In 2015, Ashley Moore and her husband traveled down a quaint street in a private neighborhood just outside of Tomball, Texas, northwest of Houston. Old oak trees lined the road creating a canopy above, sprinkling soft-dappled light below as the couple peered out at the gorgeous five-acre lots leading up to each of the four home sites in the idyllic countryside hamlet. When they pulled up to the classic Southern home, Ashley was immediately smitten with the large porch spanning the width of the façade. And although the interiors were dark and dated, Ashley saw beyond the ornate, old-school cosmetics to the fabulous bones beneath, and she felt a calling to breathe new life into this home through a renovation.
“I have always loved to design and decorate, but this was my first house to remodel. I saw so much potential the first time we toured it. Thankfully, my husband trusted my vision for the home because we bought it! Two days after we closed on the house, we started the demo,” Ashley says of the project that lead her to launch her dream business, Moore House Interiors.
Ashley’s main goals were to update the interior and exterior, bringing to life her take on an upscale classic Texas farmhouse. “When we moved in, my main objective was to transform the house into a home,” says Ashley. “We wanted to brighten up the house while creating a space that reflected our family.”
First, she knew that paint would completely transform the dark faux finishes in the master bedroom and dining room, as well as the red-painted walls and dark cabinets in the kitchen and breakfast room. She also had two other must-haves: hardwood floors throughout the first floor and new kitchen windows that opened up to the back of the property.
“My husband thought I was crazy for wanting new windows since the kitchen already had decently sized windows in good shape, but I imagined washing dishes and watching the kids play in the backyard through counter-to-ceiling windows.” The move paid off with a breathtaking wall of windows that brings the outside in. This spacious kitchen’s soothing palette sets the stage for relaxation and togetherness after long, busy days. Check out the pre-renovation “before” photo to see what a stark contrast it offers to the completed kitchen! (Before: Moore House Interiors; After: Grace Laird)
Before and after:
The overall aesthetic is airy and sophisticated, an elegance that is beautiful, but not untouchable — a Houston farmhouse renovation with an inviting ambiance that feels laid-back and comfy for both children and adults.
For example, just off the elegant kitchen an uber-functional — and chic — mudroom area doubles as a spot for dad and the kids to drop their day-to-day stuff at the door, while a built-in dog kennel offers respite for the pups below.
Nearby, the laundry and crafting room boasts neat little homework stations for the kids, just within earshot of the kitchen, so Mom and Dad can help if needed.
The modern, family farmhouse features rustic beams, shiplap in several rooms, and reclaimed wood in the study. “I like to describe my home as casual and collected,” says Ashley of her layered design approach. “I love new functional pieces, but my favorite items in our home are those that have been passed down to us or vintage pieces I discovered at local antique stores and flea markets.”
The living room is a perfect example: a framed transom window, which was a treasure saved from her in-laws’ home remodel, doubles as meaningful art. “My Paw-Paw put the frame on it so we could use it in our home,” says Ashley. And the side table next to the couch is another heirloom that belonged to Ashley’s husband’s grandmother.
As for “found” treasures, “The living room chairs were actually $10 flea market finds! I loved the shape, so I refinished the wood before sending them off to my upholsterer,” says Ashley, adding, “They’re definitely my favorite chairs in the house.”
Though creating her dream home through this Houston farmhouse renovation felt like one huge, yet exhilarating risk, it offered an invaluable learning experience that provided a launchpad for Ashley’s dream interior design business. She was also quick to credit the contractor from Stillwater Builders as a terrific teacher who also instilled great confidence in her as she brought new ideas to the table.
“I loved every moment of designing this home — I was in my element while remodeling this house, and the whole process lit a spark in me. I truly believe God used this home to guide me to the path I’m on now. If it weren’t for this remodel, I think Moore House Interiors would still just be a dream,” says Ashley. “People often ask if I could do it all again, would I do anything differently with the design? And my answer is ‘no’ — I love this house. It just feels like us.”
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