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Retro-Inspired Lounge at Home Atop Unusual Houston Tower
Gin Braverman of gindesignsgroup transforms the Raven Tower in Houston -- once an unusual bachelor pad -- into a funky, versatile lounge space with a wink and a nod to its quirky original owner and 1970s roots.
Dim, Stylish Dining Area With Skyline View, Plush Green Chairs and Red Stone Flooring
Large windows lining the walls of this dining room create a gorgeous view and backdrop for the room. Plus green seat cushions pad chairs angled into small circular tables for an intimate environment. Red-brown stone flooring adds warmth to the design and compliments wood details on the wall.
Photo by: TK Images
TK Images
Driving up Interstate 45 in Houston, the unusual tower is hard to miss: a turquoise-colored box perched atop a concrete, six-story pedestal.
But the unsual look of the exterior belies the hip personality of the lounge located inside what's known as the Raven Tower.
"It's really unique -- mostly because of the weirdness of the building," says Houston designer Gin Braverman. "It's like a bar on a stick."
Kennon Evett, Courtesy of White Oak Music Hall
R.W. Walker built Raven Tower in the 1970s as his bachelor apartment. The home towered over his metal fabrication business, Metal Enterprises, located on a property adjacent to Little White Oak Bayou in the Near Northside area of Houston.
Today, the property is part of the White Oak Music Hall development, which includes performance spaces, an icehouse-style bar, patio and the redesigned lounge in the Raven Tower.
Braverman, principal at gindesignsgroup, led the redesign of the lounge, which is fashioned to be a versatile space for both public and private gatherings -- one that enjoys an unrivaled view of downtown Houston from its windows and rooftop deck.
Shuffleboard and Bar Shelf Display in Entertainment Area With Stone Flooring, Black Ceiling and Large Window View
Open floor space allows for easy movement through the room and highlights the texture of the stone floor. A shuffleboard table runs along one wall with a shelf wet bar display on the opposite wall. Large windows with a gorgeous city view create an enchanting backdrop and natural decoration.
Photo by: TK Images
TK Images
"What the owners really wanted was the capability to be up there during the day with laptops and with a drink at night," she says.
The inspiration for the design came from both the '70s and from Walker himself. Low-slung furniture in earth tones surround the perimeter of the lounge space, hearkening back to designs from 50 years ago.
For some funky flair, army canvas covers the comfortable chairs, and grill cloth -- typically used to cover instrument amplifiers -- is draped across the low ceiling. A piano and a 15-foot-long shuffleboard table adds a fun factor.
Before the renovation, a stash of old radios once belonging to Walker was found on site. Rather than trash them, Braverman turned them into a wall installation "as a nod to his weirdness," she says.
Contemporary Bathroom With Neutral Landscape Wallpaper, White Sink and Orange Faucet
Outdoor water scenes decorate this bathroom on the neutral wallpaper covering the walls below and above the counter. A black ceiling and floor create a dim and warm look to the small space. The white sink pops against the dimmer background and an orange faucet adds a unique color accent.
Photo by: TK Images
TK Images
Walker's touch also remains in the bathroom, where the plywood printed with hunting scenes he installed remains on the walls.
The lounge is easily modified for events with movable furniture and coffee tables that elevate to bar height. The massive shuffleboard table doubles as a dining or food-service table.
"It's like someone's cool game room but five stories up," Braverman says.
