Ryan Lawson Rethinks a 1,500-Square-Foot Bungalow for One Houston Couple
From Timeless Collectors to Curated Spaces: A Design Journey in Houston
After 25 years in the same home in Houston, Texas, Greg Lofgren and Don Bayer sought a transformative vision for their 1,500-square-foot bungalow. The couple, known for their eclectic collection of antiques and art, enlisted New York-based AD100 designer Ryan Lawson to reimagine their space. “They were collectors, but they wanted an editor to help bring it together,” Lawson explains, highlighting his role as both curator and collaborator in this high-profile renovation.
The project began with a simple yet profound desire: to create a home that felt both familiar and new. Lofgren, a retired graphic design professor, envisioned a space that evokes the “magic of visiting somewhere unfamiliar.” This duality—honoring the couple’s legacy while embracing innovation—became the cornerstone of Lawson’s approach.
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Reimagining Layouts: A Seamless Flow Through Space
One of the most striking changes in the redesign was the reconfiguration of the former living room into a dining room and foyer. This shift created a more generous sense of arrival, inviting guests into the home with a curated first impression. The space now features a Saarinen Tulip table and Mies van der Rohe chairs from Knoll, paired with the couple’s antique Italian sofa, reupholstered in a vibrant floral fabric. A candlelit chandelier by Paul Ferrante and Bayer’s wood sculptures, discovered during installation, add a personal touch to the room.
Lawson’s attention to continuity is evident throughout the home. The same jute rug from Revival spans multiple floors, while window frames painted in Cola by Farrow & Ball create a cohesive visual anchor. “I wanted them to feel like they’re in a different place,” Lawson says of the sunroom and library, where custom Pindler curtain fabrics protect against harsh sunlight and a vintage McGuire chair adds period charm.
Color, Texture, and Art: A Symphony of Contrasts
The design embraces bold contrasts, from the Dropcloth paint by Farrow & Ball on the walls to the Tobia Scarpa for Flos sconce, painted in black on the outside and yellow on the inside—a nod to vintage Italian lighting Lawson encountered during his travels. In the living room, a Navajo blanket from Shiprock Gallery hangs dramatically above the sofa, while the primary bedroom features an antique patchwork chintz quilt and a Shaker stool at the foot of the bed.
Art and collectibles play a central role in the home’s narrative. A chicken wall sculpture by Steve Louis sits alongside a painting of a cat by Madeline Fleming, strategically placed low on the wall to mimic the natural gaze of a real cat. The couple’s eclectic collection also includes a large-scale painting by Matt Kleberg and a plaster sculpture by Lofgren, all integrated into the design with seamless grace.
Bespoke Details: A Testament to Craftsmanship
Lawson’s commitment to uniqueness is reflected in custom elements like the seven-sided ottoman in the TV room, inspired by the Phillip Johnson-designed de Menil house and an homage to Charles James’s 1950s decor. A Claremont linen velvet ottoman fronts a vintage leather sofa by De Sede, paired with an antique Navajo pillow from East Meets West. The kitchen, previously renovated, was further elevated with a Neggin Saffron ceiling from Lawson’s Ressource paint collection and an antique Dutch chandelier sourced from a favorite dealer in the Netherlands.
Even the utility room, cleverly hidden behind a louvered door, showcases Lawson’s ingenuity. The couple’s collaboration with landscape architects McKinnon Associates reoriented the backyard, framing an antique Amsterdam School stained glass chandelier from Ekletik and creating a lush, functional outdoor space.
A Home as Unique as Its Owners
“It was a team effort to produce a unique house,” Lawson emphasizes. The project transcends trends, focusing instead on creating a bespoke environment that reflects the couple’s personalities and history. Every choice—from the Akari sculpture light by Isamu Noguchi to the Navajo rug from Shiprock Gallery—was made with intention, ensuring the home feels both personal and timeless.
The result is a space that balances the couple’s love for antiques with modern design principles. As Lawson notes, the home is not a replica of something seen on social media but a couture creation, one that will never be replicated. For Greg and Don, it’s a sanctuary that honors their past while embracing a future shaped by creativity and collaboration.
Designing for Legacy: The Intersection of Past and Present
The renovation also highlights Lawson’s ability to blend historical elements with contemporary aesthetics. The repurposed antique Chesterfield sofa, now a banquette in the breakfast nook, pairs with a custom dining table by 9 & 19, ensuring both functionality and style. The use of Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone on walls softens the bright white tile, while the Abiquiu paint from Ressource adds depth to the cabinetry.
From the vintage Danish shearling sofa found by the couple to the custom coffee table designed by Lawson and crafted by Hawk and Stone, every detail tells a story. The project is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, where each element—whether antique or modern—contributes to a cohesive, living narrative.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Timeless Living
Ryan Lawson’s redesign of the Houston bungalow is more than a renovation—it’s a celebration of collaboration, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of design. By honoring the couple’s legacy while embracing innovation, Lawson has created a home that is as functional as it is beautiful, proving that the best spaces are those that evolve with their inhabitants.
