Bringing it All Home - Interior Decoration from Around the World
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Author: Nancy Ackerman
Released 31 July 2006
Bringing it All Home
Interior Decoration from Around the World by Aramcons with Style
Janell And Dennis with Lucy and Scarlet
Photographs Contributed by Nancy Ackerman
All of us as ex-Aramcons have Arab exotica in our homes, items picked up in Khobar, Bahrain, Sharjah, and Oman, and added to that are the many souvenirs from other cool destinations visited on repats, DOG trips and long weekends. What we do with these items in Texas, Arkansas and elsewhere can be interesting…(and can range from awful to awesome!)
This is the first in a series of articles by Nancy Ackerman, describing some of the very best interior design using the treasures acquired by Aramcons while with Aramco…See what they have done!
Deep in the heart of Texas, Janell and Dennis Reyenga have created an oasis of Arab Hospitality.
The dining room showcases a world of treasures and sets the mood for festive socializing.
In 2004, after more than 18 years with Aramco, Dennis retired from the position of Assistant to Senior Vice President, Engineering Operating Services. During this time, Janell devoted her teaching talent to the first graders at the Dhahran Hills School, a job she totally loved. During leisure hours, this couple pursued their passion for gardening, design and architecture, and for serious shopping in the souks and shops of Khobar, Damman, Hofuf and Bahrain …making the purchases which would eventually end up in Texas.
The guest bedroom is fit for a royal visit.
During the Gulf conflict Dennis and Janell, like so many others, opened their home and their hearts to U.S. troops serving in the area, and spent many weekends hosting our Air Force pilots and crew. When the troops left the area, and weekends were no longer devoted to their entertainment, Wednesdays turned into the 4:02 Club, which evolved when Ed Urbanski would stop by the Reyenga house to deliver office mail after work, and ended up staying on for awhile. Pretty soon Ahmed and Sandra Abdul Rahman would pop in from next door, followed by Berndadette Wolan, Gerry Purcell, Cindy Hebert, Liz Blodgett…and more, who enjoyed kicking off the weekend together. And living next door to the Abdul Rahmans had the perk of enjoying some of the best cuisine to be had in the Middle East. To this day Janell prepares hummus, tabouli, and more, recipes she gleaned from Sandra and Ahmed.
A stunning handmade cabinet designed by Dennis and made by Desert Design in Khobar.
In 1994, the Reyengas bought their retirement home in Fredricksburg, Texas, and immediately began to update and redesign each room, a task that consumed every repat they had until their departure. With a master plan in place, they commissioned many pieces from Desert Design in Khobar and Gulf Antiques in Bahrain, and also picked up many artifacts during their travels to Nepal and Thailand. Everything they selected was unique and for a particular place in their evolving new home. Their eye for design was coupled with practicality, as they intended to use and enjoy all of their acquired treasures. They succeeded brilliantly!
The Reyengas and Inglets on the Balinese styled deck.
So it was during a recent visit with Patsy and Tom Inglet in San Antonio that we made a great side trip to the lovely town of Fredricksburg to see the home that Janell and Dennis had created with such care and passion. We approached the low-slung, rambling house, shaded by beautiful old oak trees, via a circular drive and were enthusiastically greeted by the yapping of their dogs, Lucy and Scarlet, (both born in KSA) and the welcoming smiles of our hosts. Although our Dhahran days overlapped, we had never met before. It was definitely a pleasure to meet this talented and dynamic pair!
The Welcoming Ganesha
With more than a little excitement (as an interior designer I love nothing more than seeing other people’s homes) I stepped through the front door, and immediately stopped. Facing me, set into a niche of cool ivory color, was a magnificent Ganesha, low-lighted, unadorned and serene; a welcome that transcended words. If I had seen nothing more, I would have immediately known that this house was very special.
Thai statues guard the deck area.
And it is more than special. Not only has every detail been thought out for the position and function of their furnishings from abroad, but consideration was also carefully given to the family antiques that needed to share space with the wonders brought home from another world. That it works so well is the reward that came from years of careful preparation and planning; the end result is a warm, elegant Texas homestead that reflects a tasteful, sophisticated and beautiful lifestyle.
Converted Indian Youth Bed Coffee Table
The converted Indian Youth Bed Coffee Table is home to a beautiful stone Buddha. Headpieces from Afghanistan flank the stone fireplace, which is dominated by a stunning Afghani Wedding Dress.
Atop the gleaming hardwood floor is a Heriz Carpet.
Sitting Area
A charming sitting area off the master bedroom is a mini museum of Arabian artistry.
An enormous carved swing lies on the path to the garden.
The garden area is of special joy to Both Janell and Dennis, and they spend long hours cultivating their orchids, herbs and vegetables in a huge plot that is located behind their home; the garden is reached by a bridge that spans a narrow river that meanders past at the rear of the property…and they toss fish food down to the swarms that gather at their footsteps, knowing a treat is in store.
A smiling Janell takes a break and plans her garden expansion.
I couldn’t help but ask Janell and Dennis what they would salvage in the event of fire (after spouses and dogs of course!) and Dennis promptly said ‘my gold inlaid dagger which was a 25th wedding anniversary gift’, but Janell was torn between her beloved orchids (which she realized she could replace) and finally decided she would most want her gold jewelry and a tribal temple ritual bell from Bali. The blessings surrounding this home and it’s occupants ensure that such a disaster will never occur, but it did make Janell state “that’s a tough question, Nancy!”
As we drove away from the Reyengas beautiful residence, I was inspired, as I always am, by such creative and tasteful decorating; it made me freshly determined to give my own home a serious dusting off.
But that will have to come later, as right now I’m busy enjoying the homes of other ex-Aramcons!
You can contact Dennis and Janell Reyenga at 323 Country Creek Lane, Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624.
Next up the homes of Richard and Ann Barr, and Tom and Patsy Inglet will soon be featured. If you would like your home to appear on the Aramco ExPats website please write to me at RNAckerman@aol.com.