HOUSTON: AN INSPIRING PATCHWORK OF GLOBAL DESIGN
About the author
By Kathy Anderson, Senior Interior Design Editor | Founder and owner of Eklektik Interiors.
Known as one of the largest, most diverse cities in the United States, Houston is eclectic in almost every way, including home design. If you call Houston home, or are looking to make your place in Houston, there is definitely a home for you here. Eclectic means deriving ideas, style, or taste from a diverse range of sources. With Houston being the largest city in Texas, and the fourth-largest in America, it is full of possibilities, inspiration, culture and excitement.
GLOBAL DESIGN:
The reason I named my design firm Eklektik is because I love merging different ideas and styles from around the world. One of my passions is keeping updated on the latest international design ideas and products through travel, but I also love and respect the influence of local talent in Houston. Because of the digital world we live in, design is increasingly more global. We can see what is happening in all parts of the world instantly, and it is fascinating to discover what different designs come from different ways of living.
We also have easier accessibility to products from around the world, leading to a more global design aesthetic. Whether you live in a high rise in the city or a ranch on the outskirts, you can infuse your personal style into your home and add your own colorful piece to the patchwork that is Houston.
DESIGN INSPIRATION:
Developing what interior designers call the “design eye”— looking for inspiration in everything around you—is in part a gift but can also be refined through experience. I work hard to not only bring great experience to my designs, but also something current and unique to each client. I always tell my clients not to just copy something you like. Take the time to study and come up with your own look. That’s not to say you can’t incorporate things into your designs that you are inspired by but add your own unique perspective on it. With more than 145 languages spoken and the fusion of food, art and community from around the world, Houston is full of opportunity for inspiration. Wherever you are in the city or whatever you are participating in, open your ‘design eye’ and you will be amazed at all the variety Houston has to offer. Here are a few examples of where I find inspiration in my hometown.
NATURE AND PEOPLE:
I am constantly inspired by nature. Some of the greatest color pallets come from a sunrise or sunset, a beautiful garden or seasonal changes, all of which the greatest Creator of all has given us to inspire and lift us. Beauty can be found everywhere. The simplest of forms can inspire, and Houston boasts variety in landscape and nature.
My clients are my biggest inspiration. They are each unique and bring their own perspective to a project. It is my job to capture them in their home design, and I love that. I’m inspired as I get to know each individual client, their family culture and what is important to them. Together we can make magic happen and really enjoy the design process together as we create a cohesive design that is not only beautiful, but functions on every level and enhances their living experience. Every job is an opportunity to learn and grow a new friendship.
ART AND FOOD:
Houston has great restaurants. I would put it up against NYC any day. We love our dining in Houston, and we are lucky to have so much to choose from. One of my favorites is MAD, here in Houston. It is a sensory overload, but in a great way. Their first restaurant, BCN, is completely different in design—small, intimate, and almost sedate in feel. Both have amazing food, and I highly recommend them. I also love exploring dive bars! They have a story. I love it when things are not perfect but are unique and have their own set of nuances. They have the most interesting people and food!.
We are blessed to live in a city that has a great cultural scene and is committed to the arts, both visual and performance. The Menil Collection is an artistic treasure here in Houston. I love the grounds, buildings, exhibits, and just the way I feel when I am there.
HOUSTON SPIRIT:
I LOVE Houston. I love the giving spirit of this amazing city. Houston has a heart as big as Texas. We have been through hard things together, and we come out stronger and more committed to our community. I try to live up to that. What I do as a designer is not rocket science, but it can make a big difference in the way someone lives, and I do not take that lightly. I have been blessed in so many aspects of my life and the way to show true gratitude is to share and support projects and charities that lift others and build our beautiful city. Quietly doing for others is a great way to use your power and to receive the greatest inspiration in designing your life and surroundings.
Inspiration is easily found in designing for remarkable clients like this retired global oil well fire fighter. We were able to incorporate his distinguished career and world travels into his home design, as shown in the artwork and furniture in his home bar.
