Jillian O’Neill comes to houston

Exciting new design collective opens up a stylish shop in Houston

Jillian O'Neill (center) and staff are here to design your life.

Courtesy photo

When Jillian O’Neill launched her eponymous business in 2002, she became immediately known for her elegant, modern aesthetic. Think gently curving coffee tables crafted of ash, a cheeky round ottoman with a solid wood base and a plump wool top. Using lush fabrics, sleek metal, polished stone and a blend of woods, O’Neill’s work has become the hallmark for interior sophistication.

Now, she’s launched an international initiative, The Jillian O’Neill Collective that’s set to be part franchise, part extension of her already established brand. Melissa Campbell will serve as the Houston location’s design directing agent. The Houston designer has worked extensively with O’Neill, notably on O’Neill’s furniture collection. She has a passion for sustainable design and approaches her projects with a long-term sensibility. Known for striking the balance between finding quality pieces that are also practical yet attractive, Campbell has made it a mission to provide individualized service to her clients, with a keen eye for their unique spaces and needs.

The O’Neill Collective provides an opportunity for these area designers to receive infrastructure, logistical support and invaluable sources that will allow them to carry out design projects with the same high standards and thoughtful manner that Jillian O’Neill has brought to her career.

Along with the Houston office, Jillian O’Neill Collectives will launch in Chicago, headed by Kelly Barnett, and in London, with Jane Thornburn at the helm.

Lovers of casually modern looks will embrace the opening of the Houston spot, which promises to provide personalized evaluation of each project for scope and fit. One thing is certain, the Bayou City now has one more option to those looking for a signature style.

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what about your friends?

Rapidly expanding Houston restaurant group befriends Rice Village with shareable plates and craft cocktails

Courtesy of ALife Hospitality Group

The menu includes this penne pasta.

A rapidly growing Houston restaurant and bar group will soon arrive in Rice Village. ALife Hospitality is opening FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge on April 1.

Located in the former Mi Luna space at 2442 University Blvd., FRNDS (pronounced “friends”), aims to be a gathering spot for groups. Although ALife is well established with concepts such as Kamp, Lost & Found, and the recently-opened Bungalow Downtown Dining, the new establishment will be its first in Rice Village.

“The space sort of picked us,” ALife partner Junior Martin tells CultureMap. “While looking for new opportunities, we viewed several locations in different areas of the city. After touring the property during the day and at night, it gave us a vision of what was missing from the Rice Village area and from our hospitality offerings to the city of Houston.”

Those offerings begin with a menu of tapas-style shareable plates created by ALife culinary director Mark Holley. Best known for his time at seafood restaurant Pesce and his current role at Davis Street at Hermann Park, Holley’s menu includes Coconut Curry Shrimp Skewers, Crab Avocado Dip, and Red Curry Fried Calamari. Diners will also find truffle pasta, shrimp cocktail, and baby back ribs. For his part, Martin recommends the wagyu dumplings and chicken satay.

“Several of the menu choices are shareable items to enjoy with your friends,” Martin adds. “This fosters a vibe of fellowship with your group and allows [everyone] to explore multiple menu items together.”

FRNDS pairs its dishes with a range of craft cocktails. Highlights include the Pineapple Patron and a popcorn cocktail that comes with a sidecar of kernels.

FRNDS Pineapple Patron cocktail Behold the Pineapple Patron.Courtesy of ALife Hospitality Group

Renovations to the space include adding royal blue and purple booths, marble bar and table tops, and wood accents.

Rice Village has seen a number of new openings in the past few months, including Navy Blue, the new seafood restaurant from the Bludorn team; Sushi by Hidden, an omakase restaurant from the owners of Hidden Omakase; a new location of Chinese American restaurant the Rice Box; Australian-inspired coffee shop Bluestone Lane; and Eau Tour, a French restaurant from Local Foods owner Benjy Levit.

ALife Hospitality FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge Rice Village openings news-you-can-eat