HomeOpen House: The Heister’s media suite (Sweet!)
12. May, 2009 
5 Comments
As I’ve often said, the best part about writing Strange Closets has been meeting so many interesting people, and today’s Open House stars, Mark Heister Designs owners Mark and Linda Heister are two of the most fascinating and enjoyable.
While Mark and Linda have many good qualities (sophisticated, charming, funny, easy-on-the-eyes – the list goes on and on), I most admire their spirit and determination. The couple worked long hours and sacrified their free time to make their La Porte dream home a reality, and it’s pretty clear that they appreciate the lifestyle they’ve made for themselves; for example, they actually use the silver and fine china. It’s a good lesson for us all. Why not treat ourselves well every day? The attitude is almost Buddhist in its focus on the present.
Although Mark is semi-retired, he spent the past couple of years personally working on or supervising the home’s massive renovation. In fact, when I first photographed the house last summer, Mark was personally painting the media room.
During my recent visit for Flor’s catalog shoot, I finally saw the completed media suite, so I took a few photographs to share. I’m enamored with the room’s red walls and leopard print carpeting, bold choices that work with the white millwork and neutral upholstery to create a space that’s stylish, comfortable and sexy, the perfect place to take in a film.
Enjoy!
Click here to see Mark and Linda’s Old Town coop.
Click here to see their La Porte home tour.
And click here to see their Michiana vacation home, a charming rustic cabin that’s available for rent.
This image captures what I love about the Heister's - leopard carpeting, chilled champagne and a drill (all expertly color coordinated)
And while I was there, I couldn’t help but snap a few additional photos:
Wow! I’ve never seen anyone recreate a Hall of Mirrors from Versailles in a private home — stunning! The media room is excellent: I’ll pop over to watch my three favourite Star Trek films: #2 The Wrath of Khan, #8 First Contact, and the newest, #11 Star Trek (as soon as it comes out on DVD of course). Saw it this weekend, don’t miss it. Whether you are a Trekker or not, it is thoroughly enjoyable.
If you treat yourself well every day, you will treat others better, too.
What a great room (all the rest of them, too). I would have thought leopard print carpeting would have looked slightly, ahem, tacky but I love it! Also crazy about the vibrant red walls.
Yes Carol, it’s wonderful. And Mark Heister actually designed the mirrored dining room table, which can be broken up (as shown) or put together to accommodate a large number of guests. And thanks for your recommendation; I do plan to see the new Star Trek flick. I hear it’s great.
Hannah, many people have that same opinion about leopard carpeting – until they see it. I think of it as a neutral.
Their home is almost as lovely as they are! Who could ask for better neighbors or friends? For years I hoped someone would bring that house up to its potential and they have exceeded anything I imagined. It has been exciting to watch their progress and their immpeccable design come to life. We are thrilled to be getting to know them and enjoy them immensely.
Well, little brother, you have really outdone yourself. Yes, Mark IS my little brother. I could barely breath while looking at these outstanding photos. Mark and Linda, I love you both, Kaye