Corpus Christi has long had a strong grassroots art scene. From burgeoning higher education art departments and the array of museums, galleries and studio spaces to the ever-growing collection of murals, this community has staked its claim as a preeminent player in the Texas art world.
It is here that artist Elena Rodriguez had a chance encounter with Brian Gillette, Esquire. As their story unfolded, weaving in separate but overlapping living experiences in Brooklyn, New York, the couple decided to set down roots together in the sparkling city by the sea.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Gillette and Rodriguez purchased and began renovating a classically structured mid-century modern house. Their guiding principle: Preserve the soul of the structure while breathing new life into it by infusing design selections key to their unmistakable style.
“I wanted to bring some of that aesthetic back in a way that would reflect well with our art,” Gillette said of developing their renovation approach. With a deep respect for the home’s clean lines, single slope roofline and original bones, they layered in bold personality through intentional color selections, design details and samples of the couple’s extensive art collection.
Gillette made use of the open plan layout, a primary characteristic of mid-century interiors, as a central opportunity to blend their passions of art and entertaining. Serving as his proof of design concept and their initial foray into the world of remodeling, they transformed a once closed-off study into the now swanky, color-drenched bar and lounge—a favorite spot, whether for morning coffee or an evening gathering.
“We wanted it to feel like a quieter space,” Rodriguez said. Finding a pink with seal gray terrazzo tile was the jumping-off point in establishing the home’s reimagined color story. Dusty pink flat panel millwork, penny round tiles and dark peacock green paint envelop the space, while furniture sourced from vintage dealers sits beneath an 8-light Sputnik-style ceiling fixture.
Around the corner, the standout feature of the living room and kitchen—which the couple hired Ted Amaro of Coastal Bend Restorations to help build—is the masterful use of color blocking. “There was never a question of ‘Do we want color?’ We’re both Leos,” Rodriguez cheekily added. “My theory is, if everything is loud, it makes a chorus.”
Spoken like a trained artist with a firm grasp on color theory and when to break the rules. Yellow, coral and bright pea green define the space—each tone a statement on its own—and harmonize beautifully in unison. By weaving in the golden yellow billiards cloth and Herman Miller tri-color dining chairs with the Valentine coral backsplash tile, color-matched grout and green cabinetry, the house feels alive; modern but rooted, stylish yet sincere.
The island doubles as a communal dining table, which they designed to host up to 10 guests. It helped them foster an environment where conversations of art and life happen over shared meals, with the buzz of kitchen activity always nearby. Unexpected details such as plateless wall plugs and knurled brass toggle switches at waist height lend optimal functionality while maintaining creative form.
Gillette and Rodriguez view their art collection as a vessel to fuel connection and conversation. Each piece they collect carries a story, primarily with a tie directly to the artist behind it. Rodriguez pointed out how pieces created in unrelated time and space have the ability to whisper storylines like soulmates. Art means more when you know the hands that made it, and as she remarked, “I think it’s really important for us to support local artists — I’m a big believer in that.”
Much like its owners, this vibrant mid-century home is a celebration of creativity and connection: to people, to place and to art.
Displaying local artwork was central to the renovation. A blending of works by artists like Cassie Normandy White, Ryan O’Malley, Millicent Alvarado and Leticia Ernestina Gomez reinforces their concept of art as conversation. Brian remarked, “When you have many pieces of art displayed, it brings about better conversation for the shared experience.”
