WIDE OPEN SPACE

Lofty ambitions distinguish a Museum District condo

by Troy Broussard

Photograph by Bob JacksonOur collective Southern traditions taught us the rules. There is a dining room for dining furniture, a bedroom for bedroom furniture, and a living room for the sofa and television. Even the most modest Montrose bungalow has rigidly divided space, dictating furniture arrangements. But that changed about five years ago in Houston with the insurgence of loft properties in Montrose, Midtown, Uptown, and downtown. Spatial interpretations are now only limited by the imagination of the owner. Loft living is not about inflexible dissection of space, but rather uninhibited open areas. And the best lofts that I have seen in Houston are malleable spaces that evolve with time.

Ed McIntosh (of Jacques Antiques) and David Hollingsworth’s interpretation of their Museum District loft is an inspiration. Tackling the interior design themselves, they approached the large open spaces as an ever-changing stage set. Guests have witnessed this backdrop transform at a moment’s notice from a formal seated dinner with crystal, sterling silver, and Dom Perignon to a “white trash” weenie roast with an inflatable pool, spare tires, and Twinkie cake.

In Houston, loft dwelling differs from that in other cities where lofts have been popular for decades. The luxury condominium building where McIntosh and Hollingsworth reside was created as a loft development, rather than born as a conversion from an old building. Concrete floors and ceilings, aluminum-cased windows, and exposed HVAC (air conditioning vents) add industrial chic character to the building.

One of the ways that McIntosh chose to delineate space was to change flooring materials from area to area. Wood-plank floor encompasses the living area, dining area, and kitchen like an enormous rug. The floor in the foyer, hallways, and bedrooms remains concrete.

In the area designated for dining furniture, McIntosh and Hollingsworth use a long, heavy wooden table that transforms into a buffet during a cocktail party. Upholstered oval-back chairs surround the table. The table and chairs are not antiques, but rather streamlined interpretations in the manner of classic European shapes.

Loft living is not always about sleek and modular furniture. One should never shy away from antiques in a loft. The incorporation of antiques and reproductions in the context of such a new environment imbues a sense of heritage and stability, characteristics essential in a city in search of its own place in history.

For an added touch of grandeur, McIntosh and Hollingsworth installed a pair of bronze rococo chandeliers over the dining table. The ornate styling and curvilinear shape of the fixtures establish unexpected juxtaposition with the home’s stark contemporary architectural detailing.

Especially worthy of mention is the use of plain electrical conduit affixed across the ceiling to power the chandeliers. Successful loft inhabitants need not be limited to power sources dictated by a builder. It is a gutsy and unassuming design decision that would never work in a traditional residence. In combination with the exposed pipes of the sprinkler system, the conduit creates that fashionable industrial chic look that bestows authenticity on the new loft space. In fact, the Mondrian-like shapes formed by the web of pipe and conduit are almost sculptural.

Even the most decoratively adept homeowner needs professional input from time to time. On the advice of designer and event planner Steven Wagner, a cool mossy green meets a warm acorn yellow, unifying the cold concrete with the rich flooring. The color change is elegantly playful. This is a clever yet subtle device that, if done properly, could transform any loft.

And as a final touch of whimsy, an elaborately carved mirror in a dark finish balances perfectly against the simple shape and blonde finish of the dining table. Hanging horizontally, the mirror provides a view for diners who are seated facing the wall. The mirror also reflects the candelabras and chandeliers from every perspective in the loft, adding valuable light and creating an increased sense of drama.

The days of selecting a matching suite of dining furniture is over, especially for those urban pioneers who inhabit lofts. So if your dining room is a turkey, use the approaching holiday season as incentive to creatively attack empty spaces or to upgrade existing furniture selections.

Beginning with this issue, Troy Broussard will cover home design for the magazine. The OutSmart readers named Broussard, who participated in our Big Switch decorating project (November 2002), best interior designer in the most recent Gayest & Greatest survey (“So Gay, So Great,” October 2003).

If you have any comments about this article, please email them to letters@outsmartmagazine.com.