For John Palosi, president of Omni Custom Homes, his wife, Jana, and their two sons, Haeden, 11, and Liam, 9, their new home in San Antonio is a large departure from their previous abode: a traditional Spanish Mission-style home with white stucco, a clay-tiled roof and darkly stained wooden accents. Today, they live in a 3,900-square-foot, four-bedroom contemporary which utilizes modern design cues and warm materials synonymous with the Hill Country Modern aesthetic, like honed limestone and Corten steel. Inside, an earthy palette, custom-tiled kitchen backsplash and living green wall make it quite the showstopper thanks to designer Lori Caldwell, who has worked with the builder since 2009.
“We wanted something that was borderline modern, but still organic,” Palosi notes.
He went with native limestone, cutting pieces and laying them in a pattern that carries around the house with no interruption. Corten steel, which is designed to rust, gives the exterior a beautiful patinated effect and lasting rich orange and red hues.
The home is located in the highly sought-after, family-friendly gated community of Inverness in Central San Antonio and is nearby his children’s schools and many of Palosi’s own work sites. “When I drive through the neighborhood, everyone waves at you even if they don’t know you,” he says. It’s also filled with a myriad of homes, all varying in architectural style, another draw for the builder who says he “strives to show diversity in his work and create homes that are a true extension of each client’s vision.”
So, when it was time to build his own home, he was excited to bring his vision to life. He purchased an open lot at the end of a cul-de-sac with a 30-foot green space on one side and rear alleyway, making it ideal for large family gatherings. And as Inverness is quite the popular place to live, “there are no teardowns in the neighborhood,” he says. “They only sell to individuals, so there are no builder spec homes or model homes either.”
While the community is all-over-the-board architecturally — speaking from Modern to Transitional Farmhouse to French to Spanish Colonial — his Mid Century-inspired home with indigenous Hill Country materials seamlessly fits into the existing neighborhood fabric.
Inside, Caldwell worked with the family to execute a nature-inspired palette, clean finish-outs and funky furnishings. One of Palosi’s favorite things in the home is the live green wall in the entryway. In lieu of a large art piece, it adds depth, visual interest and helps keep the home healthier. “My wife and I fell in love with the concept when we were visiting family in Mexico City,” he says. “Green walls are featured prominently in nice hotels and restaurants there.” Installed by Natura™, a Plant Interscapes company, they worked with the designer to choose specific shades of moss and the result is a piece that is simple, elegant and statement-making. Instead of using Corten steel to frame it, Palosi purposely went with cold-rolled steel as Corten tends to leave rust on clothing. With two kids and dogs, it’s a much more practical choice.
Then there’s the kitchen which features Pratt + Larson tile from Materials Marketing in San Antonio. “The backsplash is really the focal point and the biggest bang for your buck in the home,” Caldwell remarks. Five different tile shades were chosen to add a big splash of color to the space. The palette pairs well against the ivory travertine flooring, white oak cabinetry, marble island, Mr. Brown London bar stools and Visual Comfort pendant light. While marble isn’t the most obvious choice for a kitchen as it etches, stains and is high-maintenance, Palosi and his family love the look of it. “It’s a living surface that is even more beautiful now,” he says. A Thermador® appliance package from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery rounds out the beautiful and functional kitchen.
The rest of the home was designed to bring the outside in. “We wanted the home to feel in one with nature,” Caldwell says. “We spend 90 percent of our time indoors, so why not bring the outdoors in and promote creativity.”
The powder bath features a stunning Kravet wallpaper, a textile which took Caldwell’s breath away upon first seeing it, while Thibaut paper can be seen in the dining room, alongside a Mr. Brown London credenza, Arteriors pendant light and Phillips Collection dining table.
The master, which is warm and seductive, includes a navy-blue Vanguard® velvet headboard and high-end Lili Alessandra bedding. The wallpaper, another eclectic choice, is a fun geometric pattern from York® Wallcoverings.
Finished in 2018, the Palosi family have enjoyed spending every minute in their new space, especially the last two holiday seasons. “We relish the opportunity to have everyone over,” he concludes.
Omni Custom Homes
210-616-2472 | www.omnicustoms.com
Lori Caldwell Designs
210-404-9922 | www.loricaldwelldesigns.com