Stephen Karlisch
To some, working with one's parents can create stress, havoc, and, well, lead to unwanted and petty arguments. But, according to local interior designer Tori Rubinson of Tori Rubinson Interiors, this couldn't be further from her experience collaborating with the 'rents on their new Fort Worth home.
"In a way, I had an advantage because I really understood what my parents' desires would be and what they would love," Rubinson says. "They were just trusting, which I think usually ends up when you have that trust with client and designer."
The result is an interior design that perfectly mixes traditional and modern elements while seamlessly incorporating pieces with sentimental value.
Here's Rubinson's explanation of the home:
"My parents moved to Fort Worth to be close to family, as my family and my brother and his wife live here in town. They found a great home in Mistletoe Heights, but it needed some loving. The home was built in the ’90s, so relatively new compared to the rest of the neighborhood. It had a great layout and nice high ceilings. The original owner was a builder herself and took pride in her work. There was little doubt as to the quality of the home; it just needed to be updated.
"One of the things we kept was the moldings in the front portion of the house. They were large-scaled, and with a fresh coat of paint, they took on a new life.
"We updated every inch of the house — reworked the layout of the kitchen, extended the laundry room, and added on a new covered porch and patio. I feel the biggest story of this home is about family, history, and traditions."
Stephen Karlisch
This room is filled with treasures passed down from my grandmother to my mom. Each piece has lasted the test of time but has been updated through new fabrics.
Stephen Karlisch
The entry features family photos from generations past, which run up the formal entry staircase. I love to use wallpaper to create a unique backdrop which sets the tone of the space.
Stephen Karlisch
This is another table and chairs set that was my grandmother’s. We reupholstered the seat cushions and added a custom bench seat with fabric that livens the space.
Stephen Karlisch
This room also has furniture and rug that were in the home my mom grew up in. With a beautiful mural wallcovering and silk drapes and beautiful new paint scheme, this room was totally transformed.
Stephen Karlisch
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The custom screens were a housewarming gift I made from Japanese fabric wraps. They set the tone for the whole room. The bedding is custom monogrammed from Matouk
Stephen Karlisch
Stephen Karlisch
The wallpaper border was original to the room. We ran with it. New custom bedding and window treatments mixed with some new furniture, mixed with old sweet dishes, all made for a sweet girl’s room.
Stephen Karlisch
The master bathroom is elegant and ties in with the traditional architecture of the home.
Stephen Karlisch
The back patio is a favorite place. My parents love to grill and entertain out here. The backyard backs up to the Trinity River, so you see nothing but trees out back. It is a beautiful backdrop.
