We were approached by a Karen, a renowned sculptor, and her husband Tim, a retired MD, to collaborate on a whole-home renovation and furnishings overhaul of their newly purchased and very dated “forever home” with sweeping mountain views in Tigard. Karen and I very quickly found that we shared a genuine love of color, and from day one, this project was artistic and thoughtful, playful, and spirited. We updated tired surfaces and reworked odd angles, designing functional yet beautiful spaces that will serve this family for years to come. Warm, inviting colors surround you in these rooms, and classic lines play with unique pattern and bold scale. Personal touches, including mini versions of Karen’s work, appear throughout, and pages from a vintage book of Audubon paintings that she’d treasured for “ages” absolutely shine displayed framed in the living room. Partnering with a proficient and dedicated general contractor (LHL Custom Homes & Remodeling) makes all the difference on a project like this. Our clients were patient and understanding, and despite the frustrating delays and extreme challenges of navigating the 2020/2021 pandemic, they couldn’t be happier with the results. Photography by Christopher Dibble

We were approached by a Karen, a renowned sculptor, and her husband Tim, a retired MD, to collaborate on a whole-home renovation and furnishings overhaul of their newly purchased and very dated “forever home” with sweeping mountain views in Tigard. Karen and I very quickly found that we shared a genuine love of color, and from day one, this project was artistic and thoughtful, playful, and spirited. We updated tired surfaces and reworked odd angles, designing functional yet beautiful spaces that will serve this family for years to come. Warm, inviting colors surround you in these rooms, and classic lines play with unique pattern and bold scale. Personal touches, including mini versions of Karen’s work, appear throughout, and pages from a vintage book of Audubon paintings that she’d treasured for “ages” absolutely shine displayed framed in the living room. Partnering with a proficient and dedicated general contractor (LHL Custom Homes & Remodeling) makes all the difference on a project like this. Our clients were patient and understanding, and despite the frustrating delays and extreme challenges of navigating the 2020/2021 pandemic, they couldn’t be happier with the results. Photography by Christopher Dibble

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia PA in collaboration with Gebhart Remodeling, this kitchen and mudroom design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Glenrock with 5-piece drawer in Maple Cotton. The kitchen countertops are Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. “The client was in desperate need of a new kitchen,” said Lisa. “Their existing cabinet doors were literally falling off. We went through many design revisions and changes until we finally landed on the final design. They wanted to incorporate open shelving as well as some glass cabinetry, but was having a hard time envisioning where and how. In the end, it all came together for the client. One of my favorite things about the space is the live-edge wood tops as well as the overall flow of the layout. The old kitchen had an island that did not fit the space well that we redesigned. The matching wood hood in lieu of a traditional other the range microwave gave added a nice personal touch as well.” “The hardest part of the project was making selections. There are so many options,” said the client. “Lisa was integral to the success of this project. She was practical, realistic and challenged me to really think about my needs and what I was looking for. She was extremely patient and always willing to help me and answer all of my questions throughout the process.” “Her best suggestion was not to think about what anyone else says and choose what I would love, and I’m so glad I did! My original design evolved into the perfect “me” space. I love the space I now have in my new kitchen!” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Houston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client's art collection. "The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. "When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs." The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator - through which all materials and team members had to go. "Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we're used to handling that kind of thing." The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn't really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display - and the look - more streamlined. "She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork," says Maxey. "So we made the space a palette for that." Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: "It's halfway between satin and flat," explains Maxey. "It's not glossy and it's not chalky - just very smooth and clean." Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. "This lighting has no wires," notes Maxey. "It's powered by a positive and negative conduit." The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. "It's gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile," says Maxey. "We used it throughout the condo to unify the space." After Maxey started looking at the client's bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn't stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green. The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around - a key to designing spaces for loft living. "The table in the living room is very interesting," notes Maxey. "It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said 'It's not really going to go.'" However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas. The dining room table - from Design Within Reach - is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. "The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet," says Maxey. "It's a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture." The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with white quartz countertops and backsplashes mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color. The cabinets are painted a cool grey color called "Silverplate." The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern. In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches. The client's artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There's a huge bowl of shells from the client's diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that's been in her family forever. "Her collection is quite impressive," says Maxey. "There's even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon." (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs). "We're extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client," says Maxey. "No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it."

Mid-century modern white tile claw-foot bathtub photo in Los Angeles with a pedestal sink

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Houston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client’s art collection. The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors,” says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. “When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs." The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator – through which all materials and team members had to go. “Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we’re used to handling that kind of thing.” The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn’t really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display – and the look – more streamlined. “She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork,” says Maxey. “So we made the space a palette for that.” Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: “It’s halfway between satin and flat,” explains Maxey. “It’s not glossy and it’s not chalky – just very smooth and clean." Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. “This lighting has no wires,” notes Maxey. “It’s powered by a positive and negative conduit.” The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. “It’s gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile,” says Maxey. “We used it throughout the condo to unify the space.” After Maxey started looking at the client’s bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn’t stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green. The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around – a key to designing spaces for loft living. “The table in the living room is very interesting,” notes Maxey. “It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said ‘It’s not really going to go.’” However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas. The dining room table – from Design Within Reach – is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. “The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet,” says Maxey. “It’s a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture.”The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with new, white contemporary cabinetry, quartz countertops mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color.The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern).In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches.The client’s artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There’s a huge bowl of shells from the client’s diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that’s been in her family forever. “Her collection is quite impressive,” says Maxey. “There’s even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon.” (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs). “We’re extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client,” says Maxey. “No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it.”

Houston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client's art collection. "The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. "When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs." The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator - through which all materials and team members had to go. "Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we're used to handling that kind of thing." The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn't really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display - and the look - more streamlined. "She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork," says Maxey. "So we made the space a palette for that." Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: "It's halfway between satin and flat," explains Maxey. "It's not glossy and it's not chalky - just very smooth and clean." Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. "This lighting has no wires," notes Maxey. "It's powered by a positive and negative conduit." The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. "It's gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile," says Maxey. "We used it throughout the condo to unify the space." After Maxey started looking at the client's bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn't stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green. The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around - a key to designing spaces for loft living. "The table in the living room is very interesting," notes Maxey. "It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said 'It's not really going to go.'" However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas. The dining room table - from Design Within Reach - is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. "The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet," says Maxey. "It's a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture." The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with white quartz countertops and backsplashes mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color. The cabinets are painted a cool grey color called "Silverplate." The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern. In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches. The client's artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There's a huge bowl of shells from the client's diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that's been in her family forever. "Her collection is quite impressive," says Maxey. "There's even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon." (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs). "We're extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client," says Maxey. "No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it."