houston style house
A home tailored like a fine suit
For Sterling and Taylor Dio, style isn’t just about how something looks—it’s about how it makes you feel.
As a personal stylist and founder of Sterling Suits, Sterling has built a career around transforming confidence through fashion. She believes in the power of a perfectly tailored suit—the way it moves, the way it empowers, the way it tells a story. But how do you translate that into a home?
This was more than a design project. It was a challenge, an opportunity, and an exploration—could a home be curated the way a wardrobe is? Could the right materials, proportions, and details create an emotional experience just as a beautifully cut garment does? That was the guiding philosophy behind Houston Style House—a residence that doesn’t just look exquisite but feels effortless, inspiring, and deeply personal.
From Runway to Residence: A Design Philosophy Rooted in Fashion
Fashion and interior design share a powerful connection—both rely on proportion, texture, layering, and the ability to evoke emotion. With Sterling’s love for bold tailoring and rich textures as our inspiration, we approached each space as if we were crafting a couture collection:
A statement piece in every room | Just as a wardrobe needs a defining piece—a structured blazer, an iconic handbag—the Dio home needed moments that anchored the space. A custom-built wine system, a sculptural TV wall, and a one-of-a-kind built-in sofa became the hero pieces, commanding attention while seamlessly blending with their surroundings.
A play on texture and movement | We layered hand-applied plaster walls, deep wood tones, rich leathers, and organic fabrics to create an immersive sensory experience—one that changes throughout the day, just like the way fabric shifts under different lighting.
Tailoring space to fit the client | Just as a well-cut suit flatters the body, the home had to flatter the way Sterling and Taylor live. Every detail—every hidden storage solution, every seating arrangement, every material selection—was custom-fitted to their lifestyle.
The Science of Beauty: Designing with Neuroaesthetics in Mind
Beyond aesthetics, we considered how the home should feel on a psychological level. Neuroaesthetics—the study of how design influences our emotions—played a key role in shaping the environment. Soft, organic textures invite relaxation, making the home a sensory retreat. Deep greens and warm neutrals tap into the calming effects of nature, bringing balance and grounding energy. Thoughtful symmetry and layering create a sense of effortless luxury, mirroring the same principles used in high-end fashion design.
Signature Spaces: Where High Style Meets Livability
This isn’t just about visual beauty—it’s about how a space can reduce stress, increase inspiration, and support the way we live and work.
The Living Room: Where Art Meets Function
A sculptural TV wall serves as both a functional storage solution and a bold statement, while a custom sofa design seamlessly integrates a built-in bench, creating multiple conversation zones within one piece. This is an environment designed for both intimate moments and large gatherings—effortless, inviting, and endlessly chic.
The Dining Room: A Statement in Hosting
Like a tailored dinner jacket, this space had to exude confidence and refinement. The custom wine system became the perfect blend of function and showpiece, creating a backdrop that elevates every gathering.
Sterling’s Office: A Power Suit in Design Form
A moody, masculine-feminine workspace where inspiration flows. Designed with rich, tailored tones and textural depth, this space is as much about commanding presence as it is about creating. It’s where Sterling steps into her zone of genius, filming styling videos, curating looks, and leading her brand with clarity.
The Studio Lounge: The Ultimate After-Hours Retreat
Inspired by the Polo Bar in NYC and the timeless luxury of the Beverly Hills Hotel, this dark, seductive space is made for lingering conversations, slow pours, and rich experiences. A custom corner seating arrangement transforms the room into an intimate lounge, redefining the home bar experience.
The Primary Bedroom: A Haven of Quiet Indulgence
Just as luxury fashion is about both statement and subtlety, this bedroom balances high drama with comfort. A hidden coffee station offers indulgence at sunrise, while layered textures and tones create a restful, restorative environment.
The Power of Remote Design: A Flawless Execution from Afar
Designing Houston Style House was a masterclass in seamless, high-touch project execution. Though Urbanology Designs is based in Dallas/Fort Worth, our refined design process allows us to effortlessly manage projects across the country. From material selections to contractor coordination, every detail was executed with precision. For homeowners seeking expert design leadership beyond their immediate city, this project proves that distance is no barrier to excellence.
Final Takeaway: A Home as Confident as the People Who Live in It
Houston Style House is a study in confidence, refinement, and effortless livability. It’s a home that—like a perfectly tailored suit—feels like an extension of the people who live in it. It’s not just about beauty. It’s about the way a space moves, the way it feels, and the way it shapes daily life.
Designed with vision. Executed with precision. Lived in with joy.