News Summary
In a touching renovation project, designer Galeana Younger revamps a 1929 cottage in San Antonio’s Monte Vista neighborhood into a cozy home for her mother, Chica. Named ‘Casita Chica’, the residence blends cultural richness with modern design, featuring vibrant colors and unique collections that celebrate Chica’s Mexican heritage. The remodel includes custom millwork, a stylish bar area, and art installations, making it a warm tribute to family history and love.
San Antonio – In a heartfelt renovation project, interior designer Galeana Younger has transformed a 1929 cottage located in San Antonio’s historic Monte Vista neighborhood into a charming living space for her mother. The remodeled home, now named “Casita Chica,” which translates to “little house” in Spanish, reflects both the modest size of the cottage and the affectionate nickname of Galeana’s mother, Chica Younger, who is 77 years old and plans to reside in the house permanently.
The cottage has a total area of 1,666 square feet and underwent significant renovations to become a cozy one-bedroom home with 1.5 bathrooms. This redesign aims to embody the personality and cultural richness of Chica, showcasing vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a wide array of unique collections that represent her Mexican heritage.
A substantial portion of the renovation budget was directed towards custom millwork, particularly in areas like the library, kitchen, and pantry. The design intentionally features built-in shelving to display a variety of treasured items and family heirlooms, creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout the home.
One of the notable upgrades included converting a former breakfast room into a stylish bar and seating area, allowing Chica to entertain guests in a comfortable setting. The entryway is adorned with celadon wallpaper from the Osborne and Little collection, a piece that Chica had kept for decades, further emphasizing the personal connection embedded within the home’s design.
Art elements also play a significant role in the transformation. An installation near the entry door features a dove set in the center of a starburst, a piece obtained from a church in Puebla, Mexico. This installation beautifully complements the home’s rich cultural narrative.
Among the standout features of the living room is a conversational arrangement complete with chairs, a sofa, and footstools. The decor integrates family heirlooms, including a vintage rug from Persia brought back by Chica’s father during World War II, alongside finds sourced from local auctions. The fireplace serves as a focal point, embellished with original tiles and a striking “Madonna and Child” artwork resting on the mantle.
The newly designed kitchen showcases an eclectic mix of four tile patterns, characterized by a vibrant yellow color with hints of green. Functional additions include a pantry that was crafted from a back bedroom space, significantly improving the kitchen’s storage capabilities. Decorative items, such as Mexican pottery, fresh fruit, and orchids, create an inviting atmosphere.
The dining area is enhanced by scenic Manuel Canovas wallpaper, which seamlessly blends with existing furnishings. Anchoring this space is a sideboard—an Old English chest of drawers given as a wedding gift—adding both charm and functionality. Gold foil and pink motifs, crafted by the late local artist Gregorio Mannino, adorn the archways, contributing an artistic flair to the home’s interiors.
The choice of wall covering named “Everyday Lips” by Voutsa played a crucial role in the initial design vision for the house. The bedroom area is designed to exude a regal feel, incorporating custom draperies and luxurious upholstery. Key features include a lavish headboard and bedding, reflecting comfort and elegance suitable for long-term living.
A designated closet-office area doubles as a laundry zone, tailored specifically to the unique storage requirements of the homeowner. Among Chica’s prized possessions are over 50 huipiles, traditional handmade garments, along with various Mexican artifacts, which have been thoughtfully integrated into the design through custom cabinets featuring bamboo molding painted in Behr’s “Heart Breaker” pink.
The careful design choices and vibrant aesthetics of Casita Chica illustrate not only a living space but also a tribute to Chica’s life and legacy, effectively merging past family history with modern conveniences in a loving home.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- House Beautiful
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- San Antonio Magazine
- Google Search: Monte Vista neighborhood
- Metropolis Magazine
- Google Scholar: interior design trends
- Texas Monthly
- Encyclopedia Britannica: interior design
- CultureMap San Antonio
- Google News: home renovation trends
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
