Calling all Houston architecture buffs: We have a new River Oaks listing that just went on MLS earlier this afternoon. It’s not the most expensive or largest home we’ve ever listed. But its pedigree is outstanding. If you like classic American architecture, you will love this house. Winner of the 2011 John Staub Award from
If you live in an older home dating from, say, the 1920s through the 1960s, chances are your kitchen pantry is inadequate. Some grand older houses have butler’s pantries, where final prep was performed before service. But I’m talking about those catch-all kitchen closets where one keeps canned food, paper goods, spices and such. As
What’s the single grossest thing at your home? Chances are it’s your garbage bin, the nasty outdoor one with the cruddy food spills, dripped paint and who knows what else in there. If you’re like me, my daily deposit of kitchen refuse into the outdoor bin is usually accomplished by lifting the lid with just
We Texans observe Texas State Arbor Day on the first Friday of November. With our wicked hot summers, it’s kinder and often smarter to plant young trees in the fall so they can become established before summer’s searing heat. However, National Arbor Day is always observed the last Friday of April. With that in mind,
If you’re serious about gardening, then you’ve at least considered composting. It’s the classic and old-fashioned way to build better soil, foster a healthier ecosystem and, not least, save a little money over the long term. Composting is also a simple and inexpensive way to reduce and reuse kitchen and garden waste. Gardeners know that
Houston’s go-to floor company – for both exquisite new floors and the restoration of old floors – is Schenck & Company. Owner/namesake Greg Schenck (photo at right) bought the fledgling company from a buddy more than 35 years ago. He had no background installing floors or woodworking, but that did not dampen his enthusiasm or
photos by Taylor Byrne Dodge My daughter and I often cook together, so naturally we like to attend cooking classes together as well. Here in Houston we are fans of Central Market’s cooking school where we take a class every six months or so. A few weeks ago we learned to prepare three wild game
Nearly every homeowner has a streak of DIY spirit in them. Indeed, one of the joys of home ownership is making changes so your house better suits you and your family. For some, that might be as simple as painting the powder room. But what about the bigger jobs? Sure, you might be able to
American architect Gil Schafer is known for creating personal and timeless homes that celebrate the lives of their owners. They are spaces intended for making and keeping memories. To that end, Schafer’s brand-new book, A Place to Call Home: Tradition, Style, and Memory in the New American House (Rizzoli, $55) pulls back the curtain on
Every great garden has a water feature. It’s the finishing touch that charms the ears even as it soothes the eyes. Installing a pond is not difficult and does not have to be expensive. Look around the internet and you’ll find many pond-and-fountain kits just right for the patio. Just add water, plug in the