{"id":316612,"date":"2026-05-31T15:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T15:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/316612\/"},"modified":"2026-05-31T15:46:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T15:46:19","slug":"one-designer-relied-on-the-power-of-paint-to-transform-her-1930s-houston-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/316612\/","title":{"rendered":"One Designer Relied On the Power of Paint to Transform Her 1930’s Houston Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Estimated5 min read<\/p>\n

When interior designer Minnette Jackson<\/a> and her family relocated from Nashville to Houston, the fresh start came with an opportunity to once again turn an unfamiliar setting into a home. \u201cI had slowly made our previous home into a place we loved to be and to entertain, and now I got to repeat the process in a new place,\u201d says the designer. \u201cMy goal is always to create something classic, fresh, and livable but still have an air of everyday elegance, even with kiddos running around.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 1935 brick home\u2019s dreary yellow exterior didn\u2019t stop Jackson from seeing its charm. A turret on the front of the house, a nod to Tudor-style architecture, drew her in. The house needed a handful of immediate upgrades, like new windows and a partial foundation repair, but the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom property was otherwise in great shape. \u201cThe biggest change came in painting the whole house and in refreshing the kitchen,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

The kitchen layout and cabinetry were good enough to keep, but just about everything else\u2014countertops, backsplash, hardware, lighting, and most of the paint\u2014was changed to make the space light and bright. In the living room, Jackson honored the history of the house by adding elliptical arches to openings where the previous owner had removed the original casework. A little powder bath also got a big rework\u2014the new blue-and-white Sandberg wallpaper is reminiscent of the neighborhood\u2019s oak trees.<\/p>\n

My goal is always to create something classic, fresh, and livable but still have an air of everyday elegance.<\/p>\n

Coats of baby blue, crisp white, and soft cream paint revitalize the property inside and out. \u201cThere was a moment right after the painter started painting the exterior where I wasn\u2019t sure about the color,\u201d Jackson says of the shade she chose, Ballet White by Benjamin Moore. \u201cI almost panicked, but then looked closely at the bucket and realized the store had mixed the color wrong. Thank goodness he had only just begun painting, and it was an easy fix!\u201d<\/p>\n

Throughout the 3,200-square-foot space, Jackson mixed antiques and contemporary furnishings and decor. \u201cI do love objects with a story and incorporated several pieces that were in my family or my husband\u2019s family, as well as pieces we found together while traveling,\u201d Jackson says.<\/p>\n

Though the renovation was largely cosmetic, Jackson says the house feels much bigger now. And most importantly, it feels like a place where everyone who enters will feel happy and welcome.<\/p>\n

FAST FACTS
Designer: Minnette Jackson<\/a>
Stylist: Jessica Holtam<\/a>
Location: Houston, Texas
The Space: A four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home across 3,200 square feet<\/p>\n

ENTRYWAYBold art sets a daring mood from the start.\"entryway\"P\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Art (right): Michael Allen Lowe. Bench: antique, upholstered in Lee Jofa fabric. Rug, chest, and lamp: antique.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe front door of our home is in the turret on the front of the house, so you enter into this airy, two-story space with the original leaded glass above the door,\u201d Jackson says. \u201cThe footprint is small, so I found a shallow piece to go along the wall, this antique Italian bench.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for the art, Jackson calls out the large-scale painting by artist Ashley Longshore (left) as it’s \u201cboth bold in presence but elegant in subject matter; The birds feel a bit like they are flying above you. I love the pairing and how it greets you.\u201d<\/p>\n

LIVING ROOMAn unexpected layout facilitates connection.\"livingP\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Lamps: Galerie des Lampes. Wall art: Will Berry. Wall paint: custom, by Pittsburgh Paints. Curtains: Joseph Noble, with Schumacher trim. Chairs: vintage, with Samuel & Sons trim. Sofa: vintage. Table: antique.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur living room is long and narrow and was a little tricky to lay out,\u201d Jackson admits. She ended up creating two seating areas, and she says, \u201cI particularly love this end of the room and how cozy it is. At night, it\u2019s a lovely place to sit with the glow of the brass floor lamps and a favorite cocktail.\u201d The Creative Flooring rug is an indoor-outdoor rug, which Jackson notes \u201chas been tested many times over.\u201d<\/p>\n

KITCHENSerene white cabinetry creates a timeless scene.\"kitchen\"P\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Pendants: deVol Kitchens. Bar stool slipcovers: custom, in Pindler fabric. Faucet: Rohl. Countertop stone: Arabescato marble, from Bespoke Countertops.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a bit dark, with a strange mix of colors,\u201d Jackson says of the original kitchen. Ceramic lighting, cream paint, and warm nickel finishes now make it feel inviting.
<\/p>\n

\"breakfastP\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Table: AllModern. Chairs: Sika Designs.<\/p>\n

When Jackson and her family moved into this house, the designer had no clue how much they\u2019d actually use their \u201csmall but mighty\u201d breakfast nook in the corner of the kitchen. \u201cWe start every morning with a kid breakfast and end most days with casual dinners here,\u201d she says, noting that the glossy modern table and woven chairs are easy to clean. \u201cBonus is that this little nook looks out on our front courtyard, and it\u2019s a nice place to sit with your coffee as you gather your thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n

DINING ROOMFramed wallpaper panels add a hint of pattern and glamour.\"diningP\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Cowtan & Tout. Table: Phillips Scott. Chandelier: Visual Comfort & Co.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dining room opens right out onto our back patio, so I felt the room called for an organic element to temper the more formal pieces,\u201d Jackson says. \u201cI used a neutral paper weave to add an earthy element, while the silk De Gournay panels and vintage stools give a luxe factor. I do love to entertain, and we eat here often!\u201d<\/p>\n

POWDER ROOMAn antique mirror adds a sense of patina.\"house\"P\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Ceiling and trim paint: Van Courtland Blue, Benjamin Moore. Sconce: Visual Comfort & Co. Sink fixtures: Newport Brass.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s tiny with just enough room for the toilet and pedestal sink, so I wanted it to become a jewel box,\u201d Jackson says. \u201cThe Sandberg wallpaper was perfect, especially given our neighborhood\u2019s hallmark oak trees. A contemporary wall light gives a soft glow that\u2019s ultra-flattering for guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

PRIMARY BEDROOMA palette of serene blues balances out the greenery beyond the window.\"bedroom\"P\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Wall paint: Sea Salt, Sherwin-Williams. Light fixture: West Elm. Bedding: Matouk. Bench: Bliss Studio, in Schumacher fabric. Headboard: custom, in Kerry Joyce fabric. Rug: Oushak, purchased in Istanbul. Nightstand and mirror: antique.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur bedroom has windows on three sides, so it feels a bit like you are perched up in your own private little treehouse,\u201d Jackson says. \u201cI wanted to keep the feeling serene and went with a palette of watery blues and greens.\u201d<\/p>\n

SON\u2019S BEDROOMA vintage scarf inspired the room\u2019s scene.\"kidsP\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Crib sheet: Biscuit Home. Chair: Jessica Charles. Ottoman trim: Travers.<\/p>\n

A vintage Herm\u00e8s scarf, framed above the crib, inspired this whole room. \u201cWith graduated blues and a menagerie of charming hot air balloons floating through the design, I let those colors guide me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Even though he\u2019s still very young, her son is not likely to outgrow the Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, blue linen curtains with Samuel & Sons trim, and ottoman in blue Schumacher performance linen. \u201cIt is very sweet for a baby boy but can easily grow with him as the furniture changes,\u201d Jackson says.<\/p>\n

GUEST BEDROOMMatching upholstery lends a classic appeal.\"bedroom\"P\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Wall paint: Pointing, Farrow & Ball. Bedding: Matouk. Nightstand: Ballard Designs. Table lamp: Regina Andrews, with Fermoie lampshade. Figurines: Fitz & Floyd.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis room has a vaulted ceiling and gets the best light,\u201d Jackson says. \u201cI knew I wanted to use a mix of earthy elements and also incorporate this blue-and-white pattern we had in our former home.\u201d For the drapery, Jackson reused curtains from her parents\u2019 house. \u201cI had a workroom cut it down and add trim,\u201d the designer says. \u201cMost of the cost was in the labor\u2014I saved big on the materials.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another DIY is the bracket shelves above the bed, which Jackson collected and painted herself. \u201cI was having a hard time finding what I saw in my head, so I just collected several vintage ones in weird colors and painted them to match,\u201d she says. \u201cI love finding little objects and rehabbing them.\u201d<\/p>\n

BACKYARDCharming finishes give the space an old-world European feel.\"backyard\"P\u00e4r Bengtsson<\/p>\n

Awning: Awnings Houston. Tablecloth: Cotton Print Club via Etsy. Exterior paint: Ballet White, Benjamin Moore (at 75 percent strength). Chairs: vintage.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur back area is compact, so I like to think of it as more of a little garden terrace,\u201d Jackson says of the space, where evening dinners and occasional breakfasts are held when the weather is nice. \u201cThe antique Chicago brick is laid in a herringbone pattern and suits the house beautifully.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jackson also invested in landscaping for the property thanks to Gregory\/Henry Landscapes<\/a>. \u201cNeighbors actually stop me and say how nice it looks now,\u201d the designer adds.<\/p>\n

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