When Ashlee Lee and her husband Justin were on the hunt for the perfect home there was one goal in mind: to find a Corpus Christi family home that could grow with them. “I really wanted to be able to evolve the house over time. Something that I could work on for 10 to 15 years was ideal. It was special to me to give the house a second life,” Ashlee Lee recalled.
The Lees were ready for the challenge. “I had grown up in an environment where my parents had extensively redone a couple of houses,” Lee said. “I saw the house as a huge opportunity to make it what we wanted it to be, which was [a home with] open space and a big yard to have our kids play in, to host the kids’ birthday parties, to have friends over. That was one of the biggest attractions to the house.”
Lee knew this South Shores home was the perfect fit. “Structurally the house was great, and the layout was easy for me to work with. I felt confident that I could tackle the project,” she said. The family took on the extensive remodel in 2017 with a second phase in 2021. Lee’s design goal was to create a home that is both classic and traditional, and fresh and modern.
“We both tend to gravitate toward traditional homes, which are always in style. It is a classic way to keep a neutral background and still be able to switch up textures, accessories and furniture. I tried to marry some things that were traditional and some things that made the house feel fun and new,” Lee said.
This mix of traditional and modern aesthetics has created a home that is colorful, eclectic and full of life. The bold navy walls in the formal living and dining room are a clean canvas for the eye-catching emerald bamboo dining chairs, parquet dining table and burl wood credenza.
The jute rug grounding the sitting area is a timeless touch, while the stunning Jonathan Adler chandelier above the dining table is a modern twist on a classic mid-century piece. “My goal [with that chandelier] was that maybe in 30 years, they will know that it’s vintage Jonathan Adler. I wanted it to be something with staying power,” said Lee.
The kitchen, den and primary bath also showcase this fun mix of styles. The den features a vibrant blue velvet sectional and funky upholstered ottomans, while the kitchen and primary bath showcase a more classic style with Chantilly Lace shaker cabinetry and touches of marble. The home also features a colorful and functional mudroom. With its Benjamin Moore Smoke cabinets and pastel pink hexagon floor tile, this utility room is anything but basic. “I made the laundry room a hub for the house. It’s a separate space where you can sit at the little desk and work or do laundry. Everything is there,” Lee said.
Lee’s design ethos was to choose items she loved and make them work together. “It is truly all things that I love, and I have to find a way to marry them together.” One of her most beloved elements is their art collection. “The artwork is probably the least curated thing [in the home]. Most come from my father-in-law, who has left us pieces and helped us buy pieces,” she said. “[Collecting art] was truly his passion. He has instilled in us making artwork a fun thing that doesn’t have to be perfectly coordinated for it to be interesting and to tell a story.”
Lee could say the same for the design of the home in its entirety. Despite the furniture being an eclectic mix of design styles, the home still tells a story — one that is bold, colorful, fun and rooted in family.