Two story window with arches and shutters. Cornice with artwork above and drapery panels. Traditional

スタイル工房＿stylekoubou

Dustin Wright

Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end. Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date. New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space. The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location. High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use. Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature. Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.

Classic Traditional Style, cast concrete countertops, walnut island top, hand hewn beams, radiant floor heat, distressed beam ceiling, traditional kitchen, classic bathroom design, pedestal sink, freestanding tub, Glen Eden Ashville carpet, Glen Eden Natural Cords Earthenware carpet, Stark Stansbury Jade carpet, Stark Stansbury Black carpet, Zanella Engineered Walnut Rosella flooring, Travertine Versai, Spanish Cotta Series in Matte, Alpha Tumbled Mocha, NSDG Multi Light slate; Alpha Mojave marble, Alpha New Beige marble, Ann Sacks BB05 Celery, Rocky Mountain Hardware. Photo credit: Farrell Scott

William Psolka, psolka-photo.com

At the start of the project, the clients proposed an interesting programmatic requirement; design a home that is comfortable enough for a husband and wife to live in, while being large enough for the entire extended family to gather at. The result is a traditional old world style home that is centered around a large great room ideal for hosting family gatherings during the holidays and weekends alike. A 9′ by 16′ pocketing sliding door opens the great room up to the back patio and the views of the Edna Valley foothills beyond. With 14 grandchildren in the family, a fully outfitted game room was a must, along with a home gym and office. The combination of large living spaces and private rooms make this home the ideal large family retreat.

J. Levi Myers

Дмитрий Лившиц

William Quarles

Photography by Misty, Plano TX

Architecture: Brooks & Falotico Associates Photography: Kirt Washington

This gorgeous home interior was designed by our professional interior designers in North Houston. Please contact us with any questions and don't forget to ask about your free interior design consultation. We would love to help you make your house uniquely yours! Star Furniture 18107 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77090 281-440-3330