D Home Spring 2024

Issue

STRIKE

The 2.0 Collection of bespoke fireplaces uses interlocking connections between hand carved stones to produce provocative shapes and forms. strikefireplaces.com

Jenifer McNeil Baker

Photography by Danny Piassick

PRESERVATION PARK CITIES 2023 DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER LUNCHEON

Presented by Highland Park Village, The Preservation Park Cities 2023 Distinguished Speaker Luncheon featured a delightful conversation between Cathy Kincaid, principal of Cathy Kincaid Interiors, Ltd., and Wilson Fuqua, owner/principal architect of Fuqua and Associates. Serving as moderator was The Potted Boxwood’s Christina Dandar. The event’s chairs were Cory Lukens Bowen and Krista Porteous, and honorary Chair was Allie Beth Allman. Rose Gold Rosé sponsored the VIP Reception. The Distinguished Speaker Luncheon celebrates historic preservation and is designed to generate awareness of the role history and preservation play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the Park Cities. Sponsors included D Home , Fuqua Architects, Three Branches Weddings and Events, Cathy Kincaid Interiors, Susan Baldwin, Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Marla and Mike Boone, and The Rhodes Group.

Learn more at preservationparkcities.org

Alisa Sell, Lucinda Buford

Christina Dandar, Amy Beale, Cory Bowen, Krista Porteous

Allie Beth Allman, Laura Bush

Cathy Kincaid

Tablescape curated by Christina Dandar of The Potted Boxwood

Meredith Ferrell, Courtney Petit

Floral centerpieces by Three Branches Weddings & Events

Tish Key, Ralph Randall, Joanna Michel

Porter Fuqua, Kalee Fuqua Doche, Wilson Fuqua

Marla Boone

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR J amie Laubhan-Oliver

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jessica Jones Otte

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lydia Brooks

COPY EDITOR Jamie Sides

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Ryan Conner, Jessica Elliott, Laura Kostelny, Kendall Morgan

EDITORIAL INTERN Megan Wilhelm

ART CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jamie Laubhan-Oliver

PHOTOGRAPHER Elizabeth Lavin

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION

John Gay

PRODUCTION MANAGER Grace John

PHOTO RETOUCHER Jasmine Green

PRODUCTION INTERN Alexa May

ONLINE

Bret Redman

ADVERTISING

PUBLISHER Noelle LeVeaux

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Susan O’Neal

SALES MANAGER Rachel Gill

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Mc Laren, Julie Quarm

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Rebecca Young Mitchell

DIGITAL SALES COORDINATOR Olivia Booth

MANAGING EDITOR OF SPECIAL SECTIONS Jennifer Hayes

CLIENT OPERATIONS MANAGER Erin Ansley

ONLINE DIRECTORY SALES Kate Martin

MARKETING

MARKETING DIRECTOR Madeline Alford

MARKETING MANAGER Natalie Swaim

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Katie Garza

ASSOCIATE ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Andrea Chavez

EVENTS PRODUCER Kevin Morgan

EVENTS COORDINATOR Natasha Santiago

MARKETING & EVENTS INTERNS Kristen Dillard, Haley King, Marci Toscano

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT & BRAND

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Emma Barretto

EDITORIAL PROGRAMS MANAGER Sarah Masquelier

SPECIAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR Betty Burns

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Anita Moti

SPECIAL PROJECTS ASSISTANT Jordan Radasch

RETAIL STRATEGY MANAGER Steve Crabb

MERCHANDISER David Truesdell

OPERATIONS INTERN Macey Pieterse

DIGITAL

DIGITAL PRODUCT DIRECTOR Ricky Ferrer

DIGITAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Jade Garrett

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST Melissa Neely

DIGITAL INTERN Olivia Potthoff

BUSINESS

CONTROLLER Sabrina LaTorre

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT Debbie Travis

SENIOR STAFF ACCOUNTANT Randy Rasor

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE COORDINATOR Jessica Hernandez

OFFICE MANAGER Will Smith

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Nikhael Virden

IT ADMIN Jeff Nelson

IT TECHNICIAN Luan Aliji

MAGAZINE PARTNERS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CEO Christine Allison

PRESIDENT Gillea Allison

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Thomas L. Earnshaw

t.o.c.

L.A. B .L. Live A Beautiful Life

29 | TRENDING NOW

What our editors are loving this season.

37 | TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Six recipes that will make alfresco season a breeze.

42 | LOVE AND LETTING GO

One editor reflects on her reluctance to part with sentimental items.

44 | PAST IN PRESENT

A practical guide to taming emotional clutter.

46 | KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Find out why sculleries are seeing a resurgence.

50 | THE COLLECTOR

Bowie House owner Jo Ellard lives her life with a curator’s eye.

52 | NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Discover Dallas neighborhoods by what’s on the market.

55 | REAPING THE HARVEST

Rae Liu shares her gift of gardening.

FEATURES

58 | TIME-HONORED TRADITIONAL

By incorporating nods to the beaches of her childhood, designer Sara Johnson transforms a 1930s Highland Park home into a charming, East Coast–inspired abode.

By Ryan Conner

68 | A CHANGE OF PACE

Jean Liu’s East Hampton escape is a departure for the designer in every sense of the word.

By Jessica Otte

76 | THE LIST

Dallas’ leading design minds share their favorite products, top trends, and pet peeves. Plus: Get the complete list of the Best Designers in Dallas 2024!

By Jessica Otte

90 | THIS MUST BE THE PLACE

After world events forced a Park Cities family to take shelter, they responded by putting together a team to create the ultimate post-pandemic Hyde Park–inspired spot.

By Laura Kostelny

GILLEA ALLISON President, D Home Gillea@dmagazine.com

Fresh Start

WELCOME TO SPRING. ’Tis the season that commences a new quarterly format for D Home, which you now hold in your hands. We are embracing the seasonality of life, and homerelated purchasing cycles, with a new luxury format and an updated take on trends that we hope you’ll love. Because we can all use a refresh sometimes, can’t we?

Renewal is top of mind right now—spring in Texas brings a pep in the step and a slight sense of foreboding, as summer looms ahead. We must make the most of it! We are seizing the moment with a bounty of interior inspiration in this issue. You’ll find the coastal Connecticut–inspired Highland Park home of Sara Johnson of Sara Johnson Interiors (pgs. 58–67); a University Park abode that puts play at its center, designed by Erin Sander Design, Sleepy Hollow Homes, and SHM Architects (pgs. 90–99); and Jean Liu’s Hamptons escape, which is a true refuge from the daily demands of her life as one of Dallas’ most sought-after designers (pgs. 68–75). And

that’s just a start.

We’re also proudly celebrating 20 years of honoring the Best Designers in Dallas in this edition. This list is completely generated by peer-voting—i.e., rather than a popularity contest that’s open to the public, it’s based on reputation and respect among the industry itself. While the field has grown, it’s a good reminder of the things that never change: Nothing will beat an exceptional eye; outstanding professionalism; and the ability to create the livable, beautiful spaces of clients’ dreams. Congratulations to the notables who literally put Dallas design on the map and the up-andcomers who are shaping the future. You can score design tips from both on pages 76–89.

For nearly 25 years, D Home has aimed to be the magazine that elevates the work of the Dallas design community, serves our design-conscious and savvy readers, and inspires all to live a beautiful life in Dallas. We hope you enjoy this evolved take on that mission. Send any feedback our way at feedback@dmagazine.com.

Happy spring!

Your SpringHome Checklist

Home exterior:

Inspect your roof— especially following severe weather—and make necessary repairs

Clean out gutters

Inspect concrete and driveway

Have your HVAC system professionally inspected and tuned up

Inspect your foundation and make necessary repairs

Reseal doors and windows

Have your furnace cleaned (Pro tip: Do this now to avoid the fall rush!)

Repair and reseal decks

Lawn and garden:

Fertilize grass

Weed, feed, mulch, and plant garden beds

A list of items to tackle around the house this season.

Home interior:

Perform home safety checks: security, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms

Replace HVAC filters, and clean ducts and vents

Replace refrigerator filter and test water quality

Clean rugs and upholstery

Clean washing machine and dryer vent

Clean mattresses

Deep-clean kitchen appliances

Apply pest control

Inspect sprinkler and drip systems

JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER Editorial Director, D Home jamie@dmagazine.com

New and Now

WELCOME TO SPRING. I’m not just speaking on behalf of Mother Nature, though the weather is practically perfect as I write this. I’m also speaking on behalf of your D Home staff, who wishes to welcome you to the first installment of our new seasonal format. Safe to say, we can all benefit from occasional refreshes as we mature, and with this publication turning 24, it was time for a facelift. (They start younger and younger, don’t they?)

In keeping with our now-quarterly cadence, our content will have a seasonal lean, starting with a timely checklist of to-dos to tackle around the house. Our front-of-book section has been renamed L.A.B.L., short for Live a Beautiful Life, and it contains an abundance of content aimed at helping you do just that. You’ll find everything from recipes best enjoyed outdoors to tips for establishing a bountiful garden, plus the pieces and products our editors can’t get enough of right now.

Travelogue

Where I’ve been, what I’ve seen, and the things I’m excited about this spring:

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What hasn’t changed is our love for this city and the people and houses that make it such a remarkable place to live. We will continue to champion our local talent, celebrate inspiring spaces, and help you create a life you love at home.

Until summer,

“The ultimate garden party dinnerware. Eat your veggies! "

score six mouthwatering alfresco recipes on page 37

1. Fort Worth on my mind. After a recent stay at the Bowie House, I’m feeling inspired to up my art-collecting game. I highly recommend heading west for a weekend. (And ask for the art tour.)

2. Hazards of the job. Part of my job entails visiting shops and showrooms to select the newest and coolest products to put on our pages. Being exposed to as much incredible stuff as I am, it’s easy to get

“I’m obsessed with this freshsmelling hand soap from Bowie House. It gives me a good excuse to lather up!" learn more about Bowie House on page 50

jaded. But every so often, something strikes enough of a chord that I find myself in lust. Case in point: this “Goddard” swivel chair from Studio Van Den Akker. If it can’t live in my home, at least it can live rent-free in my mind.

3. “What’s for dinner?” My least favorite question. Deciding what to eat every night is such a chore. That’s why I’m excited to pick up the latest cookbook by Dallas’

ALBERTO PINTO “POTAGER IN BLUE” PLATE ELLIS HILL, $395

HAND WASH BOWIE HOUSE ASH SPA, $35 1

“KUFRI has expanded beyond fabric— and I’m here for it!”

own Alex Snodgrass. Her recipes are always simple yet flavorful.

4. Feathering their nest. Dallas-based Peacock Alley has a new (old) home: a 124-year-old converted residence on Fairmount Street. Shop bedding, towels, and more, all displayed in the rooms they’d be used in at home.

5. Bring it home. If you love the design work of

“Inspired by my favorite entree base, this candle is currently burning in my house. " get a whiff of our Best Designers’ signature scents on page 82

SWOON, the Studio (see: The Adolphus’ and Mirador’s revamped interiors), you’ll love their new Shop SWOON. Its virtual shelves are stocked with furniture, art, and accessories—some new, some vintage, and some (like the lamp above) made by the talented folks in-house. shopswoon.com

6. Open the gates. There are about two weeks in spring when it’s warm enough to hang outdoors but not so hot that you’ll

“Gardening can change my mood in about five seconds flat."

hear Rae Liu’s take on the topic on page 55

melt doing it. In preparation, I popped by Frontgate’s new flagship in Preston Center for some pots and a lovely garden stool to perch my iced tea on.

7. Good on paper. I’ve long been a fan of locally owned KUFRI fabrics, the textures of which are unmatched. Now, owner Mili Suleman is at it again, with perfectly tactile wallpapers that would make any space sing.

8. I’m floored! I’ve

always got a homeimprovement idea brewing. Ever since I espied this salvaged encaustic tile from Pittet Architecturals, my sights have been set on a primary bath redo.

9. Work it. Do I need boiled-leather desk accessories to the tune of $3,200? I don’t. But would this circa-2009 set from Sputnik Modern make my WFH setup infinitely cooler? It would. Like I said, hazards of the job ...

“I’m excited about each and every salad in this edition!"

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HAND TROWEL NICHOLSON-HARDIE, $35

DINNER TONIGHT NICHOLSON-HARDIE, $35

D.S. & DURGA “PASTA WATER” CANDLE THE CONSERVATORY, $70

BOILED LEATHER AND BRASS DESK SET SPUTNIK MODERN, $3,200

“I’m ‘swoon’ing over this stone-andleather lamp!”

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2024

LA B L Spring

state of the art: This collaged wallcovering— inspired by California mountains—is designer Carrie Hatfield’s favorite for an instant “wow.” For even more designer picks, turn to page 76.

LIVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

Looking Sharp

Whether you’re eager to embrace desert vibes inside or are hoping to turn your patio into an outdoor oasis, a few prickly accents are an essential ingredient. But no need to wait on pins and needles for your vegetation to mature—these faux, weatherproofed cacti are actually made from iron! Pair them with a wallcovering evocative of a rugged terrain for a truly transportive experience.

by JESSICA OTTE

(FROM LEFT) “NOPAL,” “HOHOKAM,” AND “ALOE” IRON CACTI BY ORENZO DAVID SUTHERLAND, TO THE TRADE; FROMENTAL “ROCKFACE” WALLCOVERING GEORGE CAMERON NASH, TO THE TRADE

ELIZABETH LAVIN

ZAFFERANO “POLDINA” PRO MINI LAMP NICHOLSON-HARDIE, $159

“If you’re going for a retro look, squiggles are a must-have. I love this darling teapot and matching cocktail napkins.”

Retro Rewind

The ’60s mod aesthetic gets a Dallas-ized makeover with these funky home goods.

curated by ASSOCIATE EDITOR LYDIA BROOKS

ATRA “MARGOT” LOUNGE CHAIR GARDE,

“This ‘Arigato’ fabric is from Perennials’ new Wabi Sabi line—a collection inspired by the Japanese philosophy that celebrates beauty in imperfection.”

inspiration!

This sunny Highland Park bathroom by Austin-based SHANNON EDDINGS INTERIORS brings all the bright, whimsical details we crave in spring—from the daffodil–hued cabinetry and the fun tile pattern to the sweet Roman shade and the unexpected pops of red.

“ADMIRE” BY KATE BARRENGOS

MISETTE “PRIMARY SQUIGGLE” PAINTED CANDLESTICKS MADISON, $60 FOR SET OF TWO

MATOUK COCKTAIL NAPKINS COCO & DASH, $85 FOR SET OF SIX

BLOOM TEAPOT SHOP SWOON, $118

VITRA “VASES DECOUPAGE” SCOTT + COONER, $495

BLUE PRINT, $2,200

VINTAGE CHAIR DAVID SUTHERLAND, TO THE TRADE

“TAWLA” DINNERWARE NOEL PITTMAN, FROM $68

“PLUMERIA” PILLOW COCO & DASH, $375

ALESSI CORKSCREW NICHOLSONHARDIE, $135

$19,720

the inspiration!

Through April 21, stop by the Nasher Sculpture Center to view 24 plaster and bronze sculptures by 20th-century sculptor JEAN ARP, whose organic forms helped pioneer the Dada movement.

“This potpourri vessel will delight your nose and your eyes at the same time.”

sculpt class

Break the mold with artfully shaped accessories that embody form and function.

curated by EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

“Even the mundane, like a side table, can be a showstopper. Just make sure to pair it with a chair that takes a visual backseat.”

“PAROS

PIERRE PAULIN FOR ARTIFORT “RIBBON” CHAIR AND OTTOMAN SPUTNIK MODERN, $12,000

RE JIN LEE “VICTORIA” SCULPTURE GARDE, $1,500

“RIPPLE” SIDE TABLE HOLLY HUNT, TO THE TRADE

SPOT” TABLE BAKER, $2,697

AGNES STUDIO “ALTAR” CONSOLE TABLE GARDE, $12,000

SHAGREEN AND PEN SHELL NESTING TABLES LAURA LEE CLARK, FROM $3,820

MISETTE “SQUIGGLE” CUTLERY SET MADISON, $175

HEATHER ESSIAN “HOLLIS” PLASTER CHAIR LAURA LEE CLARK, $2,500

“KHO” SCULPTURES HOLLY HUNT, TO THE TRADE

RBOW RAW CRAFTS CERAMIC POTPOURRI HOLDER THE CONSERVATORY, $150

AMEN CANDLES “HIKARI LIGHT” SCULPTURE GRANGE HALL, $2,500

ELIZABETH LAVIN

Seasonal Blend

Inject life and interest into spaces with an artful mix of tones, textures, and materials.

curated by EXECUTIVE EDITOR JESSICA OTTE

the inspiration!

DENISE MCGAHA wows with yet another design collaboration— this time, a fabric and wallcovering collection for Vervain. Sampling elements of nature

“Designed by AOI Home’s Rupal Dalal, these pleated hand-blockedcotton lampshades would brighten up any space.”

“McGaha says ‘yes’ to dogs on furniture (see pg. 76), but try these alternatives if you’re squeamish.”

Raise the Bar

Say “Cheers!” to the return of patio weather with an alfresco cocktail and these elevated bar essentials.

SOICHER MARIN ART MECOX, $2,395 FOR SET OF SIX

SHARLAND ENGLAND “HONOR” DINNER WARE ELLIS HILL, FROM $58

“BURANO” SERVING BOWL NOEL PITTMAN, $160

JULIAN CHICHESTER “MRS. LOTS” SIDE TABLE

LAURA LEE CLARK, $2,495

LAMPSHADES AOI HOME, FROM $225

RATTAN TASSEL STOOL COCO & DASH, $995

“PADRINO” CLUB CHAIR STUDIO VAN DEN AKKER, TO THE TRADE

CUSTOM CHAIR DUNBAR ROAD, $900

NINA CAMPBELL DOG BED JAMES SHOWROOM, $1,990

AERIN SHAGREEN BAMBOO BAR SET MADISON, $3,900

LAGUNA B TUMBLER ELLIS HILL, $230 FOR TWO CHAMPAGNE BUCKET BLUE PRINT, $375

LILY PAD TRAY BLUE PRINT, $265

“BUDDY” SCULPTURE BY CORBIN BRONZE DAVID SUTHERLAND, TO THE TRADE

Take It Outside

’Tis the season for alfresco entertaining, be it a garden party or backyard barbecue. These six recipes will make it a breeze.

by LYDIA BROOKS

patio seating : Designer Mary Beth Wagner hosts casual but elevated outdoor affairs at her Sea Island, Georgia, home away from home. “I love mixing pieces to create a unique experience for my guests,” she says.

Hosting friends for an alfresco event is arguably one of the best things about spring. But there’s an art to outdoor entertaining that separates the seasoned hosts from the rookies. Designer Mary Beth Wagner of Mary Beth Wagner Interiors—whose second home in Sea Island, Georgia, is pictured—doesn’t believe in skimping on decor just because you’re in the elements. “The key to creating the perfect outdoor entertaining space is setting the mood,” says Wagner, who looks to curated table settings and layered lighting to create the right vibe.

The most important element to get right is, no surprise, the food— leaning on dishes that are light, bright, and can be easily enjoyed in a relaxed setting. Need help determining your menu? Six of our Best Designers share their tried-and-true alfresco recipes.

1. “It goes with everything, and it’s so simple. It’s a great side, or you can add a protein like chicken or chickpeas to make it a main dish.”

RICHARD GORDON, Richard Gordon Design

Adapted from: America’s Test Kitchen

2. “My husband is Peruvian-American, and this is my favorite thing to eat in the spring and summer, hands down. We visited Peru together after a year of dating, and I became pretty obsessed with this type of ceviche.”

—KRISTEN FEGALE, Kristen Fegale Interiors

3. “We love cooking at home, and this watermelon salad is a favorite. Occasionally, if we have perfect avocados—not too hard or too soft—we add in diced pieces. We also like to substitute the simple dressing for a touch of a nice champagne vinaigrette.”

—BILL CATES, Peters-Cates Design

Adapted from: Jamie Magazine

ELIZABETH LAVIN

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2

DESIGNER LIGHTING

SHOP NOW

BARBARA BARRY

PAPER MOON LARGE HANGING SHADE IN BRONZE WITH RICE PAPER SHADE

VISUALCOMFORT.COM

4. “My uncle worked as a chef, and he had one simple, healthy salad dish that I love. I often serve it just on a bed of greens!”

—MICHELLE KOPFER ROBERTS, Michelle’s Interiors

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linen and grace

Dallas-based MENDED is making it easy to make a difference. The textile line, founded in 2020 by Mallory Martin, employs and empowers South Asian survivors of modern-day slavery. Mended’s team of talented artisans uses block-printing techniques to create beautiful fabric napkins, table runners, tablecloths, and more, all while earning an above-market wage to provide for their families. Shop their wares online, or visit Mended in person at their showroom at The Village. 5677 Village Glen Dr., Ste. 12102. mended.co

5. “I have made this or a similar recipe for a long time. I have used frozen peach slices if fresh peaches aren’t available or swapped mozzarella in place of the burrata. I love to serve this healthy and gluten-free salad in the summer when I am grilling meat.”

—CARRIE BARRON, Carrie Barron Interiors

Adapted from: Downshiftology

6. “To me, this dish is the true symbol of summer. It is always a crowd pleaser and one I look forward to making every year. My cookbook is definitely worn out because I have made this recipe so many times.”

—LISA HENDERSON, Lisa Henderson Interiors

Adapted from: The Provençal Cookbook

Scan here to get the recipes!

Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Uncle Werner’s Cannellini Beans with Tuna

Tomato Tart

Love and Letting Go

Memories are fickle. Stuff is forever. Space is limited.

by JESSICA OTTE

I’ve always been someone who’s kept things. As a kid, I’d tuck shells found on beaches, notes passed at school, and sports participation medals into a trunk for safekeeping. It was my way of holding on to details and feelings I knew my brain couldn’t retain forever—an external hard drive for memories, of sorts.

When my parents downsized a few years ago, they bequeathed to me boxes of my mementos that had been collecting dust in their attic. I pored over the contents. A playbill brought me back to an eighth grade stage production I’d starred in. My first diary shed light on what was important to me at age 7—namely, lost teeth and mini-golf outings. Each item unlocked memories that had been lost with time, temporarily recovered, thanks to this tangible souvenir of a past life. As I reluctantly threw out the things I had no place to store, I realized those memories might eventually be forgotten again—and for good this time.

The urge to hold on to meaningful material objects has followed me throughout my life. Most of those keepsakes—cards from late grandparents, ticket stubs to favorite concerts, dried rose petals from my wedding—fit into a single, respectable box.

But once I had children, the mountain of items with sentimental significance grew Everestian in size, the task of letting go, monumental. There’s the romper my son wore as a baby that reminds me of a perfect day spent at the Arboretum. Seven years later, I swear I can smell his baby scent when I look at it. Or the long-outgrown baby blankets that were draped over my twin daughters’ incubators for the three months they spent in the NICU. Throwing them away feels like forgetting that hard, but important, part of their story. And don’t get me started on kid art. I cannot bear to part with a single scribble or handprint turkey, their burgeoning imaginations and chubby fingers forever preserved on paper. Rest assured, this is not a hoarding situation. I do not have a secret-shame storage unit. My husband and I can park both of our cars in our two-car garage. (Just maybe don’t open that guest-room closet.) Thankfully, my penchant for organization keeps this from turning into a TLC episode. Being limited in how much I can keep by sheer square footage (and the waning

“It’s the acknowledgement that a season of my life is over, that my babies are no longer babies.”

patience of my husband), I every so often reach a breaking point—a shelf without a shred of remaining space—and my hand is forced. But the painful part of purging is not the time investment of sorting, tossing, and donating. It’s the acknowledgement that a season of my life is over, that my babies are no longer babies. Having those time capsules ensures I’ll never fully forget how small they once were, how shaky their handwriting once was, how fiercely they loved their mama. In the teen years, I may need occasional reminders of the latter.

I’ve learned that parting becomes easier with emotional distance, so I purge in phases. It’s terribly inefficient, but it’s what works for me. With time, the newer memory of a first soccer game preemptively fills the void left by that favorite baby toy, and I can reluctantly release my grip. For me, the question has never been about sparking joy, because it all does. Rather, the question is: Am I ready to let this—them—go?

Or perhaps the easier question is: Can we buy a bigger house?

Past in Present

A guide to taming emotional clutter.

by JESSICA OTTE

works of heart : Dietsch loves kidfriendly frames that allow you to change what’s displayed without taking them off the wall.

If you struggle with letting go of material objects, Jenny Dietsch—founder and chief executive organizer of Dallas-based Getting it Done Organizing—says the first step to combating the issue is understanding your “why.” For some, it’s the feeling that they’ll need the item again one day. For others, it’s more about what (or whom) the object represents—a loved one who has passed, perhaps, or a little one who’s not so little anymore.

“We want to hold on to emotionally significant things because they are a reminder of an era we know is going to pass or has passed—and that’s normal!” she says. “But there are ways to hold on to the memories and feelings without keeping the physical items.” Dietsch shares her tips for keeping emotional clutter at bay.

Store It!

For items you deem keep-worthy, Dietsch shares her thoughts on storing.

Corral wisely.

Not everything should be stored the same way. Papers, for example, should be kept in filing cabinets for easy access, whereas protective heavy-duty lidded bins are best for long-term storage in attics and garages.

. organization .

Tame It! Ways to shed— and stop—clutter.

Say no to needless stuff. Encourage the gifting of experiences over tangible items, and just say no to freebie T-shirts and trinkets. If it never enters your home, it can’t stay there.

Let gifts go.

Free yourself of guilt for tossing gifts that don’t work for you. “Thank the person for their generosity, and then quietly donate the item,” Dietsch says.

Get snap happy.

Taking photos or videos allows you to keep the memory, minus the clutter. (Bonus: Storing them in a cloud-based location reduces digital clutter on your phone.) “Make a memory book, music playlist, or montage to remind you of the time, but let the physical items go,” Dietsch says.

Take your time.

Show some ID. Clearly identify all bins and boxes. Dietsch recommends using a label maker or an app called Scan Your Boxes, which creates QR codes you can scan to reveal containers’ contents. scanyourboxes.com

Create more space.

If you’re short on room, Dietsch’s team can craftily add more. (Think: ceiling racks in garages.) “We are experts at creating more storage space than you thought you had,” she says. gettingit doneorganizing.com

Purge in stages as your comfort level allows. As you revisit, Dietsch says, you may find things aren’t “as valuable in memory to you as when you originally put it in there—or you don’t need 10 things to represent that time period; maybe one will do.”

Creative Genius

For many parents, paring down children’s artwork can be an especially sensitive topic. Dietsch suggests this three-step method.

DISPLAY YOUR FAVORITES. “Displaying your kids’ art in your home is the No. 1 sign that you love their work, and by extension, them!” says Dietsch, who prefers hinged display frames or hanging wires with clips “so you can rotate the pieces often.”

FILE THE REST AWAY.

Dietsch swears by her “holding tank” system: Place papers in a stackable drawer labeled for each child. “At the end of each year, weed through and pick the ones worth remembering,” she says. Toss or recycle the rest.

PRESERVE THE MASTERPIECES.

Dietsch loves Artkive for turning favorite works into a high-quality, space-saving keepsake. Their team professionally photographs each piece and creates a bound hardcover book. artkiveapp.com

DYMO LABEL MAKER THE CONTAINER STORE, $25

MARIE KONDO WALL-MOUNTED BOOKSHELF THE CONTAINER STORE, $35

SCHOOLHOUSE METAL BINS THE CONTAINER STORE,$35 BIRCH BIN CLIPS THE CONTAINER STORE, $10 FOR THREE

Two of executive editor Jessica Otte's real-life little ones!

better with age : “I wanted it to be beautiful and a place you would want to spend time in without [it] feeling all shiny and new,” says Kurt Bielawski of his Kips Bay scullery.

Kitchen Confidential

The scullery is seeing a resurgence, allowing hosts and home chefs to put their best foot forward—and keep messes behind closed doors.

by LYDIA BROOKS

If you toured the 2023 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, you no doubt swooned over the show-stopping scullery created by MORE Design + Build’s Kurt Bielawski. Once relics, these workhorse secondary kitchen spaces are now popping up with greater frequency in homes, providing additional storage and prep space for the unsightly (but necessary) work that goes into cooking and entertaining. While they can range from glorified butler’s pantries and bars to full-fledged working kitchens, most sculleries go beyond mere store-and-serve functions to facilitate food prep and cleanup. Of course, with this being Dallas, we’re not content to allow these functional spaces to languish in lackluster materials. See how four local experts have designed these practical rooms with smart choices and style to match.

ELIZABETH LAVIN

Old World, New Tricks

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas participant KURT BIELAWSKI of MORE Design + Build ambitiously opted to add an adjoining space to his kitchen project: a cozy scullery.

“It’s essentially a dirty kitchen,” says Bielawski, who notes that an increasing number of his clients have been asking for such spaces. “You can use it during an event for catering, or if you’re a big cook, we have people use it as a baking or bread kitchen.” Inspired by his love of old English homes in the Cotswolds, Bielawski brought the room’s look to life through patinaed details—like stone floor tiles arranged in an intricate, historic-inspired pattern; a storage piece built to resemble an antique French pharmacy cabinet; and aged hardware.

Taking a Shine

While sometimes a dramatic departure is welcomed, in other cases, cohesion is the right approach. Take, for instance, this high-glamour scullery, which CAMERON DRINKWATER of Cameron Drinkwater Interiors designed to feel like an extension of the adjacent dining room. Incorporating features like marble countertops, glass-front cabinets, and lacquered paint, the designer ensured the space is as beautiful as it is useful. “These small spaces are the perfect place to express personality and make a statement,” says Drinkwater. “Small rooms like this can be functional and fun.”

Now You See It …

Despite its Zen appearance, this scullery has a surprising amount going on behind the scenes. “The primary function of this space is discreet storage,” explains ERIN SANDER of Erin Sander Design, noting that the millwork conceals the client’s coffee maker, a refrigerator, and a microwave. “This second kitchen is used daily as an extension of several functions in the homeowner’s main kitchen.” To accomplish her “visually quiet” aesthetic goals, Sander opted out of glass-front cabinets, saying, “The main kitchen has many dynamic moments, as well as an open wine display, so this space is intended to be the inverse and the definition of practicality.”

Go Big or Go Bold

When he was tasked with adding on a second kitchen to his client’s existing home, architect and designer EDDIE MAESTRI of Maestri Studio kept the purpose of the room at the forefront. “We worked with the client to assess what the space would truly be used for,” he says. They decided that a connector between the kitchen and dining room would best serve the client, with floating shelves housing barware and libations for easy entertaining.

“The small space, visible from the light-and-bright kitchen and dining rooms, was a good opportunity to go bold and moody,” says Maestri. “Don’t be afraid to have a small space make a big visual impact.”

SANDER, DRINKWATER: NATHAN SCHRODER; MAESTRI: JENIFER MCNEIL BAKER

2024 HISTORIC HOME TOUR

Friday, May 10th | 10 am to 1 pm

Presented by Benchmark

Sponsored by

Home Tour Chairs Meredith Ferrell & Courtney Petit

Photographed by Paul L. Gleiser

For tickets and more information, visit: preservationparkcities.org

Photographed by Julie Newman

The Collector

art department: A piece by Kenyan photographer Thandiwe Muriu hangs behind Jo Ellard in the library of her new hotel, Bowie House.

Bowie House owner Jo Ellard has amassed an impressive assemblage of accolades and occupations. Her latest endeavor showcases another prized collection: her art.

by KENDALL MORGAN

Renaissance woman Jo Ellard has lived her life with a curator’s eye. A legendary equestrian (she’s been inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Non-Pro Hall of Fame), she’s also a champion horse breeder, a successful rancher, a yachting enthusiast, and a connoisseur of art and antiques.

Her latest endeavor—the five-star Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection in Fort Worth—is another passion-turned-career she is mastering with her indomitable taste. Having frequented Fort Worth for equestrian shows and sales for more than 30 years, Dallas-based Ellard saw the need for a luxury hospitality option in the area. With the help of design director Michael Crosby and architecture firm BOKA Powell, she developed the spectacular property to give visitors and locals an elegant place to gather in the Cultural District.

In addition to top-notch service and accommodations, part of what makes the 106-room hotel special is the art that adorns the rooms and public spaces. Each piece was hand-picked by Ellard, either plucked from her personal collection or bought with the hotel in mind. Though Ellard has purchased art all her life, she began thinking about collecting on a higher level when she lost her husband to cancer in 2010. “I updated my 1980s home and started buying better,” she recalls. “I had some wonderful mentors that led me down the right path.”

At the top of that list was fellow cutting-horse competitor and Walmart heiress Alice Walton, who inspired Ellard with her personal collection, much of which now resides in the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

“We started palling around and going to Art Basel Switzerland, London, Paris—all over the world,” Ellard recalls. “[Amon Carter Museum of American Art founder] Ruth Carter Stevenson was with us on several trips to New York and the Hudson Valley, and that just opened my eyes to another level of art appreciation.”

Collect Calling

A collection like Jo Ellard’s doesn’t happen overnight. Yet any art fan at every level (or budget) can easily build a stellar grouping of work with Ellard’s simple-to-follow tips.

Let the right pieces find you. When arriving at a gallery or art fair, Ellard lets her eyes travel, seeing what works or themes intrigue her.

Don’t buy simply for investment purposes. Instead, see what visually attracts you or makes you smile.

Framing is everything.

Says Ellard, “If you skimp on the framing, it can make your piece look less than it is, and if you change the framing, it can make the piece look more than it is.”

Prints are a great starting point. For young couples on a budget, a great print in an even better frame will brighten any wall.

Don’t be afraid to keep things moving. “You start out buying what you can afford and like, and as your appreciation and your eye mature and grow,, you start evolving and buy better and different, and it’s time to let the other go.”

The 400-plus works that currently hang in Bowie House span all genres and subjects, from L.A. street artist Hijack’s sculptural mashups to Karen Navarro’s photographic collages. Nearly every piece is for sale. Overseeing the collection is former Samuel Lynne Galleries assistant director Emily Gregoire, who was named director of The Gallery at Bowie House. As part of her role, she leads art walks, which allow guests and locals to take an immersive view of Bowie House’s everevolving collection, and manages intimate artist talks and live works.

Ellard is already planning trips for herself and Gregoire to Switzerland and Art Basel Miami Beach to keep things fresh. Whatever direction The Gallery at Bowie House will take, its owner promises it will consistently be elevated, engaging, and visionary—much like the hotel itself.

“The hotel itself is a work of art, but the art just takes it to another level of interest,” says Ellard. “It’s just like the furnishings or the design; it’s not traditionalist, it’s not modern, it’s not contemporary, but it has all those elements. Every single inch is curated. I feel like we’ve created a masterpiece.” galleryatbowiehouse.com

ELIZABETH

Neighborhood Watch

A look at the Dallas real estate market by neighborhood.

by CATHERINE WENDLANDT

Neighborhood Spotlight: Greenland Hills

In 1923, the McNeny brothers transformed an out-ofthe-way dairy farm into the brand-new Greenland Hills neighborhood. Today, the area is commonly called the “M Streets” for its many streets that begin with the namesake letter. While the neighborhood has seven protected historical architecture styles—craftsmans and minimalist revivals among them—it’s mostly known for its surfeit of Tudor Revival houses, which often sell for $800,000 or more.

According to Stuart Mut, an architectural historian and longtime M Streets resident, Tudor cottages were popular in the ’20s because they were small but easy to expand, making them perfect for young professionals who liked nearby Highland Park’s sophistication but couldn’t afford it.

Locals formed a conservation district in 2002 to preserve the neighborhood’s magic. Those zoning guidelines outline parameters for exterior changes—including acceptable dimensions, styles, materials, and more—for which homeowners must gain approval prior to initiating.

5451 MERRIMAC AVE.

$875,000

3 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms

1,976 square feet

Year Built: 1927

Listed by Renee Rubin for Compass

7,500 square feet: Average lot size | 17: Average days on market | $910,000: Average sale price

$471: Average sale price per square foot | 22 minutes: Average commute time for residents

NEIGHBORHOOD: UNIVERSITY PARK

With fewer than 30,000 residents, University Park is small, but it’s full of architecturally significant homes. This is considered one of architect Charles Dilbeck’s best works, mixing his signature French eclecticism with Texas modernism.

3819 MCFARLIN BLVD., $3,950,000

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

4,802 square feet

Year Built: 1934

Listed by Jeanne Shelton and Malinda Arvesen for Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Int’l

NEIGHBORHOOD: NORTHAVEN MANOR

Located near the private-school corridor, this region of North Dallas is known for its large lots. Many of the homes here are 1950s-era ranches and midcentury moderns. However, in recent years, folks have been mixing in new moderns, like this SHM Architects–designed contemporary on San Gabriel Drive.

4435 SAN GABRIEL DR., $6,250,000

5 bedrooms, 5.3 bathrooms 8,299 square feet

Year Built: 2024

Listed by Jonathan Rosen for Compass

NEIGHBORHOOD: MUNGER PLACE

Munger Place is Dallas’ oldest deedrestricted neighborhood. At its inception in 1905, the East Dallas neighborhood required houses to be at least two stories and cost at least $2,000. It’s now known for its abundance of historic Prairie-style homes, like this Worth Street charmer.

4920 WORTH ST., $579,000

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 1,604 square feet

Year Built: 1913

Listed by JD Gonzales for Rogers Healey & Associates

NEIGHBORHOOD: BRIARWOOD

Briarwood, which was established in the mid-1930s, is filled with Depression-er, and post-war bungalows, like this sweet cottage on Morton Street. The neighborhood is ideally situated near parks, the Dallas North Tollway, and Inwood Village restaurants and shops.

7806 MORTON ST., $795,000

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 1,399 square feet

Year Built: 1947

Listed by Clay Stapp for CLAY STAPP + CO

REAGAN JOBE; SAN GABRIEL: COSTA CHRIST;

AROUND TOWN

EVENTS + PROMOTIONS + ANNOUNCEMENTS

SieMatic Kitchens

Introducing Mondial SieMatic, the epitome of luxury kitchen design. This masterpiece boldly transcends boundaries with its minimalist and modern style. The finest natural stone and choice woods are seamlessly integrated into any architectural context, making it a visionary piece that perfectly balances form and function to create a masterpiece in design. Visit the Dallas Showroom to experience the Mondial SieMatic and elevate your kitchen to new heights of sophistication. 1525 Hi Line Drive, Suite B, Dallas, Texas 75207; 214.577.4700; siematic.com

The Gallery at Dallas Market Center

The Gallery, located in Dallas Market Center’s Interior Home & Design Center, is an open-daily, shared showroom where designers can find the latest collections of furniture, lighting, and décor. The Gallery represents 20+ brands, including etúHOME, HTD –Home Trends & Design, Creative Threads, and Orchid Lux Home. 2100 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207; 214.655.6100; dallasmarketcenter.com

PALECEK

Inspired by the beauty of natural materials, PALECEK is a wholesaler of handcrafted furniture, lighting, and accessories for residential and hospitality environments. Founded in 1974, PALECEK is celebrating 50 years as a company recognized worldwide for designing and crafting unexpected, unforgettable furnishings. Offering a wide range of domestic customization options, PALECEK is a trusted partner in curating beautiful environments. palecek.com

Brown Jordan

Using luxuriously thick yacht rope as a key design element, Milan-based designer Toan Nguyen created a stunning debut collection for Brown Jordan inspired by the lines and angles of the letter “H”, the first letter of the Spanish word “Hoy” meaning “today.”1405 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas, TX; 214.651.9509; brownjordan.com

Understated Elegance

Celebrating five years at the Dallas Design District, Christopher Peacock continues to provide the ultimate in bespoke cabinetry design and manufacturing. Visit their showroom to experience four complete kitchen spaces, a custom library, and media room, as well as a luxurious dressing room and bath—all exemplifying the brand’s hallmark of classic and understated elegant design. peacockhome.com

Clockwise from top left: SieMatic Kitchens, The Gallery at Dallas Market Center, Paleck, Brown Jordan, Christopher Peacock

Reaping the Harvest

Accessories designer Rae Liu spreads joy through her natural gifts and love of gardening.

text by JESSICA ELLIOTT photography by ELIZABETH LAVIN

When the oppression of midsummer’s stifling heat weigh heavily in the air, edible plant leaves curl with yellow-tinged edges, and weeds proliferate, it is, perhaps, the best time to be a friend of Rae Liu. The season’s result of her yearslong dedication to her cut-flower and edible gardens culminates in an abundance of her favorite tomato varieties—ripened Black Krim, Thornburn’s Terra Cotta, and Napa Chardonnay blush gems. They simultaneously peak, and Liu extends a quick invitation to visit her North Dallas home to harvest and taste test her most beloved of garden treasures. It’s an inkling of her farm-to-table gathering aspirations.

from the ground up:

After the 2019 tornado upended her previous beds, Rae Liu took the opportunity to build an expanded garden, in which she grows a variety of produce and blooms—including her favorite, Iceland poppies.

<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

Liu’s plant list for spring

ICELAND POPPIES

“My absolute favorite flower. They are difficult to start but completely worth it.”

BELLS OF IRELAND

“They add great texture to arrangements.”

LITTLE GEM

“You can grow lettuce all through winter and spring. I’m partial to this baby romaine.”

But Liu—who, alongside her brother, David, cofounded Dallasbased Leatherology—has a business to run and children to raise. She designs every one of her company’s carefully crafted handbags, backpacks, wallets, and other leather goods. She hosts nationwide events, partners on collections with such renowned designers as Diane von Furstenberg, and helps oversee worldwide product sales and ensure smooth operations.

One might wonder how she has time to grow anything. But gardening has always been in Liu’s roots. “My grandmother taught me how to sprout seeds in tissue paper, and we would put them in my brother’s baby-food jars,” she says. “Then I started saving and planting seeds from fruit—I was always fascinated. The summer after high school, my mother let me dig up half the backyard. I grew one sunflower and a bunch of luffa.”

Liu left home to earn a political science degree from Columbia University and worked at the World Bank before enrolling in classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She then spent three years as an accessories development manager at Alexander Wang, where she helped launch his handbag and footwear businesses. In 2011, she returned to Dallas to build Leatherology with her family.

Cultivation is a talent of Liu’s, and she often has a side venture, be it a cooking class or pottery lesson. In 2015, Liu utilized North Haven Gardens’ Garden Coach program to help determine where

gardening 101

Want to start reaping what you sow? KAY

NELSON, the founding Garden Coach at North Haven Gardens, helps you lay the groundwork for a thriving garden.

CHART YOUR PATH Consider an area’s soil drainage and exposure when determining what and where to plant. Cut-flower and edible gardens thrive in sun. (Nelson suggests starting with instant-gratification herbs.)

personal growth:

(this page, clockwise from left) Liu tends to her spring stash, which includes shelling peas and stock. “My kids love eating the shelling peas directly out of the garden,” she says. “It’s the only time I can get them to eat peas!” (right) A sample spring harvest includes beets, carrots, fava, and peas.

to situate a garden in her home’s backyard, and her husband, Kurt Johnson, built and fenced several raised beds for her edibles.

After the Dallas twister decimated the yard in 2019, Liu expanded her raised-bed footprint to include a cut-flower garden inspired by an online class from famed Floret owner Erin Benzakein. Each season might reveal zinnias, cosmos, poppies, ranunculus, or celosia. Her surrounding landscape beds are dedicated to perennials, including daffodils, peonies, and native plants, which she tucks into cheerful arrangements for friends at the height of spring.

With a drove of bees flittering through the blooms by day, and string lights casting a soft glow over her natural cache by night, Liu’s garden is a bucolic realm she traverses often, snipping, harvesting, and surveying in the early morning hours before work. “It is so good for my mental health,” she says. “Seeing something grow is like raising children—as you nurture them, they turn into these interesting little people.”

Her crew includes Kressa, 7, and Maxwell, 6, who help with the more simplistic plantings, like beans and peas. But the most important aspect of her garden might be that it is something she has created—not as a business venture, but simply for herself. “Gardening has brought me a lot of personal joy,” she says. “I am always telling people that you can do this in North Texas! I love spreading my love for it to others.”

CREATE A COVER STORY

“It’s important to establish a backbone and canopy of year-round evergreens and deciduous plants,” Nelson says. An established “ceiling” can reduce rain erosion and permeate a garden’s microclimate with cooler air and shade.

DISH OUT (SOME) DIRT

Mail a soil sample to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension laboratory and you’ll get a report about its fertility and which nutrients it may need, a big benefit when edible gardening. Frequent mulching and composting are musts.

MASTER SHIN’S ANVIL HAND TROWEL ST. BERNARD, $160

Liu’s plant list for summer & fall

TOMATOES

“The reason I garden. I sow in spring for an early summer harvest. A second planting in July reaps a fall harvest.”

ZINNIAS (BENARY’S GIANT AND QUEEN LIME)

“The easiest summer flower to grow here. They are extremely heat tolerant and will bloom all summer and fall.”

BASIL

“Cardinal is the best variety I’ve grown for everyday eating.”

BOK CHOY

“My favorite all-season green, because it is both cold and heat tolerant.”

CELOSIA

“It loves the heat and grows well in our summers. My favorite is Pampas Plume.”

RADISHES

“Wonderful to grow with children—easy to plant, quick to grow, and easy for children to harvest.”

stay the course

Once you’ve got things growing, preserve and protect your bounty with Nelson’s tried-and-true tips.

Establish backyard biodiversity. Nelson emphasizes interweaving a variety of plants that offer food and shelter for birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. Bat boxes, hummingbird feeders, and bird baths all promote a thriving microclimate for beneficial bugs—and keep unwanted ones away.

Find the right plants for the right places. One might be happier placed at the better-lit south side; another might prefer the cooler north side; one might be ideal for sheltering another, while still another might require shelter to thrive.

nature’s bounty:

(from left) In the cooler months, Liu’s efforts are rewarded with produce like bok choy and radishes. Of the latter, she says, “My son loves pulling these out of the dirt.”

Spring for fences. The surest way to protect edible gardens from nibblers is to erect chicken or goat wire—or any material that promotes air circulation.

Cover your bases.

Give your plants a leg up in surviving climate extremes. Protect with a frost cloth before a winter storm, and in the summer, provide daytime shade with a pergola or shade cloth. “Sometimes it gets too hot for too long, even for our solar-charged tomatoes,” Nelson says. “We all could use protection from the heat!”

little sprouts:

Liu with her garden helpers, daughter Kressa (7) and son Maxwell (6). Follow their progress on Instagram at @kresswellgardens

COACH ON CALL

North Haven Gardens’ Garden Coach program offers fee-based in-store, phone, or on-site private consultations with a horticulture expert who can provide direction for those who are brand new to gardening, rethinking a landscape, or designing decorative pots. Get more info at nhg.com, or call 214-360-1590.

Time - Honored

Traditional

By incorporating antiques and nods to the New England beaches of her childhood, designer Sara Johnson transforms a 1930s Highland Park home into a charming East Coast–inspired abode.

text by RYAN CONNER interiors by SARA JOHNSON INTERIORS photography by NATHAN SCHRODER styling by JENNY O’CONNOR florals by HAILE WOSSEN tabletop design by EMILY MILLER DECOR

Breakfast Nook

In the breakfast nook, homeowner and designer Sara Johnson sets the table for a casual family meal. The light-and-bright room looks out to the pool and patio.

breakfast table: Facebook Marketplace find; chairs: Williams Sonoma; drapes: Pindler; built-in hutch: custom leaded-glass design modeled after Johnson’s grandmother’s home; wallpaper: Thibaut grasscloth; lighting: Visual Comfort; bench: antique covered in fabric from Fabricut; vessel with flowers: Matthew Gilley; round tray: Blue Print

design notes

With few opportunities for upholstery in kitchens, look to the walls as a place to add softness. Johnson chose a Thibaut striped grasscloth. “I felt like the texture would give the space some warmth,” she says.

Kitchen Johnson designed the kitchen with a high-low mix of vintage items, designer fabrics, and heirlooms.

countertops: Mont Blanc quartzite; backsplash: ceramic tile from Blackstone; cafe curtains: Thomas Strahan fabric; lighting: The Lamp Shoppe vintage lanterns with custom shades

Bar

The home’s bar is located just off the adjoining dining room.

“It’s great for entertaining,” says Johnson, who designed a modern waterfall countertop to contrast with the traditional lines of the home’s antiques.

countertops: Mont Blanc quartzite; stools: found in a Newport Beach consignment shop and recovered in Pindler fabric; wallpaper: Gracie; sink: hammered brass from Westside Kitchen and Bath; silver tea tray: heirloom from Johnson’s grandmother

Designer Sara Johnson had but a few requirements in her search for a new house: enough square footage for her family of five and loads of character that only a well-established home can exude. “We have always loved older homes,” she says. “They have charm and feel cozier.”

The family found their perfect fit in a circa-1933 property just about a mile away from their previous house in Highland Park. As it was in need of a refresh, Johnson got to work extensively renovating and decorating all 4,576 square feet as an ode to a place of particular personal importance: the East Coast. Johnson’s family now vacations in Nantucket, not far from where she spent her childhood summers. “My mom is from Stonington, Connecticut, and all of my fondest memories are from there,” Johnson says.

Happily, each room now has a touch of that idyllic coastal aesthetic. Take, for instance, Johnson’s office. The room is painted

CONTINUED ON PAGE 67 >>

design notes

“I try to not leave a wall just Sheetrocked,” Johnson says. “There has to be some sort of treatment to it.” As the dining room is visible from multiple angles, Johnson was mindful of choosing colors and wallcoverings for adjacent spaces that wouldn’t compete with the Gracie wallpaper.

Dining Room

“This room is my ode to Stonington, Connecticut,” says Johnson. She designed the space with an heirloom chandelier from her grandmother’s Connecticut home. wallpaper: Gracie; dining set: antique; chandelier: vintage Baccarat; rug: Safavieh; sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting

Family Room

The family room is casual and comfortable but still elevated with touches of luxe textiles and chinoiserie pieces.

wallpaper: Thibaut grasscloth; sofa, chairs, and ottomans: Lee Industries; chair and ottoman: covered in Pindler fabric; drapes: Chelsea Textiles

Powder Bath

Johnson covered her under-thestairs powder bath in a vibrant pattern for a whimsical moment.

wallpaper: Anna Spiro; sink skirt: Chelsea Textiles; mirror: Facebook Marketplace find

design notes

In tiny spaces, like this under-thestairs bathroom, a statement sink may not fit. Instead, Johnson skirted a pedestal sink to elevate the look and hide the pipes.

Primary Bedroom

The iron bed in the primary bedroom was a wedding gift. Johnson chose the metal style to contrast with the heavier lines of her antiques collection.

side table: antique desk; drapes: Pindler fabric; lamp: vintage find from a store in Newport Beach; linens: D. Porthault and Legacy Home; wallpaper: Quadrille

history repeating

Sara Johnson would often accompany her grandmother to tag sales in Connecticut, where she learned to bargain hunt and dig for antique treasures. She shares her favorite Dallas spots to pick up a unique find.

BENNY JACK ANTIQUES

“Each dealer has a unique look and price point,” she says. “It’s a great place to find variety.” bennyjackantiques.com

design notes

Johnson often mixes colors and textures so that a room isn’t too matchy-matchy. “Since I had so much [natural] wood in here, it’s nice to bring in some iron and painted wood,” she says. “You have to mix it.”

LOTS OF FURNITURE ANTIQUES WAREHOUSE

“It’s literally a maze that you must walk through multiple times,” she says. “Last time I was there, they had a great collection of blue and white.” lotsoffurniture.com

ANTIQUE ROW

“This is a more curated collection of antiques,” Johnson says. “My friend [interior designer] Lindley Arthur has a booth there. I recently went on a buying trip with her, and she found the most beautiful pieces to sell.” @antiquerow_dallas

DEBRIS

“I recently found this store,” she says. “I was able to find the most gorgeous set of five Charles Edwards brass wall lanterns that were taken out of an estate. There are lots of treasures to be found here.” debrisdallas.com

Office

The oceanic hues in Johnson’s office nod to the Connecticut coast. “I wanted a blue and green combo in this room,” explains Johnson. “I pulled out some of the green in the wallpaper on the ceiling.”

design notes

A round window is a subtle detail that can make a big statement, much like in Johnson’s office. “I have round windows in all my houses,” she says. “I just think it’s different and unexpected.”

Sherwin-Williams’ “Underseas”

wallpaper: Soane Britain; drapes: Rose Cumming fabric; lighting: Visual Comfort; sconce: Mark Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting; rug: wool from Blackstone

Pool

In the backyard, Johnson chose umbrellas with scalloped trim for a feminine touch. “I’m a little girly and frilly like that,” she says.

lounge furniture: Celerie Kemble for Lane Venture

in Sherwin-Williams’ “Underseas,” a bluish-green hue that hints at the ocean. A nautical-inspired round window looks out from the room, while mementos from her travels line the bookshelves.

In the dining room, Johnson cut down and resized a Baccarat chandelier that had hung in her grandmother’s Connecticut home and paired it with a stunning hand-painted Gracie wallpaper and an antique table and chairs. Off the dining room is a bar with leaded-glass cabinet fronts Johnson commissioned as an homage to her past. “My grandmother has [leaded-glass cabinets] in her home, and I thought, ‘Well, I have to do it in my house, too,’ ” she says.

To fine-tune her East Coast–inspired style (she lists New York designer Ashley Whittaker as one of her muses), she pays close attention to the details. Shutters throughout the home, a custom Dutch door, and stenciled floors by artist Missy Vento in the entry all nod to New England. But Johnson also masters her updated traditional aesthetic by mixing antiques and heirlooms with contemporary pieces, like in the living room. “I love mixing old and new, like this very traditional secretary with a modern sofa,” she explains. “This coffee table is vintage. The mix makes it interesting.”

One of Johnson’s biggest design tips: If you like it, buy it—even if you don’t have a place for it yet. (Her husband, Matt, lovingly refers to their house as a “test kitchen” for items she’s yet to place with clients.) She recently traveled to the Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta and came home with a slew of finds, most of which don’t have a purpose quite yet. “I’ll end up thinking about them and wondering why I didn’t buy them [if I don’t],” she says. “You can always find a spot for an antique.”

When clients enlist Johnson to replicate her blended aesthetic, she stresses that achieving it is a slow and steady process. “I really try to collect when I’m traveling,” she says. “If something catches my eye, I’m going to grab it.” She smiles when she points to a painting of a Nantucket ocean scene hanging in the kitchen. “I saw that painting in a store in Newport Beach, and I was like, ‘Wow, I have got to have it,’ ” she says.

Like how the charm of historic homes must be earned over decades, the patient practice of collecting pieces over time is something Johnson feels is worth the wait. “That is what makes a house special,” she says. “It’s what tells a story.”

“I love mixing old and new. ... The mix makes it interesting.”

—DESIGNER AND HOMEOWNER

SARA JOHNSON

Living Room

“I’m not somebody who likes a lot of color, so I wanted to keep a restrained color palette,” says designer and homeowner Jean Liu of the living room, which features coastal nods, both purchased (the rusted-chain and rope accents) and found (the shells displayed in footed bowls). A slip-covered sofa makes for easy cleaning. “Nothing in this house was so precious that we would be upset if it were broken or we had to replace it,” she says.

coffee table: Ruby Beets (Sag Harbor, New York); rug: Ballard Designs; pillows: Homenature (Southampton, New York)

text by JESSICA OTTE photography by ELIZABETH LAVIN styling by JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER

TMudroom

This window seat is the de facto “drop zone” upon entering the house.

Liu hung Roman shades, made from a simple white canvas, throughout the entire house.

pillows: One Kings Lane

he last thing Jean Liu wanted was another project— and in a place like the Hamptons, the in-demand Dallas designer figured that was all she’d ever be able to afford.

After all, the favored summer destination of the rich and famous boasts two of the five most expensive zip codes in the U.S., with properties fetching close to $1,000 per square foot.

But as real estate dreams are rarely rooted in practicality, Liu nevertheless began to pine for a place she could call home away from home following her first trip, in 2009, to the South Fork of Long Island, New York. Upon subsequent visits the following few summers, Liu fell more in love with the area—specifically, the town of East Hampton. “The way you enter, there’s a creek and these big white swans swimming in it, and there’s just a slight rolling hill,” she says. “The designer in me really appreciated that proper sense of arrival.”

One evening in 2015, Liu was partaking in her favorite guilty pleasure—scrolling Zillow before bed—when a house in her price range appeared. “My first thought was, ‘They have definitely priced this incorrectly, or there’s something wrong with it—like somebody died in the house,’ ” she laughs. Turned out it was nothing more than an owner needing a quick sale. Liu got on the phone with a broker, who facilitated a FaceTime walk-through. “And away we went,” she says. “It was one of the more impulsive things I’ve ever done.”

She’s never regretted it. For nine years, the house has been a place to recharge and reconnect for Liu and her husband, Erik Hansen, and their 12-year-old daughter, “Cricket” (whose nickname inspired the house’s “Cricket’s Landing” moniker).

Dining Room

In the dining room, Liu paired circa-1960s Swedish chairs with an oval-shaped marble Saarinen table, which she selected for its functionality. “It seats the most number of people in that size room, but it’s also an easy surface,” she says. “I don’t want people to worry about messes or food spilling, none of that.” The

surfboard propped in the corner was a souvenir from a bunk room Liu created for the 2017 Hamptons Designer Showhouse. The chandelier, evocative of coral, hangs from wood beams.

“That was really the charm for me,” Liu says of the exposed beams and brick.

table: Design Within Reach; chandelier: Arteriors

Exterior

The gardens of the Hamptons are what initially attracted Liu to the area. “In typical naive fashion, I came back from my first trip and tried to plant all the same things [in Dallas] that I had seen out there, which was predominantly a fail,” she says. “We just don’t have the right kind of climate.” Now she gets to enjoy her lush landscape, which includes abundant hydrangeas.

Beyond time away, the house also provides relief from the demands of Liu’s day-to-day life in Dallas. Whereas in her professional projects, she meticulously sources and specifies one-of-akind pieces, here, she took a decidedly laid-back approach to outfitting rooms. She bought what items she could from the previous owner (who also happened to be an interior designer), picked up some antiques locally, and bought the balance from big-box stores and e-tailers. “The goal was to get in there and start enjoying the space,” she says. “I don’t want to go out to the Hamptons to work on the house; I want to go to the Hamptons to enjoy the house.” Punctuating the rooms are unfussy but meaningful accessories, such as shells she and Cricket have found on the beach and dried hydrangeas snipped from the garden.

The home represents a stylistic departure for Liu as well. While you won’t find butcher-block countertops, shiplap walls, or slipcovered sofas in her Dallas home, here, they make perfect sense. “It’s super casual,” she says of her Hamptons vibe, which extends beyond interiors. “We don’t blow dry our hair straight. It’s definitely shorts and T-shirts.”

Days here typically start with a jaunt into town for coffee and pastries and end with cocktail hour and dinner. About half the time, they cook—or as Liu describes it, “assembling premade food from stores and farm stands”—and the other half, they go out. Between meals, the family will hit the beach or take a dip in the pool—sometimes both. Evenings are spent playing board games or piecing together puzzles. At just 1,800 square feet, the house necessitates togetherness, another welcome change from their primary home.

“In Dallas, we have all these rooms we don’t use. Here, it’s just a really different way of living,” Liu says. “It’s like adult summer camp, where everything is just back to basics.”

The family escapes here a few times most years—some more, some less—with a goal of eventually spending the entire summer here. When she visits, Liu always works in a trip to the city; she has a pied-à-terre in Manhattan. And though she’s made a second home on the East Coast, Liu admits she’s recently begun to feel the “gravitational pull” of California, where she grew up and still has family. Is more Zillow scrolling in her future?

“I don’t know if we can handle another place,” she laughs. “Who knows what’ll end up happening?”

bar cart: Serena & Lily; art: Porter Teleo << CONTINUED FROM

“It’s like adult summer camp, where everything is just back to basics.”

—HOMEOWNER AND DESIGNER JEAN LIU

Bar Cart Cocktail hour kicks off every evening, with Erik mixing up Moscow mules or pouring a glass of locally produced Wölffer Estate rosé.

Primary Bedroom

From the walls to the bedding, the primary bedroom boasts a nearly all-white palette that makes for a soothing space. Though an iron canopy bed is nothing Liu would normally choose, she was taken by a similar bed the previous owner had in the space and followed suit. The piece of art pictured at right is, Liu says, the only exception to the house’s “nothing precious” decorating edict.

bed: Anthropologie; bedding: Home Goods; nightstands: antique Biedermeier found at a store in Amagansett; sconce: Visual Comfort; art: Patrick Groth

How to Get There

Fly into LaGuardia Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport. Since you’ll need transportation for getting around in the Hamptons, Liu recommends renting a car. From the city, the drive to East Hampton can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on traffic.

to market : Liu frequents Amber Waves, a local femaleowned farm stand known for its flowers, produce, and more. “They also have a program where they encourage kids to come on the weekend to work on the farm with them,” says Liu.

lunch lady: Carissa’s Bakery has an oft-changing menu and is one of Liu’s must-stops.

“It’s my favorite place to eat,” she says. “Carissa started out making the bread for a lot of local restaurants, and she finally opened her own bakery.”

On the Itinerary

Liu shares her favorite spots in East Hampton and beyond.

Gather ingredients at Amber Waves.

Liu loves to patronize this femalefounded farm stand, market, and café, which sells ready-toeat food, produce, jarred delicacies, bouquets of local blooms, and more.

Have lunch at Carissa’s Bakery.

“The food is impeccable,” Liu raves. “Everything about this place is a must see/must eat/must try.” The original bakery is located in East Hampton, with satellite locations in Amagansett and Sag Harbor.

Dine finely at Pierre’s.

Located in nearby Bridgehampton, this French bistro is open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

“One of the best meals in the Hamptons,” Liu insists. “We always have one meal there each trip.”

Window-shop at Monc XIII. Whether you’re looking for vintage treasures, high-end lines like De Sede, or artisanal accessories, you’ll find it at this Sag Harbor home decor shop, which Liu calls “a mecca of modernist furniture.”

Enjoy the view at Duryea’s. Situated oceanside in Montauk, this seafoot spot is “the best place to watch a sunset,” says Liu.

Comb Wiborg Beach.

Of the many area beaches, this one is Liu’s family’s favorite. “It’s where we go to scour for shells, walk, and eat a pint of ice cream after dinner,” she says.

Find inspiration at the Madoo Conservancy.

Liu describes the Sagaponack gardens of late New York art ist Robert Dash as “Dr. Seuss–like.”

Get cultured at the Parrish Art Museum. First established in the late 19th century, this museum—which focuses on Long Island artists—moved in 2012 to its current location: a Herzog & de Meuron–designed building in Water Mill.

Venture to the North Fork. Once you’ve traversed the many hamlets of Long Island’s South Fork, where the Hamptons is located, a trip to the opposing North Fork is a great way to spend a day. “They have berry and mushroom picking, and there’s also vineyards,” Liu says. “Some people say the North Fork today is what the Hamptons was like before it got somewhat commercialized.”

EAST HAMPTON, NY

NYC, NY

MONTAUK

NORTH FORK

95.9 mi

DE SEDE SOFA MONC XIII, $17,250

5

local attractions : From the Landscape Pleasures tour—an annual horticultural appreciation event that prompted Liu’s initial visit to the Hamptons—to the pictured East Hampton Antiques & Design Show, held each July, the region hosts many arts and cultural events.

meet me in Montauk:

Montauk boasts a number of bars and therefore draws a younger crowd, but it’s also home to great beaches as well as to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which sits at the very edge of eastern Long Island.

shell yes: The Clam Bar in Montauk serves up delicious fried clams and other seafood in a casual setting. “It’s the hoppin’ spot,” Liu says.

from sea to shining C’s: This Instagrammable, shingle-laden Chanel store on East Hampton’s Main Street is a prime example of the local charm.

To celebrate 20 years of honoring Dallas’ Best Designers, we ask this year’s winners to weigh in on 20 design topics, ranging from their favorite products and top trends to their biggest pet peeves. What results is a treasure trove of insightful intel from the leading design minds in town.

—Lisa Floyd, Baker Design Group

TECNO “P32” LOUNGE CHAIR

1. “At least one chair by Hans Wegner.”

—Joshua Rice, Joshua Rice Design

2. “Lately we’re obsessed with Frank Gehry’s ‘Wiggle’ side chair.” —Joslyn Taylor, SWOON, the Studio

3. “I’m always drawn to the shape and lines of a classic Windsor chair —Linda Fritschy, Linda Fritschy Interior Design

4. “An Eames chair —Amy Atkins, Amy’s Interiors

5. “A klismos —Richard Trimble, Richard Trimble & Assoc., Inc.

6. “One that swivels!”

Ten chairs that every design hound should have

—Holly Moore, Holly Hickey Moore Interior Design

7. “Eero Saarinen for Knoll ‘Womb’ chair and ottoman. Napworthy!”

—Traci Connell, Traci Connell Interiors

8. “A Barcelona chair.”

—Heidi Arwine, Heidi Arwine Interiors

9. “The ‘Emma’ side chair by Julian Chichester.”

—Mary Elizabeth Canon, Canon & Dean Design

10. “The Mous ‘Pi’ chair; I particularly love it in a mohair.”

—Bryan Yates, Yates Desygn

text by JESSICA OTTE photography by ELIZABETH LAVIN styling by JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER and ADAM FORTNER

MOUS “PI” CHAIR MOUS, $7,200

FRANK GEHRY FOR VITRA “WIGGLE” SIDE CHAIR SCOTT + COONER, $1,600

JULIAN CHICHESTER “EMMA” SIDE CHAIR LAURA LEE CLARK, $4,340

—Robyn Menter, Robyn Menter Design Associates, Inc.

2

Fifteen can’t-go- wrong paint colors

ASKING A DESIGNER TO CHOOSE A FAVORITE PAINT COLOR is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child. But we’re not here to lob softballs! We ask the hard questions! Their answers vary from daring—the ladies of Pulp Design Studios chose Sherwin-Williams’ “Tricorn Black,” which they say is alternatingly “cozy or super-dramatic”—to totally timeless. “There's a reason there are more whites in a paint deck than any other,” says Paul Draper of Paul Draper Design. Still others, like John Bobbitt of Bobbitt & Company Interior Design, insist it is an impossible task: “There’s no such thing! Any color can be a failure in the wrong light and location. It has to be seen in situ.” Here are a few of the top vote-getters.

Benjamin Moore “Kendall Charcoal”

Benjamin Moore “Britannia Blue”

Farrow & Ball “Borrowed Light”

Farrow & Ball “Pigeon”

Benjamin Moore “Revere Pewter”

Benjamin Moore “Admiral Blue”

Benjamin Moore “Palladian Blue”

Benjamin Moore “Dark Celery”

Benjamin Moore “Palest Pistachio”

Benjamin Moore “Water’s Edge”

Little Greene “Tea with Florence”

Farrow & Ball “Pointing”

Benjamin Moore “Spanish Red”

Benjamin Moore “Opal”

Farrow & Ball “Down Pipe”

—Julie Hayes, Simms Hayes Design —Susan Bednar Long, S.B. Long Interiors

FIFTEEN THINGS EVERY HOME NEEDS

1. “ONE PIECE OF ART YOU CHERISH.”

—Hillary Littlejohn, Hillary Littlejohn Studio Design

2. “PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT.”

—Pam Fitch, Pamela Fitch Design

3. “A COMFORTABLE SOFA YOU CAN TAKE A NAP ON.”

—Lindley Arthur, Lindley Arthur Interiors

4. “BOOKS, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS!”

—Bryan Yates, Yates Desygn

5. “SOMETHING SENTIMENTAL.”

—Angeline Hall, Angeline Guido Design

6. “LAYERED LIGHTING FOR AMBIENCE AND TASK.”

—Lisa Floyd, Baker Design Group

7. “A FIREPLACE, preferably wood-burning.”

—Jan Showers, Jan Showers & Associates

8. “A HARDWORKING KITCHEN.”

—Pam Kelley, Pam Kelley Design

9. & 10. “SOMETHING ANCIENT and SOMETHING MODERN.”

—John Bobbitt, Bobbitt & Company Interior Design

11. “DIMMERS ON ALL SWITCHES.”

—Dona Rosene, Dona Rosene Interiors

12. “A TUB BIG ENOUGH TO SOAK IN.”

—Michelle Kopfer Roberts, Michelle’s Interiors

13. “A GREAT VIEW.”

—Richard Gordon, Richard Gordon Design

14. “LIVE PLANTS AND FRESH FLOWERS.”

Shelby Wagner, Shelby Wagner Design

15. “A FURRY FRIEND.”

Lisa Henderson, Lisa Henderson Interiors

4

Fifteen things designers would splurge on if money were no object

1. “A Christopher Peacock custom kitchen.”

—Corbin See, Sees Design

2. “Casci molding and de Gournay wallpaper in every room.”

—Carla Fonts, Dunbar Road Design

3. “A vintage Jansen dining table.”

Josh Pickering, Pickering House Interiors

4. “Heated bathroom floors and slab marble shower walls.”

—Barry Williams, Williams Design, Inc.

5. “A Hästens mattress.”

—Denise McGaha, Denise McGaha Interiors

6. “I would replace every light switch with Meljac toggle switches and every outlet with Bocci 22 mud-in outlets.”

—Janet Gridley, Janet Gridley

7. “A lush English garden, complete with architectural elements, pink roses, and a little pond.”

—Emily Larkin, EJ Interiors

8. “A wholehouse automation system, including sound system.”

—Linda Baker, Baker Design Group

9. “An Ellsworth Kelly painting.”

—Alice Cottrell, Alice Cottrell Interior Design

10. “A golf simulator! It’s fun for everyone, even if you’re not a golfer.”

—Kara Adam, Kara Adam Interiors

11. “A screenedin porch designed by Max Levy.”

—Linda Fritschy, Linda Fritschy Interior Design

12. “An Yves Klein IKB table.”

—Emory McKim, Emory McKim Design

13. “A La Cornue range.”

—Margaret Chambers, Chambers Interiors & Associates

14. “A full spa and gym.”

Philip Vanderford, Studio Thomas James

15. “A house manager.”

—John Marrs, John Phifer Marrs Interiors

Take note: Ten designer pet peeves

DESIGNERS

HAVE THOUGHTS ON YOUR ART, RUGS, AND WINDOW COVERINGS—be they hung too high or too low, sized too big or too small, or selected incorrectly to begin with. But the biggest takeaway from our winners’ airing of grievances is the need to embrace authenticity. Carrie Hatfield of Carrie Hatfield Interior Design says her biggest gripe is “when everyone’s houses start to look the same.” Here’s what the others had to say.

“Drapery dragging on the floor. I do not like when drapery is hung too low.”

—Chelsea Hargrave, Chelsea Hargrave Interiors

—Julie Hayes, Simms Hayes Design

“Too much shine. Not everything can be the star of the show.”

—Christina Garcia Lysaught, Layered Dimensions Interior Design

“Furniture shoved against walls.”

—Eddie Maestri, Maestri Studio “Rugs that are too small.”

—Cheri Etchelecu Martin, Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design “Clutter. Nothing looks beautiful if a space is cluttered.”

—Carla Fonts, Dunbar Road Design

“Cool lighting temperature (less than 3,000K) in a residence.”

—Kristen Fegale, Kristen Fegale Interiors

“Art hung too high.”

—Morgan Farrow, Morgan Farrow Interiors

“Popcorn ceilings and badly textured walls. Please, no more!”

—Javier Burkle, Burkle Creative

“Being afraid to go bold, fearing it may be a waste of money in the long run.”

—Holly Moore, Holly Hickey Moore Interior Design

“Art selected specifically to ‘match’ the home.”

—Lindley Arthur, Lindley Arthur Interiors

6 SEVEN LOCAL ARTISTS DESIGNERS MOST ADMIRE

1. ”AMY BERLIN is a genius! She works with unique materials, like vintage books and paper combined with ink and watercolor. Her work is subtle but powerful.” —Carolina V. Gentry and Beth Dotolo, Pulp Design Studios

2. ”BRENDA BOGART—I am always amazed by how beautifully she puts it all together. She is so talented.”—Carla Fonts, Dunbar Road Design

3. ”OTIS JONES. His is a story of longevity, and his work has such presence. Even his small pieces feel monumental.” —Joslyn Taylor, SWOON, the Studio

4. ”CAROLYN JOE DANIEL. She is the most positive person I have ever met, and it shows through her colorful work!”

—Emily Larkin, EJ Interiors

5. ”DAVID H. GIBSON —I love his photos for their abstract interpretation of nature.”

Susan Bednar Long, S.B. Long Interiors

6. ”DONALD ROBERTSON

—I love his spirit and fun take on life.”

—Morgan Farrow, Morgan Farrow Interiors

7. ”SHERRY OWENS. Working primarily with discarded crepe myrtle branches, her sculptures predate today's environmental awareness by decades.”

—Paul Draper, Paul Draper Design

7

Nori Press steam iron —Robyn Menter, Robyn Menter Design Associates, Inc.

Six gadgets and appliances worth the splurge

Ranging from $100 to $20,000-plus, these electronics merit every penny.

AromaTech diffuser —Philip Vanderford, Studio Thomas James

Miele vacuum —Meredith Steinhart, Meredith Steinhart Interior Design

Jura coffee machine —Shelby Wagner, Shelby Wagner Design

Bertazzoni induction range —Denise McGaha, Denise McGaha Interiors

8

Slayer espresso machine —Erin Sander, Erin Sander Design

1. “A CANDLEWARMER LAMP. It gently melts the candle and exudes a soft fragrance all day.”

—Linda Baker, Baker Design Group

2. “LIGHT BULBS.”

—John Bobbitt, Bobbitt & Company Interior Design

3. “ACRYLIC DRAWER ORGANIZERS.”

—Morgan Farrow, Morgan Farrow Interiors

4. “POWDER ROOM TRAYS.”

–Emory McKim, Emory McKim Design

5. “BATTERYOPERATED, REMOTECONTROLLED ART LIGHTS.”

—Pam Kelley, Pam Kelley Designs

6. “WHITE LINEN COCKTAIL NAPKINS by the dozen.”

—John Marrs, John Phifer Marrs Interiors

7. “GREAT STORAGE BASKETS for items around the house.”

—Javier Burkle, Burkle Creative

Fifteen best Amazon design finds

8. “INDIAN HANDBLOCKED PRINT NAPKINS. They make great gifts, or also to break out for a large party.”

—Julie Hayes, Simms Hayes Design

9. “CANDLESTICKS.”

—Bryan Yates, Yates Desygn

10. “BAMBOO DRAWER INSERTS.”

—Allison Seidler, Allison Seidler Interiors

11. “I LOVE THE BALL BEARINGS THAT YOU ATTACH UNDER APPLIANCES to make them easy to pull out of appliance garages.”

—Denise McGaha, Denise McGaha Interiors

12. “A FOLDABLE HONEYCOMB PAPER STOOL.”

—Carrie Hatfield, Carrie Hatfield Interior Design

13. “EYPID CORDLESS TABLE LAMPS.”

—Janet Gridley, Janet Gridley

14. “LUTRON PLUG-IN LAMP DIMMER SWITCHES.”

—Richard Gordon, Richard Gordon Design

15. “PLASTIC SNAKES to put on outdoor furniture to keep the squirrels away. Seriously!”

—Kara Adam, Kara Adam Interiors

Ten design trends worth keeping 10

“RATTAN FURNITURE.”

—Emily Larkin, EJ Interiors

“WHITE WALLS.”

—Alice Cottrell, Alice Cottrell Interior Design

Ten design trends worth ditching

“KARATE-CHOPPED PILLOWS.” —Jan Showers, Jan Showers & Associates

“OPEN-CONCEPT LIVING.”

—Emily Larkin, EJ Interiors

“SPHERE-SHAPED PILLOWS.”

—Emory McKim, Emory McKim Design

“MURAL WALLPAPER.”

—Chelsea Hargrave, Chelsea Hargrave Interiors

“PAINTED FLOORS.”

—Cathy Kincaid, Cathy Kincaid Interiors

“PANELED WALLS

—painted or stained, traditional or modern.”

—Christina Garcia Lysaught, Layered Dimensions Interior Design

“PASSEMENTERIE. We love trimmings!”

—Mary Elizabeth Canon, Canon & Dean Design

“SMALLER, MORE DEFINED SPACES.”

—Lisa Henderson, Lisa Henderson Interiors

“TILING ALL THE WALLS IN A KITCHEN.”

—Hillary Littlejohn, Hillary Littlejohn Studio Design

in kitchens and baths!”

—Javier Burkle, Burkle Creative

“I HAVE SEEN ENOUGH CALACATTA VIOLA MARBLE TO LAST A LIFETIME. I agree it is a beautiful stone, but seriously, enough already.”

—Joshua Rice, Joshua Rice Design

“CURVED SOFAS.”

—Alice Cottrell, Alice Cottrell Interior Design

“SATIN BRASS!”

—Erin Sander, Erin Sander Design

“SHEARLING FURNITURE It’s sadly so overdone.”

—Susan Bednar Long, S.B. Long Interiors

“WICKER/RATTAN LIGHT FIXTURES.”

—Carrie Collins-Barron, Carrie Barron Interiors

“WALLPAPERING AN ACCENT WALL. It looks like you didn't finish the job!”

—Lindley Arthur, Lindley Arthur Interiors

“WHITE HOUSES WITH BLACK WINDOWS.”

—Cathy Kincaid, Cathy Kincaid Interiors

“FLUTED STONE.”

—Noel Pittman, Noel Pittman Design

Ten design trends worth starting

“BRINGING BACK SUPERCOOL DRAPERY TIEBACKS.”

—Julie Hayes, Simms Hayes Design

“UNFITTED KITCHENS.”

—Noel Pittman, Noel Pittman Design

“PICTURE RAILS.”

—Emily Larkin, EJ Interiors

“A POP OF COLOR INSIDE CABINETS.”

—Heidi Arwine, Heidi Arwine Interiors

“MAKING LAUNDRY ROOMS LARGER.”

—Shannon Bowers, Shannon Bowers Designs

“ARMLESS SOFAS.”

—Ginger Curtis, Urbanology Designs

“DOGS ALLOWED ON FURNITURE IN EVERY ROOM.” —Denise McGaha, Denise McGaha Interiors

“HIGH-VOLTAGE HUES.”

—Roz Murphy, Roz Murphy Design

“UNPADDED FABRIC WALLS.”

—Carrie Collins-Barron, Carrie Barron Interiors

“TINY ROOMS FOR TURNTABLES AND RECORD COLLECTIONS.”

—Janet Gridley, Janet Gridley

—Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design

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Thirteen valuable pieces of design advice

“On buying quality: Buy until it hurts, but you'll only have to buy it once.”

—Margaret Chambers, Chambers Interiors & Associates

“Know when to stop.”

—Samantha Fisher, Samantha Fisher Interiors

“Take a risk in every room!”

—Lindley Arthur, Lindley Arthur Interiors

“Every room should have a little bit of black in it.”

—Mary Elizabeth Canon, Canon & Dean Design

“There is a right and wrong way of doing things in design. Look to history to find the right way.”

—Kristen Woolery, Woolery Associates

“Trust your first instincts— about design and people.”

—Bill Cates, Peters Cates Design

TWENTY GREAT DESIGN BOOKS

TO

DISPLAY ON YOUR COFFEE TABLE

“Do not compromise on comfort.”

—Noel Pittman, Noel Pittman Design

“Do the little things well, and then do them over and over again.”

—Ginger Curtis, Urbanology Designs

“Harmony is more important than conformity.”

Betty Lou Phillips, Betty Lou Phillips Interiors

1. “OLD HOMES, NEW LIFE. I am in my ‘British country house’ phase of life and love the details of country homes.”

—Denise McGaha, Denise McGaha Interiors

2. “ENTRYWAYS OF MILAN.” —Joshua Rice, Joshua Rice Design

3. “CASA CABANA BY MARTINA MONDADORI.” —Bill Cates, Peters Cates Design

4. “VEERE GRENNEY. A master of the mix.”

—Pam Fitch, Pamela Fitch Design

5. “NEAR & FAR BY LISA FINE.”

—Lisa Henderson, Lisa Henderson Interiors

6. “ONE MAN’S FOLLY: THE EXCEPTIONAL HOMES OF FURLOW GATEWOOD. An expert in the Southern vernacular architecture, layered interiors, and antiques with poetic patina.”

—Kristen Woolery, Woolery Associates

7. “ROSE TARLOW: THREE HOUSES. It documents three houses she spent years renovating.” —Corbin See, Sees Design

8. “FRANÇOIS

HALARD: A VISUAL DIARY. His interiors photography is incomparable and endlessly inspiring.” —Joslyn Taylor, SWOON, the Studio

9. “ROSE UNIACKE AT WORK.”

—Jan Jones, Jan Jones LLC

10. “ANYTHING BY DAVID NETTO. His impeccable eye, broad scope of knowledge, and expertise in design history brings images to life in multiple dimensions. He’s not just pretty pictures; the boy can write!”

—John Bobbitt, Bobbitt & Company Interior Design

11. “A WAY OF LIVING BY RALPH LAUREN.

Ralph Lauren is my forever inspiration.”

—Ellett J. Miciotto, EJM Interior Design

12. "SUNNYLANDS. "

—Roz Murphy, Roz Murphy Design

13. “FROM THE LAND: THE ARCHITECTURE OF BACKEN, GILLAM & KROEGER BY DANIEL P. GREGORY.”

—Angeline Hall, Angeline Guido Design

14. “WORKSHOP/ APD HOMES. The details in their projects are so beautifully executed.”

—Erin Sander, Erin Sander Design

15. “WONDERLAND BY SUMMER THORNTON.”

—Mary Beth Wagner, Mary Beth Wagner Interiors

16. “GREAT ESCAPES ITALY 2019:, THE HOTEL BOOK.”

—Linda Baker, Baker Design Group

17. “THE WELL-LOVED HOUSE BY ASHLEY WHITTAKER. She is the master at creating interesting homes that never go out of style!”

—Lindley Arthur, Lindley Arthur Interiors

18. “AXEL VERVOORDT: TIMELESS INTERIORS.”

—Hillary Littlejohn, Hillary Littlejohn Studio Design

19. “ARRANGING THINGS BY COLIN KING.”

—Ginger Curtis, Urbanology Designs

20. “EDMUND DE WAAL’S book has been at the top of the stack lately. It probably has to do with his NYC exhibit last fall.”

—Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design

“Joe Minton told me to not make colors match exactly—choose colors that are interesting.”

—Cathy Kincaid, Cathy Kincaid Interiors

“Always try paint colors onsite, morning, noon, and night. Light is color.”

—Cheryl Van Duyne, Cheryl Van Duyne Interior Design “Scale is everything.”

—Philip Vanderford, Studio Thomas James

“Tricky is tacky.”

—David Salem, Salem & Associates

Nine statementmaking tiles

1. “Ann Sacks ‘Terrazzo Renata.’ ” —Jason Jones, Jase Jones & Associates

2. “WOW Design ‘Sweet Bars.’ ”

Lisa Floyd, Baker Design Group

3. “Ann Sacks ‘Peak’ modern field tile.”

—Kristen Fegale, Kristen Fegale Interiors

4. “Antique encaustic tile gives rooms a nice mix of new and old.”

Julie Hayes, Simms Hayes Design

5. “Daltile ‘Fonte Pier’ white blend.”

Josh Pickering, Pickering House Interiors

6. “Tabarka Studio’s handmade terra-cotta tiles.”

—Alexis Pearl, Alexis Pearl Design

7. “A classic blackand-white marble in a geometric or checkered pattern always makes a statement.”

—Ellett J. Miciotto, EJM Interior Design

8. “BDDW handpainted tiles.”

—Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design

9. “Mirth Studio.”

—Sara Johnson, Sara Johnson Interiors

TWELVE SUREFIRE FABRICS

10. “A bold Brunschwig print.” —Roz Murphy, Roz Murphy Design

11. “Leah O’Connell Design’s ‘Tilda.’ ” —Mary Beth Wagner, Mary Beth Wagner Interiors

12. “Casamance ‘Hanadai’ in Coquille.” —Samantha Fisher, Samantha Fisher Interiors

13. “ ‘Kinkead’ by Ferrick Mason—a great starting point.”

—Chelsea Hargrave, Chelsea Hargrave Interiors

14. “Créations Métaphores—rich texture, vibrant color.” —Carla Fonts, Dunbar Road Design

15. “Lee Jofa ‘Queen Victoria’ velvet.”

—Josh Pickering, Pickering House Interiors

16. “Namay Samay ‘Lerio.’ ” —Emily Larkin, EJ Interiors

17. “Kerry Joyce ‘Java.’ ” —Erin Sander, Erin Sander Design

18. “Rose Tarlow ‘Gigi’ stripe.” —Shannon Bowers, Shannon Bowers Designs

19. “Timothy Corrigan for Schumacher.” —John Marrs, John Phifer Marrs Interiors

20. “Pindler ‘Bentley.’ ” —Sara Johnson, Sara Johnson Interiors

21. “Rosemary Hallgarten ‘Chalk Stripe’ in Butterscotch.” —Bryan Yates, Yates Desygn

Make waves!

Twenty wallpapers guaranteed to wow

1. “Gracie Studio ‘Waves.’ ” —Mary Beth Wagner, Mary Beth Wagner Interiors

2. “De Gournay ‘St. Laurent.’ ” —Corbin See, Sees Design

3. “House of Hackney ‘Limerence’ wallpaper in Tobacco.” —Janet Gridley, Janet Gridley

4. “Tracy Kendall ‘Another Colour.’ ”

—Alice Cottrell, Alice Cottrell Interior Design

5. “Currently loving Ann Jackson’s ‘Exhale’ mural.”

—Emory McKim, Emory McKim Design

6. “Fromental ‘Rockface.’ ”

—Carrie Hatfield, Carrie Hatfield Interior Design

7. “I am really liking some of the Japanese papers in the KUFRI collection.”

—Joshua Rice, Joshua Rice Design

8. “Iksel ‘Romantic Bosphorus.’ ”

Josh Pickering, Pickering House Interiors

9. “Johnson Hartig’s wallpapers for Schumacher are so bold and fun.”

—Noel Pittman, Noel Pittman Design

10. “ ‘Leaves Reflection’ by Coordonne.”

—Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design

11. “Schumacher’s ‘Queen of Spain.’ ”

—Bill Cates, Peters Cates Design

12. “Mark Alexander’s new line from Romo. Neutrals with large woven braids inlaid in the base.”

—Traci Connell, Traci Connell Interiors

13. “De Gournay ‘Coco Coromandel’ on black or cobalt.”

—Barry Williams, Williams Design, Inc.

14. “Milton & King ‘Jungle Heritage Mural.’ ”

—Jason Jones, Jase Jones & Associates

15. “Misha wallcoverings.”

—Hillary Littlejohn, Hillary Littlejohn Studio Design

16. “Porter Teleo ‘La Danse.’ ” —Allison Seidler, Allison Seidler Interiors

17. “Scalamandre ‘Shanghai’ on tea-stained paper.”

—John Marrs, John Phifer Marrs Interiors

18. “Thibaut ‘Katsura.’ ”

—Emily Hewett, A Well Dressed Home

19. “Schumacher ‘Tortoise.’ ” —Ellett J. Miciotto, EJM Interior Design

20. “Phillip Jeffries’ gold-leaf wallpaper.”

—Cheri Etchelecu Martin, Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design

—Lindley Arthur, Lindley Arthur Interiors

Eight light fixtures that look good in any house

“WE LOVE THE CHANDELIERS FROM GABRIEL SCOTT. They are like having a piece of art that also functions as a light fixture.”

—Carolina V. Gentry and Beth Dotolo, Pulp Design Studios

“NIERMANN WEEKS ‘MANSARD TOLE’ LANTERN.”

—Cathy Kincaid, Cathy Kincaid Interiors

“A GIANT NOGUCHI ‘AKARI’ LANTERN.”

—Joslyn Taylor, SWOON, the Studio

“THE ‘GLACIER’ CHANDELIER BY REGINA ANDREW.”

—Mary Elizabeth Canon, Canon & Dean Design

“WOKA LAMP 21804.”

—Janet Gridley, Janet Gridley

“URBAN ELECTRIC COMPANY ‘YVES HANG.’ ”

—David Salem, Salem & Associates

“THE PINCH ‘ANDERS’ LIGHT.”

Morgan Farrow, Morgan Farrow Interiors

“HOLLY HUNT ‘OSLO’ HANGING CABLE LIGHT.”

—Barry Williams, Williams Design, Inc.

TWELVE OF THE MOST INSPIRING COMMERCIAL OR HOSPITALITY SPACES IN DALLAS 19

“The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel.”

—Heidi Arwine, Heidi Arwine Interiors

“The Mansion on Turtle Creek.”

—Margaret Chambers, Chambers Interiors & Associates

“The Mister Charles restaurant by my friends at Sees Design and Duro Hospitality.”

—John Bobbitt, Bobbitt & Company Interior Design

“Hôtel Swexan.”

—Samantha Fisher, Samantha Fisher Interiors

“The Crescent. It’s like Paris in Dallas.”

—Ellett J. Miciotto, EJM Interior Design

“Old Parkland.”

—Jason Jones, Jase Jones & Associates

“The Adolphus Hotel— the originality of the building is so well blended with modern necessities.”

—Javier Burkle, Burkle Creative

“The Nasher Sculpture Center is the perfect building, and the art never fails to inspire.”

—Joslyn Taylor, SWOON, the Studio

“Highland Park Village.”

—Barry Williams, Williams Design, Inc.

“Jean Liu’s Tango Room.”

—Lisa Floyd, Baker Design Group

—Alice Cottrell, Alice Cottrell Interior Design

“SWOON’s new take on Mirador—beautiful work.”

—Erin Sander, Erin Sander Design

“It is always comforting to go back to Rise No. 1 in Dallas for a warm, curated nudge to our design.”

—Traci Connell, Traci Connell Interiors

Seven questions a client should always ask when meeting with a prospective designer

“Can you give me an example of your best client experience and your worst client experience?”

—Traci Connell, Traci Connell Interiors

“What makes a good project?”

—Corbin See, Sees Design

“If I hire you, do I get you on the project?”

—John Marrs, John Phifer Marrs Interiors

“Are my budget and timeline realistic?”

—Javier Burkle, Burkle Creative

The Best Designers in Dallas

“What's the best way to communicate with you?”

—Carrie Collins-Barron, Carrie Barron Interiors

“Do you have the bandwidth to take on my project?”

—Bill Cates, Peters Cates Design

“Would you like something to drink?”

—David Salem, Salem & Associates

This list is the result of peer-based surveys. A panel of industry professionals vetted the list. The resulting list reflects the companies and individuals who received the most votes from their peers. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or the publishers of D Home A

Alexis Pearl Design

Alice Cottrell Interior Design

Allison Seidler Interiors

Amy Gibbs Interiors

Amy’s Interiors

Angeline Guido Design

Anne Williams Design

Avrea and Company

Baker Design Group

Barbara J. Vessels Interiors, Inc.

Betty Lou Phillips Interiors

Bobbitt & Company Interior Design

BODRON/FRUIT

Burkle Creative

Caitlin Wilson Design

Cameron Drinkwater Interiors

Canon & Dean Design

Carrie Barron Interiors

Carrie Hatfield Interior Design

Cathy Kincaid Interiors

Chad Dorsey Design Chambers Interiors & Associates

Charlotte Comer Interiors, Inc.

Chelsea Hargrave Interiors

Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design

Cheryl Van Duyne Interior Design

Collins & Sweezey

Collins Interiors

Dallas Design Group Interiors

Dana Bass Designs

Deborah Walker + Associates

Debra Stewart Interior Design

Deleo & Fletcher Design

Denise McGaha Interiors

Dona Rosene Interiors

Doniphan Moore Interiors

Dunbar Road Design

EJ Interiors

EJM Interior Design

Emily Summers Design Associates

Emory McKim Design

Erin Sander Design

Fagan White Design

Heidi Arwine Interiors, LLC

Hillary Littlejohn Studio Design

Holly Hickey Moore Interior Design

House of Amelia

IBB Design Fine Furnishings

Ike Isenhour Inc

J. Wiley Designs

Jan Jones LLC

Jan Showers & Associates

Janet Gridley LLC

Jase Jones & Associates

Jean Liu Design, LLC

Jenkins Interiors

Joanie Wyll & Associates Inc.

John Phifer Marrs Interiors

Joseph Minton, Inc.

Joshua Rice Design

Josie McCarthy Associates

Kara Adam Interiors

Kirsten Kelli

Kristen Fegale Interiors

Kristin Mullen Designs

Lark Interiors

Laura Lee Clark Interior Design, Inc.

Layered Dimensions

Interior Design

Linda Fritschy Interior Design

Lindley Arthur Interiors

Lisa Henderson Interiors

Lynn Sears Interiors Inc.

Maddie Hughes Designs

MADRE Design

Maestri Studio

Mary Anne Smiley Interiors LLC

Mary Beth Wagner Interiors

Meredith Ellis Design

Meredith Steinhart Interior Design

Michelle Nussbaumer Design

Michelle’s Interiors

Monica Wilcox Interiors

Morgan Farrow Interiors Morrissey Home

Neal Stewart Design Assoc. Inc

Noel Pittman Design Nuance Interiors

Pam Kelley Design

Pamela Fitch Design

Paul Draper Design

Paul Duesing Partners

Peters Cates Design, Inc.

Peyton Riley Design Pickering House Interiors

Poppy McGough Design House

Pulp Design Studios

R. Brant Design

Richard Gordon Design

Richard Trimble & Assoc., Inc.

Rick Rozas Design

Robyn Menter Design Associates, Inc.

Roz Murphy Design S.B. Long Interiors

Salem & Associates

Samantha Fisher Interiors

Sara Johnson Interiors

Schooler, Kellogg & Co

Sees Design

Seitz Design

Shannon Bowers Designs

Shelby Wagner Design

Sherry Hayslip Interiors

Simms Hayes Design

Smith & Ragsdale

Interior Design

Studio Thomas James

Studio White Interiors

SWOON, the Studio

Ten Plus Three

Tiffany McKinzie

Interior Design Inc

Tori Rubinson Interiors

Traci Connell Interiors

Traci White Designs

Tracy Hardenburg Designs

Trish Sheats

Interior Design

Urbanology Designs

Wendy Konradi

Interior Design

Williams Design, Inc.

Woolery Associates

Yates Desygn

This Must Be

Kitchen

Architect David Stocker flipped the traditional script in the kitchen, placing the range—rather than the sink and prep space— in front of the large picture window. Of the configuration, he says, “Most of the work in the kitchen involves cutting and cleanup—very little involves stirring. We want people to be a part of the activities happening around them.”

countertops: White

text by LAURA KOSTELNY photography by NATHAN SCHRODER interiors by ERIN SANDER DESIGN architecture by SHM ARCHITECTS built by SLEEPY HOLLOW HOMES styling by JENNY O’CONNOR florals by HAILE WOSSEN

Pearl quartzite; cabinets: custom; sconces: The Urban Electric Company with Zak+Fox custom fabric shades; range hood: custom; hardware: Classic Brass

design notes

Placing the range in front of the window comes with a bonus in addition to the abundance of sunlight: “When things boil over, it’s much easier to clean a window than a piece of art or backsplash,” says architect David Stocker.

After world events forced a Park Cities family to take shelter, they responded by putting together a team to create the ultimate post-pandemic Hyde Park-inspired gathering spot.

the Place

Entry Bar

Guests are encouraged to stop and fix a drink in a number of places throughout the home, including the bar just off the family room. Once everything is shaken and stirred correctly, there are plenty of places to sit and sip throughout the home. artwork: ”Redbud” by Andrew Millner bench: custom

design notes

Designer Erin Sander set the stage for a sophisticated entry with a mix of beige and blue stone. “We wanted to use a larger format of the checkered pattern with tones that felt neutral instead of the higher-contrast combination you often see,” she says.

Entry

The floors in the entry complement the mix of pocket and steel-framed doors, blackened metal railing, and walnut paneled staircase with white oak treads.

stone floor: Paris Ceramics

Necessity may be the mother of all invention, but a full-blown pandemic will inspire most families to seek innovative architectural solutions pretty darn quickly. Haylie Crouch says she and her brood felt almost immediately trapped within the walls of a home that had felt just fine pre-2020. “My husband, Bert, went from nonstop travel to working from home, and we had three different levels of home-schooling constantly going on,” she explains. Adds Bert: “On top of all that, we decided to add an 80-plus-pound member to the family—our golden retriever, Ferris.”

Nonstop together time made it obvious the family of five (plus Ferris!) needed more space. But instead of scrolling Zillow, Bert put pencil to paper and sketched out a floor plan that addressed all of his wife’s and kids’ complaints. “I’ve never done anything architectural, so it was purely a passion project. What’s fun about architecture is there is a finite amount of square footage, and you create your vision within bounds provided—it’s like a really challenging jigsaw puzzle,” he says.

Once they had a sketch in hand, the Crouches needed assis-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 99 >>

The Approach

Stocker says the allimportant facade of the house has all the essence of the Crouches: “It’s classic, fun, and entertaining.” His design incorporates their requests for traditional forms presented in a more contemporary way, along with plenty of windows, doors, and connections to the landscape designed by John Armstrong.

Breakfast Nook

A delicious mix of materials come together in the charming breakfast nook, including lush blue velvet on the banquette, cast glass in the avian installation, a hardwood table with vintage white glaze, metal railing, and a rattan-andbrass chandelier.

artwork: Rob Snyder; table: Palecek; chairs: Coolican & Company; lighting: Soane Britain; copper tray: Sputnik Modern; vessel: Matt Mazur

Family Room

The transition to the great outdoors from the family room is seamless by design. The homeowners encourage friends and family to choose their own adventure—eat alfresco, take a gander around the pool, or make themselves at home on the spacious sectional while cheering on their beloved Mavs, Longhorns, and Stars.

sectional: Lee Industries; rug: Stark Carpet; coffee table: Hickory White

“I think you rarely get to the end of a new build and remain close friends, but here we are.”

—HOMEOWNER HAYLIE CROUCH

Study

Unlike a lot of home offices, owner Bert Crouch’s workspace is far from all business. Slate blue walls set the stage for a beautifully framed desk, but there’s also a seating area featuring a quartet of chairs upholstered in vintage velvet and a bronze-topped coffee table with a leather-wrapped, ribbed drum base. “I can work here and be serious, but I’ve also got my tequila bar, my vinyl, and a great sound system,” says Bert.

paint color: Benjamin Moore’s “Flint”; artwork: Kendall Stallings; vessel on desk: Matt Mazur

london calling

Designer Erin Sander shares her tips for bringing a welltailored sense of whimsy from across the pond.

PILE ON THE WOOD.

An abundance of walnut and rift-cut oak makes for timeless elements, like the staircase, flooring, cabinetry, paneling (present even in the primary bedroom!), and pocket doors.

MIX UP THE FINISHES.

The kitchen features both painted and stained cabinetry, along with gunmetal, brass, and antique nickel details. “We didn’t want the kitchen to feel too ‘fresh’ in comparison to some of the more grounded spaces in the home,” says Sander. “We also knew early on that the navy and mulberry tones were going to be incorporated into the adjacent living space, so we needed that balance of contrast.”

GET SMART WITH ART.

Sander worked with the Crouches to select art specific to this house and then thoughtfully placed it to maximize impact.

“We chose to place Rob Snyder’s castglass birds in the kitchen’s eat-in area to complement the curved wall,” she says. “Whether you’re sitting in the breakfast nook or by the fire over in the family room, the murmuration dancing across the large expanse can be appreciated.”

BUILD IN ROOM FOR BILLIARDS.

Because the clients wanted a pool table in their dining room, Sander worked closely with Sir William Bentley Billiards in the United Kingdom to create a multifunctional table where the family could both break bread and break and run.

design notes

The dimensions of the dining table allow for double the chairs at the ends, which makes for the-morethe-merrier dinner parties.

Dining Room

When not used for meals, the dining table transforms into a billiards table (via a top that rotates in place 180 degrees).

Bert says the dual functionality has an added bonus: “My kids tell me more when we’re playing pool than anywhere else. We have the best conversations in that room.”

table: Sir William Bentley Billiards; chairs: Very Wood; lighting: The Urban Electric Company; rug: antique

Benjamin Moore’s “Revere Pewter”

Bunk Room

It’s a virtual kids’ paradise in the second-floor game room, which is outfitted with a vintage arcade game system, a table ideal for studies or shuffling cards, and three bunks furnished with privacy curtains and reading lights. And because the room is situated above the garage, winners and losers are welcome to express themselves without disturbing the rest of the house.

bed curtains: glazed-linen fabric from Schumacher; rug: Blackstone Carpets; drapery: John Robshaw vintage stripe; artwork: Don Morris; table: Highland House Furniture; chairs: Blu Dot

ExerciseRoom Bath

The unique angles of the second-story bathroom called for a very specific wallpaper. “The pattern by Backdrop captures the look of a hand-tiled surface and brings this unassuming space to life,” says Sander. sink: Kast; wallpaper: Backdrop “Gambit”

Sitting Area/ Bedroom

In order to make the large primary suite feel extra cozy, the homeowners chose to separate the sitting area from the bedroom and tie the two spots together with walnut details and a fireplace.

“The kids come in there all the time. Maybe the Texas game is going into overtime, Haylie does her quiet time, and I work. We’re not saying a lot, but we’re all together,” says Bert. “That room evidences everything I wanted, and everyone’s fingerprints are on it.”

sectional: Baker

tance to make it a reality. Enter Compass’ Burton Rhodes, who helped them nab the perfect University Park plot. From there, they recruited architect David Stocker of SHM Architects to bring his expertise to the project. He worked with the couple to incorporate their floor plan ideas with timeless design and spot-on siting. “This is a side-yard house, and the reason we did that was to get more light deeper into the house,” says Stocker. “But a great house reveals the personality of the owners right from the start, and the walk up here has all the essence of the Crouches. It’s classic, fun, and entertaining. Using that front 50 feet for the front terrace is the most important part of the project.”

It was up to designer Erin Sander to bring a “Hyde Park on the Park” sensibility to the interiors of the approximately 6,800-square-foot home. “Bert wanted the aesthetic of a bespoke men’s suit, preferably British,” she says. “He had a notion of something smart, detailed, but not overly flashy.” Above all, loved ones were to feel welcome to stop by—and stay a long while—once the world returned to normal. To that end, the designer carved out room for Scotch tastings surrounded by a vinyl collection in Bert’s office; games of pool in a combined dining/billiards room; casual get-togethers in the light-and-bright kitchen; heated college football rants on the loggia; and even impromptu sleepovers in a cozy bunk room.

Bert notes that friend Robby Skinner’s “shocking” attention to detail made Sleepy Hollow Homes the natural choice to bring on as the builder. Skinner took on the home’s unique orientation and floor plan, complicated millwork, and thorny HVAC integration in the outdoor area with aplomb. “The only thing I gave Bert a hard time about was the wine-bar unit in his office,” the builder says with a laugh. “But in the end, we made it all work.”

It’s a sentiment that the Crouches appreciate from Skinner, as well as from their entire team. “We so carefully picked the people we worked with,” Haylie says. “I think you rarely get to the end of a new build and remain close friends, but here we are.”

“That’s what we wanted all along—this home is about family and friends first,” echoes Bert. “It’s the place where we hope to create memories, generate laugher, provide comfort after a funeral, and feel joy at a wedding. It’s also just a place to hang out on a regular Thursday when there’s nothing better to do than watch a game and have a beer.”

Primary Bathroom

The primary bathroom is an elevated affair, thanks to windows overlooking the pool, a honed Angora marble masterpiece on the floor, and crisply painted paneled walls.

vanities: custom; countertop: Bianco Bello Marble; bath: Victoria + Albert; vessel: Carrie White

OUTDOOR OASIS

The first signs of spring… are finally noticeable in Dallas.

If you haven’t already begun prepping your flower beds and patios for spring and summer color or started an outdoor living space for a peaceful retreat where friends and family can gather, now is the time.

From designing your garden to adding an outdoor kitchen or even a pool house, there are no limits on creative and beautiful options to transform your home’s outdoor space. It all begins with a plan—and the expertise of an experienced professional.

BOOST CURB APPEAL

“ The aesthetic of a home begins at the curb and works its way through the house, right out of the back.

An unforgettable property is one that leaves you with that same positive feeling all the way through. Working with a professional is crucial during the design process to plan for the overall vision for the garden, and it will save money long-term.”

JASON OSTERBERGER, JASON OSTERBERGER DESIGNS

Tips to prep your home and garden for a

picture-perfect spring.

Turn over your yard every few years. Have the soil checked and add appropriate nutrients to give plants the healthiest place to thrive.

Choose between organic or chemical nutrients. If you want plants to grow faster, use chemical nutrients. Organic fertilizers will pay off in dividends, but the results may take longer to see. Don’t alternate between or mix organic and chemical fertilizers, as this can damage your yard.

If you are selling your home, the investment in

impression is often made at the curb, not inside the front door.

Add a good layer of mulch every time you plant to help maintain moisture.

For patio gardens, don’t plant new flowers in the same soil you have been using in pots for years and years. You need good, nutrient-rich soil in pots as well. Be as consistent with watering your potted plants as you are with your lawn and flowerbeds. Getting on a schedule is important, because once the plants start showing signs of

Outdoor Living Must-Have’s

HAVE

Pizza ovens and griddle appliances in outdoor kitchens

Pool houses that double as a guest house or home gym

Construction of an outdoor space with the same materials used to frame a home. Cedar pergolas will look like an afterthought and will likely not last as long as your home.

seamless look. With the right furniture, it can be just as relaxing to lounge outdoors as it is in the living room. Luxury outdoor furniture company Brown Jordan offers a glimpse at this year’s trends in outdoor furnishings.

Source: Brown Jordan

Column lighting, torches, and gas lanterns for lighting

Incorporate outdoor heating into the structure. This enables homeowners to use their outdoor living space year-round.

Source: Justin Barnett, TCP Custom Outdoor Living

Mixing materials. Pieces that combine aluminum with teak, rope, synthetic woven materials, or wicker are not only aesthetically pleasing, but more functional. Seating with a wider arm and higher back can make an outdoor piece of furniture just as comfortable as your favorite indoor chair.

Advanced cushion materials. Choose pieces that withstand rain and moisture due to a protective moisture wicking bag that goes over the cushion’s core and pieces that have fabric that keeps moisture from reaching the cushion. Some cushions have a drainage feature in the back that continually drains water whenever it rains.

Create comfort. Full outdoor collections with dining, seating, and outdoor fire tables bring the comforts of the indoors outside, making your patio a separate outdoor room—the ceiling is the sky. A coordinated “room” collection creates a comfortable, inviting space for casual at-home relaxing or more formal entertaining.

SEAT

“I am seeing the use of more organic materials in outdoor living spaces, such as wood accents and stone worked into the design—even aged boulders and rocks to accent a courtyard wall to add character.” JASON OSTERBERGER, JASON OSTERBERGER DESIGNS

Because life without flowers is Pointeless!

photo by Suzi Neeley Photography

Plan Your Outdoor Living

Space With TCP Custom Outdoor Living

What are some of the latest trends in outdoor living?

Outdoor kitchens with woodfire pizza ovens and griddle appliances, pool houses that double as a guest house or home gym, the use of pavers instead of concrete, gas lanterns and torches for lighting, and the incorporation of outdoor heating structures to use your space year-round.

What qualifications should I look for in a contractor to design and build an outdoor living space?

In most cases, a standard Google search will answer most questions. Look for a company with good reviews online and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Choose a company that has had repeat projects and has been in business for a long time. Look at photos of projects to determine if the company can handle different types of projects.

What timeline can I expect?

It all depends on what the homeowner wants. A company that can do everything in-house, such as TCP, can often finish a project faster than using several different companies that are not working on the same timeline. The first step is to determine the budget, then design the project in CAD and work through ideas and challenges. This will help set a completion date.

TCP Custom Outdoor Living is a family-owned and operated business offering personalized service and turnkey design solutions for outdoor living, including patio covers, outdoor kitchens, screened porches and patios, room additions, pergolas and decks, outdoor fireplaces; and more.

tcpoutdoor.com

“There are some new and exciting plants coming out, but my recommendation is to wait a couple of years on those plants to make sure they can thrive in our climate. One plant that I’m very excited about is the Fairytrail White cascade hydrangea. It is beautiful in pots but has limited availability, so if you see one in a retail nursery, it’s worth a try. The Limelight hydrangea has proven to be a great plant that blooms all summer

long here, but it will need protection from afternoon sun. Our Texas natives like dwarf wax myrtle and the Texas sage, along with many ornamental grasses, are fool proof.”

GLENN BONICK, BONICK LANDSCAPING

FRUSTRATED WITH YOUR GARDEN’S APPEARANCE?

How to plant like a pro.

1 2 3

Don’t plant too deep. Never add soil over the top of the root ball you are putting in the ground—it has to breathe, too.

Draining and the water delivery system are critical for success.

Make sure your watering system is designed appropriately for the plant material you are putting in. The more control you have with your watering system, the more success you’ll have when it gets hot outside and you need to increase water in certain areas.

Think about the big picture before you start planting, whether you are DIY’ing the project or hiring a professional. It is much easier to spend careful time planning than it is to re-do a gardening project.

Source: Glenn Bonick, Bonick Landscaping

Mil Bodron

Margaret Chambers

Laura Lee Clark

Best Designers

Charlotte Comer

Debra Stewart

Emily Summer

Joanie Wyll

The following individuals are among the winners of D Home’s 2024 Best Designers in Dallas. These designers have shown their interest in serving D Home readers with advertising profiles that depict a sampling of their portfolios, as well as their business and professional accomplishments. D Home’s Best Designer awards are nominated by showroom owners and managers in Dallas-Fort Worth who select the winning designers for their outstanding residential work in our community. A full list of the winners appears on page 89 HOW

in Dallas

PROFILES

Alexis Pearl Design

When Dallas native Alexis Pearl headed to the University of Georgia to obtain her B.A. in interior design, she never thought she would come back to Texas, but home beckoned her to return. She started her career in commercial interiors, where she developed a strong understanding of space planning, finish selections, and construction processes. She shifted her focus to residential interiors, with a special interest in kitchen design. “It’s the heart of the home and one of my favorite spaces,” she says. Pearl opened her own design firm five years ago and now focuses on high-end interiors. Her design sensibility is a modern take on traditional style, gravitating toward classic silhouettes and timeless pieces. Now with more than 20 years of experience, Pearl has worked with numerous clients on various upscale projects in Lakewood, the Park Cities, and Preston Hollow, as well as a few outside of Texas. “Design is always evolving, moving, and adapting to the times,” she says. Pearl believes it is important to leave room for clients to grow into the space. For her, design is a collaboration, and it is so exciting when it all comes together. “I love so many different aesthetics, and every client brings their own unique input,” she says.

469.223.2230

alexispearldesign.com

@alexispearldesign

Amy Gibbs Interiors

A welcoming combination of modern, vintage, and custom home furnishings that results in a unique aesthetic is what clients love about Amy Gibbs Interiors’ principal designer Amy Gibbs’ designs. Her signature look is edited and precise, while maintaining a comfortable, approachable feel for each space. She carefully selects original art, unique accessories, and a color palette for each client, creating a look that is uniquely their own. Her design philosophy is simple yet timeless and effective: “Your home should be a reflection of you, your family, and how you entertain and live, while also considering the large and small details throughout your space.”

214.662.8399 amygibbsinteriors.com @amygibbsinteriors

INTERIORS:

DAN PIASSICK; PORTRAIT: BEAU BUMPAS

Bodron / Fruit

Mil Bodron’s methodical and particular approach to design—where everything coalesces—has earned him the respect of his design peers and accolades from his clients. Bodron, a founding principal and designer of Bodron/Fruit, is passionate about the balance and function of a room. “Some designs aren’t right or wrong—they are just correct,” he says. “I like for my interiors to be correct.”

Bodron’s designs are trend-free, warm, and modern. They respond to the architecture of the space and perfectly suit each client’s lifestyle and taste. “I love architecture, and I love furniture—and I love experimenting with both of these elements together,” he says. “There is never a moment I’m not sourcing furniture, looking for the perfect piece. I’m delighted when I stumble across a great new product from a designer who has great original style, and I enjoy finding and using wonderful vintage pieces from great designers of our past and mixing them all together. The result is a well-proportioned composition.”

Bodron and Svend Christian Fruit, a founding principal and architect, have been designing impeccable homes together since 1998. They are committed to creating spaces that are alive with design and have purpose and function.

214.826.5200 bodronfruit.com

Canon & Dean Design

Mary Elizabeth Canon and Hannah Dean provide a unique, hands-on approach to interior design services. They believe designing a client’s home is a personal experience, as their home is a private sanctuary. They consider it an honor to create spaces for each client’s personality and lifestyle.

“We don’t try to build walls with formality,” Canon says. Dean adds, “We like to work in casual environments that ensure our clients feel at home with us.”

When a client has an idea, they go to work to elevate it. Throughout the process, they encourage clients to consider ideas outside of their comfort zone. They prefer each project to reflect the personality and sensibilities of the individual client rather than sell them on a particular look. This approach results in both beautiful projects and happy clients. Both Canon and Dean specialize in all design styles and take on projects of any size. Clients appreciate their down-toearth approach, and many remain good friends after the project is complete.

canonanddeandesign.com

@canonanddeandesign

Chambers Interiors

Chambers Interiors & Associates, led by Margaret Chambers, ASID and RID, is a D Home Best Designers award winner for 20 years. With an impeccable eye, Chambers and her senior designer Allen Keith create visionary signature spaces that defy trends and elevate homes to a timeless elegance.

Led by foundational design principles, Chambers isn’t restricted to a single style and creates beautifully appointed spaces tailored to each client’s life story. No two homes look alike and at the end of the design process, clients’ homes showcase their unique personal style. Design projects are continually published in local, regional, and national publications.

Chambers overseas all design projects, personally working one-on-one with all clients from beginning to end and relying on a hand-selected team to assist her in serving clients with precision, professionalism, and friendliness.

214.651.7665

chambersinteriors.com

@chambersinteriors

Interior Design

972.980.1700 ceid.net @cherietchelecu

Cheri Etchelecu Martin, ASID, has had her own award-winning Dallas firm for more than three decades. Many of her clients have turned to her design expertise multiple times through the years whenever they are ready to take on a new project.

“I have been fortunate to work with many longterm clients, from designing their primary homes to vacation retreats throughout the country,” she says. “I am passionate about designing spaces that last; I want to be able to return years from now and see that the design has endured through time.”

Etchelecu Martin is known for the personal attention she gives to clients and for her keen eye for

architecture. “A home’s architecture most often guides my designs. Functionality is important; I ensure the room is functioning first, then we design it to suit the client’s unique style,” she says. “I pride myself that each project I design represents the client—not me. I love when clients tell me how much they enjoy the space because it truly reflects them and how they live.”

For Etchelecu Martin, good design is ongoing and requires a constant editing process to become a timeless success. “You’ll never tire of pursuing good design if you love it—it’s those little edits made over time that make great design even better,” she says.

Cheri Etchelecu

Dana Bass Designs

With an intuitive approach, Dana M. Bass, ASIS, NKBS, NCIDQ, RID, creates awardwinning spaces that are refined, playful, luxurious, and unexpected. And she’s just plain fun.

Bass is known for infusing textures with patterns, layering elements, and mixing vibrant colors to create dream spaces for her clients. Her namesake firm epitomizes the force behind the face, as clients are inspired to DREAM IT. LOVE IT. LIVE IT.™

With nearly two decades of experience, Bass has cultivated a creative dialogue between her clients—and their homes. She honors the history and architecture of each project while masterfully mixing distinctive furnishings and artwork in luxe, yet eminently comfortable homes.

Bass found her roots in the hospitality sector designing bars, nightclubs, and restaurants with an evocative, unexpected, and glamorous flair. In stepping into residential design, she found her calling. “There’s nothing more thrilling than tailoring my clients’ dreams and needs into a space that will transform their lives,” she says. Bass loves the process of design, the thrill of the hunt, raw creativity, and the satisfaction of everything coming together—but what she values most of all is her clients.

214.438.4820

@danabassdesigns danabassdesigns.com

INTERIORS: MICHAEL HUNTER

ASID Celebrating Design Texas First Place Award

ASID Celebrating Design Texas First Place Award

Dunbar Road Design

Carla Fonts takes most of her design inspiration from her travels, but whenever she designs a home, she does so with the intention of making sure her clients can’t wait to come home after their own travels. “You want your home to be just as beautiful and welcoming as all the places you travel,” she says. “When you invest in your home’s design, you’ll never want to leave your house. Ultimately, you want to feel at peace at home and love it so much that you miss it when you’re not there!”

Fonts is known for designing colorful, bright interiors and for bringing elements of nature into the home for a soothing, unique look. She and her team have an unmatched energy and passion for their craft, always pushing boundaries and thinking beyond the norm for a one-of-a-kind result. Even the tiniest details—organizing a client’s fine china and silverware drawers for ease of entertaining—don’t go unnoticed.

“Even after decades in the design and construction business, I am still invigorated every day by my work,” Fonts says. “I love the people I work with and the opportunity to be surrounded by beautiful things all day. We go above and beyond to provide our clients with the highest caliber of design and service.”

EJM Interior Design

Ellett J. Miciotto’s interest in interior design dates to his childhood, influenced by his mother who is an accomplished interior designer. “I learned from her style and artistry, growing up around her talent and working for her,” he says. In college, Miciotto began working for Ralph Lauren in Highland Park Village and later in East Hampton, New York, gaining more experience and inspiration. “Growing up, my room was decorated in his wallpaper and fabrics,” he recalls. Miciotto later founded EJM where, as the sole designer, he takes a personalized, hands-on approach with every project. His style is contemporary, looking toward the future while considering the direction of today and referencing the past. “I love the freedom interior design allows— the pleasure of creativity, the joy of art, and the expression and emotion it gives to everyone who appreciates beauty,” he says. It’s not uncommon for Miciotto and his clients to become more like collaborators. “We discuss our outlook, create a story, make selections, and anticipate the results,” he says. “It’s a one-on-one experience so we achieve our collaborative vision.”

214.528.0808

ejminteriordesign.com

@ejminteriordesign

Erin Sander Design

Erin Sander is known for her innate capacity for visualizing the overall concept of the house in its entirety, including the creative details at the project’s architectural inception. Her keen ability to read the form of a house and breathe it to life through precise execution creates her edge. She began her design with one vision, which has become its focus: interiors structured in detail.

Her full-service interior design firm focuses on designs with purposeful balance through layers of texture and contrasted materials. The environments Sander creates—whether it’s a lake house reminiscent of those on the Cape or a Dallas residence inspired by a New York City loft—offer an uplifting palette. Always ahead of what’s new and next in interior design, clients trust her instincts, from her selection of furnishings and tile to artisan products from skillful craftspeople.

Sander and her team guide clients through the process of refining architectural plans through detailed elevation drawings and finish selection. Above all, the firm holds a deep appreciation and gratitude for clients who trust them with such an important part of their lives.

469.600.1323

erinsanderdesign.com @erinsander

Heidi Arwine Interiors

Heidi Arwine is a Dallas-based interior designer known for her versatile styles and innovative approach. She is recognized as one of Dallas’ top designers and is featured in national publications such as Traditional Home and Better Homes & Gardens

Arwine is passionate about design and creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and tailored to the client’s lifestyle. She uses a mix of traditional and modern styles to create a unique and evocative look for each project. Her attention to detail, combined with her ability to understand her clients’ needs and preferences, results in spaces that are both beautiful and livable. Her approach to design is collaborative and hands-on, with a focus on the client’s needs, tastes, and goals.

Aside from her work as an interior designer, Arwine is an active member of the design community, and she actively participates in local and national design events and competitions. She is proud to be a trusted and sought-after designer in Dallas and beyond.

214.505.9189

haidallas.com

@heidi.arwine.interiors

STEPHEN KARLISCH

IBB Design Fine Furnishings

Shay Geyer, designer and owner of IBB Design Fine Furnishings, is passionate about interiors and interior products, creating beautiful and luxury spaces for clients. Mostly known for her balanced use of color, pattern, and texture, clients rave about her ability to transform a house into a welcoming, happy home. Her design mantra is to create an inviting atmosphere that reflects the personal taste and lifestyle of each client.

According to Geyer, “The mark of a really good designer isn’t pinpointed to one specific aesthetic but instead their ability to design for each individual client. It’s all about the look and the quality, and how that room is going to function for them. The key to harmony at home is to live amongst what you love.” Geyer has assembled an award-winning team of talented designers who are experts in custom-tailoring interiors. IBB Design, five-time winner of Best Furniture Store in the United States, encompasses 90,000 square feet of a diverse mix of name-brand home furnishings, luxury home décor, and accessories available for immediate delivery. Together, you get an interior design power house!

214.618.6600

ibbdesign.com

@ibbdesign | @designershay

DANNY PIASSICK

J Wiley Designs

972.330.4480

jwileydesigns.com

@jwileydesigns

When Jenifer Wiley hears, “I love it!” from her clients, she knows she has made a match between the homeowner and the design. Otherwise, she continues refining her ideas because, to her, everyone should love the space they are in. “Your room, your house—whatever you are designing, you should be excited about it,” she says. “Design evokes emotions, and people react to ideas differently. It’s all about that ‘aha! moment’ when you know you have found the right thing for a client. This is the core of what drives

me—discovering what makes a design special for each client.” Wiley, owner and principal of J Wiley Designs, is known for creating a timeless, elegant, and vibrant aesthetic in her work. She has a passion for combining color, pattern, and texture to create warm and inviting spaces that are well planned and thoughtfully curated. Wiley enjoys the personal relationships she creates with clients, vendors, contractors, and builders. “This is a relationship industry, which is what I love about it,” she says.

MICHAEL WILTBANK

Jenkins Interiors

Leslie Jenkins has designed residential spaces nationally for more than two decades. Renowned for a distinctive, curated style that balances livability with a novel approach to the classic, she has focused on building a versatile, creative team since founding her namesake firm. Clients find her staff to be approachable, knowledgeable, collaborative, and well-versed in every aesthetic. Jenkins is highly revered for her ability to couple traditional with contemporary through her furnishings, accessories, and art. Her love of European finds from around the globe are a common thread throughout her portfolio. Known for cultivating long-lasting friendships with her clients, they continue to clamor for her finds carried at her home furnishings boutique, Blue Print, and adjacent Blue Print Gallery, which she co-owns.

903.830.9990

jenkinsinteriors.com

@jenkinsinteriors

Kristen Fegale Interiors

214.669.2672

kristenfegaleinteriors.com

@kristenfegaleinteriors

Kristen Fegale Interiors provides a turnkey experience for clients, from interior architectural drawings and detailing to the curation of custom furnishings, window treatments, and styling. The team at KFI enjoys working on a variety of home styles from modern to classic, but always with a fresh approach. Using vintage, antique, and custom furnishings, the designers are experts at blending styles to create bespoke interiors.

One of the firm’s longstanding principles is to create spaces that connect the architecture of the home and its exterior environment. KFI often brings

exterior materials, such as natural stone or brick, from the home’s exterior palette into the interior.

Kristen Fegale, principal designer and creative director, believes the layering of natural finishes grounds the interior, creating a timeless design.

The firm’s designs are client-centric, and Fegale’s favorite part of the design process is witnessing their excitement when everything comes together.

“Installation day feels like Christmas morning for us and our clients,” she says. “Creating spaces with their input and our expertise is gratifying because it has exceeded their expectations.”

Lark Interiors

Lark’s motto is “Sticky fingers, muddy paws welcome!” Principal designer Janelle Patton and her team believe that having kids and pets and having a beautiful home shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. Instead, they focus on creating spaces where kids can cartwheel and the dog is always welcome on the sofa.

Patton and her team assist clients in every step of the design process, from drafting architectural plans and providing new construction selections to creating fail-safe build packets and selecting furniture. They even recently added an expert landscape designer to the team.

Lark’s reputation for comfortable and timeless interiors is built on a style that incorporates traditional and modern touches, plus a smattering of vintage pieces.

“Our goal is to create a timeless effect,” Patton says. “I don’t ever want someone to look at something we designed and think, ‘Well, that was definitely built in 2024.’”

347.260.0691

larkinteriorstx.com

@lark.interiors

INTERIORS: NATHAN SCHRODER

Layered Dimensions

Interior Design

With a focus on custom, high-end residential design, Christina Garcia Lysaught and Grayson Knight lead their team of expert designers with a comprehensive range of specializations, bringing a unique perspective to every project. The personal experiences created by their designers and their meticulous attention to detail ensure their clients’ interiors, and the comfort of the home, go far beyond expectations. By combining a thoughtful culmination of layers into their projects, Layered Dimensions Interior Design helps clients create the ultimate feeling of home. The firm builds on a practical concept that relies on creativity, proven design principles, experience, process, and documentation tailored to their clients’ unique needs, resulting in collected, multifaceted, and innovative designs.

214.206.9599

layereddimensionsid.com

@layereddimensions_id

Lindley Arthur Interiors

Lindley Arthur’s designs are as unique as her clients—a signature hallmark of her craft since she started her business inside Antique Row in 2008. “We really work hard to get to know our clients’ personalities and what they are drawn to, then bring that into the design,” she says. Clients have fallen in love with the clean-lined, beautiful antique pieces Arthur incorporates into projects, often found during her travels around the world. She believes a well-curated collection of old and new ultimately results in timeless interiors that have a fresh edge. “These pieces are something a client can keep forever and no one else will have,” she says. “Plus, adding pieces with a little age and patina make a room more interesting.”

Arthur and her team focus on residential projects in Dallas—primarily the Park Cities—and throughout Texas and beyond. In every project, Arthur and her team find ways to promote functionality without sacrificing beauty or comfort.

214.616.2582

lindleyarthur.com

@lindleyarthurinteriors

PHOTOGRAPHY: NATHAN SCHROEDER, STYLING: MELANIE MCKINLEY; BEDROOM: EMERY DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Mary Beth Wagner Interiors

214.215.8799

marybethwagnerinteriors.com

@marybethwagnerinteriors

Mary Beth Wagner has been setting the standard for elegant interior design in Dallas for more than 15 years. Her full-service interior design firm is known for making each home a reflection of those who live within, expressing their unique personality, all while providing a seamless and enjoyable experience. “I love the challenge of coming up with a design and making someone’s home a place they want to be,” Wagner says. “My goal is to create a warm environment that will stand the test of time.”

Wagner and her team specialize in major renovations as well as new construction from the

ground up. With each project, she believes good design entails a combination of mixing quality pieces and layering.

“Each room should feel lived in—not staged,” she says. “Textures, wallpaper, lighting, and paint—these are the timeless elements that make a room feel inviting.”

Having cultivated many trusted, long-term relationships with builders, architects, custom furniture manufacturers, and showrooms through the years, Wagner can assemble the right team for any project.

Michelle’s Interiors

Michelle Kopfer Roberts, ASID, was a licensed professional counselor prior to becoming an interior designer, experience she credits, in part, to her success. “Excellent design is driven by communicating well with clients, understanding their vision and practical needs for their home,” Roberts says. “I get to help my clients articulate their dreams. Then I take what they love, ‘wave my magic wand’ around it, and make it gorgeous.”

Now a designer for 16 years, Roberts returned to school after earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees to study interior design at Collin College, where she serves on the interior design program’s advisory board. Michelle’s Interiors has grown thanks to Roberts’ talent, drive, and passion. She believes homes should be not just beautiful, but also welcoming, safe, peaceful, functional, and—above all—create happiness.

Michelle’s Interiors has intentionally remained a boutique firm so the team can be hands-on throughout the process. The firm is also part of a local private buying cooperative with access to hundreds of lines at wholesale pricing. “We consider ourselves the best of both worlds with the resources of a large firm and the personal attention of a smaller firm,” Roberts says.

DAN PIASSICK

972.360.8150

michelles-interiors.com

@michelles.interiors

Morgan Farrow Interiors

Morgan Farrow, principal of Morgan Farrow Interiors, launched her namesake firm six years ago following several years at a notable Dallas homebuilder. She and her team of full-service interior designers specialize in large-scale new construction and remodel projects.

“We are focused on running our projects in a synchronized way that feels tangible for the client while having fun along the way,” Farrow says.

Morgan Farrow Interiors offers turnkey, full management service—from architectural design to furnishings and small details. “We are there all the way to the lighting of the candles and walk-in moment,” Farrow says. She and her team are experts at helping clients identify their style, “floating in the middle” between traditional and contemporary.

“We like to add a little twist to each room—a pop of color or an unexpected piece of furniture or wallcovering to make it a memorable space,” Farrow says.

214.919.2522

morganfarrow.com

@morganfarrowinteriors

Nuance Interiors

Kelsi Lamberth launched her own design firm, Nuance Interiors, a pioneering architecture and interior design firm, in 2019. A graduate of Baylor University, Lamberth got her start working on the hit television show, Fixer Upper. This is where she learned how much people want to create their own aesthetic—but need professional guidance to pull it all together.

“Every project we do looks completely different, which I love,” Lamberth says. “We are focused keeping our clients’ best interests at heart, and we want the end result to financially and aesthetically meet their goals.”

The team at Nuance Interiors designs beautiful projects throughout the Dallas area, Texas, and beyond. Lamberth’s growing team specializes in new construction, renovations, multifamily design, and hospitality design. The firm aspires to set new standards of excellence in the industry and inspire positive change in the world of design. Equally important to Lamberth is giving back to the community that supports her. “I started this company because God placed in on my heart and helped me recognize a need, which is why I help fund charities and other nonprofits with a portion of our proceeds,” she says.

817.776.0431

nuance-interiors.com

@nuance.interiors.tx

Pam Kelley Design

Pam Kelley Design, a full-service Dallas interior design firm, is led by Pam Kelley, who for more than 30 years has expertly managed residential projects throughout the country.

“My vision for each project is to create classic design with a modern sensibility for today’s living,” she says. “I enjoy the entire process on each project, from budget preparation and space planning to architectural renderings and financial management.”

Kelley has been featured in the Rizzoli book Entertaining at Home , by Ronda Carmen. Kelley’s beautiful work has also been featured in the pages of D Home, Better Homes & Gardens , Cottage Home , and Traditional Home, among many others. Licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and an active member of ASID and TAID, Pam Kelley invites you to let her and her team help you create the home of your dreams.

214.908.6115 pamkelley.com @pamkelleydesigns

Pulp Design Studios

Pulp Design Studios, led by Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry, has been designing for clients for nearly two decades, specializing in new construction, renovations, micro-renovations, furnishings, styling and more. Pulp works with clients to explore their individual style and lifestyle needs to create tailored designs for beautiful and functional spaces, bringing new ideas that are beyond what their clients imagined.

With a forward-thinking approach to both commerce and creativity, Pulp has established a unique viewpoint that combines luxury design with a flair for the unexpected. With studios in Dallas, Seattle, and Los Angeles, the Pulp team works with residential and commercial clients across the country, helping them define a personal style and transforming interiors into spaces that are brag-worthy and innovative.

Named a D Home Best Designer for 10 years, Pulp has also been published in and recognized by other top-tier publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Luxe, Vanity Fair, and New York Times Magazine, Pulp is respected for their design sensibilities and professionalism by the design industry as well as their clients.

214.504.2606

pulpdesignstudios.com

@pulpdesigns

Roz Murphy

Design

From the initial space planning to fluffing the last pillow, Roz Murphy is known for her full-service, turnkey designs in new construction and remodeling projects throughout Dallas and beyond. “I try to channel my clients’ tastes,” she says. “I don’t want someone to walk into a home and know it is one of my designs. Each project should be different.”

Murphy became interested in interior design as a child, often accompanying her mother to shop for fabrics and furniture each time they would move to design their new home. After studying art history at SMU, she worked for several prestigious design firms before opening her own in 2002. Murphy’s ability to work with various aesthetics, combined with incorporating influences from around the world, results in one-of-a-kind, sophisticated interiors. With a discerning eye and a profound understanding of design styles and practical considerations, Murphy breathes life into her client’s design dreams. “The goal is to create curated spaces where the homeowner’s vision is the priority,” she says.

214.263.6506

rozmurphydesign.com

@rozmurphydesign

S.B. Long Interiors

S.B. Long Interiors is a full-service design firm renowned for its signature modern traditional style—a fusion of contemporary and classical elements unique to each client culminating in sophisticated, timeless interiors. Led by the award-winning principal interior designer, Susan Bednar Long, the firm draws on her extensive 25 years of design experience gathered in New York City, Los Angeles, and internationally. Long’s refined eye and wealth of knowledge permeate every project, ranging from new home construction to interior decoration.

Having honed her skills while designing flagship stores for Ralph Lauren, Long understands the importance of small details and layering in a room, utilizing accessories and artwork to elevate each space. She expresses her enthusiasm for taking on dynamic design challenges, stating, “It’s rewarding to create beautiful interiors that reflect our clients’ individual lifestyles,” she says. Loyal clients love her unique blend of big design firm experience and boutique studio attention, ensuring each project receives dedicated focus and seamless execution.

972.803.6304

sblonginteriors.com

@sblonginteriors

Shannon Bowers Designs

Shannon Bowers Designs honors the unique individuality of her clients and distinct architecture of their homes with thoughtful and personalized interiors. By intention, her work does not adhere to a signature style or aesthetic nor does she repeat concepts or solutions from job to job.

Bowers and her team obsess over the fine details because the small things are often the most significant. Each project is an authentic reflection of the families her team serves as they listen to their clients’ needs and desires, expressing their true values through creativity. This thoughtful approach to design yields beautiful, joyful spaces filled with meaningful details and timeless design.

214.521.7800

shannonbowersdesigns.com

@shannonbowersdesigns

MIGUEL FLORESVIANNA

Studio Thomas James

Instead of chasing a signature aesthetic, Dallas-based Studio Thomas James creates singular spaces that reflect each homeowner’s tastes and lifestyle. Headed by principal and founder Philip Thomas Vanderford, the studio’s diverse portfolio spans an array of rich projects, each with their own unique mood and elevated twist on the expected.

Vanderford and his team work hand in hand with clients, from inception to installation, to create spaces that are rich in color, pattern, scale, and texture. The result is seemingly understated, but highly detailed and executed to perfection. A trusted source in Dallas and beyond, Studio Thomas James is a recurring name on D Home’s Best Designers list. Vanderford was named HGTV ’s Designer of the Year in 2021. He was also a featured designer in the inaugural Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas in 2020 and in Kips Bay Palm Beach in 2023. In February 2024, he designed a tablescape for the New York Botanical Garden’s illustrious Orchid Dinner at The Plaza.

214.484.1849

studiothomasjames.com

@studio_thomas_james__

Studio White Interiors

Studio White Interiors is a full-service luxury design firm. Owners Liz Dauwe and Lisa Patton know a thing or two when it comes to luxury design. The two met and worked alongside each other for more than 14 years at one of the most well-known, high-end hospitality firms in the world, Wilson Associates. While there, they traveled the world designing a wide range of private residences, resorts, and spas in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Aspen to name a few. This experience gave them the skill to design to any specific client’s desire/style, not just their own personal preferences. Studio White Interiors does not have one design look—the team can do it all. They strive to incorporate livable, luxurious, durable products into your home and make it feel like your favorite resort—your own personal escape.

214.238.0540

studiowhiteinteriors.com @studiowhiteinteriors

MICHAEL HUNTER

Traci Connell Interiors

The TCI team believes every space has the potential to be extraordinary. With a passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence, they specialize in crafting bespoke interiors that reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and personality. From concept to completion, TCI takes pride in delivering exceptional design solutions that elevate and inspire.

Dallas-based Traci Connell Interiors, led by Traci Connell, is an award-winning and nationally published design. With more than 20 years of experience and projects spanning the country, the firm’s clean-lined aesthetic is sought after by clients seeking high-end interiors that seamlessly blend luxury and livability. Collaborating closely with architects, builders, and artisans, TCI meticulously oversees all aspects design projects to ensure an exceptional experience, whether it’s a new build, renovation, or furnishing project. A home should be a true reflection of its inhabitants, and the environments TCI curates exude an individual aesthetic, intuitive elegance, and a touch of the unexpected.

Traci Connell Interiors has been named D Home Best Designer from 2018 to 2024. Connell has been honored as a nominee of the Arts Awards, further cementing her firm’s reputation for excellence in the design industry.

972.523.6157

traciconnellinteriors.com

@traciconnellinteriors

MICHAEL HUNTER

Trish Sheats Interior Design

For more than two decades, Trish Sheats has been sought after by homeowners who are ready to elevate their home’s design. Sheats worked for several high-end designers before opening her own boutique firm 28 years ago where she specializes in new construction and large remodel projects. With each project, Sheats lets her clients’ unique vision become her guide. “We collaborate to create a shared vision, and as a design team, we work to make the final product even better than they ever imagined,” she says.

Sheats prefers to weave a cohesive element through homes and mixes in antiques for warmth and balance. If she can’t find the perfect piece for a client, she’ll have it made. Sheats is diligent about making the design process a personal experience, from inspiration to execution. “I love what I do,” she says. “I enjoy the relationship with the clients. During an install, I stay through the final details, from monogrammed towels to placing flowers so my clients get the full experience, from the initial drawings to bringing our ideas to life.”

817.882.6066

trishsheats.com

@trishsheatsid

TOP: JEN MORLEY BURNER; RIGHT: GRACE HODO KARSTEN; BOTTOM: AARON DOUGHERTY

Urbanology Designs

Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs, entered the field of design in an unlikely way—but is grateful she found her calling.

“Before I founded Urbanology, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and had a long battle,” she says. “During that battle, I was in the middle of a massive renovation to my home. It was my sanctuary; in my suffering, my instinct was to create beauty.”

Curtis has built her business on neuroaesthetics—a practice rooted in the principle that one’s environment impacts how they feel on a biological and psychological level. “It’s important to pursue beautiful interiors with intention,” she says. “Design is more than a pretty space or the sugar on top. It impacts how you live and feel each day. Good design is always a worthy pursuit.”

The epitome of a self-made entrepreneur, Curtis has been designing beautiful homes for nearly a decade with her growing team of design professionals. Her passion for neuroaesthetics, alongside a degree in business, enables her to lead the firm as a visionary, infusing her beliefs and passions into every project. Urbanology Designs is known for its “relaxed modern” style that is always elevated and approachable.

972.538.3579 urbanologydesigns.com @urbanologydesigns

KITCHEN: MATTI GRESHAM; LIVING ROOM: MATTI GRESHAM; BATHROOM: NATHAN SCHRODER

Yates Desygn

Yates Desygn is a lifestyle design firm. They believe each interior design project is a collaboration with the client, educating and guiding them on all the possibilities. “We create a methodology behind our design process,” Bryan Yates says. “We want the project to reveal how the design can enhance a client’s quality of life.”

Yates Desygn guides clients’ self-expression to bring synergy between the action of their daily lives and the spaces in which they reside. “We really enjoy extracting our clients’ design language and pushing them out of the box, so the result is something they never thought of but exactly what they wanted,” Mike Yates says.

Each Yates Desygn project tells a story. “We love when clients care about the quality and the aesthetic—not what someone else has,” Bryan says. “We know we have a successful project when at the end of the day, we can have a glass of wine with our clients because we have enjoyed the design experience, start to finish, together.”

214.865.6201

yatesdesygn.com

@yatesdesygn

INTERIORS: MICHAEL WILTBANK; PORTRAIT: STEPHEN KARLISCH

Allison Seidler Interiors

Allison Seidler Interiors is a full-service interior design firm based in Dallas specializing in high-end residential interiors and commercial spaces. Using a fresh approach, Allison Seidler and her team tailor each space to reflect the client’s lifestyle and aesthetic. They are are committed to making the design process as seamless as possible for the client, builder, and all trades involved. Their priority is to stay organized, work with integrity, and let their talents shine through to create interiors beyond their clients’ dreams.

Seidler received her degree in architectural interior design from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a registered interior designer with the state of Texas and a member of the American Society of Interior Designers. She works with clients throughout the state and nationally to design homes that are sophisticated, soulful, and beautiful.

214.300.9941

Baker Design Group

From simple makeovers to complete renovations and new construction, Baker Design Group offers a comprehensive range of interior design services, tailored to meet your needs. Skilled residential and commercial designers specialize in crafting personalized design plans that breathe new life into your space, reflecting your unique style and vision.

Baker Design Group understands the transformative power of a well-designed space. Beyond aesthetics, the team believes that changing and upgrading your space has a profound impact on your environment and state of mind. They will guide you through the process, from concept to completion, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience every step of the way.

Whether you are seeking a fresh look for a single room or a complete overhaul of your entire space, Baker Design Group has the creativity and resources to bring your vision to life.

972.417.3800

Barbara J. Vessels Interiors

Barbara Vessels, ASID, is best known for her attention to detail, helping clients achieve the look they most desire. “Every small detail matters to the success of the completed composition, from perfectly mixed paint colors and upholstery details to customdesigned furniture, lighting, and the placement of every accessory,” she says. Vessels assists clients in creating environments they love. She understands people have an innate sense of color and style preference and strives to help them express what they want without changing their natural inclinations. “Work with a designer who will hear your desires and communicate well,” she says. “You’ll be guaranteed a rewarding, successful project.”

214.202.6797 | barbaravessels.com | bjvinteriors@sbcglobal.net

Burkle Creative

Achieving both balance and beauty throughout his bespoke designs, Javier Burkle’s first-class portfolio seamlessly integrates both old and new sensibilities in compositions that are simultaneously sophisticated and timeless, chic, and warm. He is beloved for his high-low approach and irresistible spaces that feel traveled, collected, and above all, personal—thanks to the intuitive, intentional way he incorporates personal collections and art within a space.

“I approach each project as a really unique story,” Burkle says, “and each room as an individual chapter. By focusing on both function and beauty, our work is designed to stand the test of time. The result is a place his clients love to come home to that meets each one-of-a-kind lifestyle.” Originally from Mexico City, Burkle is well-known for his design talent, personal style, and creative vision. His award-winning projects have been featured in numerous local and national publications as well as the Kips Bay Dallas Show House.

214.554.4200 | burklecreative.com | @burklecreative

Collins & Sweezey

The ability to retreat each day to a calming, serene space is a gift and one that Collins & Sweezey successfully bestows upon each client. Crisp, fresh interiors with a mixture of unexpected, enduring elements—these are the spaces this award-winning design firm is known for. Katie Collins and Martha Sweezey understand that through an artful blend of features, a successful project is imagined. Their shared design aesthetic reflects a precise ability to create and redefine spaces that bring an imprimatur of refinement. A blending of styles creates diversity in every design, resulting in distinctive spaces that define sophistication and warmth.

Comfortable, clean, and sleek, their designs are as transitional as they are traditional and have been prominently featured in Southern Living, D Home, House Beautiful, and Southern Home, among other notable publications.

214.507.7907 | collinsandsweezey.com | @collinsandsweezey

Doniphan Moore Interiors

Interior designer Doniphan Moore is known for creating timeless, textured, and edited environments. From intimate high-rises to gracious homes, Moore’s mix of the masculine and feminine creates inspirational narratives that are as diverse as they are well-dressed. In projects spanning the country, he intuitively mixes period furnishings and modern moments for unexpected spaces. Moore’s layered interiors are meticulously detailed and reflective of each individual client’s lifestyle. “True luxury exists in enjoying and lingering in one’s personal space,” Moore says. “My projects share a traditional sensibility enhanced by uncommon details curated from the owner’s way of living.” Moore’s work has been featured by Veranda, Elle Decor, and Galerie, among other outlets, and he has participated in the prestigious Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas.

270.993.0782 | doniphanmoore.com | @doniphanpmoore

Hillary Littlejohn Studio Design

Hillary Littlejohn Studio Design creates beautiful and functional living spaces that enhance the human experience in a profound way. Listening to the client and understanding how the spaces will function is critical in creating dynamic environments. She believes that her role is to guide and ensure the technical aspects of design are executed well, such as scale, proportion, and coherence. Good design can transcend and enable us to be our best selves.

214.775.0898 | hlsinteriordesign.com | @hlsinteriordesign

Jean Liu Design, LLC

Jean Liu Design, LLC was established in 2007 as a full-service interior design firm, specializing in high-end residential and commercial projects. Since then, the firm has grown to become a party of five, all of whom would do almost anything for a pretty picture—of interiors, that is. They are also a group of design aficionados whose talent, experience, and training make them uniquely qualified to work alongside clients, builders, and architects on all aspects of interior design, whether it is new construction, historical renovation, space planning, furniture sourcing, or staging. They pride themselves on creating modern, edited, comfortable, and inspired spaces, and nothing makes them happier than helping clients translate their vision and lifestyle into a place they can call home. From time to time, their work has even graced the pages of publications such as House Beautiful , Traditional Home , Town & Country , Architectural Digest, and The Wall Street Journal

214.238.2112 | jeanliudesign.com | @jeanliudesign

Joanie Wyll and Associates, Inc.

Joanie Wyll, ASID, a designer in Dallas for more than three decades, works with a sophisticated, discerning clientele. She draws inspiration wherever she goes, but gleans most of her ideas from her clients as she studies the way they live and the architectural detailing of their homes. This helps her create spaces that are uniquely tailored to them.

Wyll understands that her clients’ time and budget are of the utmost importance. Therefore, her process is geared to enhance the successful execution of each project within the client’s individual parameters. Wyll is known for clean lines and dramatic spaces. “I want to incorporate the client’s style so the result is a home they love,” Wyll says. “I love working with clients to make the vision they have materialize. The fun part is the interaction and witnessing their excitement as it all comes together.”

Joanie Wyll & Associates’ designs have been featured in numerous magazines, including Architectural Digest, and the firm has won more than 100 industry awards.

972.380.8770 | wyllinteriordesign.com

Meredith Ellis Design

An award-winning designer for more than 25 years, Meredith Ellis maintains projects throughout Dallas and across the country, always bringing an exceptional eye for the creative and attention to detail to each project. She is known for creating soulful homes, expertly layering pattern, texture, and color for a curated, collected feel tailored for each client. “I don’t typically follow trends. I lean toward items that are lasting, well-made, and curated,” Ellis says. “My designs are classic and timeless but also very layered and creative, so each room is welcoming and personal.”

Ellis is also the founder of JAMES, a to-the-trade showroom with locations in Dallas, Houston, and NYC representing well-respected lines of fabric, wallpaper, furniture, lighting, and carpets. Ellis has her own textile line as well. Her sophisticated, livable spaces have been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, Traditional Home, and Southern Living, among others.

214.227.2171

Poppy McGough Design House

Poppy McGough Design House is a full-service interiors firm based in Dallas specializing in high-end residential interiors and construction selection coordination. Together, co-founders Shannon McGough and Poppy Bourg have 25-plus years of combined experience in construction and interior design. From space plans and project management, furniture sourcing and procurement, to final installations, the Poppy McGough team communicates and collaborates with architects, builders, and homeowners to create a functional, luxurious, and personalized space for each client with a seamless (and, most importantly, fun) home design process. From start to finish, clients are delivered a unique and highly customized experience while the Poppy McGough team works together to turn their vision into reality through elevated design for intentional living.

469.877.6633 | poppymcgough.com | @poppymcgough

Richard Gordon Design

For more than 30 years, Richard Gordon, Allied ASID, has devoted himself to the art of transforming living and working spaces. With a subtle and sophisticated approach, he crafts personalized and inviting environments that reflect the unique personalities and passions of his clients.

Working on diverse projects spanning from traditional to contemporary, Gordon’s influence extends nationwide, from Dallas and Houston to New York to Santa Fe. Every project, regardless of scale or location, receives meticulous attention and detail—from initial budgeting to the final design installation.

Gordon’s guiding principle, “Always classic, never trendy,” underscores his commitment to timeless elegance and enduring style. Elevate your living or workspace with the refined touch of Richard Gordon’s design expertise.

214.336.6030 | richardgordondesign.com | @richardgordondesign

Smith & Ragsdale Interior Design

Smith & Ragsdale Interior Design is an award-winning, full-service interior design firm based in Dallas and Austin, specializing in highly functional kitchens and thoughtfully appointed interiors. The team believes interior design should not be painted with a broad brush; it must be looked at through a microscope and every design challenge has solutions achievable through expert planning. The firm’s mission is to design interiors that reflect their client and their unique lifestyle. They aim to deliver well-designed spaces in which the function, materials, and client-experience converge. This is achieved through careful investigation, thoughtful collaboration with clients and trades, and keen attention to detail from project inception through completion. With a combined 30-plus years of experience in the residential design and homebuilding industry, principal designers Abby Smith and Abbey Ragsdale have fine-tuned their design process with your experience in mind.

214.702.6747 | smithandragsdale.com | @smithandragsdale

Anne Williams Design

Carrie Barron Interiors

Carrie Barron Interiors’ purpose is to promote uplifting interiors that have the power to impact the way we live and connect. Home is a place for solitude and for gathering; it should effortlessly and comfortably flow between the two states. Using modern sensibilities as the starting point, then layering in art, vintage pieces, and antiques, along with layers of lighting, brings warmth and comfort to your uniquely created home.

214.886.1712 | carriebarroninteriors.com | @carriebarroninteriors

Debra Stewart Interior Design

For award-winning interior designer Debra Stewart, every project starts with architectural concepts and details. “A successful project is one in which the architecture, interior design, and the client’s lifestyle are integrated,” she says. Attention to details, precise space planning, and project management have earned Stewart high regard among her clients and peers, resulting in 20 consecutive years of being voted one of the Best Designers in Dallas by D Home magazine.

972.870.5300 | dstewartinteriors.com | @dstewartinteriors

Sara Johnson Interiors

Sara Johnson Interiors is a full-service interior design firm serving clients in Dallas and beyond. Sara Johnson’s classic approach to design offers a nod to the east coast, a homage to her family’s roots. Johnson’s distinct forte is blending items both old and new and layering in textures, patterns, and colors to create a rich, revived, and edited look.

214.558.3152 | sarajohnsoninteriors.com | @sarajohnsoninteriors

Fagan White Design

Known for creating inviting spaces that offer style, function, and classic design, Heather Fagan and Amy White, ASID, are thoughtful in their approach to design a peaceful place to call home. “We aim to make the design experience as seamless as possible,” White says. They take inspiration from their everyday lives to design spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Says Fagan, “We love learning about how our clients live and use their homes to design something perfect for them.”

214.906.3380 | faganwhitedesign.com | @faganwhitedesign

Woolery Associates

With a rich legacy spanning more than 30 years in residential interior design, Woolery Associates embodies the philosophy that designing it right the first time maximizes client satisfaction and yields timeless value. Founded by Kristen Woolery, the team shares a passion for creating fresh, sophisticated designs that emphasize classic elements. Each engagement is approached with unwavering dedication to incorporating the homeowner’s unique style and personality. From space planning to furniture installation, including custom product design and material selection, Woolery Associates offers comprehensive design services.

214.288.2410 | wooleryassociates.com | @wooleryassociates

JAMES EDWARD

HEATHER ALBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

BECCA LEA PHOTOGRAPHY

love seat: Designer Bryan Yates (with pup Lady) sits a spell in his beloved late grandfather’s chair.

The One Thing I’d Save in a Fire ...

We asked Bryan Yates of Yates Desygn: Aside from people and pictures, what’s the one thing you’d save in a fire?

by JESSICA OTTE

“MY GRANDFATHER—WE CALLED HIM GRANDPA LANGFORD—WAS A TALL, KIND YET FIRM MAN WHO HAD A FUNNY SIDE AND LOVED HUGS. We spent a lot of time together when I was growing up; my parents had careers, so he and my grandmother would pick us up from elementary school in Harlingen, Texas, where I was from, and feed us after-school snacks, play with us, and ensure we did our homework. This was the wingback chair and ottoman he would always sit in when my grandparents hosted family gatherings, which were quite frequent. I remember being young and sitting in the chair with him or my grandma as they read us a story.

After my grandpa passed away, I mentioned to my grandma that I would love to have the chair in my house someday. When my grandma passed three years later, my mother saved the chair for me, since I was living in New York at the time and had no adequate space for it. When we moved into our current home, I knew I wanted to incorporate the chair into my primary bedroom. I had it reupholstered in the most amazing Rosemary Hallgarten ‘Bichon’ fabric with a Samuel & Sons leather welt. The fabric is soft, comfortable, and reminiscent of a teddy bear—the same comfort I felt sitting in the chair with him as a child. It’s a daily reminder of him and that our family is always with us.”

MY GRANDFATHER’S CHAIR

NOW SERVING RICHLAND – CHAMBERS RESERVOIR

Maria Terrell, Owner