LAUNCH

Home is where people should feel most comfortable, especially when it comes to the bedroom and bathroom. Preston Hollow resident JOLIE CARPENTER has found the best of the best in interior design across the state and showcases them in her latest book, “Beautiful Bedrooms and Baths of Texas”. Readers might be surprised to discover much more than the traditional — and stereotypical — ranch-style home. This is Carpenter’s eighth title highlighting Texas, and in addition to being on the cutting edge of interior design, she has also written a children’s book to help kids deal with one of America’s growing issues.

Where did you find your knack for interior design?

My major in college was interior design. It’s always been my passion. I love furniture, art, fabric, lighting. I always redecorated my room growing up. My degree is in communications from Texas Tech [University]. I feel grateful now because interior designers have to deal with the cranky homeowners. I get to deal with all the fun stuff.

How did you choose the homes for this book?

I keep my finger on the pulse of what’s going on. I know a lot of people in the industry. I find these through networking. I keep up with who has won awards. I try to keep myself in the know. It’s like fashion — it changes all the time. I do see a lot of people with talent who have been grandfathered in. And they’re not housewives that have so much money. These are women who are super talented. And men. Interior designers are like musicians — you either have it or don’t.

WHAT MAKES TEXAS HOME DESIGN SO UNIQUE?

One thing that shocks people is how modern and contemporary these homes are. There’s a misconception about Texas having old, ranch-style homes. This book shows that our designs are as good or better than those around the country. They’re keeping up with what’s going on. I love to have a variety of styles. People pick these up for inspiration — from small, high-rise apartments to sprawling mansions. Some people are intimidated by this book and may think that it’s for people who are wealthy. But that’s not true. There are plenty of things you can do that don’t cost a lot of money.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF LOW-COST DESIGN?

The use of paint and lighting. Anyone can paint a wall, and it can change the whole mood. Take a color you love, and slap it on the wall. Be bold, and surround yourself with what you love.

HOW DOES ALL OF THIS PLAY INTO YOUR OWN PERSONAL DESIGN?

I have colors I feel comfortable in. I like whites and neutrals. I think your surroundings affect you. The homes of my aunts, grandmother and myself were nothing fancy [growing up]. I use the resources around me.

YOU’VE ALSO WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED A CHILDREN’S BOOK, “CHANGE IS OKAY WITH KACIE SHAY”. WHAT INSPIRED THAT?

That’s my little pet project. Kacie is my niece. She thinks she’s famous now because her name is on the cover of a book. I wrote it when my sister got a divorce. It’s for all the kids whose parents have divorced. To show them that, if they’re ever in Kacie’s shoes, things will get better. I plan to write another children’s book, a series about caring for animals.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT DESIGN BOOK, ‘SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR LIVING OF TEXAS’. It’s beautiful loggias, extravagant playhouses. You would never guess that some of these are in Texas. And it’s a trend right now, too. Who doesn’t barbecue in Texas? —EMILY TOMAN

4626 Mill Creek

BEFORE/ Several traditional ranch-style homes in North Dallas have one — a solarium designed to create an “outdoor-in” style. But the 1960s trend became outdated and impractical for Preston Hollow residents KEN AND LISA MILLER . They have lived in the 3,600-square-foot house for seven years with their three children who attend St. Rita Catholic School, Jesuit Preparatory School and Bishop Lynch High School. “It was wonderful in that it let in lots of natural light,” Ken says. “But it was space that we never used.” And that wasn’t the only problem. Rodents would scurry around on the roof and fall into the open space. “We had flying squirrels,” he says. “And they couldn’t get out, so I would have to go trap them and set them free.” Precipitation also cluttered the area, causing a constant chore for the Millers. They aren’t sure what purpose solariums served decades ago, but Christy Ricketts with Servant Remodeling speculates that people might have used it as a smoking area. “No homebuilder would recommend that today,” she says.

AFTER/ Both Ken and Lisa work from home, so it made sense to replace the solarium with an office. That also freed up space for their two daughters, who had been sharing a room. The remodelers removed the bulky stone pillars surrounding the solarium and enclosed the space with glass and wood paneling. They lifted the roof and lined the sides with windows. This way the family has more square footage while retaining natural light. Bookshelves extend about 12 feet up the wall, and the room is about 19 feet high. “We think it looks more like an office and a library,” Ken says. For its work on the Miller house, Servant Remodeling won the 2010-2011 Contractor of the Year Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry Greater Dallas Chapter for a residential addition under $100,000. The Millers also renovated their living room, foyer and master bathroom. —EMILY TOMAN

WHAT GIVES?

MEET

SOME PETS ...

... and help give them a loving home by adopting or donating to the cause. The Animal Rescue of Texas will host a meet-andgreet Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven. The organization’s most critical needs are foster homes for homeless pets and medical expenses to cover vaccinations and health screenings. You can help by volunteering for ART or sponsoring an animal, ensuring that it receives all the necessary care to become part of a family. For details, visit animalrescueoftexas.org.

EAT

A CUPCAKE ...

... and celebrate Earth Day with the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum. Sprinkles Cupcakes will feature a special vanilla cupcake April 18-22, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward growing and maintaining the council’s major environmental project, A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum. Through horticulture and landscape design, the garden aims to symbolize the spirit of women. Sprinkles is located at 4020 Villanova in the Plaza at Preston Center. For details, visit womenscouncildallasarboretum.org.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.