The Nero Chronicles: Of Drive-By Destinations and Wanting to Brake

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Of Drive-By Destinations and Wanting to Brake

Houston-based interior designer Lisa Rowe's stately but edgy home, set back on a large swath of verdant, tree-dotted lawn, has long been a favorite drive-by stakeout landmark which has often helped ease the dull ache of the monotonous carpool route. Long before Rowe's home was featured in our local PaperCity last summer, Nero had an inkling that someone with spunk had lovingly molded a fairly traditional facade into a dwelling with more than a smattering of cool southern panache. On a recent internet trawl, I noticed Lisa had fleshed out her website, so what better time than the present to revisit her comely digs as well as a few other spaces where she's worked her magic? Lisa also offers DIY design assistance through her latest endeavor Row x Rowe, an online service where clients can send in pictures and fill out a questionnaire, which Rowe then uses to dream up a freshly-designed room for a flat-fee. Ok, so here goes...take a long swig off that latte, slip on your sunglasses, slow to a crawl -- shhhh! -- and keep your heads down.

Labels: All images via Lisa Rowe

16 comments:

Bourbon&Pearls said...: It's enormous, I need more rooms to decorate!
I love the yellow and violet in the bedroom, what an unusual combination and yet it works so well.; May 21, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Full House said...: I love drive-bys. I am even one of those that love it when people leave their lights and blinds up at night so that I can get a peek of the insides.

I too am loving that little girls room...the color combination is so great.

Have a great weekend!; May 21, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Appletree said...: she has the mix perfect! I love it.; May 21, 2011 at 1:17 PM
Jessie said...: Beautiful images and wonderful inspirations.; May 21, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Jane and Lance Hattatt said...: Hello Alcira:
One of our favourite pastimes is to sneak a look into other people's houses when the lights are turned on but the curtains not yet drawn. This post really reminded us of this activity although the house is set rather too far back to have a good look in from the road.How fortunate, therefore, that you were able to give a guided tour of the interior.

The zebra- carpeted cantilevered staircase has won our hearts as it positively sweeps one to the next floor and the garden had an understated elegance which we found beguiling. But, the kaleidoscopic wallpapers we can certainly live without, especially in the bathroom. We felt headaches coming on just looking at it!; May 21, 2011 at 4:08 PM
Macarena - Chic et Posh said...: Hi Alcira! Wou, this is a beautiful house! Loved its interior designs! Just a week until leaving! How are you feeling? Wish you all the luck in the world!!! Huge huge hug!!! XoXo :); May 21, 2011 at 4:19 PM
Blue Fruit said...: Gorgeous home! Lots of wonderful mixes of pattern and colour ~ but that terrace shot is my favourite.; May 21, 2011 at 6:05 PM
The enchanted home said...: So pretty...love the mix of colors and patterns, the stair runner is great looking on that beautiful winding elegant staircase and love that big open wall in the breakfast room? I love driving by beautiful homes, it is so inspiring!; May 22, 2011 at 6:44 AM
anita said...: gorgeous! and i especially love the breakfast nook with the banquette!
xo; May 22, 2011 at 7:09 AM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Cheers Full House,

So glad I'm not alone in this sneaky pursuit ;)

Alcira; May 22, 2011 at 7:30 AM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Hi there Appletree,

Happy you enjoyed it ;)

Alcira; May 22, 2011 at 7:30 AM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Ditto Jessie,

Thrilled you were digging it!

Alcira; May 22, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Good Morning Jane and Lance,

In fact, the winding zebra stair is the home of a client, from what I can glean.
The floating stair in the second image as well as the kaleidoscopic wallpapers are Lisa's, however ;)

Lovely to have you along for the tour -- and yes, the interiors were tough to make out by day, though I will admit to a few drive-bys under cloak of darkness!

Cheers, Alcira; May 22, 2011 at 7:33 AM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Chau Maca!

Yes, a little under a week now -- feeling good, though grossly under-packed and stressed at how on earth to get my silly housewares there ;)
Will report from the desert on how things turn out!
Cheers, Alcira; May 22, 2011 at 7:34 AM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Morning Blue Fruit, TEH, and Anita,

Her work is lively and fun with a classical backbone at times.
I enjoy it.
Cheers and best, Alcira; May 22, 2011 at 7:35 AM
kristina said...: diz-ammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmn. two yums up.

kristina; May 23, 2011 at 5:15 PM