Putting on the Glitz

The May issue of Paper City featured the home of Chesie and Tommy Breen in Houston's tony River Oaks neighborhood. Chesie called upon New York interior designer and friend, Rob Southern to carry out her vision for the house. Her idea was to "pretend this is a townhouse in London. Make it urban. We live in a city. A big city, an important city... There's a lot of art and culture here, so let it reflect that." Well, it certainly does. While the home reflects the urban sensibility of cities like London and New York, it still feels distinctly Houstonian without resorting to the ever-popular Swedish/French look that dominates in this city.

Chesie's office features an 18th-century desk, a pair of club chairs upholstered in peacock blue velvet and curtains in an Ikat fabric by Andrew Martin for Lee Jofa.

The peacock blue and Ikat fabric are carried into the library.

The living room is dressed in shades of grey and plum features ample seating and a variety of textures including silk linen, leather, silk velvet, and taffeta.

The dining room walls are upholstered in a moss green velvet-stitch fabric by Lee Jofa. The master bedroom features linens by Leontine and lamps from Circa Lighting.

The family room is far more casual and includes a Parsons-style desk from West Elm, chairs from Crate and Barrel, and chocolate and white fabric by Lee Jofa.

How do you feel about having your furniture and walls upholstered in the same fabric? I usually dislike this look as it reminds me of stodgy, chintzed-out inns in England, but I think it works here. My guess is they will get tired of it sooner rather than later, but for now, I think it makes a bold statement.

Update: Thanks to Joni of Cote de Texas! Evidently, the house is for sale and she was kind enough to let me know. To see the pictures from the real estate listing, click here.

Images scanned from Paper City. I really wish they would keep their images online!