This home is located in the historic Heights neighborhood in Houston, Texas, not far from downtown. The house’s main areas were more compartmentalized when they moved in, which meant knocking down a few walls and reconfiguring the kitchen to get an open floor plan. The newly-redone kitchen is definitely the main focal point when you walk in, which I suspect was the plan all along. I’m partial to a minimalist gray and white palette, so when I walked into her home, I immediately loved everything about the kitchen.

The rest of the home has been updated with paint and new flooring, although some of the wood floors are original to the 1910 construction. The tile in the guest bathroom is especially charming. Aside from the smart layout, the neutral palette and mix of textures and patterns was stunning.

Our Style: Updated takes on traditional design, understated elegance, clean lines, and neutral colors.

Inspiration: We really like Nancy Meyers’ movie sets, cozy lakeside homes, and modern farmhouses. Also, Pinterest, Houzz, and interior design blogs and magazines were really helpful during our renovation. I am constantly looking for inspiration for future homes… it would be a dream to do this professionally!

Favorite Element: The kitchen. We spent a significant amount of time coming up with a functional layout with an aesthetic that matches the house’s Craftsman roots. The original wood floors and natural light are strong runners-up.

Biggest Challenge: Choosing white paint for both the interior and the exterior of the house. Who knew there were so many options!

What Friends Say: Cozy, inviting, bright, and elegant.

Biggest Embarrassment: The master bathroom doesn’t fit with the rest of the house; we hope to update it in the future. Oh, and dog hair- we constantly vacuum.

Biggest Indulgence: The renovation was a huge indulgence which we undertook before moving in. We completely redesigned the kitchen, knocked down a few walls, refinished the floors, and painted the interior and exterior of the house.

Best Advice: Buy what makes you happy and what you think will work in many different places around the house or in future homes. Also, don’t be afraid to test things out in your space… many stores have surprisingly friendly return policies.

Dream Sources: Antique shops in Savannah, GA, and upstate New York, the Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas, Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie, One Kings Lane, Serena & Lily, Kuhl-Linscomb in Houston, and Juliska for dinnerware.

• Interior paint: Sherwin-Williams Snowbound (with 50% more white)

• Gray sofa: Restoration Hardware
• White chairs: Chic Warehouse
• Coffee table: Restoration Hardware
• Cross base ottomans: West Elm
• Pillows: Arianna Belle, The Pillow Company
• Abstract painting: NG Collective
• Woman dancing print: Wayne Pate
• Garden stool: One Kings Lane
• Black side tables: One Fish Two Fish in Savannah, GA
• Curtain rods: Serena & Lily
• Linen Curtains: Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

• Table: Restoration Hardware
• End chairs: Restoration Hardware
• Ghost chairs: High Fashion Home
• China: Juliska and vintage Wedgewood
• OP art etching: Richard Anuszkiewicz
• Abstract face on panel: Sally King Benedict
• Rug: Dash & Albert
• Linen curtains: Restoration Hardware Baby & Child
• Curtain rods: Serena & Lily
• Nelson saucer pendant: Design Within Reach

• Countertops: Caesarstone Quartz in Misty Carrera
• Backsplash tile: Walker Zanger Cocoon Mosaic in Fog
• Sink: Shaws original apron sink
• Range, oven, and dishwasher: Thermador
• Cabinet paint: standard white in semi-gloss
• Back hallway print: Nida Pellizzer

• Headboard: Pier 1
• Nightstands: West Elm
• Bedside lamps: Pottery Barn
• Reading chair: Restoration Hardware
• Reading light: Restoration Hardware
• Curtains: Ikea Ritva
• Curtain rods: Serena & Lily

• Nightstands: Target
• Nightstand lamps: Ikea
• Desk: Target
• Desk lamp: Foscarini
• Desk chair: Pottery Barn
• Dresser: Ikea
• Curtains: Serena & Lily
• Curtain rods: Serena & Lily
• Persian rug: vintage
• Three Chiefs lithograph: Edward Curtis
• Round ocean drawing: Hannah P. Mode

• Mirror: Pottery Barn
• Basket: West Elm
• Storage cabinet: Target
• Sconces: Robert Abbey

• Console table: Chic Warehouse
• Sofa: Crate & Barrel
• Sconce: Circa Lighting
• Pillows: Studio McGee and Pier 1
• Chair: Ikea
• Coffee table: West Elm
• Linen curtains: Restoration Hardware Baby & Child
• Curtain rods: Serena & Lily
• Bouquet print: Wayne Pate

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