Design Notes from the Studio

At Jamie House Design, we believe a home remodel should not only enhance the beauty of a space but also improve its functionality. One of our most rewarding projects was a collaboration with P&G Homes on a full-scale home remodel in Houston. Designed with an affluent family in mind, this home now boasts a layout perfect for modern living, with luxurious details that balance elegance and practicality.

A Home Designed for Family Living

From the start, this home had strong bones and a fantastic floor plan. It featured a butler’s pantry with a desk, wine storage in the dining room, a spacious kitchen with two seating areas, four bedrooms, a generous utility room with ample storage, a private office off the primary suite, and a custom-built vanity for added convenience. The primary suite also included a walk-in closet and an expansive spa-like bathroom—everything a family could ask for.

I never shared the photos from our gorgeous, intimate backyard wedding, and what better time than now, as we celebrate our one-year anniversary! Our wedding was everything we dreamed of—personal, meaningful, and filled with love. My cousin officiated as we exchanged vows in our own backyard, followed by a beautiful family-style vegan feast from Radical Eats, served right down our driveway. The flowers came fresh from the farmers market, and our incredible friends strung up lights and crafted delicate paper flowers, making the whole setting feel absolutely magical.

I got a long weekend in Fort Worth this past weekend due to my husband speaking at an  Android conference. I got to meet with a client, eat great food and visit my favorite museum. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The building gives me goose bumps, it feels alive. I love the art of course, but the building. The building is a modern piece of art itself. The concrete walls. The amazing windows and the shadows the mullions create is beyond. Goose bumps. I always get emotional in this space. I didn't get a shot of the famous windows, I was running out of time and my phone died midway through the museum.

As the season shifts and fall slowly makes its presence known, Jamie House Design is busier than ever! With the holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time to schedule design projects before workrooms reach capacity. Typically, our workrooms stop accepting "before Christmas" requests by the end of October, so planning ahead is key. The holiday season always seems to arrive faster than expected, and this year, we are staying ahead of the curve.

For those who appreciate the fusion of art, design, and theatrical splendor, few names resonate as profoundly as Tony Duquette. A legendary Hollywood set designer and jewelry artist, Duquette’s legacy lives on through the brilliant work of his former business partner, Hutton Wilkinson.

Hutton Wilkinson’s home, once belonging to Duquette himself, is an extraordinary testament to maximalist luxury, layered storytelling, and boundless creativity. Every room is a stage set—a masterful interplay of color, texture, and opulence that speaks to a refined collector’s eye. The home is not just a residence; it is a living, breathing piece of art.

At Jamie House Design, we believe that original art is an essential element in creating truly unique and inspiring interiors. Incorporating artwork into a space brings depth, emotion, and a sense of personal connection that simply can’t be replicated with mass-produced pieces. That’s why we are passionate about promoting talented artists and integrating their work into our designs.

One artist whose work we deeply admire is Holly Farrell. Farrell's paintings capture the quiet beauty of everyday objects with a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Her ability to elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary makes her pieces a perfect fit for thoughtfully designed interiors.

I’m thrilled to be collaborating with a builder on the renovation of a charming bungalow in the Houston Heights—a neighborhood I hold dear. Preserving the character of these historic homes is incredibly important, especially as the area is increasingly filled with generic townhomes that lack the warmth and charm that make the Heights so unique. Whenever I have the opportunity to restore a home rather than replace it, I jump at the chance.

Designing for the Future Homeowner

Because this is a speculative build, meaning there’s no specific homeowner in mind yet, the design choices must appeal to a broad audience while maintaining a high level of style and functionality. We’re just getting started with selections, and I’m excited to take you through the transformation as it unfolds.

In Houston, architects are not required to have formal accreditation, which is why working with an interior designer is crucial to ensuring a home is both beautiful and livable. My expertise allows me to anticipate how future homeowners will use the space based on demographics and lifestyle needs, creating a home that’s as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

At Jamie House Design, we collaborate with clients in a variety of ways—whether it’s being involved from the initial planning stages of new construction, refining a single space, or developing a long-term vision for a home. Every client’s needs are unique, and our role is to provide the expertise and flexibility required to create a beautifully designed, cohesive home.

For our Garden Oaks project, we partnered with a delightful family to refine and complete their dining room. They had already curated some meaningful pieces—a dining table, chairs, a stunning Turkish platter from their travels, and a pedestal acquired at a charity auction. While these elements provided a strong foundation, our goal was to bring cohesion, elegance, and a fresh perspective to the space.

Over the past few months, I’ve been on a mission to declutter—both in my personal space and for my clients. Almost obsessively! The process of letting go has been eye-opening, making me question why I held onto certain things in the first place. The truth is, before any renovation or redecoration, clearing out the old is essential to making space for the new. A well-edited home not only feels more intentional but also allows your design vision to come to life without the weight of unnecessary clutter.