Benjamin Moore’s White Dove coats the kitchen cabinets, providing a neutral frame for the pale-blue tile backsplash. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER

George Cameron Nash’s Park Avenue sofa anchors the living room, with Bungalow Classic ottomans and Lee Industries skirted swivel chairs rounding out the mix PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER

Nestled in Houston’s majestic, tree-lined Memorial neighborhood, this spacious new-build boasts an innate sense of character and warmth typically only found in historic homes. The house’s undeniable homeyness can be attributed to none other than Marie Flanigan, who worked closely with the owners to ensure no detail was spared. When the husband-wife duo—an oil and gas exec and a doctor-turned-stay-at-home mom—decided it was finally time to build their dream home, they knew Flanigan was the right choice for the job. Having worked with the designer on their beach house in years past, the owners were familiar with Flanigan’s style and felt confident in her ability to bring their vision to life.

In the light-filled master bathroom, a Catchpole & Rye tub sits under an antique European chandelier from Houston’s own Brown House and Wares. Vaughan wall sconces add even more light. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER

With four young children and an active social life, the clients needed a livable space that could suit their often-hectic lifestyle as well as accommodate their love for entertaining. The couple wanted to be able to host elegant gatherings in their home, which is no easy feat when the house also needs to remain kid-friendly. Luckily, Flanigan was up to the challenge. The living room and dining room concepts, for example, were combined into one sophisticated, open space that serves as the owners’ main spot for entertaining—perhaps only second to the expansive outdoor patio. The primary kids’ locales are the game room and playroom, which were designed with activities, toy storage and durability in mind.

The wife’s home office is lined with Romo’s Kelso fabric in oxford blue, while the desk and trim sport Benjamin Moore’s Smoky Azurite PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER

By emphasizing timeless materials such as reclaimed wood, leaded glass and antique fixtures, the designer set the overall tone for the space—ultimately giving the house its aforementioned homey quality. Additionally, Flanigan’s talent for mixing textures, fabrics and colors played a large part in the project’s success. From traditional French blue to vivid azure, assorted shades of blue were thoughtfully woven throughout the space, and accented with soft whites, rich burgundies and deep charcoals. Being detail-oriented people, the clients asked Flanigan to leave no stone unturned—down to the screws inside the cabinets. For some elements, the designer had to get creative—think concealing electrical outlets with painting and paneling. She even had custom vent covers installed throughout the house that were then plastered to blend in with the walls and ceilings. All in all, Flanigan’s discerning eye for design, attention to detail and trademark blend of old-meetsnew are what made this house a home.

In the butler’s pantry, stained walnut countertops stand out against Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray cabinets PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER

A Niermann Weeks Ferarra chandelier centers the dining room, which features a custom table and chairs from The Joseph Company. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIE SOEFER

DESIGN DETAILS

TYPE
Single-family residence

LOCATION
Houston

INTERIOR DESIGN
Marie Flanigan Interiors
marieflanigan.com

ARCHITECTURE
Cusimano Architect
cusimano-architect.com

BUILDER Stetzer
Builders
stetzerbuilders.com

RESOURCES

ELEGANT ADDITIONS
Hardware in kitchen, master bathroom and butler’s pantry
elegantadditions.net

G&S CUSTOM DRAPERIES
Drapes and Roman shades throughout
gandscustomdraperies.com

THE JOSEPH COMPANY
Free-standing cabinet in master bathroom; dining table and chairs in dining room josephcompany.com

MATERIALS MARKETING
Floor tile in master bathroom
materials-marketing.com

MEREDITH O’DONNELL
Chandeliers and sconces in kitchen
meredithodonnell.com

NIERMANN WEEKS
Chandeliers in living room and dining room
niermannweeks.com

OMNI SURFACES
Countertops in kitchen and master bathroom
omnisurfaces.com