When Houston rancher and restaurateur Allison Knight first plucked interior designer Alfredo Paredes from an Elle Decor list of top designers, she was looking to overhaul a few “cabinlike structures” on her family’s Colorado ranch — which he executed to perfection. Now, Parades, a 33-year veteran of Ralph Lauren, including roles as senior vice president and chief creative officer, has put his stamp on Houston. Latuli, the cozy new Gulf Coast and Texas-game-heavy restaurant by Knight and chef Bryan Caswell shares its sophisticated-casual aesthetic with other Paredes-designed projects like the Polo Club in NYC and Ralph’s in Paris.
Taking their cue from the lack of elevated-but-approachable dining options in the Memorial area, friends and business partners Knight and Caswell chose Hedwig Village as the ideal location to debut a restaurant that offers a little something for everyone — from art enthusiasts to kids.
“It’s very comfortable. This is supposed to feel like an extension of somebody’s home,” Knight tells CultureMap. “It’s in the neighborhood. I wanted to create this unique space and gathering place. We want people to come multiple times a week.”
An extension of someone’s home it certainly is — Knight’s, to be exact. Most of the eclectic art collections and sprinklings of taxidermy throughout the restaurant found their way into Latuli’s many spaces via Knight’s Memorial area home, some even pulled from the attic. Original watercolors by John P. Cowan, the founding father of sporting art and Texas wildlife conservation, intermingle with works by Kate Boxer, Fritz Scholder, Paul Meyer, and even Pablo Picasso.
“People come in and ask immediately about the Picassos, even though they are just signed lithographs,” Knight says with a chuckle. Picasso aside, the larger-than-life, textural portrait of a Native American man by Austin-based artist Paul Meyer is most likely to win MVP when it comes to Instagram moments.
The interior color palette of blue, ivory, and cognac lends itself to a myriad of styles, all which can lean either coastal or ranch, depending on the space. The soaring wood beamed ceilings and enormous caribou head over the functional fireplace in the main dining room play juxtaposition to the tropical grasscloth wallpaper by Fine & Dandy and pair of 11’ palm trees, yet their coexistence is harmonious—a quality that carries itself throughout the design.
Latuli is comprised of five separate, but cohesive dining spaces — a covered outdoor patio, a main dining room, an intimate, secondary dining room, and bar/lounge occupy the ground floor, while a private lounge and event space is situated on the second. Knight and Paredes took advantage of Houston’s proximity to Round Top to source antique vases, pots, and the large antique bar and artworks found upstairs. Inspired by her ranches in Colorado and Texas, but wanting to incorporate coastal features as well, Knight finds it interesting to see how the design reads to guests.
“It feels familiar to them, and they can relate to it in some way. Some people say it reminds them of a Texas ranch, some people say Santa Barbara, some people said Palm Springs, somebody said South America. It’s just really interesting to hear what everybody sort of focuses on and connects to,” says Knight.
While the design inspiration may be pleasantly ambiguous, the execution was decidedly not. Designs by Paredes were all carried out by local makers and artisans. The extensive millwork and joinery found throughout the restaurant, including the paneling, flooring, ceiling beams, and inset white oak wait stations are all creations by Doro’s Unique Flooring. The glimmering and impossibly smooth plaster work is by QTS, and the very Ralph Lauren-esque cognac-colored banquettes were fabricated and upholstered by Martin Irazoqui of Picchios in Cypress.
Paredes designed the dining chairs, but they were crafted in Houston, along with the tables, by Agile Interiors. The intricate textile-clad backs of the dining chairs have been a fan favorite.
“The fabric features a series of horizontal stripes incorporating geometric and tribal motifs in a rich palette of blues and grays. The intricate pattern evokes handwoven and artisanal aesthetics,” Parades explains.
Taking a step away from the blue, ivory, and cognac color palette of the restaurant, the glossy, emerald green tiled bathrooms are something to behold. Light from the bamboo Ralph Lauren sconces dances along the high gloss tile work, illuminating the softer features of the marble countertops and classic, unlaquered brass Waterworks fixtures. The tiles were sourced from local hidden gem Pyramid Imports.
The intention for Latuli being that it’s a place that serves the local community, Knight and Caswell wanted to make sure there is a comfortable space for everyone. There is a somewhat sceney vibe to the main dining room, an always 21+ only bar that offers both bar and table seating for those who want to catch up with friends or take in a game, and an intimate dining room for those looking for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The latter of which has proven quite popular: “We have those tables booked every single night, which was a surprise to me,” says Knight.
The popularity of the private dining space also lends itself to its moodier aesthetic. A lowered ceiling and dark blue walls provide the perfect atmosphere for groups who like to settle in and stay awhile. The walls in the room have a depth to them that is difficult to pinpoint. That’s because its textured finish isn’t a paint application — it’s actually a waxed canvas fabric from Lord Fabrik.
“This material was originally developed for sailors and fishermen in the UK and later used in American field gear for workers,” says Paredes. “The materiality of the walls in this room pull both from coastal workers and American design.” Given that the pendants throughout this space are fishing baskets, the choice of wall covering is nothing short of genius.
The thoughtfully covered patio plays multiple roles. Share a meal, have wine by the outdoor fireplace, or allow the kids to romp during pre-and-post-dinner lulls in the enclosed green space. While not exactly a “play area,” Knight knew she wanted a space for kids to be kids.
“I did want to give the kids some breathing room, I knew we wanted a green space,” says Knight. “Families are coming in and they are using it exactly how I thought they would. They come in, they eat, the kids go out there, and mom and dad get a chance to actually visit and enjoy themselves.”
While the interior spaces look primarily to Texas, the patio is more international. Guests dining al fresco are seated beneath a sea of pendant lights in a plethora of shapes and sizes, all in cohesive shades of ivory.
“The pendants are made in Mexico but it draws inspiration from Mediterranean designs — more specifically the lattice part is Moroccan inspired,” says Paredes. “The intent was to evoke a mediterranean mood that complements the architecture of the building.”
Knight looks forward to the cooler months ahead so that guests can appreciate the indoor and outdoor fireplaces. And you know what? So do we.
Photo by Frank Frances
A caribou over the fireplace and 11-foot palm trees mix ranch and coastal styles.
