Sarah West Designs a Timeless French Country Home in Houston

“I was so honored when they reached out and asked me to consult architecturally and design the interiors of their home,” says West. “Rarely do I find a couple who are both involved in construction and design, so this was such a treat for me, especially because we are friends. It truly was a dream team.”

Kelly O’Donnell, owner of local antiques shop Back Row Home, travels to Europe several times a year to scour the legendary flea markets and fairs for the one-of-kind treasures brimming from her storefront. Her husband, Randy, owns a commercial construction firm and brings a deep knowledge and interest to all aspects of the building process.

Their French Normandy–style home, set in the heart of Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood, emanates an old-world architectural demeanor with sweeping rooflines and steep gables nestled under canopies of mature oak trees planted a century ago. Deemed the “Overbrook Project” to commemorate its charming street setting, their manor-like residence encompasses 6,800 square feet and lavish outdoor spaces.

When deciding the exterior colors for their house, the couple wanted to use a similar palette they had always loved and been drawn to while visiting Belgium. West selected a substantially textured brick that peeks through the light-hued lime wash on the façade of the house. She incorporated natural wood accents, copper gutters, and a Belgian-style front door designed and built by a local artisan. For a signature embellishment, she integrated an antique European font into the stone wall to greet guests approaching the door.

“I love a few unexpected surprises in each project,” says West. “I always tell my clients that the front door is the one place in your home where your guests are not engaging with someone as they wait for you to greet them. The antique font provides a unique opportunity to place a candle, flowers, or simple olive branches when hosting a gathering at your house.”

Once inside, the foyer welcomes visitors with a light-filled gallery vibe, where steel doors and windows encasing the entrance allow natural light yet lend privacy when desired. “Ivory plaster walls married with antique floors create the perfect mix of old and new,” notes West, “and antique lanterns originating from a European church were repurposed as pendants.”

West sourced 1960s vintage mirrors she acquired on a trip to Round Top to glamorize the powder room and integrated them into an antique door she designed and stained a rich shade of ebony. The surprises continue with a Belgian sink resting on a modern marble slab and, yes, even disco balls. “I love a good dance party, and so does Kelly, who uncovered a few vintage beauties for her shop,” adds West. “I knew they were going to be perfect for the powder room! One of the things that was so much fun about working with these clients is they were open to any of my ideas, even if they were out of their comfort zone.”

Well-worn elements, such as antique brick on the stair risers, brick walls in the outdoor room, and weathered wood beams and ceiling treatments, create rustic texture and warmth in keeping with classic Southern style. Layered accessories that feel meaningful to the owners appear throughout the home. Antique books, family pottery, and bar accessories such as antique ice buckets emit a graciously lived-in sense of comfort, offering curious conversation starters when entertaining friends.

“Some of these pieces were passed down through generations,” says West. “Kelly loves to collect beautiful pottery, so the brass shelves I designed for her kitchen offer easy access when hosting a party.” The breakfast area displays the owners’ antique drop leaf table surrounded by vintage iron chairs from the ’60s, completing West’s vision for a garden party moment that melds with the family room’s rich green chairs and dreamy floral artwork. The showstopper? An antique mirrored ceiling in the dining room—West’s favorite space—generates a dazzling wow factor when guests look up and see their sparkling reflections along with the elegant place settings.

“It’s so gratifying to have clients who love their home and use every space,” says the designer. “When I install a project, the owners always arrive to a completely finished home, including fabulous flowers, meaningful accents, their favorite cocktail, and a completely stocked pantry. I love adding all the personal details and a mix of styles and elements, so it feels unique. Creating one-of-a-kind happy homes for people is what keeps me in the design world.”