D Home July/August 2023

Architecture I Construction I Interiors

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

Executive Editor JESSICA JONES OTTE

Associate Editor LYDIA BROOKS

Copy Editor JAMIE SIDES

Contributing Editors HALEY ARNOLD, SARAH BENNETT, TOMMIE ETHINGTON, RHONDA REINHART, CALLIE

WORKS-LEARY

Editorial Interns JESSICA MAJORS, ILIANA SALCIDO

ART

Creative Director JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

Staff Photographer ELIZABETH LAVIN

PRODUCTION

Production Director JOHN GAY

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Online Editorial Director MATT GOODMAN

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Contributing Photographer BRET REDMAN

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D MAGAZINE PARTNERS

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56 44

34 A STYLISH REUNION

After previously collaborating on several one-off spaces, homeowner Ashley Ellis and designer Lisa Henderson reunite for a whole-home refresh.

BY SARAH BENNETT

15 CIAO, BELLA!

If you’re not lucky enough to be traipsing through Tuscany or lazing on the Amalfi Coast this summer, live la dolce vita from the comfort of home with these Italianinspired home accents and furnishings.

FEATURES

44

CHARMED, I’M SURE

Securing a place on our annual 10 Most Charming Houses in Dallas list comes down to the details. We reveal our picks for 2023 plus the features that landed each one a coveted spot.

NEW/NOW

22

GARDEN (PARTY!)

Experts dish on how to make the most of your time outside this summer, from entertaining alfresco and growing the season’s most (surprisingly) interesting flower to surefire ways to add charm to your garden.

56

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY

With the help of Houstonbased Katie Davis Design, a historic Highland Park house is reimagined to suit a family of six.

BY RHONDA REINHART

28

WHAT THIS BUYS YOU

HENDERSON: NATHAN SCHRODER; CHARMED: REAGAN JOBE; DAVIS: NATHAN SCHRODER

HOMES DESIGNS dEmand prOvoCatiVe

DISCOVER BEAUTY THAT BEGS TO BE DEVOURED

At JennAir, we’re abandoning the pack with the industry exclusive black obsidian interior with ecliptic lighting. Because the future of rea l luxury, is forged in progress. JENNAIR.COM

Letter from the President

GILLEA ALLISON President, D Home Gillea@dmagazine.com

THE CHARMED LIFE

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME NOT TO FEEL NOSTALGIC ABOUT MY OWN UPBRINGING NOW THAT I’M A MOM. I am incredibly grateful that, thanks to supermom Christine Allison, my childhood was a constant state of wonder, filled with play and countless hours spent outside. Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about her lush garden in Westchester, New York. That garden was her sanctuary, and I felt truly special to have that precious one-on-one time with her amidst its beauty.

Now, it’s no secret that I didn’t inherit the greenthumb gene. I’ve had my fair share of mishaps with plants. But ever since my daughter, Felicity, was born, something unexpected has happened: I’ve developed a genuine love of gardening. Well, it’s more like tending to my small army of potted patio plants and herbs, but don’t judge—we all have to start somewhere!

These days, my daughter and I have made it our morning ritual to check on our plant “friends” while

sipping our coffee and milk, respectively. Felicity dives right in, immersing herself in the dirt, collecting rocks from the driveway, and pointing out every bird and plane that graces Texas’ vast blue sky. I watch her in awe and delight, just as I do with our thriving seedlings. The parallels between their growth and Felicity’s own journey are not lost on me.

In this issue, we celebrate the charmed life, and I’m eagerly anticipating Lela Rose’s tips for entertaining on page 22, the secrets to growing sunflowers on page 24, and the essential elements for a charming landscape on page 26. And of course, you can’t miss this year’s selection of the 10 Most Charming Houses in Dallas (pgs. 44–55). They’re a treasure trove of inspiration for enhancing your own curb appeal.

If you need me this summer, you’ll find me on the back porch, armed with my trusty watering can and accompanied by my faithful sidekick. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I WANT TO MOVE— WHERE DO I GO?

The market is strong and inventory is low in premier neighborhoods. There are many ways you can meet your goals. All is possible when we work on a plan together! Here is what many sellers are considering if they want to take advantage of this seller’s market:

 Sell and negotiate a lease-back to give you time to look for a home

 Lease in a high-rise or in a fun uptown or downtown location and see how it feels

 Look for a second home and do something smaller in Dallas I have worked with friends and clients to do all of these things. Dallas continues to be a desirable real estate market. This is a great time to sell and also a great time to buy!

Let’s Talk.

JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR jamie@dmagazine.com

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

HAPPINESS LOOKS GOOD ON EVERYONE. A great smile and warm personality make any average Joe infinitely more attractive. The same goes for houses. Take a dime-a-dozen house and paint the shutters the perfect sunny shade, construct a picket fence around the yard, or place a topiary on either side of the front door, and—bam!—you’ve just made it a standout.

People always ask us how we choose the 10 Most Charming Houses in Dallas each year (see this year’s list on page 44), and the answer is more art than science. But we’ve come to realize over time that the difference-makers are the details—one of the most important being landscaping. I’ll be honest: Some houses we otherwise loved lost spots because their flower beds were underwhelming, and vice versa. It’s a big part of the first impression people have of your home.

This realization has sparked a gardening habit in me of late. The beautiful

thing about it is that the act of making my house look happier makes me happier, too. If you’re looking to make your landscaping a little more winsome— and maybe get a serotonin boost at the same time—check out our tips for growing sunflowers (undeniably happy blooms) on page 24 and the five musthave elements in a charming garden (pg. 26).

Of course, we didn’t forget about interior delights in this issue! First, we travel vicariously to Italy— my happiest of all happy places—with home decor inspired by the country’s towns and regions. Then, we tour a cheerful Preston Hollow home designed by Lisa Henderson Interiors (pg. 34), followed by a Highland Park charmer by Houston’s Katie Davis Design (pg. 56). With their playful patterns, inviting color schemes, and kidfriendly spaces, the houses seem to smile at you—and it’s hard not to smile back.

Here’s to happy houses— and a happy summer.

JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

Ciao,Bella!

Destination: Florence

Florentinian art forms are having a renaissance, making it easy to capture the spirit

Fur Love of Fashion

Italians are famous for their fashion sense—and with these bespoke collars, your pet can follow suit.

Handmade in Italy and available at Grange Hall, these PRAMMA collars allow you to customize colors and precious stones. urbanflower grangehall.com

“Libra” lamp ($268/ Caitlin Wilson)

Martin Sumers bronze sculptures (from $400/Blue Print)

Live Nudes These studies of the human form call to mind Michaelangelo’s David, on display in Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia.

DOIY Design “Body” vase ($57/Scout Design Studio)

cinnabar stone obelisks (from $240/ Mecox)

Culture Club

Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong maquette sculptures ($850 each/Blue Print)

Pierre Gonalons

“Tutti Frutti” mirrors (from $4,500/ Grange Hall)

vintage faux marble pedestal ($4,900/ Coco & Dash)

“Milano” chair ($2,995/ Mecox)

Rule of Three leather inlaid cocktail table ($9,500/JAMES Showroom)

In Detail

The top of this bistro table features mosaic work, a Florentinian staple.

vintage bistro table (price upon request/ JAMES Showroom)

circa-1983 Giotto Stoppino table($5,800/ Sputnik Modern)

vintage rope coffee table ($850/Scout Design Studio)

circa-1820 marble chessboard ($2,600/Nick Brock & Company)

Dennis & Leen assorted fruit (to the trade/ Culp Associates)

CIAO, BELLA!

Destination: Positano

Toast to the Coast

Sunny stripes and fresh citrus evoke the carefree seaside vibes of the Amalfi Coast.

table lamp and shade ($200 and $40/Ellis Hill)

Right Stripes

These porcelain shades take a rechargeablelamp base from basic to bellissima!

“Eastport” striped umbrella ($1,298/ Serena & Lily)

All picnic items from Blue Print

corded napkin rings ($18 each/ Blue Print)

Lawn Stars

Let the tabletop mix masters at Blue Print curate a basket complete with everything you need for a perfect -

Giati

lounge chair (to the trade/ID Collection)

bust vase ($960/ Dunbar Road)

circa-1960s Leonard Nelson sculpture ($4,200/ Sputnik Modern)

Glass Act

This vintage sculpture is accented with pieces of Murano glass.

glass tumblers (from $50 each/Blue Print)

Pols Potten “Zig Zag” side table ($435/ Scout Design Studio)

Osborne & Little “Villa Como” wallpaper (to the trade/ID Collection)

towels ($75 for two/Coco & Dash)

“Floatzac” pool lounge chair ($329/ Fatboy)

shell coupes ($450 each/Blue Print)

CIAO, BELLA!

“Castillo”

Destination: Tuscany

Fit to Print

vintage draped metal console table ($5,800 for two/Nick Brock & Company)

oil dispenser ($45/Blue Print)

Interior designer Meredith Ellis’ love of textiles prompted her to open the multiline JAMES Showroom in 2015, and now she’s launching a line of fabrics all her own (pictured hanging, right). She drew inspiration for the 12-pattern eponymous collection from her many travels and her childhood in the Texas Hill Country. “To me, they have that special reminiscent quality,” she says. Trade professionals can shop her fabrics, pillows, and lampshades at JAMES, with woven linen and wallpaper to follow this fall. 1025 N. Stemmons Fwy. #250. meredithellistextiles.com

Studio Four NYC “Anfora” grasscloth wallpaper (to the trade/ JAMES Showroom)

Gregorius Pineo “Pascal” composite stone table (to the trade/ Culp Associates)

“Catalina” birdbath ($1,650/ Coco & Dash)

Shell Yes! Shellencrusted details allude to the mountainous region’s many grottos.

Formations “Bed Rock” vase (to the trade/Culp Associates)

shell picture frames (from $750/Jan Showers & Associates)

vintage bistro set ($6,500/ Coco & Dash)

Be-Weave It Shop the Mainly Baskets x Caitlin Wilson Monaco Collection at Mainly Baskets Home (trade only) or at Caitlin Wilson’s Henderson Avenue shop.

“Terrace” braided urn with base ($1,975/ Coco & Dash)

A-Tisket, A-Tasket

In June, Mainly Baskets Home opened a showroom in The Gallery at The Interior Home + Design Center, located within Dallas Market Center. Trade professionals can shop the Atlanta-based brand’s bestsellers and new launches—like their collab with local designer Caitlin Wilson. The expansion felt natural for founder Robyn Bailey, who spent many years here. “Dallas truly feels like home to me,” she says. 2000 Stemmons Fwy., Showroom #GL82. mainlybaskets.com

Embrace the romance of the Italian countryside with rustic materials and natural accents.

An Ode to Alfresco

In her new book, designer Lela Rose shares recipes and tips for personalizing any outdoor party.

by TOMMIE ETHINGTON

ela Rose grew up watching her parents, philanthropists Deedie and Rusty Rose, entertain at their Highland Park home. She planned her first alfresco affair, a Father’s Day brunch, at 10 years old and later navigated a 650-person guest list at her wedding. Today, the fashion designer (who has dressed everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Kate Middleton) continues to break the mold with her entertaining ethos, which extends into her professional life as well. “We don’t really do a traditional runway,” she says of her fashion shows. “Instead, we create the event that you might wear the clothes to.”

Rose recently released Fresh Air Affairs (Rizzoli, $45), a sequel to her first hostess how-to guide, Pret-a-Party. “My first book was more about how you match your drink to your dress and your dress to your table,” she says. “This one is all about outdoor entertaining.” Broken into bite-size sections, the photo-filled book offers elevated suggestions for every occasion, from a chuckwagon-style dinner around a campfire to a candle-lit rooftop soiree surrounded by skyscrapers. Here, Rose dishes up more of the details.

D Home: What’s your planning process like?

Lela Rose: I’ll find one thing and go with it. For example, I saw this fabulous floral arrangement done out of cacti, and that inspired me to do a cactus print that could be used for clothing or a tablecloth, and then that led to a cactus salsa.

DH: What’s special about alfresco events?

LR: It’s the unpredictability. When you’re outside, you don’t know what’s going to

happen—like birds flying over at the perfect moment. We have been rained out a few times, but even that can be kind of magical.

DH: Any tips for finding the perfect setting in the city?

LR: My favorite spot in Dallas is the restored Turtle Creek Pump Station, near my parents’ home. I once threw a seven-year-itch party there for my husband and I’s anniversary and had everyone wear wedding gowns. It was a total blast. I will throw

a party in a park, on the sidewalk, in the middle of a field of wildflowers—I think you can dress up anything, and the possibilities are endless.

DH: Do you have a partyplanning mantra?

LR: I always say, “Don’t aim for perfection; aim for fun.” Nothing kills a mood like trying to have perfection. It’s unachievable. And the more uptight everything looks, the more uptight it feels.

Party Like a Pro

Try Lela Rose’s top four tips for successful entertaining.

Have a signature cocktail. Rose says she never serves more than one cocktail at an event. “It comes from years of designing and learning how to edit,” she says, “but I find it’s helpful to limit choices.”

Set the table with one-of-a-kind pieces. Big-box stores have their place, but finding unique new and old pieces makes for a truly original table. Says Rose: “Etsy is my go-to for fabulous place cards, and I also love shopping for vintage items to incorporate into the tablescape.”

Mix high and low. An event doesn’t have to break the bank to wow guests—an elevated element here and there goes a long way. “I could be having a sunset picnic, but I’m serving caviar on sweet-potato chips,” Rose remarks. “Or say you’re at a crawfish boil, you can pour the bounty onto newspaper, but then button a cloth napkin to your shirt.”

Dress up. Casual is fine in some cases, but Rose is a proponent of treating special occasions as such. “It makes it more festive for everyone,” she says.

Rising Sun

New breeds of sunflowers are spurring a resurgence in popularity for this summer staple.

by CALLIE WORKS-LEARY

Would you believe me if I told you that sunflowers are among the most interesting flowers in my cutting garden right now? Thanks to advancements in breeding, sunflowers are now available in an array of gorgeous colors, from green to mauve, and they’re remarkably easy to grow.

Regardless of the specimen, one of my secrets to gardening success is sourcing seeds from suppliers that cater to professional growers. This allows me confidence that the things I plant will perform reliably and also gives me access to the latest in plant breeding innovations.

For one-of-a-kind sunflowers, my favorite sources are Johnny’s Selected Seeds (johnnyseeds.com) and Sunflower Selections (sunflowerselections.com). Though both companies serve professional growers, anyone can buy from them. Sunflower Selections is the retail arm of sunflower-breeding company NuFlowers, which offers 53 different sunflower cultivars. Their breeders developed the ProCut series—big, pollenless, singlestem sunflowers that make perfect cut flowers for arrangements. Of the 17 ProCuts available, my favorites are the white-petaled “ProCut White Lite” and pink-petaled “ProCut Plum,” though this year, I’m auditioning dark and moody varieties, like the nearly black burgundy “Chianti,” deep maroon “Rouge Royale,” and rust-colored “Terracotta.”

How to Grow Sunflowers for Cutting

Sunflowers are impossibly easy to grow, but here are a few things to consider when planning to use them as cut flowers:

Though fastest seed germination occurs in soil that has warmed to at least 70 degrees, sunflower seeds can be sown anytime between late March and late August. I like to get a jump start on the season by germinating seeds indoors in late February and transplanting them out into the garden once all chances of frost have passed.

Sunflowers appreciate well-drained soil. If you struggle with heavy clay in your garden, amend your soil with high-quality compost and expanded shale to a depth of six to eight inches before planting. For a continuous harvest, plant sunflowers in succession. This is especially important for single-stalk sunflowers that won’t rebloom. Plant a batch of seeds every one to two weeks.

If giant blooms are your goal, give individual sunflowers up to nine inches of space between plants. For smaller blooms to be used in mixed bouquets, I space my single-stem sunflowers six inches apart.

Sunflowers can be harvested anytime after the first color shows, but earlier-harvested blooms will have the longest vase life. Sunflowers tend to muck up vase water faster than other flowers, so adding a preservative like Crystal Clear will keep the water clean while prolonging flower life.

ROUGE ROYALE

DOUBLE QUICK

PROCUT ORANGE EXCEL

AUTUMN BEAUTY

Callie Works-Leary is a Texas Master Gardener and founder of The Dallas Garden School (thedallasgarden.com), which offers classes and resources for North Texas gardeners. She is a native of Dallas.

TERRACOTTA

Photography Yesi Fortuna

Model Natalie Gempel

Studio

Twelve Thirty Four

Twelve Thirty Four 4209 Parry Ave Dallas, TX 75223 bypatriciorivera.com ALL THINGS FLORAL

Garden Glory

by JESSICA OTTE

owhere on the From the Ground Up website does it tout “charming” as an area of specialty, but take one glance at their portfolio and that’s surely the first adjective that’ll come to mind. Dan Houchard—owner of the Dallas-based landscape design, installation, and maintenance company—says that whether it’s adding curb appeal to your front lawn or creating a private oasis in the backyard, the importance of having an outdoor space that makes you happy can’t be overstated. “Even if it’s just a great moment for you to see out the window every day while you’re washing the dishes—it’s what makes it feel like a home,” he says. He reveals five items guaranteed to add charm to your garden.

A great gate

Whether it’s swapping a board-on-board gate for something sweeter or closing off a courtyard with a set of swinging doors, incorporating a decorative gate, Houchard says, adds instant intrigue. “What you’re doing is creating this illusion that it’s going somewhere magical,” he says.

A winsome water feature

A charming garden should stimulate the senses. Enter: water. “Oftentimes you hear a water element before you see it,” Houchard says. “It draws you into a space.” He stresses that it doesn’t need to be large or loud—think more bubbler than Bellagio.

Pretty pots

Houchard challenges gardeners to stop using pots merely for pops of seasonal color. Instead, fill them with a mix of plants—“Evergreens, topiaries, perennials, and even herbs,” he suggests—and use them to anchor beds or flank an entrance.

A visual reprieve

Some intentional negative space in your landscape—a swath of lawn or a gravel path— provides necessary quiet moments. “If there’s flowers and plants everywhere, it’s going to feel buggy and weedy, not pleasing or calming,” Houchard says. “You need a place for your eye to rest.”

Dig It?

Scan here to read Dan Houchard’s go-to plants for adding instant charm.

A sweet seat

Once you’ve put in the work to create the garden of your dreams, give yourself a perch from which to enjoy it. Even if you’re too busy to sit a spell, the sight of a bench in a quiet corner of your yard is enough to lessen tension. “It feels inviting,” Houchard says.

Going Up!

Want to add some sculptural height? Place a tuteur in a pot and allow clematis or jasmine to climb it.

GET IT! (clockwise from left): cone trellis (from $30/Green Acres); “Jacinth” planter (to the trade/ Made Goods); “Sandhurst” planter (from $225/Williams Sonoma Home); Italian travertine planters (from $3,295/RH)

Five keys to creating a charming yard you want to spend time in.

WHAT THIS BUYS YOU

by JESSICA MAJORS

$1,100,000

5538 MORNINGSIDE AVE., $1,100,000

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,742 square feet

Neighborhood: Greenland Hills

This updated circa-1920s Tudor features two living rooms with plenty of natural light. Two downstairs bedrooms offer flexibility for use as an office or additional living space. The backyard is complete with a flagstone patio. Ned Cammack for Coldwell Banker Realty

$2,600,000

$4,500,000

6808 CASA LOMA AVE., $1,150,000

4 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, 2,639 square feet

Neighborhood: Lakewood

Located near the Lakewood Country Club, this open home boasts large bedrooms, including a downstairs primary suite. Decorative lighting, new quartz countertops, and a built-in wine cooler round out the bright kitchen. Malcolm Ross for Dave Perry Miller Real Estate

6815 NORWAY RD., $2,500,000

6 bedrooms, 5.1 bathrooms, 6,236 square feet

Neighborhood: Preston Hollow

Located on a deep lot, this spacious custom build features custom-designed closets, a large back porch on the main level, a recently updated chef-grade kitchen, and a workout room with an infrared sauna. Michelle Evans for Nada Homes

66 BRAEWOOD PL., $4,475,000

5 bedrooms, 5.4 bathrooms, 10,793 square feet

Neighborhood: North Dallas

Located in the Glen Abbey gated community, this home sports interior stone details, intricate millwork, and reclaimed oak floors. The property is complete with a sport court, a pool, fitness and media rooms, and a spa. Cindy O’Gorman for Ebby Halliday Realtors

4408 WESTWAY AVE., $2,595,000

4 bedrooms, 4.1 bathrooms, 4,672 square feet

Neighborhood: Highland Park

This historic home exudes charm with its arched doorways, Venetian plaster walls, and three fireplaces. Sitting on a quarter-acre lot, the property also features a three-car garage—with guest quarters above—and a pool. Kelley Christian for Compass RE Texas, LLC

10320 EPPING LN., $4,495,000

5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 7,793 square feet

Neighborhood: Preston Hollow

From a living-room accent wall and wide encased doorways to the kitchen and bath cabinetry, natural wood abounds in this just-completed home. Outside, find a covered patio with a fireplace and built-in grill. Patrick Burke for Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

1818 COLORADO BLVD., $1,175,000

3 bedrooms, 4.1 bathrooms, 3,720 square feet

Neighborhood: Oak Cliff

This home sits on a generous corner lot with mature trees and a large backyard. The home’s interior features a sunlight-filled all-season room and a primary suite outfitted with a private balcony. Carolyn Michael for Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors

3529 ROSEDALE AVE., $2,695,000

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,950 square feet

Neighborhood: University Park

This recently updated house sports fresh paint inside and out, new carpet and hardware, and a finished-out backhouse. French doors in the living room open to the pool and backyard. Terri Cox for Allie Beth Allman & Associates

3737 NORMANDY AVE., $4,650,000

5 bedrooms, 5.2 bathrooms, 6,383 square feet

Neighborhood: Highland Park

This contemporary home features an open floor plan, large windows, and hardwood floors throughout. The gourmet kitchen is complete with clean lines, Wolf and SubZero appliances, and an eat-in island. Alex Perry for Allie Beth Allman & Associates

Shop discounts on high-end furniture, home accessories and art at this month-long pop up shop for a good cause. All proceeds benefit the future work, growth, organization and structure of Dwell with Dignity.

SHOP VIGNETTES DESIGNED BY:

Angeline Guido

Charmaine Wynter

Joel Baldazo

Kristen Fegale

Noel Pittman

Roz Murphy

Sari Moore

Terra McNutt

benefitting

PRESENTED BY

Vignette by Scout Design Studio

Art Print “Til We Meet Again” by Jarrod Oram

Photography by Aaron Dougherty

THE

DETAILS

Property: Dodd’s Landing 14

Style: Rustic Shingle

Bedrooms:

Five bedrooms with two bunkrooms and two guest suites

Baths: Six full; one powder

Features: Nearly one-acre lot and 76 feet of shoreline. Fully furnished. Wine bar. Second family room. Office. Large patio and pool. Community docks.

Square Feet: 5,887 airconditioned square feet; 7,709 total square feet

Year Built: 2018

Architect: SHM

Architects

Long Cove on Cedar Creek Lake

The very definition of second home luxury living, this Long Cove property on Cedar Creek Lake offers views for miles and room for everyone. Not to mention, 1,200 acres and a community to call your own.

At Long Cove, you just show up and enjoy. However you define relaxing, it’s all here. Long Cove is a community where you know your neighbors. Where the kids and grandkids can hop on their bikes and explore. Meet up with friends in your new place, or stay in. You can’t go wrong with either option, thanks to a combination of this exquisite custom home from Tatum Brown Custom Homes and a long list of exclusive Long Cove amenities.

A favorite at Long Cove, this fully-furnished home is ready for move in. (Yes, summer 2023 just got much more interesting.) It features an extensive patio and inviting pool with picture-perfect views of the cove. The long, rolling lawn to the shoreline happens to pull double duty as an extended slip-and-slide style runway. Long Cove’s Dodd’s Landing is a friendly, active neighborhood with easy access to miles of hike-and-bike trails, pickleball and tennis courts, premier golfing, four stocked fishing ponds, The Lake Club and Bayside pools, and the new Treehouse Adventure Park.

Get in touch with the Long Cove Realty Team to set up your personal shoreline boat tour at info@longcovetx.com or 214.220.4924. Learn more about Long Cove at longcovetx.com.

FEATURED

BEST BUILDERS 2023

More than 100 industry greats recently gathered at Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens for a special event celebrating their win as one of D Home ’s Best Builders of 2023. Guests ate, drank, and mingled while enjoying the beautiful spring weather in the venue’s outdoor garden.

Thank you to premier sponsors JennAir, Multimedia Solutions, Texas Counter Fitters, and Nebraska Furniture Mart for making the event possible. And congratulations to all the winners!

Feild Patten, Natalie Patten

John Westerheide, Austin Deen, Sarah Deen, Austin Morway, Preston Morway

David Lacombe, Corie Johnson, Chris Blackburn

Jeff Dworkin, Charles Charley, Alison Charley, Alan Hoffmann

Leslie Sadler, Whitney Pastore

Natalie Matie, Jennifer Matie, Carson Wright, Ashlynn Wright

Barbara Gilley, J.R. Gilley, John Gilley

Gary Starr, Jennifer Starr

Raegan Barringer, Sheri Barringer, Julianna Lewis, Lendon Lewis

text by SARAH BENNETT photography by NATHAN SCHRODER

interior design by LISA HENDERSON INTERIORS

styling by JENNY O’CONNOR

floral by HAILE WOSSEN

AFTER PREVIOUSLY COLLABORATING ON SEVERAL ONE-OFF SPACES, HOMEOWNER ASHLEY ELLIS AND DESIGNER LISA HENDERSON REUNITED FOR A WHOLE-HOME REFRESH.

A STYLISH REUNION

previous spread: (from left) In the living room, a green sofa upholstered in Marvic Textiles is adorned with pillows in Penny Morrison and Carolina Irving Textiles. A high-gloss ceiling creates an open feel, while a Stark rug styled with an Oushak rug from Joey Saab and coffee table from Fabulous Things Ltd. add layers. Draperies by Langton Textiles and Penny Morrison lampshades bring pattern to play. Homeowner Ashley Ellis’ love of blue informed the color palette for the entire house, down to the tiniest details—like these displayed books and the abundance of blue-and-white china and ginger jars seen throughout. “I love a traditional home, but fresh—not Grandma’s traditional,” she says. “I want it to be a home where people want to come in and sit down.” this spread: (from left) The Ellises purchased their Preston Hollow home in 2021. The dining room proved to be an important space, as it sits in the middle of the house and can be seen from many other rooms. “It was a real focal point and had to be addressed and executed properly,” says designer Lisa Henderson. Like in the living room, a high-gloss ceiling reflects light. The Coleen & Company light fixture was carried over from the Ellises’ previous home, where it had been painted to match an old wallpaper. Conversely, in the Ellises’ new home, it became the basis for choosing wallpaper: a chinoiserie-inspired print by Schumacher. The Kravet draperies echo the soft blue tones, and a Stark rug warms up the homeowners’ traditional dining set. A landscape by Elizabeth Sage brings a touch of contemporary to the classic space.

It seems fitting that Ashley Ellis first met Lisa Henderson at the playground of their children’s preschool, as the Ellises would go on to hire the interior designer to outfit a family-friendly home for them—twice. Their initial happenstance meeting turned into a slow but steady professional partnership. “In our old home, we had a bathroom that needed to be remodeled, and I connected with her at first over that, and then that turned into the dining room and a few other little rooms here and there,” says Ellis.

When the Ellises purchased their new home in 2021, Ellis called Henderson immediately to do a walk-through. “We wanted to warm the home up and make it feel more comfortable and inviting,” Ellis says.

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

Though the home’s existing aesthetic was contemporary, the floor plan was traditional—creating a prime opportunity for Henderson to turn the Ellises’ dreams into reality. They started with paint and wallpaper selections—Ellis expressed her love of a blue-and-green color story—and together, began assessing the family’s needs.

With two young boys ages 9 and 11, the Ellises wanted a house where their sons could have friends over but that didn’t compromise on style. “Ashley is the only girl in the house, so we were trying to make it as pretty as possible for her but still comfortable for all the boys, as well, to keep everyone happy,” says Henderson.

One selling point was the openness of the house—many spaces can be seen from other rooms, allowing for visual interest as well as safety. “While the children are playing outside in the pool or on the trampoline, I can see them from all angles,” Ellis says. Though the kitchen needed very little structural work, Ellis and Henderson opted to nix the modern white-and-gray color palette for something a little more fun.

“I wanted something with depth that added to the home, since you can see it from the family room,” Ellis says. The robin’s egg blue cabinets, complete with new hardware, provide a talking point anytime the home has visitors. “Everyone is always commenting on the cabinets,” she adds.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 >>

opposite page: Though the kitchen was previously gray and white, Ellis knew she wanted a change. New cabinet pulls and a beautiful robin’s egg blue paint provided the dimension she was seeking. Bistro-style counter stools from Serena & Lily continue the blue theme. this page: (from top) With large chairs by Kingsley Bates and decorative garden stools from Acquisitions, the covered patio offers a comfortable place for family and friends to kick back and relax. “The children eat a lot of meals out there with their friends, coming and going from the pool,” Ellis says. The glass vases on the table in the breakfast room are from Brendan Bass. The bar looks completely different than when the Ellis family first purchased the home. Before, it was bedecked in a contemporary look—complete with black and gray mirrored tile and a gong. Now it boasts a softer feel, with Colefax & Fowler wallpaper, a Serena & Lily bistro chair, a light fixture by Vaughn, and a novelty art piece the homeowners found on a trip to New Orleans.

PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT

One key to creating a cozy home is being honest with yourself about how you’ll use the space. The Ellis family first put their piano in the front living room, but Ashley had a hunch that it might not be the best usage for their family. She asked her oldest son, now 11, if he intended to keep playing the piano; he had just taken up choir and was exploring other instruments. When he asked to take a break, she made a quick pivot. “I had started playing a lot more mahjong and just pulling out a folding table and putting it in my entry,” she says. “I told Lisa I wanted to use my front room.” The result is a space the family can use for their own game nights—Monopoly, Risk, and Settlers of Catan are all favorites for the family of four—as well as for entertaining.

opposite page: Surrounded by pink Acquisitions chairs covered in Marvic Textiles fabric, this Villa & House game table sees constant use. “We will play Monopoly over an entire weekend,” says Ellis. Henderson also included a topper from her collaboration with Fenwick Fields.

this page: In the entryway, a large, open space provided Henderson with lots of room to play. A rich blue console table by Society Social adds a pop of color, while photography by Anouk Krantz provides depth and visual interest. Though the artist is known for Western photography, this shot of a South Carolina marshland reminded Ellis of her native New Orleans. “This felt reminiscent of the South to her,” says Henderson. A stool upholstered in Carolina Irving fabric and a Visual Comfort lamp with Fermoie shades round out the space.

When outfitting your space, let your lifestyle—not design “rules”—lead the way.

“Ashley is the only girl in the house, so we were trying to make it as pretty as possible for her but still comfortable for all the boys.”

—INTERIOR DESIGNER LISA HENDERSON

fabric steals the show in the primary bedroom. “I’ve always wanted an upholstered bed,” says Ellis. “Lisa showed me pictures of this fabric, and I said, ‘I trust you.’ It came in, and we loved it.” Finished with Leontine Linens bedding, the bed is flanked by Society Social nightstands and Visual Comfort lamps with custom shades. Chairs from the homeowners’ previous residence were refinished in Quadrille fabric. The French landscape above the bed was found at Round Top. The blue vase on the nightstand is from Brendan Bass. this page: In spaces like powder baths, Henderson loves to use pieces from her friend Natalie Erwin, like this mirror from the artist’s line, Fleur. “We say every house needs one of her designs,” Henderson says. “They’re just cheerful.” Martyn Lawrence Bullard wallpaper, Circa Lighting sconces with custom shades, and fixtures by Waterworks complete the happy space. “I honestly tell people the powder bath is one of my favorite rooms in the entire home,” Ellis says.

Like with the kitchen, the dining room can be seen from many other points within the home. A high-gloss ceiling reflects light and creates a glow from within. To maintain the traditional feel, Ellis and Henderson opted to keep her classic dining set but freshen it up with a chinoiserie-inspired Schumacher wallpaper. A Stark sisal rug and a Coleen & Company light fixture give the room a relaxed feel. The space also provides an opportunity for the Ellises to build their contemporary art collection. “I try to encourage not putting all of the super-traditional furniture in one room, but spreading it out and pairing it with newer items,” Henderson explains. “We didn’t want grand with grand.”

Henderson took that traditional but relaxed approach to the family room, too, so that it would best suit the Ellises’ needs. Where a piano once stood now sits a card table, enjoyed by the family as well as Ellis’ mahjong friends. “It’s always set up, and we’re always using it,” says Ellis.

That usability reflects the choices throughout home—a place where boys can run and play or where family members can chill out with loved ones. “Every room is so multifunctional, from the kitchen to the family room to the den,” says Ellis. “We want that to continue while the boys grow.”

opposite page: A custom upholstered headboard in Quadrille

“I love a traditional home, but fresh—not Grandma’s traditional.”

—HOMEOWNER

ASHLEY ELLIS

THE 10 MOST CHARMING HOUSES IN DALLAS 2023

C H A R ME I’m

S U R E!

CHOOSING JUST 10 HOUSES FOR THIS LIST EACH YEAR IS DIFFICULT IN A CITY LIKE DALLAS. I mean, throw a rock. But when you really start to narrow it down, what secures a house a place in the annals of DHome history are the details—the dozens of little choices that add up to an overall sense of enchantment. A shoo-in with the right touches might be an alsoran without them. So this year, in addition to bringing you the 10 Most Charming Houses in Dallas, we’re also revealing the winning qualities that landed them a spot on the list. Looking to make the cut next year (or just to enhance your curb appeal)? Consider this your cheat sheet.

photography by REAGAN JOBE

THESE TALL CONICAL HEDGES

ME D,

THIS FAUX BIRDHOUSE DETAIL

THE ROSES FRAMING THE ENTRY

CHARMING HOUSES IN DALLAS 2023

NEIGHBORHOOD: University Park

3433 SOUTHWESTERN BLVD.

YEAR BUILT: 1997 STATS: 5,077 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3.2 bathrooms If walls could talk, those of 3433 Southwestern would tell of two generations of children peeking out of blue-shuttered windows, lazing on the front porch, and playing whiffle ball on the impossibly green fescue lawn. The owners’ now-adult children, who came of age here, regularly brought their own little ones back to visit their childhood home, which was designed to emulate some of the family’s favorite vacation destinations (Big Cedar Lodge’s old Worman House on the exterior, and the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek inside). Architect Paul Turney and builder Rusty Goff brought the house to life more than 25 years ago; the Austin stone on the exterior—reclaimed from famed architect Hal Yoakum’s residence, which stood here previously—is even older.

The home’s perch at the corner of Southwestern and Turtle Creek boulevards allows views of the western facade, where a side yard is protected by, predictably, a white picket fence. Passersby through the years surely noticed the carved “Good Tidings” quarterboards—souvenirs from summers spent in Nantucket—that long hung over the front and side doors.

In May, the signs vanished; the homeowners, getting older, were in the midst of relocating to a house with first-floor living. Happily, the quarterboards will follow their owners to their new home, as will the decades of memories made here. Say the couple, “We will cherish our time here forever.” —Jessica Otte

6452 WAGGONER DR.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Preston Hollow YEAR

BUILT: 1992 STATS: 5,306 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4.2 bathrooms You know the story: Boy and girl meet, settle down, and buy a home. Then kids come along, and the walls start to close in. Such was the case for these homeowners, who lived in a cottage on this lot from 1984 until 1992. Needing more space but wishing to remain in their coveted Preston Hollow location, they scraped the existing house and started from scratch. Though building gave them carte blanche in the design process, they didn’t want something that felt brand new. “We wanted a classic look that would stand the test of time,” the owner says. “We chose the slurried mortar and smaller-thanstandard-size brick to be a little different.”

Subsequent updates have included painting the casement windows dove blue (which match the Versailles box planters), and adding a slate roof, terra-cotta chimney pots, and a faux birdhouse detail that lends a sweet touch of dimension to the roofline. The couple especially love the climbing heirloom roses, added in a 2016 landscaping overhaul, that frame the front door. The sidewalk-free neighborhood and cedar-post fence also lend a fitting country feel to the house, which will always be a special place for these now empty nesters.

“We’ve lived on this lot our entire married life and have great memories of raising our family here,” they say. —Haley Arnold

THE TRIO OF DORMERS

THE ALL-AMERICAN COLOR SCHEME

THE MANICURED LANDSCAPE AND IMMACULATE LAWN

THE STEEP CEDAR-SHINGLED ROOF

NEIGHBORHOOD: Kessler Park YEAR BUILT: 1927 STATS: 3,790 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3.1 bathrooms The exterior of this 1927 residence has remained untouched since its construction, and its owners would like to keep it that way. They bought the house in 2000, drawn to the privacy granted by its mature trees, and became the property’s sixth owners in nearly a century. Its architectural splendor is among good company in Kessler Park, known for pockets of historic residential beauty nestled into the lush neighborhood geography.

Aside from altering the landscaping and redoing the winding walkway (using the existing stones), the owners have been diligent stewards of the home’s original features, which include the door and knocker, lighted address numbers, stone portico, slate roof, and wavy- and stained-glass windows. Keeping the house’s history alive has been a point of pride for the couple; they have a flyer advertising the 1988 Old Oak Cliff Fall Home Tour, which featured the home. In a poignant twist, they discovered that they work at the same hospital where the original owner was a physician, establishing a theme of continuity that shows no sign of ending with them. Says the owner, “Our kids loved growing up in Kessler Park and want to move back here someday.” —H.A.

THE WINDING STONE WALKWAY

THE ARCHED DOOR AND STONE PORTICO

THE ORIGINAL WINDOWS

THE 10 MOST CHARMING HOUSES IN DALLAS 2023

THE QUAINT IRON GATE AND TALL HEDGES, WHICH PROVIDE A SENSE OF MYSTERY

THE FRENCH COUNTRY–STYLE ARCHITECTURAL INFLUENCES

NEIGHBORHOOD: Highland Park YEAR BUILT: 1990 STATS: 7,424 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 7.1 bathrooms Highland Park’s own slice of Provence is on Maplewood Avenue. A peek through the street-facing hedges reveals a chateau-style abode full of French charm—and makes plain why the current homeowner fell in love with the house almost four years ago. “I knew as soon as I saw it that it was perfect for our family,” she says. “I just couldn’t get it out of my mind!” While the homeowner had always loved the feel of the countryside, the contrasting interior is what sold her. “The inside of our home is more midcentury modern,” she says. “Every room is completely different, but it works.”

The homeowner has made a few tweaks over the years to make the house fit her family of five, installing a wrought-iron gate to contain her busy children and adding the home’s signature hedges for privacy—and to really drive home that French countryside feel. The duo of dormers, lightning finials, and topiaries— which, the owner says, “make any garden feel magical”—finish la maison with that extra bit of detail and allure.

—Lydia Brooks

3637 MAPLEWOOD AVE.

THE SYMMETRY, DOWN TO THE MATCHING TOPIARIES

THE 10 MOST CHARMING HOUSES

IN DALLAS 2023

7235 N. JANMAR DR.

NEIGHBORHOOD: North Dallas YEAR

BUILT: 1955 STATS: 3,362 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Legend has it around the Janmar Circle neighborhood that the area once served as a quarry with horse stables, which the homeowner of 7235 North Janmar Drive thinks may explain her home’s unconventional, ranchhouse look. If her hunch is true, the stainedcedar, split-level, ranch-style abode serves as a fitting tribute to days gone by. The hilly, shaded neighborhood itself, designed without curbs or sidewalks, similarly lends a pulled-back-in-time, outside-city-limits essence.

A long circular drive leads to the front of the home, where visitors can better admire the structure’s signature shutters and window boxes—which the homeowner keeps overflowing with the likes of angel wing begonias, gerbera daisies, and creeping fig. “When I bought the house, it had wooden window boxes that required frequent repairs,” the homeowner says. “I replaced them with custom-fabricated rawmetal boxes that have been distressed to match the house.” The sprawling abode’s unique architecture and warm, inviting feel are what initially drew in the homeowner, and it’s what will keep her put for decades to come. “The first time I pulled into that house,” she says, “I knew I was home.” —L.B.

THESE WINDOW BOXES

THE CEDAR-LINED HORSE-STABLE LOOK

THESE BOARD AND BATTEN SHUTTERS

4219 STANHOPE AVE.

NEIGHBORHOOD: University Park YEAR

BUILT: 1935 STATS: 4,165 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3.1 bathrooms In relationships and real estate, timing is everything. When the now-owners of 4219 Stanhope first saw it, the house wasn’t for sale—nor were they in the market. The empty nesters had recently downsized into a similar English stone home and were looking for paint-color inspiration when they stumbled upon this comely cottage. They so loved the combination of red window frames and greenish-gray timbering that they mirrored the scheme exactly.

Several years later, when grandchildren started arriving, the homeowner laughs, “We realized we had downsized too far.” A friend mentioned that their inspiration house was about to go on the market, and the rest, as they say, is real estate history.

With its catslide roof, small-paned wood windows, and winsome ornamental touches, the home possesses a storybook feel that leads many to suspect it’s the work of famed architect Charles Dilbeck. The owner can confirm it isn’t, thanks to research done in an effort to secure a historical designation, which also revealed how strikingly similar the facade today looks to when it was built nearly 90 years ago. The owners do their part to maintain the home’s integrity and enhance the exterior with their English country–inspired garden. To keep the landscape looking lovely, the owners—both “incurable gardeners”—once again tout the importance of timing, relying on perennials paced to bloom in steady succession. “There’s always something coming and going,” they say. —J.O.

THE LOW ROOF

THE STORYBOOK ENGLISH STONE

THIS INVERTEDSCALLOP TRIM

WINDOWS OF ALL SIZES, SHAPES, AND PANE STYLES

THE CATSLIDE ROOF

THE PROMINENT CHIMNEY

THE 10 MOST CHARMING HOUSES IN DALLAS 2023

THE SAGE GREEN HALF-TIMBERING

THE IRON FENCE AND FUNCTIONING LAMP POST

THE ROUND BOXWOODS FLANKING THE BRICK AND TILE WALKWAY

THE PAIR OF ARCHWAYS

NEIGHBORHOOD: Northern Hills YEAR

BUILT: 1936 STATS: 3,092 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms With a background in architecture, the homeowner of this charming Tudor knew exactly what was needed to bring back its former glory. “When I bought the house in 2002, it was in really bad shape,” he says, noting that while the bones were good, the house was in dire need of a creative’s touch. “It took about two years to restore before we could even move in.”

Now, almost 20 years later, the home is frequented by passersby wanting to get a closer look at its star feature—the soft sage half-timbering. “We get people knocking on our door all the time wanting to know what the paint-color name is,” he laughs. The homeowner chose “Svelte Sage” by Sherwin Williams—which was also used on the two-story bay window—to better blend the home with the surrounding nature. When deciding what else he wanted to change on the exterior, the homeowner sought to incorporate little nods to the circa-1936 home’s history. “The iron fence was original to the design,” he says. “So we added the iron gate at the front as an extra architectural element.” Thanks to the home’s other eye-catching details—the double-arched doorway, leaded-glass windows, and tiled walkway—it’s almost certain that pedestrians will continue to turn up for decades to come. —L.B.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenway Parks YEAR

BUILT: 1926 STATS: 4,183 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3.1 bathrooms The owners of this near century-old abode struck gold in 2013 when they found a place that checked all their boxes for location, charm, and functionality. Designed by Fonzie Robertson in the 1920s, the house was renovated by the previous owner—who was, conveniently, an architect—giving the newest residents the best of both worlds. “The house had all the charm of an older home but with all the updates that we wanted,” says the owner, who fell for the original checkerboard brick detailing, swoon-worthy blue trim, iron-gated front courtyard, and the desirable Greenway Parks location.

A decade later, the homeowners are still head over heels for their oasis, which offers them sanctuary in time spent outdoors; the couple does their own landscaping, tending to a growing collection of pollinator plants and keeping weeds at bay. Thanks to sensory-stimulating features like a courtyard fountain—which they added five years ago—and the gravel driveway, which provides a satisying crunch underfoot, the house echoes the aptly named neighborhood’s natural serenity. Says the owner, “Every morning we take our two aging golden retrievers on a three-mile walk up and down the greenways, and it’s the best part of each day.” —H.A.

5446 NEOLA DR.

THE CHECKERBOARD BRICK

THE FRONT COURTYARD PROTECTED BY ORIGINAL IRON FENCING

THE GRAVEL DRIVE

THE BLUE TRIM

3629 CRAGMONT AVE.

THE 10 MOST CHARMING HOUSES

IN DALLAS 2023

5520 SWISS AVE.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Swiss Avenue Historic District YEAR BUILT: 1917 STATS: 4,536 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Having lived in a nearby home for 27 years, the nowowners of 5520 Swiss Avenue had no plans to move again—that is, until an estate sale in 2020 opened their eyes to the house around the corner. “I walked in the house and just thought, ‘Wow,’ ” remembers the homeowner. “I fell in love with it.”

With its red brick, dormers, and second-story shutters, the neo-Georgian-style home is quintessential Americana. Its originality was important to the homeowners, who preserved existing design elements like the beautiful fretwork on the facade. But as the home’s first new owners in 40 years, they also had to endure some not-so-fun updates, too, like installing a new HVAC system, replacing sewer lines, and completing foundation work.

From the beginning, it was the Hal Thomson architectural details gracing both the interior and exterior that really sold the homeowners on it. They admire the architect’s work for the abundance of “wonderful architectural details like columns, arches, and a lot of built-ins,” and their beautifully designed home is no exception to that style. Living in their home, they say, has “been everything we hoped it would be.” —Jessica

Majors

THIS UNIQUE FRETWORK AND MATCHING RAILING OVER THE SUNROOM

THE DORMERS

THE TRADITIONAL PORTICO

THE CLASSIC RED BRICK AND SECONDSTORY SHUTTERS

4211 LORRAINE AVE.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Highland Park YEAR

BUILT: 1925 STATS: 5,973 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4.1 bathrooms Designed by architect Hal Thomson nearly a century ago, this French eclectic home strikes the ideal balance of old and new. Though the current residents have “remodeled or updated every inch” in their 18 years of ownership, the home’s footprint and exterior remain largely unchanged, owed to good design and high-quality materials. “The original slate roof is still on the house, and our roofer says we should get another 100 years out of it,” the owner says. “The house has truly stood the test of time.”

Other features have required a bit more upkeep: The windows were restored in 2008, though the owners kept the frames’ signature blue color. In addition to adding a bluestone-paver walkway and retaining wall, the owners worked with Paul Fields at Lambert’s to incorporate whimsical planters and trailing vines, which snake around the cast-stone door surround and climb up the original, ornate chimney.

And if the house looks familiar, check your saved Instagram posts. The house has gained social media notoriety for its annual pumpkin display, an image of which was shared by a national magazine several years back. “Since then, we see our house every fall all over Instagram,” the owner says. “We have friends from all over the country forward photos to us with, ‘Isn’t that your house?’ ” —Iliana Salcido

THIS SKINNY VINE TRAILING AROUND THE DOOR

THESE FOUR OVERSIZED PLANTERS

THE PATINAED SLATE ROOF

THE ORNATE CHIMNEY

O NE

BIG HAPPY FAMILY

WITH THE HELP OF HOUSTON-BASED KATIE DAVIS DESIGN , A HISTORIC HIGHLAND PARK HOUSE IS REIMAGINED TO SUIT A FAMILY OF SIX.

text by RHONDA REINHART

photography by NATHAN SCHRODER

interiors by KATIE DAVIS DESIGN

renovation by ELLEN GRASSO & SONS

remodel by ANICE CRAWFORD HOMES

styling by JENNY O’CONNOR

floral by HAILE WOSSEN

The Rove Concepts kitchen table acts as the central meeting place for the McWilliams family. “We have dinner together there every night,” Catherine says. “Our girls eat breakfast there every morning while getting ready for school. Their hair gets done at the kitchen table, their homework gets done at the kitchen table, their art projects on the weekends. It’s so incredibly functional.” The banquette is covered in a wipeable vinyl from Peter Dunham Textiles, and the chandelier is from M&M Lighting. The bowl on the table and the flour jar beside the stove are from Blue Print.

atherine and Hunter McWilliams had been searching for a home for nearly six months. It was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, so real estate inventory was low, and the houses that were available just weren’t right for the growing family of six. Then they happened upon the one: a 1931-built traditional beauty in Highland Park with an uncommonly generous backyard and a freshly revamped floor plan. The newly gutted interior was so fresh, in fact, that it was still under construction. “Not only did the house have a classic-home feel, but the entire inside had been opened up to reflect a modern home for today’s families, with a big family room that bleeds into the kitchen,” says Catherine. “Plus, it was an entirely white house we could do anything with. It was a blank canvas.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 63 >>

previous spread: (from left). The McWilliams family loads up in their 1984 Series III Land Rover outside their winsome Highland Park home. The pieces in the dining room, from the table and chairs to the ginger jars that were converted into lamps, were already part of the homeowners’ collection. Designer Katie Davis added the floral Scalamandre wallpaper to pull it all together. this page: (from left) The light blue sideboard in the kitchen is custom, and the abstract painting above it was a joint art project by the McWilliams daughters (see sidebar, pg. 63). An antique commode, sourced through Jessica Lev Antiques out of Houston, takes pride of place in the entry, where a grouping of vintage botanicals in bamboo frames add to the room’s old-world vibes. The blue-and-white Lee Jofa fabric on the chairs is “a nod to classical design,” says interior designer Katie Davis. The lidded bowl is from Blue Print.

“This is where everything happens,” Davis says of the McWilliamses’ high-traffic family room. So the pieces in the space needed to be durable as well as beautiful. Performance fabrics on the custom sofas and swivel chair make cleaning up messes a breeze, and the large sisal rug is equally resilient. Davis added hardware to the center of the built-ins to give them the appearance of pieces of furniture. The floor lamp features a custom shade in Fermoie fabric, and the ceiling fixture is from M&M Lighting. The lidded box on the built-in and the throw over the chair arm are from Blue Print.

Davis’ overall goal for the formal sitting room was to make it dressier than the family room but still feel like a place where lounging is welcome and encouraged. A Schumacher sisal wallcovering, an antique rug, and millwork painted in Benjamin Moore “Lead Gray” up the coziness factor, while eye-catching custom drapes made from Jasper Collection fabric add punch. The fringe trim on the custom sofa brings a bit of whimsy. “I always love a little pop of extra,” Davis says. The bowl on the drink table is from Blue Print.

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

To help transform the bare-bones canvas into a work of art, Catherine turned to a familiar face: Houston-based interior designer (and former sorority sister) Katie Davis. The two women attended the University of Texas at Austin together and then went their separate ways after graduation, but Catherine had been following Davis’ career and knew she had the design eye the new McWilliams house needed. “Flipping through her portfolio on her website or her Instagram, there was not one single thing I didn’t like,” Catherine says of her old classmate’s design work. “If any of those houses were mine, I’d be happy.”

The portfolio Catherine references teems with rooms bedecked with peppy hues, bold prints, and charming details aplenty—all signature features of a Katie Davis Design project. The finished McWilliams home is no exception. From front

CONTINUED ON PAGE 64 >>

Kids at Art

One of the most charming features in the McWilliams home is a painting by four surprising artists.

The splashy abstract that provides the focal point in the McWilliamses’ kitchen (seen on pg. 59) didn’t come from a gallery, an art fair, or an auction house. Rather, it was a special commission fulfilled by a group of artists much closer to home: Bessie, Suzie, Callie, and Ginnie McWilliams. Mom Catherine scheduled a private session with Dallas-based Align Studios for the girls, who created the masterpiece using a predetermined palette based on the home’s color scheme. “Our baby at the time was maybe 10 months old,” Catherine says. “You wouldn’t be able to see it, but I know where her footprints are. I can see her little feet and her little hands. It’s just really sweet.”

Catherine and her husband, Hunter, considered placing the painting in a less prominent position, but in the end, they couldn’t imagine keeping the canvas tucked away. “We talked about putting it in different places,” Catherine says, “but my husband was like, ‘No, it’s their art, and I want them to be able to see it every single day.’ So it’s right next to the kitchen table.”

this page: (from top) From the darling bow chairs to the sweet Lulie Wallace fabric on the Roman shade and bench seat, the playroom is the stuff of every little girl’s dreams. Even the bulletin board has girlish flair: “The builder made that for us and painted it pink; then we added trim from Fleur,” Davis says. The play table is actually a coffee table from Serena & Lily, the Stark antelope rug came from the McWilliamses’ previous home, the ceiling fixture is by Coleen & Company, and the bowl is from Blue Print. The laundry room pays homage to the home’s locale with Katie Kime’s Big D–themed “Dallas” toile wallpaper. The millwork is painted Sherwin-Williams “Rookwood Jade.”

door to back, east side to west, the house delights at every turn, whether it’s whimsical floral wallpaper livening up a formal dining space, a splash of bright green paint in a laundry room, bullion fringe trim on an otherwise simple sofa in the front sitting room, or a custom baby-blue sideboard—painted in Farrow & Ball “Parma Gray”—adding a pop of color to a mostly white kitchen. Even better, the home is 100 percent kid-friendly. With four little girls living in the house—Bessie, 8; twins Suzie and Callie, 6; and Ginnie, 2 1/2—(plus a dog and a cat!) every space needed to be able to withstand the daily wear and tear brought on by a big family, because, as Catherine notes, the McWilliams clan “lives in every inch of the house.” To help the cause, Davis used performance fabrics throughout and made sure every piece of furniture was a comfy, welcoming spot for Mom, Dad, kid, or pet. She also worked with contractor Janice Crawford to create the home’s most trans-

formative family-friendly moment: converting an oversize living room into two separate spaces—one a formal sitting room for the grown-ups, the other a playroom for the children.

“I love a downstairs playroom,” says Davis, a mom of two herself. “You can be in the kitchen, and the kids aren’t a flight of stairs away. And I’m a huge fan of sitting rooms. It doesn’t have to be formal, but I love the idea of a separate sitting space, where you can retreat with a smaller group or get away from the family for a second.”

Now, everyone in the McWilliams house has a haven, and what was once a plain white space is a symphony of color, pattern, and texture. “Katie helped warm up the whole home and make it functional for what we needed for our family,” Catherine says. Which is business as usual for the designer. “At the end of the day, I want to make a beautiful, comfortable home for people,” Davis says.

opposite page: (from left) Davis kept things calm and cool in the primary bedroom with a blue velvet sofa and rattan Serena & Lily bench with a cushion covered in Alexis Walter fabric. The floral-print bolster adds a pop of pattern to the white bedding but doesn’t overwhelm. The vase on the nightstand is from Blue Print. Lulie Wallace wallpaper and a scalloped rug from Lindsey Meyer Art + Design Co. give a sweet feel to the twins’ bathroom.

this page: Because the twin daughters were going to be sharing a room, Catherine wanted their space to be extra special. The custom canopy beds with pompom-trimmed Lulie Wallace fabric did the trick. “Seeing two little girls run in and scream with excitement was pretty special,” Davis says. “That’s a favorite design moment that I’ll never forget.” The scalloped side table is from Serena & Lily, and the vase perched atop is from Blue Print.

Who’s Who IN DALLAS HOMES AND DESIGN

BY JENNIFER SANDER HAYES

Kristi Hopper

whether interior design , a remodel or both Kristi Hopper creates beautiful spaces that intimately reflect her clients’ lifestyles. There is a lot to love about working with Hopper—her energy and laugh to start—but clients particularly appreciate the comfort of knowing their finished home will be uniquely their own. “Your design isn’t about me,” Hopper says. “Your home should be tailored to complement your distinct lifestyle.”

Hopper believes in creating an atmosphere of openness and transparency with each project and holds fast to the notion that design should be exceed-

972.897.9878

@kristihopperdesigns kristihopper.com

ingly personal. “I listen to my clients and learn from them, rather than adhering to a prescribed style of design,” she says. Hopper offers a full line of services, including interior design, home remodels, new builds, vacation rental design, and furniture and accessories design. She works with clients throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and across the country. With each project, Hopper partners with her clients to establish a vision, oversee the entire process, and deliver a white glove installation. An award-winning designer in Dallas for 25 years, Hopper is passionate about what she wants for every client, which is to Love Where You Live™.

KRISTI HOPPER DESIGNS

Monte and Tamera Martin

when monte martin began his design and fine art services business 25 years ago, his niche was primarily art installations and lighting. Today, this is only part of what he and his wife, Tamera, offer at MMD Services, formerly Martin & Martin Design, a multifaceted professional firm specializing in everything from art hanging and storage to lighting and electrical to custom furniture design and fabrication. When Monte and Tamera married, they combined their backgrounds and passion for all things art, design, fashion, and architecture and rebranded the company to MMD Services. Their clients include museums, galleries, private collectors, custom homebuilders, luxury retailers, hotels, restaurants, designers, and architects who understand the importance of precise

214.252.0692

@mmdservices1999 mmd.services

execution when it comes to making spaces both functional and beautiful. “We do a lot of things.” Monte says. “We’re creative engineers and problem solvers. We’re lighting designers, custom fabricators, fine art handlers, and electricians. Whatever the project is, we’ll devise a creative and beautiful solution.” Hammer, paint, build, repair, and refurbish—MMD does that, too. The MMD Services team is also sought after for fine art and antiquities storage, whether you have too much or you need it shipped. When it’s ready for placement, they provide installation. “We are a one-stop shop,” Tamera says. “We help make spaces beautiful and run smoothly. Often, we are hired for one service and wind up helping clients with everything else. They dream it, and we bring their vision to life.”

Tamera Martin, Monte Martin

Virgil Barber and Aaron Osborn

in greek mythology , the muses were nine goddesses who symbolized the arts and sciences. Interior designers Virgil Barber and Aaron Osborn remember days when they needed a muse to spark their imagination whenever they were stumped on a project. They knew they could always rely on the talent of legendary Dallas antiquarian Betty Gertz for inspiration. Just one step through that cantilever-weighted door at her East & Orient showplace would spark inspiration, thanks to vast rooms of antiques and furnishings that were dramatized for the eye. Barber and Osborn wanted to create this same experience when they opened MUSE on Slocum, a 5,000-square-foot showroom near the Dallas Design District, three years ago. “When in

214.655.6873

@museonslocum MuseOnSlocum.com

search of our next prize, we have always made decisions based questions we ask ourselves,” Osborn says. “Do I love it enough to put it in my own home? Am I inspired to arrange the next dramatic scene for our clients each time I enter the showroom?” MUSE on Slocum is a synergy of 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century antiques, vintage designer furnishings, lighting, and decorative and fine art from Europe and South America. Together, Barber and Osborn have spent more than 40 years nurturing relationships with dealers to gain first access to incredible estates in Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, Chicago, and Dallas. MUSE on Slocum has quickly become a vital source of ever-revolving inventory for the design trade professional.

MUSE ON SLOCUM

LEFT TO RIGHT: Aaron Osborn, Virgil Barber

Lonnie Grover

lonnie grover understands that most everything in life is a process—home design included. The Texas native has circled the globe working in New York City fashion and the European trade show circuit before settling into Dallas in a historically significant Bluffview home he shares with his husband, teenage son, and four dogs. Honing his comfortably sophisticated design sensibility through travel, this influence is evident both in his home and new shop on West Lovers Lane, Process Home. The curated retail space is a direct reflection of Grover’s design process and his drumbeat philosophy of how life should be lived surrounded by items that invoke memories, tribute, and stories. Grover describes Process Home as sensible luxury. Both the store and his private design projects

972.707.7931

@process.home processdallas.com

combine a timeless mix between the newly imagined mid-century modern pieces reupholstered in fresh boucle, Parisian market finds, estate sales, and new designs. “Whether it’s art, furniture, or collections, we’re recognized for those pieces you can’t stop thinking about—the ones that feel like you,” he says. While the team at Process Home runs the brick-and-mortar operations to offer designers and the public easy access to notable collectibles as a daily resource, Grover’s days are spent on home and lifestyle design for private clients. “I’m involved in every aspect from groundbreaking construction to sheets on beds,” Grover says. “It’s a very intimate exercise to work beside people to build their homes; I take that privilege and responsibility very seriously. It’s a true honor.”

AROUND TOWN

Bespoke Level Hardware

Since 1937, PIERCE HARDWARE has been recognized for unique displays of hardware, plumbing and lighting in DFW with one-ofa-kind items, curated designs, and two awardwinning showrooms. Pierce will educate and guide you in creating inspiring and harmonious spaces that promote wellbalanced living, increased functionality and lasting memories in your homes. Visit PierceHardware. com to watch our helpful tips and advice videos.

2615 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite #101, Dallas, TX 75235 and 4030 W. Vickery Blvd, Ft. Worth, TX 76107 | (214) 368-2851

info@piercehardware.com

The Pratt Collection

Kirk Nix’s inaugural collaboration with PALECEK draws on his distinctive design concepts and extensive luxury interior design experience. The result of this dynamic partnership is an inviting, exquisite and travel-inspired line that reflects PALECEK’s inimitable mastery of natural materials and Nix’s singular design aesthetic.

In Kirk’s words, the Pratt Collection is “Inspired by the Seminole Indian fishing nets weaved in custom patterns to identify each family’s catch of the day.” He sought to translate this language into a chair that is unique with a special sense of belonging. palecek.com

Left to right: PIERCE HARDWARE, The Pratt Collection at PALECEK

Blond Ambition

GET IT: 1 “Iconic B” float ($59/Funboy)

2 deck lounge chair ($895/Tupelo)

3 “Atomic” tote ($34/ Favor the Kind)

4 melamine bowls ($13 each/Nicholson-Hardie)

5 scalloped tray ($204/ Nicholson-Hardie)

6 synthetic crystal pitcher ($94/NicholsonHardie) 7 “Lente” acrylic tumbler ($22 each/ Nicholson-Hardie)

8 Garden Glory water hose ($129/Neiman Marcus) 9 “Sunset Tube” float ($29/Funboy)

10 watering can ($30/ Talking Out Of Turn)

11 Corkcicle “Chillpod” cooler ($270/Scheels)

12 papier-mache yucca plant ($268/Favor the Kind) 13 Arkrocket record player ($100/

All Dolled Up

Come on, Barbie, let’s pool party! Make a splash with outdoor essentials you’d swear were made by Mattel. (Ryan Gosling sold separately.)

With the new Margot Robbie movie in theaters, are you finally ready to dive into the Barbiecore trend? Start with this glittering hot pink bikini from Sabal Swim (shopsabal.com). Founded by Highland Park native Hartley Lynn and her husband, Preston, the Dallas-based brand makes well-fitting and flattering suits for small-chested women. Their bikinis, one-pieces, and sarongs are perfect for a poolside afternoon at your Dream House. —Lydia Brooks

DISCOVER WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MISSING

Dallas Market Center is your open-daily destination for hundreds of premier design resources from stunning showrooms such as: C. Maddox, Currey & Company, Designer’s Patio, Feizy, Gabby, Global Views, Loloi, Palecek, Uttermost, and many more. When you visit our multi-building campus, you’ll find the most comprehensive lifestyle marketplace featuring trending design products and inspiring one-of-a-kinds your client’s will love.

Come see what everyone’s talking about!

OPEN DAILY

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM-5PM

Dallas Design Week

SEPTEMBER 19-21, 2023

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Inspiration Starts Here.