Text by Andrea Fanning
Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, Donna Rabalais is Southern by nature, and she wanted to find a home that was as well. Her search kept coming up short, and when she discussed her disappointment with friend and interior designer Melinda James of M. James Design Group, a change in course occurred. James took Rabalais to a home that had been on the market for a long time in the established neighborhood of Thomas Park and explained her vision for the dated property.
“The previous homeowner liked really dark, bold hues. Every wall and ceiling was a different color,” says James. “There was also glitter on the ceiling. But if you could get past all of that, you could see that the home had character and really great bones, including two fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views.”
James and her team had worked with Rabalais on several projects prior, so a solid foundation of clear communication was already established. Says Rabalais, “I prefer things that are soft and simple, so this house wasn’t my taste. But I loved the area, and I knew Melinda could do something really great with the place.”
Rabalais purchased the home in March 2017 and turned the keys over to James and company, giving them plenty of time to complete the renovations before the holiday season. Using Benjamin Moore’s “Plaster of Paris” on the walls and “Rocky Beach” on the doors and trim, the design team changed the look from avant-garde to French-Southern chic. In the garden room, existing oak floors from the original construction in 1981 were refinished. The floors were then matched and extended throughout the home.
The next order of business involved updating the kitchen. “We made it lighter and more functional,” says James. “Adding obscured glass to the long row of existing cabinet doors created a clean look.”
Rabalais moved into her new abode in July 2017, and as the holidays approached, she and James worked up some festive ideas. “I like traditional red and gold decorations,” says the homeowner, “and I like to keep it simple yet warm.” With these preferences in mind, James used a mix of fresh and faux greenery. From sugared fruit to beribboned wreaths, each room received at least a few Noel-inspired nods. “Melinda and her team made it all work so beautifully together,” says Rabalais.
For more festive inspiration, shop our Nov/Dec 2018 issue by clicking below!
