Stalking Houston Real Estate: Part Deux

Persuing a favorite pastime of mine (see earlier article: Stalking Houston Real Estate) while on vacation in not-so-sunny South Padre Island (more about that another time!), I struck oil! It isn't often that a home published in Architectural Digest goes up for sale in Houston, but one has and it is fabulous. Designed by Michael Siller for himself and his partner, the owner of Hokanson custom rugs, the house is located in River Oaks, Houston's most exclusive neighborhood. More of a townhouse, than a home, the interiors are filled with Russian antiques and paintings. The house is so perfect, I am wondering, where are they possibly moving to?

For the truly eagled eye, if this looks vaguely familiar, featured in this April's AD, is the house next door, a sort of "sister project," also designed by Michael Siller. For those who missed the original story in AD, here are some pictures from the Houston Associates of Realtors web site. Enjoy!

> The piano nobile living room. Note the detailed moldings.

Checks, done by Michael Siller. Love this!

Green library, note the rug, by the owner Larry Hokanson.

Very formal dining room.

Master bedroom, rug again by Hokason. Note the doorway pediments.

Gorgeous multifloor stairwell with parquet wood floors. Again, note the doorways.

Houston, French Style: Indulge

It seems people who read this blog were interested in this pink headboard I posted under "A Touch of Pink." The headboard is the design of a darling, fair-haired shop owner named Cynthia Davis. Her charming store, Indulge, is located in Houston's tony River Oaks area in an even more charming building rebuilt by her husband, noted architect Issac Preminger. The Provencal inspired gardens and interiors of Indulge are so overwhelmingly beautiful, that shopping is sometimes a secondary excuse to visit. The entry, guarded by her three large Briard dogs, is shaded by an awning. Just inside the front door is a room fauxed the most beautiful shade of blue. In the foyer, Cynthia has displayed the entire Juliska glass collection. Upstairs are baby goods. To the left and right are plates, glass, kitchenware, gardening goods, bath linens, and furniture. Weekly delivered orchids of every variety are available, along with French home magazines. Though this location is still new, Cynthia has already outgrown the space and is opening a second location to showcase her furniture. Truly an indulgence of the senses from the fragrances to the eye candy - Indulge is a delight.


A faux bois vase sits on a table styled by Cynthia.



The soft spoken Cynthia and her debonair husband Issac at home with their three "babies."



The entry, with stucco walls. Note the stone doorway on the left.




The powder room at Indulge.

The "Issac" headboard available from the web site.

Another headboard custom designed by Cynthia lies under a typical french window.

Furniture by the French based Blanc d' Ivoire, a personal favorite of mine.

Cynthia and Issac's bungalow was the cover story of Cottage Living this spring.

Gates custom designed by Issac lead to the front courtyard, allowing the couple to utilize the outdoor area for extra living space.


Provencal inspired landscaping.

Rattan, iron tables, and wood antiques give the house it's French charm.

That touch of pink with a faux bois table and antique French leather chairs.

The original "Issac" bed that started it all.