Sad News: Oak Trees in Houston's Upper Kirby District are chopped down

My favorite trees in the city (North Blvd. in the Museum District) Fortunately, these were not torn down.

I think I've made my love of oak trees pretty clear through some of my previous posts. They are so majestic and beautiful. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and do they add character, they are important for the environment. You can imagine my sadness and disappointment when I read this morning's news.

Image via Flickr member J-A-X

Farmhouse Style, Two Ways

{A Stunning Sonoma Ranch by Walker-Warner Architects}

I believe that travel is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Visiting new destinations and old favorites is a great way to get a change of scenery, to broaden our horizons, and to find inspiration. I am fortunate that my career allows me to travel often as it is something I need and crave tremendously. Aside from spending time with my husband, revisiting one of my favorite regions in the country, and imbibing delicious food and drink, one of the things I am most looking forward to as we embark on our trip to Napa this week is the architecture. I seem to find inspiration everywhere I turn in Napa. I love the style sensibility and lifestyle there and am more than ready to soak it all up. I love farmhouse style architecture, especially when its done in a classic, clean-lined way like what you find in Northern California by the likes of such great architects as Howard Backen. It feels like classic Americana and celebrates indoor/outdoor living. What's not to love? 

Today, I am taking a look at Farmhouse Style done two ways-- classic and modern. Technically, neither of these homes are in Napa, but they truly capture the essence of chic farmhouse style.

The first home is a classic farmhouse and ranch in Sonoma, California by Walker-Warner Architects. Located amongst the rolling hills of a vineyard and nestled between majestic oak trees, the house actually has clean, contemporary bones. For some, the thought of a classic farmhouse may evoke images of roosters, wicker furniture, and lots of red and yellow fabrics. Conversely, the white facade, metal roof, sliding doors that bring the outdoors in, and crisp, neutral palette are the very definition of "Classic California Farmhouse Style" in my eyes. 

{Sliding Doors, A Crisp White Exterior, and Slate Patio-- Classic Farmhouse Style!}

{A Beautiful Courtyard}

{I really love this shot. It captures the splendid California light I'm always talking about rather beautifully. The beamed ceiling and white and ivory palette are perfection in this setting. I tend to gravitate towards color, but there is something to be said about the restraint used here.}

{I love that the dining room opens onto an outdoor dining area. So perfect for California living!}

{The Outdoor Dining Area}

{The kitchen is quintessential farmhouse chic. Can't you picture Ina Garten filming her show in this kitchen? I really think blonde woods are going to start making a big comeback. For the last ten years, most people have gravitated towards dark wood stains, but I really believe that lighter stains and finishes will be huge this year.}

This next house isn't in the California Wine Country, but in South Carolina. In spite of its location, it still captures the feeling of a modern California farmhouse. It reminds me so much of the Solage Resort in Calistoga where we will be staying. While the farmhouse essence is very similar, you'll notice that this home, designed by architect, Heather A. Wilson, is a bit more streamlined and definitely has a more modern feel. The interior is fabulous, but I really fell in love with the outdoor areas of this fantastic house.

{This living room has a much more modern feel and features much more color.}

{The kitchen has a slightly industrial vibe, but woodwork and casual style really capture the essence of a modern farmhouse.}

{Another View of the Kitchen-- Notice the Grey Cabinetry and Grey Wash on the Floor}

{Overall, the palette is still pretty neutral in this house, but there are unexpected pops of color that really bring the spaces to life, including this lovely turquoise lantern in the dining room.}

{It's too bad the house isn't in the California wine country because it would be right at home there with this fabulous wine room! I love that it is all clean and classic as opposed to being gimmicky with wrought iron and murals of grapes or the Tuscan countryside.}

{Now we are getting to the really good stuff! This was the first image I saw of this project while perusing Pinterest and I genuinely thought this house would have been smack dab in the middle of Napa. I love that the patio feels like a central courtyard becoming a focal point in the house. Imagine how great this area would be for entertaining?

{Looking Towards the Outdoor Bathroom}

{Another Pretty Turquoise Lantern}

{White Brick, Limestone Pavers, A Fireplace, Beamed Ceilings, and White Slipcovered Furniture Make for a Fabulous Outdoor Living Area}

Do you enjoy Farmhouse Style? Do you prefer the classic or modern variety?

{Images 1-8 via Walker-Warner Architects | Images 9-18 via Heather A. Wilson, Architect}

Lately...

{Selecting Fabrics for a Design Project}

The past few weeks have been busy, busy, busy around here! Fabian just got back from High Point last night and between my trip to California and his being at market, we hadn't seen each other in two weeks. Luckily, I was able to stay busy while we were apart. In between working on design projects for my clients, I've been able to do some pretty cool things this month. Here's a glimpse from my Instagram. 

{We went to Round Top on closing day for the first time ever and came home with a few treasures including this gorgeous gilded wheat sheaf table. Even Tate approves! I can't wait to go back to Round Top in the Spring. I am hooked!}

{Roco, an interior design magazine based in Ireland, published a lovely feature about me in their new issue.}

{I was honored to speak about blogging at Design Camp along with Christian May and Julie Thigpen. You can find my Top 10 Blogging Tips here.}

{After Design Camp, I drove to Los Angeles to spend the weekend with my dear friend, Mark Sikes whose home you're probably familiar with since it has become a huge favorite around the blogosphere.}

{The Lovely Terrace off of the Guest Bedroom-- Isn't this stunning? Sadly, I can't think of any place this scenic in Houston.}

{We had a lot of fun shopping, eating, celebrity spotting, talking design, and making each other laugh! We also visited Mecox Gardens on La Cienega, a favorite design destination for both me and Mark.}

{As soon as I got back from California, I spoke on a panel about social media and interior design at the Decorative Center Houston along with these lovely ladies.}

{While Houston lacks the hills of West Hollywood, we do have a few scenic spots, including one of y favorite streets-- North Boulevard which is lined with majestic live oak trees.}

{Tate is ready for Halloween! He came home from the groomer with a batty bandana. I love that little face!}

For daily updates, follow me on Instagram @ladolcevitablog!

A Stroll through Tanglewood

I thought this house was just gorgeous. It's a shame that I didn't get a shot of the whole thing. It's a newer construction but it has details that make it look like a Spanish Mediterranean from the 1920's. I can't get over the carved front door and the beautiful moulding surrounding it.

As many of you already know, I have a very strong affinity for houses and am lucky to have a husband who doesn't mind driving around some of Houston's most beautiful and exclusive neighborhoods while we ogle the houses and daydream about what we hope to have some day. Last Sunday, we chose to drive through Tanglewood, an exclusive neighborhood just west of the 610 loop near the Galleria. Like most of Houston's older neighborhoods, Tanglewood has experienced a lot of new construction and as a result, features homes in many different styles.

This is what a typical home original to the neighborhood looks like.

A lot of the traditional brick homes currently being built in Houston's high-end neighborhoods use imported European brick (some might use a faux version, I'm not sure). It looks weathered and almost limed and is quite lovely in person.

I just had to get a shot of this behemoth. The massive house is surrounded by an equally enormous privacy wall, which was probably meant to keep snoops like me from photographing their home. Despite the wall and yellow paint, it is a tastefully done Mediterranean unlike the house across the street from it. How about that incredible canopy of oak trees?

This 6,900 square foot home is currently on the market for $4.8 million. The front looks dirty, but I believe that was done on purpose in order to make it appear older. I suppose the owner thought it added charm. It looks kind of creepy at night.
The lines of this house remind me of a California Craftsman, but they added a tile roof which is a different choice for this type of home.

This is a new construction by Black Diamond.

I love this house! I love the creamy stucco and the contrast of the blue shutters. I also really like the symmetry of the front door and windows on the first floor. They did a lovely job with the landscaping.

Interesting elevation, nice landscaping

We thought this house was cool. It looks like a traditional house that was altered to look more contemporary. We're assuming the owners are art collectors, as several sculptures were visible from the street.

Another French inspired stucco house. This seems to be the new trend in new construction in the high-end market. I really like this style.

A more traditional house, which showcases symmetry throughout it's elevation. I love the doors along the front porch.

Tanglewood is filled with many tastefully done Mediterranean houses which are a rarity in Houston. I love the detailed moulding surrounding the windows in the foreground.

Houston, we have a problem.

I am a Houston girl, born and raised. There are many things I love about my city although I have been "exiled" in the suburbs for almost two years now. One of my absolute favorite things to do is drive around the city's most beautiful neighborhoods. Last summer, I wrote a post, Urban Beauty, which was devoted to my favorite place in Houston, the Museum District (Southampton, Broadacres, West University). It is home to beautiful historic homes and the most gorgeous Live Oak trees you'll ever see. You'll find a mix of stately mansions, charming cottages and bungalows, and some tasteful new homes. Unfortunately, there has been a recent infux of new McMansions being constructed on lots where beautiful old homes once stood.

It breaks my heart to see how little regard our city has for its past. Last year, it was announced that several Houston landmarks were going to be demolished so that they could be replaced with shopping strips and high-rise condominiums. While old homes have been replaced by new ones all over town for many years (The Heights, Bellaire, Memorial, etc.), I find it especially heartwrenching to think that the place that I consider to be the most beautiful in the city is changing so much.

When will Houston learn that the past should be cherished? Perhaps this is why I love cities like New York and San Francisco as much as I do. Things change there, too, but they manage to keep the historical integrity of their cities in tact. If Houston continues at this rate, what will we have left? It's shameful, really.

Here are some examples of some lovely old homes which have been torn down and replaced with new suburban-style homes.

Exhibit A Before: 1932 Cottage on beautiful North Boulevard

It angers me that it was a lovely, completely livable home with tons of charm and character, yet someone felt the need to tear it down and replace it with yet another Tuscan style house.

The Kitchen looks updated, though it seems the former owners maintained some of the original charm.

Great, original mouldings in the living room

Exhibit A After: A 4,500 square foot McMansion on a 6,000 square foot lot

As you can imagine, the interior is "Tuscan Inspired".

Exhibit B: 1938 English-Style Cottage on South Boulevard
It had so much character.

As you can see, it is on a very desirable, scenic street.

A side view of the house

Exhibit C on Albans Road
Scheduled to be demolished soon