Step Inside a Houston Home with Dogwood Proper
This Houston home, redesigned by Jessica Bandstra and Bonnie Greene of Dogwood Proper, is a masterclass in thoughtful, continuous design.
This Houston home, redesigned by Jessica Bandstra and Bonnie Greene of Dogwood Proper, is a masterclass in thoughtful, continuous design. Spanning the entire home—from the kitchen and living spaces to bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor living areas—the project feels cohesive yet layered, refined without ever feeling overworked.
What sets this home apart is the seamless dialogue between old and new, perhaps most evident in the kitchen. Arched cased openings soften the architecture and set the tone for a space that leans subtly European in spirit. Inset cabinetry painted in a nuanced blue-green hue pairs beautifully with warm brass finishes, striking a balance between tailored and inviting. Expansive yet intimate, the kitchen offers generous seating at both the breakfast nook and the kitchen bar—designed for everyday comfort while maintaining a sense of elevated, thoughtful design.
The result is a home that reads as collected over time rather than decorated all at once—timeless, livable, and deeply considered. It’s a beautiful expression of Dogwood Proper’s ability to create interiors that honor history while embracing a modern sensibility. As you scroll the images, I hope you enjoy the thoughtful details, layered textures, and timeless design moments throughout the home.
You can explore more from Dogwood Proper at www.dogwoodproper.com, or shop their curated collection of furniture, lighting, and décor at 4239 Harding Pike, Suite 200, Nashville, TN.
Dogwood Proper is part of a distinguished group of interior designers across the country on the Garden & Grace Directory. For more on them and other designers in your area, visit the Garden & Grace Directory here.
Images provided by Dogwood Proper and taken by Kerry Kirk Photography.
A Joyful Transformation by Mae Davis Interiors
In Birmingham, Alabama, a 2000s home has been beautifully reimagined by Mae Davis Interiors into a vibrant, personal, and timeless retreat. The clients came to Mae Davis ready for a fresh start—and the result is a home that celebrates color, comfort, and character.
In Birmingham, Alabama, a 2000s home has been beautifully reimagined by Mae Davis Interiors into a vibrant, personal, and timeless retreat. The clients came to Mae Davis ready for a fresh start—and the result is a home that celebrates color, comfort, and character.
From the traditional dining room to the pattern-filled primary bedroom, every space reflects thoughtful layers of texture and style. The secondary bedroom is playful and like a warm hug, while the kitchen breakfast nook and living room invite conversation and everyday ease. Together, these rooms tell a story of joyful design grounded in lasting appeal.
You can explore Mae Davis Interiors in person at 66 Church St, Suite D, Mountain Brook, AL 35213, or shop their curated collection of furniture, lighting, and décor online at shopmaedavis.com.
Mae Davis Interiors is part of a distinguished group of interior designers across the country on the Garden & Grace Directory. For more on them and other designers in your area, visit the Garden & Grace Directory here.
Images provided by Mae Davis Interiors and taken by Laurey Glenn Photography.
A Southern Classic Reimagined: Dallas Home Transformation by Boulevard Interiors
This Dallas project is a perfect example of how southern architecture paired with thoughtful design can create a home that feels both rooted in tradition and alive with modern energy. Stephanie and her team at Boulevard Interiors made this house a place you can’t help but want to call home.
On a leafy corner lot in Dallas, TX, stands a quintessential southern white home with stately columns and undeniable curb appeal. While its exterior carried timeless charm, the interiors were in need of a fresh perspective. Enter Boulevard Interiors—led by Stephanie Ciccone with offices in Dallas and New York City—who brought both architectural expertise and design creativity to this complete renovation project. We’ve included some images of the before so you can truly appreciate the work that went into the transformation.
Design Insights: The exterior brick paint color is Benjamin Moore OC-45 Swiss Coffee and the shutters and front door are painted Sherwin Williams 6994 Greenblack.
Design Insights: The kitchen cabinetry, trim and doors are painted Benjamin Moore CW-480 Bassett Hall Green.
The beauty of this transformation lies in its restraint. Without moving too many walls, the designer reimagined the flow and function of the home, thoughtfully layering in custom cabinetry, a fresh kitchen layout, and tailored design choices that honor the home's classic roots while infusing it with modern personality. Serving as both architect and designer, Boulevard Interiors managed every detail, from construction oversight to final styling.
Design Insights: The powder bath wallpaper is Schumacher Lotus Garden.
Design Insights: The formal living room walls, trim and doors are painted Benjamin Moore Alaskan Husky 1479 in High Gloss.
Design Insights: The study walls, trim, bookcases and doors are painted Benjamin Moore HC-155 Newburyport Blue.
Inside, color takes center stage. The once-traditional spaces now feel vibrant, youthful, and deeply comfortable—perfect for a young family who wanted a home that felt both elevated and livable. The sage green kitchen cabinetry brings warmth and charm, while the spa-like bathroom layers soft hues with polished finishes, creating a serene retreat. Throughout, the designer's keen eye for scale and balance ensures that each room feels cohesive, welcoming, and filled with character.
Design Insights: The laundry room cabinets, trim and doors are painted Sherwin Williams 6522 Sporty Blue.
This project is a perfect example of how southern architecture paired with thoughtful design can create a home that feels both rooted in tradition and alive with modern energy. Stephanie and her team at Boulevard Interiors made this house a place you can’t help but want to call home.
All images are provided by Stephanie Ciccone of Boulevard Interiors and captured by Nathan Schroder Photography.
DALLAS-INSPIRED HOME DECOR
Boulevard Interiors is part of a distinguished group of interior designers across the country on the Garden & Grace Directory. For more on them and other designers in your area, visit the Garden & Grace Directory here.
Member Spotlight: Meet Atlanta-based architect Blake Segars
Blake Segars is known for his classic, refined style. Let's dive into Blake's impressive portfolio, and hear more about he became one of Atlanta's leading residential architects.
As a kid, Blake Segars spent summers cutting grass for a landscape company. He's wanted to be an architect ever since. But the path wasn't so linear. He went to UGA and tried to declare architecture as his major, but the closest thing the school offered was landscape architecture. He spent a few years in the landscaping world, but buildings kept calling his name. So, a few years later, he went to school—Georgia Tech this time—to get a masters in architecture, his true passion.
Let's dive into Blake's impressive portfolio, and hear more about his journey in his own words.
Q: Tell us more about your career path.
A: It was in my graduate program where I was introduced to Norman Askins. He and I became quick friends, and he told me: “Blake, when you graduate, you have a seat in my office.” I gladly accepted his offer and trained under Norman for several years, refining the classical details I was initially exposed to at Page Duke. Norman would often say to me: “Blake, you have it in you to do this on you own. You’re far too ambitious to work under someone else’s name.” I was petrified to make the leap of faith of working for myself. However, after years of working beside Norman, the day came that I decided to leave his metaphorical nest and launch T. Blake Segars Architecture.
Q: Describe your design style in three words.
A: Traditional, refined, classic.
Q: What's one home trend you're loving and one you'd like to see retired?
A: I’ve been exhausted with the white box brick house with black steel windows since the trend started ten years ago. I never liked it! That look seems to be killing the traditional fabric of our beautiful old neighborhoods. It is so sad, cold and bland. It’s time for that look to be buried six feet under.
I don’t consider myself a “maximalist” designer, though I’m thrilled to see homeowners using more colors, textures, fabrics, and truly curating the home’s interior collection with pieces of all times and trends. Jackye Lanham once told me: “ Truly collected and curated rooms never go out of style.” I love that!
Q: What's your favorite city for architecture? Any hotels you'd recommend for those who love design?
A: This is an impossible question. I love French Colonialism found in New Orleans. I love the “Modern Colonial” look of the shingle style found in Newport, Rhode Island. I love the simplicity and elegance of Colonial Williamsburg. I love the geographically dictated details found in West Indies style homes. And the same holds true for the details found in Moroccan style homes and gardens. There is inspiration found in every city. I can’t possibly narrow it down to one favorite place.
As far as a great hotel that I recommend…I do love the imaginative idea of a charming bed & breakfast filled with nostalgia. When I travel, I find the good hotels to have a drink at the bar, or dinner in their restaurant. Any of the Auberge Hotels & Resorts are fabulous!
Q: What else should we know about your work?
A: My designs are deeply influenced by my own personal life, mixed with the personal needs and aspirations of the homeowners for whom I’m designing. I am divorced with three tween/teen children. I am a highly social person, involved in several community activities and boards. I entertain my children, friends, family, and community members often. My designs take into consideration the quiet comfortable needs of a home, while also including what will be required when the home is filled with family and friends. It’s a happy balance when it comes to incorporating the multi-faceted requirements of a home.
Q: Any advice for homeowners?
A: Great design comes from a great curated team of professionals, working intimately with the homeowner. The objective is to HAVE FUN! So many homeowners are susceptible to getting overwhelmed by all the questions that need answering, and details that need refining. My advice to homeowners is: “Have Fun! Hire a great team; and trust the process. You’re in good hands. Enjoy the Ride.”
Q: What are your goals for your firm over the next five years?
A: This is another difficult question. I’ve been blown-away with the fabulously exciting past five years of T. Blake Segars Architecture. We have made accomplishments and seen growth that couldn’t have been planned for. It’s been a rewarding and exciting ride. We have grown from a one-person company in one city, to now having six associates with offices in Atlanta, GA and Santa Rosa Beach, FL. We have evolved from designing small home remodels for friends and family in Atlanta and in my hometown of Rome, to designing homes of all shapes and sizes in cities across the United States, Mexico, Bahamas, and Canada.
I can only imagine what exciting ventures await us in the next five years. Stay tuned!
All photos are by Emily Followill
T Blake Segars Architecture is part of the Garden & Grace directory, the trusted source for homeowners to find the right partner to help make their dreams a reality. Apply for consideration here.
SHOP FORMAL DINING INSPIRATION
