Houzz TV: A Spanish-Style Home Full of Color and Joy
Galeana Younger knew her 1920s home in downtown San Antonio, Texas, would have to be taken down to the studs, but she saw the potential underneath years of neglect. She gave the dated home a yearlong renovation with what she calls “unconditional love,” and the home is now full of color and whimsical touches that help many of the original features shine.
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Love the pops of colour. Stunning home full of personality for sure. Well done!!
Nice, bright modern house. I wish the homeowner and her son many happy years in their lovely home.
I like the homeowner's enthusiastic embrace of different cultural resonances in design, as well as her penchant for preserving the unique and cool within a remodel. What a lovely southwestern sensibility and home she keeps. Good luck to her!
Love the tile in the basement bathroom!
What an awesome job! So comfortable, inviting and inspirational.
This an amazing house! Love how Younger's personality comes through.
Bravo! Thanks so much for sharing. I moved to San Antonio from New Orleans 7 years ago and the lack of appreciation of the use of color in interiors in this city has really amazed me. Granted, New Orleans is unique and colorful in all definitions of the word, but the lack of "happy" color here is disappointing to us. Brown and beige are just about the only two colors consistently used on both the exteriors and interiors of the homes here. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but for the most part it's so boring to see house after house after house in shades of beige and brown and lifeless interiors in shades of beige with the liberal use of brown and beige tile. It's truly exciting to see someone locally embrace color and use it so beautifully. And I'm only a bit envious Younger lives in Monte Vista. I lived in a raised Acadian cottage circa 1930 in New Orleans which had all the charms of her home. Alas, I now live in a typical subdivision home....but there is no brown or beige in sight! We use lots of color, along with lots of white to keep it all in check.
A smart lady with a beautiful style!
what a fun home- i love the exterior and the flooring in that bathroom!
Beautiful! I live in SA and haven't seen any homes with this much style, whimsy, and impeccable taste. Amazing job on the renovation. Monte Vista is so charming!
Finally! A Texas house featured that isn't in Austin! Love the unique updates and personalization of this cute house.
Have been to Monte Vista many times and have seen this house. Wonderful job- unique, lively and comfortable. This is one of my favorite areas of San Antonio.
yikes!
Love the dining room chairs! My brain grew just looking at them. A lovely and fun home!
This house is another example of 1920s architecture—one of the best periods for American houses. It also shows the comeback of concrete tiles. I've been seeing them everywhere. And the owner's decision to keep the mosaic tiles in the downstairs wouldn't have been everyone's choice, but it is a good example of keeping a historic, but right now unfashionable, detail that is sure to come back into vogue (and also keeps the tiles out of landfill.) Good job.
I absolutely LOVE the built-in red book shelves! I'm a fan of "all white" with pockets (or as I refer to them as "pa pows" of red! Simply gorgeous! Well done, Galeana!
...viewing the end result of this interior design and renovation over and over - - and in reading the comments of others, Galeana, excuse me, and I truly do not want to be rude in anyway, but, there is no easy flow and balance with the eye from room to room...the eye is bouncing back and forth, from one object to another...colors seem to be thrown in...This interior design is way too busy, uneasy, with no comfortable and inviting feel and/or appeal. . . But, the important aspect to your home, is how you and your son, Gray, feel and think about your home.
I love the entry door with it's rounded top and original fireplace--but the polka-dot chairs and cloth covered table next to them really take away from the room.
I really love the tile mosaic floor! Tile mosaics are often wildly colorful, but this one has a nice mix of muted tones and is very livable. I also really like the colors she has chosen for the living and dining areas - classic red and green but with enough of a twist to not look like Christmas. Well done!
pink is terrible.......
You know this might not be everyone's taste but I think she did a nice job. The exterior is amazing!
Your vision and the execution of it is awe inspiring! I want one! I think a "how to" book is in your future.
The only single criticism I would make about the rennovation is the replacement of divided windows with undivided windows yet you keep the divided windows in the turret creating disparity in the exterior finish out. I love the look of the original windows and would have tried to retain that look.
This is wonderful and very inviting. Will never understand people that are afraid of color. .... or embracing the unconventional.
I agree that the 20s were a peak in architectural creativity - and the Spanish Eclectic style from that era is one of my favorites. What a wonderful surprise revealed on the exterior of this home, when the shrubbery was cut back. I also love how she kept much of the original footprint, and features like the curved wall and the funky ceramic mosaic floor. Many people would have lacked the vision to realize how well the floor could work, almost like a vibrant accent rug to punctuate more serene furnishings.
For: yogapaws; this isn't about color or embracing the unconventional - - however, it is all about flow and balance. . . and any interior designer knows the basic rules. Trying to understand other people and their fear for color, is basically, not your job.
My only quibble is that I would have preferred more color on the walls to balance all the bright pops, but other than that it's an awesome little house. As a native Californian, I have always been surrounded by and love Spanish style houses. This one is a gem. I'm so happy you kept that tile floor in the guest bedroom -- it adds so much personality.
Eclectic, colourful and fun. I love this house !
I find it interesting how often, when a house is vibrant and busy like this one, the children's rooms are calm and serene, and when the rest of the house is white and minimalist, the children's rooms are bright and lively. It makes me wonder what style the children will choose for their own houses when they grow up!
Stunning! Love it all. I am just surprised that a 12 year old boy would want such a bland bedroom. But everyone is entitled to decorate their room/home their own way. I just happen to love it all. Great job! My jealous is showing again. :)
Love the color and energy in this home. I love that the owner embraced the era and respected that time frame rather than gutting the house of original character. GREAT JOB.
The divided lights windows were, in my opinion, an important part of the original design. The new windows might better have retained the character of that design. I also prefer the original, warmer yellowish-white to the new very stark bright version. Overall good job though.
I will never understand how an individual can post a negative comment after someone has spent precious time and money on a long renovation. Galeana, you have created a stunning home!!! You obviously have a passion for color and design. From your eye popping kitchen to your glorious bathrooms, your home is a masterpiece. Please ignore any and all derogatory comments. We are very fortunate that so many people are willing to open up their homes for all the world to see. For me, I love seeing what each family has created and I always cringe at the unnecessary criticism that is a direct hit and in the end serves no purpose. Cheers to you Galeana for your fearless style and the guts to start your own business!!! I wish you all the success in the world.
It's a charming house, but it's not very Spanish on the interior. We're going to use the same talavera tile in our bathroom redo in our 200 year old Santa Fe adobe, but we're going to use less of the birds and mix it up with a few other talavera tiles to temper the pattern.
I too preferred the original windows. Otherwise, a lovely home.
I so agree with jmpjmp that the dividing lights in the front were too charming to replace with the style chosen. And for me the colors, in general, are too saturated and diminish the beauty of the architectural details. It does, however, have a 'happy' look.
I could like in this house in heart beat. Love, love, love all the texture and color.
The polka dot chairs say it all.
Love the glorious colors and textures.... Restoration looks awesome - and functional - impressive!
Loved the kitchen, especially the marble-look granite counter-tops, but I would have placed the sink on the window side so that I could look out while washing up.
I love it ! I too have a Spanish style home built in 1926 that has never been touched. Bought it in 2008 and my husband and I are still reworking it within in its same footprint, 1050 sq. feet. Adding a small powder room as we only have one bath and we have already tore out the kitchen and all new cabinets of birch and alder are in. Took out the wood burning fireplace and replaced it with the same design but with a gas insert as we cannot burn wood hardly anymore in Bakersfield due to the air quality. I love my little home with so much character and I hope to do it justice.
gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!!
"The dining area is in a cove created by the turrets that are part of the home’s architecture."
Alcove?
Cindy Childers you were CRAZY to take out your wood burning fireplace! Sheeesh! You will NEVER ever get to enjoy the snap crackle and pop of sizzling wood burning in a fireplace and you lost a vintage value that makes me just shake my head. I LOVE our two fireplaces and when it's even slightly cold I light them up and love the ambiance they create. You crazy girl! NEVER would I want to lose a wood burning fireplace!!!
ANYWAY...this isn't about Cindy, it's about this wonderful Spanish house. I agree with the comments about too much white and the blandness of the boys bedroom. I LOVE the before and after pictures though and that tile downstairs is an inspiration in itself! It would have been nice to know the story on how the owner got it and more "before" pictures. I sure would'a had fun re-doing that home too!! The porch canopy is great! Look at the "before" palm by the tree then the "after" picture. There were a few years in between there, you could tell by the growth. I think I would also put a (durable) religious figure in that little balcony above the canopy. Something like a Mother Mary standing, but that's just me. It's Spanish, ya' know. I LOVE turning old tired houses into Cinderella's. All the owner needs now is a pumpkin on that porch! Fun! Fun!
Did you not read why I took out my fireplace ? We cannot burn wood in Bakersfield anymore unless it is your only source of heat, which it wasn't. I am well aware of the vintage appeal as my husband and I have been redoing homes for well over 20 years. Wood burning in a fireplace or outdoor fireplace in Bakersfield, CA. is banned due to the poor air quality, so that being said I made a call to use the fireplace in a more earth friendly way and still get to have one. The fireplace is the same vintage style with the saved tile from the old one with new pieces put in. You do understand that a lot of these so called original homes, have replacement tiles and wood floors in them as well that have been pieced together with new and old if the pieces can be found. We try very hard to reuse and replace with the same vintage feel when we have to make that call. There are very few " true vintage " homes around in some areas. If you watch the Show Remodel Addict, you will see them reusing and replacing old worn out pieces that cannot be fixed with new or vintage as close as can be found all of the time. I have yet to lose any money on any of our remodels, my husband and I make a very good living doing what we do and love.
Cindy Childers: It is unfortunate that you have to defend your decision. 1) It is YOUR house; 2) Duh - the laws! :)
What a beautiful job! This house is fun, comfortable and a reflection of the owners personal style. Is it exactly what I would have done? No, but isn't that the point? I applaud the feeling of joy that this house exudes. I was really taken with the bathrooms and the floor in the guest suite.
I am confused. Do these posts belong to the correct article? I thought this was a home in San Antonio, not Bakersfield and that the mother and son lived here and mom did the work???
Oh, I see now...an offshoot conversation.
sorry furbearsake, yes it was an off shoot conversation. And yes it is a beautiful home and in San Antonio. I am wanting mine to look as beautiful as this one.
What brand is the exterior wall lantern by the front door? I need something in that style. Thanks
What a wonderful home. When I saw the exterior I thought how well it would fit into many neighborhoods in Southern California. I don't know how she gets guests to leave after enjoying that delightful guest suite.
A home this fabulous almost makes me want to mosey down IH 35 and look for my own fixer-upper. Then I could hire her to remodel it for me! Fabulous in too many ways to describe!!!
I have a bath up here in Austin that we could get started on, though...
I am all about color and texture and pushing the envelope! This house totally rocks! Bravo!
That was so much fun! I loved the interior designer explaining her own house! I loved, especially, her idea of black neutralizing things. I had never thought of that, but I think she's right!
Love it. Incredible details! I love the great use of space in combination with incredibly fun and comfortable spaces to live in!
What the owner Galeana Younger says about her art choices is so true: “Art doesn’t have to be expensive, and it only has to appeal to me,” she says. “If I like it, and I have a place to put it — and I can always find a place for something — then that’s enough of a reason to go with it.” Way to go, Galeana! And enjoy your wonderful colorful home!... Raisa
A house with character is always great, always. Happy living guys.
Being a minimalist, white and cool neutrals person who occasionally
lets a little bit of aqua blue in, I was surprised at how I kept going
back to that pink and green bedroom ... got to admit, I love it and
would reproduce it entirely if I didn't share it with a husband who
would probably divorce me if I did ...I was also very impressed
by how, in spite of all the colourful kitsch, the house actually looks
so organised, tidy and sparkling clean - I might have to amend my decor prejudices a bit ... and yes, maybe I could repaint my built-in bookcase orange ...
I love this era and style of home. There are so many original features that are charming. I was surprised that it was stated the original kitchen was in the basement? Would that make the new galley kitchen a former butler pantry? I would have loved some backstory on the house and more of the exterior. The little blip of the backyard looked like fun.
What is the paint color used on the built ins in the game room? I love that red! Thank you in advance.
Great whimsy, fun home...but the top dusting must be a nightmare!
Wonderful!
Galeana! Wow, wow, wow! Love your bold and impressive mix of colours and patterns in the living room and all the built-ins (as you say, you can never have enough). The whole house is unique, charming and alive. There is so much to see. You can have fun just sitting back and letting your eyes wander... and never be bored. And you did all this in one year? Impressive! Thanks for sharing and talking about the inspiration behind your choices. P.S. The house looks adorable from the outside, too.
One of the best Houzz spotlights and now my favorite! So glad Galeana was able to showcase her own home. Wouldn't you just love to live next door to her... such a great personality and style. Thank you, Galeana and Houzz!!!
Very nice and well done. I agree that people are afraid of color. I love color. Once you take the jump to color you can't go back.
Love her! Love the house! I want to come visit!!
Thank you for inviting us into your home, Galeana! What a fun experience! I love how you melded tradition with a sense of playfulness, bold colors and a lot of personality. It's refreshing in an age when, all too often, many interiors go for bland and safe. You'll have a keen eye for details...and yes, a truly kickass master closet :)
Bravo~ Well done! I was interested in seeing what you were able to do with your kitchen...
Love your home. Thank you for sharing! I am looking to add built-in bookshelves to several rooms. We have been researching for months because of the price. How did you go about adding? Did you incorporate from a store, use a cabinet maker or purchase the base and add custom shelves?
"You can never have too many built-ins" :-)
It is so beautiful.
Love this house, it's so full of warmth and personality.
Love, love, love! I could never be so bold with colors and patterns, but I wish I had this wonderful talent. That mosaic floor was gorgeous.
Love this home! And where can I get those original floors that are in the guest suite?? OMG!!!
Oh my goodness! I knew you were out there! Another designer soul sister. Your video was a delight to my designer heart and my personal philosophy on life and design in general. I am very happy so see someone not afraid to be themselves in the design world. Your home is "JOY"!! I absolutely love it from the incredible use of built-ins to your very personal decor. I always impress upon my clients to make their home a haven unto themselves and not a "cookie cutter" design concept. I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this little home tour. Thank you, Galeana Younger!
GORGEOUS and what a LOVEABLE HOME!!!!!!!!!! The floors just kill me. Girl you have taste and style no money can buy. I want all of that style in my next home.
Very festive! Love it!
Beautiful and truly inspiring home. I grew up in Mexico, so I absolutely love the whimsy and bold use color.
Love the color. Especially love that first bathroom.
I appreciate the design aspect. Though not my style I get the designer's preference for color, and the whimsy, and comfort. Though too much for my taste, the art clutter here is kind of endearing. That said, what I don't get and probably will never understand is a designer's penchant for throw pillows. For me rare indeed will a "splash" of color solve anything for a room. Really, do you really expect ten throw pillows on the master bed to be a real thing for everyday? The throw pillows alone in this feature would more than fill her "kickass closet" -- which I like a lot by the way. This is a inspirational video/story I'm glad it was produced. Show us more eclectic styles.
Although this is not my style but hats off to her for pulling it off with so much colour! Love the guest bathroom.... She seems to have been inspired a lot by GAUDI... very playyful... very colourful ... very kitcshy... very Spanish indeed!
We love the colorful books incorporated throughout the space!
It is a beautiful and dynamic house from the outside, I would probably fall in love with it too and want it to make out of it a real home, as you did. It shows the life goal to have a fulfilled and happy life - even bad things can not look awful and hopeless in the home like this, because there is always something to remember you it is worth waiting for another day and be happy again - there is no darkness in a place like this.
For some people this much color could be disturbing, because they are simply not used to good life any more - and they look for very calming even cold surroundings. Maybe they should change their life, to be calm on the inside and be able to interact with joyful things again.
Beautiful! Love all the color and playfulness!
Love how personal this house is! It clearly reflects the interests and stories of the people who live there, while honoring the original architecture of the house.
I love that she didn't change the architecture of the house--It's gorgeous! I read negative and personal comments as to the choice of decor. Let's embrace differences of taste and diversity. I personally love modern, less whimsical but I do appreciate and enjoy looking at homes that are different. Who would dare to criticize Gaudi, Miro, Picasso for their choice of colors? Art is a form and very individual if you ask me. The more you read, learn, travel and educate yourself the less you are to make personal negative comments. As we say in Spain, Galeana, "Enhorabuena!" lol.
LOVE the exterior of this home. we have many homes here in west palm beach that are very similar in style but I Love the idea of adding a cottage-y awning to this style- well done!!
Great presentation. Just superb visuals.
Love that she knows who she is and went for it!
Well done!
That’s one nice thing about not being married.... not to change the subject, but you don’t have to ask constantly’ what do you think? What tiles don’t you like? On & on. She did this her way and I think it’s shear genius. I wouldn’t be able to choose which tile I love best or what color where I like best.
Very very talented :) ♀️