welcome to the dollhouse

8 Houston designers craft intricate dollhouses for charity fundraiser

Welcome to the dollhouse(s)! That’s right, the third annual La Petite Maison Gala and charity dollhouse auction is back. The always fantastic designer dollhouses are officially out for display in their temporary exhibition locations around town for those who love to participate in their ever whimsical “scavenger hunt” of sorts in the lead up to the big event on Wednesday, December 4 at Hotel ZaZa Museum District.

Kristen Leigh Studio dollhouse Donald Robertson

Photo by Emily Cotton

Artist Donald Robertson created these custom drawings for Kristen Leigh Studio's dollhouse.

This year eight designers were chosen to participate in this charitable cause, and, in an interesting, albeit unintended twist, the stakes have seriously increased. While the dollhouses themselves are desirable enough on their own, they now include custom, miniature paintings from some of the country’s top artists, including mega-famous multimedia artist Donald Robertson — talk about a collectible! But, more on that later.

The La Petite Maison Gala has chosen Family Houston as beneficiary this year. Founded in 1904, Family Houston is a philanthropic organization that provides crucial support to some of Houston’s most vulnerable communities through financial support, education, career coaching, food security assistance, and more.

“We are so pleased to be connected to La Petite Maison Gala this year,” Ken Sheirr, president & CEO of Family Houston, adds. “Our focus is helping Houston families who need it most and I know this will bring immeasurable awareness to our cause. Fundraising events like this help power the programs Family Houston provides throughout the year. It brings real tangible change to this community, both financially and through the exposure to attendees and thus, throughout our great city.”

The pre-decorated dollhouses were designed by Reagan & André Architecture Studio and built by Alair Homes before heading to their respective interior designers. Many interior design trade partners participated in this project by creating scaled down versions of their products such as wallpapers scaled to 1:12 of their original patterns, tiny tiles, and more.

Read on for a guide to all of the dollhouse locations, a statement from the designers about their inspirations, and other items of note presented in logistical order if planning a full tour. (There are no spoilers for the scavenger hunt — not sorry, it’s fun to try and spot each item in the individual houses!). Designers and dollhouse locations are also available here.

Designer: Jean Liu Design
Location: South to North (3711 Autry Park Drive, Suite 100)
Theme: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Description: The program of the rooms is based loosely on the movie and set design, including a double height ceilinged lobby, a tiled natatorium, and a historic bakery (Mendl’s). The style of these spaces is carried out in the similar 1930s décor as the film’s setting, which proved a fun and delightful departure for our studio, as we mainly work in a modernist and minimalist vein.
Items of note: Schumacher wallpaper, Ann Sacks tile, and miniature marble fireplaces by Materials Marketing. Additional thanks to Benjamin Moore and Tom Freeman.

Designer: Avery Cox Design
Location: Foltz Fine Art (2143 Westheimer Road)
Theme: Villa Mare the “Grecodeco” Dollhouse
Description: This opulent, jewel toned villa evokes the splendor of ancient Greece, designed for a couple residing on an idyllic island in the Aegean Sea. The home offers a delight around every corner from a serene indoor soaking room to a grand ballroom and a two-story gallery of curiosities.
Items of note: Kendra Scott - Jewelry as lighting: “Beau” earrings in His Bedroom, “Marina” earrings in the Spa, “Shea” Necklace in the Music Room. Additional thanks to Benjamin Moore, Hector’s Modern Plaster, Growler Domestics, Porter Teleo, and George Cameron Nash.

Designer: Wills Design Associates
Location: Valobra Master Jewelers (2150 Westheimer Road)
Theme: A holiday in Cabo
Description: Wills Design Associates’ mini Cabo retreat celebrates color and culture, where modern Mexican architecture meets global design influences. The striking pink stucco exterior immediately sets a whimsical tone.
Items of note: The intricate rooftop terrace and flamingo banister. Contributions by Helenita Home, Jordan Geibel Creative, Modern Muse by Lizzie, John Robshaw, Schumacher, Holland and Sherry, Wallshoppe, and Benjamin Moore.

Designer: Courtney Barton
Location: Courtney Barton (2940 Ferndale Street)
Theme: Teeny Tiny Tassel Castle
Description: A tangible expression of everything we stand for—craftsmanship, community, and shared stories, and we hope it brings you as much delight as it has brought to us.
Item of note: Exquisitely executed miniature upholstered furniture by Coley Home. Additional vendors and collaborators: Beata Heuman, Andrew Martin, The Lawns Co, and artists Rebecca Rebouché, Asley Givhan, MIchelle King, and Lauren Clyburn.

Designer: Amy Kummer Interiors
Location: Moreau Paris (4444 Westheimer Road, Suite 145)
Theme: There’s no place like home for the holidays.
Description: The AKI team hopes this dollhouse fills everyone who views it with the warmth of family and the joy of the holiday season.
Items of note: The ladies closet and rooftop pickleball court. Notable vendors and collaborators: Fleur Home, Lee Jofa, Schumacher, Scalamandre, Benjamin Moore, Phillip Jeffries, Thibaut, The Modern Dollhouse, Creative Style Furniture, Pierre Frey, Itsy Bitsy Mini, Galbraith and Paul, Vanessa Walton with Jacquelyn Reese Linens, and artist Mariel Sawicki.

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Designer: Kristen Leigh Studio
Location: Back Row Home (8570 Katy Freeway, Suite 111)
Theme: The Hamptons
Description: Kristen Leigh’s Hamptons-inspired dollhouse is an ode to the beauty of everyday life. Incorporating many of her own line’s fabrics and wallpapers, Kristen aimed for the house to mimic a traditional, yet lived-in, home.
Items of note: The ART! Wow. Miniature original works by Erin Donahue Tice, Lynn Sanders, Hilary Howarth, Blakeney McGee, Lily & Rose Studio, and a set of six custom original works by Donald Robertson. Additional thanks to The Decorated Wolffe and Mike Norfleet.
Side note: Robertson tells CultureMap he was impressed by the design of the living room where these “six awesome little paintings” now call home, especially since he never spoke to the design team.

“It was a cold call [email], it’s not like it was a meeting,” Robertson says. “It was a trust fall and I’m amazed by who did it!”

Speaking of the Hamptons-inspired dollhouse, Robertson conceded that “it takes a lot for me to be surprised and speechless, but I am in awe.” How did this design come together without any type of briefing? “I got the little pack of six canvases and a sharpie, and just went for it!” A reminder to everyone to always shoot your shot.

Designer: Elizabeth Garrett Interiors
Location: Frock Shop (9135 Katy Freeway, Suite 104)
Theme: The Campbell
Description: We are so proud to have been chosen to be a part of this special event and we can’t wait to share our completed home with the Houston design community.
Items of note: The ART again, and the rooftop landscaping. Miniature paintings by Avant-Art Gallery, representing Laura Waldusky, Dimmit Contemporary Art, representing Sara Genn and Randal Ford, Laura Rathe Fine Art, representing Carly Allen Martin and Lynn Sanders. Notable vendors and collaborators: Albert Hartley, Andrea Condara, Holland & Sherry, Houston Drapery Center, Paul Meyer, Supply Showroom, Susan Harter Muralpapers, The Urban Electric Co, Tyler King, and DAV Plaster.

Designer: Jennifer Barron Interiors
Location: Mont Art House (1230 Houston Avenue)
Theme: Southern, Georgian Home
Description: Our dollhouse was largely inspired by southern, Georgian, homes. Many of the homes in Georgia are layered with antiques, florals, borders and wallpaper, so that was my goal with this dollhouse.
Items of note: The miniature Delft tiled fireplace and Susan Harter Mural. Collaborators and vendors of note: Samuel & Sons, Benjamin Moore, Phillip Jeffries, Fabricut, Robert Kime, Pindler, Schumacher, Holland & Sherry, Stark Carpet, Colefax & Fowler, Pierre Frey, Sanderson.

The dollhouses will be on display until Tuesday, December 3 and will be auctioned off by auctioneer Johnny Bravo at The La Petite Maison Gala the following day. Interior designer Alexandra Killion founded the gala in 2022 and has raised over $300,000 since its inception.

This year the theme is Apres Ski, and is sure to be a hit. Killion’s co-chair for 2024 is designer Lauren Wills Grover. They are assisted by event coordinators Madelon McGrenera and Shellyn Shoenthal. Purchase tickets here.

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reaching new heights

Meet the visionary leading historical preservation in Uptown Conroe

Photo by Emily Cotton

The centerpiece of Historic Uptown Conroe was built in 1930.

Revitalization efforts for Conroe’s downtown began during the ‘90s and have been quite a success. Antique and vintage shops, independent clothing boutiques, restaurants, and live music venues surrounding the square are all attractive options for Houstonians in search of a day trip destination, especially for the Saturday morning farmer’s market.

The same study that green-lit the downtown revitalization project also suggested efforts be made to improve the adjoining residential neighborhoods, specifically their Uptown area, to promote walkability and support the rejuvenated downtown.

While it certainly takes a village to accomplish such a venture, one man has taken on a very large portion of this undertaking himself. Mark Canada is a lifelong Conroe resident and a member of the Montgomery County Historical Commission. With the personal catchphrase “long live old houses,” it’s little wonder that he’s spearheading this campaign himself. Canada and his committee are currently working to establish guidelines for the preservation of these 50-plus year old homes and has sought counsel from the Heights Historic District, as Conroe aspires to achieve similar levels of success as the Heights.

Photo by Emily Cotton

The centerpiece of Historic Uptown Conroe was built in 1930.

Canada describes his mission as “preserving, updating, and extending the life of these unique structures to enhance the area for future dwellers and professionals to live and work and at the same time honor and preserve history. And to compliment the Conroe Downtown area.”

Canada purchased his first historical Uptown home in the 1980’s as his personal residence and photography studio. Since that time, Canada has gone on to purchase, restore, and maintain 24 historic homes, 14 of which are located in the Uptown area. While these homes span multiple decades, the jewel of the collection is undeniably the 1930 mansion that is nearing completion of its full restoration. Much like the Heights, many of these restored homes are occupied by law firms and the like, feeding a constant stream of patrons to the businesses downtown.

“We are emphasizing the historic neighborhood as the area where the original settlers and builders of Conroe lived. Sheriffs, merchants, judges, teachers, and clerks all lived in the area,” Canada says. “We are doing a survey of the homes that have historical significance so we can record the history and create a historical marker for the property. We have sought info and advice from the Heights in Houston Historic Districts.”

Historic Downtown Conroe is easy enough to locate, but what defines “Uptown” as a neighborhood? Geographically, it runs from Conroe’s historic downtown to loop 336 and sits in between old highway 75 and the railroad tracks.

“The Uptown District is a blend of homes located north of downtown Conroe,” Canada explains. “The homes were built from 1910 and as you travel north through the neighborhood you can see the evolution of growth as the house styles go from 1910, 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, to 70s.”

Recently, other preservationists have joined Canada and are following his lead. “My efforts have inspired others to call me and do the same. There have been many challenges to our goals but we have made a difference for present and future generations to live and work while still preserving some sense of history and unique architecture,” he says.

Canada hopes that gaining recognized historical status for the area and individual properties will draw those looking for an intimate sense of community to the neighborhood. “I hope as downtown growth expands northward into the Uptown District that we can establish an area that draws likeminded individuals and groups to invest, live, and work, continuing to preserve and enhance the neighborhood. This will promote good property values, a cleaner, safer lifestyle, and guard against decay and crime.”

An additional asset to the Uptown District is the beautiful Art Deco building from the late 1930s that was the original Sam Houston Elementary School, but is currently Conroe ISD’s Walter P. Jett Continuing Education Center. The building’s entrance has thankfully maintained its terrazzo floors and other architectural features from the period. Canada hopes that if the building is ever in need of a new purpose that it will become a community arts center and theater.

The multitude of Live Oak trees that populate the Uptown District make for a lovely canopy for anyone looking to enjoy a sightseeing stroll after a meal downtown. Canada’s brother Mike owns the two-story vintage and antiques mall, Conroe Central Market, off of the square. Lots of times you can find Mark ponied up at the counter with his brother, and if you ask nicely, he loves to give tours.

We love a preservation project. Fingers crossed that Uptown Conroe reaches new heights.

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