exploring with emily june: h-town
Grab a snack, sit back, and relax as we welcome you to a new regular blog series: Exploring with Emily June! Every so often, we’ll select a specific location to explore that offers notable design inspiration, whether that be from architectural styles, neighborhood culture, or local points of interest.
Today we’re starting our journey in our home base of Houston, Texas! Following New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, Houston clocks in as the fourth-most populous city in the United States. Its diverse cultural landscape offers accessibility to globally-sourced treasures, from design materials to its robust restaurant scene!
To accurately cover Houston would take quite a guide, so we’ve selected a few neighborhoods near our studio to feature:
The Heights
The Heights neighborhood has the laid-back feel of a small town within a large city! A leafy boulevard runs through the heart of the Heights, keeping traffic slow and creating a space for local artists to show off their latest sculptures. Walking trails are plentiful, crisscrossing among historic Victorian and Craftsman-style bungalows, and more recently, farmhouse-inspired homes! Antique shops and boutiques, along with a smattering of established and new restaurants, are easily walkable, making the Heights another unique Houston neighborhood.
Neighborhood Style notes: charming, family-oriented, historic
check out some of our favorite local spots:
Montrose
Montrose is often described as eclectic, hosting 1920s-era Craftsman bungalows situated next to sleek three-story townhouses. Flush with local shops, bakeries, and coffee spots, Montrose is like the fun aunt who always brings unexpected presents when she visits! At the heart of Montrose are the Menil Collection, a museum featuring pieces from the private collection of Mr. and Mrs. de Menil, and the Rothko Chapel, home of the last works of famed artist Mark Rothko. The two are situated on the same stretch of land which features grassy park space, perfect for a picnic!
Neighborhood Style notes: funky, mid-century, artistic
check out some of our favorite local spots:
Rice Village
Home to over 300 retail stores in 16 blocks, Rice Village, or “The Village” is a destination for those looking for a day of shopping, followed by a variety of options for a quick bite between stores, or a leisurely meal with friends! Located near Rice University, the area boasts the particular brand of energy that comes from an influx of college students, as well as another landscape of live oak trees. Also notable is the Rice Village farmers market, made available twice monthly to those looking to peruse local produce and goods.
Neighborhood Style notes: energetic, modern, communal
check out some of our favorite local spots:
River Oaks
Featuring a wide variety of architectural styles that draw inspiration from Spanish missions, French châteaux, Italian palazzos, and English Tudors, River Oaks was designed in the 1920s as a retreat from the hustle of a busy city! Aside from its dazzling architectural displays, the neighborhood is also marked by its swath of beautiful live oak trees. Their sweeping branches keep this neighborhood lush and shaded, offering a welcome respite from the Houston heat. River Oaks also draws shopping aficionados, with its stretch of high-end boutiques and restaurants, housed in open-air campuses and recognizable black-and-white facades.
Neighborhood Style notes: luxe, traditional, bustling
check out some of our favorite local spots:
Washington-Memorial Park
Nestled between Memorial Park and the Buffalo Bayou, this area of Houston offers the perfect balance of urban life with plentiful green space! Older areas maintain quiet lawns and multi-story homes while more recently developed spots sport modern apartments and townhomes. Active residents enjoy the expansive Memorial Park, perfect for runs or dog walks. The Washington–Memorial Park neighborhood is a vibrant mix of outdoor opportunities, with big city conveniences within short reach.