Tour a Six-Bedroom Houston Home Built for Hosting and Family Life

“When the design process began, our life was a whirlwind! We had three young children, a dog, and a stream of kids coming and going as we shuttled them from one activity to the next,” says Smith, whose kids now range from 13 to 21 years old.

Progress was slow, especially during the COVID-related building shortages, but steady, resulting in a stunning six-bedroom, 9,240-square-foot Cape Dutch–style home, blending traditional materials, such as whitewashed stucco, brick, and wood, with modern elements, including large-scale steel-and-glass windows and doors.

“Our overall concept was to create a highly customized elegant home that could easily transition from hosting large social events to intimate family gatherings. In addition to layout, the interior door placements allowed for that,” says King.

Breaking up the open floor plan while maintaining visual flow was necessary. In the primary living area, the solution was found in four sets of steel-and-glass pocket doors that seal off the catering kitchen from the main one as well as both kitchens from the spacious family room.
“Having two separate kitchens was a key design element. The idea was to always have a less formal ‘lived-in’ kitchen for everyday use as well as the formal version for entertaining,” adds King.

The latter is ensconced in Calcutta marble, from mitered-edge countertops to full-wall backsplashes and a boxed-in range hood.

Meanwhile, custom Jefferson-style wood-paneled doors also close off the formal parlor from the casual family room. The white oak paneling, with Reglet brass detailing, extends into the room, which is also connected to the outdoors living space via a wall of sliding-stacking glass doors.

“On the open floor plan, the parlor and its adjacent wine room are jewels in the center of the home, bridging the private and public sides of the layout,” adds King.

The glassed-in wine room, featuring a striking wall of Borghini marble, sits between the double-height foyer, floating staircase, and intimate parlor. The parlor furniture is tailored and transitional, in keeping with in the rest of the home, but with more formal textiles.
“Our palette was created using whites, neutrals, and a range of blues. The more vibrant jewel tones come from the art,” she adds, referencing by way of example the vermilion boosters on the parlor’s sofa.

King also uses wall coverings to define spaces and layer in contrast, color, and pattern. For example, the dining room ceiling sports a geometric wallpaper to balance the classic Turkish rug, demonstrating King’s ability to blend what Smith references as “Jerry’s modern, minimal aesthetic with my warm, traditional preferences.”

The surprise for the couple ended up being the primary suite, which they had originally intended to keep small. “It became an elegant, peaceful retreat, a space where we come to unwind at the end of the day,” adds Smith.

As to both his-and-her bathrooms and closets, King adds, “Having those separate quarters, well, it may be the smartest decision a couple can make!”

Clearly, on the decision-making front, these two have made it this far with further to go. “Life hasn’t slowed down a bit,” says Smith, adding, “What I love the most about our house is that it will be just as adaptable to the next phase of life. Whether we are empty nesters or welcoming grandkids, it is truly a home that will grow with us.”