Thanks to a seamless blend of modern ranch-style, Tuscan farmhouse vibes and well chosen antique elements, this new build is full of character with an inherited sense of history. The finishes are both luxurious and resilient. The styling effortless and carefully put together. And the lakeside setting is breathtakingly beautiful. For all those reasons this is one of the world’s best homes. Take the tour, and prepare to be more than a little bit envious. Behind all great homes there’s a great team, and this weekend home is no exception. Interior designer Kara Childress (opens in new tab) was responsible for interpreting her clients’ wishes for a vacation property that would feel like an escape from their everyday lives, working alongside Byer Custom Builders and Ryan Street Architects (opens in new tab). ‘They were looking near to their primary home in Houston, but far enough away to feel like a destination,’ says Kara. ‘This home in Houston Oaks feels like a ranch property with all the amenities – golf, fishing and horseback riding,’ The family of five wanted a forever home Kara explained, one that was ‘capable of meeting the needs of adult children, knowing their family will expand with future grandchildren’. It also had to be livable now as a weekend getaway, but have the capacity to become a permanent residence later in life.
Modern rustic kitchen
Early inspirations for the interior designs were ideas of modern ranch living, explains Kara Childress, ’luxurious yet functional and authentic with modern conveniences and antique elements that give the home character and a timeless sense of place.’ There are plenty of inspiring kitchen ideas here well worth copying, particularly if you’re looking for modern farmhouse style. The kitchen really is the heart of the home and is the perfect blend of antique with modern elements. ‘Reclaimed beams and an 18th century European pantry door are integrated with the convenience of modern appliances and functional workstations that allow for effortless entertaining,’ says Kara. ‘The exterior wall stone is carried in throughout the kitchen for added texture and warmth.’ Task lighting and pull-up seating makes the space multi-functional. The hanging lights are from Circa Lighting (opens in new tab) and illuminate illuminate Lee barstools from James Craig Furnishings (opens in new tab). The leathered Perla Venata quartzite island countertop, sourced from Pomogranit-ADR (opens in new tab), and limestone flooring from Materials Marketing (opens in new tab) infuse an authentic feel.
Double-height dining space
High ceilings and big expanses of steel-framed windows give the dining area a luxurious sense of space. Dining room ideas here include using strong statement pieces to balance the impressive architecture. These include a Ralph Lauren Robertson double-tier chandelier from Visual Comfort & Co (opens in new tab), Lee chairs (opens in new tab), and a custom table from Robert James Collection (opens in new tab) in Chula Vista, California.
Calm seating area
Take two steps down from the formal living room and you reach this cozy and inviting TV viewing area. The swivel chairs allow everyone in the space an unobstructed view of the TV, although from this side of the arch there’s no hint that the elegant spot is all about Netflix!
Living room splendor
This room is the perfect blend of new and old, and for anyone looking for living room ideas, it demonstrates perfectly how older pieces can be used to add character to a new build. This is designer Kara Childress’s favorite room in the entire home. And she says: ‘We incorporated antique building materials into this modern structure, as well as antique furniture with the comforts of luxury upholstery. The piece that drove that space architecturally was the 17th-century reclaimed stone mantel from the Champagne region of France. We didn’t want to put the TV over the fireplace which presented the issue of finding a tall, narrow armoire capable of concealing the TV while also balancing out the size and scale of the mantel.’ In the end, Kara found the perfect solution. A charming 19th century armoire doubles as a large TV and game storage unit, which can be closed off for more intimate family time or formal entertaining. The room is flanked with oversized steel and glass windows that flood the room with natural light.
Study and homework space
When the homeowners asked that their vacation home be flexible, ready to grow with the family and its changing needs, this space is exactly what they had in mind and it’s full of home office ideas. The multifunctional study serves as both homework space for the kids, and business meeting space for the adults. The large windows provide ample natural light needed for a study’s use, while the metal doors offer a separate entrance for business meetings to avoid entering through the family home. Table from Vieux Interiors (opens in new tab); dining chairs and sofa, both Lee; coffee table, Interlude (opens in new tab); club chairs, Verellen (opens in new tab); rug, Stark (opens in new tab); light fxture, Circa.
Outdoor kitchen and dining space
This covered outdoor kitchen and dining space serves several purposes – cooking, dining, football watching, lounging by the pool and fishing by the lake. Perfect for entertaining with a backdrop of stunning lake views, the outdoor porch houses a custom table with stone from Alamo Stone (opens in new tab) and Kingsley Bate chairs through Ladco (opens in new tab). ‘A Walker Zanger (opens in new tab) tile backsplash and Chapman & Myers Bedford lantern from Circa Lighting in the cooking area round out the monochromatic palette,’ adds Kara.
The view from the outdoor kitchen…
The homeowners wanted the ability to entertain their family and friends in a generous space with views of the private lake. Mission accomplished.
Bedroom – with that view again
The owner’s suite offers incredible views of the lake, as well as full access to the back porch and pool patio. With the wooden beams and rafters exposed the bedroom has an air of rustic and historic grandeur.
Bedroom with beams
Gray may seem an unusual color choice for a bedroom, but Kara knew it would work well for this boy’s room and create a cozy space. Other bedroom ideas worth a mention – besides those impressive crossing ceiling beams – are the Desmond Open Oval Lantern from Visual Comfort & Co (opens in new tab), which fills the space above the Palecek (opens in new tab) bed, and antique gym bench from Schwung Home (opens in new tab) in High Point, North Carolina, and a vintage rug from Matt Camron Rugs & Tapestries (opens in new tab). The walls and ceiling are painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Downing Slate shade.
Powder room with modern rustic style
This powder room may be small, but it’s perfectly formed and beautifully curated, thanks to Kara’s dreamy scheme. ‘The antique sink, lantern and cement tiles from Chateau Domingue (opens in new tab) mix with a mirror and wall sconces from Skelton-Culver (opens in new tab)– all against a backdrop of plaster walls painted with Sherwin-Williams Mega Greige (opens in new tab),’ says Kara.
Lakeside location
This private patio and pool terrace is positioned close to the waterfront for the whole family to enjoy. The multiple gathering areas and spacious layout of the terrace perfectly embed this space into its landscape. The pool itself is situated nearly on the waterfront and offers the illusion that it is one with the water. All the outdoor furniture here is by Janus et Cie. (opens in new tab) Asked whether she’s happy with how her designs have worked out for this special lakeside retreat, designer Kara Childress says: ‘I am delighted with the end result, and so are our clients! We love knowing how many memories will be made in this home in the coming years, and that it will serve as an idyllic place to retreat when our clients transition to living there full time.’
