Built in 1929, the owner of this elegant traditional Georgian in the Shadow Lawn neighborhood of Houston remained true to the home’s roots when it came to restoration. Materials used inside were kept in line with what they would have been in the 1920s. New or repaired walls were covered in plaster rather than sheetrock, unlacquered brass hardware was installed so it could age naturally, William Morris’ “Bird and Pomegranate” wallpaper – an archived block print that dates back to 1926 – was installed in the powder room, and dining room murals by de Gournay were custom painted to depict 1920s Houston.  Beautiful paneling in the foyer was extended into other rooms, carefully researched to remain authentic to the period. A kitchen addition was demolished and replaced, shutters that had been removed over the years were reproduced and reinstalled, reclaimed slate was used where needed for the roof, and the home’s original Cordell red brick was tracked down through salvage yards and used for a new garden wall addition.

The construction and restoration to the 6,500-square-foot home took three years, and was overseen by Lucas/Eilers Design Associates interior design, architect Dillon Kyle of Dillon Kyle Architects, and builder Bill Rademacher of The Artisan Group. The team did a beautiful job of taking the well-cared-for but aging home back to its original condition – referencing drawings by the original architect Cameron Fairchild –  yet thoroughly updating to perfectly suit modern-day life. Let’s take a look inside!

Absolute perfection! I only wish more people remained so committed to historic preservation. You can read more about this beautiful home in the Houston Chronicle and via Lucas/Eilers Design Associates and Dillon Kyle Architects.