D Home May/June 2022

Architecture I Construction I Interiors

214.264.6874

tannerhomesdfw.com

HOFFMANN HOMES BUILDS FIRST NET ZERO HOME

IN THE ABODE @ WHITE ROCK COMMUNITY

The Abode @ White Rock community in East Dallas is comprised of eight homes that are pre-configured for Solar installations. The homes are also certified by the Department of Energy’s Net Zero Ready program, Energy Star and Green Built Texas.

Building Net Zero Ready Homes

The Abode @ White Rock homes are thoughtfully designed to include natural gas and can accommodate a solar array so that homeowners can count on energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

The community features:

• High performance, long lasting Insulated Concrete walls

• Proper site orientation of exterior glass for maximum light and efficiency

Shared access pocket park

HIGH-PERFORMANCE FEATURES OF ABODE @ WHITE ROCK HOFFMANNHOMES.COM

• Indoor air and water quality systems

• Community cistern that irrigates common areas with harvested rainwater

• Level II electric car charging stations

BY JENNIFER DUNCAN

MARK CLIF TON HOMES

THE BEST COMES FROM GREAT PARTNERSHIPS

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

Executive Editor JESSICA JONES OTTE

Contributing Editors SARAH BENNETT, MARY GRACE GRANADOS , RHONDA REINHART

Editorial Intern TERESA BRUNO

ART

Creative Director JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

Staff Photographer ELIZABETH LAVIN

Digital Art Director EMILY OLSON

Digital Production Assistant ANDREA CHAVEZ

PRODUCTION

Production Director JOHN GAY

Production Manager PAMELA ASHBY

Photo Retoucher JASMINE GREEN

WEBSITE

Online Editorial Director MATT GOODMAN

Senior Digital Editor BETHANY ERICKSON

Online Arts Editor TAYLOR CRUMPTON

Online Associate Editor CATHERINE WENDLANDT

Contributing Photographer BRET REDMAN

Intern RACHEL COLMAN

HOW TO REACH US

MAIL 750 North St. Paul St., Ste. 2100, Dallas, TX 75201

PHONE 214-939-3636

THE MAGAZINE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RETURN OF UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR feedback@dmagazine.com

CURRENT SUBSCRIPTION Call: 800-732-9673 or email: subscribeservices@dmagazine.com

NEW SUBSCRIPTION dmagazine.com/subscribe

PRINT AND ONLINE ADVERTISING Call 214-523-5265 or email laurie.stovall@dmagazine.com

4268 W. LOVERS LANE | DALLAS, TEXAS 75209

HUDSONBUILDER.COM

CUSTOM PUBLISHING Call 214-523-0300 or email paul.buckley@dcustom.com

ADVERTISING

Advertising Director SUSAN O’NEAL

Sales Director LAURIE STOVALL

Senior Account Executive LISA McLAREN

Account Executive REBECCA YOUNG

Managing Editor of Special Sections JENNIFER HAYES

Client Operations Managers EMILY CHATHAM, ERIN ANSLEY

Online Directory Sales KATE MARTIN

Digital Revenue Director TRACY ALBERTSON

Digital Ad Operations Manager RILEY HILL

Sales Intern SADIE WEST

MARKETING

Marketing Director GIGI EKSTROM

Marketing Coordinator NATALIE SWAIM

Events Producer BETH ALBRIGHT

Events Manager AMBER KNOWLES

Advertising Art Director KATIE GARZA

Events Interns JOY CHAREE CURRENCE, KAYLA SMITH

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Manager SARAH SOUTH

Brand Manager ERICA CHILES

Editorial Programs Manager SARAH MASQUELIER

Special Programs Coordinator JADE OSSECK

Social Media Coordinator JESSICA TABER

Retail Strategy Manager STEVE CRABB

Merchandiser DAVID TRUESDELL

BUSINESS

Controller SABRINA L aTORRE

Senior Accountant DEBBIE TRAVIS

Staff Accountant TAMBRA DEARBORN

Accounts Receivable Coordinator JESSICA HERNANDEZ

Chief of Staff RACHEL GILL

Administrative Assistant WILL SMITH

IT Admin JEFF NELSON

IT Technician LUAN ALIJI

D MAGAZINE PARTNERS

Editor-in-Chief & CEO CHRISTINE ALLISON

President GILLEA ALLISON

Chief Financial Officer THOMAS L. EARNSHAW

Chief Operations Officer AMANDA HAMMER

CONTENTS

48 58

48 DREAM ON Wishlist items became reality for a University Park family with a penchant for entertaining, thanks to design and build partners who understood their every need.

BY MARY GRACE GRANADOS

58

FACE IT!

Building a custom home can be a stressful process. Our Best Builders tell you how to make it easier. Plus: Get the complete list of the 2022 Best Builders in Dallas.

BY JESSICA OTTE

NEW/NOW

68

68

HIGH FIDELITY

What do you get when a pair of art-appreciating audiophiles hires a top-notch team of detail-driven professionals? A home that hits all the right notes, inside and out.

BY RHONDA REINHART

29

AGING GRACEFULLY

In this day and age, when preorders and backorders have become the new world order, the immediate availability of antiques have made them more in demand than ever. We explore the faces, places, and pieces that help bring history home.

42

WHAT THIS BUYS YOU

From a Disney streets mid-century modern and a Lakewood Mediterranean to a Jacobean manor in University Park, see how far $850,000, $2.5 million, and $6 million will take you in Dallas’ hot real estate market.

The new generation of finding your place

Over $325M in sales to date and we’re just getting started.

Letter from the President

GILLEA ALLISON President, D Home Gillea@dmagazine.com

REAL TALK

THERE ARE FEW TIMES IN DOMESTIC LIFE MORE RIDDLED WITH ANXIETY THAN when you are readying your house to go on the market and D Best Real Estate Agent (and D Home alum) Richard Graziano requests a tour. Richard … has taste. He is not a man of clutter. Thankfully, our 1941 MORE Design-remodeled home stands on its own. But let’s just say our East Dallas abode is, well, lived in.

Blame it on a two-year pandemic and an 8-monthold baby. Or our busy professional lives. Whatever. Just know that when he rang the doorbell, I took a deep breath and braced myself for the judgment that lay ahead.

I guess it could have been worse—I only caught a few discerning nods and lifted brows. I’m fairly sure I was sweating. When it was done, he lovingly sat me down and said, “I got you. Here’s the plan.” And after following all his advice, I’m proud to say the house sold in a few days, and my ego remained (mostly) intact.

What’s the moral of this

story? Besides the housing market being quite crazy still, you must have experts in your lives whom you trust implicitly. You should also consider paying a premium for the best. Why? Because the comfort and peace of mind you’ll have when you put your head down at night is worth every penny. Plus, it feels nice to have someone to tell you what to do. At least sometimes.

Inside this issue, D Home’s 2022 Best Builders are sharing their ‘real talk’ (pg. 58) and shoot straight on how to make the build process as smooth as it possibly can be. I suggest you heed their advice. Plus, beginning on page 29, we talk all things antique—which are especially in demand, given their immediate availability in our supply-chain-strained market. And of course, the pros are demonstrating what they do best in the fabulous homes (both custom builds, thanks very much) featured on pages 48 and 68.

I’m grateful for all the experts out there who make D Home possible. And for Richard.

JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR jamie@dmagazine.com

DREAMING BIG

IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, YOU HAVE A HOME WISHLIST THAT YOU’RE CONSTANTLY ADDING TO IN hopes that someday, you’ll get to build your dream house. As my husband and I grow and evolve, that list changes— we learn how we live in a space and what our priorities are. My current list reads something like this:

• long hallways for displaying art

• a center courtyard with a water feature

• a giant laundry room

• a spa-like bathroom

• fluid indoor/outdoor spaces

• an electronic-screened patio that’s nearly as big as the house to which it’s attached

But being around the home industry for as long as I have has made me manic about what I do and don’t need. When I see a giant garage large enough to house a fleet of cars, I get a twinge of envy. Should I add it to my list? Do I need a china storage room? Or a third-floor ballroom? Likely not, as I’m not a car or china collector,

nor am I much of a dancer. But I still love the exercise of examining my life, as those homeowners did, and imagining the possibilities.

As you peruse the home features in this issue and any other, they should inspire—not directly inform—your home, as it should be specific to your unique lifestyle. The Best Builders in Dallas (the complete list of whom you’ll find on pg. 67) have created some amazing spaces through the years, each of which fit their owners to a T. Whatever your needs and desires, they can bring it to life.

In this issue, we also examine the antique revival that’s happening now (starting on pg. 29). I’ve long loved antiques, and while shopping at an estate sale recently, I decided my hope is to one day have a collection for which people line up around the corner to pore over and make their own.

For now, it’s another dream.

JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

Let there be light... at a reasonable hour.

Graber’s line of fashion-forward cellular shades are now available in NEW blackout options, so you can delight in sleeping in.

Find an expert near you at graberblinds.com

People, places, art, and design that inspire us.

New Now

Studio

Four NYC “Nantes” (to the trade/ JAMES)

A New Spin Fresh updates to classic patterns provide a perfect backdrop for antiques.

GET IT: (from left) 19th-century hand-painted French Neoclassical commode ($7,800/Legacy Antiques); circa-1900 antique Oushak rug (to the trade/Abrash); circa-1870 hand-painted Majolica vase from Umbria ($2,600/ Le Louvre French Antiques); 18th-century Tuscan painted armchair ($1,900/Wolf Hall Antique Collective); 19th-century greenglazed terra cotta pot from Salonde-Provence, France ($6,280 for pair/Le Louvre French Antiques); circa-1950 mushroom table lamp ($3,250/Nick Brock Antiques)

Aging Gracefully

Saying that antiques are hot would imply that they were at one point not, which would be blasphemous. But antiques—by definition, pieces that are at least 100 years old—are especially in demand, in part because of the instant gratification that comes with purchase. In this day and age, when preorders and backorders have become the new world order, the immediate availability—not to mention storied character, timeless designs, and unrivaled quality of centuries-surviving, handcrafted wares—has never been more of a draw. We explore the faces, places, and pieces in Dallas that help bring history home.

by JESSICA OTTE

Keep it Simple

The unadorned styling of Biedermeier furniture make these 19th-century pieces feel at home in modern spaces.

CHERRY BIEDERMEIER COMMODE ($7,800/LEGACY ANTIQUES)

ANTIQUES

BRUNSCHWIG

“BIBLIOTHEQUE” WALLPAPER

ANTIQUE SERPENT HANDLES ($3,900/PITTET ARCHITECTURALS)

19TH-CENTURY ENGLISH REGENCY GAME TABLE ($3,800/WOLF HALL ANTIQUE COLLECTIVE)

IN WITH THE OLD

These one-ofa-kind pieces are a century or more in the making.

17TH-CENTURY SPANISH CARVED MIRROR ($13,000/ COUNTRY FRENCH ANTIQUES)

GLAZED TERRA COTTA SPHINX ($3,450 FOR PAIR/MUSE ON SLOCUM)

Safe Keeping These dropfront cabinets boast drawers and recesses that were used to house valuables.

WILLIAM IV/LATE REGENCY PARQUETRY TABLE ($12,000 FOR PAIR/ NICK BROCK ANTIQUES)

19THCENTURY PARFLECHE ($2,500/ WOLF HALL ANTIQUE COLLECTIVE)

The Shape of Things

GEORGIAN SILVER COMPOTE ($495/ NICK BROCK ANTIQUES); 17THCENTURY ITALIAN NEOCLASSIC ARMCHAIR ($8,750 FOR PAIR/ NICK BROCK ANTIQUES); 18THCENTURY ITALIAN INLAID CHEST ($4,650/ LEGACY ANTIQUES); 18THCENTURY TERRA COTTA HORSE ($3,895/ NICK BROCK ANTIQUES)

19TH-CENTURY FRENCH SCONCES ($2,250 FOR NICK BROCK ANTIQUES

HANDWORKED TILE ($28 PER SF/PITTET ARCHITECTURALS)

19TH-CENTURY SWEDISH HAND-PAINTED BLANKET CHEST

These Native American hide bags are often painted with stunning geometric patterns.

19TH-CENTURY ITALIAN MALACHITE NUT DISH SET ($3,450/ LEGACY ANTIQUES)

GOING TO MARKET

If you didn’t make it to Round Top this spring, Blue Hills vendor East End Salvage is hosting their latest pop-up June 2–5 in their McKinney barns. The Market at East End will feature European antiques and architectural salvage, artisan pottery, vintage and mid-century finds, and more from seven area vendors. eastendsalvage.com

ELIZABETH LAVIN

17TH-CENTURY SPANISH VARGUENO ($12,500/ WOLF HALL ANTIQUE COLLECTIVE)

& FILS

(TO THE TRADE/ LEE JOFA)

19TH-CENTURY GRAND TOUR MARBLE COLUMNS ($8,650 FOR SET/MUSE ON SLOCUM)

Lewis has built and remodeled home in The Park Cities, Preston Hollow, Greenway Park, Turtle Creek, and Oak Lawn for 48 years.

A Park Cities and Preston Hollow builder for 48 years, George Lewis says he treasures most the lifelong friendships with families, crews, and colleagues he has come to know in his career as a builder and remodeler. He considers being named among the Best Builders in D Home an honor and is proud of his customer reviews who continually give him a fivestar rating as well as his Better Business Bureau A-plus rating. To watching a short film of a 1926-era Swain residence restoration, visit georgelewishomes.com and click “video projects” in his portfolio.

faulknerperrin.com

OWNED BY: Father-andson duo, Raymond and Robinson Pittet

KNOWN FOR: Though the shop is equipped to outfit your entire home or garden, the company is particularly known for stone architectural elements, including marble and limestone fireplace surrounds, flooring, fountains, and more.

HOW THEY GOT INTO THE BUSINESS: Swiss-born Raymond was a master cheesemaker in his home country before getting into the antique carpet trade in Afghanistan. He later moved to the U.S. and, in 1990, opened Pittet Co., a European furniture store and tapestry showroom located on Slocum Street. In 2001, he launched Pittet Architecturals, eventually selling the furniture business to focus on the architectural pieces that they have become known for. “The fireplace is the main focus, even today, of the home,” says Raymond.

BEST PART ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER: Robinson—who has worked with his father for five years and has a background in advertising—runs most of the day-to-day operations, but Raymond has no intention to retire any time soon. “There’s a lot that I can learn from Raymond,” he says. Though the pair admit to having a great business relationship, it’s the closeness between them as father and son that enriches the experience for both. “That’s the most rewarding thing,” says Raymond. “Every day, I get to come in and hang out with my dad.”

1428 Slocum St. countryfrenchinteriors.com

OWNED BY: Father-andson team, Bruno and Chris de la Croix-Vaubois

KNOWN FOR: As the name suggests, this showroom focuses on French country antiques, and Bruno was among the first dealers to bring this look to Dallas.

HOW THEY GOT INTO THE BUSINESS: A native of Versailles, France, Bruno is no stranger to French antiques. Though he started in real estate,

he quickly noticed that “everybody has this beautiful chateau, a beautiful Jaguar in the circular driveway,” but the furnishings inside didn’t level up. It was a problem he knew he could fix. In 1986, he opened his Design District store.

BEST PART ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER: Though Bruno still prefers the tangible experience of shopping in person, Chris, who joined the family busi-

ness in 2014, has helped strengthen the store’s online presence to reach a wider audience. While Bruno has always been proud of his business’ ability to bring a piece of France to the U.S., having the showroom become a generational affair lends new poignance to its mission. Of the intersection of his past and future, Bruno says, “It gives me great honor for my family to carry on that tradition.”

OWNED BY: Husband-andwife Gerald and Joanne Tomlin; sons Edward and Christopher Tomlin

KNOWN FOR: This shop stocks 17th, 18th, and 19th century antiques, mainly French, English, and some continental (including Biedermeier German). They do full appraisals and never sell reproductions.

THEY GOT INTO THE BUSINESS:

HOW

New York–raised Gerald Tomlin attended the Parsons School of Design and studied abroad in Paris before eventually ending up in Dallas, working as an assistant to an interior designer and subsequently opening his own design firm. Following a downturn in the market in the late 1980s, the couple’s late son, Gerald Jr., suggested opening an antiques shop (as Gerald almost exclusively used antiques when furnishing clients’ homes). They opened up a cottage in Highland Park Village, and all three sons began selling furniture with their father. Following Gerald Jr.’s death eight years ago, Joanne officially joined the business and the family decided to move to the Design District.

BEST PART ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER:

Apart from the closeness that working with her two adult sons provides, Joanne loves to get varying perspectives on potential inventory. “We have different opinions,” she says. “We’ll say, ‘What do you think of this piece?’ and get two or three opinions before we buy. That’s how we decide what we’re going to purchase. It’s always something fun.”

Country French Interiors

Tomlin Antiques, 1415 Slocum St., Ste. 102

OWNED BY: Father-and-son duo, Jeff and Justin Garrett

KNOWN FOR: Chandeliers and mirrors. You’ll find more than 300 of each in the store, covering every period from 17th century to midcentury modern. (In May, their new sister concept, Dallas Fine Lighting, will launch inside their recently expanded 20,000-square-foot store, focusing on custom Murano glass fixtures.)

HOW THEY GOT INTO THE BUSINESS: Jeff’s in-laws were in the antiques business in Tennessee. After marrying, Jeff and his wife, Vicki, moved

to Texas to open a second outpost of the shop, called Clements Antiques, in Forney. In 1997, Legacy Antiques was born in the Design District.

BEST PART ABOUT WORKING

TOGETHER: After a year in the mortgage industry, Justin started traveling with his dad on buying trips to learn the ropes; that was nearly 20 years ago. “A lot of people tell us we’re basically just alike—walk alike, talk alike,” Justin says. “We have fun, we have good camaraderie, and I learned the business from my dad, so I operate the same way he did and look for the same things.”

OWNED BY: Mother-and-son team Annick and Patrick McNally

KNOWN FOR: Large-scale high-quality regional pieces from France as well as Italy and Spain. In addition to furniture pieces, their inventory includes architectural pieces such as stone wells, fountains, fireplaces, and shutter doors. “The unusual,” Annick adds.

HOW THEY GOT INTO THE BUSINESS: “In 1982, we had just moved here and my goal was to go overseas more often; an antiques store would make me go [back] to France several

times a year,” recalls Annick, a native of Paris and Monte Carlo, who ran Le Louvre in North Dallas for eight years before relocating to the Design District in the early 1990s.

BEST PART ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER: Patrick, who manages the showroom, joined in 2005 after working in the corporate world and helped Annick build the store’s online presence. Annick loves to focus on the design and layout of the showroom after buying trips. “We bounce off each other,” says Patrick. “We have the same eye for quality but different takes.”

Legacy Antiques 1406 Slocum St. legacyantiques.com

Le Louvre French Antiques 1400 Slocum St.

THE ANTIQUE: A 19th-century floor-length beveled glass trumeau

THE STORY: “My parents often made the short trip from Shreveport—where we lived—to Dallas, where my mother, who was an interior designer, would do all of her sourcing.

I remember knowing we were close to town when we passed a long row of antiques warehouses on HWY 80. I always dreaded this stop as a child.

One of the warehouses dealt in French antiques, which was her favorite. Little Reds,

I believe. That’s where she found a nine-foot bronze gilded French trumeau that she coveted. The price was exorbitant. Undeterred and fitting with her Creole aesthetic, she put a deposit down and used the now extinct tender of ‘layaway.’ Two years later, the mirror was paid for and delivered to Louisiana, where it stood proudly in three of our homes.

I inherited the trumeau after my mother passed and display it proudly in my two-story stairwell, admiring and using it daily.”

—Ellett Miciotto, EJM Interior Design

Modern Mix

Don’t be afraid to mix old and new! We love this contemporary wallpaper with a timeless trumeau.

THE ANTIQUE: A collection of antique canes and walking sticks

THE STORY: “My husband’s grandmother collected them throughout the years from around the world, and they were always located near the front door of any home she lived in. Each one is unique and some have secret compartments—one even has a knife.”

—Heidi Arwine, Heidi Arwine Interiors

MY FAVORITE ANTIQUE ...

THE ANTIQUE: An antique buffet

THE STORY: “I call this our ‘Sister Parish’ buffet. I saw it in one of our favorite dealers in Paris and it was love at first sight. It was such a perfect yellow gold and had wonderful, old decorative painting.

I love for antiques to show their age, and so I have never touched it— it is perfect exactly as is.”

—Jan Showers, Jan Showers & Associates

THE ANTIQUE: A collection of Old Paris porcelain

THE STORY: “I’ve been collecting for more than 20 years now. This is just a small portion of it. The collection has been put together through various sources—from estate sales, eBay, and local antique stores to gifts from friends and the Paris flea markets.

Each piece in the collection has a story, and that’s been part of the fun of it. I have intentionally left some pieces with the cracks or chips. To me, they give the piece character. I’m sure there was a story and, hopefully, a good dinner party involved!”

—Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design

Exit Point

Placing antiques in frequented areas allows you to enjoy them daily.

THE ANTIQUE: A family heirloom

mixing bowl

THE STORY: “This mixing bowl was the vessel to my grandmother’s homemade biscuits and summer fruit pies. It is a cherished piece that takes a prominent place on my kitchen counter. It has even made an appearance in a photoshoot or two, as I feel there’s nothing more photogenic than a piece that means something to your soul.”

—Erin Sander, Erin Sander Design

Designers share their prized pieces from their personal collections.

THE ANTIQUE:

An English chinoiserie server with shelves

THE STORY: “I started buying antiques at the age of 17, and I’ve never seen another piece just like this in my entire life and career. I purchased it 21 years ago in England

on an antiquesbuying trip through Europe. It was in mint condition—even the fabric behind the brass grilles is original. It’s also a practical piece of furniture, with great display and storage space.”

—Margaret

Chambers, Chambers Interiors & Associates Inc.

THE ANTIQUE: A 19th-century Rococo marquetry round pedestal table

THE STORY: “I found it on 1stDibs when we bought our house. It was absolutely perfect! Our foyer has an inlaid wood floor, so it was just the right piece to complement that design, keeping with the same level of detail. The only change we made was cutting the height of the center post by two inches, so the scale was more suited to the rest of the furnishings in our great room.”

—Kara Adam, Kara Adam Interiors THE ANTIQUE: A turquoise farm table

THE STORY: “A friend gave us [this table] when we were first married. It was over 100 years old, and already painted this turquoise blue color. It is perfectly worn and we have had it in every home we have lived in. We did take it to our favorite antique repair person to have it made more stable. Other than that, we just let it wear naturally.”

THE ANTIQUE: A collection of antique silver napkin rings

THE STORY: “You are asking a girl who has a house full of collected treasures from near and far—to choose my favorite is impossible. My collection of napkin rings is one of my most treasured. I search for ones with old monograms or names that match our family names.”

—Pam

Kelley, Pam Kelley Design

THE ANTIQUE:

A pair of carved Japanese shishi, or guardian lions, from the 12th-13th century

THE STORY: “I was attending the Armory Show in New York in the late 1980s when I came across [them], rather hidden on the floor. I inquired about them and was introduced to the owner of the booth, Axel Vervoordt. At the time, I was not familiar with Mr. Vervoordt or his work, but we had a nice discussion and I ended up making the purchase. We placed them side by side atop a tall chest in our living room. When our children were young, we got a pair of felt reindeer antlers the shishi wore at Christmas. They have always been one of our favorite finds. These wonderful pieces had passed through many hands in the last 800–900 years, and we loved our time with them. In a sense, each owner was borrowing them in time. A few years ago, we decided it was our time to part with them. Today they have a new home at the Dallas Musuem of Art, where they flank the entrance to the Asian galleries.”

—Paul

Draper, Paul Draper Design

For more designers’ favorite antiques, visit dmagazine.com!

—Tori Rubinson, Tori Rubinson Interiors

If you love it...

There’s always room for a treasured piece, like this farm table that has made its way into every one of Tori Rubinson’s homes.

Alter(ed) Piece

Don’t be afraid to modify a treasured find to fit modern standards.

BETTER THAN EVER

RESTORATION

& REPAIR

NOLES-DAVIS ANTIQUE RESTORATION

Whether you’re looking to get your silver pieces polished, an antique doorknob refinished, or a brass bed repaired, for more than 65 years, Noles-Davis has been the place for metal servicing of all kinds. 2707 Manor Way. 214-3581731. noles-davis.com

THE LAMP SHOPPE

This local institution offers repair, restoration, and rewiring services. Want a cosmetic update for a piece that’s grown dim? Consider a custom shade or fresh finial to instantly brighten sconces, chandeliers, or table lamps. 1515 Dragon St. 214-741-5300. lampshoppedallas.com

PETTIGREW LUXURY FURNISHINGS

Has your crystal chandelier lost its luster? The Pettigrew professionals can restore shine lost to time, smoke or water damage, and more. 1805 Market Center Blvd. 214-747-2232. pettigrew-usa.com

DALLAS CANE RUSH & WICKER REPAIR

The name pretty much says it all. With 50-plus years of experience, owner Bill Torell can mend or replace damaged woven seating of just about any kind from his Design District studio. 135 Pittsburg St. 214-518-7079. dallascane.com

ORIENTAL RUG CLEANING CO.

For more than a century, this Dallas mainstay has repaired and restored fine

rugs, textiles, and tapestries. Whether you need a simple stain removal or a more complex repair such as resizing, patching, or refringing, they’re up for the task. 3907 Ross Ave. 214-821-9135. dallasrug cleaner.com

ANTIQUE RESTORATION MASTERS

The folks at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek have trusted Martin Norkowski to revive their antique pieces, and so can you. No cut corners here; this master craftsman believes in doing things by hand. 10203 Plano Rd. #114. 469-432-3417. antique restorationmasters.com

THE BOOK DOCTOR

Turned the pages of that page-turner one too many times? Book Doctor Candice McKay has the RX. From her Oak Cliff shop, she lovingly rebinds and repairs ancient encyclopedias, family bibles, and other beloved books. 1320 W. Davis St. 214-946-1760. thebookdr.com

ART RESTORATION & SERVICES

HELEN HOUP FINE ART CONSERVATION

Houp has worked with major art museums, universities, and art dealers in her 30-plus years as a professional conservator. She’ll examine a work of art and prescribe a regimen of conversation treatment that will restore its glory, stroke by stroke. 2626 Lombardy Ln. Ste. 106. 214-366-4700. helenhoup.com

GET IT: (from left)

circa-1880 antique Oushak rug (to the trade/Abrash);

19th-century Louis XVI armchair ($3,800 for pair/ Legacy Antiques)

VAN ENTER STUDIO

Michael van Enter specializes in the conservation of sculpture and monuments, contributing work for major art museums in DFW (the DMA, the Nasher, and the Modern) and beyond. Services include repairing, refabricating, welding, cleaning, and installation. 1415 Fairview Ave. 214-5159948. vanenterstudio.com

FEGAN FINE ART RESTORATION

Whatever trouble has befallen your collection, the fine folks at Fegan Fine Art can reverse time. Gashed painting or torn leather? They can mend it. Shattered glass or porcelain? Good as new. 1533 Prudential Dr. 214-631-2920. feganrestoration.com

PUSHKIN & GOGOL

Owner Kevin Rubén Jacobs can store, transport, install, or display your art. The former curator for The GossMichael Foundation (and current gallerist behind OFG.XXX) has handled pieces for the DMA, Dallas Contemporary, and more. He crafts custom crates and pedestals for moving and display, too. 3715 Parry Ave. 214-980-6390. pushkinandgogol.com

REIMAGINE & REINVENT

BARRY A. MARTIN PAINTING CONTRACTORS

If you love antiques but loathe an abundance of brown wood, Barry A. Martin can stain, glaze, or lacquer your piece in any color of the rainbow. But why stop there? Barry and his team can expertly coat

the walls, millwork, and molding to match. 2607 Bomar. 214-350-0723. barrymartinpainting.com

YANG’S DOUBLE HAPPINESS

Ever wish you could turn a favorite antique urn, prized piece of pottery, or even a sentimental snare drum into a light source? Owner Mei Yang can make your wildest wattage dreams a reality. Or browse the selection of ready-to-wire items in their sister showroom, Crandale Galleries. 1421 E. Levee St. 214-747-8606.

DISPLAY & PROTECT

DEBRA STEVENS

CUSTOM FRAMING

Not only can framer Debra Stevens display your priceless antique paintings with panache, she can help you make a wall-worthy showpiece out of a scrap of fabric, antique map, or historical text. 972-620-1365.

E&D PLASTICS

Protect or enhance your treasures with help from E&D, who can craft custom cases, display bases, and more from durable acrylic. Or pop a set of acrylic legs onto an antique table or chair for a modern update to a timeless treasure. 1010 Levee St. 214-742-6032. edplastics.com

SBI FINE FABRIC FINISHING

This Athens-based company can reinforce delicate fabrics with a variety of backings, making them durable enough for upholstery or wall hangings. They can also perform treatments to make your textiles water- and stainresistant, flame-retardant, anti-microbial, and more. Need it done in a hurry? They offer expedited turnaround in as little as 24 hours. 1108 Commercial St., Athens. 903-675-1440. sbifinishing.com

Song Dynasty–style funeral vase lamp ($2,150 for pair/Muse on Slocum)

DEGARRIO METAL STUDIO

An custom crafted metal stand provides a perfect, sturdy perch from which to admire a small figurine, antique plate, or other remnant. Owner and fabricator Humberto DeGarrio can (quite literally) elevate your prized finds and turn them into instant art. 1104 N. Riverfront Blvd. 214-328-3340. degarrio.com

Make what’s old new again with the help of these restoration and reimagination wizards.

by JESSICA OTTE

SHOP LIKE A PRO

We spent a day antique hunting with two aficionados to find out their favorite stops, shopping secrets, and tricks of the trade.

by JESSICA OTTE

THE PRO BARRY WILLIAMS

Interior Designer

RÉSUMÉ: For more than three decades, Barry Williams has designed interiors for elite clients in Dallas and beyond. Known for his exquisite style and approachable demeanor, the owner of Williams Design Inc. is a frequenter of antique stores and auction houses, searching for just-right pieces for a project.

THE ITINERARY

Legacy Antiques 1406 Slocum St.

WHAT’S ON HIS LIST: Mirrors, chandeliers, and high-quality investment antiques. “The quality and breadth of inventory are remarkable.”

Nick Brock Antiques 2909 N. Henderson Ave.

WHAT’S ON HIS LIST: Anything and everything. “Nick buys from estates and dealers from across the United States, so he has a wide variety.”

Delft & Denim

“Blue and white is like blue jeans—goes anywhere and mixes with anything.”

BARRY’S INTEL

Act Fast

Pittet Architecturals 318 Cole St.

WHAT’S ON HIS LIST: Mantels, flooring, garden ornaments.

“It’d be one of the first stops if you’re building.”

When You Know, You

Know

“Sometimes I encounter something I love and then decide where to put it. That’s the case with this spectacular marble statue. Haven’t found a place yet... still looking.”

There often aren’t second chances in the world of antiques—so when you find the right piece, you’ve got to act fast. “With antiques, you don’t have the luxury of time,” says Williams. “If something feels like a sure thing because it’s one of a kind, I’ll ask to put it on hold—or even extended hold—until I can present it to the client.”

Antiques for Beginners

Williams points to pieces that are in plentiful supply as great items with which to start your collection, such as sideboards, dining tables, and chairs. “Basically every house had one, so that’s going to be a great entry-level piece,” he says.

Time to Reflect

“When I imagine all the opportunities over the last 150 years for the delicate decoration on this mirror to break, I appreciate it all the more.”

Sneak a Peek

“I’m what I call a maximizer—I want to choose from every single thing that I can find,” Williams says. When he has a particular need, “pre-shopping” a store’s online catalog makes for efficient in-person shopping—the latter of which Williams insists upon. “When I take a client to a showroom, I inevitably hear, ‘This is so much prettier than it was in the photo.’ ”

Fine Dining

Of this dinner service at Nick Brock, Williams says, “I love the beautiful colors and interesting shapes of so many of the pieces. The completeness of the set is impressive.”

To Upcycle or Not to Upcycle

“You can reupholster a chair frame indefinitely without affecting its value,” Williams says. But changing the color or finish is a different story. His rule of thumb?

“Changing something by more than 10 percent is when you start to deteriorate its value.”

Ask Away

You won’t be laughed out of the store for asking a silly question, so don’t be embarrassed to request guidance. “An antique store is filled with all kinds of things, and I don’t think there’s anyone who can know everything,” Williams says. “It’s [the owner’s] life’s passion, so it’s a joy to be able to share that with somebody.” And yes, those questions can include asking for a better price. “I’m never shy about asking,” he says.

Not-So-New Threads

Coffee has a particular fondness for folk art and anything with obvious sentimental value, like this framed needlepoint of a living room.

THE PRO KAITLYN COFFEE

Vintage Curator/Creative

RÉSUMÉ: The Dallas native behind Kaitlyn Coffee Creative and Harris Vintage has gained a loyal following through her Instagram account (@harrisvintage), where she shows off favorite secondhand finds, inspiring interiors, client projects (she curates for Graduate Hotels, among others), and her eclectic Lake Highlands home, which is packed with found treasures.

CURIOSITIES ANTIQUES

Buy What You Love

Though makers and provenance do impact a piece’s value, unless you’re planning to resell it, that shouldn’t be the sole consideration. “No one’s going to come to your house, open the drawer, and be like, ‘Is this a Thomasville?’ ” says Coffee. “If you like the way something looks, if the quality is there, and it speaks to your style, then get it.”

Jars Aplenty

Coffee picked up an olive jar on our excursion—but regretted passing on this quirky chinoiserie planter depicting modern exercise scenes.

“It’s a conversation starter,” she says. “This is me in a bowl.”

WHAT’S ON HER LIST: Pottery, objects, and well-priced antique furniture

WHAT’S ON HER LIST: Antique art

Art Magnet

“I’m always on the lookout for good art,” says Coffee, who was drawn to this landscape because of “the colors, the frame, and the patina.”

Dollars

Prices are usually negotiable, Coffee says. “You can always ask, ‘What’s the lowest you can do?’ ”

Monkey See

“I like that this has the year painted on it—that’s the stuff you want to look for.”

Have an Open Mind Shop Often

“A lot of people go with a very specific item in mind. I think that’s a recipe for failure,” Coffee says. Instead, “Go for the enjoyment and the beauty of it all.” If you find something you need, all the better—but coming home empty-handed does not equal a wasted trip. Coffee chalks it all up to style self-realization: “Don’t feel defeated if you don’t find anything. If you see something you like that speaks to you, you’ll know next time.”

Antique dealers are constantly restocking, so the more frequently you can visit, the better your odds of finding something special. “When I’m working on a curation project, I go once a week,” she says. Plus, the more you go, the more familiar you’ll become with the inventory and the dealers whose style most closely mirrors your own, making you a more efficient shopper. “There’s a booth for everyone,” she says.

WHAT’S ON HER LIST: Chairs, rugs, and “the weird and abnormal”

Look High, Low & Up Close

Though it can be easy to get overwhelmed by what’s at eye level alone, don’t forget to look up and down, where Coffee says great lighting and rugs can be found. Once you find something you like, give it a thorough once-over. “You are buying this to have in your house forever, so don’t be afraid to turn furniture over—carefully,” she says. “Look under the couch and see if it’s well made. Pull the rugs out and flip them over.”

Forestwood Antique Mall 5333 Forest Ln.

Lots of Furniture Antiques Warehouse 910 N. Riverfront Blvd.

Benny Jack Antiques 1026 N. Riverfront Blvd.

& Sense

KAITLYN’S TIPS

WHAT THIS BUYS YOU

by TERESA BRUNO

$850,000

$2,500,000

$6,000,000

10832 CINDERELLA LN., $839,000

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,930 square feet

Neighborhood: Midway Hills

Located in the popular Disney streets, this midcentury modern home features a 16-foot island in the kitchen, a gas fireplace, and an entertaining-friendly backyard, complete with a pool and deck. Brandon Stewart for David Griffin & Company

8214 SAN FERNANDO WAY, $2,400,000

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,185 square feet

Neighborhood: Forest Hills

Nestled one block from White Rock Lake, this Chad Dorsey–designed home isn’t short on custom touches. Approach via the private, crushed granite driveway to find impeccable interiors and a lush garden awaiting you. Jennifer Shindler for Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

3611 MILTON AVE., $5,400,000

4 bedrooms, 4.3 bathrooms, 7,297 square feet

Neighborhood: University Park

From the moment you enter the two-story foyer of this Jacobean manor, it makes an impression. The chef’s kitchen is well-outfitted with dual sinks and dishwashers. A separate guest suite tops the detached garage. Dan Rhodes for Compass RE Texas LLC

6019 MCCOMMAS BLVD., $849,000

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,962 square feet

Neighborhood: M Streets

Charming inside and out, this light and bright Colonial has an oversized front porch, open floor plan, and walk-in attic. The house maintains its 1935 charm while boasting upgrades like Carrara marble in the primary bath. Susan Griffin for Bill Griffin Real Estate

7130 BROOKCOVE LN., $2,450,000

5 bedrooms, 5.1 bathrooms, 7,648 square feet

Neighborhood: Lakewood

This 1956 Mediterranean-style home is packed with unique details. Outside, lush gardens are accented with arched pathways, sculptures, and a studio; inside, hand-made mosaics, stone walls, and murals await. Jean Bateman for Allie Beth Allman & Associates

5543 DRANE DR., $5,895,000

5 bedrooms, 7.1 bathrooms, 6,577 square feet

Neighborhood: Greenway Parks

Immerse yourself in nature in this Max Levy–designed home, lined with walls of windows and sliding glass doors. The interiors echo the heavily treed lot, with white oak touches used throughout. Douglas Newby for Douglas Newby & Associates

4942 REIGER AVE., $865,000

3 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, 2,892 square feet

Neighborhood: Munger Place Historic District

The covered front porch and bright blue exterior of this Craftsman provide a welcome greeting. Inside, find high ceilings, French doors, and a second-floor primary suite with a fireplace and large walk-in closet. Paula Reynolds for Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

7030 TOKALON DR., $2,500,000

3 bedrooms, 3.1 bathrooms, 4,744 square feet

Neighborhood: Lakewood

This well - preserved home has had just two owners in its nearly 100-year history. The large lot is just the beginning of its many amenities, which include original parquet floors, coved ceilings, and a basement. Rob Elmore for Dave Perry Miller Real Estate

5424 EDLEN DR., $6,040,000

5 bedrooms, 6.3 bathrooms, 9,099 square feet

Neighborhood: Preston Hollow

This sprawling estate includes six living areas, plus a library, wine room, and spacious primary retreat. The acre-plus lot features pristine, Harold Leidner–designed landscaping, a sport court, and a pool. Kelli Green for Allie Beth Allman & Associates

SCENES FROM D HOME DESIGN BOOK LAUNCH PARTY

On February 8, the design community gathered at the remarkable showroom of Loloi Found & Made to celebrate the launch of D Home’s Design Book. Notable members of the design community mingled with D Home staffers, while enjoying a smorgasbord of food, wine, and entertainment.

Located in the heart of Dallas’ Design District, Loloi Found & Made is a showroom for one-of-a-kind wall art, rugs, and pillows. Cyrus Loloi, principal and CMO of Loloi Rugs, spoke to the attendees and shared his excitement about the new showroom and the opportunity to partner with Dallas’ top designers.

Margaret and Tom Chambers

Lynn Erickson, Brian Dalton

Heidi Arwine, Bruce Bernbaum, Madison Bachlor

Mckenzie Beckham, Jourdan Pratt

Javier Burkle, Mason McCleskey, Philip Vanderford

Cyrus Loloi

Sara Garza, Maddie Moran, Amy Klembara

TAKE IT OUTSIDE.

From the rooftop or driveway to your outdoor kitchen and beyond – explore the most innovative, all-weather product solutions for superior performance and exceptional design to create the outdoor oasis of your dreams.

BEST DESIGNERS 2022

A TOAST TO THE TOP

On Wednesday, March 9, D Home hosted its 2022 Best Designers celebration at The Mason Dallas. Hors d’oeuvres were passed, champagne glasses clinked, and the best of Dallas’ interior design community was celebrated. Jessica Otte, executive editor of D Home, described the importance of this community in her remarks, saying, “One bright spot to come out of the pandemic was the emphasis

on the home, and the importance of the work you do. It’s fair to say that your talents have never been more apparent or more valued as they are today.”

A tremendous thank you to title sponsor Brown Jordan; premier sponsors California Closets, Taylors by Jane, and Bonick Landscaping; and supporting sponsor Feizy Rugs. Congratulations to all the 2022 honorees!

David Arnwine

Kelsey Sweeney, Kristina Genau, Amy Atkins

Anna Grabinski, Christina DeOrchis, Rania Nasser, Rebecca Handline, Rachael Craft

Suzy Childress, Jan Jones

Lynn Spears, John Phifer Marrs

Eddie Maestri, Russ Peters, Bill Cates, Chris Huffman Soundous Benterki, Charlotte Comer

Glenn Bonick, Karen Bost, Todd Piasczyk

Heidi Arwine, Madison Bachlor, Natalie Arwine

DREAM ON

WISHLIST ITEMS BECAME REALITY FOR A UNIVERSITY

PARK FAMILY WITH A PENCHANT FOR ENTERTAINING, THANKS TO DESIGN AND BUILD PARTNERS WHO UNDERSTOOD THEIR EVERY NEED.

Bright Idea

Placing the covered patio— which often inhibits sunlight—off the kitchen instead of the family room allows for a light-filled living space.

Architect Christy Blumenfeld took care to preserve the light in the living room, placing the patio off the kitchen instead of this often-used space, thus freeing up the exterior wall to allow sunlight to stream in through the arched metal and glass doors. The chairs and sofas are all covered in Perennials fabric for easy cleaning. The rug is from Arsin Rug Gallery.

“One of the first things Courtney said to me was, ‘I want my kitchen to have a view and I want to feel connected, but sometimes I don’t want to be that connected,’ ” says Blumenfeld. The placement of the kitchen near the dining room and bar offers easy flow, but arched pocket doors offer privacy when needed.

Curves Ahead

To achieve these arched pocket doors, the build team had to hang the doors then construct the trim around them.

The white oak cabinets were bleached up to five times to remove any yellow undertones and create an overall softer feel, which is echoed by the Calacatta Regina countertops from Walker Zanger. The pendant light is by Urban Electric Co., the plumbing is by Newport Brass, and

tray is from Blue Print.

the

years, she wrote down elements—like dinnerware storage and a place for caterers to set food—that she would want in her dream family home.

When Courtney and her husband Greg eventually decided to go the custom route, they used those notes as a reference guide while working through designs with architect Christy Blumenfeld of Blume Architecture. “I kept checking that list to make sure I hit the high points,” Courtney says.

Sheri and Raegan Barringer of Barringer Custom Homes brought life to the Gerstenhabers’ University Park home through construction, with Sheri Barringer Designs handling interior design. Courtney, Blumenfeld, and Sheri Barringer met weekly for more than a year to discuss ideas, make design decisions, and remedy issues as they arose. Courtney says that it was this close collaboration that helped the team understand exactly how the family lives.

“I never imagined that I would build,” says homeowner Courtney Gerstenhaber who, despite that statement, kept a running list of wishes and must-haves, just in case. For seven

Courtney wanted a room in the house that felt finished and clean all of the time. This sitting room, which overlooks the front lawn, offers just that without feeling untouchable (thanks to performance fabric used on the sofa). The fireplace surround from Sabella Carved Stone is accented by a screen by Claire Crowe. The chandelier is Visual Comfort, the coffee table is by Mary Beth Wagner, the rug is from Interior Resources, and the vessel on the coffee table is from Blue Print.

How to Build a TIMELESS HOME

Bridging the gap between timeless design and modern sensibility can be tricky. Designer and builder Sheri Barringer and architect Christy Blumenfeld note these key factors for creating a new home that will stand the test of time and trends.

Don’t get stuck in an era.

Blumenfeld says that the highest compliment of a new home is when people can’t identify whether the home was a renovation or built from the ground up. “The shell shouldn’t have a time stamp.”

Balance a traditional exterior with a modern interior.

“I think it’s important that new builds have staying power and have traditional elements and proportions,” Blumenfeld says. “But I think they need to feel young and the interiors can feel light and bright and airy. That’s where you bring the modernity in.”

Use textures and light to add interest.

Sheri Barringer says it’s ample natural light that keeps the traditional home feeling fresh. A variety of textures— from woven rope chairs on the patio to bouclé dining chairs in the breakfast room—make the modern furniture pieces feel warm and inviting.

The professionals created spaces with flexibility in mind so as to function for both the family’s everyday lifestyle as well as their frequent entertaining. Pocket doors were a key element throughout the house, allowing it to feel at turns large and flowing or intimate and private, as the situation calls for. Placed off the kitchen and breakfast room, the back patio is accessible through a set of sliding doors that can also tuck away completely, providing a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. “We feel like it’s an extension of our house,” Courtney says of the outdoor living area. Even the pantry was given a pocketing door to allow Greg to make his daily 6 a.m. smoothie without waking the entire family.

Another critical piece was the dining room, which serves as a gathering place for family get-togethers as well as the large-scale events the Gerstenhabers often host. The space between the dining

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 >>

this page: The dining room needed to accommodate not only family dinners—enjoyed around this custom table by Aimee Simms—but also the larger events that the Gerstenhabers host on a regular basis. A flexible floorplan allows for a second dining table to be brought in and placed between the dining room and bar, in the walkway that leads to Greg’s home office. The chandelier is by Hubbardton Forge and the small bowl on the table is by Matthew Gilley Ceramics.

Bug Off

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

room and bar was purposefully left wide enough to accommodate a second table, allowing for seating for up to 24 guests. “It was a big layout puzzle to figure out how to do that and make it not feel like it’s one giant space when it doesn’t have that second table in it,” says Blumenfeld.

Of course, someone who likes to entertain for a crowd needs enough tableware to feed one, too. As she prefers to have 40 place settings in each pattern, Courtney wanted ample storage to comfortably and conveniently house her vast collection. Unlike in their previous home, where sets were stored in a few different places, she worked with her team to create dedicated storage in the bar area for dishes, flatware, and the like—making it simple to set the table as

CONTINUED ON PAGE 57 >>

this page: (from top) Pocket doors along the back patio tuck entirely into the wall to create an open space between the kitchen and the outdoor area. Phantom screens keep bugs out without obstructing the view. The outdoor sofa is by Century, the set of chairs are from Janus et Cie, and the fan is by Monte Carlo. While the home has an overall subdued color palette of soft neutrals, pops of color and unique textiles—like the Schumacher Citrus Garden fabric used for cafe curtains in Courtney’s office—add a layer of playfulness. The wallpaper is from Phillip Jeffries, and the vase is from Blue Print.

opposite page: Built-in bunk beds in the playroom feature a recessed nook that has an outlet for phone chargers. A trundle bed below the bottom bunk maximizes available sleeping space but can be tucked away when not in use. The modular sofa is covered in forgiving Perennials fabric, while Lee Jofa textiles were used for the draperies. The end table is from CFC.

“We feel like we have so many different environments to enjoy.”

—HOMEOWNER COURTNEY GERSTENHABER

Phantom screens can be lowered to provide protection from pests in warm months.

Echoing Arches

This arch shape repeats throughout the home, from cased openings to the trio of steel doors that open the living room to the backyard.

this page: “I wanted a place to read and relax,” Courtney says of her primary bedroom with its chaise lounge on one end and a sitting area that overlooks the backyard. “At the end of the day— when we’re so busy, my husband and I—it gives us a place just to talk.” The bed is covered in Colefax and Fowler fabric, the nightstands are from by Mr. Brown London, and the pendant is Oly Studio. On the nearest nightstand, the vase is by Matthew Gilley Ceramics, and the basket on the round table is from Blue Print.

opposite page: To maximize natural light and views of the backyard, the Neovations mirror above Courtney’s custom vanity is mounted above and below the window. The pendant is Visual Comfort, the wallpaper is Phillip Jeffries, and the tall white vase on the far vanity is from Blue Print.

Beam Me Up!

Board and batten on the walls and beams on the ceiling—all painted the same white shade—provide architectural interest without taking away from the serene space.

well as clean and stow away after events. Indeed, the bar area is the heart of the home, with visitors gravitating here during parties. “It’s dual purpose because it serves the dining room or it’s your intimate gathering [space] for small groups,” Courtney says.

But with three kids in the house, formal, grown-up gatherings were not the only type of hosting for which the family wanted to create space. “I wanted a spot for our kids to hang out and have a relaxing area to have friends over,” Courtney says of the upstairs playroom. In addition to built-in bunk beds and a trundle bed, the room features swivel chairs and a modular sofa that can easily adapt to the kids’ needs. No stressing about spills, either—all of the furniture in the room, and throughout most of the house, is clad in performance fabric for easy clean-up of inevitable messes. Says Courtney of the finished product: “We feel like we have so many different environments to enjoy.”

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54

Throwing Shade Cafe curtains let light in while still providing privacy.

Face it

BUILDERS ARE AN HONEST BUNCH.

When it comes to translating your hard-earned money into a hand-built structure in which your loved ones will reside, that’s a good thing.

But when it comes to the realities of constructing a home in the year 2022—two years into a pandemic and in the midst of the worst global supply-chain challenges of our lifetime—their unwillingness to sugarcoat hard truths can make for some tough pills to swallow.

“Right now, there is no such thing as having a stressfree building process,” says Charles A. Barnett of Charles A. Barnett III, Inc. “If anybody

tells you that [they can make it stress-free], they are not being truthful.”

The expression “nothing worth having comes easy” might be a good mantra for homebuilding clients today. And indeed, as anyone who’s built their dream home (with a reputable builder, anyway) can tell you, the end result is most certainly worth having— blood, sweat, dollars, and all.

Herewith, our Best Builders 2022—each of them of the highest repute, not to mention unflinchingly honest— share the 20 things they want you to know to help make the homebuilding process easier.

!

text by JESSICA OTTE

photography by ELIZABETH LAVIN

styling by LARRY OLIVER

Gasp!

TRUTH TIME: BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME CAN BE A STRESSFUL PROCESS. OUR 2022 BEST BUILDERS TELL YOU HOW TO MAKE IT EASIER.

2

It’s crucial to hire the right people...

“Not all builders are

It may seem counter-intuitive to hire a builder before you’ve even purchased a lot, but Peter Scott of Jim Scott and Sons says having them involved in site selection is key. “[A builder can provide] expertise about the grade, zoning restrictions, and soil conditions— all of which can impact the design of the home,” he says. As ideas get put onto paper, having your builder onboard will also help you stay on budget, as he or she is able to put

hard costs to pie-in-thesky ideas. “Too often we see clients who engage an architect without a builder and design an awesome home that they love but does not fit the budget,” says Calais Custom Homes’ Paul Rostron. “Your builder should help you value engineer where possible to get the best home possible for your available budget.”

But don’t stop once you’ve got your architect and builder in place. Having your entire team assembled

… and to hire them early. 3 5

early in the process—we’re talking interior designer, landscape designer, etc.— “ensures that the evolution of the design is aligned with both the aesthetic and the financial objectives of the client,” says Dan McKeithen of Provenance Builders. “Like a Venn Diagram, the project team is able to focus on and work toward creating overlap or common ground between design and budget.”

Make sure your budget is not a moving target.

6

This one’s pretty simple. “Don’t try to build a home that is more than you can afford,” says Adam Lingenfelter of Lingenfelter Custom Homes. “It will always add stress to the process.” Know what you can—and cannot—afford to spend, then be upfront about your budget and hold your team accountable. “Make us repeat the budgeting process until you are satisfied with every line item,” says Sustainable Structures of Texas’ Sam Hall. “If you want more money for your countertops and less money for your plumbing fixtures, we will adjust it.”

THE MORE YOU KNOW

Planning ahead saves time, money, and heartache.

Though your builder knows you’re anxious to get started, it’s advantageous to spend time ironing out every detail before you begin. “Frank Lloyd Wright said it best: ‘You can use an eraser on the drafting table or a sledgehammer on the construction site,’ ” says Isler Homes’ Carolyn Isler. Adds Preston Johns of Axiom Builders: “Most construction projects are like a jig-saw puzzle full of many components to get us to the final picture. Thorough preparation and planning upfront allows for a smoother process throughout the duration of your project.”

In addition to your budget, it’s a good idea to do your research on your newly purchased lot. For instance, notes JLD Custom Homes’ Jeff Dworkin, “Know if there is an HOA and/ or any deed restrictions or city restrictions on the property.”

“Now more than ever, it is crucial to have designs finalized and materials—flooring, countertop, fixtures, appliances, etc.—selected before construction begins,” says Cole Smith of Crow Bar Constructors, Inc. This helps to not only offset long lead times—Smith notes that “special-order windows and plumbing fixtures are taking up to six months for delivery, and some luxury appliances are taking up to 10 months”—but also to ensure you’re getting the most accurate estimates. “Having all designs completed

and selections made before the beginning of construction greatly affects how accurate the builder can estimate the project both in terms of cost and completion dates,” he adds. Also worth noting: “Reselects for finishes are common as items are discontinued or not available,” says Southgate Homes’ Steve Schermerhorn. Your best bet if you’re on a tight timeline is to choose strategically. “Ask vendors what items are in stock and what the lead times are,” says McKinley Built Homes’ Heidi McKinley.

Once you’ve made your selections, resist the urge to second-guess yourself. Explains Todd Bonneau of Todd Bonneau Homes, LLC: “It’s difficult to fully explain how much changes slow down the process.” Clients need to understand the ripple effect that even a single, seemingly innocent adjustment—like cabinetry elevation changes—can have on the other pieces of the puzzle—like plumbing and electrical placement. And it’s not just time spent

redrafting plans or patching up walls and rerouting pipes; it’s subjecting yourself to material delays that your builder sought to avoid. Given the supplychain challenges of today, it’s common practice to order materials early to allow for long lead times. But when a change is made, notes Alford Homes’ Greg Alford, “you have to go all the way back through engineering and start ordering pieces and parts again. Every time

someone makes a change, it can set you back five, six, seven, eight weeks, easily.” The best advice is to consult with your team, who can perform an honest risk-reward assessment. “Invite your homebuilder to weigh in on the extra time and cost associated with a change you’d like to make,” say Endurance Homes’ Brian Hunt and Heather Lee. “This will keep your timeline on track and your build within budget.”

9 Realize “little changes” actually have a big impact.

the following 12 to 14 months are in construction.”

HURRY UP AND WAIT

“Between City of Dallas permitting delays and residential construction material backlogs, someone should expect anywhere between four to nine months of delays,” says Potenza Homes’ Christopher Petit.

and important steps.”

12. Understand that progress won’t always happen at a steady pace.

“Custom home building progress is like a roller coaster,” says Blake Byrd of Knox Built Construction. “Some parts of the job, like framing, happen very fast. Some parts of the job, like painting, happen very slow. Don’t sweat the day by day; measure progress month to month instead of week to week.”

13 14

Costs can—and will—fluctuate.

suppliers,” says Alford, who has worked with many of his trusted subs for nearly three decades. The homeowners benefit from getting vetted and properly insured laborers whose reliability, communication, pricing, quality of work, and the care with which they treat other subs’ work are proven. Though a lower quote may seem appealing, Alford notes that you often pay for it in other ways—not the least of which is added stress on you as the point person. Agrees Munir: “Homeowners that elect to put together the team [of subcontractors] invariably become the project manager and problem resolver, which makes for a high-stress process. Using your builder’s resources keeps all points of accountability with the

Cost-plus contract

The client is responsible for covering all costs incurred, at market rates, plus an additional fee for the builder’s time and effort. “The negative to costplus is you don’t know what it’s going to cost you,” says Alford. Though costplus is easier for the builder, Alford says it can make for some difficult conversations if prices end up being significantly higher

than the initial bid when it comes time to build.

Fixed-price contract

The client and builder agree upon a predetermined price for the complete build. “Ninety-five percent of what I do is fixed-price,” Alford says, “but we do have an ‘escalation clause.’ ”

What’s an escalation clause?

With prices as volatile as they are today, it’s common

to see these protective clauses in fixed-price contracts, which give the builder an opportunity to collect additional payment for anything beyond a 10 percent variation from the fixed price. “So I’m eating some of it,” Alford says. “It’s not a big difference between cost-plus and fixedprice today, and that’s just simply because of how the market is.”

No, your builder doesn’t want to use “your guy.”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Your team should be open to questions and constructive feedback; in fact, good builders welcome it. A collaborative approach with checks and balances helps rather than hurts, smoothing every rough edge so the final, well-considered result meets the client’s every need. “The client has a critical role to play balancing the artistic and visionary desires of the architect with the more practical build/performance/budget concerns of the general contractor,” says Ripple D+B’s Garrett Ratner. “Create an environment where these creative tensions can be aired and worked through collaboratively— we want your input on these matters!”

No.

For the year or two that you’re working together, a client-builder relationship isn’t unlike one between spouses. “Building a custom home is like a marriage,” says John Hawkins of HawkinsWelwood Homes. As with your mate, you need to be in lockstep when it comes to your goals and communication styles. “Discuss how and when you will communicate, so it doesn’t become a barrage of texts, emails, and phone calls that can’t be effectively fielded,” says Leite. Most builders

prefer that all communication go through them, regardless of who does the work. “If you see something you have a question about or want to change, it’s appealing to tell the guy who is there working,” says Cecil. “The problem arises when the subcontractor submits an invoice for work that is unexpected by everyone, or that might impact costs down the road. If all communication flows through the builder/project manager, it’s the best chance at having a stress-free experience.”

17. Mistakes are inevitable.

Just because your builder has decades of experience doesn’t mean they’ve built a house exactly like yours before. “The home that you are building is one of a kind, and never been built before, so there are always surprises that pop up and challenges that occur,” says Rostron. “The key is to find a builder who has a reputation for solving problems, delivering on their commitments, and standing behind their build for years to come.” Remember: You hired your professionals for a reason. Trust them to live up to your initial expectations. “A good builder will do everything possible to make calm from chaos, but things won’t always go as planned,” says Byrd. “It is important that clients trust they hired the right builder for the job and trust in our ability to execute even when things seem chaotic.”

Be patient.

Your builder can have considered every detail, crossed every T, and dotted every I—and still face delays that are beyond their control. Be flexible and forgiving.

“Now, more than ever, be patient. Supply chain constraints and labor shortages have created real challenges that we as builders deal with on a daily basis,” says Leite. “We want to build you a masterpiece, under budget and on time, but there are unique challenges we are facing for the first time.”

Beyond the challenges specific to today’s market, there are also good old-fashioned acts of God that can wreak havoc on a

timeline. “We do our best to plan and prepare for inclement weather, but it is a factor we cannot control,” say Raegan and Sheri Barringer of Barringer Custom Homes. As you move through the process, builders say to keep your eyes on the finish line. “Even though everyone gets anxious to move fast, try to trust in the process—it will be worth it in the end, and you won’t remember that two-week delay once you’re comfortably living in your new home,” says Heritage Blue Homes’ Lauren Garcia. “Keep the faith towards the end, and don’t cut corners because you’re ready to move in.”

No.

time—when they’re on the job, and when they’re not. “Builders are people too, with personal lives and other things going on besides just your home,” says JLD Custom Homes’ Jeff Dworkin. “Calling a builder at 8 p.m. on a Saturday night because you all of a sudden recalled you wanted different faucets is not right to the builder.”

Open, frequent, and respectful communication is key.

(It’s how they’re handled that matters.)

Your builder does this day in and day out. He or she has troubleshooted and perfected his or her process over the course of many years. Even if you don’t understand why something needs to happen at the speed specified or in the order outlined, give your builder the benefit of the doubt.

“There are reasons why we ask clients to work with us in a certain way and sequence

to enable the home to get completed as quickly and with as high a quality as possible,” says Rostron. Ultimately, no one appreciates the feeling of being second-guessed. Says London, “The most important factor in building a home is trust—both client and builder must feel they are on the same team with the same stated goal. Enjoy the build process and be friends at the end of the project.”

Things may not always make sense to you, and in the midst of a build, they look messy from time to time—“controlled chaos,” as Leite puts it—but the same can be said for many creative endeavors. “Building a home is like making sausage,” Leite adds. “Sometimes it’s best to stay out of the kitchen until the final product is ready!”

THE FACE OF BUILDING: THE 163 BEST BUILDERS IN DALLAS 2022

Alair Homes

Alford Homes

Attaway Homes

Austin Neuhoff Homes

Avida Custom Homes

Axiom Builders

Bailey Family Builders, Inc.

Barcus Construction Management, LLC

Barnett West Custom Homes

Barringer Custom Homes

Barrow Builders Group

Bauhaus Modern Homes

Bean Co Homes

Beechwood Custom Homes

Bella Custom Homes

Biggerstaff Construction, Inc.

Bob Bobbitt Custom Homes

Bob Thompson Homes

Bond + Truss

Braswell Homes

BufordHawthorne

Calais Custom Homes

Caprock Custom Construction, Inc.

Chapman Custom Homes

Charles A. Barnett III, Inc.

cjb HOMES

Classic Urban Homes

Cleve Adamson

Custom Homes

Coats Homes

Constructionologists, Inc.

Craft Barnett Homes

Crescent Estates

Custom Homes

Crescent Signature Homes

Cresswell Custom Builders

Crow Bar Constructors, Inc.

Custom Homes of Texas

Danes Custom Homes

Dave R. Williams Homes

David Leite Custom Homes

David Lewis Builder, Inc.

Davis Signature Homes, LLC

Desco Fine Homes

Double Door Custom Homes, Inc.

Douglas Signature Homes LLC

Durrett Construction LLC

Edinburgh Custom Homes

Ellen Grasso & Sons LLC

Ellerman Homes

Endurance Homes

Faulkner Perrin Custom Homes

Ferrier Custom Homes

Gardner Custom Homes

Garvey Homes

George Davis & Associates, Inc.

George Lewis Custom Homes

Goff Custom Homes

Greenwell Homes

Hardy Construction

Hartman Construction, Inc.

Hawkins-Welwood Homes

Hayes Signature Homes

Haynsworth Custom Homes

Heritage Blue Homes

Herman Darden LLC

Hoffmann Homes

Holmes Builders

Homes by Bowen

Hudson Construction Group

Isler Homes

J.D. Smith Custom Homes

Jackson Custom Homes

Jarrett Construction

Jered Custom Homes

Jim Johnson Group

Jim Scott and Sons

JLD Custom Homes

Joe Kain Homes

Joseph Paul Homes

Key Residential

Kienast Homes

Knox Built Construction

LeComte Homes

Lingenfelter Custom Homes

LRO Residential Development

Malone Custom Builders

Marable Homes

Mark Clifton Homes

Mark Siepiela Custom Homes

Martin Raymond Homes

Matie Custom Homes

Matt and Paul Home Design and Construction

McCowen-Sainton Homes

McKinley Built Homes

Megaco Construction

Michael S. Wilson

Custom Homes

Milan Custom Build

Millennial Design + Build

Mills Custom Homes

Mishler Builders

Montgomery Custom Homes

More Design + Build

Mullinix Custom Homes

New Leaf Custom Homes

Nixon Custom Homes

Ogden Custom Homes

Patten Custom Homes

Pencil Point Construction

Phillip Jennings Custom Homes

Platinum Homes by Mark Molthan

Potenza Homes

Prospect Homes

Provenance Builders

RA Millennium Properties

Randy Clowdus Construction

RGD+B

Richard Dietrichson Fine Homes

Richard Miller Custom Homes

Richland Builds

Rick Shipley Custom Homes

Ripple D+B

RJA Construction, LLC

Robert Clark and Associates

Robert Elliot Custom Homes

Robert Hopson

Construction Group

Ron Davis Custom Homes

Ron McHam Homes

Rosewood Custom Builders

S&R Development

SCH Homes

Sebastian Construction Group

Seymore Custom Homes

Shaddock Caldwell Builders & Developers

Shaddock Homes

Sharif & Munir Custom Homes

Sleepy Hollow Homes

Snelling Homes

Southgate Homes

Sovereign Custom Homes

Stark Homes

Starr Construction

Sterling Brook

Custom Homes

Susan Newell Homes

Sustainable Structures of Texas

Tanner Homes

Tatum Brown Custom Homes

Tekton Built

The Hill Group

The Newport Group

Thomas Development + Construction

Thomas Signature Homes

Tim Jackson Custom Homes

Todd Bonneau Homes, LLC

Todd James Homes

Tommy Ford Construction

UC Properties by Jennifer Duncan

Ventura Custom Homes

Victor Myers Custom Homes

Waterford Classic Homes

Waterside Properties

Wells Homes

Wes McKenzie

Custom Homes

Westchester Custom Homes

Zachary Custom Homes

This list is the result of a survey that was sent to more than 1,200 area builders and their peers. A panel of industry professionals vetted the nominees. The resulting list reflects the companies who received the most votes. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the publishers of D Home.

Trust your builder— and the process—and you’ll end up with the home of your dreams (and may just have a little fun along the way).

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN A PAIR OF ART-APPRECIATING AUDIOPHILES HIRES A TOP-NOTCH TEAM OF DETAIL-DRIVEN PROFESSIONALS? A HOME THAT HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES, INSIDE AND OUT.

opening spread: (from left) Natural light pours into the entry through the floor-to-ceiling Arcadia Custom windows. The walls feature the same Corso brick as the exterior, and the wood floors are by Carlisle. The burnished brass bench with sheepskin cushions is a custom design by Deborah Walker and Associates, and the patinated brass and black glass console table is by Viya.

The architecture and interior design teams collaborated on the custom shelves that hold the homeowner’s Burmester sound system. “The stereo system is the highlight in the living room,” says designer Deborah Walker. “It was what the whole downstairs was designed around.”

And, finally, they wanted a clean, sleek backdrop for their growing art collection.

After finding the just-right lot where they could build their dream home, the Orrs needed the just-right team to make it happen, so they put together a superstar roster including SHM Architects, builder Goff Custom Homes, interior design firm Deborah Walker + Associates, and landscape architecture firm Hocker. The resulting residence—a modern stunner with a resort-like backyard—radiates beauty inside and out. More important, the light-filled house perfectly encapsulates everything the Orrs wanted in a home.

“Making the house feel comfortable was a big goal,” Pam says, noting that the home features no extraneous rooms and no unnecessary accessories. “When you’re retired, you don’t want to have to clean up a lot of stuff.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 73 >>

opposite page: Metallic touches abound in the formal dining room, where a striking geometric painting by Eamon Ore-Giron tops a lacquered cabinet by Lorin Marsh from David Sutherland. Overhead, Porter Teleo’s “Kintsugi” wallpaper covers the ceiling. The chandelier is from John Salibello, the table is from Holly Hunt, and the chairs are Usona Home in Schumacher silk velvet. The ceramic piece on the console is by Matthew Gilley and Carrie White. this page: (from top) A sculptural artwork by Wyatt Kahn and lighting by Usona Home line the walls of the stairwell, which features a custom railing by SHM Architects. A slatted screen on the front of the brick, steel, and stucco exterior adds privacy to the home’s second story.

IIf you had to choose only three words to describe Pam and Keith Orr’s new University Park house, “calm,” “cool,” and “collected” could do the trick. As empty nesters, the couple wanted a home short on distractions and big on comfort. They also needed a space that could house Keith’s state-of-the-art stereo system.

The living room serves as the homeowners’ main hangout space, and with its chic but comfy seating, it’s easy to see why. The custom sofa is covered in JAB velvet, the Usona Home chair is upholstered in Sandra Jordan alpaca fabric, and the Atelier Agahzadeh bench from Jean de Merry has a sheepskin top. Anchoring the custom rug, a custom cocktail table designed by Deborah Walker and Associates features a steel base and smoked glass top. The neon light and two-way mirror art above the vintage Ralph Lauren cabinet is by Jeppe Hein.

But just because the homeowners decided to test out the waters of minimalism on this project doesn’t mean the house is cold or stark in any way. In fact, designer Deborah Walker and project manager Erin Stockmeyer incorporated warm textures, a rich color scheme, and eye-catching accents throughout the interior. In the living room, for instance, a sofa upholstered in pine needle green velvet provides a cozy spot to lounge. In the dining room, a ceiling covered in hand-painted wallpaper by Porter Teleo instantly draws the eye upward. And, for the space above the garage, the designers worked with the architecture team—which consisted of David Stocker, Nick McWhirter, and Keaton Cizek—to design wall paneling so stunning that the homeowners decided to use the space as an additional guest room rather than a gym as originally intended.

Walker and Stockmeyer also enlisted Houston-based art consultant Lea Weingarten to help complete the Orrs’ art collection, and they added one-of-a-kind touches in nearly every room, from custom upholstery to custom millwork. Most notably, they worked

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74 >>

this page: (clockwise from top left) In the upstairs hallway, Allied Maker sconces flank a music-themed piece by artist Max Steven Grossman, which hangs above a built-in banquette made of natural walnut. Small in size but big on style, the petite powder bath is outfitted with Calacatta Verde marble slabs from Artistic Tile and lighting by Tom Dixon. Reflected in the custom mirror is a playful art piece by Paola Pivi made of strands of bright pink beads. The vase is by Carrie White Ceramics. A 1950s bar cabinet serves as album storage for Keith Orr’s extensive record collection. “We definitely wanted to make his collection a feature of the house,” says Walker, who found the Silvio Cavatorta cabinet at Gary Rubinstein Antiques in Miami. The midcentury silhouette of the Cassina “Lady” chair plays perfectly with the vintage cabinet.

with the architects to devise a deluxe shelving system for Keith’s high-end Burmester sound system. To match the stainless steel audio equipment and macassar wood-encased speakers—which can often be found blasting the Grateful Dead or another of Keith’s classic-rock favorites—the team created shelves made of the same macassar wood and polished stainless steel.

The audio setup is so sophisticated, in fact, that the stereo equipment and the speakers each have their own concrete-and-steel foundations independent from that of the rest of the pier-andbeam house—a request that builder Rusty Goff calls a first in his construction career. The goal: to keep the sound coming from the speakers from creating any vibration in the home’s floor system and to keep vibration from affecting the equipment itself.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 79 >>

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73

“The Orrs weren’t trying to do what someone else had done. ... They truly wanted to create something special.”

—RUSTY GOFF, GOFF CUSTOM HOMES L.P.

this page: A sleek Bulthaup kitchen sits adjacent to the living room. The rice paper artwork by Zhuang Hong Yi is from Galerie LeRoyer in Montreal, Canada. The ceramic vase and bowl are by Matthew Gilley. opposite page: (from left) The dining space off the kitchen, which features a table and benches custom designed by Deborah Walker and Associates, opens onto the backyard patio. The ceramics on the table are by Matthew Gilley. A custom floor-to-ceiling cabinet crafted by Jerry Short Cabinets adds shine to an upstairs hallway. The secret to the mirror finish is automotive lacquer. The countertop and backsplash are Calacatta Antica marble from Artistic Tile, and the art is by Matthew Hawtin.

Backyard Bliss

One of the Orrs’ favorite features of their property—and the reason they chose the lot in the first place—is how peaceful it feels. “It’s quiet here,” Pam says, citing the lack of traffic noise. “When you’re in the backyard, you’re kind of secluded.” The resort-like setup was designed by Hocker’s David L. Hocker, Ashlee Lehmann, and Zewen “Allen” Yu (who served as design principal, project manager, and landscape designer, respectively), and executed by Goff Custom Homes and Canterra Outdoors. It includes an infinity pool with a hot tub, a fire pit, an outdoor shower, multiple seating areas, and an outdoor kitchen—pretty much everything a modern homeowner needs for the ultimate outdoor living experience. Even better, the space is low maintenance. “We like the fact that it doesn’t have any grass,” Pam says. But perhaps best of all is a landscape feature not apparent to the naked eye. Because the stone of the pool deck is installed on pedestals, water is able to flow downward through the open joints and into a subgrade area where the drains are built in. “You don’t have any visible drains,” Goff says, “so it’s a clean, contemporary look.”

this page: (clockwise from top) The backyard’s sleek outdoor shower provides the homeowners and guests a quick rinse after taking a dip in the modern infinity pool, which has no visible drains thanks to an ingenious design. Clad in paint grip metal, the garage houses a guest bedroom and bath above it. A gate on the side of the house leads to the main entrance. opposite page: There’s room for a crowd in this outdoor lounge area, which Walker outfitted with Janus et Cie loungers and armchairs and Paola Lenti ottomans and side tables. The doors separating the living room from the patio open fully and pocket into the walls for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

“The idea was to completely isolate the structure that was holding the audio equipment and the structure where the speakers were positioned in the room,” Goff says. “We eliminated or greatly minimized any chance for any vibration or movement whatsoever in connection with the audio system.”

With its complex sound system; impressive art collection; and expert architecture, interior design, and construction, it’s no surprise that Goff refers to the Orr house as a “jewel box.”

“The level of detail and the level of design and creativity in this house went way above and beyond the norm—and that’s driven by the client,” he says. “The Orrs weren’t trying to do what someone else had done or what the next-door neighbor had done. They truly wanted to create something special.”

this page: (from left) Jerry Short Cabinets out of Idaho created the bleached walnut vanity in the primary bathroom. The lighting is by Apparatus, and the mirrors are custom. Walker worked with SHM Architects to design the paneling in the guest bedroom. “When something is that pitchy, it can look like a leftover room, so we wanted to make it feel special,” she says. The dresser is vintage, the lamp is Porta Romana, and the chandelier is Blueprint Lighting.

opposite page: The cozy primary bedroom is a sea of soothing neutrals, with a custom upholstered bed, Vladimir Kagan bench in bronze and suede, drapery in Holly Hunt fabric, and a custom rug by Truett. The bedside lamp is Porta Romana, and the Angelo Lelli chandelier is from Michel Contessa Antiques in Miami.

Oasis

Outdoor

BY JENNIFER SANDER HAYES

A picture-perfect summer begins with the

transformation of your outdoor living space.

with a properly executed outdoor living environment, you can get away from it all every day. Whether it’s a front yard, backyard, side patio, outdoor kitchen, or pool area—if it is well-designed and executed, it will feel like an oasis whenever you open your door. Sure, a few pops of color in florals planted here and there will brighten a yard, but now is the time to think bigger. Better. Here, Dallas’ go-to landscape professionals, outdoor living pros, and horticulturalists share their tips to get the most out of your home’s outdoor spaces all summer and beyond.

It all begins with a plan and a professional.

The key to a successful outdoor living transformation is planning and design. Just because you’re ready to begin a landscaping or pool project and enjoy a quick result doesn’t mean you’ll be able to. The Dallas area’s hard freeze in 2021 and mild freezes in 2022, combined with the challenges of limited materials and delayed shipping times, mean it will take months—or longer—to get the garden of your dreams. Glenn Bonick, owner of Bonick Landscaping, says the harsh winter weather the Dallas area experienced in the past two years has taken a toll on gardens. Not only are more people wanting brand-new outdoor living spaces—many are still trying to revive and replace what they had prior to the freeze.

Common—and Costly—Landscape Mistakes

Not hiring an experienced landscape professional

Going with the cheapest bid. Cheapest doesn’t mean best.

Not understanding realistic timelines. A quality landscape project can’t be completed overnight.

Not using reputable, professional maintenance pros for pools and landscaping to ensure the investment ages well and provides years of enjoyment.

Source: Outdoor Dynamics

“We have had an interesting winter, and a lot of plants didn’t make it through that second freeze,” Bonick says. “All of the freezing temperatures we have seen during the past two years have compounded and we are having to replace what was lost. There has also been record construction and remodeling projects, meaning landscaping and plant materials are in short supply and will likely remain in short supply for the next three to five years. I am telling my clients to get comfortable with planting smaller plants and watching them grow. Basically, the project you begin now—expect it to be complete in 2023.”

This isn’t a bad thing, landscaping professionals say, because the pause creates plenty of time for proper planning. For instance, if you overplant by placing plants too close together to get that instant full look, you’ll risk an overgrown garden and wind up having to re-do the landscape later. Rushed or incorrect space planning in outdoor living areas, such as pools, playscapes, and outdoor kitchens,

can lead to dissatisfaction the overall result once it’s complete. “You can phase out a plan from an investment standpoint if you have to,” Bonick says. “However, it will likely become more expensive because you are repairing and maintaining older spaces while adding new phases to the project. Having a well-thought-out master plan and making decisions and executing them correctly up front will result in a better project.”

Tyler McClure, owner of Outdoor Dynamics, which specializes in custom luxury outdoor spaces, says a quality outdoor living project begins with a plan that serves as a construction roadmap. Your outdoor living space could potentially become the property’s biggest asset, which means its design and execution will require careful consideration. This consideration applies to both the planning and design process as well as the landscaping professional you choose.

“When imagining your new outdoor space, a good landscape professional should approach the project with a design-first attitude,” McClure says. “You should expect to pay a design fee relative to the scope of the project that will allow you to spend the time needed to create something truly special, rather than a copy-and-paste version of the neighbor’s yard.”

A typical project for McClure could cost anywhere from $100,000 to more than $1 million—a significant investment in your home, which is why choosing a qualified landscape professional is critical. Keep in mind that much of the investment in landscape design goes into aspects that you and your guests will never see—bed preparation, drainage systems, and foundation work. “You want a professional who is experienced and well trained,” says Jason Osterberger, owner of Osterberger Designs. “Just randomly hiring someone with a truck can be risky. Mistakes are costly, and you will struggle for years to come with replacement and maintenance. A well-designed garden is a more maintenance-friendly garden.”

FineLines Design Studio offers design-only and design-build services and specializes in masterplanning outdoor living areas. “Master-planning is a great way for us to show clients the big picture and help them to phase appropriately, if needed,” says Melda Clark, owner and lead designer. “With proper conceptual design solutions, 3D renderings, and video animations, we bring all components of the landscape design together to help our clients with their decision-making process. It’s important to understand the value of having a landscape architect when it comes to designing an outdoor space to bring it all together.”

Davey Devlin, owner of Scapes Incorporated, a luxury landscape and hardscape services company, says an experienced landscape professional should serve as the project’s quarterback, coordinating all the professional trades involved—pool

“People want to capitalize on every square inch they have. Resort features that make a home feel more special are in demand.”

JASON OSTERBERGER, OSTERBERGER DESIGNS

Maintain Your Outdoor Living Environment

Melda Clark, Owner/ Lead Designer, FineLines Design Studio LLC

How do I keep plants healthy in Texas’ unpredictable weather?

Plants that require a lot of water will be a challenge if you are trying to avoid heavy landscaping maintenance. Avoid growing water-requiring plants in areas blasted by the sun all day. Instead, choose drought-tolerant perennials. An application of mulch can reduce your watering needs significantly. Take precaution with your landscaping before an extended freeze season starts, and make sure you cover the sensitive plants.

What is your best advice to keep a lawn lush and green?

Fall is an excellent time to go after any weeds you don’t want to deal with in the spring. Once a lawn has matured, there is little maintenance needed during the spring and summer, often limited to weeding and regular mowing.

How do I care for my outdoor deck?

Use a pressure washer for the best results and scrub any algae or dirt spots with a stiff-bristle brush. Be careful that any cleaning product you use around your pool is pool-safe, as some of the product may drain into the pool when rinsed. Check for boards that need to be repaired or fasteners lifting out of the surface. If it’s time to re-stain your deck, you can do this after cleaning.

What is the best way to maintain water features?

Perform a deep clean every spring and fall, and carefully check your water feature for wear and tear, including potential leaks that may need to be addressed. Winterize your feature appropriately before cold weather arrives.

finelinesdesignstudio.com

and playscape installation, lighting, audio/visual, and more—throughout the project so it progresses seamlessly. For each project, Devlin views a home’s outdoor space as a blank canvas that is ready for paint. In initial meetings with homeowners, he learns about their family and how they live—and want to live—in their home. A father of three, he understands that kids need plenty of space to run and play and helps his clients think of ways to incorporate play areas for their kids while also creating the backyard paradise they’ve been dreaming of. “The first step is communication, then the design,” he says. “We go back and forth until we get

Summer Planting

Nothing says “summer” quite like delicious tomatoes that you can grow in your own backyard garden. Even better, you can extend the flavors of summer into the fall when tomatoes are ripe and ready to pick. Late June to mid-July is the perfect time to plant for a fall harvest, and these five steps will help you get started.

CHOOSE THE SITE. Tomatoes must have full sun—at least six hours or more of direct sunlight daily is best, and they require consistent moisture, so access to a water supply will make growing easier. They also require good drainage and air circulation to prevent disease. Tomatoes can be planted in the ground, but with the heavy clay soils in the Dallas area, the soil will need to be well-amended with compost to improve drainage. It’s often easier to garden in a raised bed or in a container with good drainage and, for ease, use a pre-blended soil mix, such as Mayer® Raised Bed Mix.

growers and generally produce larger fruits that ripen all at once. Their more compact growth habit is good for container culture, and they do not require pruning. Indeterminate tomatoes usually have smaller-sized fruit that is produced over a much longer time on larger, vining plants. Both types benefit from stakes or wire cages to support them as they grow. There are also hybrid and heirloom varieties; hybrid tomatoes are bred for specific size, flavor, or other characteristics.

plant and plant deeply, so that up to one third of the stem is under the soil. This will allow additional roots to grow from the stem. Finally, water the plant thoroughly and finish by applying two to three inches of a shredded bark or pine needle mulch to conserve soil moisture.

1 3

Heirloom tomato varieties may produce less fruit, but sometimes offer unusual shapes or colors with distinctive flavor qualities.

4 5 2

CHOOSE YOUR TOMATO VARIETY. There are two major types of tomatoes, determinate and indeterminate. Determinate tomatoes are bush-type

PLANT. Begin by soaking the tomato plant in a solution of liquid seaweed or root stimulator. Next, prune a few lower leaves off the

NURTURE YOUR GROWING CROP. Water in the morning, but in the heat of summer, you may need to water twice a day, especially for tomatoes grown in containers. Fertilize after the first fruits have started to develop and reapply every two weeks thereafter.

ENJOY YOUR FALL HARVEST! If a frost is predicted, harvest any unripe fruits by gently twisting from the plant, and place on a bright windowsill to finish ripening.

Source: North Haven Gardens

GROW YOUR OWN TOMATOES IN FIVE SIMPLE STEPS.

it exactly as they want it. We want homeowners to think about all the different elements they want, and then we can position those areas like different rooms throughout the yard.”

One unique way Davey can help his clients to see the big picture is through virtual reality. He uses 3D technology to design the plans and uploads them to Occulus Quest virtual reality glasses so homeowners can “experience” what the result will look like. “The virtual reality glasses help clients ‘feel’ the space and better understand the vision of how it can all come together,” he says. “Maybe we will have a bocce ball court in one area, a putting

New & Next in Landscape Design

The single biggest trend in outdoor living is to create a seamless transition, blurring the boundary between the interior of the home and the exterior spaces. This can be achieved by creating large, open living and dining areas and outdoor kitchens that rival those in the home. By viewing your outdoor space as another room of the home, you can unlock your home’s true potential.

“In florals, I’m seeing combinations of yellow and periwinkle blue. In hardscapes, clients are wanting larger outdoor structures, the incorporation of radiant heat, outdoor ‘wet’ fans that can withstand the rain, purification systems in pools, and LED lighting.”

Working from home created a need for more technology outdoors—USB chargers in the bar and patio areas, designated outdoor workspaces, advanced audio and lighting solutions, and multiple zones for speakers.

“When it comes to garden, we are seeing a trend toward home-grown vegetables and herbs— especially those grown in containers and raised beds. Plants that provide benefits, such as edible fruits or leaves or those that offer fragrance or can be used in beneficial oils, are popular. People are also interested in native Texas plants that, once established, are low maintenance and benefit our local wildlife.”

Putting greens on synthetic turf, playscapes, game courts, in-ground trampolines— anything that gets the kids outside has been a must.

“For simple modern touch, we are seeing masonry elements, such as fireplaces and firepits, barbecue islands, seat walls, and columns simplified with the use of natural Lueder slab stones and granite or quartz as veneer for both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Corten Steel product use is on the rise for everything from pottery built-in planters to laser-cut screen panels. More people are requesting modern segmented concrete design with artificial turf joints or large artificial turf areas in their back yard as alternative hardscape surfaces. This results in a more sustainable approach.”

MELDA CLARK, FINELINES DESIGN STUDIO

TYLER MCCLURE, OUTDOOR DYNAMICS

GLENN BONICK, BONICK LANDSCAPING

CODY HOYA, NORTH HAVEN GARDENS

DAVEY DEVLIN, SCAPES INCORPORATED

JASON OSTERBERGER, OSTERBERGER DESIGNS

Grow Your Own Herb Garden

How can I incorporate fresh herbs into my recipes?

Fresh herbs are bright, vibrant, look attractive as garnish, and can be dried for stronger flavor. It’s incredibly rewarding to step out of your patio door to harvest a bit of thyme for your favorite chicken dish, fresh cilantro for Latin fare, or a sprig of mint for some cocktails. When you pull out that fresh pesto you just made, your friends will think you’re a culinary genius! Sage’s earthy, savory flavor makes it a great addition to pastas and robust dishes, and lemongrass is a nice addition to tea and sauces. Rosemary is great in a variety of casseroles and on poultry. Of course, fresh mint leaves are the perfect herb to have on hand all summer long for a refreshing mojito.

What are some of the easiest herbs to grow in a Texas summer? Sage, rosemary, and lemongrass are sun-loving herbs. (Side note: Fresh lemongrass shoots with agave nectar can be used in infused syrups to flavor frozen yogurt on a hot day.) Mint grows best in the shade, and basil grows best in morning sun and afternoon shade, which is perfect in a hot Texas summer.

Where is the best place to plant garden herbs?

Herbs are the perfect container plants, so you don’t need a full-fledged vegetable garden to accommodate them. A sunny or semi-sunny balcony or patio will do just fine. Herbs can also double as beautiful ornamentals, so go ahead and tuck them into your landscape beds. One way to keep all your fresh herbs together is to plant them in an herb pot, which can be as pretty as it is functional.

nhg.com

green in another, a water feature, a fence that doubles as a climbing wall, or natural tree stumps can hold art boards where kids can paint and draw. There are so many options.”

Among the many benefits of hiring a landscape professional is peace of mind. The team at FineLines visits their job sites frequently to ensure quality and track the construction process. They use a client portal system, complete with calendars, schedule changes, inspection dates,

photos, and job site progress so their clients can stay informed every step of the way. “We would rather over-communicate to make sure we are on the same page with our clients,” Clark says. “We also come back before the end of a our 90-day warranty period to walk through the completed project to make sure everything is in order, even ensuring the plants’ health is good and replace anything that didn’t make it through the planting shock.”

Not sure where to start? Just look around your home to get inspiration for your new outdoor living space—colors and textures you enjoy, the overall style of the interior that can be continued outdoors, and your favorite rooms. You can also take inspiration your travels. Where do you feel most relaxed and peaceful on vacation? Relay those ideas to your landscape professional who should also be able to give you a fresh perspective and some of their own ideas. Says Bonick, “Landscaping should be about creating spaces so that every outdoor area is a continuation of the inside of your home. Our job is to help clients think about their lives—how they live now and how they want to live.”

Cody Hoya, General Manager, North Haven Gardens

BEST BUILDERS

IN DALLAS

The following special section showcases some of the Best Builders in Dallas who have shown their interest in serving D Home readers by sharing more information about their expertise, homebuilding philosophies, and career accomplishments. Use this guide as a resource to discover what’s new in homebuilding and who is behind the creation of the Dallas area’s most beautiful custom homes. For the full list of Best Builders, see page 67.

MILAN CUSTOM BUILD

With a combined 50 years of luxury construction experience between them, new owners of Milan Custom Homes, Richard Bragg and Arlen Haruthunian, are offering their valued clients a tailored approach to their new build or renovation. “We aim to cultivate a comfort level for each client that only comes from transparency, integrity and a lasting commitment to deliver quality results in a timely manner,” Bragg says. “This is evidenced in our daily hands-on, face-to-face work style with clients and trades.”

“While our work ranges from modern penthouses to traditional estates in the most soughtafter neighborhoods, our focus remains on delivering the highest level of services no matter the style using our network of trusted trades that are true craftsmen in their fields,” adds Haruthunian.

“We believe that for a project to succeed the key ingredient is communication,” Bragg says. “Listening to clients dreams and desires for their most intimate investment—their home—is the foundation of what we do and core to who we are.”

469.333.8880

MilanCustomBuild.com

@milancustombuild

“WE APPROACH EVERY PROJECT WITH PASSION AND CONSIDER EACH ONE A PRIVILEGE”

ARLEN HARUTHUNIAN AND RICHARD BRAGG

ALAIR DALLASFORT WORTH

Alair Homes, the largest and fastest-growing network of custom home, renovation, and historical preservation companies, offers clients an unparalleled client-centric experience.

Utilizing a simple, yet complete approach to construction management, Alair creates a full-disclosure partnership with clients by allowing them complete control of their homebuilding and renovation process through education and collaboration.

Working closely with industry trade partners and design professionals, Alair provides an exceptional building or renovation experience through alignment of values and a clear expectation of goals.

“Alair is an innovative company, highly focused on teamwork, collaboration, excellence, and providing an exceptional client experience,” regional partner Chris Bolio says. “Alair’s best-in-class systems and fully developed, tested, and proven process and resources enhance our clients’ lives by making the business of homebuilding clear and seamless.”

From multi-million-dollar whole home remodels and custom builds to major kitchen and bath renovations, with Alair Homes, Living Better Starts HereTM.

alairdfw.com

@alairhomesdallas_fortworth

“ALAIR IS AN INNOVATIVE COMPANY, HIGHLY FOCUSED ON PROVIDING AN EXCEPTIONAL CLIENT EXPERIENCE.”

Dallas-Fort Worth partners are Cole and Joelle Lowry; Mike Scarlett; Diane and Chad Hatfield; Sherry and Paul Zuch; Lisa and James Hammel

BARRINGER CUSTOM HOMES

Building your perfect home should be exciting and even fun! Make sure you spend that time with a team you trust and enjoy collaborating with. The Barringer Homes team has earned a reputation for building beautiful homes and providing the best possible experience for their clients. The heart that goes into every project results in lasting relationships. For over 20 years, Barringer Homes has had the privilege of working with the finest architects and designers in Dallas.

“Our goal is to bring the client’s vision of their dream home to life, while working together to make it an enjoyable, rewarding experience,” says principal Raegan Barringer. “That means listening, guiding, and serving, from concept to completion and for years to come.”

From architects and designers to vendors and contractors, they strive to build relationships—as well as your perfect home. 214.729.8809

“OUR GOAL IS TO BRING THE CLIENT’S VISION OF THEIR DREAM HOME TO LIFE, WHILE WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE IT AN ENJOYABLE, REWARDING EXPERIENCE.”

RAEGAN AND SHERI BARRINGER

BEECHWOOD CUSTOM HOMES

While many would say contemporary designs are not usually synonymous with timeless, Beechwood Custom Homes would say otherwise. Since day one, the company has been passionate about building homes rooted in traditional architecture alongside stunning contemporary presentation. Nam Phan, founder and principal of Beechwood Custom Homes, believes in a collaborative approach to design and development. “When you take advantage of the versatile skill sets of your partnering architects, interior designers, and tradesmen, you create synergies and work cohesively toward a collective vision,” Phan says.

Beechwood’s customer-centric approach is anchored on building authentic relationships and operating with the highest level of transparency and trust. This means open communication, knowledge exchange, and uninhibited information sharing with no strings attached. Phan and his team are invested in every detail from initial planning to final completion, treating each project as if it were their own personal home. For Phan, completing each build with new homeowners who treat you like a friend and trusted partner is what makes the job most rewarding.

“THOUGHTFUL DESIGN AND QUALITY CONSTRUCTION ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR BUSINESS, BUT NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GIVING OUR CLIENTS A FIRST-CLASS EXPERIENCE.”

NAM PHAN

“A CUSTOM HOMEBUILDING EXPERIENCE SHOULD INCLUDE ONE-ON-ONE SERVICE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, WHILE ALSO UPHOLDING HIGH-QUALITY STANDARDS OF DESIGN AND FINISH-OUT.”

BELLA CUSTOM HOMES

When people enter a Bella custom home, the word “beautiful” instantly comes to mind. “Bella,” beautiful in Italian, aptly describes homes by Bella Custom Homes, serving the Dallas area since 1993. A thirdgeneration builder, owner Tony Visconti and his partner, Stacy Brotemarkle, vice president, bring nearly five decades of experience to their clients. “We are in every design meeting with the architects and clients, and our clients appreciate interacting directly with us,” Visconti says. “We are known for one-on-one client service.”

Visconti, a New York native, learned the construction business from two of his uncles—one an engineer and the other, an accountant. “I learned how to build and how to operate a business,” he says. “Since then, I have been perfecting the level of classic architecture execution Bella is known for, from Italian Renaissance to Mediterranean to French Country. We have built it all.” Bella Custom Homes’ biggest differentiator is its fixed pricing; transparency, honesty, and quality are its hallmarks. Bella is also a full-service, turnkey builder. From selecting your lot and sketching the plans to construction and interior design, a talented team of professionals and craftsmen guide you from concept to completion.

214.232.3690

bellacustomhomes.com

@bellacustomhomes

BOB THOMPSON HOMES

Bob Thompson Homes has been named a D Home Best Builder for 16 consecutive years. Thompson, a Texas Christian University graduate with deep roots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, offers his clients more than 40 years of experience in the homebuilding industry. “We understand a custom home is more than a structure; it’s a reflection of its owners, a place where memories are made, and traditions honored,” he says. Bob Thompson Homes specializes in high-end technical construction and meticulously crafted luxury homes throughout Dallas and the surrounding areas. Adept in modern technologies and sophisticated modeling systems, the award-winning team has mastered complexities that are beyond the scope of other builders—all while providing original architectural design, unparalleled craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service. Says Thompson, “Our passion for excellence has led the company to win numerous industry awards, yet I’m most proud of our repeat clients and glowing referrals.”

972.931.9595

bobthompsonhomes.com

@bob_thompson_homes

“A CUSTOM HOME IS MORE THAN A STRUCTURE; IT’S A REFLECTION OF ITS OWNERS, A PLACE WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE, AND TRADITIONS HONORED.”

BOB THOMPSON

CALAIS CUSTOM HOMES

Calais Custom Homes has been the name to know in the Dallas area for 36 years when it comes to building timeless custom homes with impeccable craftsmanship. “Our clients’ tastes and preferences have evolved through the years, and today, many are leaning toward more contemporary design styles,” says Paul Rostron, co-owner and managing partner. “Our clients appreciate the attention to detail we provide. We provide high quality, and high value. Our long history in the marketplace sets us apart, and clients know they can trust us with one of the largest investments they’ll ever make and to deliver a unique custom home.”

Calais Custom Homes, currently led by Rostron and Sean Coghlan, also co-owner and managing partner, has enjoyed the opportunity to build on large, scenic, premium lots in new developments in Southlake, Westlake, Keller, and Colleyville. The Calais team’s proudest moments come when they see the excitement of each client when handed the keys to their new home.

817.481.6426

calaiscustomhomes.com

“THE GOAL OF THE ENTIRE TEAM AT CALAIS CUSTOM HOMES IS TO DELIVER THE ULTIMATE HOME OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE FOR CLIENTS.”

PROVEN COMMITMENT TO ENSURING YOUR NEXT HOME INVESTMENT EXCEEDS THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF REFINED QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP.”

CRESCENT ESTATES CUSTOM HOMES

Crescent Estates Custom Homes specializes in new home construction as well as high-end and luxury remodel projects throughout Dallas and the surrounding areas. Crescent Estates and its developer partner are responsible for the transformation of Dallas’ most famous estates as well as the development of luxury communities in Prosper, Westlake, Lucas, Turtle Creek, and downtown Dallas. “We’re known for our outside-the-box work and take on projects most builders won’t do,” says Brad Oellermann, president. Crescent Estates applies a consultative approach to quality assurance that is smart and efficient.

469.223.5944

crescentestates.com

@crescentestates

“A

BRAD OELLERMANN

DESCO FINE HOMES

Since 1977, David Goettsche of Desco Fine Homes has upheld his commitment to quality and integrity. Operating under the Desco name since 1992, Goettsche, a Dallas native, is known for his indepth construction knowledge, superior customer service, and attention to detail, whether he’s working on new construction or a remodeling project. The company builds in the area’s most distinguished neighborhoods, including Preston Hollow, Lakewood, and North Dallas.

Desco Fine Homes creates functional, beautiful spaces that are designed to bring the family together, resulting in open floorplans with spacious kitchens, large family rooms, guest quarters, energy efficiency, and relaxing outdoor living areas. Clients appreciate the way Desco can capture all the details in Mediterranean, traditional, transitional, and modern–style homes.

Goettsche focuses on client satisfaction, above all else. “Our clients can always reach me,” he says. “This, along with meticulous attention to detail in every project, sets us apart.”

“HIGHPERFORMANCE HOMEBUILDING IS RAISING THE STANDARD FOR HOW HOMES ARE BUILT.”

DAVID GOETTSCHE

ENDURANCE HOMES

Endurance Homes, a Hunt family tradition, is nearing two decades of luxury homebuilding in Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas, and Frisco. Dedicated to timeless architecture, innovative technology, and clever space planning, the Hunt family name is as enduring as the homes they build.

The boutique homebuilding firm is rapidly expanding under the leadership of Hunt siblings, Brian Hunt, Matt Hunt, and Heather Hunt Lee. The classically grounded but modern-minded trio brings their unerring taste and inspired homebuilding to life with integrity, ingenuity, and a strong sense of community. Known for their well-thought-out spaces and nuanced approach to material palettes and natural light, the firm is thrilled to expand to far North Dallas and its outlying suburbs.

The team at Endurance Homes skillfully guides clients through each phase of development with hands-on design services and on-site management. From architectural planning and consulting to materials selection and complete finish-out, clients enjoy an exceptional building experience, rooted in transparency. Endurance Homes proudly builds homes— and relationships—for life.

469.287.1865

endurancehomes.com

@endurancehomes

“A FAMILYVALUES APPROACH TO LUXURY HOMEBUILDING.”

HEATHER HUNT LEE AND BRIAN HUNT

FAULKNER PERRIN CUSTOM HOMES

Known for their beautiful homes with varied design styles, this pair strives to make the homebuilding experience truly unique. Scott Faulkner and Kirk Perrin formed the company to bring the same level of service, friendship, and trust they have experienced personally for 40 years to their clients, providing an unparalleled experience. Having the owners of the company personally involved is a key differentiator for this high-end homebuilder. “People are investing not only their capital but also a lot of time, energy, and emotion during this process, and we want to be more than just a builder to them,” Faulkner says.

214.912.4958

faulknerperrin.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION BEST BUILDERS 2022 105 DMAGAZINE.COM

HARTMAN CONSTRUCTION INC.

Hartman Construction Inc. is an award-winning, landmark homebuilder with more than 35 years of experience. Larry Hartman, a boutique builder, blends perfectionism with high-quality craftsmanship, sophisticated style, and decades of knowledge to seamlessly integrate the design and construction of homes that turn every client’s dream into a livable reality. He ensures constant communication with each of his clients and bridges the gap between the architect and client to maintain deadlines and streamline results. “It isn’t about the quantity of homes,” Hartman says. “It’s about the relationships we build.” Every Larry Hartman home is a distinctive reflection of each homeowner’s unique lifestyle. Hartman welcomes the opportunity to meet architects and clients for new building projects and renovations.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE QUALITY OF YOUR NEW HOME.”

LARRY HARTMAN

HAWKINS-WELWOOD HOMES

Timeless. Luxurious. Architecturally significant. These are just of the descriptions you’ll hear whenever Hawkins-Welwood Homes is mentioned. Celebring its 60th anniversary this year, HawkinsWelwood has been a name synonymous with integrity, quality construction, and superior customer service since 1961. Owner John Hawkins often says, “We serve people and, incidentally, we also build homes.”

Hawkins-Welwood stands the test of time in all areas. “We love what we do, and it’s evident in the homes and relationships we build,” Hawkins says.

Hawkins-Welwood takes pride in offering a wide selection of architecturally timeless homes throughout the area’s most notable neighborhoods. Luxury is evident at every turn, as HawkinsWelwood understands each home is not just an investment, but also a form of personal expression. “When you have a home with great architecture, it holds value for the long term,” Hawkins says. “Our job is to ensure the homes we build live up to our clients’ expectations.”

972.931.1006 hwhomes.com @hawkinswelwood

“EACH HOME IS NOT JUST AN INVESTMENT, BUT ALSO A FORM OF PERSONAL EXPRESSION.”

JOHN HAWKINS

HAYNSWORTH CUSTOM HOMES

As the saying goes, “When you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work.” This is how Jason and Liz Haynsworth feel about custom homebuilding. “We renovated our own home and quickly realized that we loved the process—and we were good at it!,” Liz recalls. The husband-and-wife team quit their corporate jobs in 2009 to start Haynsworth Custom Homes, starting off with renovations and now building luxury custom homes throughout Dallas.

You’ll find an even mix of their work between East Dallas and the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, and Bluffview. “The style of the homes we build is dependent upon the neighborhood,” Jason says. “We want to be respectful of a neighborhood’s character, which has led us to exploring every style from traditional to modern.”

Jason and Liz pride themselves on being accessible and approachable. The small company is a tight-knit team of three—and their size is their strength. Says Liz, “Projects are personally overseen by each of us from the first architecture meeting to handing over the keys.”

“CREATING BEAUTIFUL HOMES THAT COMPLEMENT THE LIFESTYLES OF OUR CLIENTS.”

KNOX BUILT CONSTRUCTION

Knox Built Construction challenges the notion that “they don’t build them like they used to” by championing craft, comfort, and style on the highest level. From finding the perfect lot and connecting clients with the right architect to developing accurate construction budgets and managing all aspects of construction, Knox Built raises the bar in the custom homebuilding and remodeling industry.

Knox Built specializes in high-end residential construction, whole-home remodels, and large addition and expansion projects. Blake Byrd, president, says clients appreciate the team’s highly detailed coordination. “We provide a timeline and track progress in our project management software, ensuring everything is selected and ordered before a shovel ever goes into the ground,” Byrd says. Clients also appreciate the company’s high level of communication. In addition to regular reports, the Knox Built team, architect, and client meet on site regularly to review the progress. “We want this to be a collaborative experience so everyone can enjoy seeing the project come to life,” Byrd adds.

If you can dream it, Knox Built Construction can build it. “We are expert craftsmen,” Byrd says. “We can do it all, and our work reflects that.”

MARABLE HOMES

Marable Homes has been fulfilling family dreams by creating beautiful homes in Lake Highlands, East Dallas, Park Cities, and North Dallas.

Marable Homes has projects ranging from traditional to modern and everything in between— whatever fits each client’s personal style. Marable Homes approaches building as a team, utilizing multiple skill sets so that every project is thoroughly planned out and executed.

Blake Marable and the team at Marable Homes want their clients to know that relationships are the most important aspect of every project. Their goal is for clients to always feel heard, valued, and appreciated. Says Marable, “Beyond the quality craftmanship and custom approach, most importantly, we want them to feel at home.” 214.669.2561

“IT

MCKINLEY BUILT HOMES

Patrick McKinley founded McKinley Built Homes in 1981 after more than a decade in the construction industry. His first project was a spec-home on Amherst in University Park; the original homeowner still lives there today. Since then, McKinley has built a reputation on his passion of homebuilding, his keen analysis of existing homes and new construction, and his integrity, honesty, and uncompromising quality. McKinley’s daughter, Heidi, joined McKinley Built Homes after spending more than 20 years in corporate America. Since elementary school, she would accompany her father on job sites and always knew she would follow in his footsteps.

For the McKinley’s, relationships are the pinnacle of everything they do. “It’s the relationships with our clients that lead to trust, collaboration, and innovative ideas,” Patrick says. “We also apply this same philosophy in working with our subcontractors and vendors. Dallas is home to many quality builders. We believe the building experience and detailed construction management we offer qualifies us to be among the best. Our motto has always been, ‘We don’t build an exceptional number of homes— we build a number of exceptional ones.’”

214.789.9332

mckinleybuilt.com

“COMBINING THE FINEST QUALITY WITH STYLE AND COMFORT.”

HEIDI MCKINLEY PATRICK MCKINLEY

MULLINIX CUSTOM HOMES, LP

Celebrating 26 years of building incredible custom homes in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow neighborhoods, Mullinix Custom Homes continues to deliver old-school craftsmanship and quality in the ever-changing custom home market. Mullinix excels in crafting stunning traditional and transitional homes. Many new projects include state-of-the-art lighting systems, LED technology, outdoor entertaining areas, wine storage rooms, and sliding walls of glass. Mullinix’s standard of quality and craftsmanship hasn’t changed during the past two decades. Homes embody what today’s homeowners want and make a statement about their personal taste and style. Mullinix Custom Homes builds quality and better value.

214.692.6550

mullinixcustomhomes.com

@dmullinix

“HOMES EMBODY WHAT TODAY’S HOMEOWNERS WANT AND MAKE A STATEMENT ABOUT THEIR PERSONAL TASTE AND STYLE.”

DENNIS MULLINIX

NEW LEAF CUSTOM HOMES

Building homes. Building relationships.

New Leaf Custom Homes is a designer-led company, where sophisticated design and creative ideas are always a priority. “We are building more than homes; we’re building relationships,” says Scott Powell. “We’re creating a new way of building.”

Since founding New Leaf Custom Homes in 2006, Scott and Melissa Powell have continued to redefine the design-to-build experience, focusing on high-end custom residential construction and remodels. By launching their sister company, The Design Shop, they brought the complete design process in-house.

“We’re all artists at heart, and we love to create amazing spaces,” Melissa says. “Having designers lead is just the natural way to realize the creative vision. The level of creative detail we work through is considered at every stage, so all the ideas can be implemented in the best possible way.”

Clients benefit from the in-house design team integrating with construction from beginning to end. Having a highly creative team with hands-on involvement from the first sketches, all the way through to final construction details, is the new way to build.

“WE ARE BUILDING MORE THAN HOMES; WE’RE BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS.”

MELISSA AND SCOTT POWELL

PATTEN CUSTOM HOMES

“We want to build again!” This is not something that most people say after they have built a home. But this is the response Natalie and Feild Patten, principals of Patten Custom Homes, often receive from their clients. “Building your dream home should be exciting and fun all the way through,” Natalie says. Staying within budget is also key to a successful and low-stress build. “Our clients know just what to expect and what budget they will end at from the beginning. There are no hidden fees or surprise markups with us,” Feild says. “Our clients are also well informed of their material allowances and what that gets them, which leaves no room for being disappointed. Typically our contracts and spec sheets are over 100 pages long, leaving nothing up in the air.”

Trust is another key in a successful build. You will not only feel that you are in good hands with Natalie and Feild, but they want to guarantee and prove the quality of their build throughout by requiring a thirdparty phase inspector. This third-party inspection ensures every stage of work is top notch before proceeding forward on the next phase of the build.

PCH brings a fun, on-trend, and high-energy approach to every custom dream home.

“BRINGING A FUN, ON-TREND, AND HIGH-ENERGY APPROACH TO EVERY CUSTOM DREAM HOME.”

FEILD AND NATALIE PATTEN

RICHLAND BUILDS

Derek Kellogg, principal of RICHLAND Builds, started his custom homebuilding company 16 years ago after working in the construction industry most of his life. “I decided I wanted to do this on my own and jumped in headfirst, working my way from kitchen and bathroom renovations to full custom builds,” he says. “I always say this company isn’t about me—it’s about the team we have assembled.” This team includes subcontractors and craftsmen who have been with Kellogg since day one. “For instance, our roofing crew has put on every shingle of every home we have ever built,” Kellogg says. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and learned together.”

Kellogg enjoys driving through the neighborhoods where he has built homes and seeing his clients evolve from starter homes to the million-dollar estates and lake houses he builds for them. It is the people, process, and pricing that attract them to—and keep them with— Richland Builds. “In addition to the people, what separates is the processes we have in place and our pricing,” Kellogg says. “We have coined it ‘The Richland Way.’ It’s a repeatable process that begins fixed costs, which is unique in the custom homebuilding industry. We hold ourselves accountable to our clients.”

214.272.7845 richlandbuilds.com @richlandbuilds

“A GOOD CUSTOM HOMEBUILDING EXPERIENCE IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE, THE PRODUCT, AND—MOST IMPORTANTLY— THE PROCESS.”

DEREK KELLOGG

RON DAVIS CUSTOM HOMES

Ron Davis Custom Homes offers an exceptional homebuilding experience with workmanship and designs that are second to none. Ron Davis has become the builder of choice for build-to-suit custom homes for so many satisfied customers around North Texas. Whether the style you choose is transitional modern, country French, or clean-line Mediterranean, Ron Davis Custom Homes’ cutting-edge, transitional designs are easy to live in and appealing to visit. The company prides itself on the customer experience, as building from the ground up can be incredibly rewarding and memorable. Partnering with Ron Davis Custom Homes results in creative spaces that inspire, with comfort and elegance. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and at Ron Davis Custom Homes, the luxury homebuilding experience is all about the customer and making the process smooth for an extraordinary end result.

972.680.0365

rondaviscustomhomes.com

@rondaviscustomhomes

“THE LUXURY HOMEBUILDING EXPERIENCE IS ALL ABOUT THE CUSTOMER, MAKING THE PROCESS SMOOTH FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY END RESULT.”

SHIRLEY AND RON DAVIS

SHADDOCK HOMES

Shaddock Homes, a name synonymous with quality and integrity, has been creating a luxury lifestyle for families for more than 55 years. They not only deliver breathtaking home designs but exceed expectations in building homes that are energy efficient and environmentally conscious. With the leadership of Peter Shaddock, Peter Shaddock Jr., and Beth Shaddock, Shaddock Homes continues to flourish throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area with communities located in Allen, Carrollton, Celina, Dallas, Fate, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Lewisville, McKinney, Parker, Plano, Prosper, St. Paul, and Wylie. Their homes are not only leading in design, but are also built for families who want a taste of luxury and fine craftsmanship. Shaddock Homes is a local home builder, family owned and operated.

972.526.7700

shaddockhomes.com

@shaddockhomestx

“BUILT FOR FAMILIES WHO WANT A TASTE OF LUXURY AND FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP.”

PETER, BETH, AND PETER SHADDOCK JR.

SHARIF & MUNIR CUSTOM HOMES

Since 1978, Sharif & Munir has been committed to delivering a world-class homebuilding and renovation experience to hundreds of satisfied homeowners. Sharif & Munir can assist clients in any or all aspects of the homebuilding process. Homesite selection and purchasing with the Sharif & Munir site location team can save homeowners time and money and prevent buyers from purchasing the wrong homesite.

Sharif & Munir works with Dallas’ premier architects and interior designers and strives to match these professionals with each homeowner’s personality, individual style, and budget. Sharif & Munir, named a Best Builder in D Home consecutively since 2005, can also serve as the general contractor of a new home should clients already have a home site, an architect, or a design firm—a unique approach that offers one point of accountability.

972.788.1234

sharif-munir.com

@sharif_munir

“A REPUTATION FOR OUTSTANDING DESIGN AND UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY.”

MICKEY AND MICHAEL MUNIR

STARR CONSTRUCTION

Gary Starr, owner of Starr construction, has been in the construction business for nearly two decades. He founded Starr Construction six years ago with his fiancée, Jennifer—a dream he first imagined as a teen. “I remember driving around Colleyville looking at houses in my ’86 Riviera when I was 16,” Starr says. “I always had an interest in beautiful homes. This makes being named a Best Builder even more meaningful.”

Quality control and extreme attention to detail are the hallmarks of Starr’s approach to custom homebuilding. A project manager by trade, he still enjoys being on job sites to ensure the process is going just as he envisions it. “We are heavily involved with clients throughout the project,” Starr says. “We strive for perfection.”

Starr construction has tripled in size with projects in sought-after neighborhoods throughout the area, including Dallas, Colleyville, Southlake, and Westlake. For each project, Starr assembles an experienced team of professionals—craftsmen, architects, interior designers—so that nothing is overlooked. From the solid foundation of construction expertise to the critical element of client relationships, Starr Construction is passionate about excellence.

214.984.3663

g2starr.com

@starrconstructiondallas

“FROM INSPIRATION TO COMPLETION, YOUR BUILDER SHOULD ENSURE YOU LOVE YOUR HOME, DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL.”

GARY STARR

SUSTAINABLE STRUCTURES OF TEXAS

Sustainable building is not just a method or style of homebuilding; it is a comprehensive philosophy ingrained into everything Sustainable Structures does. Pioneers in sustainable construction, Sustainable Structures’ use of reclaimed and situationally appropriate building materials, innovative assemblies, and the latest sustainable processes is evident in every project. Advanced framing techniques, solar orientation, and lean construction methods promote durability, efficiency, and indoor environmental quality in their homes, while clients benefit from sound building practices and a focus on customer satisfaction.

“We are a true green builder,” says Sam Hall, president. “However, it is important to us and our clients that craftsmanship is complemented and not overshadowed by cutting-edge building science.”

Whether you’re in the market for building a highperformance home for LEED® certification, constructing a custom home to an architect’s exacting specifications, or planning a project to minimize a home’s impact on natural ecosystems, this team will meet your goals without compromising value, safety, health, or beauty.

469.877.6338

ssotx.com

@sustainablestructuresoftexas

“IT IS IMPORTANT THAT OUR CRAFTSMANSHIP BE COMPLEMENTED AND NOT OVERSHADOWED BY OUR CUTTINGEDGE BUILDING SCIENCE.”

SAM HALL

BEAN CO HOMES

Brad and Megan Bean, the married duo behind Bean Co Homes, design and build beautiful homes in Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Park Cities, and Preston Hollow. With his experience in commercial and residential construction and her decade of design for several custom home builders, the homes they create are their works of art. Bean Co recognizes that a home is often a family’s most important asset. Every client has a dedicated project manager and superintendent, as well as full support staff, to make the building process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Their team and their process allow Bean Co to build almost anything, from additions and historic remodels to luxury custom homes and townhomes. Bean Co is committed to building with excellence, with trust, and in personal relationship with every client, vendor, and subcontractor they are fortunate to work with.

214.677.7146 | beancohomes.com

@beancohomes

DAVE R. WILLIAMS HOMES

With more than 40 years of experience, Dave R. Williams Homes prides itself on delivering an exceptional custom homebuilding experience. The company’s location in Celina affords this team of talented professionals the opportunity to primarily serve Collin and eastern Denton counties where homebuyers can choose from the company’s extensive inventory or build on their own lot or land. “Our company is small enough for me to be involved with clients during the planning phase, yet large enough for us to deliver a consistently superior product at a competitive price,” says owner Cyndee Herrin.

972.346.2015 | drwhomes.com

@drwhomes

JOSEPH PAUL HOMES

Joseph Paul Homes is a unique, custom boutique homebuilder. Owner Joe Vastano has his master’s degree in architecture from UCLA, which allows him to understand and execute his clients’ vision for their homes. Vastano meets with each client one-on-one to design a home that reflects their individual style. “Our role is to create a home that is an extension of them, one that reflects their hopes, dreams, and aspirations,” Vastano says. This hands-on approach results in tailor-made homes that are as inspiring as they are timeless and beautiful. Every Joseph Paul home utilizes the traditional owner-architect relationship, balancing the design, specifications, and budget objectives and culminating with the craftsmanship and eye for detail that Joseph Paul Homes’ clients expect. Says Vastano, “We partner with clients to not only build their family home but also to listen, educate, and inform so the home is built to their exact specifications.”

214.991.0301

@josephpaulhomes

KEY RESIDENTIAL

As the winner of the 2017 and 2018 ARC Awards Remodeler of the Year, Key Residential is committed to producing projects centered around high-quality craftsmanship and service. They are a highend home remodeler and custom homebuilder who specializes in working with local architects and designers to capture each client’s unique design aesthetic. A Key Residential project strives to combine form and function with creativity and innovation to create environments that fit the specific needs and desires of their clients. A fundamental aspect to their success is cultivating strong relationships with their trade partners. This was evidenced in their earning of the 2018 Dallas Builders Association APEX Award, an award chosen by subcontractor and supplier members of the association. They were also named one of Remodeling Magazine’s Big50 and a 2021 Guildmaster with Highest Distinction.

972.755.3045 | keyresidential.net

@key_residential

CHATEAU SHOOTERS

KIENAST HOMES

Homebuilding comes naturally to third-generation builder Randy Kienast. A D Home Best Builder for more than a decade, Kienast is known for the modern homes he builds in Dallas’ most sophisticated and prestigious neighborhoods. Build-to-suit projects are his specialty, and his two decades of homebuilding experience is evident in every home.

Kienast carefully manages each project to ensure the construction process is efficient and precise. His collaboration with top architects results in one-of-a-kind contemporary homes that are as inviting as they are timeless and well-executed.

214.797.2412 | kienasthomes.com

@kienasthomes

MONTGOMERY CUSTOM HOMES

Montgomery Custom Homes has been a premier builder for East Dallas since 2008. Matthew Montgomery, founder of MCH, is a third-generation homebuilder and Certified Green Professional. “Working with homeowners who are passionate about our neighborhood is so rewarding. Customer service and transparency are our top priorities,” Montgomery says. “We take care to ensure every detail meets our high standards and that the customers reap the benefits of an energy efficient home for years to come.” MCH specializes in sustainable new home construction and renovation services. Effective sustainable design is reflected in building materials, construction technology, energy efficiency, and water conservation. Whether you already have plans in hand or are looking for a lot, MCH will work with you to make your dreams a reality. “When a client is in their new dream home and we’ve become friends through the process, that’s what it’s all about.”

214.846.1356 | montgomerycustomhomes.com @montgomerycustomhomes

RA MILLENNIUM PROPERTIES

With the vision of constructing desirable spaces for a modern generation, RA Millennium Properties emphasizes a distinctive brand of homes that appeal to how we all really want to live. RA Millennium is known for open floorplans elevated by multipurpose spaces—blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living—and thoughtful design established in architecturally significant standards. This brother/sister team brings a fresh perspective to Dallas’ homebuilding environment by providing distinguished homes suited for modern lifestyles that function throughout life’s transitions.

817.201.7244 | ramprop.com @ram.properties

AXIOM BUILDERS

From design/build and remodeling to additions and outdoor living environments, Axiom Builders is the name to trust when you’re ready to reimagine your space. Axiom, a full-service remodeling company and custom homebuilder, is owned by Dallas native Preston Johns who started the company almost 10 years ago. Axiom’s well-respected reputation is built on integrity and a dedication to customer service. “Quality is most important to us,” Johns says. “Our goal is to leave clients with a home they can live in forever because we use only topof-the-line materials and products.”

469.939.1616 | axiombuilders.co @axiombuildertx

CLEVE ADAMSON CUSTOM HOMES

Hands-on involvement with homeowners is what Cleve Adamson loves most about building custom homes. Large, one-story custom homes are Adamson’s specialty. He specializes in build-on-your-lot opportunities. Homeowners appreciate Adamson’s ability to listen and incorporate their vision into their dream homes. Top honors and statewide recognition by the Texas Association of Homebuilders for excellence in management are only a few accolades to Cleve Adamson’s credit. Since 1999, an honest approach and expertise in new home sales and construction have brought the dream of luxury home ownership to many.

MLA

PHOTOGRAPHY, ERIN MATLOCK

ALCHEMY EXTERIORS

DOUBLE DOOR CUSTOM HOMES INC.

Focused on quality and a personalized building experience, Double Door Custom Homes has made a name for itself throughout the Park Cities and surrounding communities. Owner Michael Wilderman believes in keeping the company small to maintain quality and provide even his most discerning clients a personalized service. Every project is managed by Wilderman to ensure each detail is correct and expectations are exceeded. Using his engineering and project management background, homes are completed on time and within budget.

214.334.9769 | doubledoorcustomhomes.com

GARVEY HOMES

Garvey Homes has been named a D Home Best Builder for 14 consecutive years. Owners Bob Hansen and Tim Garvey, a Graduate Master Builder and Certified Green Professional, offer their clients more than 30 years of experience in the homebuilding industry. They are dedicated to their mission to build homes of lasting value by emphasizing durable products, high-performance energy efficiency, fine architectural details, and livable floor plans in an effort to create the highest quality product.

972.899.1845 | garveyhomes.com

@garveyhomes

GARDNER CUSTOM HOMES

Gardner Custom Homes specializes in sophisticated design and execution for detail-oriented clients. Its mission is to create beautiful homes and lasting relationships, which is achieved by an understanding of architectural principles and industry knowledge. Owner Bart Gardner is inspired by clean lines and simple design styles. A Gardner custom home is functional yet exudes a sense of elegance and luxury. Most of Gardner Custom Homes’ projects can be found in Bluffview, Briarwood, Greenway Parks, Kessler Park, Lakewood, and the M-Streets.

214.675.4435 | gardnercustomhomes.com @gardner.customhomes

GREENWELL HOMES

Boutique builder and owner of Greenwell Homes Steve Greenwell approaches each home project with intentionality and integrity. He takes pride in his build-outside-the-box mindset that results in custom work for clients that hasn’t been nailed down to common floorplans seen in North Texas. “Building a home is one of the most important and special things one’s family will ever do,” Greenwell says. “We work intimately with each customer to earn their trust, which results in a process that is seamless and stress-free.” As a father of five, Greenwell understands that building a new home is a major milestone in a family’s journey, and he looks forward to working together to get them home.

214.995.3855 | greenwellhomes.com

COSTA CHRIST

MALONE CUSTOM BUILDERS

Malone Custom Builders offers clients a pleasant building experience, from conception to completion. As always, only the highest-quality materials are used in every Malone custom home, and there is an emphasis on attention to detail at every turn. Malone is known for offering the luxury you desire at the quality you demand. Owner Shelley Malone, Graduate Master Builder, has been building exquisite homes since 1986 in prestigious neighborhoods throughout North Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Southlake, and Aubrey, among others.

214.676.7907 | malonecustombuilders.com

MATIE CUSTOM HOMES

Matie Custom Homes has been building their clients’ custom dream homes for more than 35 years with superior quality, integrity, and timeless design at the forefront. “Our ultimate goal is to take the client’s vision, taste, and lifestyle to craft their perfect home,” says owner Mark Matie. “We take pride in going above and beyond for our clients to ensure the build process is as transparent and smooth as possible.” From country French and Spanish modern to today’s clean transitional style, Matie Custom Homes creates a place families will make cherished memories for years to come.

972.951.2337 | matiecustomhomes.com

@matiecustomhomes

RJA CONSTRUCTION, LLC

Founded in 2010, RJA Construction, LLC specializes in custom home construction. The team’s collective expertise enables them to reconfigure and add to their clients’ existing homes, resulting in a true work of art. As a business specializing in custom construction and renovation, RJA is proud to work with several of Dallas’ top architecture and design firms. “We value our clients, the integrity of their design, our industry relationships, transparency in the process, and the quality of the finished product. Client satisfaction is paramount at RJA Construction LLC,” says Billy Rousseau, president. The team works collaboratively to ensure precision in delivery of an architecturally sound and visually striking space that endures.

972.804.5540 | rjadallas.com

SWOON, THE STUDIO

AROUND TOWN

EVENTS + PROMOTIONS + ANNOUNCEMENTS

Refined Acoustics

FineLines Design Studio & FineLines

Design Elements proudly present Mikodam Architectural Wall Panels, which offer architectural solutions for improved, harmonious, and welldesigned spaces with acoustic reinforcement. For more information, contact finelines@ mikodam.com | 972.809.7004

A Fresh Start

Spring has arrived along with the anticipation and excitement of a fresh start. The designers at Inspired Closets DFW work with you to customize your home to fit your needs. Deneé and Matt Locke have over 35 years of experience to make your home your favorite place to be. Showroom: 3513 Locke Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76107 | 817.420.9494 | hello@ inspiredclosetsdfw.com

Stunning Showroom

Natuzzi Italia’s new Dallas showroom showcases a complete portfolio of Natuzzi’s stunning designs, all made in Italy by skilled artisans. Alongside their transformative collections, the Dallas showroom houses a comprehensive range of customization options for all products, as well as expert design assistance from seasoned designers. 4441 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX | 972.715.2895

Clockwise from Left FineLines Design Studio, Inspired Closets DFW, Natuzzi Italia

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE: THE PEOPLE DALLAS TASTEMAKERS TRUST

HANNAH FAGADAU

Co-Founder, 12.26 Gallery gallery1226.com

FOR HANNAH

FAGADAU, ART IS

A CALLING. A self-described “theater geek” throughout her childhood, the Dallas native attended New York University to hone her craft. But the latent influence of her grandmother, an art dealer and champion of the Dallas arts scene, and her collector parents would prove too strong to deny, and she found herself developing a passion for art history while roaming museums on free days in the city. “Being in a museum feels like home,” says Fagadau, who eventually earned a master’s degree in arts administration from Columbia University and served locally in various capacities at the Nasher Sculpture Center, Dunn and Brown Gallery, and the Dallas Contemporary. In 2018, her sister, Hilary— herself a gallery director in L.A.—approached her about a collaboration at the 2019 Dallas Art Fair. Just a few months after their debut, they founded 12.26, a contemporary gallery in the Design District that strives to highlight emerging voices and mid-career artists. Fagadau feels a sense of solidarity with the up-and-coming, particularly female, artists she curates for 12.26. “Being young women [in the art world], people sometimes have a hard time taking us seriously,” she says. “But we have to remind ourselves that we can play with the big boys.” —Maddie

Jewesson

What Cristina says about Hannah: “Hannah may be one of the most stylish people I know. She has incredible taste and you see it in everything she does. I try to have dinner with her as often as possible because her work ethic and passion for her gallery are contagious.”

Sculpture Center

Place not enough people know about but should: PRP (purp)—an artistrun exhibition space in West Dallas

Favorite weekend activity: Sunday night dinners with my cousin Flauren, her husband, and their amazing kids

Most influential or inspiring unsung

Dallasite: Kevin Rubén Jacobs. He is a gallery owner (OFG.XXX) and has his own art installation and transportation business (Pushkin & Gogol). He does it all!

Favorite local charity to support: These days? Planned Parenthood or Texas Equal Access Fund

Biggest splurge item in your home: Knoll Saarinen

Dining Table (1)

What can a person never have too much of in their home? Art

Favorite candle/ scent: Feu de Bois by Diptyque (3)

Favorite art or coffee table book: Great Women Artists (Phaidon) (2)

Piece of clothing you reach for more than any other: My black and white Valeria dress by Mi Golondrina. I wear

it all year round and can dress it up or down.

One thing everyone should have in their closet: A well-tailored blazer. My favorite is one by Isabel Marant that I bought over 10 years ago. I would clone it if I could.

Fashion piece you can’t live without: High-waist knit pants from High Sport. (4) Check them out if you haven’t already! It is founded and

designed by former Dallasite, Alissa Zachary.

Favorite travel destination: Aspen, Colorado

Guilty pleasure: Murder mysteries/ true crime and Domino’s pizza

Favorite item you purchased in the last year: A painting by one of our artists, J.A Feng. (5) I had my eye on it for a long time and I finally pulled the trigger.

Instant mood booster: My dog, Murphy

NOMINATED BY:

Cristina Lynch, founder, Mi Golondrina

ENHANCE YOUR WORLD