Tour This Timeless and Sophisticated Texas Home

A couple’s desire for domestic tranquility inspired a creative renovation that transformed this Texas abode into the family retreat of their dreams.

kitchen
Photography by Tria Giovan

Text by K. Faith Morgan

“The Zizinias enjoy entertaining family and friends, and we were able to maximize the kitchen in a very stylish way,” says designer Marie Flanigan. The island was doubled in size for more entertaining space, and upper cabinets were removed to open things up to the home’s wealth of natural light. Unique storage solutions make entertaining easy. “Combine that with the stunning soapstone and marble countertops, and this space is the ideal union of function and beauty,” adds Flanigan.

Mediterranean-style foyer
Photography by Tria Giovan

Andy and Leslie Zizinia’s home in the southwest Houston suburb of Bellaire had remarkable potential. A Mediterranean-style exterior and a spacious floor plan suited the family’s busy lifestyle, but the atmosphere and flow of the interior didn’t create the kind of sanctuary the couple desired. “I want it to feel like I’m coming home to a spa every day,” Leslie Zizinia said of the house, “and I want anyone who walks in to feel instantly calm.”

The two called upon Marie Flanigan Interiors to reinvent the space. “The Zizinias are drawn to earthy, spa-inspired environments. I create spaces that are stylish and innovative, so working together came quite naturally,” says lead designer Marie Flanigan. “We both love homes that feel layered and collected over time, so together, we selected a neutral color story that would serve as a peaceful backdrop to well-edited bursts of tone and luxurious texture.”

Living room with rocked chimney
Photography by Tria Giovan

The home had lovely bones, but the homeowners’ wishlist required improvements. “Because I am an architect at heart, my eyes were drawn to the structural elements that could be updated to accomplish that goal,” says Flanigan. “I enlisted the support of a general contractor to remove portions of walls in the kitchen and raise and widen case openings to offer the home an unencumbered line of sight. I love that we were able to transform a house that originally had dark spaces and choppy transitions into a home that’s filled with life and light.”

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