Nosy Questions for David Bush

February 1, 2024February 1, 2024Teresa Byrne-Dodge

David Bush has been executive director of Preservation Houston since 2015. Founded in 1978, Preservation Houston is the only citywide, public service, historic preservation organization in Houston.* It is best known for a its lush architectural books, walking tours of historic neighborhoods and the annual Good Brick Awards program that honors...

Art in the Ozarks

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023Teresa Byrne-Dodge

What did you do over your summer vacation? Cameron and I traveled widely, from Hawaii to Cape Cod. But one of the most rewarding outings was a road trip to Arkansas topped off by a visit at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. It’s a long day’s drive...

Nosy Questions for Lynette Hawkins

July 19, 2023July 19, 2023Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Is there anything more deliciously satisfying than a casual neighborhood trattoria and wine bar where the owner is also the chef, and she’s always – always! – on the premises? Lynette Hawkins opened Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino in 2009, and since then she has cooked her way into our hearts with...

Take a Look at Two New Listings

June 15, 2023June 15, 2023Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Attention, lovers of fab architecture: We have two new listings, and they are both outstanding examples of their styles. One is a Prairie home with a strong Mid-Century Modern accent. It whispers Frank Lloyd Wright, but without his leaky roofs, itty-bitty closets and wretched kitchens. The other is an exuberant homage...

Ready for Your Home’s Close-up?

April 16, 2023April 16, 2023Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Let’s say you decide to put your vacation home on AirBnB or VRBO. You’ll want professional-quality photos to show it to its best advantage, right? Or maybe you’re fluffing your River Oaks home in advance of a magazine photo shoot. (Congratulations!) Or your real estate agent has hired an architectural photographer...

Let’s Watch Birds

February 20, 2023June 15, 2023Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Our favorite gift for people these days is a birdfeeder, a bag of black oil sunflower seeds and a bird guide. Crazy, right? It works as a house-warming gift to new homeowners or birthday present to a young child, as a present to someone in the suburbs or living in a...

Nosy Questions with Thomas Kligerman

December 21, 2022December 21, 2022Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Architect Thomas Kligerman was in Houston in December for a book-signing and presentation to a crowd of enthusiastic fans at Greenwood King’s Lobby. His local appearance was sponsored by the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art. Kligerman is known for a robust architectural style that draws from English traditions as well...

A Dozen Things to Know about the Gardens at Bayou Bend

October 18, 2022October 20, 2022Teresa Byrne-Dodge

As I’ve mentioned before in this blog, I am now a proud docent at Bayou Bend,* class of 2020. Almost all of our docent education centers on the house and its collection of American decorative arts. But recently I presented a paper on the history of the gardens at Bayou Bend....

Nosy Questions for Tyler Horne

August 8, 2022October 3, 2022Teresa Byrne-Dodge

If you’ve been to the farmers market on Saturday mornings at the St. John parking lot on Westheimer at Buffalo Speedway, you have surely noticed its director, Tyler Horne. He’s the unflappable boyish-looking guy with answers to a constant stream of questions from shoppers, staff and vendors. Horne left a job...

Do You Know Your American Furniture Styles?

May 19, 2022May 20, 2022Teresa Byrne-Dodge

I’ll admit it: One of the best things about being a River Oaks real estate agent is the chance to see some spectacular architecture, landscape design and, indoors, furniture and decorative arts. Fine antiques in an elegant setting are a balm to the soul as well as to the eyes. I’m...