Jamie House Design's expertise in Speculative Home Design
When determining what type of projects we take on at Jamie House Design, the first thing I consider is how receptive the client is to new ideas based on their vision, and whether the project presents an opportunity for innovation. While I don’t typically work on speculative (spec) homes, I make exceptions for projects that allow for creativity and thoughtful design. One such project was a high-end spec home in Houston, designed for CM Batts Developers. Their openness to fresh concepts made this collaboration an exciting and rewarding experience.
A spec home is built by a developer on land they own, with a custom design and selections curated by a designer, offering homebuyers a move-in-ready luxury experience. Ideally, Jamie House Design is involved at the planning stage, allowing us to optimize the interior layout before construction begins. We specialize in maximizing space and creating a seamless flow within the home. While architects are essential to the structure, an interior designer ensures the home functions beautifully for daily life. The best results come from collaboration between the two.
When determining what type of projects we take on at Jamie House Design, the first thing I consider is how receptive the client is to new ideas based on their vision, and whether the project presents an opportunity for innovation. While I don’t typically work on speculative (spec) homes, I make exceptions for projects that allow for creativity and thoughtful design. One such project was a high-end spec home in Houston, designed for CM Batts Developers. Their openness to fresh concepts made this collaboration an exciting and rewarding experience.
A spec home is built by a developer on land they own, with a custom design and selections curated by a designer, offering homebuyers a move-in-ready luxury experience. Ideally, Jamie House Design is involved at the planning stage, allowing us to optimize the interior layout before construction begins. We specialize in maximizing space and creating a seamless flow within the home. While architects are essential to the structure, an interior designer ensures the home functions beautifully for daily life. The best results come from collaboration between the two.
This particular Houston spec home was designed with a clean, timeless aesthetic—simple yet elegant, with modern elements seamlessly integrated into a classic framework. Our goal was to create a home that felt both luxurious and inviting, while allowing future homeowners the opportunity to personalize their space.
Entryway: A striking glass and steel front door opens to herringbone-patterned white oak floors, a cove ceiling with LED lighting, and a brass open-globe chandelier.
Living Room: Floor-to-ceiling steel windows frame a dramatic marble fireplace, with paneled walls enhancing the sense of refinement.
Study: Featuring square paneling, a deep coffered ceiling, steel windows, and a statement black chandelier, this space exudes sophistication.
Dining Room: Paneled wainscoting, steel windows, and a double-cove ceiling complement an ombré chandelier, blending classic and modern influences.
Staircase & Wine Room: A custom iron railing leads to a glass-encased, temperature-regulated wine room, designed as a focal point of the home.
Kitchen & Family Room: A book-matched marble backsplash, waterfall island, and custom metal hood define the kitchen, while a beamed plaid ceiling unifies the space with the adjacent family room.
Secondary Spaces: The upstairs rec room boasts vaulted ceilings with white oak beams, a mirrored wet bar backsplash, and a two-tiered chandelier, creating an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Primary Suite: The bedroom features a polished nickel chandelier, a marble fireplace, and a coffee bar with an antique marble backsplash. The ensuite bath is clad in veined marble, with a freestanding tub, a shower for two, and polished nickel fixtures.
This home entered a bidding war before it was even completed—proof that thoughtful, high-quality design resonates with buyers seeking something beyond fleeting trends.
Now based in Denver, Jamie House Design brings the same level of expertise to speculative home design in the Denver and Littleton areas. We work closely with builders and developers to create homes that are both marketable and exceptional. If you’re a builder looking to elevate your next spec home, contact Jamie House Design to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.
A Thoughtful Kitchen Remodel in Houston’s Memorial Neighborhood
At Jamie House Design, we believe that a well-designed kitchen is the heart of the home, especially in historic neighborhoods where original architecture deserves to be honored. One of our favorite projects was a full-home remodel in an affluent Memorial neighborhood in Houston, where the homeowners made a conscious decision to preserve their home’s charm rather than tear it down—a choice we deeply admire.
At Jamie House Design, we believe that a well-designed kitchen is the heart of the home, especially in historic neighborhoods where original architecture deserves to be honored. One of our favorite projects was a full-home remodel in an affluent Memorial neighborhood in Houston, where the homeowners made a conscious decision to preserve their home’s charm rather than tear it down—a choice we deeply admire.
The existing kitchen lacked character, function, and flow. The cabinetry was of poor quality, the finishes were outdated, and the flooring did not blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. Initially, the homeowners considered a simple refresh with new paint, but we encouraged them to take full advantage of the renovation and create a kitchen that would stand the test of time while enhancing daily life for their growing family.
Reimagining the Layout for Function and Beauty
A successful kitchen design begins with function, then layers in beauty. The existing layout did not make the best use of the available space, and the pantry was underwhelming in size. Our priority was to improve efficiency, provide ample storage, and create a more open and inviting atmosphere.
Key layout improvements included:
Expanding the kitchen pass-through to create a stronger connection to the family room, adding a concrete counter for casual seating.
Bumping out the sink wall to accommodate the client’s dream Shaw farmhouse sink and maximize workspace.
Reconfiguring the pantry to provide generous storage for a family that values home cooking and entertaining.
Designing a functional work triangle to enhance the flow between the sink, range, and refrigerator, ensuring effortless meal prep and cleanup.
Timeless Materials and Thoughtful Details
To honor the home’s original character while introducing modern luxury, we carefully curated a mix of materials and finishes:
Countertops: Hand-troweled concrete countertops bring an organic texture that complements the home’s natural elements. We extended this material into the utility room and powder bath for continuity.
Flooring: Slate flooring adds depth and subtle color variation while seamlessly transitioning between the home’s original wood floors and the kitchen.
Custom Cabinetry: Instead of the standard under-cabinet molding, we hid the lighting behind cabinet doors for a streamlined, sophisticated look.
Storage Solutions: Deep drawers replace lower cabinets, allowing for easy access to cookware and eliminating the frustration of searching through cluttered shelves.
Glass Cabinetry: Textured glass doors on the display cabinets and pantry add vintage charm while maintaining an airy openness.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
No renovation is without surprises. When widening the pass-through, we discovered there was no drywall behind the paneling—just the exposed backside of the fireplace.
A Kitchen Designed for Living
The final result is a kitchen that is as practical as it is beautiful. The expanded pantry, concealed small appliance storage, and custom cabinetry ensure effortless organization. The enhanced layout fosters connection, allowing family and guests to gather comfortably.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
Another challenge arose with the range wall. Our original design included a spice niche, but the contractor insisted it couldn’t be built due to structural limitations. Instead, they installed a stainless-steel backsplash. While functional, this was not in line with the aesthetic vision. Fortunately, we were able to bring in our trusted team to rework the wall and install the stunning Pratt & Larson tile as originally intended—restoring the integrity of the design.
Just look at those beautiful, huge lead time, handmade, cut tiles.
A Kitchen Designed for Living
The final result is a kitchen that is as practical as it is beautiful. The expanded pantry, concealed small appliance storage, and custom cabinetry ensure effortless organization. The enhanced layout fosters connection, allowing family and guests to gather comfortably.
Oh look! My spice niche! I brought in my contractor, the rest of the remodel to this point was by the client's contractor. I knew we could cut into the wall. The fireplace is nearby but not directly behind the stove. Luckily I have the best clients and they understood why this was important. When you're sitting in their family room and look towards the kitchen, this is what you see. It was such a shame to have such a beautiful kitchen and focus on stainless steel on the wall.
IPaint Selections
(Note: Always sample colors in your own space before committing, as lighting varies.)
Walls & Ceilings: Benjamin Moore White Dove
Cabinet Uppers: Benjamin Moore White Dove
Cabinet Lowers: Benjamin Moore River Reflections
Interior of Glass & Open Cabinets: Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere
Transform Your Own Kitchen with Jamie House Design
Now based in Denver, Jamie House Design continues to offer expert interior design services for high-end remodels in Houston and beyond. Whether you’re preserving a beloved home or updating a space to better suit your lifestyle, we bring thoughtful design, timeless materials, and unparalleled attention to detail.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact Jamie House Design today to discuss your project.
A Designer’s Living Room: The Heart of My 1920s Bungalow
Since I shared the space that inspired my living room I should share with you my living room. I LOVE this house. I feel personality in architecture and space and our house is very matronly and sweet. She's not fancy, but she's caring & comfortable.
At Jamie House Design, I believe that every space should tell a story—a reflection of its history, architecture, and the people who live within it. My own living room is no exception. Nestled in a charming 1920s bungalow in the Historic Houston Heights, this space embodies a mix of timeless craftsmanship, curated design, and deeply personal touches.
Honoring the Home’s History
As a passionate advocate for historic homes, I approach every design decision with respect for the past while integrating elements that enhance modern living. This bungalow, with its matronly charm and welcoming energy, called for thoughtful updates that would preserve its integrity while elevating its functionality.
The living room is part of a long, open space that also serves as the dining area and entryway. When we purchased the home, the layout was standard, with the TV positioned at the front and the dining area at the back. However, I saw an opportunity to create a more fluid and versatile arrangement by reworking the lighting and built-ins.
So here you see the before. So. Plain. TV at the front and dining at the back. I switched it. Besides changing the lighting I added built-ins, crown molding with drapery pocket and draperies.
A Statement Gallery Wall
One of my favorite elements in this room is the gallery wall—a true reflection of my love for collecting and curating meaningful artwork. The long expanse of wall behind the sectional called for something bold. While I considered a single large-scale piece, I ultimately opted for a layered gallery wall featuring:
A mix of original paintings and photography
A balance of color and black-and-white pieces
Framed works juxtaposed with unframed canvases
Many of these pieces were found at estate sales, while others were created by talented local artists (and a few by me!). The key to a striking gallery wall is a mix of sizes and styles—once you have a collection that speaks to you, pour a glass of wine and start arranging from one side to the other, letting the composition unfold organically.
Lighting That Defines the Space
Lighting is one of the most impactful design elements in any home, and I took a strategic approach to redefine this room. I relocated the ceiling fan to the center of the space, ensuring balanced airflow, while preserving the original dining pendant. To create symmetry, I sourced a matching antique pendant from eBay, positioning it opposite the fan. This simple yet intentional adjustment allowed for a more functional and aesthetically pleasing layout.
Architectural Enhancements & Custom Built-Ins
To refine the space, I introduced classic architectural details:
Custom Built-Ins: Extending from the fireplace to the ceiling, these built-ins provide essential storage and display space, while seamlessly connecting to the crown molding for a cohesive look.
Crown Molding & Drapery Pockets: The molding detail creates a designated space for drapery pockets, allowing the chartreuse drapery panels to frame the original sash windows elegantly.
Fireplace Update: The existing fireplace remained the focal point, but I replaced the pink ceramic tile hearth with a Walker Zanger travertine herringbone mosaic, adding warmth and texture.
A Statement Gallery Wall
One of my favorite elements in this room is the gallery wall—a true reflection of my love for collecting and curating meaningful artwork. The long expanse of wall behind the sectional called for something bold. While I considered a single large-scale piece, I ultimately opted for a layered gallery wall featuring:
A mix of original paintings and photography
A balance of color and black-and-white pieces
Framed works juxtaposed with unframed canvases
Many of these pieces were found at estate sales, while others were created by talented local artists (and a few by me!). The key to a striking gallery wall is a mix of sizes and styles—once you have a collection that speaks to you, pour a glass of wine and start arranging from one side to the other, letting the composition unfold organically.
A Personal Approach to Design
As a professional interior designer, I tailor each project to my clients’ unique tastes and lifestyles. My personal spaces, however, are where I allow for more eclectic and deeply personal choices. While I now call Denver home, my Houston Heights bungalow remains a beloved testament to my design philosophy—where history and modernity blend seamlessly to create a space that is both timeless and inviting.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my own home. If you're looking to transform your space—whether in Houston, Denver, or beyond—Jamie House Design is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to create a home that is as beautiful as it is functional.
Photography by : Patrick Cline
Inside the Jamie House Design Studio: A Functional and Inspiring Workspace
Our former office was a charming yet functional small house in Houston’s Montrose district—an intimate and inspiring space designed for efficiency and creativity. While Jamie House Design is now based in Denver, I wanted to share a look inside our Montrose studio, which perfectly embodied our high-end, full-service interior design approach.
A lot has changed at Jamie House Design over the past year, and as I was thinking about how to share our journey, I realized it was time to return to the blog. So, let’s dive in!
A Thoughtfully Designed Studio in Houston’s Montrose Neighborhood
Our former office was a charming yet functional small house in Houston’s Montrose district—an intimate and inspiring space designed for efficiency and creativity. While Jamie House Design is now based in Denver, I wanted to share a look inside our Montrose studio, which perfectly embodied our high-end, full-service interior design approach.
A Crisp, White Canvas for Creativity
The studio was intentionally kept all white—an essential choice when working with an endless array of color, texture, and pattern. The clean palette provided a calming backdrop, allowing us to focus on our projects without visual clutter.
Located behind a grand home-turned-law office, our private entrance led through a small courtyard—an outdoor extension of our workspace. Keeping the exterior simple and low-maintenance was key, blending antique elements like a vintage mirror with sleek, contemporary furnishings to create a refined yet effortless aesthetic.
A Studio That Works as Hard as We Do
Upon entering, guests were greeted by our multi-functional conference and lunch area—a classic white tulip table paired with transparent chairs. Behind the door, a collection of L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags hung neatly, each one designated for a different project, packed with relevant samples and notes for on-the-go meetings.
A gallery wall proudly displayed awards, recognitions, and press features showcasing our work. In a compact studio, every inch had to be purposeful. Interior design comes with an incredible amount of materials—fabric swatches, tile and flooring samples, furniture catalogs, and design books. Meticulous organization was crucial, with binders for each client, dedicated filing areas, and floor-to-ceiling shelving to keep our materials accessible yet streamlined.
Essential Details for a Seamless Workflow
A well-designed studio isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality. Our kitchenette was a necessity, ensuring we had a space to recharge during long design days. A set of international clocks displayed different time zones, a nod to our global influence, with team members from Australia and Gabon. (Admittedly, we could have used an AM/PM designation!)
A Collaborative and Light-Filled Work Environment
In the main office, I shared a workspace with my lead designer, Nicole. A massive whiteboard dominated one wall, serving as our project-tracking hub. Working in close quarters fostered constant collaboration, allowing us to exchange ideas and refine designs in real time.
The studio’s flooring was durable yet elegant luxury vinyl plank, paired with crisp white walls and shelving. Stainless steel desks and white leather chairs complemented the modern aesthetic, while abundant natural light streamed in, creating an uplifting atmosphere that was both energizing and inspiring.
A Space for Creativity and Growth
Toward the back, additional desks housed our design assistants, along with an extensive collection of fabric samples. The walls were adorned with antique Alice in Wonderland prints, adding a whimsical touch. The high, angled ceilings with exposed wood beams provided an open and airy feel, balancing the coziness of the studio with a sense of spaciousness.
Our studio is a design studio. I mean we really use it as a studio, rather than a showplace of our design tastes. Someday I'll have an office that's more of a showplace but for now this space is one of my favorite places to be. It's cozy, friendly and without an ounce of pretension so often found in the design industry.
A Studio That Embodied Our Design Philosophy
At Jamie House Design, we approach our studio the same way we approach our projects—with a focus on function, beauty, and a thoughtful balance between old and new. Rather than serving as a formal showroom, our Montrose space was a true working design studio, tailored to the way we create. While I envision a more polished showroom in the future, this office remains one of my favorite places we've worked—a welcoming, down-to-earth environment free from the pretension so often associated with the design industry.
Now based in Denver, Jamie House Design continues to bring high-end, full-service interior design to clients in both Houston and Colorado. If you're looking to transform your home with a balance of elegance, history, and modern luxury, We’d love to hear from you!
Photography by Patrick Cline