2023 April Lake Highlands Advocate

LAKE HIGHLANDS TOP 25

LAKE HIGHLANDS TOP 25

april 23

Meredith Gomez framed her grandmother’s brownie recipie. When her grandfather tasted the brownies at a church event, he said he’d marry the woman who made them. Six months later, they were married. Read more on page 32. Photography by Lauren Allen.

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CREATIVE SPARK

Jennifer Barrett’s search for inspiration results in unique art

Interview by CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB | Photography by JULIA CARTWRIGHT

If the prospect of metal-working conjures images of teen boys under Iron Man masks in shop class, sparks flying, that’s not wrong. But the face under one local welding hood is that of a Lake Highlands mom pursuing a second career, an artist making one-of-a-kind sculptures, an entrepreneur operating her own business — Jennifer Barrett.

Barrett owns and operates Ruthy’s Metal Works, a small neighborhood business specializing in commissioned art for residential and commercial spaces. Her port -

folio — glimpses of it sometimes appearing on Instagram or TikTok — is diverse, featuring outsized iron sculptures that add whimsy to a beautiful-but-boring backyard, form-meets-function steel planters fit for small-scale succulent gardens or multi-paneled wall art showcasing the unique, vibrant effects of alcohol ink on metal.

The Lake Highlands High School graduate sacrificed sacred time she could otherwise have spent welding to speak with the Advocate about shifting vocations “later in life” and figuring out what inspires her.

WHAT CAME BEFORE RUTHY’S?

I’ve always been a creative person. I went to school for radio, film and TV at Baylor. So I worked a lot in that industry, the production side of small films, shows, corporate videos — which can be creative — but I always wanted to make things.

Shortly after I got married, my husband, Nathan, and I went to help out in his family’s business. That entailed a lot of administrative work, and I started to feel like I needed a creative outlet. I started classes at the Creative Arts Center. I had always been drawn to metal

sculpture, not sure why, and I had never done it, so I just started at the introductory class. The CAC is a neat place with all types of artists.

YOU STARTED OUT WITH ZERO WELDING EXPERIENCE?

Right. They teach you to weld and cut metal and then, in the post-introductory class, you can go and make whatever you want to. That’s where my interest really ignited. I started doing metal work on my own time, while also working as chief financial officer for the family company, and when my husband’s parents ended up selling that business, it was a blank slate for me, and I said I’m going to try this, as an actual vocation.

WHERE DID THE NAME RUTHY’S COME FROM?

Ruth is my middle name, and everyone used to call me Ruthy when I was little.

DID YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE FAMILY ON THIS?

My daughter, Frankie, was 4 at the time. I set up the

workspace in the garage. She’s 11 now. And my husband encouraged me.

WHAT HAS CHANGED WITH THE BUSINESS FROM THEN TO NOW?

That was in 2016. I went into it willing to just make anything anyone asked me to do. I worked with wood, metal, art, furniture — jack of all trades and master of none type thing. As I gained experience, I reigned that in a little. For a while, I made modern wall planters from steel that were sold to stores and individuals, but after a while that started to feel more mechanical and lacked the creative component that I wanted. There is something that came from an artist I really like, Lisa Congdon, who started her career later in life, and she said something along the lines of: “If inspiration doesn’t come to you in a flash, you might have to go in search of it.” That resonated with me. Finding that inspiration means discovering things that make you excited. So I started to try to just focus on making things that I liked, and that led to more interesting and creative pieces and playing with different mediums like alcohol ink — it kind of looks like colored water when you put it out, but you have an alcohol base. So you can set it on fire, and it moves in different ways.

DID YOU FIND THE THING THAT EXCITES YOU?

That search overall brought that creativity back to what I love doing. Today I do mostly commissioned work that inspires me. How it usually goes is: I meet with someone who has a space. Sometimes they have an idea of what they want, and we collaborate. Sometimes they just want to know what I think will go in there. It might be shapes or something that I paint in resin on steel. I have done things in frames where the whole entire inside is steel. I often land on some kind of wall sculpture as the thing I like the most these days.

AND I SUPPOSE THE SEARCH IS ONGOING?

I do like to work with what I know, but I also like to try different things. Like, in the interest of using the scraps, I may see a leftover piece and look at it and think about what I can do with that, so inspiration might come just from hammering at a shape and using that as an opportunity to experiment with different techniques. (In a recent video she describes a scrap as looking like a uterus before she cuts and hammers it into sheeny yin yang bowls.)

Interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

“This will be my 8th transaction with Amy over the past 10 years and I would definitely use her again. I have purchased several condominiums as well as single family residences and I have always felt that she has my best interest at heart.“

HOW TO PROTEST YOUR PROPERTY TAXES & WIN

Story by RICK WAMRE

Just because the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) says your home increased in value doesn’t mean that’s true.

With a few simple steps and information you probably already have handy, you can potentially lower your annual property tax bill.

The Advocate asked neighborhood experts to walk us through the simple process.

“As interest rates have gone up, property values in general have gone down this past year,” says Toby Toler, a neighborhood resident and owner of Toler Company, a residential and commercial property tax consulting company for the past 40 years (tolerco.com).

“Sometimes it may seem like the appraisal district is genetically predisposed to defend their determination of property value,” Toler says. “So you need to present evidence of something they don’t already know about your home in order to have a successful result.”

Worried that protesting might make your tax assessment even higher? Don’t be.

“We don’t raise value as part of a protest. There’s no fear of that happening,” says Cheryl Jordan, DCAD director of community relations. “Some appraisal districts do that, but we don’t.”

SO IT’S APRIL 21

When you receive your home’s notice of valuation, you have a few options if you believe DCAD’s value is too high:

VISIT DALLASCAD.ORG and check the information listed there for your home. Does DCAD have the correct number of bathrooms and bedrooms listed? Is the square footage correct? Is the year the home was built listed correctly?

“In high-dollar areas, square footage or the number of bathrooms doesn’t have to be that far off at $500 or $600 per square foot in value to make a difference,” says neighborhood resident David McGee, owner of David L. McGee Appraisals (dmcgeeappraisals.com).

“Even if DCAD is off by only 100 or 200 square feet, that’s several thousand dollars of additional taxable value you’re paying for.”

WHILE ON DALLASCAD.ORG, look up the values of similar neighboring homes. Yes, it’s interesting to know the valuation of neighbors’ homes, but that’s not the point: Use that information to prove your home is overvalued.

CHECK OUT THE ADVOCATE ’S PRINT MAGAZINE OR WEBSITE f or neighborhood

Realtors,

DATES & DEADLINES

PUT THESE IMPORTANT TAX VALUATION DEADLINES ON YOUR CALENDAR TODAY:

APRIL 21: DCAD releases residential notices of value, with a valuation as of Jan. 1, 2023, for Dallas County property owners. You can wait to receive your notice in the mail, or you can start looking for the valuation online at dallascad.org within a day or two of April 21.

MAY 22: Deadline to file a written protest of DCAD’s valuation.

JULY 14: Final date to come to an agreement with DCAD about your property value.

JULY 15: If you haven’t reached a valuation agreement with DCAD, you can ask for hearing with the Appraisal Review Board. That hearing probably won’t be worth your time (we’ll explain later), but it’s a necessary means to an end to keep protesting your valuation.

60 DAYS AFTER YOUR ARB HEARING : Deadline to request binding arbitration through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts office or file a lawsuit in the District Court in Dallas County.

and ask one for a report on “comparables” for your house. Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service, which compiles data for most home sales in Dallas County. A Realtor can find comparable homes that have sold within the past 12 months to determine an appropriate value for your home. Remember, though: Realtors are only paid when they assist you with buying or selling a home, and they’re hoping this investment of time will eventually lead to working with you to eventually buy a new home or list your existing home.

If you really want rock-solid evidence of your home’s value, hire a property appraiser. The appraisal will set you back about $400-$750 (homes over 4,000 square feet or so tend to cost more), but you’ll have an independent, third-party valuation with comparables and adjustments (age, condition, improvements, location), McGee says.

KICK STARTING THE PROCESS (APRIL 21-MAY 22)

You can file a protest online anytime after April 21; there’s no cost, and the sooner you file the protest, the more quickly your case will be reviewed.

“There’s no benefit to waiting if you know the value is wrong,” Toler says.

“DCAD’s phones typically aren’t clogged the first two weeks after value notices are mailed. People with a case ready to go are rare.”

Fill out the online “file a protest” form on your property’s account page at dallascad.org, upload the “evidence” that proves your home is overvalued, and write a short, concise explanation of your concerns.

DCAD computer algorithms typically analyze comparables and determine individual property values, so there’s room for human analysis to fine-tune those values, Jordan says.

Maybe your home is on a busy street, while the algorithm has selected comparables that are on quieter, more valuable streets.

Maybe your home needs a lot of remodeling or updating, but the algorithm hasn’t taken that into account while selecting new or updated homes nearby.

“The best thing that I’ve had luck with is to take a picture of everything that’s wrong with your house, print out the pictures and show all of those problems to

A sincere thank you to my amazing clients, friends and neighbors

DCAD,” McGee says.

“Show them all the things that need to be repaired — cracks in the foundation, original bathrooms, busted driveway, your house backs up to a drainage ditch with dead animals in it — show them your condition rating if it’s different from the comparables. That gives the (DCAD) appraisers a way to adjust your valuation.”

Focusing on your home’s shortcomings can help, but it’s not a guarantee.

“The sales market has changed in the past four years,” Jordan says. “It used to be that when you sold a property, you would fix it up. Nowadays, people are selling as-is. That has already been accounted for in (DCAD’s) value because the sale accounted for that in the price.”

TAKING THE NEXT STEP (JULY 14)

This is your deadline to file an appeal of your valuation with the Appraisal Review Board, which is a panel (or sometimes an individual) paid on a per-day basis to evaluate appeals.

The ARB hearing panel is a “buffer” of sorts to ensure DCAD’s appraisers are fairly evaluating your property’s value.

Typically, you will upload/mail the same information you used while negotiating with DCAD while hoping for a better valuation outcome.

ARB members rely on a DCAD appraiser who attends the hearing and presents evidence about valuation — if you don’t have an extremely compelling case, it’s likely the ARB will side with DCAD’s appraiser, perhaps throwing you a 1% or 2% token valuation “bone” as a consolation prize.

Some ARB hearings are in-person, meaning you will need to travel to attend what likely will be a 15- to 30-minute hearing. Some hearings are conducted by telephone.

You have the right to request any information DCAD is using to value your property, including data,

schedules, formulas and comparables — as long as you request the information in writing and at least 14 days prior to the ARB hearing.

During the hearing, you’ll have a chance to succinctly state your case to the ARB, and the DCAD appraiser will do the same thing. Then the ARB will rule on your case immediately

SO YOUR VALUATION IS STILL TOO HIGH — NOW WHAT?

You’ve negotiated with DCAD, and you’ve presented your case to ARB, and you’re still convinced your home is being overvalued: You have one option left — file a request for binding arbitration with the Texas comptroller’s office or file a lawsuit in District Court. (The lawsuit option typically makes economic sense only for high-dollar homes and commercial properties.)

You’re going to forward the same information you’ve already compiled to the comptroller, along with a check for $450 (or more, depending on your property’s value).

Think carefully about this step, because your deposit, less $50, will be refunded only if the arbitrator sets your home value closer to your proposed valuation than to DCAD’s valuation.

HERE ARE THE DETAILS:

You must file for binding arbitration within 60 days of receiving your ARB determination; for the most part, you’ll be sending the same information you’ve submitted to DCAD and ARB in hopes you can convince the arbitrator to come to a different conclusion.

– You must be current with your property taxes.

– You must complete a Form AP219, Request for Binding Arbitration (PDF) form available online, and send that form, along with a copy of the ARB determination, any relevant documentation and your filing fee to the address on the Form AP-219.

Once you’ve submitted your Form AP-219 and it has been received and acknowledged by the comptroller, you have 45 days to reach a settle-

ment with DCAD prior to your case being assigned to an arbitrator.

The arbitrator will set a date, time and location for a hearing — it can also be held via Zoom. Your success will determine not only your property tax bill but also how much, if any, of your deposit is returned to you EXAMPLE: You believe your house should be assessed at $400,000, and DCAD believes your house should be assessed at $500,000. If you and DCAD don’t reach a settlement and the arbitrator determines the correct value for your house should be $451,000, your valuation will be set at $451,000 but you will forfeit your deposit since the final value was closer to DCAD’s valuation than to yours.

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE

O nce you’ve uploaded the information, a DCAD appraiser may give you a call or send you an email asking for more information or, if you’ve been persuasive, offering a lower value for your property.

“It’s OK not to take their first offer,” Toler says. “It can’t get any worse, and you can always say something like ‘I was expecting more,’ or ‘I don’t think that offer gets me there,’ or ‘Is there any more slack in your rope?’

“If they’re willing to make you an offer, it’s not going to go away — that’s likely their new value for your home,” Toler says.

Remember you have until July 14 to reach an agreement, so work to get your best offer from DCAD no later than July 1 so you have time to take the next step, if you need to.

Editor’s Note: Dates and deadlines are subject to change depending on when DCAD sends out tax notices. Check dallascad.org for up-to-date deadlines and information about procedures for filing protests. For more detailed information about protesting your taxes, including how DCAD determines property values, visit our website and search Property Tax Protest.

Twin Flames

Fill your home with what you love, and it will be beautiful

Interview by ARIEL WALLACE | Photo by VICTORIA GOMEZ

Same wedding anniversary. Firstborn daughters named Ava. The youngest of each is 10 years old. One grew up on a dairy farm and another on a horse farm.

It was mutual friend and neighbor Kristin who noticed Lynsey Purl and Veronica Deats were living parallel lives. Separately.

“Then we met up and realized ‘Yes, we really were the same,’” Deats says.

“Our personalities are so similar but also very different and complementary of each other,” Purl says.

The duo, inspired by their grandmothers to pursue interior decorating, launched Max & Lou Home in 2017.

Their team, dubbed the “Fantastic

Four,” manages the styling process at the Lake Highlands-based firm.

SO YOU TWO ARE LIKE A PERFECT MATCH?

PURL: Honestly, Yes. Even in the way we both went after our passions. You know, we try to both reiterate to our kids, you don’t have to pick at 14 or 20 years old, and know exactly

what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life. If you want to start over, you can because we both did. I don’t know that it would be as perfect as it is had we started right off the bat doing what we’re doing.

DEATS: We’re getting to do the things that we dreamed about doing. It just took us until we were in our 30s to put it into motion. Which is OK. That’s OK, if it does not happen when you’re in your 20s.

TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELVES AND HOW YOU GOT INTO INTERIOR DESIGN.

DEATS: We both have a background in doing things similar to design.

That is not what we went to school for. We have always done design out of our love for doing it. And I think we had decided separately, before we ever met each other, that (design) was something we were going to branch out and do for real on our own.

PURL: We were always doing this on the side and then went different directions in our college careers and work careers for a while. We both like decorating things on our own and then for our friends and family. Finally, I had the realization that this is what I need to be doing. My husband was like, “What are you doing? This is your passion. …

You’re so busy on the side. Just do this for real.”

WHERE DID THE NAME FOR MAX & LOU COME FROM?

PURL: Both of our grandmothers are very instrumental in our love of all things decorating, cooking, home-related and making things pretty. My grandmother’s name was Maxine, and Veronica’s grandmother is named Jimmy Lu. That’s how we got Max and Lou.

They passed along a love of traveling, antiquing, gathering in the kitchen, digging through other people’s junk, and they were big into repurposing. Max & Lou would not exist without

Veronica Deats and Lynsey Purl are the owners of Max & Lou Home.

Max and Lou and all of the beautiful lessons these two taught us, and we’re thankful every day that they were ours.

TELL ME ABOUT MAX & LOU HOME. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MAX & LOU?

DEATS: We kind of run the gamut of what we do. We’re not a one-sizefits-all place.

There’s no project too big or too small for us. And so, the way we work is really based on clients and what they need and just what their project looks like.

When we formed this company, we wanted people to feel happy and comfortable in their homes. No, your house does not have to look like page five of the Restoration Hardware catalog for it to be a great home. We want it to be a reflection of who you are and what’s meaningful to you and how you’re living your life.

WHAT DOES YOUR CONSULTATION PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

DEATS: Now it’s one of those things that we changed when COVID hit, and there are elements of it that we’ve kept. We now start all of our initial consults (with a) free, 30-minute Zoom consultation. Anyone who’s interested can sign up and that is where we talk through our process and our costs and all of that, and we talk through what they’re needing for their home and what their project looks like.

PURL: We do have a questionnaire that we have clients fill out before we even have a consultation. Just break down their household needs and budget. Because we want to be respectful of that.

HOW INVOLVED ARE CLIENTS IN THE PROCESS?

PURL: We always ask for inspiration. What are your needs? What does your family look like? What does your home life look like? What are

some things you really don’t like? We take all of that into account. We always try to take into consideration as much as we can, and then if there are areas where we feel like maybe there can be better decisions, we always give clients suggestions and talk through details throughout the entire process.

DEATS: The clients are allowed to be as involved or not involved as they want. So, you know, we definitely try to make our process one of those where folks are able to really hone in on their needs and what they need from us so we can work however they want.

YOU ALL WERE WINNERS OF THE ADVOCATE’S BEST OF INTERIOR DESIGN FOR TWO YEARS IN A ROW (2021 AND 2022). WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE? AND HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE WORKING IN LAKE HIGHLANDS?

PURL: Exciting, exhilarating. Above all things, it’s so humbling. The amount of talent in Lake Highlands alone for interior decorators and designers is literally mind-blowing. I mean, there are so many talented people that live here and do what we do. To have people in our community support us and you know, raise their hand and say wonderful things about us and feel that we’re deserving of that award is just so humbling and so kind.

DEATS: We love working in Lake Highlands. Anytime someone calls us or schedules a consult with us, we ask “How did you hear about us?” It’s always, “I have a friend or a recommendation on the Lake Highlands moms’ page.” We do have a soft spot for working in Lake Highlands.

ARE THERE ANY DESIGN OR STYLE TRENDS THAT YOU ARE SEEING IN 2023?

DEATS: I think we are kind of noticing a lot of people are spending more time in the home.

A shelf filled with objects selected by Max & Lou designers in the living room of a client’s home.

I think the biggest thing that people ask for when we come in is … aesthetic, but there’s a lot of people looking for how to make their home as functional as possible. A lot of “I need to make this space work” versus “I need my space to look like this photo on Pinterest.” I feel like clients have gone from describing how they want their homes to look to describing how they want their homes to feel and function.

PURL: I would say that people are putting more walls in their homes. They are looking for ways to make interchangeable and functional spaces. I think multifunctionality is extremely important and also less clutter. Monochromatism has also become extremely popular. We hear a lot of our clients say they want their homes to be peaceful. They want their homes to feel like home.

SO, WHAT IS IN THE FUTURE FOR MAX & LOU HOME?

DEATS: We had a candle line a few years ago that over COVID fizzled out; we’ve been working on that the last few months. We’re actually getting ready to relaunch, so be on the lookout for it.

PURL: We are really excited to get that launched here very soon. A long-term plan is that we would love to explore getting into textiles and other things. Just expanding our name and our brand in all things home. So that’s something that we’d love to continue to build on for the future. But we’re starting with candles.

Interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Work with a team that Lives & Breathes Lake Highlands.

With over 40 years of combined experience, our team has navigated any situation that might arise with your home. Our proactive style helps prepare your property to maximize your profit, all while putting our vast East Dallas network to work for you.

Call us today for a no-obligation consultation!

Queso flameado appetizer with chorizo and signature flavored margaritas.

AGAINST THE TEX-MEX TIDE

EMILIO’S MEXICAN KITCHEN PROVIDES THE TASTES AND FLAVORS OF MEXICO

Story by ARIEL WALLACE | Photography by KATHY TRAN

The interior of Emilio’s Mexican Kitchen features art from local artist Manuel Padilla.

VERACRUZ CAFE in Bishop Arts was Emilio Marta’s first experience owning a restaurant. For 17 years, he co-owned it with two other people.

Then he decided he was ready to go out on his own.

Marta sold his shares and began working to create Emilio’s Mexican Kitchen, which opened in 2019.

He knew that he wanted something truly authentic to his culture and upbringing.

“I wanted to do something different. Something that’s real,” Marta says. “There’s not a lot of authentic, real authentic Mexican food here. Most restaurants in this area are Tex-Mex.”

The food at Emilio’s Mexican Kitchen is heavily influenced by his home -

town of Veracruz, Mexico.

A couple of Marta’s favorite dishes are the mole poblano and asado de puerco.

Mole means “sauce” in Spanish. The mole poblano is Oaxaca-style, served on top of grilled chicken and served with rice and beans.

“It reminds me of home,” Marta says.

The asado de puerco is cubed pork cooked on ancho chili and dry chipotle sauce served with rice and beans.

Another favorite on the menu is the carne asada, which includes a grilled sirloin and one chicken enchilada with green sauce. Chicken and steak fajitas are served with flour or corn tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and cheese. Fish tacos

are made with grilled fish, lettuce, tomato, avocado and queso fresco.

“That’s what it means to be authentic. It’s more than just the mole and asada,” Marta says. “All the flavors — the beans, the rice, the sauce, the spices — are Mexican. That is real.”

Emilio’s offers drinks that complement every meal.

Margaritas are flavored with peach, mango, strawberry, passion fruit, raspberry, sangria, tamarind and orange. There’s also a Coronarita — a margarita combined with Corona beer — and of course the house margarita, served frozen or on the rocks.

Inside Emilio’s, the walls are decorated with large, abstract paintings created by Marta’s friend and local artist Manuel Padilla. Padilla owns

Enchiladas topped with green tomatillo sauce served with mixed vegetables.

Zato Thai Cuisine & Sushi Bar offers you traditional Thai cuisine and fantastic sushi prepared by our expert chef with over 10 years of experience. Come experience our great traditional Thai dishes and sushi. We welcome you to enjoy our delicious cuisine and make unforgettable memories.

an art gallery in Dallas and was responsible for the interior design of the restaurant.

Emilio’s has a staff of 12-15 employees, and Marta cooks, washes dishes and serves whenever he needs to.

Marta loves being a restaurant owner in Lake Highlands. He says that the customers are like no other.

“I love this area because of the customers. They are so friendly and so nice,” Marta says. “They make my job a bit easier.”

In the future, Marta hopes to open more restaurants around the Dallas area. Although he is working toward this goal, he knows that it will take some time.

“Those are just plans,” Marta says. “For now, I want people to come here and enjoy real Mexican food.”

Emilio’s Mexican Kitchen, 6243 Retail Road, emiliosmexican. com, 972.685.2108

The carne asada entree comes with one enchilada with verde sauce, rice and beans.

Re ltors

The Advocate’s annual Top Realtor special section recognizes the Top 5% of all active neighborhood Realtors, determined by reported sales volume.*

TOP 25

AMY TIMMERMAN

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

LEE LAMONT

eXp Realty LLC

JASON THOMAS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

GLEN CHRISTY

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

FERAS RACHID

Opendoor Brokerage, LLC

MARGARET CERCHIONE

Keller Williams DFW Preferred

BETH ARNOLD

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

DONALD WRIGHT

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS

JANELLE ALCANTARA

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

JOHN ANGELL

Paragon, Realtors

MALINDA ARVESEN

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

BRIAN BAILEY

Mustang Realty Group

MICHELE BALADY BEACH

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

RENE BARRERA

Ebby Halliday, Realtors

JASON BATES

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

KYLE BAUGH

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

ASHLEY BEANE

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

BRIDGET BELL

Ebby Halliday, Realtors

LOUISE BOLL

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

KRISTEN BOOTHE

McBride Boothe Group, LLC

CHASE BRAY

Bray Real Estate Group

DAVID BUSH

David Bush Realtors

JENNY CAPRITTA

RE/MAX DFW Associates

PAUL CARPER

Paragon Realtors

MICHAEL CASSELL

Ebby Halliday, Realtors

MICHAEL CASTRO

Coldwell Banker Realty

NICOLE THOMAS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

CLAY SMILEY

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

SCOTT JACKSON

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

SKYLAR CHAMPION

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

JENNY KELLOGG

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

SAM BULLARD

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

WARREN SIBLEY

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

ROBIN MOSS NORCROSS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

AIMEE SCHREINER IVES

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

MARC CHING

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

NOELLE COATS

Redfin Corporation

DAVID COLLIER

David Griffin & Company

KAREN CUSKEY

Coldwell Banker Realty

BESS DICKSON

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

MAGGIE DIETER

Keller Williams Central

COURTNEY ELLIS

Keller Williams Urban Dallas

LAUREN VALET FARRIS

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

JL FO RK E

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

AMY GALLEY

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

CAROLINA GARZON

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

SUMMER GRAHAM

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

RICHARD GRAZIANO

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

FORREST GREGG

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

HEATHER GUILD

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

ALAN HAMILTON

Paragon, Realtors

LAURI ANN HANSON

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

WENDY HARKNESS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

LAUREN ROCKWELL

Compass Real Estate Texas, LL

LAURA REYNOLDS

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLCRE

SHELBY JAMES

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS

BRIANNA CASTILLO

RE/MAX DFW Associates

MAX DUNHAM

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS

TARA DURHAM

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

SUE STULLER

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

JACOB MOSS

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

KRISTEN HARRIS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

KAREN HETTRICK

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

PHILIP HOBSON

Berkshire HathawayHS PenFed TX

EVE HOLDER

eXp Realty LLC

MOHAMMED JABER

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

AARON JISTEL

Listing Spark

NANCY JOHNSON

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

CLIFF KESSLER

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

MARMIE LEECH

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

KATE LOONEY WALTERS

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

BRITT LOPEZ

Paragon, Realtors

PETER LOUDIS

Ebby Halliday, Realtors

WENDY LUCAS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

GIA MARSHELLO

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

GIANNA MARTINEZ

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

BRENDA MCBRIDE

McBride Boothe Real Estate

BRANDON MEEK

Robert Elliott and Associates

STEVE METARELIS

Offerpad Brokerage, LLC

BRADY MOORE

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

PHILLIP MURRELL

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

DARLENE NAVARRETTE ROSEN

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

JENNA NEALY

Standard Real Estate

LAURA NELSON

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

ALYSSA O’BRIEN RAMSEY

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

PAIGE POUPART

The Home Connoisseurs Real Estate Group

JOHN PRELL

Creekview Realty

DAN RHODES

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

JORDAN ROSEN

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

SHELLY RUGGIANO

Regal, Realtors

BARBARA SAMPLES

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

ELIZABETH SELZER

Ebby Halliday, Realtors

RICHARD SENGER

Signature Leasing & Management

JAMES SHEEHAN

Ebby Halliday, Realtors

DEBBIE SHERRINGTON

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

MELINDA SPENCE

Compass Real Estate Texas, LLC

JAN STELL

Ebby Halliday, Realtors

BRANDON STEWART

David Griffin & Company

PHILLIP TILGER

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

MELANIE TILL

Meyer Group Real Estate

KATHY WALL

Kathy Wall Homes

NANCY WILSON

Coldwell Banker Realty

AUSTIN WINANS

Better Homes & Gardens, Winans

PIPER YOUNG RIVERA

At Properties Christie’s Int’l

We’re no strangers to our neighborhood – as Lake Highlands residents and top-producing agents, we live, breathe and work this community. Or goal is to provide our clients with decades of market insight and the best possible real estate experience. If you’re looking to buy, sell or invest in Lake Highlands real estate, we only have one question:

How can we be of service?

BLESS THIS MESS

How this family turned a cluttered house into a home-tour home

Story by ARIEL WALLACE | Photography by LAUREN ALLEN

Deciding where to live was a tough call for Meredith and Ernesto Gomez: They had their eyes on neighborhoods in Lakewood and Northeast Dallas.

During the February 2021 freeze, Gomez saw firsthand the hospitality shown in the Lake Highlands community. The care and love they saw from their future neighbors is when they knew Lake Highlands offered something special.

“We drove through during the freeze, and people had extension cords across the street to run power to neighbors’ houses. What have we found? These people are so nice,” Meredith Gomez says.

That was when the Gomezes knew they had found the perfect place for their family in Lake Highlands.

“Where else would we go? I would never leave my little bubble of Lake Highlands because the people are so genuinely wonderful,” Meredith Gomez says. “I don’t feel like I ever felt that sense of community in any other neighborhood I’ve lived in.”

The Gomezes watched the house they wound up buying in December 2020 for a while before purchasing. It was on the market for about a year and a half. Gomez believes that one of the main deterrents from buying or wanting to see this house was the listing photos, which she says didn’t present the home in the most appealing way.

During that time, Meredith was four months pregnant. Baby Gomez was born in May, shortly before they moved into the home.

Meredith Gomez owns a remodeling and design firm and leaned on some of her friends and subcontractors to help with the remodel.

The Gomezes did all of the demolition themselves. By the time they moved in, the house was livable, but not entirely up to their standards.

“When we moved in, we didn’t have a backsplash in the kitchen. We didn’t have a couch for a month,” Meredith Gomez says. “A lot of things were not finished, but it was livable.”

Meredith bought her first house at the age of 21 and has moved 12 times since. Due to the nature of her job, she has never really felt attached to a home — at least until she moved to Lake Highlands.

THE BEFORE

The house was built in 1967. The previous owners purchased the home in 1982 and added a master

bedroom a few years later.

“Everything had been done very well. … The bones of this house were built super well,” Meredith Gomez says. “Everything functionally and structurally is very sound.”

However, the home needed a complete renovation.

So many boxes were stacked inside the home that the kitchen countertops weren’t visible. The Gomezes filled 15 dumpsters to haul off everything in the home.

Despite all of this, the Gomezes saw a future for this home.

THE AFTER

The Gomezes wanted the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home to feel like a West Coast escape in Lake Highlands with an interior inspired by coastal Spanish Revival homes.

“I just want to wake up and feel like I live in Santa Barbara,” Meredith Gomez says.

Though the Gomezes are both involved with their home design decisions, Meredith admits she made most of the design decisions for the home.

“He does challenge me in certain things when he’ll be like, ‘Well, why do you want to do that?’ Which is great. It’s a great balance.”

One of their favorite spaces is a pantry they added to the home for its multi-purpose organization and functionality. It features skylights and cabinets original to the home.

The kitchen includes a large island and two dishwashers meant for hosting their large family and friends. The living

The Gomezes’ dining room features large, abstract artwork and lighting.

room includes art that was created by the Gomezes themselves.

The Spanish Revival influence is seen throughout that house and overflows to the backyard.

The Gomezes wanted to add one more bathroom to the house. In the

pool area, they added a half bath lined with a terracotta pattern near the new pool they added to replace a 13-foot kidney-shaped pool.

Also in the backyard area, the Gomezes designed areas for a firepit, grill, fridge and TV.

The home has another special feature you don’t often see in Texas — a full basement. There you’ll find a full playroom for their children, two offices, a bedroom, a bathroom, a mini bar and TV, and plenty of seating.

Below: The Gomezes’ kitchen includes a large island and two dishwashers for hosting. Right: The master bathroom has two sinks for more functionality.

“I think what people appreciate the most is the transformation,” Meredith Gomez says. “People can acknowledge the before to appreciate the after.”

WHERE vintage MEETS MODERN

Jaclyn Hill and Old Flame Candle Co. bring modern scents to timeless vintage vessels

Story by ARIEL WALLACE | Photography by LAUREN ALLEN

Old Flame Candle Co. began after Jaclyn Hill became frustrated trying to find candles she liked for clients as a freelance interior designer.

“There are actually some wonderful-smelling candles, but it is very expensive to get a good-quality wax,” Hill says. “And the containers they come in are just really basic and kind of bland, and in some cases, I think kind of ugly.”

Hill’s solution to candles she liked in containers she didn’t was to put a “bag over its head” — put the candles in better-looking, repurposable containers she acquired somewhere else. That process motivated her to try her hand at candle-making and eventually led her to start her com -

pany in our neighborhood.

“The vessel that you put (candle wax) in could either be repurposed as home décor, or you could just refill it,” Hill says. “And it was just really a fun way of introducing sustainability into the candle industry.”

Hill began making prototypes of these sustainable candles. Soon, she was asked to be a part of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Spring at the Silos event in 2020.

Friends helped prepare 700 vessels to be turned into candles. She rented a house for four days to prepare the candles. Then they packed up the U-Haul and headed to Waco.

She spent nine hours to set up their tent, even installing shelves.

“The sweet people that work for

Magnolia took all the vendors into a room. They said, ‘Guys, you did it. You know this is great. You set up your bids. Everything looks fabulous. Now we’re gonna have to ask you to take it all down,’” Hill says.

All public gatherings ceased immediately due to the COVID statewide lockdown.

“I would have been in tears if I wasn’t in more shock,” Hill says.

The team packed up and headed home. Now 700 candles lived in the Hills’ living room, and she needed a plan. Quickly.

She built a digital storefront and posted pictures of the candles. Spring at the Silos went virtual and linked back to Hill’s candle shop.

“We flew through them (vessels). We were just selling them so fast,” Hill says. “That event kind of launched us into a marketplace of candle buyers, and it kind of grew from there.”

Hill’s idea became a full-time job. She hired an all-female team and got to work.

Her goal for Old Flame Candle Co. is simple: “all-natural wax with modern scents but in vintage vessels.” Not that she recommends it, but Hill says the wax is so natural that ‘one could eat it.’

In the last 2 1 / 2 years, Old Flame has sold thousands of candles out of Hill’s home. She not only sells her products online on her website, but on Anthropologie’s website.

Made from 100% apricot-coconut wax and natural fragrances, Old Flame offers eight to 10 scents, including a scentless candle for the fragrance-sensitive. Clients can order a scent sampler for $8. The candles range from $30 to $6,000. Candles are packaged with a thankful, handwritten message. The signature line is “lovely people deserve lovely things.”

“They’re not cheap candles

All of the vessels at Old Flame Candle can be repurposed and used around the home.

February MLS home sale statistics*, plus annual totals

*Statistics are com piled by Ebby Halliday Realtors, and are de rived from Dallas Mul ti ple List ing Service (MLS). Numbers are believed to be re li able, but are not guar an teed. The Ad vo cate and Ebby Halliday Realtors are not re spon si ble for the ac cu ra cy of the in for ma tion.

“Pearl” dates back to the 1960s and measures less than 9 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter.

from Target,” Hill says. “They are healthier, sustainable and refillable.”

Vintage but not grandma, form but also functional — Hill uses a gut feeling to find the right pieces. Each vessel comes with a back story and is given a name. Hill considers all of the vessels to be feminine objects, so she refers to them as “she.”

“So there’s a little something for everyone from copper to brass, ceramic glass, you name it,” Hill says. “We stick with just vintage pieces. The ones that are just classic and can go in any home space.”

Palm Sunday, April 2

Noon – 2 p.m. Road to Resurrection Family Lenten Experience

Maundy Thursday, April 6

7:30 p.m. Service with communion

Easter Sunday, April 9

6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service, T.P. Hill at White Rock Lake

11 a.m. Worship at Wilshire

4316 Abrams Road | wilshirebc.org/lent

Hill uses vendors, estate sales and her friends that are interested in antique pieces to acquire her unique vessels. There is no time frame for Hill to find the pieces, but she assures that she can find whatever vessel the customer is looking for or something similar.

“Mary,” a personal favorite, is a massive reindeer-shaped Asian betel nut heirloom box that dates back to the 1800. Betel nut chewers would show their status through gold or sliver betel quid vessels like Mary. Hill bought Mary randomly one day for $50. Turns out after getting it appraised, Mary is worth over $6,000.

“She’s the one that I just think is the most special one in the studio,” Hill says.

Client Kathy Hodges, who has purchased more than 40 products from Old Flame, loves decorating her home with the vessels.

“I have at least two candles per room,” Hodges says. “I have not found a scent I do not like, and they blend very well together. The vessels are beautiful, and the history provided for each one is so interesting.”

Old Flame Candle Co., oldflamecandleco.com

“ The vessels are beautiful , and the history provided for each one is so interesting.”

green thumb

Plant Style is where interior design and greenery meet in Lake Highlands

Story by ARIEL WALLACE | Photography by KATHY TRAN

BECKY SULTON’S plant designing journey starts with a new life.

After giving birth to her first son, Sulton wanted to stay at home, and she wanted something new to do.

Inspired by her mother and grandmother’s love and care for plants, she began propagating plants in her home, potting them and selling them at local pop-up shops in Lake Highlands and elsewhere in Dallas.

During her time at pop-up shops, Sulton began to see a common theme among her customers. Many wanted live plants in their homes and spaces, but they were unsure how to care for plants or what plant would be the best for them.

Sulton started during in-home consultations.

Her background in social work and her work in psychiatric hospitals for more than 10 years rolled over into her consultations at Plant Style. Sulton talks to potential clients about what style they’re looking for, what they need from the service, and she also asks about life situations.

“It’s kind of like my psychology background just with plants now,” Sulton says. “How can I help you, but with plants?”

Sulton began to work with local interior designers and real estate companies arranging plants for their open houses and clients. After that, her installations started to roll in.

That was the spark Sulton needed to create Plant Style.

Sulton worked from home for four years, and in July 2022, she opened a neighborhood store location.

Plant Style offers a variety of monsteras, succulents and other house plants.

Becky Sulton is the owner of Plant Style, a full-service interior plant styling company.

Plant Style is a full-service interior plant styling company that provides customers with potted plants and arrangements along with educating clients about plant care, consultations, installations and plant maintenance.

Plant Style offers everything from hard-to-comeby to common.

For plant-care beginners, Becky recommends zamioculcas plants, sands of ares and monsteras. She also highly recommends succulents for beginners since those plants don’t need lots of watering.

“Everyone’s house has different humidity levels and light levels and all that,” Sulton says. “So just like for each individual plant, pay attention; look at them and figure out what it is that they need.”

As a small-business owner, Sulton understands the importance of depending on the community and other small businesses for support.

For example, White Rock Soap Gallery created a signature scent just for Plant Style to sell in candles, a body mist and oils.

Sulton also works with fellow small-business owner and mom Lauren Chism of Lauren Chism Fine Papers to create eye-catching cards that include catchy phrases such as “You don’t succ” and “what the f-ucculent.”

Sulton loves the support that she and other small businesses have received being in Lake Highlands. All of the businesses support each other and are there for each other.

They have created their own community of business owners in Lake Highlands.

“No one really cares about going into the big box places,” Sulton says. “They want to stay in the community and support the community. I haven’t seen as much support as I do, than in this area.”

Becky takes pride in all of the installations and arrangements that she has made for her clients. There are no favorites. She makes sure that the arrangement is perfect for her client and home before she leaves the space.

“I’m very proud,” Sulton says. “I would never do anything or put something in someone’s house. That wasn’t, like, amazing.”

Sulton has big plans for Plant Style: Adding employees to the four she has, offering more and better products, and expanding her work benefiting the community.

“If it wasn’t for the Lake Highlands community and the support of the small business community, I wouldn’t be here,” Sulton says.

Plant Style is located at 10216 Northwest Highway.

NEW LOCATION!

Upstairs in the East Lake Medical Building. Come see Tracy Tucker, LAc., specializing in fertility, IVF/IUI support, sciatica, migraine, chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Call or text 214.267.8636 for an appointment!

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CITY VIEW ANTIQUE MALL

One of Dallas’ oldest antique malls

IT’S SPRING SALE & FLEA MARKET TIME!

Mark your calendar for Wed. April 26-30, for our Annual Spring Event! Sales of 20-50% Off throughout the store, plus Outside Tented Flea Market on Saturday with even more vendorsover 100 dealers in all. Come check out all the new Spring and Easter finds at City View! 6830 Walling Ln. (off Skillman/Abrams) 214.752.3071 cityviewantiques.com

WHERE CAN I FIND

AC & HEAT

ALEXANDER HOME REPAIR. AC/HEAT

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

HOUSE PAINTING

HECTOR PEREZ PAINTING

THE HEATING & AC EXPERTS

Installations & Repairs

Emergency Services

24/7 On-Call

100% Satisfaction

Guarantee

Repair & Install. LIC#28052 469-226-9642 TACLA67136C 214-710-2515 dallasheatingac.com

ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!

APPLIANCE REPAIR

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

BUY SELL TRADE

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Top Dollar Paid.1-866 -433-8277

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398 www.squarenailwoodworking.com

CLEANING SERVICES

ALTOGETHER CLEAN

Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN, Organize, De-clutter, or Pack. Sunny 214-724-2555

WINDOW CLEANING Power washing No Job To Small. 30 Yrs exp. 214-360-0120

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $100/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net

CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

ADVANCE STONE ART CREATIONS

Decorative Concrete Overlays. 214-705-5954

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174

BRICK WORK, DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS, Flagstone. Call Eli 469-870-5420

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

CONCRETE, RETAINING WALLS 25 yrs exp.

T&M Construction, Inc. 214-328-6401

EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216

FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricdfw.com

50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333

TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd.TECL-34002 214-850-4891

EXTERIOR CLEANING

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

FENCING & DECKS

4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood. YourWoodmaster.com

AMBASSADOR FENCE CO.

Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers, Arbors. AmbassadorFenceCo.com

214-621-3217

FENCING, ARBORS, DECKS oldgatefence.com

214-766-6422

LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975

Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

HANNAH WOODWORKS

• Decks • Pergolas

• Patio Covers

Hannahwoodworks.com 214-435-9574

FLOORING & CARPETING

EPOXY GARAGE FLOORS

Many colors to choose (flakes optional) Call Nick for bid 214-341-5993 hastingsfloors.com

HARDWOOD INSTALLATIONS Waterproof, hardwood, carpets, tile laminate, & vinyl click. 214-772-9503. Free In Home estimates

FOUNDATION REPAIR

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp. 972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

GARAGE SERVICES

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428

GENERAL CONTACTING

A2H GENERAL CONTRACTING,LLC Remodel, Paint, Drywall/Texture, Plumbing. Electrical, Siding, Bathroom/Kitchen Remodels Tilling, Flooring, Fencing. 469-658-9163. Free Est.

A2HGeneralContactingLLC@gmail.com

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR

frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160

PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

DANHANDY.NET Repairs Done Right For A Fair Price. References 214-991-5692

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HANDYMAN WANTS your Painting,Repairs, To Do Lists. Bob. 214-288-4232. Free Est. 25+yrs exp.

HOME REPAIR Doors, Trim, Glass. Int/Ext. Sheetrock, Windows, Kitchen, Bathroom 35 yrs exp. 214-875-1127

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES

Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical. 469-658-9163

Let

Commercial/residential. Intrior/ Exterior. Fair Rates. 214-489-0635

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

TEXAS BEST PAINTING LLC Resd,Interiors 30Yrs. 214-527-4168

TOP COAT 30 Yrs. Exp. Reliable. Quality Repair/Remodel. Phil @ 214-770-2863

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

MELROSE TILE James Sr., Installer, Repairs. 40 Yrs. Exp. MelroseTile.com 214-384-6746

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Kitchen & Bath/Remodeling, Restoration.

Name It- We Do It. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

JIM 972-992-4660

WE

• Tubs, Tiles or Sinks

• Cultured Marble

• Kitchen Countertops

214-631-8719

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

#1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS

Professionals, Experts, Artists serving Dallas 15 years.Trim, Removals. Tree Health Care services. Insured. Arborwizard.com. Free Est. (972) 803-6313.

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 18 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925 Lawns, Gardens & Trees

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Lawn Maintenance. Resd/ Commcl.Insd. CC’s Accptd. mayatreeservice.com

214-924-7058 214-770-2435

MONSTER TREE SERVICE DALLAS

Certified Arborists, Fully Insured 469.983.1060

NEW LEAF TREE, LLC

Honest, Modern, Safety Minded. 214-850-1528

PAT TORRES 214-388-1850 Lawn Service & Tree Care. 28 Yrs. Complete Landscape

Renovation. New Fence Install & Brick Repair. Concrete Removal and Gutter Cleaning.

RED SUN LANDSCAPES • 214-935-9779 RedSunLandscapes.com

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 469-853-2326. John

DALLAS KDR SERVICES

• Lawn service

PEST CONTROL

WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL ...?

REMODELING

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

"Keeping Children & Pets in Mind"

Termite Specialist - Mosquito Mister Systems

Licensed · Insured · Residential · Commercial · Organic 214-350-3595 • Abetterearth.crw@gmail.com abetterearth.com

PLUMBING

AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943

PLUMBING ISSUES?

We’re the Experts!

30 Years of Excellent Service

• Water Heaters • Water Leaks

• Sewer Backups

• All Plumbing Repairs

ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!

POOLS

24/7 On-Call

972-379-4000 staggsplumbing.co

CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

C.A.S. BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

Personal/Small Business. Payroll, Accounting, Organizing, Consult. Cindy 214-577-7450

”WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TREES”

On Staff:

FULLY

NATURAL WEED, FEED, DISEASE AND INSECT CONTROL

PEST CONTROL

MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 + Tax For General Treatment.

Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services.

214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident

MOSQUITO SHIELD 972–850-2983

Imagine A Night Outside Without Mosquitoes

NATURE KING PEST MANAGEMENT INC.

Squirrels, Racoons, Skunks, Snakes, Possums, etc.

Pest & Termite. Neighborhood Resident 30+ Yrs.exp. 214-827-0090

REAL ESTATE ESTATE HOME NEEDS TO BE SOLD?

Facing forclosure? IG Heron Homes

Call Ricardo Garza @ 469-426-7839

GARDEN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

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Scott and Melissa Powell have been building and designing in Dallas for more than 15 years.

DALLAS’ CHIP AND JOANNA GAINES

Custom home-building couple Scott and Melissa Powell create full-service interior design business

Story by ALYSSA HIGH | Photography by YUVIE STYLES

Like design’s acclaimed Chip and Joanna Gaines, Scott and Melissa Powell started their careers far from the interior design world. Melissa got her degree in marriage and family therapy, and opened her practice Powell Marriage and Family Therapy shortly thereafter. Scott’s degree is in finance.

After Scott and Melissa got married, they began flipping houses. When potential buyers started commenting on their designs and asking them to remodel rooms in their house, the Powells formed New Leaf Custom Homes.

“The process of working together and making something beautiful was really inspiring and a lot of fun for us together,” Melissa says.

Now, New Leaf has an in-house team of architects and designers, and has operated in Dallas for over 15 years. As they built their design portfolios, many customers started asking for independent design projects. So, the Powells created The Design Shop in 2022.

“The thing that sets us apart is our extensive construction background,” Melissa says. “Designing for New Leaf Custom Homes has given us so much experience that architects and other designers might not have all of that experience in the field with what works and what doesn’t.”

The Design Shop’s office is nestled in the heart of The Hill, near Lake Highlands. Their team tackles projects from single rooms to expansive $5 million houses all over the country.

AFTER RUNNING NEW LEAF CUSTOM HOMES FOR SO LONG, WHAT MADE YOU OPEN A SECOND BUSINESS?

New Leaf and The Design Shop are sister companies. We started out with New Leaf and we had an in-house team of architects and designers who have worked with us for over 10 years. We brought them in-house because we wanted a really efficient process for our clients. We wanted them to be able to have the builder, the architect and the interior designer, all under one roof. As we started designing with New Leaf, we started having people come to us and say, “Hey, I really love the style, but we are building a house in another city where you guys don’t build. Is there any way you can still do our design for us?” So we just started branching out and doing design for other clients and other builders and other developers all over the country and decided it would be best if we branded The Design Shop as its own separate company so that we can continue that design innovation that we love and spread that to different people. We’re still the same employees under the same roof, but we can meet a lot of other needs than just building a custom home.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE LAKE HIGHLANDS AREA?

We started out in Lake Highlands, building our homes with New Leaf. We lived in Lake Highlands

Melissa Powell and The Design Shop team recently designed this Park Lane home with open windows and bright spaces.

and love Lake Highlands. We eventually started branching out to other areas like Lakewood and Preston Hollow, so this location here is just central to all of the places that we build currently. We moved to Frisco two years ago, but Lake Highlands will always have a place in our hearts.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DESIGN STYLE?

We don’t have a favorite style, per se, but our goal is to create something unique and architecturally significant. No matter what the style is, that creation of something new and the relationship between the client’s needs and wants and making that both functional and really pretty is our goal. You can see most of our designs have a little bit of a modern pull, but the things that kind of capture the look of all of our houses is bringing the outdoors in. Tons of windows, lots of natural light. Our goal is to never have to turn on your lights during the day in one of our homes.

WHAT DOES THE PROCESS OF A PROJECT WITH YOU GUYS LOOK LIKE?

We have clients come in and meet with our entire design teams, so they meet with their architects and interior designers and our furnishings designer. We really get a sense of what they’re wanting, what they love, what they need and how they live. That’s really important to find out. From there, we work on architecture first, creating their floor plans or exterior elevations. Then we bring in

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interiors and select all of their interior finishes. While we’re doing that, we can incorporate furnishings as well. We are talking about their future layouts and how they’re going to use the space and tailoring our architecture and interior design with the furniture at the same time. It’s a really unique experience that clients can do all of that in one with one company. It’s a really well rounded experience to be able to design all of that at once.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND TO JUMP INTO THE INTERIOR DESIGN WORLD TOGETHER?

Scott grew up in construction and I have a degree in marriage and family therapy, which I had a private practice before I started here. That has really helped me along the way because building a house or designing a house is very stressful. Being able to help calm clients and help them feel understood and things like that. But I think working together is really fun. We have different roles, so we don’t necessarily see each other and work on the same things every day. But we love being able to share collectively what is going on in The Design Shop World and he’ll say what is going on in the New Leaf world. We can compare and know that we have the same goals: love for design and making clients happy. That’s something that brings us closer together for sure.

Interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.