My Houzz: A Modern New Build in Texas With Lots of Natural Light
Lots of white and enviable tidiness give artwork the spotlight in a home for Texas newlyweds
After Pam Lindemoen moved for the 10th time in 10 years for her work in information security, she was ready to settle down. A year after taking up residence in Texas, she met Chris, an account manager, and the couple started building their life together.
Wanting to start from scratch with pieces that matched their new lives, Pam sold her old furniture and started over again. This time for good.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Pam and Chris Lindemoen and their bulldog, Blossom
Location Texas, USA
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Year built 2008
Wanting to start from scratch with pieces that matched their new lives, Pam sold her old furniture and started over again. This time for good.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Pam and Chris Lindemoen and their bulldog, Blossom
Location Texas, USA
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Year built 2008
In terms of decorating, Pam says, the couple likes ‘things airy and bright, and no clutter, as minimal as we can get without losing function.’ The only things they brought into the home not bought together were Pam’s artwork and Blossom, the bulldog.
Instead of having a clunky TV in the living room, they opted for a big white wall that turns into a screen for a projected home theater at night. They had the projector’s sound system set up by a local company and enjoy having a hidden entertainment system.
Side nesting tables: Peekaboo, CB2; coffee table: Peekaboo, CB2; art: Pat Bailey (right), “Fontaines” by Michael Flohr (left)
Instead of having a clunky TV in the living room, they opted for a big white wall that turns into a screen for a projected home theater at night. They had the projector’s sound system set up by a local company and enjoy having a hidden entertainment system.
Side nesting tables: Peekaboo, CB2; coffee table: Peekaboo, CB2; art: Pat Bailey (right), “Fontaines” by Michael Flohr (left)
One thing they learned from the previous small rental space was to be aware of size when buying quality furniture pieces. ‘We tried to think ahead, like what if we get stuck in a smaller space?’ says Pam. The sofa started out as two pieces that formed an L shape. The couple bought the third extension only when they knew it would fit well in this space.
Sectional: BoConcept
Sectional: BoConcept
The dining table folds up to make it smaller - a handy feature if the couple ever has to move. Pam and Chris usually prefer clear furniture but went with the smoky Louis Ghost chairs to give the dining room a hint of colour.
Table: BoConcept; rug: BoConcept; art: “Crystal Cafe” by Michael Flohr
Table: BoConcept; rug: BoConcept; art: “Crystal Cafe” by Michael Flohr
Blossom looks out from the second floor.
The flooring throughout the ground floor living area are polished concrete; this ficus tree is the focal point. ‘His name is Carlos, and he has moved three times and has never dropped a leaf,’ says Chris. ‘This place wouldn’t be the same without him - he gives the house a whole different character.’
The subtle design choices the builder made really stand out. For instance, all the lighting is cleverly concealed underneath the cupboards to maintain a streamlined look. The cupboards are finished with Echo Wood, a veneer made from reconstituted wood fibers.
Stools: Vapor, CB2; Figural Owl Cookie Jar: West Elm; backsplash tile: Storm, Interceramic; countertop: Eggshell, Caesarstone
Give bar stools a fresh spin
Stools: Vapor, CB2; Figural Owl Cookie Jar: West Elm; backsplash tile: Storm, Interceramic; countertop: Eggshell, Caesarstone
Give bar stools a fresh spin
All of the bedroom furniture is from BoConcept and was originally used at a W Hotel, so the couple got it at a discount. The vintage blue chaise longue is the one piece of furniture that Pam could not bear to part with from her previous home.
Bedroom furniture: BoConcept; Wave Chaise: Milo Baughman; duvet cover, pillowcases: Vintage-Washed Belgian Linen in Mist, Restoration Hardware
Bedroom furniture: BoConcept; Wave Chaise: Milo Baughman; duvet cover, pillowcases: Vintage-Washed Belgian Linen in Mist, Restoration Hardware
The two framed drawings of New York City are by Dan Butler. The art on the floor is Jackson Square, by Greg Giegucz.
Both Pam and Chris work from home in IT and have separate home offices. ‘The last place we lived, Chris did not have an office, and I told him you really need your own space to collect your thoughts and do your own thing,’ says Pam. ‘So in this space, he has one.’
Desk: Airia, Herman Miller
Desk: Airia, Herman Miller
Pam bought this plush bean bag for Blossom, but it turned out to be too large for the dog to climb on.
Floor lamp: Vidja, Ikea; Grand Luxe Faux Fur Bean Bag Chair: Restoration Hardware
See how to work your study space for great results
Floor lamp: Vidja, Ikea; Grand Luxe Faux Fur Bean Bag Chair: Restoration Hardware
See how to work your study space for great results
The couple bought matching desks after searching for months to find something that suited their tidy and minimalist tastes. The painting is from Art From the Streets, an event where homeless artists sell their work.
Desk: Airia, Herman Miller; art: “Determined” by Pat Bailey, bought at Art From the Streets; cabinet: Bestå, Ikea
Desk: Airia, Herman Miller; art: “Determined” by Pat Bailey, bought at Art From the Streets; cabinet: Bestå, Ikea
Although Pam loves to collect and buy art, the piece in the foyer is one of her own. When she lived in Los Angeles, she took a summer art course with Susan Manders and was asked to paint a self-portrait. Taking her inspiration from her favorite artist, Cynthia Colis, and her Kiss series, Pam painted this piece of art, titled Kiss for Bloss.
Desk: Bestå Burs, Ikea
Desk: Bestå Burs, Ikea
‘We’re both very Zen,’ says Chris, shown here with Pam. Maintaining their tidiness means not being afraid to get rid of stuff. ‘Move it out and make room for something new,’ he says. ‘I get some satisfaction from passing things on to people. I’d feel better about giving something to somebody that needs it, that has a good space for it.’
Did you like this home? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Did you like this home? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Pam and Chris are both drawn to contemporary design, and turned to Tom Baits of Austin Modern Homes to find their dream home.’We only looked for two days, and we were done,’ says Pam. ‘We walked through this space and looked at each other and knew this was it.’
Built by Scott Turner in 2008, the modern house was filled with little touches that swayed the couple, like the sweet jasmine growing alongside their front door. ‘When I lived in San Diego, I loved smelling sweet jasmine, so it made me giddy when I first looked at the property,’ says Pam. The couple left all the paint finishes exactly the way Turner designed them. ‘We love the lime-green door!’ exclaims Pam.
Door paint: Golden Cricket 210-5, Pittsburgh Paints