A sprawling residence near Houston has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending the expansive charm of Texas living with the cozy aesthetics of the English countryside. Designer Meg Lonergan spearheaded the project, drawing inspiration from the warm, inviting feel of traditional English homes. Her client, Brook Novelli, who possesses a strong background in interior design, sought a refreshing change for the 8,000 square-foot family home.
The Novelli family, after raising three daughters, opted not to downsize but to reinvent their current space into a retreat for their now-adult children and their families. Brook approached the renovation with a clear vision, focusing on family-centric design. “Downsizing was not on their agenda at all,” Lonergan stated. “Brook’s brief was for us to adapt the house to fit her needs, and Mike’s, as grandparents.”
Designing a Family-Centric Retreat
Brook’s extensive background in antiques and textiles set a high bar for the project. Recognizing this, Lonergan emphasized the importance of incorporating family-friendly elements into the design. One of the standout features of the renovation is a bunk room created from the attic space, specifically designed for Brook’s grandsons. “The starting point for the entire project was a bunk room for her grandsons,” Lonergan explained.
The home, built in 2000 with an open-plan layout, required significant adjustments to accommodate the new vision. Architect Matthew Mitchell was brought on board to refine interior architectural details, such as adding columns to define the expansive spaces. An essential alteration was made to the kitchen, which was enlarged and reoriented for a more social atmosphere.
In the kitchen, natural wood stains replaced paint to create contrast and balance. “We aimed for a layout that encourages family gatherings,” Lonergan noted. A long center island with high stools for casual dining became the focal point, designed to cater to larger groups.
Elegant Spaces with a Personal Touch
As the renovation progressed, the project scope expanded, leading to delightful surprises. Lonergan reflected on how Brook’s initial hesitance about updating the old playroom led to the creation of her favorite space, now transformed into a library. “It’s now her favorite space; a fact that brings me much joy,” Lonergan said.
The main bathroom also received a significant upgrade, which was initially met with resistance from Brook. After a persuasive conversation, Lonergan successfully convinced her to modernize the space, eliminating the outdated design that felt stuck in the early 2000s.
With an eye for detail, Lonergan embraced a color palette that echoed the home’s woodland surroundings. Earthy greens and browns were paired with vibrant accents, merging English styles with Texan influences. “I’m an ardent admirer of English interior style, but my design roots remain loyal to the Texan/Southern ideal,” she explained.
The dining room exemplifies this blend perfectly, featuring hand-printed wallpaper by de Gournay alongside an American-made buffet and dining table. The design team preserved many of Brook’s existing pieces to honor the family’s history and reduce environmental impact. “It’s fun to build the interior puzzle,” Lonergan remarked, highlighting the effort to refresh over 20 pieces of furniture through various upholstery techniques.
The transformed home now elegantly showcases a fusion of English charm and Texan comfort. All parties involved express satisfaction with the results, as the residence stands ready to host family gatherings and afternoon teas alike. The Novelli home, while rooted in the heart of Texas, reflects a world of design possibilities inspired by the English countryside.
