When our clients stepped into this lovely Avalon Place home for the first time, they felt it couldn’t be saved. Over the years, previous homeowners had added onto the original home, leaving behind a too trendy footprint. It was disjointed and dated, in desperate need of updates and a cohesive design. Our clients believed that in order to get the timeless home they wanted, they would need to raze the structure and start fresh.

Naturally, our first step in this project was to convince them otherwise. No matter how overwhelming home renovation projects seem at first, the final result is always worth it. Here’s how we saved this home from the brink of the bulldozer!

Houston Home Renovation Design Challenges

The home was built in the 1930s, around the time when Avalon Place was first being developed. This stretch of 400 acres within River Oaks had once been farmland. It was purchased by the Dickey family in the late 19th Century. William Dickey began developing the land in 1936, when the economy was poor, and plans for a 2,500 sq. ft. home cost around $60. Over the years, the neighborhood became one of the most coveted in Houston, with its close proximity to downtown, its mature live oaks, and wide boulevards.

When our clients purchased the home, they planned on bulldozing the existing structure and building over it. While the home had been cared for, our clients felt it needed too many upgrades and that starting anew was more economical.

Fortunately, that didn’t happen. We worked with our trusted partners, Newberry Architecture and Blue River Custom Homes to create a new design to highlight the home’s historic character. We took the house down to the studs and rebuilt it in a way that honors the original architecture. I will admit, however, presenting the new architecture plan to the owners was a big design risk.

It was worth the wait! Although, it took almost two years to complete the renovation, our clients are so proud of the way everything came together. And we couldn’t be more excited to have this collected interior featured in Rue Magazine.

Third Time’s a Charm

This the third project we’ve worked on with this family, so we understand their design aesthetic well. The homeowners are a young family of four with two daughters. The wife calls Ireland her home, and they spend much of their time together running 5ks and giving back to their favorite charities.

Let the Home Renovations Begin

For their renovation, they wanted to highlight the home’s historic roots. They desired a luxurious, yet functional space that could stand up to an active family and pup! We selected all the finishes, fixtures, and furnishings through the interior to pay homage to the home’s original design and because of their durability. Brass finishes, an original chandelier, and unique tile patterns allow the home’s history to shine. Quartz countertops and washable paint finishes ensure the interior will feel fresh for years to come.

Now without further ado, let’s take a look inside this River Oaks home renovation project.

Houston Home Renovation: The Front Room

Our Houston clients are always requesting formal spaces to use for entertaining their guests. Oftentimes, music rooms are at the top of that list. This music room incorporates multiple conversation areas that are perfect both intimate gatherings and large soirees.

Of course, we wanted their heirloom piano to take center stage. The sleek black piano pops against the crisp white walls and creates a beautiful focal point. Emerald green drapery and a sapphire accent chair add depth and glamour to this Classically Current music room.

The room features a painted view of San Francisco, which is a unique and personal art piece. While staying at a hotel in San Francisco, our clients fell in love with the view. They commissioned an artist to paint the exact view of the street from their hotel window. Now they get to enjoy that view everyday!

Houston Home Renovation: Kitchen

The kitchen is an interesting combination of luxe brass and warm copper. Brass accents warm up the cool stainless steel appliances and cabinetry. Aged, copper accessories infuse character and personality into the design. The farmhouse sink, bistro stools, and pendant lights give this kitchen a sophisticated, French feel. For more kitchen remodeling inspiration, head over to this post on the blog!

Houston Home Renovation: Dining Room

When it comes to creating that WOW factor in a room, one of my go-to design elements is a statement light fixture. As soon as I walked into our client’s dining room, this gorgeous chandelier caught my eye – it’s an original to the home! I love how the crystals give it visual weight, but it still has an effortlessness to it.

A subtle pattern on the Schumacher wallpaper mirrors the crystals on the chandelier and creates a beautiful, neutral backdrop. The dark wood dining table and black finish on the wishbone chairs add a masculine touch to this sophisticated dining room. The deep, rich finishes ground the design without sacrificing the visual appeal. Brass candlesticks and a gold bar cart give the space a luxe touch. It’s a beautiful modern interpretation of a traditional, formal dining room.

Houston Home Renovation: Master Suite

You’ll find the emerald green color palette used throughout the interior carried into the master suite as well. The design is clean, simple, elegant, and refined. Touches of navy, emerald, and yellow soften the more masculine gray, cream, and white color palette.

One of my favorite areas in the master suite is the corner reading nook. The brass floor lamp give you plenty of reading light and an interesting side table provides the perfect spot for your cup of coffee.

We completely redesigned the master bathroom from top to bottom. The Laura U team drew the vanities and cabinets to give our clients the storage space they need. This custom design is made for this space and truly one-of-a-kind! A gray upholstered wall behind the mirror make the space feel more cozy.

To turn their bathroom into a showstopping space, we paired a freestanding soaker tub with a stunning black and white tile floor. It adds a subtle touch of drama to this relaxing, light filled master bathroom.

Houston Home Renovation: Girls’ Bathroom

For the girls’ bathroom, we wanted the design to be playful and bold. The taupes, grays, and blush pinks in the Kate Spade wallpaper are soft and feminine without feeling too young. Reminiscent of a flower, the ceiling light fixture adds beautiful visual texture to the ceiling. It’s a classic, chic bathroom that will easily transition with the girls as they get older.

Honoring Their Historic Home

Historical touches turn this home into a space that’s warm and inviting. The interior is clean, classic, and perfect for this young family. Rich colors, luxe metallic accents, and gorgeous heirloom pieces throughout create a collected, timeless home. It’s a place they’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.