A Storied Sophistication - The Bend Magazine

A Storied Sophistication

Celebrating family life through traditional and classic décor

By: Jaqueline Gonzalez  Photos by: Jason Page

As the old adage says – “Home is where our story begins” – Porter and Jason Devries found the perfect home in The Coves at Lago Vista subdivision to begin their family’s story. Although Porter left Corpus Christi to attend college in San Antonio and Jason to College Station, they knew when it came time to start a family, the best place was in Corpus Christi. The subdivision’s rich family lifestyle, large lots, and a first-rate view of the Oso Bay Wetlands were just some of the winning points for the Devries family. 

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Their stunning home offers great curb appeal with a tiled front porch and alder wood front door. It features high ceilings and natural lighting, with a sleek and fresh color palette allowing an eye-catching aesthetic, drawing eyes to the pieces you want to focus on. 

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“Much of our décor has a story,” says Porter, “I can look at a piece and recall where we were, what we were doing, and why this piece is important.”  The riddling wine rack, a gift from her parents, is repurposed as wall décor, complete with a clock and macramé accessories. The wine rack is a memory of her parents, who are wine connoisseurs, and provides the feeling of a home away from home. A pink crystal chandelier hung in the master bedroom was a gift from her grandmother and has been in the family for several years. She also recalls the antique store in Llano, Texas where the shutters, turned into a photo display in her office, were purchased.

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The Devries family opts for neutrals in their home; however, Porter adds a vibrant, colorful, and personal approach to the foyer and office. The foyer greets guests with a cheerful array of bold shades of royal blue, technicolor prints, and chinoiserie vases. 

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A small room to the left of the foyer was remade into an office area. Taking a cue from Emily Ley, author and designer, Porter placed a large white desk with shelves covering floor to ceiling, with gold accents.  The stark white of the desk and shelves provides the perfect background for the many colorful objects displayed on the shelves. Some of Porter’s favorite books line the top shelf of her desk and bring more color to the space, creating a unique display. 

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Directly to the right of the office area sits a stunning kitchen with stained cabinets, granite counters, and an extensive island. The family loves to grill which makes the layout of the kitchen, and its close proximity to the dining area and the backyard, the perfect space. The dining area is not just the place where the Devries family sits down to enjoy a meal. The table doubles as a crafting and game area, where most of their time is spent. The metallic gold pendant lights, situated directly above the table, add warmth and personality to the area. 

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Sometimes, the most simple and clean of ideas are what works best. The living area sits in simplicity with subtle and sophisticated hues in neutral shades, giving off a warm, yet masculine touch. Large plants in simple containers add a splash of nature, showcasing the architectural lines of the high ceilings. Monogrammed pieces placed throughout the home add a personal touch without being overwhelming. 

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The neutral palette of the home flows into the master bedroom creating a timeless aura. With such a versatile color scheme, these hues can transform the area into a place of serenity. The children’s bedrooms also showcase a soothing neutral palette with added pops of color in shades that reflect their individual personalities. 

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The Devries family has a true love of art that is reflected throughout the home.  The basic neutral shades of the walls offer a wonderful background for their art pieces. Colorful pieces by Hailey Mitchell of Austin and fishing artwork by John Deerman adorn the walls, reflecting their personalities and ties to South Texas.

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The second floor offers a great space for family time. Once a bar and game room, Porter and Jason converted the upstairs into a large play area for their kids. The plush carpet and colorful rug add comfort, while the built-in shelves to store their toys keep clutter at bay. The show stopper of the play area is the gorgeous view of the Oso Bay wetlands, and the children’s playroom has one of the best views. 

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The pairing of Porter’s classic style with Jason’s masculine taste, sprinkled with a bit of the kids’ quirky preferences, makes Porter and Jason’s home a personalized and unique combination that says family in a really fun way!