Located in the heart of Montrose, Casa Amariz is the latest interior design showroom to join the growing trend of embracing historic architectural preservation in Houston. A stone\u2019s throw from The University of Saint Thomas, the 1925 residence on West Alabama recently received a respectful restoration by proprietor and designer Monica Amariz.<\/p>\n
A native Colombian and former structural engineer, Amariz has high hopes for her design space that will also double as a community-first launchpad for local non-profits, artisan pop-ups, and casual workspace for officeless designers who are just starting out. Casa Amariz will be the first business to occupy the space, as it has been a private residence since being built 100 years ago. The two-story brick house \u2014 complete with 50 original, double-hung, glazed windows \u2014 required a not-insignificant amount of work.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the restoration saw that the original hardwood floors, doors, windows, banisters, balustrades, and even most of the original plumbing fixtures remained intact. The now light-and-airy interior functions as a beautiful and historic backdrop for artisanal furniture lines, home decor, accessories, and artwork imported from Amariz\u2019s native Colombia \u2014 all in a comfy-cozy atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe house has good bones, but the feeling of a house, you don\u2019t get that with new buildings,\u201d Amariz tells CultureMap. \u201cI wanted a home feeling to it. I want people to come in and feel that peaceful feeling of making it home. I really want it to be a place to create community, give back, and open it to nonprofits to have a space they can use here, for other designers to use, and to small, local brands that want to have a pop-up shop. I want to do that and give back.\u201d<\/p>\n
All of the furnishings at Casa Amariz are handmade from solid oak, organic woven fabrics, supple leathers, and natural stone \u2014 all imported from Colombia. Fully-customizable and completely made-to-order artisanal lines Diamantina y la Perla, known for their elegant and sculptural silhouettes, and the more minimalist, industrial brand Quinta Edicion, are the two stars of the showroom. Artworks are by hyperrealism artist Alex de la Torre, who shows in New York and Paris as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to be able to celebrate that [artisanship] and bring back all of the culture that we miss now that we are here, and share this with Americans so that they can see what we are all about,\u201d explains Amariz. \u201cWe love creating, and there are so many artisans over there \u2014 in Colombia, Mexico, Bolivia, and all Latin American countries \u2014 so I wanted to bring a little of that back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amariz has filled the remaining spaces with accessories and home decor that she painstakingly chose herself. Shop handmade pottery, placemats, candles, baskets, blown glass, china, and more. The plates can be customized with artwork, even the family dog can have its likeness on a dish \u2014 whatever can be dreamed, can be done.<\/p>\n
The bold, yet muted, green that now wraps the brick exterior and set back porch lends a sophisticated and modern touch to an otherwise classic facade. \u201cI love green. Green is such a hopeful color, it\u2019s an abundance color,\u201d says Amariz. \u201cI wanted to keep the feeling of the house. It has a nice vibe, a peaceful vibe. It feels like this house has lived, and it feels like it has a history \u2014 I love that.\u201d<\/p>\n
In some additional exciting news, Casa Amariz will be designing the living room for the 2026 ASID Showhouse slated to debut in September. Casa Amariz is currently open by appointment at 1636 West Alabama St. Keep an eye out for regular store hours beginning in February.<\/p>\n
Casa Amariz is a unique and welcoming space that combines historic preservation with artisanal craftsmanship and a passion for community. With its stunning restoration, beautiful furnishings, and commitment to giving back, it is sure to become a beloved destination in the heart of Montrose. Whether you are a design enthusiast, a supporter of local non-profits, or simply looking for a peaceful and inspiring space, Casa Amariz is a must-visit destination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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