Where Art Lives: A Spotlight on Mont Art House Houston
Some creative partnerships feel transactional; others feel foundational. Our relationship with Mont Art House Houston has been the latter. Over the years, they have become a trusted resource and collaborator, helping us place work that doesn’t just fill a wall, but shapes the energy of a room. Mont Art House is a casual gallery space showcasing the diverse works of its artist partners, creating an environment that feels approachable while remaining deeply curated. They work closely with homeowners and designers to source pieces that spark conversation, creativity, and joy. Whether you’re building a collection from scratch or commissioning something entirely new. Just as importantly, they champion their artists with loyalty and intention, cultivating a partnership model that supports both creative growth and meaningful connection.
Geometry with Heart
We installed two works by Robbie Austin in the entry of our Old World Oasis project, using contemporary abstraction to contrast the home’s more traditional architectural language. Robbie’s work often draws from timeworn materials - maps, ledgers, and found surfaces - layering them with color and symbolism to uncover possibility within history. His practice balances optimism and reflection, creating pieces that feel thoughtful yet accessible.
In this foyer, the works are stacked vertically, the upper piece geometric and primarily white with deliberate pops of red. Below it, a softer off-white composition features circles and triangles rendered in primary colors with touches of green. We offset the pair with a tall pink lamp, intentionally aligning the top artwork with the height of the shade to create a composed moment. The colors within the art subtly echo both the pink lamp and the sage green door nearby, reinforcing cohesion without feeling overly coordinated.
Bold Abstraction, Balanced Spaces
AK Hardeman is a self-taught abstract painter whose nearly three decades of experience are evident in her confident use of color and movement. Inspired by abstract expressionism, her work channels vibrant energy and emotional depth while remaining versatile enough to sit comfortably within layered interiors.
In our English Traditionalist project, we selected a bold coral canvas layered with greens, blues, and subtle notes of yellow and violet. Placed above an antique wood console, the piece anchors the foyer, allowing the rest of the room to remain restrained so the painting can lead. A vintage Turkish rug and deep blue lamp quietly pull supporting tones from the artwork, letting it fully come to life.
In contrast, a second Hardeman piece in our Old World Oasis living room leans quieter. A predominantly white canvas layered with warm browns, pale blue, and a single bright red accent offers a subtle counterpoint to the room’s traditional furnishings. Framed in a simple gold frame and hung slightly off-center above a patterned beige sofa with plum pillows, the work introduces a modern tension that keeps the space dynamic.
Layers of Meaning
Heather Bird Harris is an artist, curator, and education leader whose work explores the intersection of history, ecology, and systems change. Her practice often draws from research and collaboration, resulting in pieces that feel both conceptual and grounded.
In our New England Nest project, we installed one of her striking orange works above a navy buffet in a dark teal dining room. The piece evokes layered marble or sedimentary rock, bringing warmth and movement into a space defined by deeper tones. Its placement creates a deliberate contrast against the saturated walls, while simultaneously drawing out the richness of the wooden dining table and brown chairs. The result is a moment of tension that feels intentional and alive.
La Petite Maison: Art at Every Scale
A few years ago, we participated in the “La Petite Maison” Houston charity event, our dollhouse being partially sponsored by Mont Art House. Their artists generously created miniature works for our dollhouse installation and later showcased the completed piece in their gallery.
In the kitchen, a small painting by Louise Pennebaker depicting a sliced watermelon added playful realism. The dining room featured a bold black-and-white ribbon composition by Angela Chrusciaki Blehm, contrasting beautifully with the colorful setting. An abstract work by Ty Nathan Clark and a playful pink piece with green accents by Mione Plant layered additional charm. In the living room, two fluid abstract works in blue and red by Kyle Goderwis introduced graphic energy against quieter walls, tying together the vibrant furnishings throughout the space.
Even at a miniature scale, the collaboration reinforced how thoughtfully placed art transforms an interior.
Art is never an afterthought in our projects; it is a defining layer. Our ongoing partnership with Mont Art House Houston allows us to source work that feels intentional, personal, and deeply connected to the spaces we design. Whether placing a statement canvas in a grand foyer or a miniature painting in a dollhouse, the goal remains the same: to create interiors that feel lived-in, expressive, and complete. When designers, collectors, and artists collaborate with purpose, the result is more than decoration - it’s a dialogue that continues long after installation day.