Summer Street Studio
In 2009, we purchased this late 19th century Queen Anne cottage in Houston’s First Ward. Although it required extensive restoration, it was clear that the structure had good bones and would make an excellent space for our studio and office.
The house was taken down to the studs, and was given all new mechanical systems. New two over two windows were installed to replace inappropriate aluminum ones, and new trim was milled to replicate what would have existed in a house of this type. The beautiful 5” plank original heart pine floors were restored, and original wainscot, which was hidden below shabby drywall, was removed, sanded, cleaned and re-installed.
Our intention for the studio was to restore the house as authentically as possible, while treating the decoration of the interior in a clean and modern way. The walls are painted white throughout to allow for accurate viewing of colors and materials for our interiors projects, and all furnishings are functional and straightforward. This juxtaposition of the old and new is a theme that runs through our work.
This project was a winner of Preservation Houston’s Good Brick Award in 2013.
Artwork in hall by Laura Michaelides. Black and White artwork in the conference room by Amanda Talley.
PHOTOS BY Miro Dvorscak
