For these jet-setting empty nesters, soft contemporary details and entertaining elements were top of mind in order to keep this build fun and fresh. The end result? A colorfully curated blend of art and furnishings to help soar their next chapter to new heights.
Featuring work from contemporary artist David Row (McClain Gallery; mcclaingallery.com), the sitting room offers the perfect mix of ease and sophistication. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER
The bar cart nook located in the kitchen features colorful art from FOUND (foundforthehome.com). PHOTO BY JULIE SOEFER
It only made sense that Tom and Hetty Ball opted to swap their single-family home in The Woodlands for a Memorial Park mid-rise condo. The newly retired couple knew exactly what they wanted in a residence: a contemporary, family-friendly space offering the flexibility to “lock and leave.” For starters, both are avid travelers—not to mention private pilots with a shared passion for vintage aircrafts. (They even own a rare World War II P-51 Mustang.) The pair also love to entertain, which often includes visits from their two young grandchildren.
Houston interior designer Julie Dodson (dodsoninteriors.com) was an ideal fit for the project, creating a fresh, fun, eminently livable space. With comfort and low maintenance being top priorities, she combined indoor-outdoor fabrics, colorful artwork and just enough whimsy to allow the eye to wander.
The homeowners wanted to steer toward a neutral color palette. PHOTO BY STYLED BY AMANDA MEDSGER
“Julie made sure all the beautiful fabrics were high-wear and stain-resistant,” says Hetty. “We constantly appreciate—and marvel—that our active 2-year-old grandson can play on the furniture and it still looks fabulous.”
Utilizing the homeowners’ existing table and chairs, Dodson added a fresh spin by reupholstering the chairs in Lelièvre fabric from The Joseph Company. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER
Except for the dining room table and chairs—which were reupholstered to coordinate with the home’s swoonworthy color palette—all furnishings, draperies and accessories were custom designed or purchased specifically for the space. “Julie was able to grasp exactly what we wanted and translate that into selecting lovely pieces that reflect our personalities so well,” says Hetty. “We wanted a home that reflected this new carefree chapter in our lives. It needed to be fun, light, fresh and family-friendly with sophisticated touches.”
The entryway carries a sense of drama with accents including wallpaper from Carlisle & Co. and a custom table skirt by The Joseph Company in a Jacquard fabric from Aldeco. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER
Through a clever mixture of existing elements and a highly curated collection of artwork, Dodson put her magical spin on the space, helping to obtain the homeowners’ desire for the ultimate respite and revelry hub.
To create the ultimate respite, the primary bedroom features bedding from Longoria Collection and upholstered chairs from Ladco. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER
LOCATION
Memorial Park
INTERIOR DESIGN
Julie Dodson, Dodson Interiors
dodsoninteriors.com
ARCHITECTURE
Mirador Group
miradorgroup.com
Arteriors
Sitting room stools
arteriorshome.com
Interlude Home
Kitchen bar stools
interludehome.com
Longoria Collection
Primary bedroom bedding
longoriacollection.com
Madison Lily Rugs
Living room and sitting room rugs
madisonlily.com
Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture
Primary bedroom bench and kitchen paintings
meredithodonnell.com
Shabby Slips Home
Entryway lamp and bar cart
shabbyslipshome.com
Vaughan
Primary bedroom mirrors
vaughandesigns.com
Photography by:
