Interior Designs Photo: Ginger Barber

Showing posts with label Ginger Barber. Show all posts

Two In Houston

<blockquote>   If you live in Houston, you may have seen these two homes already – both were featured in a local magazine – Houston Lifestyles & Homes –  but, since many who read the blog aren’t from Houston, I thought I would share them with you.   Both houses are quite beautiful and reflective of the “Houston look,” although one house is dressier than the other.   Enjoy!   House #1 <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeErH7p-I/AAAAAAAA_NE/IEP1HKkhkzU/s1600-h/image%5B92%5D.png"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeErH7p-I/AAAAAAAA_NM/zWC4FbduDLg/s1600-h/image%5B93%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="775" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeLzUl7tI/AAAAAAAA_NU/s4b9STB8QGk/image_thumb%5B31%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1189"></a></a></blockquote> <blockquote> The first house, decorated by Ginger Barber, is located in the Montebello – a rather new Houston highrise.   This project is around five years old and I’ve loved it since first seeing it on Ginger’s web site.     Most highrise apartments in Houston are either contemporary or dowdy.   This, is neither.    It’s warm and cozy and youthful – something not usually associated with living in a newly built penthouse.   Though empty nesters, the owners are much younger than typical highrise dwellers in Houston.   For this project, they bought two units and combined them for a total of 5,000 sq. ft. – which is quite large for a condo.   The owners left most of their furnishings in their old suburban house, bringing only a few inherited antiques.   How nice must it be to hire Ginger and get all new furnishings too?!!    I love Ginger’s easy going style and she certainly brought that feel to this condo.   Everything is so perfectly designed, the décor stands as a textbook on how to furnish a  condo filled with French and Swedish antiques that is not stuffy or pretentious.  </blockquote> <blockquote> In the living room above, Ginger used soothing neutrals.   The large black painted chest serves as the only accent color.   Cream drapes add softness – so many people don’t use curtains in highrises, which is a shame.  The fabric goes a long way to warm up all the cold glass, without covering up the view.   I love the skirted table in champagne taffeta – it’s so full and luscious.   And I love the French ottoman with its trendy nailheads.   But it’s the oriental styled chest that really stands out – its beyond fabulous!    The seagrass really helps to keep it all  young and fresh looking.    Just beautiful!!!!!     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeNcM9DII/AAAAAAAA_Ng/owDBKD4rY0s/s1600-h/image%5B89%5D.png"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS3cHMQQewaShIFxAL3DGCBs69EkQA9PO1D-ZwCAjee9DUoXT3NiwBIoKN5-4hTse57FqmPY4LlRHE1Lx28rRdJXqxa8zvuQeGNRRU88tLALdnLK4w4677o1iYDzTzFoW-BIPD62jQiYu/s1600-h/image%5B94%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="372" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeP5rPAVI/AAAAAAAA_Nw/OM6-ucGtgm4/image_thumb%5B32%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="569"></a></a> A smaller picture – without all the writing over it!!     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeTOvdJmI/AAAAAAAA_N4/RyNO04ssbKs/s1600-h/image%5B74%5D.png"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeTOvdJmI/AAAAAAAA_OA/y7f0811SxKk/s1600-h/image%5B95%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="683" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbwT1G6XOiev0kQs3W60qvvfCy5ZgXKPrxQhZ4aJdYnoxjqRaAq68vM2oNnHHsFrLyV3W-yRo2HX9RMYsmN5YZ1gKKpQphUwiuey1G9egoAgGOIZiUimqyxYHzABRx_CgkiDYFFcqHR4m/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="995"></a></a> The dining room is a favorite of mine, a mixture of French and Swedish furnishings.   The table had to be dismantled to fit into the elevator – a concern when planning a high rise.   Creamy damask covers the large French chairs and an antique mirror hangs above the French enfilade.  The chandelier is also antique.   The big surprise is the Swedish sofa that Ginger placed in front of the window.    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHap4ByysWa8h6g1eFt7uyCfpFKFv54yNK6pqhioYKieObK5i_iYjdIbYP-R1grMYEi10FfGDp6Xr9cKgHg1Dz20H726HBa94DS3H7GcHoTS9AWjJJlOkPv7cIXN71FI4amGdDal3pYdw/s1600-h/image%5B71%5D.png"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTecJMqSLI/AAAAAAAA_Oo/D6_bqPj5JsU/s1600-h/image%5B96%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="725" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l-dA6m6I3ItL9tjvNkHSpuH8VrrBQcq_3oZ3I1KUo-MsiaB1IKyn4Ql_6lMaW5G7s3qLT-RDBz9qPM04AoaS0J1XPXEMpI9cNqpQrponqCtbV_VSx5HLZjmqyUMyq9Z-KHgAmQiKlek/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="417"></a></a> Again, not your grandmother’s penthouse!   A painted Swedish sofa sits between two fluted columns topped by urns.   Sooooo charming!!!!!   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeil9AbmI/AAAAAAAA_O4/6HpnNfTqwD0/s1600-h/image%5B77%5D.png"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeil9AbmI/AAAAAAAA_PA/287sB9-QQU4/s1600-h/image%5B97%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="529" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTen16CB-I/AAAAAAAA_PI/A9V4FV1cFoA/image_thumb%5B35%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="796"></a></a> Off the living room, the music room is filled with inherited furniture which Ginger recovered.   The traditional sofa got a youthful slipcover.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTepuF-deI/AAAAAAAA_PU/wTRZNfUsdeM/s1600-h/image%5B68%5D.png"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTepuF-deI/AAAAAAAA_Pc/saRHn5_LHbE/s1600-h/image%5B98%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="673" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTetJ1OboI/AAAAAAAA_Pk/hUrmIo2a1Ws/image_thumb%5B36%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="462"></a></a> The breakfast/sitting room off the kitchen is adorable.  I love this room!!!    Meals are taken at the painted table with its painted chairs.    <a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTeuM2ZItI/AAAAAAAA_Ps/zXBPkG1iQJI/s1600-h/image%5B103%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="469" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTevGHuoII/AAAAAAAA_P0/eG0jLDnu6MA/image_thumb%5B38%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="230"></a></a> In the kitchen, an antique door closes off the pantry.   Seriously, have you ever seen a rustic antique door in a penthouse?   Touches like this really help cozy up the home.   <a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTev--owLI/AAAAAAAA_QE/3SBfKfnBeaM/s1600-h/image%5B108%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="474" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTew-0BMwI/AAAAAAAA_QQ/ifD1ZivBtmY/image_thumb%5B40%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="224"></a></a> In the kitchen, the piece above the sink came from Round Top.  The backsplash is made of tiles from <a href="http://www.chateaudomingue.com">Chateau Domingue</a>.    <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTezXso1wI/AAAAAAAA_QY/3nzLC0I0sQM/s1600-h/image%5B62%5D.png"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnfmxZjOSgTF9b44s5I5ufIez_tvT775UOpVX1we5Wimp0mQuOKrB18UVPNROQrP_op7eOvrYaj8YMvtFg1lFrqdrDJtjqgdyJbWKBbUec7WPfzMAIokjzAS0VV6zyejFmczBDXFi6Tt5/s1600-h/image%5B109%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="775" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTe4UmOcwI/AAAAAAAA_Qo/5uobVOa_PW0/image_thumb%5B41%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="523"></a></a> The wife’s office has a muted striped dhurri rug along with antique doors  from Chateau Domingue.  Shelves are filled with the sentimental photos too precious not to display.    I love that desk!    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTe6YfjuzI/AAAAAAAA_Qw/wJzcxak_oAU/s1600-h/image%5B65%5D.png"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTe6YfjuzI/AAAAAAAA_Q4/FkubvI6GnHc/s1600-h/image%5B110%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="762" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTe9-hqEDI/AAAAAAAA_RA/pJmRD5JGUjE/image_thumb%5B42%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="555"></a></a> The “media” room is where the couple relax, watching a TV that is hidden in a French armoire.    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfBVdrj8I/AAAAAAAA_RI/zxhrV9yyC2A/s1600-h/image%5B56%5D.png"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfBVdrj8I/AAAAAAAA_RY/9hgPBCdLHHM/s1600-h/image%5B111%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="778" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfI3xNc3I/AAAAAAAA_Rk/K-2t6BX3aUc/image_thumb%5B43%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="997"></a></a> I’m wild over the master bedroom – which is so Ginger.  The barley twist bed piled with white linens anchors the room.   The bed was custom ordered from Brian Stringer Antiques which is now closed.    The rustic chest, a Ginger trademark, is fitted with a hidden TV.  The room is large enough for a sitting area.   By filling up the space with furniture, the room seems cozy instead of cavernous.   A secret to successful oversized rooms is to fill them up with furniture!   A mistake many people make with today’s extra large spaces is not using enough chairs, sofas, and tables.   The husband’s office adjoins the bedroom.    <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfK2XOZuI/AAAAAAAA_Rs/Ah6TrsoD4RQ/s1600-h/image%5B80%5D.png"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfK2XOZuI/AAAAAAAA_R0/oFLXYIlqd2g/s1600-h/image%5B112%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="596" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfOSBC9YI/AAAAAAAA_R8/KbMgZWP8Vks/image_thumb%5B44%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="437"></a></a> The master bathroom appears to be covered in a Rose Tarlow print, but it’s not credited.   The piece above the tub is romantic and again, typical Ginger.  She loves to mix concrete and stone with wicker and linen.   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfRC1o21I/AAAAAAAA_SE/snVK2HJgg6U/s1600-h/image%5B59%5D.png"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfRC1o21I/AAAAAAAA_SM/CiZtlzvQQM8/s1600-h/image%5B113%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="651" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfWxhGAdI/AAAAAAAA_SU/OU645Jz24MM/image_thumb%5B45%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="992"></a></a> The guest room is beyond adorable with its gray painted French headboards and chest.   Framed antique botanicals hang from the wall.   I love the crisp check fabric mixed with the gray toile on the pillows.   The adorable matching chinoiserie lamps are from Ginger’s shop:  <a href="http://www.gingerbarber.com">www.gingerbarber.com</a> I hope you enjoyed this peek at Ginger Barber’s foray into slick highrise living.   As you can see, highrise living doesn’t have to be cold, dowdy, or contemporary.  Instead it can be warm, inviting, interesting and cozy!   Photographs by Janet Lenzen.   To read the original article, go <a href="http://online.houstonlifestyles.com/publication/?i=38654&page=1&p=1">HERE</a>.   House #2 Next is a large custom built house in the Memorial area.   The builder was <a href="http://parkerhousehouston.com/default.asp?active_page_id=1">Parker House Inc</a>. and Sarah West was the architectural consultant who tweaked the plans for the homeowners.    Cindy Witmer designed the interiors along with the homeowner.  Together they went to the Round Top Antiques Fair and bought furniture that anchored the expansive rooms.   The walls were plastered by Leslie Sinclair of <a href="http://segretofinishes.com">Segretro  Finishes</a>.  Leslie’s wall treatments are unparalleled – the subtle texture adds a depth to the walls that adds a quality that is hard to define.  I would love for Leslie to do my entire house – her plaster is just that gorgeous!!!!   The rugs and carpets came from Creative Flooring.  Lighting came from BROWN, AREA, and Tara Shaw.  The window treatments were designed by Linda Falk and all upholstered furniture was custom designed by Cindy and made by Hein Lam Upholstery.   All these beautiful photos are by Wade Blissard <a href="http://www.shooterwade.com/about.htm">HERE.</a>  To read the original story, go <a href="http://www.onlinedigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=45148&page=1&p=1">HERE.</a>   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfZxZcHuI/AAAAAAAA_Sg/WOS085fWtkI/s1600-h/image%5B130%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfbRennPI/AAAAAAAA_So/ai4zAWNPvAc/image_thumb%5B58%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="400"></a> An antique stone table from Chateau Domingue stands in the entry hall under a lantern.  Love that!     The living room is straight ahead.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_IsLWSw7yi4BfIMqcPQQpLmesZ7W-48Dg6JqJ5ElE7T0fbJXuoo3rq9lSeVGOjKp2Xc-p2tAJYFq1Z-pnomcmxOR05u46uV31P-PLxQjAUdsEDS_iBxLe3N4mp2249bpKZtKN20hqGs/s1600-h/image%5B23%5D.png"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfePI4d-I/AAAAAAAA_S4/Lz45eJhuY5k/s1600-h/image%5B131%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="631" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfkKtZ8mI/AAAAAAAA_TA/_N_Q79fC38M/image_thumb%5B59%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="997"></a></a> Love!!!  I love the floating day bed – by Hein Lam.  They make the prettiest skirts and flourishes.   Love the fireplace from Chateau Domingue.  The room is dressy, yet approachable at the same time.   The beautiful chandelier is from <a href="http://www.tarashaw.com">Tara Shaw</a> and the chairs are covered in Fortuny.    <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfmXVl7tI/AAAAAAAA_TQ/szzPIPpA4dM/s1600-h/image%5B145%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="412" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfoOaZZHI/AAAAAAAA_TY/cqFB5mk6UdI/image_thumb%5B71%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="535"></a> In this view, you can see the chest and into the next room on the left.  There’s that lamb again!!!  I have it and so did another house I showed last month!  It’s soo cute.    <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfraGCLhI/AAAAAAAA_Tg/DEAUOzSl92k/s1600-h/image%5B41%5D.png"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfraGCLhI/AAAAAAAA_To/1xlii0Rr56Q/s1600-h/image%5B132%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="775" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTfzOxbM7I/AAAAAAAA_Tw/NfiufjXwXC8/image_thumb%5B60%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1194"></a></a> So pretty!   The house is dressier than many like it because rugs were used as opposed to the seagrass that Houston so  loves.   Here, two fixtures from Round Top hang over the large wood table.   Instead of slipped chairs – they are upholstered in a chenille.   The sideboard is antique from Belgium.   The silk curtains are fabulous!!!!!!             <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTf3PGws7I/AAAAAAAA_T8/YHPDoiXnF74/s1600-h/image%5B2%5D.png"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTf3PGws7I/AAAAAAAA_UE/8WZugil7RUs/s1600-h/image%5B133%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="749" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTf_SQMyHI/AAAAAAAA_UM/LEmHxarI6hU/image_thumb%5B61%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1139"></a></a> The family room is wonderful.  I love the lush curtains and the chairs covered in Bennison!  So pretty.   These chairs are from Hein Lam and I just love them The large fixture is from <a href="http://shopbybrown.com">BROWN</a>.  I like that they resisted putting the TV on the fireplace.  Well, it looks like seagrass did make it to this room!   A zebra is layered over it.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgBhBr4AI/AAAAAAAA_UU/-sXGt8U40z0/s1600-h/image%5B153%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="410" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgDQSkPXI/AAAAAAAA_Uc/ECJZ8H6s7kM/image_thumb%5B75%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="540"></a> A closer look at the sofa and stone fireplace.  The media/billiard room is through the doors next to the fireplace.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgHD88inI/AAAAAAAA_Uo/quTpiJXnk6s/s1600-h/image%5B50%5D.png"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgHD88inI/AAAAAAAA_Uw/4nAXsYmpYM8/s1600-h/image%5B134%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXvrILpf7_MVnhkbstNcMotUoIi3SOymeJ7FwLhDtdUG8PBWUvvixoEF8yxX27VsfgL117WD8NRvvco-iPed6mW6SugQ_2ZIeoCYIpDGUIWYjx-Oh3-MbOvUk0TPRcFZw_LOfjukCr516/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="959"></a></a> Off the family room is the large kitchen and breakfast room.  The back wall has reclaimed brick and stone from Chateau Domingue.  Segreto did the walls and the cabinet finish.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgSJH33-I/AAAAAAAA_VA/nCpH3HQdF54/s1600-h/image%5B5%5D.png"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgSJH33-I/AAAAAAAA_VQ/TMkbX1zZQrY/s1600-h/image%5B135%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="761" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgZwCpkhI/AAAAAAAA_Vc/8SJlIoL6hJE/image_thumb%5B63%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="985"></a></a> This shows the breakfast table with the chairs in velvet and check fabric with nailheads.   The light is from AREA.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgccbSYlI/AAAAAAAA_Vk/3IqLflzl2cA/s1600-h/image%5B47%5D.png"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgccbSYlI/AAAAAAAA_Vs/80Jd_A-AqM4/s1600-h/image%5B136%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="975" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgi7aqCBI/AAAAAAAA_V8/8ScBNFaCJSs/image_thumb%5B64%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="781"></a></a> The bakers rack and antique shutters are from Chateau Domingue.   Hidden behind the shutters is the office.    You can see the family room on the left and how it leads into the kitchen.  And you can see the large bar at its right.    <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgksF9y_I/AAAAAAAA_WM/MdQtrqJtHNk/s1600-h/image%5B149%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="412" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgmXGarpI/AAAAAAAA_WU/5B253QXlpRg/image_thumb%5B73%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="537"></a> And looking from the family room into the kitchen.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgpup_gPI/AAAAAAAA_Wc/15NtQgsrfZk/s1600-h/image%5B44%5D.png"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgpup_gPI/AAAAAAAA_Wk/MvJQIvfYiqg/s1600-h/image%5B137%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="751" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTgwzr81cI/AAAAAAAA_Ws/1X6JXNkTNaw/image_thumb%5B65%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="934"></a></a> The media/billiard room’s light fixture is from BROWN.   Great rug!    The painting and coffee table are from AREA.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTg0STFTnI/AAAAAAAA_W0/uqGCncd7-c4/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTg0STFTnI/AAAAAAAA_XA/uYH0TSKpSTA/s1600-h/image%5B138%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="725" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTg7P04xTI/AAAAAAAA_XI/1b7FDTxPdKw/image_thumb%5B66%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="972"></a></a> I love the velvet that is found throughout the house.  It makes everything just a little dressier.   The tufted chairs and ottoman are wonderful – so soft and cozy loooking.    The soft blue walls are by Segreto.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTg-dd28hI/AAAAAAAA_XQ/n82QA2UHvL8/s1600-h/image%5B29%5D.png"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTTg-dd28hI/AAAAAAAA_XY/g9hbGHsMqCg/s1600-h/image%5B139%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="663" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTThGQjn_5I/AAAAAAAA_Xg/IevKWvWKddk/image_thumb%5B67%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="975"></a></a> So pretty!  The floor just looks old – its really new.   The chandelier is from <a href="http://tarashaw.com">Tara Shaw</a>.  I love the shell filled with towels.  Cute idea.    <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTThIR6tU2I/AAAAAAAA_Xs/z0SBPyrDyO4/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTThIR6tU2I/AAAAAAAA_X0/grxRCBW_n3M/s1600-h/image%5B140%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="560" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTThMJxpzSI/AAAAAAAA_X8/DJYPyQmjFy0/image_thumb%5B68%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="614"></a></a> The son’s room.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-A9NaK0yK38QDEwFTPC0TvGgV6tfhIpUXJyqf4r91WS3wjTQaVYgG2sSv5Z26M0HSvsfPCWX8UdVxGq9awmI445sjKAYffG1cBRMAd9eXjEwel80kgoEWRgS7OzZlVItavonn_I6CVo/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TTThO_IO1KI/AAAAAAAA_YM/a3j-5Ln5I6M/s1600-h/image%5B141%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje45mPR0sVbV1HzmWgE-Yaqo9wKsK5LytTZ6wXidaKOXE-4LxdCcHRjsAgKRtaAXlj37tF375o_2tjpLwc1XQZV1EAxZ5ywCeRH_Dt1vh3xDcaO3UjqzTFboAS6rnqivIAN6NKuIWCafg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="799"></a></a> The daughter’s room is especially cute in pinks and purples.   Cute dress hanging up on the wall.   I hope you’ve like these two Houston homes.  The Ginger Barber highrise is a good lesson on how to decorate a condo for a young couple and make it look trendy and cozy.  The second house shows that not all Houston is just seagrass and slipcovers.  The house is more dressy than most, but it still is fitting for a younger couple with small children.   </blockquote>

Two In Houston

If you live in Houston, you may have seen these two homes already – both were featured in a local magazine – Houston Lifestyles & Ho...

4:39 PM

The Conservatory House

<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV-_EhCOnI/AAAAAAAAVww/n0je5bo_hlI/s1600-h/image%5B48%5D.png"><img align="left" alt="image" border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMG5em62bCp2V74jMdn4loj8RLUlPEZCumMv-gzuVyKRKlPMtcI99FTl5rmnWZQeI7RavTGlifv6SfrGUoVgL29rJzkMfZbRjKmrh-u8g7WvFvoqtNwpypGY_ZbvmQkHGOkbBBSNHPLMs/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="484" /></a> The third and final house in the West University Festival of New Homes 2009 Series is the Conservatory House.   Lest you think that the festival is pathetically small with just three houses, you would be mistaken.  There were actually eight houses in the showcase, but I was taught if you can’t say something nice…….  And even that sounds overly harsh.  My mother, the famous Southern tastemaker Betty Rae, called to say how beautiful the Octagon and Provence houses were.   “So many houses with white walls, so much seagrass, so many slipcovers!   I had no idea how popular that look is!”   Well, not exactly Betty Rae.  You see of the eight houses, only three actually fit that bill.  The other five weren’t white or linen, or with a slipcover and seagrass style.  They were more the chenille and silk, oriental rugs, murals and lots of crown molding kind of houses.  Though in all honesty, one was a craftsman style house – all black and white high contrast with a bright lime green glass chandelier in the dining room.   It’s all personal – I’m sure many of you would have preferred  the other five houses to my three picks.   There wasn’t anything wrong with them, they were all actually quite lovely – they just weren’t Cote de Texas houses.    These three houses were.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_BdKydRI/AAAAAAAAVxA/giiuEOClMSQ/s1600-h/westu%20108%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 108" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_CYDgKMI/AAAAAAAAVxI/-tVKp1GFw0E/westu%20108_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 108" width="580" /></a>   The third house, The Conservatory House, was different than the Octagon or Provence house.   It was smaller than both by over 2,000 sq. ft – so it seemed more “realistic,” more attainable.  It was less expensive (though I suffered sticker stock when I casually asked the builder what he was asking!)   It was more “normal” – it wasn’t breathtakingly, achingly beautiful.   You wouldn’t go through this house and just die if you couldn’t own it, or go home and give your husband grief over it, but still – it was special - with several areas that made you notice it and think - “Wow – what a great house this is.”   And though its lot is typical for West U, it is just a bit wider than standard, allowing extra space to offer a little bit more than most.   Its facade is deceiving.   At first glace it appears to be an old house that has been renovated and, in fact, it fooled even me for a few minutes.   Its brick has been painted a soft taupe – something you see done to vintage houses usually to cover up a deep, almost burgundy colored brick.  The arch over the front door seems reminiscent of a house built here in 40s.  In other words, the Conservatory House blended into the street – a street where many of the original two story houses still stand.   And so, though the Octagon House almost caused a suicide, and the Provence house was the stuff of dreams, the Conservatory House seemed like home.   It also didn’t hurt that the builder chose  Ginger Barber to help with the selections and furnish it for the show.    btw – that’s my friend Jordanna at the front door with her husband!     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_CzqPrMI/AAAAAAAAVxQ/CqtClJZyRLU/s1600-h/westu%20113%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 113" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_D-HC3QI/AAAAAAAAVxY/WiBkbCI0T9E/westu%20113_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 113" width="580" /></a> The floor plan starts off like a typical West University floor plan with a front loading garage:   long entry hall with stairs, living room on the right, then dining room, then kitchen along the back sharing the space with the family room.   The wood floors flow throughout the downstairs and upstairs, which is really nice – no carpeting at all!    (Full floor plans are at the end of this post.)     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_EsD5KiI/AAAAAAAAVxg/Xbv3WkXeqvY/s1600-h/westu%20114%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 114" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_Fd4dhNI/AAAAAAAAVxo/ZLIHoNDWCAc/westu%20114_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 114" width="580" /></a> To the immediate left of the front door, Ginger used this table with a rustic lamp and the wonderful paper shades with the map of Paris.  Watkins Culver in Houston carries these.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiFOOavDQAtW33Q8b5CBMYTpML6gV3Cr249aCLb_L1llELYFwvwLSZnfOeZ1C6cxkk1nxxSqt1D26yPORFOU6fda9b6b7F1pZsxcix2n8RYXBg2pMHqxQRUyPURY4iuBrQ8vujVUyCK8K/s1600-h/westu%20152%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 152" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_G_RpyiI/AAAAAAAAVx4/lRC5VcFnLo0/westu%20152_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 152" width="580" /></a> The view looking back towards the front door – the front porch, and door are both arched, as are most of the passageways downstairs.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_IFws-XI/AAAAAAAAVyA/F2yQoY5ZeTA/s1600-h/image%5B13%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="418" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_Jwi9V6I/AAAAAAAAVyM/NXchwYZoktw/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="626" /></a> To the immediate right of the front door is the formal living area, but with Ginger Barber, nothing is ever too formal.  Here she used a lantern and slipcovered sofa.  Demi lunes flank the wood mantel fireplace.  The trumeau was particularly effective.  If this was mine, there would be curtains, of course, and taller lamps in the window, and I do think I would elect for full length windows in this house – most are not.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_Kja5F0I/AAAAAAAAVyU/8JKY5DwPGgE/s1600-h/westu%20112%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 112" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_LprlEjI/AAAAAAAAVyc/7mtAC_s1v9o/westu%20112_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 112" width="580" /></a> Close up of the fireplace – clean lines, very simple.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_MVUFP8I/AAAAAAAAVyk/jzHqmZijtgo/s1600-h/westu%20158%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 158" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_NF4HDVI/AAAAAAAAVys/I_qaSD_byWw/westu%20158_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 158" width="1028" /></a> Looking from the dining room – you can see the large arch that separates this room from the entry hall.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_O_7hm4I/AAAAAAAAVy0/wOzJZeFhm3E/s1600-h/image%5B34%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="422" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_QJAgJ7I/AAAAAAAAVy8/Cp-rkVF2WCI/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="631" /></a>  The next room – through the living room is the dining room.  Carol Piper supplied the area rugs in the house.  Ginger matched fancy French chairs with a more rustic table.  I really like the long buffet with, again, a wood trumeau mirror.  As is now obvious from this house and the Provence house, Barber likes to use mirrors more than art and  I couldn’t agree more.   I love old Italian oils and they are so pricey – it’s just cheaper to substitute antique mirrors for fine art!     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_RHCwFcI/AAAAAAAAVzE/9meACAa6mkc/s1600-h/westu%20162%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 162" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_SXDdJ_I/AAAAAAAAVzM/_ttR411ylOg/westu%20162_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 162" width="1028" /></a>  A close up of the dining room, showing the arch that separates it from the stair hall.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_S-Sl5RI/AAAAAAAAVzU/9BwYAyGFHkg/s1600-h/westu%20163%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 163" border="0" height="772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbF8g2ayvlkYIl48__MP9otOMnlwM_Iqf4OZU68xoDNM1D3Thyphenhyphenh6LNfRT-CLS1wdc2GK3uwVwPP0RFm8jX4q0jZHBgVlza7btHztvKkRWLkji_FEaWH4_cES44BXocwRCfWixKIOdl9by/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 163" width="631" /></a> And looking back towards the living room – this was one door way which wasn’t arched because I believe there is a pocket door here – why I can’t imagine.       <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_USte6PI/AAAAAAAAVzk/XnFD4V-XmMc/s1600-h/westu%20116%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 116" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_U4-bTHI/AAAAAAAAVzs/Y6S9oHp43Cg/westu%20116_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 116" width="580" /></a> Dining room close up:  typical Barber accessorizing – large and spare.  To the right, you can see the arch that leads to the butler’s panty and onto the kitchen.     I really like the drum shades on the lamps.  Drum shades really are an updated look.   If you are looking to freshen up a room, consider changing out your old lampshades to drums.        <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_V9GNmBI/AAAAAAAAVz0/kRYVsbYUmqs/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_WykBiCI/AAAAAAAAVz8/opLUF9hbkAQ/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="635" /></a> The kitchen is very large and has a contemporary feel to it.  Very clean lined.  the countertops were soapstone.      <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFp9Akt59wuS2CSbogQXUzU6lBI9okhIKn8NrWhP6MRID5BSoEmtK9zbs79VrHnZV1wdew4mX1zzIaFiO9iC-85at7Ud-s9oFor0ksdaHCUwguxTIqVzpOKOEFENGawvMQnBYN2kQHRU/s1600-h/westu%20153%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 153" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-PuE015TNS9go2oIjFoaUpFK6Dg7DGpjTgFbnhk4cNIkOWR0El3NrEaRzZGrfNGDLrSDi5pH2BbdOsjwUN6Ppss9HdvOZY0bBFYfpQ0d-DVTdCkTpZicQud7GRSD4wTZOq5Ed70Hq34/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 153" width="644" /></a> Another view – so much storage!  I would have not put the upper cabinets along the back wall if this was mine.  That way, you could have put more windows along that wall.  In fact, I would probably have moved the range to the side wall and left this for the sink and a large expanse of windows.   But, alas, no one asked my opinion!     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_Zd23SiI/AAAAAAAAV0U/2-FZ13pdV-w/s1600-h/westu%20121%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 121" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_aIJSt8I/AAAAAAAAV0c/AjAmRPCtXS8/westu%20121_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 121" width="364" /></a> Another Shaws farm sink – best sink in the world!     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_bgv0QQI/AAAAAAAAV0k/k9wmXRldVgs/s1600-h/image%5B39%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="425" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_dniDJqI/AAAAAAAAV0s/H8HEV8doE4c/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="631" /></a> What makes this house special:   off the kitchen is this breakfast room – a true self-contained room with a clerestory window on the ceiling.  To further give this room a conservatory feel, antique bricks were used on the floor.  The walls of the room are brick – and it really makes it seem that this room was added on to the house – continuing the illusion that this is actually an older house instead of a new one.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_eRmD97I/AAAAAAAAV00/1iLnSmbjcN0/s1600-h/westu%20123%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 123" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_ffYFCQI/AAAAAAAAV08/uv2Iw93BQo8/westu%20123_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 123" width="1028" /></a>  Ginger chose a trendy metal table paired with painted rush seats.   Elliptical French doors made up three sides of the room.  This space is a true show stopper – it was gorgeous!  So unexpected!   I have never seen a new, typical West U home with this type of breakfast room – but it makes my wonder – why not?   I would love to do this to my house. It was just beautiful.  After the show I spoke with several people about the different homes and so many named this room as their favorite of the show!  It was just that great!     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_gLaL9AI/AAAAAAAAV1E/PAvDFp9FBdk/s1600-h/westu%20124%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 124" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_g3UOYBI/AAAAAAAAV1M/0NhrrPSAWKA/westu%20124_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 124" width="580" /></a> A view of the elliptical doors with the clerestory window.  That ceiling fan would be coming down so fast if this was mine!   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_hg48xgI/AAAAAAAAV1U/aNlvCL-o3KY/s1600-h/westu%20127%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 127" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_ieQrkTI/AAAAAAAAV1c/kzX6CWmZ1Vs/westu%20127_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 127" width="580" /></a> Ginger used an antique butcher’s table and lantern.  Notice the brick walls which make the room look added on.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_kB3uIMI/AAAAAAAAV1k/lQ2qPJ9vu20/s1600-h/image%5B40%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="392" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_mJaKDaI/AAAAAAAAV1w/pgEa2rN9Q_c/image_thumb%5B18%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="634" /></a> Through a large arch is the family room.  You can see the breakfast conservatory through the left side of the kitchen.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_nI_UeDI/AAAAAAAAV14/s4aLTWMIi_c/s1600-h/westu%20130%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 130" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_oLhTUnI/AAAAAAAAV2A/szHNvUL48Lk/westu%20130_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 130" width="1028" /></a> Slipcovers and mirrors, candlesticks and wrought iron, painted woods and baskets:   Ginger’s style.  The simple lined fireplace is actually two sided – it adjoins a screened in porch, another great surprise to the house.    <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_o_uJThI/AAAAAAAAV2I/4S19FJRcrw4/s1600-h/westu%20134%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 134" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_qK9U3JI/AAAAAAAAV2Q/KrjoCtjPxPg/westu%20134_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 134" width="1028" /></a> I am crazy about this muted striped flat weave rug that Barber chose to use here.  The coffee table is great too.   The shelving unit is a style that I keep seeing more and more of – rustic wood and iron married together.   I suppose this could be the Belgium influence.  Through the open door is the screened porch which leads to the outside.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_q-ZdulI/AAAAAAAAV2Y/yNCdUNxHKP8/s1600-h/westu%20136%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 136" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_rnYda0I/AAAAAAAAV2g/gnwuyhYCO1U/westu%20136_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 136" width="556" /></a> In this picture you can really see how the builder handled the trim – very sparingly.   No fancy crown molding, something I am loving more and more these days.  Just a great, tall, plain baseboard.  The entire house was trimmed out this same way.     And,  I love this stool Ginger used – a dressy French piece upholstered in antique petit point.    <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_sV39eLI/AAAAAAAAV2o/pE0yk92BKVs/s1600-h/westu%20137%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 137" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_ta5KTqI/AAAAAAAAV2w/dcYRioKx8Hw/westu%20137_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 137" width="580" /></a> Owning to the somewhat wider lot, the extra footage allowed for this wonderful screened porch with the painted brick walls and antique brick floor.  Again, this porch adds to the illusion of the house’s age.   Through the door is the wide back yard.     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_uDNgrjI/AAAAAAAAV24/4vaTA9F6rdk/s1600-h/westu%20138%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 138" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_uyipu_I/AAAAAAAAV3A/o0PZtCTu484/westu%20138_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 138" width="580" /></a> The fireplace that is shared with the family room.      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_w_Ehe8I/AAAAAAAAV3I/guycSK6SMes/s1600-h/image%5B52%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsHXXkcPNeXeWwVop0VCTgH8K6ryhYpFdc7i4ZPysJEaSoAPxaEqe0jene0msUHOHL05pEMNR10dFOnJkwp4KiJQFQjvpkBMDa3i6LMvlIubosOiifjqPQ9RudMY27G5hs_Dljdku4uRV/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="632" /></a> With the family room in the middle  - here you can really see the breakfast room/conservatory with the clerestory window on top.    Doesn’t it look added on?    And I love the short brick wall which separates the terrace from the yard.    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_0JBLY_I/AAAAAAAAV3Y/6i9zAYt8iPY/s1600-h/image%5B42%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="472" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_2cMksEI/AAAAAAAAV3g/7hNu9Imgvso/image_thumb%5B20%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="546" /></a> A closer view of the conservatory.  I love how Ginger decorated this terrace with loom chairs and a teak bench.   The yard is actually deeper than it looks here and I suspect the owners will be putting in a long lap pool.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_3PSwANI/AAAAAAAAV3o/ESf5-zYwPgU/s1600-h/westu%20140%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 140" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_4P5wT3I/AAAAAAAAV3w/sV0D17gDTDY/westu%20140_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 140" width="580" /></a> Looking from the other side – again – the perils of  town living in West University:  close by neighbors!   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_49AxAnI/AAAAAAAAV34/1y_3MG5-2XQ/s1600-h/westu%20141%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 141" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_51_ztyI/AAAAAAAAV4A/McbbhjbxINA/westu%20141_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 141" width="580" /></a> Going back into the screen porch – through the French doors is the study, which is off the main stair hall.  Love the blue bootie that someone lost along the way.  The builders make you put them on during the tours!     <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_7ABow8I/AAAAAAAAV4I/wqDNghhQlRs/s1600-h/image%5B43%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="416" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_8QTb70I/AAAAAAAAV4Q/3DgUC8aLYhE/image_thumb%5B21%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="630" /></a> The study is another surprise in the house – a great space for an office.  I love how Ginger used a table instead of a desk, something that I think is so practical and much prettier!   The walls and all the trim are all painted in the same shade.  Also – notice on the built-in how thick the shelves are – giving it a more updated look.    <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_9bGxmxI/AAAAAAAAV4Y/H9mbNefG5tU/s1600-h/westu%20148%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 148" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV_-gCvEsI/AAAAAAAAV4g/W5Tow5wc3l8/westu%20148_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 148" width="580" /></a> So pretty!   Just needs a simple window treatment, imo!   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV__A59InI/AAAAAAAAV4o/f1lvT5TZMQU/s1600-h/westu%20170%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 170" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbV___AQQZI/AAAAAAAAV40/0YqFuJft67o/westu%20170_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 170" width="580" /></a> Going upstairs, the dark, wide planked wood floors are continued throughout.  As with the Provence house, these rooms weren’t furnished, not even the master bedroom – which was a huge disappointment.   There are four bedrooms here, along with a large media room/playroom.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbWAAv__WwI/AAAAAAAAV48/Sc4aQoWN2Hk/s1600-h/westu%20171%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 171" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbWABC2P2uI/AAAAAAAAV5E/w6QoXxUx0no/westu%20171_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 171" width="532" /></a> The master bathroom – two separate vanities.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbWABh3GIXI/AAAAAAAAV5M/YQ64xTk7c1I/s1600-h/westu%20173%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 173" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbWACTfBXuI/AAAAAAAAV5U/oDO4ZDkQ4f8/westu%20173_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 173" width="580" /></a> And a beautiful tub.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbWADNmQ6FI/AAAAAAAAV5c/Y3bqxOtEvQQ/s1600-h/westu%20175%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 175" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbWADvNxIzI/AAAAAAAAV5k/4eypjqCJ7O4/westu%20175_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 175" width="568" /></a> Behind closed doors in the master bedroom was a surprising office.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeAp1uDVIDNiFStNU7hVKb1LXAlZSA6Q5zG1N9pB7H24RZbTNp3413Fwn2Eig1RMWkZ2G42eJF4oKNCRauKbur5_ZmuDQFjbrzUi_8TKYqa_E8CiHxdtlTvxd3THSV1Vd2efPHC3rrO4/s1600-h/westu%20176%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="westu 176" border="0" height="772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIUvnzN3jC9jL5-t1ruMGcR04MZDi0dthq8ZWwi-UewuEPzKRpYwfCr9QtoCSAMwxxTVCmGiT15TrNfgnc8muKF9G1ChadbWhDCO4RvDXZVgWTo4yglSjx0lWEJTBeu0biPnQRDPTKqGj/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="westu 176" width="437" /></a> And finally, the upstairs laundry room had this adorable checker floor.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbWAF8X8RRI/AAAAAAAAV58/OeGWiABNUwY/s1600-h/image%5B47%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="690" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/SbWAG0If6MI/AAAAAAAAV6E/9J7HxGldDps/image_thumb%5B23%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="1068" /></a> And for the architects and interior designers and especially Stefan, the floor plans.   And so, it’s the end of the West University Festival of New Homes until next year.  I  hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the three houses that really spoke to me.  With each house I toured – I came away thinking “This is the ONE!” – how fickle I am.   You see, I visited a open  house this weekend and let me tell you – boy, was it beautiful.   I’m thinking the open house I toured this weekend was the ONE!!!    Does anyone know the name of a good psychiatrist in Houston?   Specializing in new-house-itis?    I’ve been struggling with this disease for a long time now and my husband is insisting that I get cured, quick.

The Conservatory House

The third and final house in the West University Festival of New Homes 2009 Series is the Conservatory House. Lest you think that the fes...

1:46 PM

Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )

Interior Designs Photo

Two In Houston

The Conservatory House

Popular Posts

Blog Archive