 |
Eddie Seal/Special to the Caller-Times |
|
The red microsuede bucket chairs swivel for 360 degree views of the entire space. A black abstract area rug is the same pattern under the dining table, but in a rectangular shape. |
By Diane S. Morales, Caller-Times
September 03, 2006
 |
Eddie Seal/Special to the Caller-Times |
| Each floor of Mike McLemore’s home boasts a patio to take in the waterfront view of Aransas Bay. Project manager Ryan Dias, oversaw the construction of McLemore’s home. “The views of the water from his home are phenomenal,” he said. Residents of the community also share ownership of a patch of beach across an estuary. |
PHOTO GALLERY
A canopy of oak trees shades a brick-like roadway to Mike McLemore’s sanctuary in Rockport’s Old Cottage Beach development off Highway 35 North. The rectangular three-story structure stands unobtrusive near Aransas Bay, letting the waterfront scenery speak for itself.
But open the door to the vinyl-sided, green aluminum roof house and the deceptive exterior awakens to a modern scene of abstract art, funky furniture and sleek accessories uncharacteristic of a typical beach cottage.
“The real genesis behind the design is from a house in Seaside, Fla.,” said McLemore, a patent attorney. “It’s not the same floor plan, but it was the inspiration … square, tall.”
McLemore, who lives in Houston, partnered with Richard Dias Construction Co. in Rockport to develop the Old Cottage Beach community. McLemore sold his Key Allegro home to build his Florida-inspired getaway designed by Stephen Haynes.
Richard Dias Construction Co. built McLemore’s two-bedroom, two-bath home in about eight months. Since May 2006, McLemore has escaped to his Rockport retreat every chance he gets to relax, golf and sail with friends.
 |
Eddie Seal/Special to the Caller-Times |
| A metal banister projects an artful touch to the staircase. Graduated onion-shaped pendant lights in colorful glass drop between each flight of stairs too. |
When it came to decorating the 1,700-square-foot space, McLemore digressed from the nautical theme of his former Key Allegro house and his Tuscany-style townhome in Houston for a contemporary approach reticent of Miami Beach mod.
A glass-top rectangular table in the foyer spruced with hollowed red vases and silver framed mirrors linked like chains sets the tone in the foyer.
Laminate natural wood floors are the home’s base, while maize and moss green walls spruce the first floor reserved for a full bath, an office cove and a guest bedroom.
Black granite counters and a glass shower door to the ceiling defines the bath with its blond cabinets and slender metal hardware repeated in the kitchen and master bath.
A glass-paned door invites light to the area and into a screened patio overlooking a grove of oak trees. Before walking into the light of the patio, guests can tap into their inner spirit with the Zen line of rattan woven furniture by Century. The low profile bed is primed for comfort and class with a peachy brown chintz comforter. Three square ottomans in gold and merlot sit against picture windows dressed in bamboo shades.
 |
Eddie Seal/Special to the Caller-Times |
| McLemore said he designed the glass bar in the kitchen. He went to a stainless steel fabricator to create posts to support the half-moon shaped glass counter. Total price tag: about $2,500. |
A place to relax
Near the front door, a metal banister leads to the main living area where the kitchen, living room and dining room share access to a covered patio.
McLemore perused magazines and the Internet for decorating and architectural ideas and friend Pam Bullard of Houston pulled the look together. A key element for the second floor’s bold modern flair is an original piece of artwork titled “Island Jewels” by Jonna White.
“The colors in the art were inspiration for the house,” McLemore said.
A vibrant reddish pink seashell and a whimsical blue angelfish in the art are multiplied by red swivel bucket chairs, a yellow sofa with blue and red round pillows and blue seat dining chairs and bar stools.
Picture windows bring in the blue skyline, reflecting off glass-top accent tables in the living room and the dining table.
 |
Eddie Seal/Special to the Caller-Times |
| Sleek and elegant, the master bath makes a bold statement with minimal accessories. A glass shower door, Spanish marble and a ceiling high vanity mirror above the dual sinks reflects the space’s class. |
Another punch of color in the mix is the turquoise-colored glass tile back-splash above the stove.
Enjoying the view
Perched on the third floor, the master suite rules the top open deck. Toffee walls inside pair with a quilt patterned brown chintz comforter. A series of silver framed square mirrors above the rattan-framed bed mimics the square pattern in the bedding.
Natural shades offer a peek into the patio and its waterfront view, while the master bath with its Spanish red marble has a water view, too.
McLemore said he moves about the patio levels according to the heat of the day and without fail ends up at the top floor’s patio to see the sun sink over the bay. The added convenience — he chuckles — is he’s steps away from bed.
Contact Diane S. Morales at 886-3758 or moralesd@caller.com
|
