Dallas Style & Design Summer 2023

DALLAS STYLE & DESIGN

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photos by Holger Obenaus

design a smart home for you.

Where Imagination meets Expectation

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Two heritage companies synonymous with beauty and quality come together in an exciting collaboration. The Matouk Schumacher Collection combines Matouk’s impeccably crafted linens with Schumacher’s extraordinary prints, for beautiful bedding and beach styles that capture the very best of both brands.

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photo by Holger Obenaus

TKO

Photo by Holger Obenaus

30 minutes from Downtown Dallas

Arlington I Burleson I Mansfield I Maypearl I Midlothian I Ovilla I Waxahachie

Jenan McClain

Poetic Painter

Roadrunner in the Meadow II,oil on canvas, 24x24"

Handmade Rugs To The Trade

Mary Beth Wagner Interiors

on the cover

BGI Design

PHOTOGRAPH BY HOLGER OBENAUS

86

FEATURES

86

Arts

Top artists and galleries

92

Cue the Color Designer Amy Guess brings a family’s contemporary dream home to life one detail at a time

106

Urban Oasis

“My overall goal is to

away.”

TERRI BECKER

IT’S A COLORFUL WORLD

COLORPLAYSMOREOFANINFLUENTIAL role in our lives than we realize. Look around. Color is everywhere. According to Pantone, “There are literally millions of colors.” Color can a ect our body, mood and even how we think.

This issue is rich in color. Designer Amy Guess of BGI Design gave a 10,000-square-foot new home a bold color scheme, using the client’s few pieces of collected fine artwork as a jumping-o point for the interior color palette.

Bernbaum/Magadini Architects and designer Donna Frohock of Chloe Stone Designs married steel, wood, slate, silver and hues of blue and seafoam together to create a sophisticated yet comfortable palette.

Continue to peruse the magazine and color jumps o the pages! Gary Whalen’s colorful and striking photography will capture your soul. Artist Jenan McClain marries her love of poetry with acrylic and oil paintings that are rich in pinks, blues, greens and purples. The color blending of the artwork on the studio walls at Craighead Green Gallery is gorgeous!

Keep flipping and you will continue to find color inspiration, with consignment boutique Dulce, furniture and design showroom Gary Riggs, the exquisite linens at Linen Boutique and the design work of Schlosser Design Group and Terri Becker Designs.

Let the summer’s color palette inspire you!

Debra Kronowitz Editor

PHOTO BY HOLGER OBENAUS

DALLAS STYLE & DESIGN

PUBLISHER

Quentin Senise EDITOR

Debra Kronowitz

COPY EDITOR

Jessica Manley

ART DIRECTOR

Lili Picou

PRODUCTION EDITOR

Kellie Frissell

PHOTOGRAPHER

Holger Obenaus

ADVERTISING SALES

Quentin Senise

CONTRIBUTORS

Christina Andrews

Robin Howard

Christiana Lilly

Liesel Schmidt

Wendy Swat Snyder

Leslie J. Thompson

Dana W. Todd

PRESIDENT

Quentin Senise

ADVERTISING SALES

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FABULOUS FINDS

DULCE INTERIOR CONSIGNMENT SHOWPLACE

Lalique Siglavy horse

figurine in frosted crystal atop a stainless steel base. Measures 5.75"H x 7"W x 2.25"D.

214.219.5656 mydulce.com

TKO ASSOCIATES

For those who love intimacy, Gessi’s Origini WARM is a monochromatic triad with a dominant warm overtone. The bathroom collection includes matte Capria in warm bronze and dark bronze finishes.

214.741.6060

tkoassoc.com

DULCE INTERIOR CONSIGNMENT SHOWPLACE

The shape of the leather swivel Hidde lounge chair from Label Vandenberg is reminiscent of a baseball glove.

214.219.5656 mydulce.com

GAPPA GLASS FINE ART

Gappa’s signature sculptural vessels are unique and customizable, bringing elevated elegance to your collection.

682.563.9828

gappaglass.com

SOUTHWEST GALLERY

Sculptor Raymond Gibby says when he was sculpting Light in the Darkness, he was imagining what it would be like to walk in the woods at night and have a flashlight catch the view of a brightly colored barn owl. Part of an edition of 20, the sculpture measures 21.5"H x 11"W x 7"D.

972.960.8935 swgallery.com

THE JARRELL COMPANY

Illuminated from a silver leaf canopy and suspended by adjustable cables, this American, handmade rectangular pendant has 20 glass “pages” and is ideal for high ceilings. 214.363.7211 jarrellco.com

PETTIGREW LUXURY FURNISHINGS

Pink Candy Murano mirror with a 24K vintage frame finish. A delight for any space. Available in additional colors and custom sizes. 214.747.2232

pettigrew-usa.com

LE LOUVRE FRENCH ANTIQUES

This French Louis XIV-style chest of drawers from the latter half of the 1900s has a honey brown color with black parquetry and gilt bronze mounts. 214.742.2605

lelouvre-antiques.com

THE LINEN BOUTIQUE

Soft, brushed cotton throw with white fringe in an array of colors from Matouk.

214.352.5400 linen-boutique.com

FARZIN RUGS

Antique Turkish Oushak handknotted and handwoven rug, circa 1900. Measures 12' x 16'3". 214.747.1511 farzinrugs.com

FURNITURE AND DESIGN

This dark green quilted leather-back chair features a dachshund bronze armrest with nailhead trim.

214.547.1054

garyriggs.design

PHELAN’S INTERIORS

These Mongolian sheepskin footstools have you covered.

214.368.6455

GARY RIGGS LUXURY

THE JARRELL COMPANY

Inspired by nature and its majestic forests, this gold-leafed Foret single-tier pendant features modern branches adorned with bold, hand-cut, faceted crystal leaves.

214.363.7211

jarrellco.com

DESIGNER’S PATIO

The natural white finish and finely crafted detail of the Summer Classics cast stone table o ers endless functionality while remaining visually unique. Ideal to mix and match with other furniture pieces to create a distinguished and customizable look.

214.217.9997

designerspatio.com

LE LOUVRE FRENCH ANTIQUES

This 19th-century wedding armoire from Normandy, France, is said to be museum-quality. Highly carved with a magnificent crown and two medallions on the equally ornate doors.

214.742.2605

lelouvre-antiques.com

KITTRELL/RIFFKIND ART GLASS

Caleb Nichols’ Skylight is designed to be backlit. The two sides of the piece are di erent colors, and as they are transparent, they combine to form a unique and subtle coloration that moves with the viewer.

972.239.7957

kittrellri kind.com

PETTIGREW LUXURY FURNISHINGS

Lolita lamp in genuine Murano glass, ceramic and gold-plated brass fittings capped with a Marigold velvet drum shade. A special whimsy for any room.

214.747.2232

pettigrew-usa.com

DESIGNER’S PATIO

The Santa Barbara teak collection is now available in maintenancefree aluminum. The high-back motion lounge chair features a cloud-soft back and seat cushions that pair well with the aluminum framework, which is available in oak and slate gray.

214.217.9997 designerspatio.com

COUNTRY FRENCH INTERIORS

This 18th-century French Louis XV carved walnut burl vaisselier and clock from Lyon is decorated with floral and leaf motifs. Built in two sections, the “Bressan Vaisselier Horloge” features an abundance of storage and a rich walnut patina. Pendulum, two weights, winding key and two keys included. Measures 109"H x 83"W x 26.5"D.

214.747.4700

countryfrenchinteriors.com

THE LINEN BOUTIQUE

Astor Braid by Matouk is an embroidery style from Schumacher’s celebrated collection of tapes and trims.

214.352.5400

linen-boutique.com

KITTRELL/RIFFKIND ART GLASS

Alexis Silk’s hot-sculpted figure, Suspense, is a stunning statement piece sure to stand out in any space.

972.239.7957

kittrellri kind.com

SOUTHWEST GALLERY

Raymond Gibby’s Feeling Lucky captures the roadrunner, a fierce hunter by nature. The bronze sculpture is part of a limited edition. Measures 25"H x 13"W x 8"D. 972.960.8935 swgallery.com

COUNTRY FRENCH INTERIORS

This 10-foot monastery dining table was crafted in France, circa 1850. It stands on two carved, turned pedestal legs ending in a shoe base and joined by a bottom stretcher attached with key and tenon. The table is dressed with a solid, rectangular 2-inch-thick single plank top. Measures 31.75"H x 120.5"W x 29.5"D. 214.747.4700 countryfrenchinteriors.com

PHELAN’S INTERIORS

Temple jar lamp with handpainted peonies in coral. 214.368.6455

WELLNESS DRIVEN DESIGN

Schlosser Design Group designs to help clients through all the phases of their lives

by CHRISTINA ANDREWS / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

HEADEDBYCRISTIESCHLOSSER , ANNCIDQqualified, registered interior designer, the Schlosser Design Group (SDG) is one of Dallas’ top interior design entities. Integrity of purpose, process, design and implementation are what keep customers returning to SDG. Invariably, SDG delivers a product that not only fully incorporates the expressed desires and needs of its clients, but it adds to that a level of detailing, creative flair and problem solving that far exceed expectations. High standards and world-class artistry have earned Schlosser Design Group top awards from the American Society of Interior Designers year after year and secured Schlosser important positions in the interior design community.

Interior design is an altogether di erent entity than interior decorating, though “decorating” is a component of the design work. Interior design is a specialized discipline encompassing architectural space planning, interior architectural detailing, the

selection and design of furniture (versus buying o the floor), and the incorporation of appliances, fixtures, cabinetry and other components into the space. Schlosser brings to her business the required professional and educational training, board certification and subsequent licensing in interior design that ensures clients have an end product of the highest caliber. SDG’s designs improve quality of life and are durable, safe and intended to serve client needs through all the phases of their lives.

And, of course, the importance of aesthetic value cannot be underestimated. SDG’s completed projects exude beauty, luxury and elegance while also providing a sense of calm and mindful, clutter-free organization. Woven into the picture are rich swaths of color, texture and pattern, many emanating from natural elements of wood, metal and stone, interspersed with rich textile patterns, colors and textures. In addition, interior spaces are joined with natural light, trees and plants via large windows and connecting doors. The concepts of biophilic design

are an important part of SDG’s overall approach and among the components that contribute to a sense of well-being in its projects. Schlosser says: “Our design philosophy and style is clean and tailored, whether our client’s preference is a contemporary, modern, traditional or transitional look. We believe that reducing visual noise has a calming e ect on our lives. Simple and spacious rooms provide furnishings and décor the oxygen needed to come to life. Space allows for beauty to shine.”

Schlosser has a special passion for designing the spaces most integral to daily living: kitchens, bathrooms and shared social and workspaces. Her goal is to meld function and beauty, balancing these elements toward creating harmony between comfort and visual intrigue. These types of projects are very close to her heart and resonate with her lifelong love of architecture, art and design as applied to the most practical functions in life. She also notes that because these spaces are used throughout the course of each day, careful detailing is especially impactful.

From an early age, Schlosser was surrounded by beautiful things and in a home full of creative minds. The mid-century modern home of her childhood had vaulted ceilings, exposed support beams, clerestory windows and much natural detailing that her mother, an artist, and her uncle, who owned a designbuild firm, created. As they were building this home, Schlosser

found herself dreaming up furniture and a house for Barbie and Ken dolls. Though encouraged early on to pursue a more lucrative profession in business, Schlosser’s heart remained in art and design, and eventually she found her way back to school to pursue professional studies in these fields.

In designing the home for her own family, Schlosser worked collaboratively with a local architect. They sought to encompass both contemporary and traditional elements, with nature playing an important role in the overall design. Together, they conceptualized large expanses of windows looking out onto lush natural views, which e ectively transport one to another place and time, say Lake Tahoe or another scenic locale. The creation of these vignettes provided a much needed (and nearby) escape between bouts of creative work, with their soothing views of trees and water. All of this is in keeping with Schlosser’s business model of promoting a sense of well-being through the intentional design of one’s living space.

When taking on any new project, Schlosser’s design work is centered on creating an environment that will improve quality of life, while incorporating “universal design” principles that work toward extending the longevity of the finished space by making it usable over the course of life changes and with an accessibility that encourages multigenerational interaction. Also taken into

consideration is the environmental impact of the materials selected. Adhering to all of these important tenets of interior design means clients can rest assured their investments in the renovations increase home value.

SDG’s client-centered design is the foundation of all projects. Once a client has made a connection with SDG, an initial meeting is set to ascertain what is problematic in the current setting relative to the intended purpose of the space. Budget and timeline are part of this initial consultation. Once both SDG and the client have established a rapport and feel they are a good fit for one another, a second on-site meeting is arranged for the taking of detailed measurements and photos. The planning phase to follow typically takes four to six weeks, resulting in a master plan in which project details with anticipated pricing and an estimated timeline are laid out.

Once the final plan is approved by the client, the magic begins. Behind the scenes, SDG works diligently to implement the plan and coordinate the team.

On one recent project, SDG was asked to remodel a kitchen in Dallas. After a careful evaluation of the space, it was discovered that the foundation and one of the load-bearing walls had integrity issues because of a 1990s renovation. Schlosser’s professional knowledge of wood frame construction and her contractor’s expertise in foundation work allowed them to address these critical issues before the decorative and functional components had been put into the pipeline. A revised proposal was then sent to the client that accounted for the baseline improvements needed prior to the redesign, all of which respected the established priorities of the soon-to-be-renovated area. The end product was a structurally sound space with more overall usability, an inviting kitchen setting, plus an entertainment area, which previously the home had clearly lacked.

Schlosser’s client, Connie, had this to say about that project: “When we were imagining our kitchen redesign, we knew we wanted more space. We’re frequent entertainers and have family in town, plus I love to cook, so having a cook’s kitchen was very important. The other issue that was harder to grapple with was our dining room. The previous version was a bit awkward and crowded. We were stuck about how to expand the kitchen and create a better solution for dining.

“When we interviewed Cristie, almost the first question out of the box was, ‘Would you let me give you some ideas for your dining space?’ What resulted was pure genius. Our 1941 house had been expanded over the years, so we were dealing with residue of previous projects. Cristie sized up the situation immediately. She took out two walls and added two others, transforming a big shotgun space into three distinct, inviting rooms with more usable space.

“Cristie also identified a foundation problem that had to be fixed before proceeding. We are so grateful to her and the contractor for creating the house of our dreams. The kitchen and dining area has truly become a gathering spot in our home and works beautifully for large parties, intimate dinner parties, family meals with our grandson and for daily life for the two of us. Of course, one thing always leads to another in a house renovation, and this redesign ended up touching every room in the house plus the landscaping. We can’t wait for the next project with Cristie!” *

Christina Andrews is a freelance writer from the Napa Valley who specializes in personal and business bios, food and wine, visual arts, music, hospitality, the event industry, community interest stories, obituaries and political satire.

Cristie Schlosser

“Our design philosophy and style is clean and tailored, whether our client’s preference is a contemporary, modern, traditional or transitional look.”

SIZZLING SUMMER

Craighead Green Gallery plans for a busy exhibition season in the Design District

by DANA W. TODD / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

David

DRAGONSTREETINTHEDALLASDESIGNDISTRICTIS

the epicenter of the art gallery scene in the city, and Craighead Green Gallery is the hottest place to find contemporary art from both nationally established and emerging Texas artists.

As the temperature soars outside, Craighead Green heats up the gallery walls with an introduction of the latest and greatest artistic talent in the local area. As the gallery celebrates the 30-year anniversary of the New Texas Talent (NTT) exhibition it launched many years ago, it plans to once again enliven the summer art scene by introducing up to 40 young, emerging Texas artists to designers, art lovers, collectors and other galleries through its annual competition.

This year’s juror, in fact, was the original idea man for NTT when he worked as gallery director for Craighead Green Gallery in the 1990s. “I had no idea we were launching something that would make such a long-term impact,” says abstract painter and 2023 NTT juror Scott Simons. Back in the day, he simply thought the competition, which allows any Texas artist 18 years or older with no gallery representation to compete for exhibit space on Craighead Green’s walls July 15 to August 19, was a way to drive more people through the gallery during the traditionally slower summer months. Finalists in the art competition often receive media attention and representation by Craighead Green or other

galleries. “I expect to see a lot of interesting, surprising and engaging art in this year’s show,” Simons says. “While the concept looks to have really resonated with the Texas arts community over the years, the most important thing is the sheer number of emerging artists that the show has promoted and given a voice.”

Simons credits gallery owners Kenneth Craighead and Steve Green for their longstanding commitment to the show and to encouraging emerging artists. “The gallery also supports new artists through the Edith Baker Scholarship Fund, awarding an annual scholarship to a senior graduating from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts,” says current Craighead Green Gallery assistant director William Bardin.

Craighead and Green discovered some of the current artists they represent as a result of NTT, such as ceramics sculptor Marla Ziegler, who was chosen as an NTT exhibitor at the inaugural exhibition and soon afterward earned representation by Craighead Green Gallery.

In addition to its support of up-and-coming artists, the gallery represents 62 mid- to late-career contemporary painters, sculptors and fine art photographers who have national and international accolades. “With such a large representation of artists, we have something for every art lover,” Bardin says. He ensures that each one of the artists gets time to talk with gallery sta and plenty of visible wall space to showcase their artwork.

Faith Scott Jessup, Caprice , oil on panel, 30" x 40"

top: Anna Carll, Urban Botanicals #288 , mixed media on canvas, 40" x 60"

bottom: Anders Moseholm, At Some Point You Wake Up , oil on canvas, 60" x 78"

“We also provide any support our artists need, including tasks like shipping, framing and installation assistance, to make the process smooth for designers and homeowners purchasing through our gallery.”

Craighead Green Gallery has been a mainstay in the contemporary art world since it opened its doors in 1992. Originally located on Cedar Springs Road, the gallery moved into an upgraded space in the Design District 15 years ago. When the prestigious Edith Baker Gallery closed in the early 2000s, Craighead Green Gallery made a home for those displaced artists, inviting them to be represented by Craighead Green.

The summer sizzle continues with a group show running through July 8 in which a collection of Craighead Green’s artists will display their latest artwork. “This show is a good overview of our artists’ stylistic range and is a chance for collectors to personally meet many of the artists who will be on-site at the gallery,” says Bardin. “Our artists use this show to bring in new pieces of artwork.”

In late summer, beginning August 26, the focus is on bright color as a trio of artists exhibit their latest artwork in the gallery until September 30. Seasoned photographer Carolyn Brown will show her pop-art style flower bud series reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s creations. She has traveled extensively over her lifetime and photographed a wide range of subjects and participated in many book projects. Oil painter Jay Maggio will bring intense color and intriguing textures to the studio walls in his pointillist-style paintings of trees, a favorite subject since his childhood. “His work is especially exciting because of the sparkle created by just the right mixture of pigment and linseed oil in his three-dimensional textured paintings,” Bardin says. The third artist, Simon Waranch, is a Dallas-based glassblower who has

perfected the ancient Venetian reticello technique begun during the Renaissance that creates patterns in glass art. Even at such a young age, Waranch already receives national attention for his work. “He is truly a master of his craft,” says Bardin. While you often will find interior designers and homeowners shopping the walls of Craighead Green Gallery, which is surrounded by home stores selling furniture, antiquities and furnishings, you’ll also find that corporations enjoy working with the gallery to adorn their o ces and add to their corporate collections. Bardin says the gallery’s goal is to always be approachable and inviting for anyone shopping for art while ensuring there is enough variety to fit a range of design styles. Bardin works one-on-one with private collectors, o ering guidance as they choose new artwork that suits their individual aesthetic. “It takes at least 40 to 50 artists to have variety,” Bardin says. “Our roster of 62 artists represents a range of styles and mediums, from bronze sculpture to realistic paintings, abstract paintings and landscapes, so there is truly something for everyone.” *

Dana W. Todd is a professional writer specializing in interior design, real estate, luxury homebuilding, landscape design, architecture and art.

left:

Kendall Stallings, Solace , oil on canvas, 30" x 30"

right: Tracey Harris, Inspiring Adoration , oil on panel, 30" x 20"

CONVERGENCE IN DESIGN

Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design creates beautiful living spaces while giving back to local charities

by LESLIE J. THOMPSON / photography by COSTA CHRIST

HOMESAREMADEFORCOMMUNITY They are gathering places where family and friends can share a meal, celebrate a milestone or enjoy uplifting conversation. The idea of creating beautiful spaces to bring people together is central to Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design, which has expanded its o erings since it was founded by artist and designer Gary Riggs in 2004. The business not only provides residential and commercial clients with high-end furnishings, fine art and interior design services but actively teams with area nonprofits to improve the lives of others in the local community.

“We have thrown several charity events at our showroom,” notes Bianca Rowen, president of Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design and daughter of its namesake founder. In the past year, the business has hosted fundraisers for Patriots of America, Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope, the first safe house in the country for adult male survivors of sex tra cking. The latter charity plans to build additional residences for the young men it serves, notes Rowen, and Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design hopes to help furnish the homes by donating select items from its vast inventory.

Gary Riggs

Given that communities are made up of individuals and families supporting one another, it only makes sense that Rowen eventually joined her father’s business, which has put down deep roots in the metroplex. Although she earned an undergraduate degree in child development and pursued a career in childhood education, Rowen learned the ropes of the interior design industry working alongside her father as her own family grew. “When my kids were younger, I was working nights and doing purchase orders and inventory for the showroom,” says the mother of four boys. Later, she took over the accounting and eventually learned all facets of the business.

With two of her kids now grown and one leaving the nest next year, she decided to partner with her dad full time. Rowen now oversees the day-to-day operations of Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design, while Riggs focuses his time on serving clients and bringing innovative design ideas to life. “He loves to not have to worry about the business,” says Rowen, adding, “He has that creative mind, and now he is able to just create.”

space likewise feels effortless, as if the items were meant to cohabitate.

The aesthetic ranges from antique to ultramodern and everything in between. One space features a regal king-size bed with an intricately carved tiger oak headboard and sumptuous gold and navy bedding, which is flanked by two dresser drawer nightstands with diagonal wood inlays. In a nearby nook set up as a living area, a gold-framed coffee table with a mirrored top is an elegant counterpoint to a Japanese-inspired gold and black triptych wall art hanging behind a contemporary low-back white sofa.

Riggs has a gift for creating exquisite cohesion in the rooms he designs, often marrying a client’s favorite pieces with new furnishings and artwork from the showroom to create a captivating space that fits their taste and lifestyle. In addition to Riggs himself, two interior designers are on staff at Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design, which offers complimentary interior design services with the purchase of its furnishings. The accomplished team is known for transforming spaces in weeks or even days, rather than months, so people can spend more time enjoying their home.

Sometimes clients will express skepticism during the design process and comment that an item won’t look good in their space, Rowen notes. “They can’t visualize what a piece would do,” she says. Riggs encourages them to trust the process, and inevitably, the clientele is consistently wowed by the results.

“He’s so good at finding what people love, whether it’s traditional or modern,” says Rowen, proudly.

In addition to the vast selection of new and antique fine furniture, home accessories and gift items, Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design offers custom fabrics, wallpaper and rugs. True to its commitment to fostering community, the showroom also serves as a fine art gallery, highlighting the work of talented painters and photographers from here in North Texas and around the globe. “It’s great to have that art on hand for projects and be able to find a home for it,” Rowen says.

Originally an artist who painted television and movie sets for the Osmond family in Utah and the original Footloose movie, Riggs moved to Dallas in the ’90s and began to showcase his fine art paintings in local galleries. After a patron visited his home to pick up a few of his pieces, she reached out to him about helping to pull together some furnishings she had purchased for her living space. Word of his design prowess quickly spread, and Riggs officially switched careers when he opened his original showroom in Allen in 2004. He later moved the business to the Galleria area, before relocating in early 2019 to the current space at 1500 Dragon St.

The sprawling 18,000-square-foot showroom located in the heart of the Design District is a feast for the eyes, inviting visitors on an enticing tour of color, texture and composition. The space features dozens of vignettes, each meticulously arranged with luxury furnishings, fine art and high-end ornamental décor that reflect Gary Riggs’ sought-after creative touch. Yet every design

The business also now is pooling resources with Mae Reedy Design to help residential clients achieve a comfortable and elegant living space, whether starting from scratch with architectural designs or remodeling an existing property. The expansion is just one more way Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design gives back to the community, by offering clients more options and collaborating with talented artists and designers in the area, Rowen notes. “That’s where my passion is,” she says. “I love the design and the furniture, but giving back is my thing.” *

Leslie J. Thompson is a Dallas-based freelance writer with a passion for interior design and international travel. Read more of her work at lesliejthompson.com.

The space features dozens of vignettes, each meticulously arranged with luxury furnishings, fine art and high-end ornamental décor that reflect Gary Riggs’ sought-after creative touch.

TIMELESS ART

GD Whalen Photography captures the fragile in a frame

by WENDY SWAT SNYDER

ANEMERALDGREENSPRINGLEAF

BLOWN up to reveal tiny dew drops; an orange, freeze-framed, splashing into water; a bigger than life cheetah caught mid-stride; a sun-drenched dome on an ancient Greek Isle; a glacial crystal resting on black volcanic rock. Gary Whalen of GD Whalen Photography walks the world with camera in hand, drawing attention to the natural landscape and everything it supports. With both macro and large-format techniques, he captures the essence of his subjects. Life, big and small, comes into sharp focus for the viewer when observing Whalen’s very personal style of photography.

“My eye is drawn to the little things people walk by and don’t notice,” Whalen says. His lifelong love of photography is matched by a passion for drawing attention to both the beauty and the vulnerability of the planet.

“All my animal photos are animals shot in the wild,” he says. “I love being out there in nature— Africa, Alaska, Iceland—wherever it takes me. I love the peace of it, the sounds of it, the smells of it. Lately, I have to look hard to find a natural landscape.”

An avid photographer since he started snapping pictures as a kid with a Kodak Instamatic, the artist confesses he’s a bit of an introvert, leading him to vacillate between the landscape and portrait worlds.

“I hung my hat on portraiture, but it involved dealing with people’s idiosyncrasies,” he admits. “I decided to do what I really have a passion for, creating images of the earth that really resonate with people. Animals are so pure; there’s nothing malicious about them. We have to do a better job of taking care of them.”

Sustainability is a priority for Whalen, who is based in the mountain city of Asheville, North Carolina, where he’s surrounded by nature. He says he got rid of his darkroom in college because the chemicals were terrible for the environment. And he believes that collecting photographic art should be an investment that brings decades of enjoyment to multiple generations. To ensure that long-term return, he o ers clients the Crystal Archival Gallery Print—a piece preserved using the face-mounting process.

“The typical lifetime for unprotected art is approximately 10 years,” he notes. “Face mounting maintains it in pristine condition for well over 100 years. The photograph is printed on very thin metallic paper and coated with a gallery-quality acrylic. It’s a very di cult process employed by only a handful of folks in the country.”

The process encapsulates the image, providing protection from dust, moisture and 97% of UV rays; it also prevents the shifting of colors, enabling a display true to the image’s original brilliance and beauty over time.

“I wouldn’t do this unless I could guarantee it would last a lifetime,” says Whalen. “And you can’t compete with the color saturation and clarity.”

Whalen points out that face mounting is just one facet of his craft. It’s important to him that collectors understand his overarching process.

“I take the picture, I print the picture, I do the face mounting,” he says. “Nothing goes to the customer that isn’t touched by me. I do it all myself. I don’t oversaturate my work, nothing is added or taken away. My pictures are honest—what you see is what I saw.”

Whalen feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some of the profession’s best photographic equipment— brands such as Leica, Hasselblad, Pentax, Arca-Swiss, Zeiss and Schneider.

“I’ve had great lenses and great cameras,” he says. “But after all these years, I realized that, honestly, a great shot or great image comes down to content. Content is king.”

And his film of choice is large-format, which produces images

with very high resolution that in turn can be blown up to create a stronger impact.

Whalen personalizes each print with a note card, describing his thought process as he seeks and frames his content. Here is a sample of his musing from a piece titled Old Man River: “I took this image at Caddo Lake in Texas. Boating through this incredible place takes your imagination back to the time of the dinosaurs. Hearing your paddle swishing through the water with only the sight of these magnificent, moss-covered cypress trees is like time travel. Caddo Lake is stunning, especially in the fall when the cypress trees turn a reddish-brown color.”

“I like to share what was on my mind while I was taking the picture, to help people connect,” he concludes. *

Wendy Swat Snyder is a Charleston-based freelance writer (sweetgrassandgrits.com).

Edenton Sunset Tree

IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

Linen Boutique sells top-of-the-line linens for the entire home

by CHRISTIANA LILLY / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

e Shops on Slocum e Antiques Street of Dallas

LE LOUVRE FRENCH ANTIQUES PITTET ARCHITECTURALS

1400 Slocum St. | 214-742-2605 | lelouvre-antiques.com

Le Louvre Antiques has been a leading source of hard to nd pieces since 1983. e showroom is always full with everything from 17th century tapestries to hand carved stone fountains to European furniture.

FARZIN RUGS, INC.

318 Cole St. | 214-651-7999 | pittetarch.com

Pittet Architecturals is Dallas’s premier showroom for reclaimed ooring, antique marble or limestone mantels, and custom hand carved limestone projects.

COUNTRY FRENCH INTERIORS

1427 Slocum St. | 214-747-1511 | farzinrugs.com

Farzin Rugs, Inc. is creating elegant interiors from the ground up with the largest selection of antique and decorative rugs in the metro-plex.

1428 Slocum St. | 214-747-4700 | countryfrenchinteriors.com

For over 37 years Country French Interiors has been one of the nest sources of 18th and 19th Century French antiques and decorative accessories imported directly from France.

LOCATED IN THE DALLAS DESIGN DISTRICT

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photo by Holger Obenaus

IT ’ STHELITTLETHINGSINLIFETHATBRINGJOY , ANDTHAT includes warm, freshly laundered bed linens tucked into a mattress. Soft cotton sheets with an embroidered monogram, pillowcases with elegant stitching over a down pillow, crisp white duvet covers—all these ingredients transform the bedroom into an oasis of luxury.

“Once you experience the quality of sleep that it gives you and the quality of the product, it’s hard not to want it,” Joanne Walgren, the owner of Linen Boutique, says of the collection of linens she carries.

Walking into the Dallas shop, one can feel the di erence in the products. With more than 50 brands represented in the store, the softness of Italian 100% Egyptian long staple cotton sheets is unmatched. “It’s one of the finest fabrics that you can buy, and everybody needs a good sleep,” Walgren says. While the store carries silk pillowcases, down pillows, duvet covers and other linen accessories, the selection of products goes beyond the bedroom. There are also bath towels, table linens, napkins, baby blankets and home accessories for yourself or you can find the perfect gift for a housewarming or baby shower.

“We really cater to the home; that’s our bread and butter,” Walgren says. “But, we have so many people in here looking for gifts and those kinds of things that we get into some other

things like bath accessories, tissue holders, wastebaskets—all those decorative pieces. We have a whole wall full of those from di erent vendors.”

Walgren’s story didn’t start in linens. For years she worked in corporate America as a sales executive for software companies. Then she decided to pivot and work for herself. She bought a clothing store in the Mid-Cities area and expanded to include a linen store. In 2007, she moved her work to Dallas and opened the doors to Linen Boutique.

Of the products on the shelves and on display at Linen Boutique, its top two sellers are Sferra and Matouk, both founded almost a century ago by families hailing from Italy. The two brands have been renowned in the industry for their quality and craftsmanship, and Walgren had the chance to experience the artform herself. Fifteen years ago, she traveled to Italy and took a train to a town north of Venice to one of Sferra’s weaving mills.

“That was fascinating to see how everything was being made,” she recalls. “I think it helps you understand why they take a lot of pride in it, number one, but you also understand what it takes to make a quality product. It’s not just thrown together; it’s done very carefully. Real craftsmen are working on it. The way they thread the looms and work the looms is very tedious.”

Linens are steeped in tradition, not just in their creation in the Alpine mountains of Italy but here in the United States. For generations, couples have been given monogrammed napkins, bed linens and towels for their weddings, and although styles have changed over the years, the default to tradition has not. At Linen Boutique, customers can put in custom orders to add monograms and decorative stitching to their purchases. Walgren and her staff also are partnered with local embroiderers who can accommodate their requests.

“There’s a part of Dallas that grew up with quality linens and appreciate quality product, and that’s what they want for their households as well,” Walgren says. *

Christiana Lilly is a freelance journalist in Pompano Beach, Florida. See more of her work spanning the arts, community news and social justice at christianalilly.com.

LINEN BOUTIQUE

5600 W. LOVERS LANE SUITE 122 DALLAS, TX 75209 214.352.5400

LINEN-BOUTIQUE.COM

THE COLOR OF WORDS

Through therapy, painter and poet Jenan McClain unlocked her inner artist

by CHRISTIANA LILLY

ITWASAMILESTONEBIRTHDAY , and Jenan McClain was celebrating in style. She invited two dozen friends to her home to welcome a new chapter in her life—sage was burned, the house was cleansed, and an oracle reader was on hand to provide insight to her guests’ lives. A “poetic painter,” McClain marries her love of poetry with acrylic and oil paintings. During the fete, she chatted with a high school friend about how healing her newfound creativity was for her soul.

The Elation , French acrylics on canvas, 8" x 8";

PHOTO

BY HOLGER OBENAUS

DESIGN IMPACTS LIVES

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) believes that design impacts lives, and collaborates with others to promote the value of interior design.

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Well, she thought it was a new endeavor. The friend reminded her that as a teen, McClain had gifted her a book from a photography project, where her photos were paired with short poems.

“You’ve been writing poetry,” her friend told her. “It’s been in there all this time.”

Today, the Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, artist is working on her fourth book of paintings and poetry, part of an anthology chronicling grief, healing and rebirth. It was after her daughter experienced a health crisis six years ago—she’s fully recovered now—that McClain had to face her past traumas. Through therapy, meditation, breathwork and journaling, she found a way to bring together her creative outlets in a way that has been helping not just her, but others.

“None of the art, none of the writing was ever with the idea or intention of sharing or selling,” McClain says. “It was truly a way to process a really di cult time … I just started exploring and became more curious.”

McClain attended art school in her youth, where she learned the rules of perspective, shadows and light. As an adult, she says, she spends her time at the canvas “breaking all those traditional rules.” Four years ago, she left behind a career in real estate to pursue art full time. Her works are layered with paint, mimicking a pile of flower petals, sunlight bouncing o the ocean or the background for an abstract dancer.

“A lot of my art and poetry go hand in hand in that they’re intuitively based and drawn from emotional experiences,” McClain says. “Repeatedly, I’ve had women say, ‘I feel your words, your art.’”

It was 10 years ago that McClain made her way to Mount Pleasant, after years of living in the Caribbean, working in real estate. She still traveled back and forth, but during the pandemic, she had more time to devote to her artwork, discovering her style and aesthetic.

She started collecting her poetry and self-published her first book, Peace by Piece. Then every six to eight months she would release another book: Set Her Free, Love Me Anyway and a currently unnamed fourth is in the works. She shares that the book is centered around finding power, freedom and your inner voice. McClain is also working with a graphic designer to find more ways to share her work at a lower price point: notebooks, posters, candles, cocktail napkins and other small pieces that can encourage healing and growth.

In the art studio she built behind her house, the floor-to-ceiling windows allow the sun to pour in. When she’s writing, she cozies up on her back porch to let the words spill onto paper. But with so much planned in 2023, she’s spent most of her days in the studio, preparing for exhibits and completing commissions. In May, McClain hosted a poetry reading and painting workshop at the Emeline hotel in Charleston. In August, she’s scheduled to

Symphonic String , French acrylics on canvas, 25.5" x 37.5";

PHOTO BY HOLGER OBENAUS

host a three-day poetry reading and gallery exhibit at the Montage Palmetto Blu in Blu ton, South Carolina.

“My dream one day is to travel around and do public speaking and poetry readings across the country; that’s the bigger vision,” she says.

Whether it’s her larger-than-life canvases, co ee table books or whatever else she has in the works, McClain has learned that this is something she’s always had within her. It just took a little work—a little therapy, a little meditation, a little time at the easel—to find it.

“I think it was always within me, but I never really expressed it fully until a few years ago,” she says. “When somebody says that something I did helped them feel more whole or heal in some way, it’s the biggest blessing.” *

Christiana Lilly is a freelance journalist in Pompano Beach, Florida. See more of her work spanning the arts, community news and social justice at christianalilly.com.

JENAN

864.320.5526

JENANMCCLAIN.COM

DESIGN TIME

The signature of Terri Becker Designs

by LIESEL SCHMIDT

photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

THERE’SADISTINCTDIFFERENCE between furnishing a home and styling it. Furnishing requires little to no vision, no eye for detail, and anyone can do it simply by selecting the basics: places to sit, tables to put things on, lamps for lighting. Styling, however, is what makes a home stand out, what gives it panache and character. It’s what makes one’s eye stop dead on a page while glancing through a magazine, what makes someone feel truly captivated when they enter a room. And for Terri Becker, styling is the axis on which her world spins.

A professional designer since 2012, Becker’s sense of design can be traced back to her childhood—evidenced by the frequent changes she made to her room in the middle of the night—and then followed her through 20 years spent in a corporate career. Her passion was always there, but it wasn’t until she experienced

Abraham Salum

Photo by Holger Obenaus

some major changes in her personal life that she took the leap and launched Terri Becker Designs.

“To be honest, I hated the corporate life,” Becker admits. “I did well and had the chance to move up and work for some big companies, but there was no creativity in it. I’d left to be a stay-at-home mom, but when I was going through my divorce eight years ago, I considered going back to corporate work to pay the bills. Still, I loved being home with my toddler. While I was trying to decide my future, a friend of mine, who had seen the renovations I’d done on my own home, convinced me to remodel their house. I fell in love with it and decided then that—no matter what —I needed to make this my life.”

Determined to be successful, she enrolled in design school at El Centro College at the very same time she was hanging her shingle as a boutique interior designer and remodeling expert. Over these past eight years, Becker has become a highly regarded member of the industry. Her transformations of residential and commercial properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are gaining wide acclaim and earned her the number one spot for Outdoor Living in the ASID Celebrating Texas Design Competition, as well as a 2020 ASID Dallas Ovation Award and Best of Houzz in both 2019 and 2020.

“I think one of the things that is unique to my designs is that they are all di erent, fresh and out of the box,” says

Becker, who is currently enrolled at Collin Community College to finish additional LEED certifications and expand her green design o erings. “My process is all about the client, and my first step is to feel out what they want and then figure out how to make it bigger and better than they could have dreamed. I’ll sit down with my clients and talk with them about how they want to feel in their new space, what works for them and what does not. I learn about what inspires them, and then I go to work. That’s the fun stu . It takes over my thoughts, and it’s all I can think of!”

Naturally, her favorite part of her projects is seeing her clients’ reactions to the finished product. “One client asked, ‘How did you get inside my head and

figure out what I wanted without telling you? You gave me everything I could have wanted and then gave me more. You expressed me far better than I could have imagined.’ That was such a huge compliment,” Becker says. “My overall goal is to create a space that takes your breath away.”

As a small remodeling firm, Becker hires subcontractors to make the magic happen and tries to commission local artists whenever possible. “My preference is to bring in the people I know for projects whenever I can. That’s one of the benefits of knowing so many artists,” says Becker, who is an artist herself. “I have developed some great relationships with vendors, and they are always looking out for me and keeping me updated on what is new and wowworthy.”

Whatever she’s put her hand to, Becker’s love for her work is clear in the result. “Design is my passion, and it’s always on my mind,” maintains Becker, who loves repurposing unconventional items into fantastic design items and considers Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper her “spirit animals.”

“They’ve created an empire, and I love that they’ve done so by being good human beings and trying to do great things for others. They’ve transformed Waco, and that’s pretty powerful,” she observes.

While she may not be transforming DFW on such a scale, Becker is certainly doing her part to transform the homes of her clients into a true reflection of their personalities, making them really love where they live. *

Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines. She is also a web content writer and book editor. Follow her on Twitter at @laswrites or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us and Life Without You, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

DESIGN ON CONSIGNMENT

Dulce’s decades of success

by LIESEL SCHMIDT / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

FEWOFUSTRULYFOLLOWOURPASSIONSINLIFE , BUTWHENTHE opportunity to do so presented itself to Jorge Fernandez and Simon Veeren, the couple took a leap together to launch their own business, built on a shared passion. The two met at a bar in 1999, each having moved to Dallas three years prior—Fernandez was from Monterrey, Mexico, while Veeren had relocated from New Jersey. In 2001, when Veeren’s corporate computer job was made redundant, the couple decided that, rather than look for more of the same, they would forge

a di erent future for themselves. “We a rmed our relationship and started the journey of our lives together in the professional field, as well,” says Fernandez, who previously worked as a dentist. “It was a very intimidating decision, but it has been the best experience in our lives.”

Launching Dulce Consignment in October 2001, the partners decided to open a consignment store with modern, contemporary furniture and art, filling a void in the market. “During that time, there were many consignment stores selling antiques and traditional furniture but not modern,” Fernandez notes. “This was our first store and our first adventure in the retail business. We had some knowledge of furniture and art as a passion, but we both came from completely di erent backgrounds.”

Despite their lack of experience in retail and business ownership, Dulce has seen more than two decades of success, o ering a unique selection of beautiful furniture and décor at excellent prices and in a relaxed environment where customer service is top of mind. Their selection is curated through a process that vets pieces initially solicited to them by individuals, showrooms and artists, taking into consideration a piece’s design, functionality, quality and style as well as how it fits the overall concept of the store. “Our inventory

changes on a regular basis—I would go so far as to say it changes daily,” Veeren notes.

Their combined sensibilities and discerning eye for great design are, in Fernandez and Veeren’s estimation, the key to their success. “I believe that our customers choose us because of our wellcurated selection of merchandise and great prices,” Fernandez says.

Dulce’s selection is, indeed, diverse, ranging from larger pieces to small decorative items—all of which tend toward mid-century, contemporary or ultramodern in their design. Sofas, beds, o ce furniture, even lighting and art are available in Dulce’s collection, and there is something for every room. “In general, we sell everything you need for your home and o ce,” Veeren says. “However, sofas, dining tables, chairs and wall art are the items we sell faster, as these are essential in all homes.”

Dulce works directly with consumers and designers, both locally and nationally, to find the perfect pieces for their needs, and Veeren and Fernandez’s dedication to meeting the demands of their clients is both their challenge and their charge. To do this, they must keep their finger on the pulse of trends. “The trends are always changing, and they always have a cycle,” says Fernandez. “In our case, we keep up with it by attending design shows and events in addition to consulting books and magazines to gain insights and inspiration. We do our research so that we can keep a selection that is always current.”

In addition to its vast stock of furniture and décor, Dulce also comprises an in-store gallery, o ering art in all media types, from paintings and wall art to freestanding sculptures. “We have a fantastic selection of pieces of art,” says Fernandez. “Some come directly from the artist, and others are from the personal collections of customers who, for whatever reason, need to find new homes for their art. As much as they may love those pieces, it is impossible to fit them in the new home or integrate with their new décor. Because of this, we have an incredible collection of abstract and figurative art with all the extent of techniques.” A number of artists have been exhibiting their pieces at Dulce since the store opened. “We have pieces of art by local, national and international artists,” Veeren says. “We always support the emerging, talented local artists.”

In their years of owning Dulce, Fernandez and Veeren have faced a number of challenges—from the recession of 2008 to the more recent closures during the pandemic—but they have weathered the storms. “The recession of 2008 hit us harder economically, although dealing with COVID was a more intense challenge as we were concerned about the general world health issue and the uncertainty of

meeting the needs of the world population,” says Fernandez. “After the close-out passed, we kept very strict protection measurements for our customers and our employees. When we reopened, we were so fortunate for the absolute support of our customers. They are the reason we can do what we do and have been able to follow our passion.” *

Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines. She is also a web content writer and book editor. Follow her on Twitter at @laswrites or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us and Life Without You, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

DULCE CONSIGNMENT

1208 N. RIVERFRONT BLVD. DALLAS, TX 75207 214.219.5656 MYDULCE.COM

MITAL PATEL PHOTOGRAPHY

IT’S clear from looking at Mital Patel’s photography that he has an incredible eye and a unique sense of perspective. Patel captures his subjects in a way that leaves the viewer staring in awe at this moment—this one incredible moment—that he has forever immortalized through the lens of his camera. That is the mark of a true artist, and Patel’s talent is undeniable, from his nature photography to his fine architecture and abstract photographs.

Over the course of his career, Patel has created a name for himself as an intrepid photographer, traveling the globe to capture the incredible—and often majestic—shots that he takes.

He focuses on fine art photography, printing his images on museum-grade fine art paper or on Lumichrome acrylic. Within the wide scope of his work, and in all his travels across the world, Patel’s favorite subjects are larger than life. “At this time, I’d say my favorite thing to photograph has to be elephants,” he says

While Patel is based in Dallas, he considers the world his studio. “I have traveled extensively around the globe, touching all but one continent,” notes Patel, who recently travelled to Antarctica for the first time. His work is represented by the Christopher Martin Gallery in Dallas, Houston, Aspen and Vail.

MITAL PATEL PHOTOGRAPHY

214.491.8095

MITALPATELPHOTO.COM

KITTRELL/RIFFKIND ART GLASS

LOCATED near the shops of the Galleria, Kittrell/Ri kind Art Glass, Dallas’ finest art glass gallery for more than 30 years, o ers an ever-changing selection of outstanding and innovative work by more than 300 contemporary North American glass artists. This gallery o ers an amazing array of sculpture, goblets, vessels, wall art, platters, jewelry and many other treasures, large and small, including both functional and nonfunctional works, all in a 16,000-square-foot gallery space.

Also housed in the gallery space is Southwest Gallery, Dallas’ largest collection of 19th- to 21stcentury paintings and sculptures. Celebrating more than 50 years serving North Texas, this beautiful gallery represents hundreds of respected and established artists with thousands of stunning works of art, from antique to contemporary. In addition, you will also find a huge custom framing department for your precious keepsakes.

The service-oriented and insightful sta o ers knowledge and design expertise to assist in finding just the right piece for every client. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced art collector, the gallery’s desire is to educate and inspire a greater appreciation of the arts for a more informed and personal buying experience.

KITTRELL/RIFFKIND ART GLASS

972.239.7957

KITTRELLRIFFKIND.COM

JIMMY RICH ART COLLECTION

A largely self-taught artist, Phillip Muldrow realized that his love for all things creative could take him far, and his background in painting, graphic design, graphic arts and digital art is evident in the pieces he creates. His natural talent combined with a proficiency in Photoshop allow him to create digital art, acrylic paintings, mixed-media works and photography under the umbrella of the Jimmy Rich Art Collection, Muldrow’s artistic pseudonym.

Whatever medium he chooses, Muldrow achieves art that is vibrant, surreal and infinitely eye-catching. “My creative flow and process is di erent from one piece to another,” notes the Frisco, Texas-based artist. “What I begin with sometimes may not be what I end with. Sometimes, I get into a zone, depending on the vibe that’s around, whether it’s some type of music or smooth jazz playing in the background or just peace and quiet, that will drive the process to completion.”

Over the last eight years, Muldrow has been creating a new series of works annually to be introduced on New Year’s Day. He released the Royal collection in 2022. To welcome 2023, however, he simply focused on having fun with his work and will be working on his black-and-white release, with plans to include photography. “I want to capture beautiful moments that the world has to o er, from animals to flowers, sunrise to sunsets,” says Muldrow.

JIMMY

RICH ART COLLECTION

469.777.2783

JIMMYRICH.ART

GAPPA GLASS FINE ART

MASTER glass artist David Gappa believes it takes inspiration and vision to look at something ordinary and see the potential of what it could become. Before each piece is created, he sees worlds of possibility within the ancient process of working with molten glass.

An architect by training, Gappa was introduced to the art of glassblowing during his time at The University of Texas at Arlington in the mid ’90s. With his interest and passion sparked, he embarked on a lifelong mission to refine his technique by studying with glassblowing masters around the world, including the famed glass masters in Murano, Italy. In 1999, Gappa founded Vetro Glassblowing Studio and Gallery in Grapevine, Texas, referential to the Italian word for glass and glassblowing terminology. Since then, his glass artworks have found their way into fabulous collections worldwide, including that of several heads of state. In 2022, Gappa launched his highend luxury brand of chandeliers, wall installations and fine art glass sculptures under the name Gappa Glass Fine Art.

“My life’s passion is working with the shifting energies of molten glass into its final stages of artistic completion,” says Gappa. “The creation of each piece is a journey as I strive to trust in the path the glass chooses for me—a trail of color, form and function.”

SOUTHWEST GALLERY

LOCATED near the shops of The Galleria, Southwest Gallery o ers Dallas’ largest collection of fine 19th- to 21st-century paintings and sculptures. Celebrating more than 50 years of serving the art needs of Dallas, this beautiful gallery represents hundreds of respected and established artists with thousands of stunning works of art, from antique to contemporary, all in a sensational 16,000-square-foot gallery space.

The service-oriented sta o ers design expertise that helps clients maximize the value and selection of each art purchase. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced art collector, the gallery’s desire is to share how art is made and the artist behind it for a more informed buying sense.

Also housed in the gallery is Kittrell Ri kind Art Glass Gallery, which o ers an array of sculpture, platters, wall art and many other treasures, large and small. The everchanging selection of outstanding and innovative work is created by more than 300 contemporary glass artists.

You will also find a huge custom framing department, where you can choose from the finest handcrafted mouldings and thoughtfully designed shadow box frames for those precious keepsakes.

SOUTHWEST GALLERY

972.960.8935

SWGALLERY.COM

AVERY KELLY ART

AVERY Kelly’s paintings and relief prints reflect her love of nature and animals and her joy in art making. She has a Master of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. “I love working with paint in various ways,” says the Fort Worth artist. “I do a lot of birds and animals we have here in Texas, such as roadrunners, foxes, deer and burrowing owls.”

Her oil paintings are colorful and vibrant, showing animals in their natural settings, as well as landscapes, such as coastal images of water and sky. Picture a roadrunner on alert, a fox staring at you from the forest’s edge, a deer in a serene aspen stand. Kelly’s other artistic medium is relief printmaking, also of animals and landscapes. Inspired by her love of the contrasts in Pueblo pottery, the prints are black-and-white images made from linocuts and hand pulled through a printing press. Another area of investigation for Kelly is whimsical, small-scale acrylic paintings that convey a storybook feeling. She also does commissions, including pets, landscapes and other naturebased subject matter inspired by a client’s ideas. Capturing a sense of expression and character in animal portraits is something she particularly enjoys. Notecards with images of Kelly’s work are also available.

CUE THE COLOR

by DANA W. TODD / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

Commercial appliances abound in the kitchen, including a Miele co ee system and steam oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer columns, Cove dishwasher and American Range oven. A small room tucked behind the space is a caterer’s kitchen for hidden meal prep.

previous:

The main living spaces of this Texas-sized home open to an outdoor living extravaganza. From the dining room, the family pool is on full display.

THEWORLDTURNEDUPSIDEDOWNIN 2020 WHENCOVIDDROVE everyone home for work and school and life looked just a little di erent for a while. Take that craziness and multiply it by three and that provides a good idea of designer Amy Guess’ life that year. Guess, who had just purchased BGI Design from a retiring designer, was getting her sea legs as an entrepreneur when the pandemic hit. She birthed a baby that year, too, and broke ground on a huge new residential construction project for a young family that had been in the design and planning phase since 2016.

Juggling all the balls was in Guess’ wheelhouse, however, as she is used to handling the details that come start to finish with a new construction residential design project—it is her specialty. When construction began, Guess was ready with her “bible” in hand, which is her terminology for the detailed materials schedule she produced for this home in Heath, Texas. At more than 10,000 square feet under roof, the expansive four-bedroom, five-bathroom and two half-bath home required detailed design specs. “The builder literally took apart my materials schedule and taped individual pages up in each room for the subcontractors to follow,” says Guess.

The homeowners spent years researching and deciding on what they wanted in their new residence and worked closely with Guess, M-Gray Architecture and Regan Custom Homes for four years prior to breaking ground on their family dream home. Guess helped them find the interior finishes, fabrics, furniture and furnishings to take the home from concept to move-in ready. “I was referred to this couple by another designer and just hit it o with them,” Guess says. “The project was in my sweet spot of new construction design, so it was a perfect fit.”

Part of the long-haul design process included working with the homeowners’ association in this traditional community of rolling hills along the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard. “This home is what I would call soft contemporary,” Guess says. “It has aspects of a modern look but with ipe wood and natural stone to warm it up.”

The grand front entrance is an immersive experience with huge window walls that blur the distinction between inside and out. left:

The wine room contains one of several pieces of colorful fine art the family has collected. This one is by Italian-born artist Alex Turco.

The step-down living room is reminiscent of mid-century modern sunken dens but with soaring, vaulted ceilings so the space feels expansive.

By changing exterior features to include timeless materials and adjusting the roof slope, the team met the neighborhood’s HOA guidelines to build this house with more contemporary character. The most noticeable feature about the interiors is the bold color scheme. “The homeowners love color,” says Guess. “It is my ideal to have a client who is not afraid of color. Many homeowners opt for neutral finishes and fabrics, but this home has color throughout all the rooms.” Guess used the homeowners’ few pieces of collected fine artwork as a jumpingo point for the color palette, leaving plenty of bare wall space so their collection can grow. “Art is very personal, and each piece has a certain power to draw people to itself through its content, color, style and texture. It stimulates the senses and emotions as well as empowers the soul. By beginning with the art, I came up with the color palette backwards, pulling out hues from the existing artwork and using them to inform the entire house’s palette,” she adds.

Visitors are immediately awash in color when they walk to the entrance and are greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows that o er a glimpse of the floating stairway and signature artwork on the large wall beyond it. As they enter the pivoting custom glass and iron front door, they get a statement of the home’s vibe. A massive piece of colorful artwork sourced by the homeowner during a trip to Las Vegas sets the color mood, while individually hung glass pendants at varying heights over the entrance hall and strip lighting under steps down into the main living area introduce the level of detail to come. The entrance also speaks to the repetitive use of materials—ipe wood and native North Texas Lueders limestone are used as both exterior and interior materials to add a sense of warmth and timelessness. The materials are extremely durable and just right for a family with young boys.

At more than 10,000 square feet under roof, the expansive four-bedroom, fivebathroom and two half-bath home required detailed design specs.

Amy Guess designed a custom Kravet luxury faux leather upholstered bed with a to-theceiling headboard that conceals a subwoofer behind it.

right:

The primary bathroom features a sauna and a mix of materials, including Treefrog wood veneer cabinetry, Calacatta quartz countertops, Bianco Dolomite honed marble tile on the floor and Daltile glazed ceramic wall tile in ‘Origami White’ for a subtle finish with a pronounced pattern.

While lively hues run throughout almost every room, they are particularly eye-catching in the upstairs lounge, where coral and denim patchwork fabric on swivel club chairs and teal barstools complement another piece of artwork on the wall. Bright colors add to the room’s fun, where an air hockey table, TV, double-sided fireplace, lounging areas, a poker table and built-in bar are geared toward recreation for all ages.

Color is prevalent throughout the home—shades of blue, green and lavender star in the public and private rooms. “Not only are the homeowners not afraid of color, they are not afraid of wallpaper either,” Guess says. The upstairs powder room o the lounge features a fun gra ti-style “LOVE” wallcovering that encompasses the home’s entire color palette combined into one flamboyant statement. “It’s the smallest spaces like the powder rooms where you can have the biggest impact,” she adds.

There’s one slight palette adaptation in the primary suite, where muted neutrals take center stage. Whether it’s been a long day at work or play, it’s nice for the owners to retreat to subdued shades of green and blue that mimic the outdoor view and provide a relaxing ambience. The homeowners enjoy this slight color shift underfoot in the rugs, sourced from Dallas Rugs, and in the toneddown teal armchairs gathered around the fireplace, as well as gray and o -white Kravet Couture velvet-covered throw pillows. A primary bedroom fireplace, custom bed and freestanding soaking tub with heated backrest are the amenities needed to shrug o a long day.

The guest room also receives star color treatment, with a focal wall covered in a Mitchell Black deep lavender printed wallcovering accented by lavender and gold throw pillows on a modern, structured Bernhardt bed.

Distinctive features throughout the main living area personalize this engaging home dreamed up by a family who put in the sweat equity to make it happen—meticulously working with the design and construction team on every detail—and ensure the final result matched their way of living. A sunken living room nods to mid-century modern design sensibilities while making the room intimate and suitable for comfy, private family conversations. A modern rectilinear fireplace provides not only warmth but also space above it to unobtrusively hang a TV. The sunken fireplace surround crafted of Caesarstone holds wooden shelves for displaying accessories and artwork as the couple accumulates more pieces over time. A limestone wall around the sunken surround is the living room’s focal point, providing a conversation piece that combines natural materials and artwork inspired by nature’s colors—an homage to the outdoor living area just steps beyond it. “The homeowners specifically requested the use of the same limestone used on the exterior,” Guess says. “They also wanted a large hearth, which we designed by continuing Caesarstone from the fireplace surround.”

The limestone wall wraps around to the step-up kitchen, where it helps to warm the modern space of sleek, flat-front white cabinetry with glass overlays and gleaming polished chrome hardware, fixtures, commercial appliances and barstools pulled up to a cool white quartz-topped island. Vanguard Furniture

The interior style and color extend to the outdoor living areas, with contemporary Bernhardt sofas, swivel woven chairs, cabinetry that matches the indoor kitchen’s cabinets and cobalt blue Made Goods beverage tables.

Ipe wood and native Texas limestone on the front of the house make their way throughout the interior into many of the main level living spaces.

barstools upholstered in celery green continue the color theme. Lower cabinets in rift-cut oak and oak floating shelves keep the space from looking sterile while still allowing its modern statement to shine. Just around the corner is a walk-in wine room that holds up to 100 bottles of vino. An ipe wall system is dedicated to storing unrefrigerated bottles, and two undercounter beverage refrigerators accommodate chilled wine. Storage cabinetry matches the kitchen’s built-in cabinets to continue the modern theme, while another piece of hand-selected artwork, backlit by LEDs, takes center stage. Unlike many homes where the wine room is a cave-like cellar, this wine nook is open to the main living areas and separated only by glass panels so the artwork also can be enjoyed from other spaces.

By opening massive sliding doors from the main living area, the homeowners achieve inside/outside entertaining ease with an outdoor living setup that includes heated seating areas for allseason use, a firepit, dining space and an outdoor kitchen with an island next to a family pool designed by AquaTerra Outdoors. Bright aqua and cobalt fabrics from Thibaut and InsideOut

Performance Fabrics on throw pillows and rugs provide gusto as the color explosion continues from inside the house. Uniquely shaped wicker dining chairs from Austin-based Four Hands surround a Bernhardt dining table to add an interesting touch. The adults can hang out, cook, eat and relax while keeping an eye on the boys in the pool, on the nearby basketball court or on the grassy area where their parents set up all-ages lawn games like cornhole. A walkway joins this sprawling recreational area to a second outdoor seating spot, so there is a huge designed space perfect for outdoor parties with separate leisure and conversation areas.

While Guess provided a show-stopping juggling act in her career and home life during this project, which spanned a total of six years of planning and construction, she expertly managed to keep all the balls in the air, never dropping one. The completed home is an all-inclusive example of her specialized design work in residential new construction. She enjoyed taking the home from the very first inspirational photos and drawings jotted on paper by the soon-to-be homeowners to outfitting each space with furniture and fabrics that bring it to life. “I am constantly fine-tuning my processes and communicating details through site visits with the builder and architect,” she says. “I am very present and available to everyone and always want to see the project all the way through to the end.” *

Dana W. Todd is a professional writer specializing in interior design, real estate, luxury homebuilding, landscape design, architecture and art.

URBAN OASIS

Architect Patricia Magadini creates a contemporary oasis in University Park

by ROBIN HOWARD / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

The living room is open to the dining area and kitchen, and the 18-foot steel windows stack to open the room to the screened porch.

previous spread: The 7,000-square-foot contemporary home in University Park is designed to make the most of a compact lot.

WHENARCHITECTPATRICIAMAGADINI ’ SCLIENTSDECIDEDTOMOVE from their traditional Texas Hill Country-style house in Dallas’ University Park, they wanted a more contemporary home in the same neighborhood that would better fit the way they live. Their list included a spacious home gym, a pool, an upper terrace, a downstairs master and a set of bedroom suites for their grown children and future grandchildren on the second floor. The couple entertains frequently and lives casually, so they wanted informal, expansive open-plan living.

However, designing a home with open space in University Park can be a challenge. There aren’t many lots available, and none are particularly commodious. “One of the things we had to work around was it’s a relatively small lot, and there are zoning ordinances about maximum coverage,” says Dan Typaldos, project architect for Bernbaum/Magadini Architects. Zoning regulations allowed the home to have a larger footprint in the front, but it had to step down to a smaller footprint in the back. “We really had to finesse the design to get the amount of open space they wanted.”

It was tight, but Magadini and Typaldos, along with Scott Trahan of Milan Custom Build, made it happen. In all, the home is just under 7,000 square feet with four large bedrooms and baths and two half baths.

For interior design, the homeowners selected Donna Frohock of Chloe Stone Designs. Frohock has known the clients for more than 25 years and had designed interiors for several of their homes in the past. “They wanted something more contemporary, but they didn’t want a big white box,” Frohock says. “And they really live in their home; it’s not just a showcase.” Frohock helped interpret the homeowners’ tastes and desires as she worked with the builder and architects. “This style doesn’t exist in University Park,” she says. “We invented something totally new.”

From the front, the home glows with friendly warmth. Largeformat windows reveal a floating steel and wood staircase against an accent wall of Air Slate, a lightweight stone veneer. The twostory home is compact but feels much larger thanks to the way the architects connected indoor spaces with outdoor living via massive glass walls. Inside and outside, Magadini, Typaldos and Frohock created a warm, sophisticated palette that incorporates organic materials such as Texas wood and stone, stucco and glass.

As we enter, to the left of the accent wall, the home opens to reveal the kitchen, living room and dining area, which are also

A tilt-out vent hood is concealed in the cabinets to maintain the view from the horizontal row of windows above the cooktop. Custom pendants by glass artist Carlyn Ray of Carlyn Ray Designs hang over the island and breakfast nook.

The dining area features stacking steel windows that open to the pool deck and outdoor living space.

left: The steel and wood staircase floats against a stone feature wall.

open to a large screened porch and pool deck. To the left of the entry is a serene study with a gas fireplace and bespoke glass art by Carlyn Ray.

The 14-foot-long island comfortably seats six in the kitchen, and there is a built-in breakfast nook with a banquet nearby for more seating. A streamlined tilt-out vent hood over the cooktop eliminates the traditional bump out and doesn’t interfere with the high windows or contemporary horizontal lines. “We took a lot of care to make the vent hood blend with the millwork,” Typaldos says.

A bar and a butler’s pantry for storage, or that caterers can use during parties, was important to the clients, so the architects designed a serving window with a sliding pocket that can be closed when not in use. The cozy living room has a gas fireplace with a marble surround and a hearth slab that is flush with the floor. The dining area is open to the rest of the space and feels like an extension of the outdoor entertaining area when the doors are open. One of the trickier design elements in the home was the intricate wood ceiling. “We had an excellent trim carpenter,” Typaldos says.

Artist Carlyn Ray also crafted the glass pendants over the island and breakfast nook. Ray invites clients to visit her studio and help blow the glass for their commissions, and the homeowners, their parents and grown children enjoyed being part of the creative process.

Outside, landscape architect Lance Dickinson of DDLA Design Landscape Architecture designed a beautiful pool with a waterfall

Though the team had their work cut out for them on the compact lot, the finished home is cozy for two but expansive enough to comfortably host friends and their family as it expands over the years.

The homeowner’s serene study has a fireplace and a third custom glass art piece by Carlyn Ray Designs.

Caption left: Caption

The upstairs veranda is a quiet place for guests to take in the view.

The architects fit a perfectly sized pool in the back of the home. It is surrounded by the dining room, screened porch and primary bedroom.

wall as well as all of the landscaping features in the front. The clients wanted a porch they could use year-round, so Magadini and Typaldos created a screened porch with a wood-burning fireplace and a glass wall that opens into the living room. The lighted grill area is located to the left of the dining room on the pool deck.

The primary bedroom is also on the first floor. “They didn’t want a huge bedroom, but they did want lots of windows and light,” Magadini says. The bedroom has a view of the pool and an elegant en suite with a wet room for the tub and shower. There are also his-andher closets (hers is massive) and access to an outdoor shower.

Upstairs, the clients asked for bedroom suites that were large enough for king beds and cribs if needed, each with a full bath. There is also a laundry room, an alcove that can be used as a second living room for guests, and a half bath accessible from the massive exercise room over the primary bedroom.

For the homeowners, a home gym was an essential part of the design. “The gym is right above the master bedroom, so we installed acoustical flooring that blocks sound transmission through the floor,” Typaldos says. The highly functional room houses exercise equipment and a sauna. The clients had a second-story terrace in their previous home that they loved, so they re-created it outside the upstairs alcove.

Magadini and Typaldos also had some tricks up their sleeves to make the two-car garage work harder. There is a car lift and a back stair that goes from the garage to the upstairs guest suites. There is also a dog run with a doggy door to accommodate the furry members of the family.

Though the team had their work cut out for them on the compact lot, the finished home is cozy for two but expansive enough to comfortably host friends and their family as it expands over the years. *

Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.

BERNBAUM/MAGADINI ARCHITECTS

4645 N. CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY, #220 DALLAS, TX 75205

214.219.4528

BMARCHITECTS.COM

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