If home design is meant to reflect a homeowner’s personality, lifestyle and values, hiring a designer who is also a longtime friend can be a helpful starting point. Interior designer Justin Venk recently filled such a role for Justin and Peyton Porter as they moved their family into a 1930s English Tudor-style home in Nichols Hills.
“I grew up playing soccer with Justin Porter in Norman, and have been friends with him and now his wife, Peyton, for more than half of my life,” Venk said.
Knowing the family well, Venk designed a home to be most fitting in function, style and historic integrity. He described the style as “relaxed yet refined, moody and dramatic while still being approachable.”
Working in conjunction with Chris Candelaria of Candelaria Design Build, Venk embraced the traditional details of the home while also adding modern elements and conveniences. The upstairs floorplan was reworked to expand the primary suite and incorporate walk-in closets and an upstairs laundry room. In addition, the kitchen and dining rooms were opened up to be more accommodating, while still keeping their dedicated spaces in the home’s original layout.
“We wanted to update the home but maintain the integrity of the design and craftsmanship,” Peyton Porter said. “Preserving the history of Oklahoma City is important to us, and we are grateful to have worked with a designer and builder who honored that commitment.”
The historic home’s beauty shines through Tudor details such as the leaded windows, mahogany trim and hardwood trusses. Original elements – the hand-carved wooden faces and intricate interior wood detailing throughout – were preserved. One of the biggest challenges was designing wall paneling and trim details in the family room to match the existing woodwork. Venk credited Candelaria for his craftsmanship; it all blends so seamlessly it’s nearly impossible tell new from old.
The main living space presents an overall brightness, while the library and dining room introduce more dramatic themes, with deep reds and greens. The intriguing and inviting rooms layer the old with the new—vintage furniture with modern designs and fabrics.
“Peyton and I are both very open with our opinions on design, and we were able to marry her love of traditional furnishings with my modern point of view on design and finishes,” Venk said.
One example of this friendly combination is the dining room, Venk’s favorite room.
“The wood paneled walls and ceiling are enveloped in a satin olive green paint and feature a modern take on traditional wallpaper, while the windows are framed beautifully by Holland & Sherry wool drapes,” Venk said. “I loved being able to design a custom light fixture that features intricate turned brass details and reeded glass globes in a modern shape.”
Porter said the home is perfect for entertaining during family celebrations and holidays, as well as raising their two kids.
“We love our house and feel this is our forever home,” she said. “We want to treat the property as if we are just the current custodians, and we hope the next owners—many years from now—will treat it with the same ideals.”
