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!

This 1930s home underwent a complete renovation to restore it”s historic character
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. 

The iron stair railing was definitely something we wanted to keep

This chic black and white stair runner makes quite the statement when you enter

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.

Before photo of the family room before renovations started

Opening up the top shelves and replacing the cabinet doors completely changes the look of this built-in piece

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.

Brass accents give this powder bath a modern, industrial feel
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.

Black, white and pops of bright colors create a playful space for their girls
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.

Neutral colors plus touches of rich jewel tones create a luxuriously comfortable space
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.

Love the detailing on these emerald green stools!

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!

Before renovations, there wasn”t a designated office space – just this built in desk

These bistro chairs and pendant lights are tres chic!
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.

We wanted to make this kitchen space big enough for the whole family to use

Copper accessories were the perfect finishing touch in this French inspired kitchen
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.

I love that this chandelier was a part of the original home!

The matte black finish gives these classic wishbone chairs a modern feel

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.

What a relaxing spot to sit down and relax at the end of the day!
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.

The perfect spot to curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book

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.

Custom designed cabinets turn this into a truly unique bathroom

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.

Cafe curtains and a gorgeous tile floor make a subtle, yet dramatic statement

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.

Interesting light fixtures and playful wallpaper give this bathroom lots of personality
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.

An antique desk and chair add history and richness to this home office
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.

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