{"id":174447,"date":"2026-02-21T16:55:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T16:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/174447\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T16:55:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T16:55:14","slug":"this-san-antonio-texas-house-is-all-about-the-pure-joy-of-color","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/174447\/","title":{"rendered":"This San Antonio, Texas House Is All About the Pure Joy of Color"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Estimated6 min read<\/p>\n

When interior designer Galeana Younger<\/a> encountered this 1929 cottage in San Antonio\u2019s historic Monte Vista neighborhood, she recognized that, though its luster had clearly faded over the years, the house still had plenty of potential to sparkle. She also knew that shining it up would be essential, because the abode would soon be inhabited by an especially vibrant gem of a client: her 77-year-old mother, Chica. <\/p>\n

The first decision the Youngers made was to turn the 1,666-square-foot house into a one-bedroom with 1.5 bathrooms. It might not be the layout that holds the greatest appeal to future buyers, but Chica Younger doesn’t care\u2014she has no plans to ever move out. \u201cI won’t have to worry about resale. I’ll be dead,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd I’m too old not to live how I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"exterior<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

The house was transformed by Younger to reflect her mother’s vibrant personality and Mexican heritage. She describes her as a Martha Stewart-type with a fantastic eye, who could have been an interior designer herself. \u201cHer environment has always been important to her, so she always kept a lovely home,\u201d the designer recalls of her mother’s previous homes, full of fascinating artwork, bold colors, and unique collections. They dubbed the cottage Casita Chica: \u201cA play on words\u2014Spanish for \u2018little house\u2019 and mom\u2019s nickname, Chica.\u201d <\/p>\n

A substantial portion of the renovation budget went to custom millwork, including in the library, kitchen, and pantry, which paid off in making room for a myriad of treasures. \u201cI\u2019m a firm believer in the power of built-ins,\u201d says Younger. Bold hues, rich patterns, and layered textures appear at every turn; the effect is vivacious yet relaxing, an invitation to visitors to both explore and unwind. Vintage finds and family heirlooms mingle with furniture that was specifically purchased (or reupholstered) for this space, blurring the line between old and new. <\/p>\n

I’m too old not to live how I want.<\/p>\n

Off the kitchen, a former breakfast room became a bar and seating area\u2014an ideal place to chat with the chef herself, who regularly hosts friends and family for afternoon soirees and fabulous Sunday dinners. These gatherings add a finishing touch that transcends decor: the laughter and memories that turn a house into a home.<\/p>\n

FAST FACTS<\/p>\n

Designer: Galeana Younger, Galeana Group<\/a><\/p>\n

Location: San Antonio, TX<\/p>\n

The Space: A one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom house across 1,666 square feet.<\/p>\n

ENTRY<\/p>\n

A bold vignette greets guests from the start. <\/p>\n

\"credenza\"<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

Younger’s mom carried this celadon Osborne and Little wallpaper print around for literal decades; this entry area inside the front door turned out to be the perfect spot to install it. The gold star motif is echoed in the art installation to the left of the door: a dove mounted at the center of a starburst, originally from a church in Puebla, Mexico. The red dresser was handed down through generations: \u201cWe\u2019ve always called it the \u2018triple casket,\u2019\u201d explains the designer, who added a marble top to the piece to make it more functional.<\/p>\n

LIVING ROOM <\/p>\n

A vibrant palette brings energy and cheer. <\/p>\n

\"living<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

\u201cThe color combination keeps things feminine, but not too dainty,\u201d says Younger of the living room color scheme. To make the most of the cozy space, she created a conversational arrangement of two chairs and a sofa, as well as footstools that can serve as extra seating as needed. <\/p>\n

The room is furnished with family heirlooms\u2014such as the rug the owner\u2019s father returned with from Persia, where he was stationed during WWII, and her mother\u2019s table lamps\u2014and local auction finds, like the armchairs found at a friend\u2019s estate sale and recovered in glorious fabrics by Manuel Canovas (front) and Christopher Farr (back and sides). Original tiles encircle the fireplace beneath a \u201cMadonna and Child\u201d artwork atop the mantle.
<\/p>\n

\u201cWe found the bar cart in the back of a dark, dusty antiques store,\u201d says Younger. It was missing its feet, so she asked the shop\u2019s proprietor, Carlos, to add wheels to it. \u201cAt first I thought they were too big, but after a while I started to like them. They reminded me of something I might see at the circus, and it made the cart that much more appealing.\u201d In another corner of the room, \u201cKelly, the Skelly,\u201d a souvenir picked up during a visit to Cuernavaca, Mexico, lounges on a vintage accent chair.<\/p>\n

KITCHEN <\/p>\n

Zesty lemon yellow cabinetry commands attention. <\/p>\n

\"kitchen\"<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was such a fun kitchen to design,\u201d says Younger. \u201cWe used four different tile patterns, and it took us a few samples before settling on a paint that wasn\u2019t too sweet or subtle. This yellow has just the right amount of green in it\u2014it\u2019s almost electric.\u201d She borrowed space from the back bedroom to create a pantry beyond the blue and white chevron tile wall. \u201cThat pop of purple? Chef\u2019s kiss.\u201d
<\/p>\n

BAR<\/p>\n

The ideal spot to pour an evening cocktail and lounge. <\/p>\n

\"pantry\"<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

Situated directly off the kitchen, the former breakfast room was fitted with custom cabinetry to create much-needed storage and transformed into a home bar. One of the owner\u2019s favorite aspects of the redesign, the space is always curated with beautiful objects\u2014orchids, Mexican pottery, fresh fruit, and interesting trinkets\u2014but can also be easily converted into a buffet.
<\/p>\n

DINING ROOM<\/p>\n

Playful wallpaper brings color and charm. <\/p>\n

\"dining<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

Scenic Manuel Canovas wallpaper was a \u201cno-brainer,\u201d says Younger, thanks in part to its ability to play off her mom’s existing furnishings and collections. The sideboard\u2014an Old English chest of drawers\u2014was a wedding gift to the homeowner and her husband, while the rosewood dining set had belonged to her parents. The \u201cMadonna and Child\u201d artwork also belonged to Younger’s grandmother and, along with the crystal chandelier, grounds the room in Old World elegance. The gold foil and pink motif inside the archways was a commission designed and applied by local artist Gregorio Mannino, who has since passed away.<\/p>\n

POWDER ROOM<\/p>\n

Bold details lend a maximalist vibe.<\/p>\n

\"powder<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

This wall covering\u2014 \u201cEveryday Lips\u201d by Voutsa\u2014was one of the first decisions Younger and her mom made for the house. \u201cThe red velvet doors sort of dare you to open them; when you do, you are enveloped in kisses,\u201d she adds. A vintage mirror floats over a vanity and console by Signature Hardware, with plumbing fixtures by Kohler.
<\/p>\n

BEDROOM<\/p>\n

Wall-to-wall drapery creates an enveloping feel. <\/p>\n

\"bedroom\"<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was purposefully designed to feel like a regal place to sleep\u2014perfectly appropriate for [my mother],\u201d says Younger. \u201cI like that the curtain and canopy not only provide a pop of color and drama but also create a smooth, streamlined place for the bed.\u201d <\/p>\n

The draperies and upholstery were commissioned from San Antonio fabricator Johnson\u2019s Draperies, using fabric from Manuel Canovas, Clarke and Clarke, and Texture Fabrics. The headboard was also custom-made locally by Ray\u2019s Upholstery, with fabric by Schumacher. A vintage lamp, refashioned from a ceramic candlestick sourced in Oaxaca, Mexico, sits on a West Elm nightstand. The bedding is by Matouk and Sferra.
<\/p>\n

CLOFFICE<\/p>\n

Lipstick pink cabinetry keeps everything out of sight. <\/p>\n

\"cloffice\"<\/p>\n

Matthew Niemann<\/p>\n

What would have been an \u201cextra\u201d bedroom became the closet-meets-office area; it\u2019s also where the laundry units live. The cabinets were meticulously designed to accommodate ample storage. One section houses sweaters; another, long dresses and coats; another still, supplies like pens, notecards, and gift wrap materials. In this photo: \u201cMom\u2019s extensive huipile collection. An avid collector of Mexican art, textiles, pottery, and really all things south of the border, she not only has 50-plus huipiles, tops, and petticoats\u2014all handmade\u2014from various regions throughout Mexico, but she also has an extensive collection of traditional costumes and clothing from those regions as well.\u201d Painted in Behr\u2019s \u201cHeart Breaker\u201d pink, the cabinet doors feature bamboo molding from Osborne Wood. The hardware was sourced from Etsy.<\/p>\n

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n