood and leather finishes give the library a distinguished ambiance.

opposite page The intricate onyx and cream inlaid marble floor and custom lighting add drama to the formal foyer.

Designer Jane-Page Crump transforms a warehouse-

style condominium into a palace in the sky


above The open gourmet kitchen with tiered workspace is the homeowner’s favorite room.

left Spectacular city views and elegant furnishings are at the heart of this home.


condo perfectly suited to Stryker’s design sensibility and way of life.

Upon entrance, guests are welcomed into the dramatic semi-circular foyer with its intricately inlaid marble flooring and art collection that are carefully illumi-nated by low voltage lighting and optical projectors. This detail brings the art to life and creates a grand right of entry into Stryker’s posh, comfortable home.

The neutral color palette is revealed in the spacious living room, with its abundant seating, high coffered ceilings, and arched recessed bookcases flanking the fireplace. Pops of color provided by the vibrant art and richly patterned fabrics energize the space while the slate flooring provides a natural, subtle component. According to the home-owner, it is the ideal setting for large festive holiday gatherings and casual parties alike.

An open gourmet kitchen is outfitted with polished granite countertops, rustic stone floors, as well as stained and glazed cherry wood cabinets. The custom tri-tiered island provides ample workspace, seating and storage, allowing Stryker and her loved ones to cook and socialize simul-tanously. “The kitchen is one of my favor-ite rooms because it’s easy to work in and I love to cook,” says Stryker.

A formal library is almost completely enveloped in rich cherry wood from the floor to the substantial crown moulding. Multiple bookcases hold treasured collec-tions including coins, books, art and figu-rines all enclosed in museum quality glass and professionally lit. A supple cognac hued leather sofa provides the owner with a handsome and cozy retreat. Cream columns and a slate pathway contrast the library’s deep tones and function to define the area.

Both the designer and the homeowner’s daughters favor the elaborate, jewel-toned powder bathroom for it’s intricate detailing. The custom designed vanity with Water-ford crystal legs fashioned in England and a stone-clad top is the focal point for the space. Above the elegant vanity hangs a pair of ornate sconces and a tall decorative mirror. Marble flooring and a crimson domed ceiling with hand-painted gold accents adds visual interest and completes the room.

top The neutral color palette and plush bedding creates a relaxing master retreat.

bottom A four-post canopy bed with silk drapes envelops guests in this lavish bedroom.


The regal, feminine guest suite employs a pale pink and green theme that is carried throughout. A large canopy bed with sumptu-ous bedding and pillows is gracefully surrounded by silky fabric that gently pools on the floor. Curling alongside the room is a generous balcony that provides natural light and a quaint outdoor sitting area.

Tucked away within the home is a lavish master suite finished in warm tones and soft fabrics to create a relaxing santuary for Stryker. Two overstuffed chaise lounges are stationed in front of a wall of win-dows, which are framed with scalloped draperies. Family photos hang above the nightstands adding a personal touch to the tranquil space.

Just off the bedroom sits a spa-like bathroom with dark marble flooring and countertops. Light wood cabinets and walls give the room a dramatic feel because of the high contrast. Center stage is a large soaking tub encased in marble that appears to float in front of a sizable walk-in shower, with one side resembling a waterfall of glass blocks. An apricot-colored setee rests nearby.

High-rise living has given Stryker and her family their perfect River Oaks home and lifestyle. This palace in the sky is where memories are created, treasures are kept safe and traditions are preserved. Above all, it is the foundation for their family’s enduring legacy. TH&L

top Smooth marble and glass complete the spa-like master bath.

above Fine crystal and hand-painted gold detailing make this guest bath sparkle.

The BroadwaySan Antonio

Text by Lauren ChurchinPhotography by Rick Patrick of Rick Patrick Photography

The Gershwin


JJust outside of downtown San Antonio sits The Broadway, a luxurious new high-rise building offering sophisticated Manhattan-style living coupled with Texas hos-

pitality and uninterrupted River City views. “The Broadway is a land-

mark property setting a new standard for upscale urban living in San

Antonio,” says Mike Reddell, Project Manager at The Broadway.

This summer, residents will enjoy a service-oriented living

experience complete with over 2.5 acres of green space at the cor-

ner of Broadway Street and Hiltebrand Avenue among the area’s

most beautiful parks, gardens, and golf courses. An elite concierge

program sets this 20-story, 92-unit complex apart from other con-

dominium living as a result of its exclusive partnership with Nei-

man Marcus, Central Market and Mercedes Benz. Residents have

access to VIP services and amenities such as climate-controlled

storage, private shopping, personal chiefs, premium automotive

services, and a fitness studio overlooking the 55-foot saline pool.

Three energy-efficient model homes designed by San Antonio-

based Baxter Design Group are currently on display showcasing

the various finish plans that are available ranging from modern to

The Gershwin

The Gershwin


traditional design themes. Lead Interior Designer, Casey Roy and her award-winning team completed each space.

THE GERSHWIN Named after celebrated Broadway composer, George Gershwin,

this modern 2,356-square-foot, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home is designed for the ultimate hipster. The home is a perfect setting for a swanky cocktail party overlooking the sparkling city below. There is a dramatic, high-contrast among design elements, result-ing in a bold contemporary aesthetic. “The explosion of color in art, furnishings and fabrics throughout are unexpected and grand in style,” says Roy. “We wanted to push the envelope and create an unexpected design for San Antonio.”

The sleek European-inspired kitchen incorporates Nubian oak flat slab cabinetry, dark Caesarstone countertops, Miele stainless steel appliances and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. Adjacent to the kitchen is an expansive great room and formal dining area filled with eclec-tic refurbished discoveries from antique dealers across the country. The clever use of color gives this room an incredible energy.

Pops of kelly green accent a glamorous black, white and grey color palette in the master suite. A graphic floor covering reflects a cutout headboard, luxe bedding and striking drapes. The adjoin-ing bathroom is lavish and clean-lined with ebony stained cabi-nets, an oversized bathtub and generous walk-in shower.

Bright white walls transform the entire space into a living canvas. Vivid paintings by regional artists Allison Gregory and Sisa Jasper, innovative hide rugs by renowned artist Kyle Bunting

and custom Nepalese hand-woven rugs from Austin-based Black Sheep Unique combine to make this home truly special.

THE CARNEGIE The most traditional of the three condos, the 1,819-square-foot,

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Carnegie model, named after the philan-

The Carnegie

The Carnegie


thropic New York industrialist, features a timeless design using an appealing neutral color scheme and rich finishes. Pops of tur-quoise and coral partnered with interesting vintage finds, add an element of surprise and charm to the tranquil dwelling. Exotic accessories and ornate rugs evoke an Old World style with a touch of simple ele-gance. “The Carnegie instantly feels like a home worthy of accommodating treasures and family heirloom antiques,” says Roy.

The gourmet kitchen, complete with granite countertops, raised panel cherry cabinetry and custom lighting, is great for cooking and entertaining with double ovens and an expansive bar. Open to the bright living and dining spaces, the entire condo takes advantage of spectacular tree-top and city views. An oval glass-top coffee table and a pair of collectable armchairs anchor the conversation area honor the classic stuffed sofa. Six high-backed cream chairs surround a circular dark wood dining table, allow for an intimate rooftop soiree.

A comfortable and cheerful master suite accented with crimson is complemented by a stately bathroom adorned with smooth chocolate marble countertops and floor-ing. The large soaking tub, walk-in shower, double sinks and ample storage make this an enticing spa-like retreat.

The second bedroom functions as a home office and guest room housing an intricate daybed with citrus-hued pillows. A welcoming leather chair with needle-point ottoman creates a cozy reading nook next to a wall of windows.

THE ASTOR Named after the quintessential New

York family, the 1,262-square-foot, 1 bed-room, 1.5 bathroom home is a perfectly stylish pied-à-terre or a highly efficient and convenient city residence. The interior design blends contemporary, art deco and traditional elements using golden neutrals and steel blue accents, appealing to urban professionals. “The Astor model is the little black dress of the design world for its versatility and sophistication,” says Roy.

Ebony stained flat panel cabinets, gold glass mosiac tiles and Toureg gold gran-

The Carnegie

The Astor


The Astor

The Astorite countertops create a glistening alcove amongst an open and inviting living space. A starburst chandelier illuminates the chic, comfortable dining room that is an ideal setting for a relaxing din-ner with friends or a serious game of Texas Hold ‘em. The star of the living room is a creamy white mid-20th century modern sofa atop a custom wheat-colored monocromatic rug. A whimsical azur coffeed table complements the watery impressionist paintings and finishes the room.

The steel and ochre master suite is refined and rustic, outfitted with many repurposed pieces including: vintage Baker night-stands, an ornately carved buffet and a Le Mans leather lounge discovered in an Atlanta antique store. Sophisticated is the best way to describe the spacious bathroom, which has honed lime-stone tiles and noir stained cabinets, that are are dramatically contrasted by eggshell walls and smooth marble countertops. An exquisite black, bone and chocolate leather rug by Kyle Bunting is the only art needed in the minimalist space.

The Broadway offers four distinct designer interior schemes with a diverse selection of top quality finishes, materials, and coordinated color palettes, enabling residents to customize their home according to their personal design sensabilites and lifestyle. The famous ode to New York, “Give my Regards to Broadway,” by George Cohan perfectly describes the feeling residents will experience while living at the new luxury complex. TH&L

RRetirement has long been thought of as a time to slow down after the pressures of juggling a family and a career have passed. But that is changing thanks to the millions of baby boomers beginning to retire. For this

group, “downsizing” in the usual sense is a near-dirty word. Since their teenage years,

boomers have refused to settle for the status quo. It seems their approach to retirement

living won’t be any different.

Proof of this are the upscale enclave communities springing up all over Texas. These

developments offer a mix of independent living apartments, condominiums and villas, as

well as assisted-living facilities. Residences range in size from 850 to 2,500-square-feet. Far

from the institutional-style retirement homes of yesteryear, these are five star resort-style

communities for today’s over-50 set – a group with discriminating tastes who see retire-

ment as an opportunity to heighten their standard of living and activity level.

Not so long ago, retirement communities meant extra-wide doorways for wheelchair

access and grab bars. Now, amenities once reserved for the rich and famous are the

Today’s retirees willing to pay the price can live their golden years in style at ritzy retirement communities

– and stay close to home while doing it.

downsizing goesUPSCALe

Text by Suzanna Logan


rule rather than exception. One example, many communities offer full-time concierge staff who can arrange everything from dog-walking services to dry cleaning pick-up. “All of the services that you could possibly need are taken care of,” says Chuck Ham-monds, a partner of Watermere at Southlake.

As these communities evolve to fit the tastes of today’s retirees so does the nomenclature, says Michael Ellentuck, president of The Legacy at Willow Bend in Plano. “Age-restricted develop-ments” are now known as “active-adult communities” while those living in the communities are termed “members” rather than “residents” to bolster a sense of exclusivity and belonging.

Mary and Eddie Joseph are members of Querencia at Barton Creek on the outskirts of Austin. In 2007, these empty nesters sold their 3,000-square-foot home, moving into a well-appointed two-bedroom apartment half the size. There, the couple experiences what has become the rule rather than the exception in retirement living: granite countertops, hardwood floors, crown molding and stainless steel appliances.

“Our residents don’t want to sacrifice even though they may be in a smaller space,” explains Marketing Director Lesley Dominguez of Querencia. Chuck Hammonds agrees, “People may be willing to downsize in quantity, but they are not willing to compromise qual-ity.” Mary affirms that fine interior amenities were non-negotiable.

The location was another selling point for the Josephs. “We didn’t want to leave our comfort zone,” explains Mary. Unlike the generation before them who favored retirement homes in vacation hot spots like Florida, today’s retirees are sticking close to their hometowns. Still, they want to feel pampered in their golden years, and an upscale retirement community is the ideal setting.

Well-heeled boomers can expect such luxuries as infinity-edge pools, miles of walking trails, lakes, grilling areas, playgrounds for visiting grandchildren, putting greens and dog parks with shaded pavilions. Properties also include expansive clubhouses – Watermere has a 35,000-square-foot facility, for example – which typically offer group meeting spaces, restaurants, a salon and spa and a fitness center.

Eschewing the “do nothing” approach to retirement, today’s empty nesters want to stay active both physically and mentally, says Chuck Hammonds. The 64-year-old president of The Legacy at Willow Bend, Michael Ellentuck, explains, “We will grow older, but we will never see ourselves as ‘old,’” he says of his peers. This Peter Pan mentality keeps retirees constantly on the go.

Take Lesley’s parents who moved into Querencia last year. “My mom and stepdad moved to be near me, but between yoga, the book club, and everything else, I can’t get on their calendar,” she laughs. In addition to cultural and educational classes from language courses to dance lessons, residents can also participate in organized off-site activities, such as concerts and lectures. Of course, transportation is provided to all events and is also avail-able to residents for doctor’s appointments and shopping trips.

With all of the on-site services available, the communities give residents little reason to leave. Still, they offer plenty of freedom

top An infinity-edge pool at Querencia at Barton Creek looks onto private villas. Some eco-friendly communities, like the Legacy at Willow Bend, have opted for European filtration systems that reduce chlorine use by up to 95 percent.

middle A glass-sided fitness center allows members of Querencia at Barton Creek to work out in style. In addition to a gym, most communities offer personal trainers and group classes to fit a variety of fitness needs.

bottom Outdoor lounging areas afford residents of Edgemere an opportunity to take in the glowing skies at sunset. Plenty of lighting and a full-time security staff ensure they feel safe even when the sun goes down.

opposite page The manicured grounds and Spanish-style architecture at Edgemere in Dallas resembles a country club more than a traditional retirement community.


for those who can tear themselves away. Security and mainte-nance are handled by the management so residents can take a lock and leave approach to housing. Two meals per day prepared by a chef and served in elegant dining rooms are icing on the cake. The best part of all of these perks? Everything is included in a resident’s monthly fee just like an all-inclusive resort.

While retirees hope to spend their golden years worry-free, they also recognize the possibility of health issues down the road. That is why many communities have partnered with LifeCare to offer assisted living and memory care services. “Residents like the peace of mind and convenience of knowing that when their needs change, we will still be here for them,” says Tori Mallad of Edge-mere Retirement Communities in Dallas. “Our residents want the option of more care at their fingertips, even if they never use it.”

There is no doubt that these retirement communities offer settings that even those of us who don’t meet the age minimum would envy. Still, Mary Joseph at Querencia says all the luxuries are just an added benefit. The best part is the people. “You hear wonderful stories, and you make friends,” she says. “It’s the kind of place you never want to leave.” TH&L

top The spacious common areas at Edgemere are ideal for get-togethers with fellow residents or visiting friends and family.

above Four-course meals prepared by on-site chefs at Querencia at Barton Creek offer guests an easy, upscale dining experience. For members who want to entertain a large group, Querencia offers a private dining room with chef included. “[Members] can still entertain, and they don’t even have to do the dishes,” laughs marketing director Lesley Dominguez.

Watermere at Southlake is a community for adults aged 55+ offering master-crafted Villa and Condominium homes at an exceptional value. You will enjoy maintenance-free living, the benefits of home ownership and the invaluable peace of mind that comes from on-site assisted living at Isle at Watermere. The beautifully appointed

35,000 sq. ft. clubhouse offers extensive services and amenities found only at the finest destinations. For an active adult community unlike any other in Texas, explore Watermere at Southlake today!

Luxury Condominium Homes in 10 floor plans from 1,000 – 2,000 sq. ft. starting at $199,000Custom Villa Homes in 10 floor plans from 2,000 – 3,000 sq. ft. starting at $424,000

Call Jane Perry or Sally Vann to learn more about our “Stay and Enjoy Program” where you can experience the Watermere lifestyle with a complimentary stay in one of our Guest Condominiums.

Come dine with our residents and enjoy all of the amenities available at Watermere.

817-748-4000watermere-at-southlake.com

251 Watermere Drive, Southlake, Texas 76092 (Southlake Blvd., west of Davis Blvd.)

Realtors Welcome

New Active Adult Living in Southlake!


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retirement living1 Edgemere is Dallas’ only resort-style, life care retirement community. Our Tus-can inspired architecture, with abundant gardens and lush landscaping, offers a retreat in the heart of the city with close proximity to the best shopping, dining and cultural opportunities. At Edgemere, there are a variety of apartment home styles and locations from which to choose. Dallas, (214) 265-9100, edgemeredallas.com

2 Watermere at Southlake the only master-planned development in Texas for adults 55 plus that offers all the benefits of complete homeownership with maintenance-free liv-ing, along with amenities rivaled by no other. The community features Custom Villa Homes from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet starting at $199,000 and Condomin-ium Homes from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet starting at $424,000, and an exclusive 35,000 square foot clubhouse. (817) 748-4000, watermere-at-southlake.com

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The lifestyle at Edgemere.

For People Who Appreciate

Michael W

ilson Photography 2009

8523 Thackery Street Dallas, TX 75225214-717-6324 www.edgemeredallas.com www.SQLC.org

beautfy.On 16 sunny acres, Edgemere is Dallas’ premier retirement resort. Nestled between the exclusive Preston Hollow and Park Cities neighborhoods, Edgemere serves up gourmet and casual dining, lively activities, a spectacular fitness center and spa, and its own Performing Arts Theater. Choose from 13 unique floor plans for deluxe apartment homes of all sizes. Edgemere is also Dallas’ only Life Care community, providing guaranteed access to exceptional assisted living, nursing care and memory support at stable monthly rates, shielded from the prevailing cost of long-term care.

With special incentives, including a 90% refundable entrance fee, Edgemere makes a luxurious retirement more affordable than ever. Call 214-717-6324 for a personal tour. Experience Edgemere.

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Oasisbackyard texas

Text by Lauren ChurchinPhotography by ©Greg Hursley

The cabana’s focal point is a custom Rumford fireplace with slate and tile detail.


E Embodying the essence of relaxed hill country living is this South Austin retreat nestled among wild native landscaping and overlooking an organically shaped swimming pool. Homeowners Ron and Mary Ann Bowling added more than 900 square feet of living space including a cabana, expansive patio, half bath, shower and fully equipped outdoor kitchen, providing a year round spot for them to escape the hot Texas sun or enjoy the evening breeze.

To transform their barren and unusable backyard, the Bowling’s chose Austin, Texas-based CG&S Design-Build, an award-winning architecture and construction firm known for five decades of timeless residential design and high quality building. The evolution began with an arbor on the West side of the main home for additional shade and seating, followed by an inviting pool and spa. To complete the oasis, lead designer Stewart David created a spectacular multi-purpose structure complementing the existing home by seamlessly integrating materi-als and landscape.

A grand sweeping staircase leads guests to a large wrap-around porch, perfect for dining, loung-ing and entertaining while admiring the magnifi-cent poolside view. The cabana’s focal point is a custom Rumford fireplace with slate and tile detail, adding a reflective accent at night especially when the candelabra is lit. The owners originally intended to use the interior for additional storage and as a smokehouse. Once completed, it was so attractive with its soaring beamed ceilings, loft, casement windows and custom iron finishes that they decided to use it for entertaining. Last sum-mer, the couple hosted a 90th birthday party for Mary Ann’s mom in which 55 people gathered within the building and on the terrace.

Avid grillers, the Bowling’s wanted a kitchen that was attractive and practical. Oversized side burners are perfect for boiling a large pot of shrimp and a repurposed antique wash tub bought at the local City Wide Garage Sale were the homeowners per-sonal contribution. Opposite the kitchen is a half bathroom featuring a charming salvaged farm sink and the adjoining open air shower.

The stunning backyard transformation has enriched the Bowling’s lives tremendously allowing them more room to entertain al fresco, indulge their interests and spend time as a family. “My husband and I sit on the porch almost every night to feel the breeze and look out at the beautiful view,” says Mary Ann Bowling. TH&L

Avid grillers, the Bowling’s wanted a kitchen that was attractive and practical.

Opposite the kitchen is a half bathroom featuring

a charming salvaged farm sink and the adjoin-

ing open air shower.


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86 Texas Home & Living • July/August 2010Text by Jessica Dupuy

A Hacienda for All to enjoy


The popular Pacific town of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico has garnered a loyal following of international travelers ever since Richard Burton and Ava

Gardner took this “sleepy little fishing village” by storm

in 1963 when filming Night of the Iguana. Since then, the

little village has grown to accommodate vacationing families

looking for fun-filled vacation packages, and romantic lovers

looking for a quaint getaway.

Along the main thoroughfare to downtown, you can

find a smattering of big-name hotels standing guard to the

half-moon beach area – places that stay busy and booked

throughout the year. But walking into the Hacienda San

Angel in the heart of downtown, you get the distinct feeling

that this place is special, a place someone has invested more

than just time and money, but passion and love.

Once the home of Richard Burton, this boutique hotel is

now owned by Janice Chatterton, who originally purchased

the place as a second home to enjoy for herself. But time, and

Tranquility and serenity are the name of the game at Hacienda San Angel and it can be found around every corner from the scenic

gardens to the peaceful reflection pool.

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a growing interest in architecture and design soon led her to share her home with others as a guest hotel.

The rustic wooden street door opens into an expansive patio reception area complete with saltillo tile floors, tropical plants, a towering fountain, and a covered area for sitting and socializing. As you check in with one of the friendly staff members, you’re greeted with a refreshing cocktail and freshly-made guacamole with warm tortilla chips; a delicious snack to enjoy while taking in the finer points of the reception area.

The beauty of San Angel is in the little details sprinkled through-out the compound. From the hand-carved cherub door that leads to the reflection pool, to the subtly-tiled arches along the covered patio and an antique horse cart from San Miguel de Allende uses as a kitchen table in the communal breakfast area. It’s details such as these that lurk around every corner of this maze of a villa-style hotel and make this place so special. To say the design is immaculate is an understatement. But rather than being too extravagant and far-reaching, the hotel is balanced with elements that complement the regional culture and give a distinct feeling of home.

But this charming hotel wasn’t always intended to be for guests to enjoy. In fact, Chatterton had hoped to simply make it a place to live a few months out of the year when she bought what was then only a 3-bedroom villa in 1990. Originally from Oklahoma, Chatterton came to Puerto Vallarta by way of the Bay Area of California. She had vacationed in the popular Mexican town previously and could never shake the warmth and charm she felt when visiting.

“The town was so quaint and the people are just so friendly,” says Chatterton. “I used to vacation in Hawaii, but once this place got a hold of me, I just couldn’t get it out of my mind. So I finally bought my own property.”

And though she had intended the original villa to be a personal vacation spot, it seems the property had different plans for her.

“It started in much the same way many other boutique hotels begin,” says Chatterton. “After spending a bit of time here, I decided things needed a face lift. At the time I had three dogs and I needed an area to walk them, so I bought the property behind me and expanded my home to include more space and a garden for my dogs.”

The second property had a guesthouse, which she decided to build out and complete with additional rooms and a more expanded view. Before long, she bought a third property adjacent to the first two that were remodeled to include what is now the hotel restaurant and one of the pool areas.

But she didn’t stop there. Before long, the property across the street became available and Chatterton acquired it to create an ornately decorated chapel with a full open wall offering pan-oramic views of the ocean as well as seven more suites to build out.

In 2002, she officially converted her space into a fully operating boutique hotel spanning a total of five properties with 20 suites, a restaurant, and a chapel. (She also maintains a couple of casitas adjacent to the hotel as her own living quarters.)

Each suite has its own distinct character with luxurious linens, private verandas, and a unique array of antique and Mexican primi-

Not only does the Celestial Suite afford a panoramic view of the glimmering ocean and the colorful coastline, but also a fair glimpse at the historic clock tower.

Each morning in the Celestial Suite, guests are greeted with a patio breakfast and a sun-kissed view of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline.

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tive furniture. What was once Richard Burton, and later Chatter-ton’s master bedroom, is now the Celestial Suite, perhaps the most magnificent of the accommodations. Situated as the top floor of the main villa, the suite is accessed by a stair walkway that aspires to a large veranda complete with a tiled bar area, a small dining table with chairs, a tiled water fountain shrouded by vibrant magenta bougainvillea, thatched roofs, and an almost 360-degree view of the historic city, the mountains to the mainland, the glimmering ocean, and the jagged bluffs that dramatically plunge to draw the two together. The view is, quite simply, breathtaking.

And though you’d likely never want to leave the outdoor oasis, the suite continues on through large, glass-paned French doors with dark wood framing into a spacious bedroom with a hand-carved four-post bed, expansive windows on either wall opening out to overlook the palatial reception area to the east and the setting sun over the ocean to the west.

Beyond the bedroom, the bathroom offers a hand-painted Mexican tile sink, basin, and an open walk-in shower as well as an oversized hand-carved armoire that seems almost designed for the tiled walls that frame it. Breakfast is conveniently served on the veranda dining table each morning, and as the comfort and scenic views from this suite are so alluring, lunch and dinner room service often follow.

You’d think Chatterton had enlisted an army of interior design-ers to help swath the hotel in rare antique gems from around the country, the truth is, Chatterton did most of it herself – and with no experience. And though she has enjoyed the hospitality side of

providing her guests with a relaxing stay, the most rewarding part of beginning this hotel, has been in discovering her passion for design.

“I did all of the design mainly from looking at books at first,” says Chatterton. “I’d see pictures and say, let’s do this here and that there. Eventually, I didn’t need books. I started to just get an eye for what I thought would work in the spaces I had.”

For Chatterton, the experience of starting literally from scratch with the whole hotel – she had to rebuild much of it from the ground up – was thrilling. Something she never would have dreamt of doing before, but a newfound love that gave her new inspiration.

“Everything here has been a new experience for me. I think that’s why I found I just couldn’t stop. It just gave me such fulfill-ment and pleasure. Today, it makes me so happy to hear my guests comment on how much they love how the place looks.”

In 2011, Chatterton’s passion will be revealed in her next bou-tique hotel endeavor. She has purchased the two properties shared by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor when Burton was film-ing, Night of the Iguana. The two homes are across the street from each other and are joined by a bridge. This location will offer 10 guest suites and a new restaurant and will be named Hacienda Del Puente, House of the Bridge.

“I guess you could say I’ve gotten carried away with all of this. But it really brings me such joy to create these beautiful places for people to enjoy,” says Chatterton. “I love making a little escape for people and having a restaurant onsite and the pools, gardens, and spa amenities makes it so that people almost never want to leave.” TH&L

Owner Janice Chatterton spared no expense nor element of comfort or luxury in finding authentic, hand-carved antique beds for each suite at Hacienda San Angel.

Judging from the ornate antiques and elaborate decor as you arrive through the street entrance of Hacienda San Angel, it is clear guests have stepped into a unique and inviting boutique hotel experience.

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a la carte


TThere’s a new celebrity chef in town – if you happen to live in San Antonio. And while some celebrity chefs have let the ‘celebrity’ part go to their head, you’ll find this one is as friendly and down home as your next door

neighbor … It’s just an added bonus that he knows his way around the kitchen. His name

is John Besh. You may have heard of him if you’ve visited the fabled city of New Orleans.

He’s opened six restaurants in Southern Louisiana in the past nine years, is a James Beard

award winner and was selected by Food & Wine as one of 10 Best New Chefs in America.

He’s battled it out against Mario Batali in the Food Network favorite, Iron Chef, and is

working with PBS on a new cooking show slated to air in late 2010 or early 2011.

More recently, Besh has released his self-written cookbook, My New Orleans. The book

is an autobiographical journey of growing up on Lake Ponchartrain and his becoming a

celebrated chef dedicated to sharing the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans. It features

array of classic Cajun recipes. Besh has garnered a name for staying true to regional cook-

ing, whether it is based on the deep-rooted influences of Louisiana or the time-honored

traditions of Southern Germany and Provence where he honed his culinary skills. His

passion has always been for the best flavors the local land has to offer and relying on the

blend of cultural influence that meld these flavors together.

Perhaps it’s only fitting that he take what he’s perfected in Louisiana-style cooking

and translate it to another cultural melting pot – San Antonio. Whereas Louisiana has

a rich mélange of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean heritage, Texas equals with

Mexican, some Spanish, Czech, and Scotch-Irish. Their most common cultural thread:

German. Which is why Besh, and his right-hand-man, Steven McHugh, have partnered

to open Lüke, an authentic German-style brasserie and beer hall located on the River-

walk adjacent to the new Embassy Suites.

McHugh has been with Besh as chef de cuisine and executive chef at restaurants such

as Besh Steak House and Restaurant August. He also helped Bess with mass catering

efforts all over Texas after Hurricane Ike and in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. The

two are more than business partners; in many ways they are brothers through food. For

Besh and McHugh, the transition from Louisiana to San Antonio was a natural fit. Besh

had been to the Alamo city for years to visit friends and take advantage of the state’s

vibrant quail hunting seasons. He developed a strong love for the area. It has always been

Text by Jessica Dupuy

CoMeS To SAN ANToNioBeshth

eBestof

Chef John Besh


a la carteon his mind as a comfortable landing spot for another restaurant.

“It really all came together at once. San Antonio has always seemed so much like a second home to me and my wife, and then Stephen and his wife decided they really wanted to live there. At the same time, we were given an opportunity to open a restaurant next to the new hotel and it really all just fell into place.”

And while Lüke will still offer what New Orleanians have come to love with a blend of regional items such as Louisiana style redfish or classic Ger-man choucroûte garnie, the new Lüke in San Antonio will be “Tex-ified” with more of the rustic German-inspired cuisine that suits the Central Texas region. Items such as jaeger schnitzel with mushroom sauce and wild boar with spätzle, a German egg noodle, will have a stronger presence as will a predominantly Texan beer selection.

“The last thing I want to do is try to transport New Orleans flavor all over the place. I want to stay true to the local ingredients of whatever region I’m in,” says Besh. “The whole German tradition really works well with San Antonio and we’ve started some great relationships with local purveyors from breweries to artisans and farmers. We really want to merge our style with Texas ingredients.”

And Lüke will go beyond just using local ingredients in the food. The entire design of the restaurant will feature handmade tables from native mesquite and accents made from local artists and craftsman. Besh enlisted the help of long-time designer and friend Shea Berault of Evenageline Design in Slidell, Loui-siana, to outfit Lüke with the natural environment of the Texas Hill Country.

“I wanted this place to really and truly be a piece of Texas,” says Besh. “There’s a rustic feel to the design that mimics an old beer hall or brasserie years ago.”

Aside from food and design, Lüke will stay true to its original premise of being a great place for families to enjoy. Being a family many with four boys of his own, Besh appreciates the need for places where families can go for an enjoyable meal with good quality food.

“It’s another reason why San Antonio was such a fit for Lüke,” says Besh. “It’s such a family-friendly town and the Riverwalk is the perfect place to bring great food for families to enjoy. When I go out with my wife and my four boys, I want a place that’s special, but not necessarily a special occasion place. With Lüke, I really didn’t want a restaurant selling wine over $40, I wanted a place where French fries could be served with just about everything on the menu.”

But more than anything, Besh is just happy to be expanding into a new market where his longtime friend and partner can shine. He attributes much of his success in his other endeavors to the talents of the people he has hired to help his restaurants flourish, and Steven McHugh is no exception. “All of our expansion has taken place because of people like Steve McHugh,” says Besh. “If it was just me, I may barely be able to handle one restaurant. But as it has worked out, teams of like-minded people have helped see these dif-ferent visions through.”

Besh has even been fortunate to welcome a few cooks from New Orleans who now live in San Antonio. After Katrina, they moved to Texas to plant new roots and received such great hospitality that they stayed. As luck would have it, they are now welcomed back into the Besh family with the opening of Lüke.

“I’m just glad to be in Texas,” says Besh. “San Antonio is such a great town with great values and great people, and we can’t wait to be a part of it.” TH&L


TThe Houston Press’s food critic, Robb Walsh, is a complete writer. In his cookbook the instructional aspect is clearly laid out so that even novice chefs can follow. What makes Walsh’s work stand out, though, is his gift as an investigative journalist. Walsh puts the food on your plate in historical perspective, so The Tex-Mex Grill and Backyard Barbacoa Cookbook isn’t just a fun read; it gives Walsh’s audience additional cultural knowledge that makes them appreciate the food more.

Walsh’s subject – the evolution of Tex-Mex in Texas and Mexico and its effect on the international culture – is one ripe for exploring. Tex-Mex Cookbook is teeming with impressive archival photos that add considerable personality to Walsh’s words. In one photograph from 1959, a policeman-flanked, cowboy hat-topped Fidel Castro samples Texas BBQ in Houston. Cookbooks are supposed to instruct you, but Walsh teaches the reader about subjects that go far beyond recipes. The pages of the book feature Tex-Mex legends Matt Martinez, Jr. and fajita queen Mama Ninfa. Mariano Martinez, the man credited with popularizing frozen margaritas, makes an appearance in that drink’s chap-ter. Some of the book’s highlights include extensive writing on the history of the fajita, an editorial expose on the baffling emergence of Taco Bell in Mexico and the rise of the taco truck north and south of the border.

Anything a person could realistically want to do with Tex-Mex cooking (mesquite grill-ing, beans, tacos, wild game, smoke-braising, etc.) is covered, and reading the book will probably make the reader hungry, which is about the best compliment one could pay. The Tex-Mex Grill and Backyard Barbacoa Cookbook is easily one of Walsh’s best cookbooks. TH&L

The Tex-Mex Grill and Backyard Barbacoa Cookbook

Text by Jack FrinkPhotography by Robb Walsh

Grilled Stuffed PeppersMAKES 6 SMALL STuFFED PEPPER HALVES

Stuffed peppers come out well on the grill if you don’t make them too big. I like to mix ground meats and season the stuffed peppers heavily. Be sure to cook a little of the meat mixture to test the seasonings before you stuff the peppers, since the salt and spice levels of the various sausage meats and seasoning mixes vary widely.

2 tablespoons seasoning blend of your choice

1 teaspoon salt (omit if there is salt in the seasoning mix)

½ cup white wine½ pound Venison Sausage or

substitute breakfast sausage meat½ pound ground beef1 cup cooked rice2 cloves garlic, minced1 egg, beaten½ cup minced fresh parsley leavesCayenne pepperGround cuminOil, for frying3 small green bell peppers (four

lobes preferred)

Mix the seasoning blend, salt, and wine in a small bowl and stir well.

cont. on p. 94


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Then combine the mixture with all the other ingredients except the oil and peppers in a mixing bowl and mash with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Put the meat in the refrigerator for an hour or more to allow the flavors to blend.

Heat a little oil in a frying pan and place a teaspoon of the meat mixture in the hot oil. Cook, turning frequently, until done on both sides. Taste, and adjust the salt and seasonings in the remaining meat mixture.

Cut the peppers in half through the stem so that they form six half-pepper cups. Fill each half pepper with meat mixture. Mound the meat no more than a 1⁄2 inch over the top edge of each pepper. The stuffed peppers can be made in advance to this point and stored covered in the refrigerator for several days.

Light the grill. Cook pepper side down over low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pepper is charred and soft. Turn the stuffed peppers over and cook on the meat side for 10 minutes. Test for doneness. Serve immediately with your choice of salsas. These are also great cold or cut into slices for sandwiches.

VARIATIONSLEB-MEX PEPPERSUse kebab seasoning such as Sadaf, available in Middle Eastern grocery stores.

CAJUN PEPPERSUse a Cajun spice blend such as Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain’s and omit the salt.


Thai Watermelon Salad1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic½ cup seasoned rice vinegar

½ cup orange juice1/8 cup toasted sesame oil½ cup extra virgin olive oil1 teaspoon light soy sauce

4 ounces organic baby greens3 cups cooked al dente and cooled brown rice

6 cups diced seedless watermelon1 cup chopped scallions ½ cup chopped cilantro

Dry roasted and salted peanuts to tasteFresh cracked pepper to taste

Whisk together the ginger, garlic, vinegar, juice, oils and soy sauce. Arrange the greens on a serving platter or up to 8 individual serving plates. Toss the rice with 2/3 of the dressing. Press each serving of the rice mixture into a small cup and invert onto the plate, creating an individual serving of rice. Place on the greens. Toss the watermelon with the remaining dressing and spoon the watermelon over the rice and greens. Sprinkle the scallions, cilantro and peanuts over the watermelon. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper to taste. If desired, add grilled chicken, salmon or shrimp for an entrée salad. Serves up to 8.

Balsamic Caramelized Onion Caprese¼ cup olive oil1 sweet large onion, peeled and thinly sliced½ cup extra dry vermouth2 tablespoons sugar¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar1 pound fresh water packed mozzarella, sliced into 15 slices15 2½-inch by 2½-inch by ½-inch thick slices seedless

watermelon1 cup fresh basil leaves

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are golden in color and slightly toasted. Reduce heat to medium. Add the vermouth and sugar to the pan and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated from the pan. Stir in the balsamic and sauté another few minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Alternate slices of cheese and watermelon on a serving platter or up to 4 individual salad plates. Spoon onion mixture over watermelon and mozzarella slices. Garnish with fresh basil. Serves 5.

bestsummer’s


2010 WSL Designer Showhouse Preview Party

Members and guests of the Women’s Symphony League enjoyed a night above Austin at the 2010 WSL Designer Showhouse Preview Party. The party started on the 10th floor where guests explored many of The Austonian’s amenities before they previewed the three Showhouse designer units outfitted by members of the local interior design community.

on the town

Stephanie Villavicencio, Jessica Nixon Vance Sack, George Elliman

Janna Paulson, Daryrl Whittle, Karen Kopicki Cano Melissa Boswell, Jason Snell Trey Phillips, Bryan Beimer

The 10th Floor PoolMeg Lowry-Sack, Lynne Dun-nigan, Vance Sack Sam Rieger, Amy Shepherd Ley Musiol, Bart Grench, Bryan Beimer

Tracy Sorenson, Emily Moreland, Eric Moreland, Dale Lowe, Nancy Lowe Leslie Fossler, Harmony Edwards, Kathleen Ulhauler, Kelly Contine

Photography by Sledd Photography

3970 JH TX Home FOL V3.indd 1 2/9/10 8:19:25 AM

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