This image shows the original design drawing. Our clients came to us with a request for an exterior entry wall tile installation that strongly evoked a sense of place. They requested a piece that included references to the historic Mission, showed the famous swallows and bells, and strongly reflected the historic character of the town. We toured the location for iconic images to capture. Hundreds of photographs of the town and the mission yielded at least one surprise: no two images of swallows looked the same! The skyline was dominated by the dome of the Mission and palm trees. We created 2 designs for our clients. In our first design, we offered them a very literal interpretation of their requirements: a very painterly tile scene of the Mission itself. But we weren’t satisfied that this was a sufficiently original concept. Our second concept took a more intensely graphic approach, focusing on the strongly geometric Mission window as the centerpiece of a more mathematical design. Around this center we placed bells, delineated only in relief rather than different colors, with the entire design framed by the geometric forms found in the wooden doors of the Mission itself, anchored by 4 flying swallows at each corner. We presented both designs to the clients and explained that while we thought both were both good executions of their concepts, we believed that the second design was much stronger, more original, and more impactful. Happily, they agreed. In fact, at the end of the installation process, as they watched, holding their wine glasses, they said, “this is so much better than we even imagined!”. Photo by Michael Linsley

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world. The Confluence Table is a modern and bold choice for your dining room. Experimentation on metal, which has always characterized Lust’s work, encounters Pianca’s experience in woodworking, giving life to a fluid and organic structure. The steel structure is sinuous thanks to its curves, and at the same time dynamic, giving the impression of having maintained the malleable consistency of the molding process the material underwent. With a fluid movement, the steel legs converge, supporting the top, which seems to levitate. The myriad of finishings allows the tables – rectangular, round and elliptical – to adapt to different styles. Spazio Pianca modules offer full creative freedom and spectacular impact. Peerlessly handsome solutions that exploit the interplay of solids and spaces; wall-hanging or free-standing storage elements, creating plucky, modern graphic images. A personal lifestyle that knows how to stay one step ahead of the latest trends.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world. The Dora is an armchair where Scandinavian and Italian design meet and blend in. The generous, comfortable upholstered seat and the slim metal structure provide a pleasant effect thanks to the well balanced proportions. The result is a versatile, sleek design object suitable for any interior environment. The Boston is an elegant sofa, combining great comfort with strong visual presence. Its style is characterized by details of the past, made and embellished with a handcrafted workmanship quality declined from a perspective of industrial production. The system is equipped with an electronic automation mechanism that permits to regulate seat depth. The Abaco coffee table is a versatile side or coffee table that lays the foundations of style.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world.

Inspired by the great global markets where texture, color, and craftsmanship all mingle together to create a truly invigorating experience, the Tangier 53” Rustic Light Green 3-Door 3-Drawer Buffet Sideboard is a unique and vibrant expression of rustic charm and global flair. This 100% handcrafted piece is constructed of sustainable Mango wood and features brilliant finishes, hand carved designs, and handmade artistry. A heavily-distressed light green finish adorns the majority of the framework and invokes all of the rustic sensibilities that rest at the heart of this piece. Three utensil drawers rest below the table top and feature a brilliant and distressed yellow tone that is contrasted with beautiful accent finishes across the carved details. Invoking images of fern fronds, or leaves, the carved figures move in and out of the finishes in tones of red, green and blue. Below the drawers you will find a similar fern figures adorning the cabinet doors that echo the same design concept as the drawers above. Bring the rich and lively experience of global markets to your dining room with the brilliant colors and handcrafted quality of this remarkable sideboard. With three utensil drawers and 3 cabinet areas, you will find ample storage for all of your dining and serving dishes, place settings, and table linens. Made of sustainable Mango wood, this buffet cabinet is strong enough hold up to everyday use while still being light enough to move around. Known for the intricate and lively wood grain patterns, the wooden materials will provide a durability and strength that will hold their form and age gracefully. Special Features: • 100% handcrafted • Made of sustainable Mango wood • Unique carved fern design • Weathered and aged finish with tones of light green, red and blue • Rustic aged details • Three utensil drawers • Three dish storage compartments • Environmentally friendly materials Note: Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans

Find these items on www.starfurniture.com or contact Mary Strong for more details: Mary Strong, Interior Designer Star Furniture 16666 Barker Springs Road, Houston, TX 281-492-5494 mstrong@starfurniture.com Mary has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial interior design. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Nesbitt School of Design at Drexel University. Strong relocated to the Houston area in 2008 from New York, and loves the diversity of Houston because it allows her to work with many different home styles. She enjoys interacting with people, and her skills and experience create beautiful results for her new and returning clients. Mary's preferred style is what she calls "today's traditional." It is a mix of old and new, a fresh version of traditional design. One of her specialties is window treatments. She works closely with Star's drapery designers to create custom treatments for her clients' homes. Contact Mary today for your complimentary design consultation service.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world. Spazio Pianca modules offer full creative freedom and spectacular impact. Peerlessly handsome solutions that exploit the interplay of solids and spaces; wall-hanging or free-standing storage elements, creating plucky, modern graphic images. The minimal and contemporary Mono table comes painted in a matte finish with 28 color options, with a metal finish. The Mono table comes in four different dimensions for ultimate versatility.

For this small bathroom renovation we designed male inspired finishes. Here the strong back holds up our new towels adorned by custom molding around linen closet and entrance

Dayton Hudson Valley Lighting’s Dayton collections strong arms hold smooth crystal columns, for a look of confident glamour. The chandelier’s central crystal teardrop showcases the material’s pristine beauty. Softly textured tailored shades balance the sheen of Dayton’s glass and metal. The Hudson Valley Lighting Dayton 2-light wall sconce is prominent yet elegant for your bedroom, bathroom, entranceway, living room, hallways, etc.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world. The People collection provides many solutions with a simple and functional system of modular units. Wall panels, bedframes, platforms and storage units can be aligned and incorporated as Required, creating harmonious combinations of colours, materials and shapes. Focuses on people, their creativity and their wishes.

The BOX Bed from Huppé may appear to defy gravity with its floating design, but is strong and structured. The angular design and use of negative space brings a sense of elegance and lightness to the bed that is crafted from a beautiful combination of solid white oak and white oak veneer. The bed and headboard finished on all sides, so the bed may be placed anywhere in the room and viewed from any angle. As a platform bed, there is no need to add a box spring. BOX Bed is available in your choice of platform style and wood finish.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world.

Products Featured: - Duke Upholstered Side Chair (St:414356) - Magnolia Home Rug - Accessories from Star Furniture Find these items on www.starfurniture.com. Contact Mary Strong for more details: Mary Strong, Interior Designer Star Furniture 16666 Barker Springs Road, Houston, TX 281-492-5494 mstrong@starfurniture.com Mary has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial interior design. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Nesbitt School of Design at Drexel University. Strong relocated to the Houston area in 2008 from New York, and loves the diversity of Houston because it allows her to work with many different home styles. She enjoys interacting with people, and her skills and experience create beautiful results for her new and returning clients. Mary's preferred style is what she calls 'today's traditional.' "It" is a mix of old and new, a fresh version of traditional design. One of her specialties is window treatments. She works closely with Star's drapery designers to create custom treatments for her clients' homes. Contact Mary today for your complimentary design consultation service.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world. Plan your space with these modular panels made of wood veneer, lacquered or Upholstered and covered by fabric or leather. They perfectly combine to platorm, bedside Tables, furniture and shelves, by creating geometric designs or much more irregular Fantasies, thanks to the chance to manage their width every ten centimeters. To personalize With pleasure, where and when you need it.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world.

Meet Mary Strong. Mary has over 20 years experience in residential and commercial interior design. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Nesbitt School of Design at Drexel University. Strong relocated to the Houston area in 2008 from New York, and loves the diversity of Houston because it allows her to work with many different home styles. She enjoys interacting with people, and her skills and experience create beautiful results for her new and returning clients. Mary's preferred style is what she calls “today's traditional.” It is a mix of old and new; a fresh version of traditional design. One of her specialties is window treatments. She works closely with Star's drapery designers to create custom treatments for her clients' homes. Contact Mary Strong and let her know that you found her on Houzz.com. Webpage: https://www.starfurniture.com/mary-strong Address: Star Furniture, 16666 Barker Springs Road, Houston, TX Phone: 281-492-5494 Email: mstrong@starfurniture.com

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channeling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world. Magic, adventure, love and destiny are part of the fantastic story set in this bed. This story has three different happy-endings: one is in solid wood, strong and natural; another is covered by fabric or by smooth leather, minimal and demanding; and the last is in woven leather, precious and complex. But the main characters of this story are you.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world. The surfaces and lines of the table designed by the firm Fattorini+Rizzini+Partners is completely in line with the philosophy of Pianca, giving rise to a product with clean and essential geometric lines. The Woody table, rigorous and minimal, perfectly fits into home interiors, both classic and contemporary. The Cora chair is the final result of an aesthetic research exploring the differences between wood, metal and plastic in one simple object: the chair. Wood renders warmth and solidity to the seat, plastic confers elasticity to the backrest while metal grants visual lightness to the structure. Cora is the result of a challenging work carried out together with the injection moulding engineers aiming to create the perfect dialogue between different materials respectful of the structure stress regulations. The result is an instant classic. The Spazioteca bookcase goes well beyond the expectations of a bookcase. Whether wall mounted or free standing, its versatility makes it ideal for any environment. It is available with lacquered fronts, see-through sliding doors as well as combined with Spazio modules allowing for endless possibilities. Spazioteca provides storage within its own style.

Pianca Furniture draws upon traditional local craft, channelling over 500 years of carpentry along the banks of the Pianca stream. Building on its strong history, Pianca combines experience and innovation to bring the culture of modern design to the world.