A collection of 12 unique stones curated by Chad Dorsey. Stones sourced directly from quarries around the world offering dramatic pattern and texture that can be paired together in your home to create a distinct point of view.
NEW YORK CHICAGO DALLAS NASHVILLE BOSTON SAN FRANCISCO GREENWICH PALM BEACH SHORT HILLS CANNES JAKARTA
IMAGE CREDIT : DAVID DUNCAN LIVINGSTON / DESIGN CREDIT : SABAH MANSOOR DESIGN, SARAHLIZ LAWSON DESIGN
Jenifer McNeil Baker
architecture interiors landscape
The diversity of our work is what drives our passion, and our turn-key approach to architecture, interiors and landscape design allows for details and coordination.
“We love houses that have personality and encourage our clients to challenge their status quo”
“ The best compliment our clients can get is ‘wow, your house looks so YOU”
ow selling in Fields in Frisco and Mustang Lakes in Celina.
TAKE TILE OUTSIDE.
From the driveway to your outdoor kitchen and beyond, explore the most innovative, all-weather product solutions for superior performance and exceptional design to create the outdoor oasis of your dreams.
Photo features Lanesboro Bluestone 2CM paver on the patio and broken mosaic inlay on the firepit.
Photography Yesi Fortuna
Model
Joey Josephine Danaher
Studio Twelve Thirty Four
Twelve Thirty Four 4034 Swiss Ave Dallas, TX 75204
bypatriciorivera.com
SCENES FROM D HOME ’S BEST DESIGNERS CELEBRATION 2024
In March, D Home once again brought together the crème de la crème of the Dallas design community for the highly anticipated Best Designers event, hosted at The Mason Dallas.
In addition to enjoying cocktails and refreshments, guests were able to partake in several unique experiences, from creating personalized aromatherapy oils to partaking in a gourmet gelato experience. Attendees had the opportunity to capture memories in a MOTUS photo booth and dance the evening away to the tunes of the Don Diego Band.
Special thanks to our premier sponsors Bonick, Brown Jordan, California Closets, Dallas Market Center, Il Granito, and Visual Comfort for their support in making this event possible. We are also grateful to our supporting sponsors, Sherwin-Williams and Feizy.
Ginger Hartford, Christopher Crain, Kendra Wagner, Lori Castillo, Jaclyn Sion
Debra Stewart, Tawni Reynolds
Ashlynn Bourque, Margaret Chambers, Michele Traylor
SCENES FROM D HOME ’S SPRING ISSUE PARTY 2024
On April 3, the Dallas design community gathered at Dallas Market Center to celebrate the release of D Home ’s 2024 Spring Issue. Notable members of the community mingled with D Home staffers while enjoying a smorgasbord of food, wine, and entertainment.
Dallas Market Center is a dynamic hub for creativity and innovation. Offering a curated selection of showrooms, galleries, and design studios, it serves as a haven where imagination meets craftsmanship. From cutting-edge furnishings to timeless classics, the center caters to every design need, inspiring visitors to explore and discover the limitless possibilities of design. Thank you to Dallas Market Center for hosting and making the evening possible.
Matthew Wilson, Cole Daugherty
Susan Boisvert, Nancy Markham, Andrew Gonzales
Maddie Reister, Abbe Fenimore
Greg Joselove, Lori Castillo, Brittany Rigg, Courtney Panther
Jasmine Hanes, LaWanda Hanes, Emiola Ogunsanlu
Sunita Sapru, Smita Gupta, Ria Urs
Grace Cooper, Brett Underwood, Jake Wikander
Kristi Hopper, Traci Connell, Ginger Curtis
Leon Zeno, Sharyl Zeno
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR J amie Laubhan-Oliver
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jessica Jones Otte
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lydia Brooks
COPY EDITOR Jamie Sides
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jessica Elliott, Laura Kostelny, Kendall Morgan, S. Holland Murphy, Callie Works-Leary
EDITORIAL INTERN Megan Wilhelm
ART
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jamie Laubhan-Oliver
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Elizabeth Lavin
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR John Gay
PRODUCTION MANAGER Grace John
PHOTO RETOUCHER Jasmine Green
PRODUCTION INTERN Alexa May
WEBSITE
ONLINE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Matt Goodman
ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Zoe Roberts
SENIOR DIGITAL EDITOR Bethany Erickson
ONLINE DINING EDITOR Nataly Keomoungkhoun
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Bret Redman
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CONTROLLER Sabrina LaTorre
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L.A. B .L. Live A Beautiful Life
43 | TRENDING NOW
What our editors are loving this season.
50 | PILLOW FIGHT
Interior stylist Kaitlyn Coffee is on a mission to end throw pillows.
53 | JUST ADD WATER
The key to any good pool party? A pool potty. (Bonus points for a backyard bar.)
58 | SNACK ATTACK
Satisfy kids’ appetites with a fully stocked and well-organized refueling station.
61 | LEVEL UP
Elevated summer staples make this sometimes brutal season more bearable.
64 | SOME LIKE IT HOT
The best way to beat the heat in the garden? Choose plants that can stand up to Texas summer temps.
66 | NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Discover Dallas neighborhoods by what’s on the market.
FEATURES
68 | INTERNATIONAL APPEAL
Builder Kurt Bielawski and designer Chad Dorsey create a distinctly Dallas dream home that incorporates inspiration from around the globe. By Kendall Morgan
78 | STRONG ROOTS
Mother-daughter pair Cathy Taylor and Natalie Cross have created their own artful escapes using lessons, objects, and even plants from generations past. By Jessica Elliott
86 | THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS
Getting the home of your dreams can be a gamble. Here’s how to play your cards right. Plus: Get the complete list of the Best Builders in Dallas 2024! By Laura Kostelny
92 | A WINNING COMBINATION
Scott and Carmen McArrons’ Bluffview house isn’t quite modern, and it’s not totally traditional—and that’s exactly the idea. By Jessica Otte
Lawn and garden:
Monitor and address weeds
Prune and deadhead perennials
Add supports to taller plants and vines
Harvest springplanted vegetables
Plant fall vegetables
Treat for pests and mosquitoes
A list of items to tackle around the house this season.
Home exterior:
Schedule a window washing
Clean window screens
Wipe down patio furniture
Clean and prep your grill
Power wash your deck
Inspect your fence
Dust and clean blinds, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
Flip your mattress Reverse ceiling fans Wash walls and baseboards Home
Change out bedding
GILLEA ALLISON President, D Home Gillea@dmagazine.com
Love Where You Live
AFTER TRAVELING TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR SPRING break, I admit that I experienced a slight existential crisis. All the press about San Francisco’s demise is overblown—of course the city has its challenges, but it is as beautiful and lively as ever. And don’t get me started on our idyllic weekend in Stinson Beach and Point Reyes.
Since returning, I’ve been focusing on gratitude for what we do have in Dallas. For me, I love that we have an inherently social culture and the luxury of (some extra) time and energy that allow us to pour into our relationships and communities. Life in big coastal cities is just harder, which easily leads to isolation and burnout.
One of the people who embodies what makes Dallas so great is longtime D Best real estate agent Nancy Johnson. She is fiercely devoted to her neighborhood, business, and her clients’ fabulous homes.
We feature her own Lakewood home on pages 68–77, designed by Chad Dorsey and built by Kurt Bielawski at MORE Design + Build. You’re in for a treat, especially if you’re a Lakewood lover like I am. I also love the Bluffview home on pages 92–101, which was built and designed by the all-star team of SHM Architects, Jenkins Interiors, and Sustainable Structures of Texas. This family built new after searching for years for a lot in their most coveted neighborhood. To them, it was worth waiting in order to be right where they wanted to be. Talk about goals.
The people who can make the above dreams come true are featured in our 2024 D Home Best Builders list on page 91. Dallas is teeming with talent. Our neighborhoods are some of the best in the country. There is much to be grateful for this summer. I know I’ll be focusing on that.
JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER Editorial Director, D Home jamie@dmagazine.com
Personal Space Travelogue
THE PERFECT HOUSE DOESN’T EXIST. That’s not a shot at the talented custom home builders recognized in this issue as a Best. It’s just that there’s no one right way to build a house. Houses are personal and should be designed to suit the whims, routines, and preferences of the people who live in them. So while there’s no such thing as the perfect house, you can and should aspire to create your perfect house. Does that mean building something tailor-made from the ground up? It might! Others prefer renovating older homes to retain their hard-earned charm. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of both options, our story on the factors to consider before deciding to build or renovate is a must-read (pg. 86).
Of course, that’s just building a house. Creating a home you love is a different story. That’s something that happens once the garden takes shape following hours of toiling, in the wake of satisfying meals made and shared, and after years spent collecting enough curiosities and memories to fill four walls. In the pages ahead, you’ll find loads of inspiration and expert advice that, we trust, will help you build a home—and a life—you love.
Until fall,
“This perfect summer dress reminds me of a set of sheets with a yellow daisy pattern that my grandmother once had."
see what designer Joshua Rice prizes most from his grandmother on page 136
Where I’ve been, what I’ve seen, and the things I’m excited about this summer:
ASSORTED SPREADS MARCEL MARKET, FROM $7 3
1. Change of a dress. I’ve expressed my love for caftans in our pages before. So imagine my excitement to see New Orleans–based Sue Sartor open an outpost in Snider Plaza. Their pretty caftans and dresses are perfect for a casual summer soiree.
2. Works of Arte. If you are a fan of Arte wallcoverings, head to ID Collection’s showroom, which recently unveiled a new display of the Belgian brand’s
“The French know their spreads! My favorite burger toppings come from Marcel Market." for summer-ready, chef-driven burger recipes, check out page 62
stunning o erings. They instantly elevate any space.
3. Making a splash. My staid old serveware just won’t do for summer pool parties. While making my rounds scouting product for this issue, these Blue Pheasant resin dining pieces at Made Goods caught my eye. I can’t decide whether to scoop up a monochrome set or mix and match shades.
4. Let me eat cake. Fellow sweet teeth, rejoice!
“These stunning chairs also come in an outdoor version.”
5 wished
Cake Bar opened a new, larger location at 2629 N. Stemmons Fwy. in March. The fact that it’s a stone’s throw from the Design District—making it perfect for a mid-scouting-spree sweet treat—is just icing on the ... well, you know. 5. Fortuny favors the bold. I nd red can be a hard color to incorporate into decor, but I love the the tension of it paired
“I love a fun take on traditional blue and white. Plus, I like pie!" find more takes on this classic color palette on page 44 9
“Missing a green thumb? This oral sculpture is as lowmaintanence as gardening gets." find heat-tolerant plants on page 64
with blue in this Fortuny fabric. See more of our patriotic picks on page 43. Get out! I fell in love with these chairs at Garde and wished aloud that they would come in an outdoor version. The helpful sta informed me that they, in fact, do! Lesson learned: Always speak up.
7. Stateside arrival. Stop by the new Irving Boulevard showroom of Brooks Thomas to browse their array of British
textiles, wallcoverings, lighting, and furniture. Anglophile or not, you’re sure to love the selection. 8. The fountainhead. I think every garden should have a fountain. I’m especially partial to the patina of antique ones, like this 17th-century beauty I spied at Pittet Architecturals. Given that it’s the small, crudely carved head that makes it memorable, it’s no surprise that I can’t get this one out of mine
9. The spice of life. Travel exposes us to new people, places, and cuisines. These spice books are a great way to sample unique avors without committing to a full jar. They also remind me of meals I’ve had on favorite trips—which reminds me that I need to get a jump on planning my summer itinerary! Let me know where you’re heading—maybe I’ll see you there.
“KYLÍNDO” ARMCHAIR GARDE, FROM $4,050
FRENCH LIMESTONE
BOUQUET SCULPTURE COCO & DASH, $625
SPICE BOOKS ALL GOOD THINGS, $6
“ANOTHER ONE BITES” PLATE SCOUT DESIGN STUDIO, $85
the British are coming: Despite exclusively representing U.K. lines, the new Brooks Thomas showroom in the Design District has plenty of textiles, wallpapers, and more that would pass for patriotic.
LA B L
Glory Days
Hindsight may be 20/20, but we still see the 1990s— our glory days, with apologies to Bruce Springsteen—through rose-colored glasses. With the recent reprisal of the Ralph Lauren Americana that permeated pop culture some three decades ago, it seems we’re not alone. From fashion to home design, there’s been a resurgence of denim; preppy patterns; and red, white, and blue. This summer, grab a sparkler and a striped print and soak up the season in style. But act fast, or this trend, to borrow a phrase from The Boss, might pass you by.
by JESSICA OTTE
(CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) PINK HOUSE BY REBECCA COLE “ADIRÉ FLOWER” ANTIQUE LINEN SHEET BROOKS THOMAS, $2,600; “SAVE A HORSE” BY TAT FREDERICK SCOUT DESIGN STUDIO, $1,250; “RACHEL” SKIRTED CHAIR CAITLIN WILSON, $7,230; JAMES RANDOLPH ROGERS “DIAMONDS” WALLPAPER BROOKS THOMAS, $95/ SHEET; MOD ACCENT CHAIR AND OTTOMAN SCOUT DESIGN STUDIO, $850; “NOELLE” BOW PILLOW CAITLIN WILSON, $98
“Cominbing classic patterns and tones makes for a perfectly posh look.”
curated by ASSOCIATE EDITOR LYDIA BROOKS
Prep School
Classic
color palettes
and traditional touches always score an A-plus.
What’s not to love about this cozy corner seating area in a Highland Park home designed by AMY’S INTERIORS? From the patterned banquette and matching sconces to the pale paint on the walls and the framed intaglios, this space has us feeling the blues—in the best way.
Back to the Future
curated by EDITORIAL DIRECTOR JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER
For interiors with staying power, invest in time-tested antiques and modern-day masterpieces.
the inspiration!
GALERIE DES LAMPES “GRASSHOPPER” LAMP CULP ASSOCIATES, TO THE TRADE
“If you choose special pieces made with quality materials, today’s nds will become tomorrow’s antiques.”
“I’m a huge fan of objects. Bronze sculptures hold a special place in my heart.”
FROG & CAMEL behind the shop’s name. (
Located inside Joseph Minton Antiques is Dallas designer John Bobbitt’s new shop, FROG & CAMEL, a treasure trove of high-quality antiques. Stop by to shop his eclectic selection, and while you’re there, ask to hear the endearing story behind the shop’s name. Hint: It involves a squeaky dog toy that terrified him as a child.)
“DOE FOOT” TABLE DAVID SUTHERLAND, TO THE TRADE
SHAGREEN MIRROR LAURA LEE CLARK, $3,675
FRENCH BRONZE
JULIAN CHICHESTER “RICHTER” LEATHER BEDSIDE LAURA LEE CLARK, $6,125
TRIBUTE GOODS HERMÈS SCARF PILLOW LAURA LEE CLARK, $4,000
“NAPOLI” PASTA BOWL BLUE PRINT, $420
$6,200
ACERBIS “DUE PIÙ” CHAIR SCOTT + COONER, $2,945
curated by EXECUTIVE EDITOR JESSICA OTTE
Color doesn’t have to be bright to be bold. Evoke interest with plays on texture and tone.
Neutral Party the inspiration!
“BOND” DINING TABLE JONATHAN ADLER, $4,400
VINTAGE COQUINA AND LUCITE LAMP LAURA LEE CLARK, $2,650 FOR PAIR
“Bring home the look of Mirador’s burl wood banquettes for truly ne dining.”
OUTDOOR SIDE TABLE BLUE
DEDAR
“PRESENT PERFECT” FABRIC CULP ASSOCIATES, TO THE TRADE
Following a four-year hiatus, MIRADOR Forty Five Ten’s beloved rooftop restaurant— reopened late last year with new offerings (like afternoon tea service) and a new look, courtesy of Dallas design firm SWOON, the Studio. If the food isn’t enough to make you drool, the effortlessly cool interiors will do the trick.
“FRIDAY FEELING” LAMP SCOUT DESIGN STUDIO, $375
“TERRAIN” COFFEE BEAN TABLE HOLLY HUNT, TO THE TRADE
“BORSALA” PLANTER MADE GOODS, TO THE TRADE BLEACHED LYCHEE WOOD BLOCK SIDE TABLE BRENDAN BASS, $1,990 CERAMIC CANDLE BLUE PRINT, $315
“VENEZIA” BY VENINI FAUCET TKO ASSOCIATES, TO THE TRADE
AZZURRO LIVING “PENSACOLA” SIDE AND COFFEE TABLES CODARUS, TO THE TRADE
“Assorted carved-from-nature tables and pedestals mimic the vibe of the foyer.”
Pillow Fight
Kaitlyn Coffee is on a mission to destroy throw pillows.
by S. HOLLAND MURPHY
Tsofa queen: Kaitlyn Coffee’s 2023 rant about throw pillows racked up more than 116,000 views on Instagram.
here are essentially two reasons why interior stylist Kaitlyn Coffee maintains a throw pillow–free homestead. One, because she believes throw pillows are emblematic of society’s ills, specifically the mindless consumerism and unfettered capitalism that she thinks are choking our civilization to a sure and vulgar end. Also, she thinks they look dumb.
The former argument was the one that went viral last year on Coffee’s popular Instagram account, @harrisvintage. In the 70-second reel, Coffee enters At Home, a Dallas-headquartered home decor superstore, and walks 10 long aisles with six shelves each that are stuffed with throw pillows in a dizzying display of colors, prints, textures, and themes—everything from faux fawn fur to ones stitched with catchphrases such as “Allergic to Mornings.”
“This is consumerism at its worst,” Coffee narrates.
It should be noted: Coffee is far from a minimalist. Her East Dallas home is brimming with vintage furniture, collected tchotchkes, and funky folk art. When I visit, she is curled up on a long sofa, which was custom-made for its original owner, to whom she paid $350 via Facebook Marketplace. She recently had the piece reupholstered in a rich orange velvet and, she admits, commissioned king-size bed pillows in the same fabric to serve as cushions. But there is no evidence of pillows thrown—nor tossed, flung, or lobbed.
For one thing, she questions the usefulness of so many decorative pillows. “Where are you gonna sit?” she quips, motioning toward the edge of the sofa’s seat. “The pillows come out to here.”
But more than that, for the majority of us with de rigueur neutral interiors, she sees throw pillow usage as lazy design. “People are so boring about what they put in their house, decor-wise. So since there’s nothing going on there, they just throw a bunch of pattern on the couch and call it a day,” Coffee says.
To gauge the temperature on wider throw pillow attitudes, I reached out to several Dallas designers. Barry Williams shared that he feels a throw pillow–less sofa looks “incomplete.” Even the deliberate Joshua Rice admits that he can’t help himself. “I always want to do no throw pillows on a sofa,” he says. “I try to, and it always looks empty.” Sara See of Sees Design offered a consideration on function: “Someone who’s petite needs a pillow to make a deep chair or sofa more comfortable.” Mind you, she is a known “textile specialist,” though she makes a point to note, “I’m team throw pillow—but not
on team fast fashion.”
As Coffee alluded to in her video, today’s mass-production trend cycles—and the tendency of consumers to treat furniture as disposable—have left a footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of furnishings being landfilled has gone up 350 percent from 1960 to 2018. Those stats are becoming increasingly important to younger consumers, says Milica Mormann, associate professor of marketing at the SMU Cox School of Business. “They not only care about the world we’ll be living in, but they also put their money—and that’s a lot of money—where their beliefs are,” she says.
Gen Z values are pushing many companies to transition toward more sustainable practices. Mormann refers to “take-back” programs at retail giants like IKEA and H&M that allow consumers to trade old, unwanted items for a voucher toward new merch. As for sustainability practices at At Home, the superstore from Coffee’s video, I’m unclear. Representatives declined a request for an interview and did not respond to specific questions about pillow sales or what the company does with excess inventory.
Coffee urges us to rewire our consumer brains rather than senselessly succumbing to novelty in the form of holiday-themed throw pillows. She gives us permission to take time filling our spaces. She encourages us all to buy vintage and antique before resorting to new. Best of all, she says, is investing in custom-made pieces built by local artisans. The price tag on a custom sofa may be larger upfront, but the piece will likely last for decades.
“If it is custom-made and extremely high quality, you can re-cover [it] for 40 years,” she says. “When your kids get it in 2050, and the trend is, you know, neoprene fabric, they can re-cover it with that.”
tanner@tannerhomesdfw.com
Just Add Water
The key to any good pool party? A pool potty. (Bonus points for a backyard bar.)
by LYDIA BROOKS
Great design makes life better, but never is that more true than in the midst of a carefree pool day. Anyone who’s slipped and shivered their way through the house to use the facilities or grab a refreshment knows that poolside amenities are a must when prioritizing convenience. Get inspired by five pool baths and one precious pool bar—all thoughtfully designed to keep your guests happy (and your wood floors dry).
FIDDLE ME FANCY
This leaf-accented pool bath by builder CAROLYN ISLER and designer LIZZIE BAILEY successfully toes the line between youthful playfulness and adult sophistication. The fiddle-leaf-fig wallpaper by Ferrick Mason was “one of the first things designer Lizzie Bailey proposed,” says Isler. The pattern is distinctive without being overly serious. Wanting to provide privacy for the lavatory area while still allowing natural light from the shower window to flood the space, Isler says, “The satin glass element was a creative solution.” Isler loved how the “watery blue” glass tile, sourced at Daltile, paired with the leafy wallcovering. The finished effect nods to nature while still being polished and pretty.
Interior Designer: Forward Interiors
Builder: Isler Homes
Architect: William S. Briggs Architect
CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 >>
privacy, please!
A satin glass door provides separation between the sink and lavatory areas while still allowing natural light from the shower window to permeate both spaces.
THE CLEAN MACHINE
This kid-proof pool bath was carefully crafted for the ever-growing family of grandkids it serves. To wit: Designer ALEXIS PEARL tiled the space from floor to ceiling and selected a floating sink with cleanup in mind. “Keeping the floor free from a traditional cabinet makes mopping up water much easier,” she says. “With lots of young children using the space, we could see shower water being sprayed everywhere.” She also chose a curbless shower to prevent tripping. The pool bath is an aesthetic departure from the rest of the house, which features a serene palette of blues and natural wood. “We wanted this space to feel intentionally different from the rest of the home, as it is more of a kid’s space,” Pearl says.
Interior Designer: Alexis Pearl Design
Builder: Don Hoerr and Sons
Architect: James Kemper
FISH OUT OF WATER
This pool bath combines low-maintenance features with tongue-in-cheek touches. Bathrooms, in general, provide a chance to have fun with decor—but epecially so with a pool-adjacent space. Designer JAVIER BURKLE chose a fish-patterned wallpaper— ‘Acquario’ by Cole & Sons—for its “eclectic, whimsical” feel. He finished off the look with a porthole mirror, which ties into the nautical details of the outdoor living space. Burkle also emphasizes the importance of being intentional with color choices in heavily-used rooms. “Black is durable and works perfectly in a high-traffic space,” he says.
Interior Designer: Burkle Creative
PUTTING THE FUN IN FUNCTIONAL
A smart design choice means swimmers needn’t waste precious pool time waiting for their turn at the sink. “The industrial sink with three faucets is the ultimate in function for the countless little hands to be washed in this pool bath,” says designer ERIN SANDER. Towels are conspicuously stored on open shelves, removing any guesswork for guests. Completed as part of a whole-house project, this pool bath is a punchier, more playful riff on the rest of the home’s design, from the farmhouse sconces to the alternating tiles. Even the choice of hand-towel hooks in place of a bar “contributes to the casual vibe,” Sander says.
Interior Designer: Erin Sander Design
Builder: Tatum Brown Custom Homes
Architect: SHM Architects
OUT OF THE BLUE
This spa-like pool bath is as functional as it is beautiful. Codesigners ABBY SMITH and ABBEY RAGSDALE say the aqua-toned tiles—which are repeated in a nearby outdoor kitchen—do more than just replicate the color of water. “The blue tiles are stacked in a vertical pattern to emphasize the height of the room and echo the ribbed details on the blue concrete sink and walnut cabinetry,” they explain. A dedicated washer and dryer provide the ultimate in efficiency. “We love that wet swimsuits and towels go directly in the laundry without ever entering the main house,” says the homeowner. “Guests also love that they can pop their swimsuits in the dryer to avoid having to carry a bag of wet swimsuits home.” With no room for an indoor shower, builder Michael Turner suggested an outdoor alternative wrapped in wood. “It’s a great use of space and perfect for quick postswim rinses,” says the homeowner.
Interior Designer: Smith & Ragsdale Interior Design
Builder: Classic Urban Homes
Architect: Marek Architecture
ALFRESCO AFFAIR
Empty space underneath an exterior stairway was ingeniously transformed into a outdoor bar. The swing-out windows allow hosts to pass refreshments easily to awaiting guests. “The bar is truly indooroutdoor in every way,” says designer LISA HENDERSON. Additional drink storage is designed to be discreet but provide space for more beverage choices. “We included a drink drawer below the wine fridge,” explains Henderson. “Having both is really essential to the functionality of the space.”
Choosing hardware in a living finish—like the unlacquered brass drawer and cabinet pulls— frees owners up from being too precious about polishing, while still lending a lovely touch. “It brings a very understated, pretty, and sophisticated element to the look and feel of the bar,” says Henderson.
InteriorDesigner: Lisa Henderson Interiors
Builder: Greenwell Homes
Architect: Fuqua Architects
Azul Calcite
Snack Attack
School’s out, which means kids are home—and hungry! Satisfy their appetites with a fully stocked and well-organized refueling station.
by JESSICA OTTE
Interior designer Angeline Guido Hall designed the side-by-side pantry cabinets in her Heath home to make a stylish statement. Behind the black paneled doors, though, things were decidedly less beautiful. “It was unhinged,” Hall laughs of the disorganized space. So she enlisted Kim LongoriaBruce, owner and lead organizer at Organizing Spaces by Kim, to clean up her family’s act.
One of the key decisions Longoria-Bruce made was to move snacks enjoyed by Hall’s two children, Smith (8) and Afton (5), out of the pantry and into a nearby drawer. Having a designated snack station has made a world of difference for the Hall family. Here’s why you should consider one—and how to create your own.
The Case for Snack Stations
Empowering kids to serve themselves dramatically cuts down on the “Mom, can I have …” requests. (LongoriaBruce also recommends storing kid-proof plates, utensils, and cups in an accessible area.) Hall’s kids restock their own snacks, further fostering independence and good habits. But don’t just throw the store packaging on a shelf and call it a day. “My kids used to leave an empty box in the pantry!” LongoriaBruce laughs. Unboxing and decanting helps kids find what they’re looking for and allows you to see when you’re running low.
How to Create Your Own:
1. Consider the location.
If you have a large pantry, designate a low shelf or cabinet as a zone for kids.
But if you’re short on space, or you’d rather not have your kids (and their friends) rummaging around in your pantry, reclaim a nearby cabinet or drawer.
“Find an area in the kitchen that’s easy for them to access but at the same time isn’t high-traffic,” LongoriaBruce suggests. Another pro of having your snack station outside the pantry? Visibility. “They can’t go hide in the pantry [to snack],” Hall says.
2. Choose your containers. Containers are necessary
grab and go:
An organized pantry and separate snack drawer make life easier for Angeline Guido Hall’s busy family of four.
to create parameters for categories and maximize space. “A lot of those cardboard boxes come with, like, four bags of Cheez-Its in them,” Longoria-Bruce says. “When you decant, you’re able to fit more.” But which containers you use depends on what and where you’re storing.
STYLE: Open bins are best for individually sealed items (like bags of chips or fruit cups). If they’re kept on a shelf, use ones with a lower front so kids can reach in. “Another great option is a divided lazy Susan,” says Longoria-Bruce, who uses these to corral slender snacks, like granola bars and meat sticks, on
deep shelves. Canisters with spouts are great for decanted goods, like cereal.
MATERIAL: In the kitchen, Longoria-Bruce prefers hard-sided containers to cloth or woven alternatives for ease of cleaning.
TRANSPARENCY: Longoria-Bruce says most clients are of the “If I can’t see it, I won’t eat it” mindset, so clear bins are best. “If being able to see everything is going to be too much visual clutter for you, we do an opaque bin,” she says.
3. Label your “zones.” Clearly identifying what goes where makes it easy for everyone—family,
guests, and in-house help, like housekeepers and nannies—to understand your system. LongoriaBruce advises keeping labels general so you’re not locked in as preferences change. If your kids are too young to read? “Do picture labels,” she says.
4. Maintain. WEEKLY: “Typically after we do grocery runs, we do a small refresh,” LongoriaBruce says. Assess, restock, and tidy up as needed.
QUARTERLY: “Quarterly to every six months, check for expired products,” says Longoria-Bruce, who notes expiration dates on the bottom of decanting canisters.
FIND IT! Shop Longoria-Bruce’s favorite organizational products at her Amazon storefront, accessible via Instagram: @organizingspacesbykim
Level Up
Elevated takes on summer staples make this sometimes-brutal season more tolerable.
by LYDIA BROOKS AND MEGAN WILHELM
Private swimming pools are a dime a dozen in Texas—and for good reason. But what do you do if the constraints of your lot make installing one impossible? In the case of one Lakewood family, you go up. “I was told that we really didn’t have the space for it because of an amazing live oak tree, which is one of my favorite things about the house,” says homeowner Sahar Sea. When a friend half-kiddingly suggested putting a pool atop their garage, the Seas floated the idea by builder Brad Bean of Bean Co. Homes, who dove in headfirst. With a little ingenuity and a lot of structural support, the Sea family—which includes husband Rob and kids Forrest (10), Benji (9), and Willow (5)—now enjoys pool parties and playdates aplenty.
high dive: Working with architect Jerry Coleman and designer Ashley Dalton, builder Brad Bean reinforced the garage roof with “24-inch-deep steel I-beams with a four-inch concrete slab poured on top.”
Stop slinging up store-bought patties with subpar results! When it comes to crafting a bun-in-a-million burger, a little effort and imagination go a long way. Four local burger kings help you up your summertime grilling game with inventive (but still achievable) takes on a classic.
PRESTON PIERCE, Liberty Burger
JOEL ORSINI, Parigi
This mouthwatering concoction relies on fresh ingredients for flavor. Expect to see it debut on the Oak Lawn institution’s weekly burger rotation in May, when, explains Orsini, “the tomatoes and basil start to show up locally.”
Sweet Texas Heatwave 1 2
Summer Backyard Burger
“This burger started from my love of cream cheese and its versatility,” says Pierce. “We thought combining something spicy (the jalapeño cream cheese) and sweet (the apricot marmalade) together would create a rich, savory flavor profile.”
KEY INGREDIENTS: burrata balls, Thai basil, homemade tomato jam
Foodies agree: French fries are better left to the pros. But which local restaurant makes the best basket? One new contender aims to take the prize by resurrecting a cult classic.
Fervent fans of East Dallas’ 20 Feet Seafood Joint, which closed in 2020, have surely not forgotten its famous French fries—the ones former D Magazine dining critic Nancy Nichols declared “superb” in a 2017 article. Neither, it turns out, have the restaurateurs behind the new GOLDIE’S in Lake Highlands. When eagleeyed diners noted “20 Feet fries” on the menu, we had to know: Were these the real deal? “These are not the exact fries,” Brittni Clayton, managing partner of Goldie’s, told D’s Brian Reinhart in April. “This is our ode to them, saying, ‘Hey, we love you, and we miss you.’ ” Prior to his restaurant’s closure, 20 Feet’s Marc Cassel shared the secrets to his crispy, herb-kissed fries with Nichols (scan the QR code below to read it). Does the reboot live up to the original? There’s only one way to find out.
“Legend has it that in my hometown of Pasadena, California, a 1920s cook accidentally burned one side of a hamburger patty while listening to a heated political debate. He added a piece of cheese to cover his mistake—and the ‘hamburger with cheese’ was born!” says Culwell. “This is my take on a classic American cheeseburger.”
“I wanted to marry quintessential backyard BBQ foods—deviled eggs and a light refreshing beer—to create the ultimate Southern comfort burger to share with friends and family,” says Sylva. . Scan here to get the recipes!
Some Like It Hot
The best way to beat the heat in the garden? Choose plants that can stand up to Texas summer temps.
by CALLIE WORKS-LEARY
PRO TIP!
All plants, even native and adapted ones, need a bit of extra care during their first season in your garden. To give your new plants a strong head start, plant perennials in the cooler months of April and October, and maintain a heavy layer of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature.
It’s a common misconception that if you want your landscape to be more heat and drought tolerant, it has to look like a desert. Though I love this aesthetic (Palm Springs, anyone?), my personal garden style borrows from English cottage traditions.
To make the lush, colorful perennial gardens of my dreams work in North Texas without losing my mind or my wallet, I use plants that are native or adapted. These plants can tolerate temperature extremes, require dramatically less water, and are rarely bothered by pests or disease. Even better, adding more native plants to our landscapes provides habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. Here are some of my favorite drought- and heat-tolerant perennial plants that you can add to your garden for verdant color during the hottest summer months.
ROCK
ROSE (Pavonia lasiopetala)
Though its common name might suggest otherwise, native Rock rose isn’t a rose at all but a member of the mallow family. When planted in an area with welldrained soil and plenty of sun, these shrublike perennials will bloom nonstop, spring through fall. For best results, shear back established plants by half in late winter and again by half in July to maintain shape and encourage dense bloom.
TURK’S CAP
(Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii)
To spruce up shadier spots in your garden, look no further than tough, native Turk’s cap. This perennial shrub fills in quickly, gracing your garden with lush, green foliage and bright red blossoms that are a favorite of hummingbirds. Pink-blooming cultivars are also available. Be sure to check out the beautiful installation of Turk’s cap on the Katy Trail where it crosses over Fitzhugh Avenue.
WRIGHT’S SKULLCAP
(Scutellaria wrightii)
Skullcap is a master of disguise. You’d never guess how hardy this plant is by looking at it. With thyme-like green foliage and delicate violet flowers, native Wright’s skullcap is an evergreen with a shrublike habit that grows to only about 10 inches tall, making it perfect for the front edge of your garden. I’ve seen Wright’s skullcap growing in the medians of blazing-hot parking lots, happy as can be. Skullcap needs well-drained soil, so if you have
heavy clay, amend the area with expanded shale and compost before planting.
LAMB’S EAR
(Stachys byzantina)
Soft and fuzzy just like its common name implies, lamb’s ear is an herbaceous perennial plant known for its distinctive woolly, silver-gray leaves. I use the nonblooming “Helen Von Stein” cultivar as a design element along the edge of pathways, and it exhibits remarkable heat and drought tolerance in my gardens. It quickly blankets the ground where it’s planted, effectively smothering weeds, and can be easily divided in the spring to add to other parts of your garden. If you have sprinklers, direct them away from these plants because they resent overhead watering. In early spring, clear away dead foliage at the base of the plant to keep it tidy.
OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA
(Hydrangea quercifolia)
Traditional mophead hydrangeas may be desirable, but they are water hogs that dislike our alkaline soil and never perform as expected. If you want the hydrangea look without the headache, invest instead in oakleaf hydrangeas. These large deciduous shrubs bloom profusely in shade and partial shade just like traditional hydrangeas but are better adapted to our hot, dry climate and soil. Just remember not to prune them unless absolutely necessary, as oakleaf hydrangeas bloom best when they are left alone. If you must, wait until after blooming is done for the season.
Callie Works-Leary is a Texas Master Gardener and founder of The Dallas Garden School (thedallasgarden. com), which offers classes and resources for North Texas gardeners. She is a native of Dallas.
Neighborhood Watch
A look at the Dallas real estate market by neighborhood.
by CATHERINE WENDLANDT
Neighborhood Spotlight: Urban Commons
In the aughts, the ultramodern, sustainability-focused Urban Reserve neighborhood showcased to Dallasites what modern home design could do. Now a new Lake Highlands development called Urban Commons aims to do the same thing—this time with a focus on community.
Masterminded by developer Diane Cheatham, the complex is a sprawl of 11 residential villages that encourages community among occupants and promotes denser residential development—like the recently renovated Village apartments in East Dallas but with single-family living. Connected to one another via green spaces and trails, the residential communities have their own modern architectural personalities and designers.
The development’s showpiece is Outcrop, eight modular houses designed by NIMMO Architecture. Embracing the sloping terrain, architect Joshua Nimmo designed these homes to look like an “outcrop” of organic stone monoliths emerging from the landscape. The houses’ cylindrical shapes are softer than the boxy moderns of International Style and let sunlight play off the walls throughout the day. All that light variation combined with the sloping land gives each home its own character.
NEIGHBORHOOD: WINNETKA HEIGHTS
Founded in 1890 and replatted in 1908, Oak Cliff’s Winnetka Heights offers a glimpse of turn-of-the-century Dallas. The 50-square-block, 600-house neighborhood—which was designated a historic district in 1981—has a wealth of early 20th-century Prairie- and Craftsman-style homes, like this 1930 bungalow.
515 S. CLINTON AVE., $585,000
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms 1,859 square feet
Year Built: 1930 Listed by Kenneth Lo with Compass
306 BLACKLAND CT.
$724,900, $1,200/year HOA
3 bedrooms, 3.1 bathrooms, 2,414 square feet
Year Built: 2023
Listed by Thomas Rhodes with Compass
NEIGHBORHOOD: BLUFFVIEW
A century ago, J.P. Stephenson bought a dairy farm on the cliffs of Bachman Creek and developed what’s now known as Bluffview. Today, the neighborhood is celebrated for its hilly and forested terrain, large lots, and spectacular homes, like this brick modern, located on half an acre.
4707 BLUFFVIEW BLVD., $6,600,000
4 bedrooms, 4.1 bathrooms
4,997 square feet
Year Built: 2011
Listed by Alex Perry with Allie Beth Allman & Associates
NEIGHBORHOOD: STATE THOMAS
Founded as a freedman’s town in the 1860s, Uptown’s State Thomas is one of Dallas’ oldest neighborhoods. The area’s few remaining 19th- and 20th-century Victorian homes—like this charmer, currently being used as a law office— are protected by a 1986 historic district ordinance.
2707 HIBERNIA ST., $1,750,000
3 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms
2,271 square feet
Year Built: 1925
Listed by Brady Moore with Compass
NEIGHBORHOOD:
LOCHWOOD
Located northeast of White Rock Lake, Lochwood is a small, tight-knit community with plenty of trees, trails, and nearby eateries to keep residents happy. It was founded around 1954, with development of mid-century cottages and ranches like this one continuing through the 1970s.
11726 CIMAREC ST., $599,900
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
1,832 square feet
Year Built: 1968
Listed by Glen Christy with Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate
80 houses in Urban Commons | 6 residential village architects | 1,000–2,800 square feet: range in Urban Commons house sizes
Builder Kurt Bielawski and designer Chad Dorsey create a distinctly Dallas dream home that incorporates inspiration from around the globe.
International Appeal
Homeowner Nancy Johnson (pictured with her dog, Maggie) is Italian and from the East Coast. A bocce court was installed on the turfed yard as a nod to her heritage and a fun way for guests to unwind over a glass of wine. Beyond it lie the unique green tiles and an arched chimney detail builder Kurt Bielawski recreated from a structure he saw while on vacation in Siena, Italy.
text by KENDALL MORGAN photography by CODY ULRICH architecture and nteriors by CHAD DORSEY DESIGN
built by MORE DESIGN + BUILD styling by JENNY O’CONNOR florals by HAILE WOSSEN
design notes
According to builder Kurt Bielawski, creating an outdoor space can really extend the home. “We installed phantom screens that you can raise and lower as needed so you’re protected from mosquitoes near the lake. It creates a huge outdoor room—she’s got a living room, patio, and dining room all in one.”
Outdoor Dining
An outdoor dining area became a prescient addition during the pandemic and one of the most frequently used spaces after the completion of the house.
table: STRIKE by Chad Dorsey; chair: Brendan Bass; larger bowl and planters: Brendan Bass; smaller bowl and tray: Blue Print
design notes Johnson feels that choosing a unique light fixture is one of the most crucial aspects of individualizing a home.
“The lighting, to me, was one of the most difficult aspects of the design,” she says. “Chad painstakingly found things I’ve not seen anywhere else; it was quite the journey.”
Dining Room
Many of designer Chad Dorsey’s designs set off the room, including the custom dining table and fireplace—one of several throughout the home. The dining chairs add a pop of pattern to the proceedings.
light: Bocci from SMINK; dining table: designed by Chad Dorsey Design and built by JG Designs; dining chairs: covered in Kvadrat fabric by Kelly Wearstler; tall sculpture on mantel: Brendan Bass
Lounge
As Johnson prefers a “simple” and “organic” palette, Dorsey used a luxurious mix of textures to enliven every corner of her lounge, from the boucle wing chair to the lushly patterned rug.
chair: Carl Hansen in Rosemary Hallgarten boucle; coffee table: Chad Dorsey Design; art: by William McClure; custom rug: The Rug Company
When powerhouse realtor Nancy Johnson
decided to build her perfect house from the ground up, she knew exactly what she was looking for. Having toured thousands of spaces throughout her illustrious career, the empty nester had a definite vibe she wanted to achieve from the very start.
“When I come home, I want my house to be a respite, a retreat,” she says. I want it to be calm so that I can relax and not feel like anything is assaulting my senses. Builders tend to fill the lot with the home, but I wanted to build a house that fits our needs but also has plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, because I love being outside.”
In 2019, she finally discovered the perfect half-acre corner lot in Lakewood. Built in the 1980s, the existing house was in disrepair, yet the yard possessed an array of gorgeous live oaks and enough
Entry
This elegantly carved console is one of Johnson’s favorite vintage finds, carried over from a prior residence. An engaging painting by Kirk Hayes is just one of the pieces curated from a lifetime of traveling and gallery visits with her husband, Karo.
art: Kirk Hayes through Conduit Gallery; vessels: KUFRI
Covered in floor-toceiling Arabescato marble (right down to the concealed vent hood), the Johnsons’ kitchen is both the heart of the home and one of its most showstopping spaces.
marble: Stone Boutique; barstools: Gubi
design notes
As a realtor, Johnson has seen it all, so she has learned to pay very close attention to detail. “The drawers in the kitchen are deep. Electrical outlets are where they need to be,” she says. “I sell 80 to 100 homes a year, and I listen to people. From years and years of seeing so many homes, you get to correct a lot of little mistakes. Through my experience and Chad and Kurt’s experience, we were able to merge beauty with practicality.”
Family Room
As Dorsey has worked with Johnson for 20-plus years, he intuitively understood that his client wanted every space to be calming. The family room is sophisticated and comfortable, featuring an earthy palette accented with hints of violet and grey in the moody abstract painting and patterned rug.
art: by Marcelyn McNeil through Conduit Gallery; chaise: Jiun Ho through Culp Associates; rug: Arsin Rug Gallery
“[This house] will age gracefully, like a classic little black dress.”
—HOMEOWNER NANCY JOHNSON
Kitchen Sitting Room
Upholstered in a tribal pattern, Dorsey’s custom banquette was chosen for the way its black-andwhite graphics complement the colors of the kitchen’s marble.
banquette fabric: Peter Fasano; table: Molteni from SMINK; chairs: Kimberly Denman; fixture: The Urban Electric Company
Music Room
Karo’s music room was conceived as a “dark and sexy spot” for the audiophile to listen to his favorite tunes, according to his wife.
wallcovering: Carlisle and Co.; sconces: Tolomeo by Artemide; coffee table: Sputnik Modern; side chair: Sputnik Modern
Front Entrance
A wide walkway leads to the home’s arched entrance, which is given dimension and texture with handmade brick inlaid in a custom pattern.
The leaded French doors that set off the main entryway let light into the home and serve as endless entertainment for the Johnsons’ two dogs, who sit at the entrance most of the day, watching squirrels and neighbors go by.
design notes
Says Bielawski, “With every client, we have a list of things we want to have programmed into the space, whether it’s a gym or great outdoor living or whatever. Chad likes to start working with floor plans first and then work on exterior elevations from there.”
design notes
The traditional tiled roof references the area’s architecture with a modern twist and unexpected color. Says Bielawski, “Lakewood has a lot of terra cotta tile, but it wasn’t really my color. I thought green was a really pretty option instead.”
Builder Kurt Bielawski shares his tips for creating an eye-catching home that will always be in fashion.
START WITH THE ESSENTIALS.
Every client has a wish list, so create a footprint that includes the spaces clients require most, be it a gym, a home office, or an outdoor living space.
ALWAYS GO FOR TIMELESS OVER TRENDS.
“Our favorite word is ‘timeless,’ ” says Bielawski. “If you’re doing modern, you want to leave trends by the side, because trendy modern can look a little tricky down the road.”
1 2 3
THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL.
Partners in life and business, Dorsey and Bielawksi draw inspiration from wherever they go. “A lot of times when we’re in Europe, we’ll take great shots and save those architectural details,” says Bielawski. “I have a whole folder of images from Europe we’ll pull from.”
Exterior Stairs
The exterior staircase recalls classical Lakewood architecture and serves as a practical way for the couples’ grown children to enter and exit the home when they’re visiting. The stepped detail echoes one of the Johnsons’ former Spanish-inspired houses while adding interest via a series of rectangular planters staged along the banister.
design notes
“This is an empty nester’s house, so they wanted to, for all intents and purposes, just live downstairs,” says Bielawski, who devised custom spaces for both Nancy and her husband. “Karo is an audiophile, so he has a hangout space, and Nancy wanted an amazing closet and a beautiful bathroom.”
Primary Bedroom
Though the house is nearly 6,000 square feet, it still has an intimate, homey feel, as illustrated by the primary suite. Its vaulted ceiling is highlighted with another dramatic pendant lamp, while the elegant brass-detailed bed (a wedding gift to the couple) is inviting clad in neutral-toned linens. Draperies let the outside in or close for a more cocooned effect.
light: Fuse Lighting; bed: De La Vega Designs
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Primary Bath
The primary bathroom has a spa-like feel, anchored by another custom Dorsey design: its minimalist doublesided vanity.
vanity: STRIKE by Chad Dorsey; hardware: Rocky Mountain Hardware ; sconces: Apparatus; tray: Blue Print
space for an innovative footprint. Johnson reached out to builder Kurt Bielawski of MORE Design + Build to come up with something that would fit her exacting standards while still blending in with the Spanish-style architecture of the neighborhood.
Working through the pandemic, Bielawski devised a fourbedroom, 5,800-square-foot abode that feels modern yet classic, eye-catching yet effortlessly Zen. The foundational main floor includes the primary bedroom and living areas. An upper story, which is also accessible via an exterior staircase, allows guests to come and go without disruption. And the L-shaped design left plenty of room for a swimming pool, a bocce court, and a large covered patio.
“The biggest thing is that we wanted to build something that fits into Lakewood,” says Bielawski of his design. “We didn’t just want to plunk down a new construction, so we started by sourcing a handmade brick that gives more dimension and texture. We knew we wanted to have arches to give the house more character, so we infused more detail.”
When it came to the interiors, principal Chad Dorsey of Chad Dorsey Design was an automatic choice. Dorsey—longtime friends with Johnson and her husband, William “Karo”—has worked with Johnson on several projects, giving him a shorthand into what textures, tones, and materials she gravitated to that could bring the house to life.
Dorsey spent six months curating clean, contemporary spaces with the right textures and layers to keep things cozy. Drawing from a palette of primarily black, white, and natural wood tones, Dorsey devised a stunning kitchen of Arabescato marble that serves as the heart of the home.
“Nancy wanted an eclectic, artistic, livable interior,” Dorsey explains. “[She] likes a simple palette, yet organic.”
Dorsey made the most of Johnson’s existing furniture collection, adding vintage and custom-built pieces. Accent fabrics with a tribal leaning were used to bring warmth to the rooms, while white-washed walls show off the couple’s enviable art collection.
The outcome is a welcoming house that embodies what Johnson calls an “eclectic, modern, Mediterranean” feeling, and she is delighted with the results.
“I’ve been a realtor for a long time, and I’ve seen a lot of homes,” she says. “I wanted my house to be current but have sustainability through multiple decades. It will age gracefully, like a classic little black dress.”
Adds Bielawski, “I’m not so worried about being trendy; I just don’t want to get pigeonholed into building modern homes or traditional homes. I like to build homes that are timeless, have character, and are chic. They’re going to look great forever.”
Upstairs Landing
Light colors permeate every inch of the home. A low-profile sofa and modernist floor lamp keep this corner of the upstairs landing cool and contemporary.
sofa: Marge Carson; lamp: Sputnik Modern
STRONG
Mother-daughter pair Cathy Taylor and Natalie Cross have created their own artful escapes using lessons, objects, and even plants from generations past.
In 2014, Natalie Cross
stumbled upon a vintage greenhouse up for grabs on Next Door. The family worked together to salvage all 120 pieces of glass and resassemble it for their mother, Cathy Taylor (left), who had always longed for a greenhouse. They rebuilt it “like a jigsaw puzzle,” Taylor says. “It’s fabulous—I use it year-round.”
text by JESSICA ELLIOTT photography by ELIZABETH LAVIN
(right)
Fragrant blooms permeate the air with sweet scents and form a dreamy, natural garden setting along the
“We both go out every morning with our coffee in our gardens and evaluate.”
—NATALIE CROSS
pathway to Cross’ Oak Cliff home.
left: Cross’ front patio beckons neighbors to stay awhile.
right: Birds and butterflies flutter around Cross’ backyard plant collection, which she frequently edits.
“So many of my family members have a rosebush that grew from a cutting from my grandmother’s roses,” Cathy Taylor muses between sips of coffee in her backyard greenhouse. It’s the height of spring in small-town Farmersville, Texas, located an hour northeast of Dallas. Sunlight filters through antique glass panes, lavender and rosemary topiaries emit transportive tendrils of scent, and chickadees busily chirp in the background. “It’s one of those old-fashioned garden cluster roses—you never forget it when you see it.”
“I fall prey to trends here and there, like the neutral trend, and then think, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I doing?’ ” Cross says. “I really love color.”
Like the thorny stems that have blossomed into thriving plants, Taylor and her daughter, Natalie Cross, have inherited and nurtured a wide array of homemaking talents from generations past—they are gardeners, designers, cooks, hosts, collectors, and antiques arbiters. “We have always had this great environment of do-it-yourself women,” Cross says. “I didn’t realize how special it was at the time, but they taught us everything.”
The two women’s interests merge to create paradisial escapes reminiscent of places they’ve visited on their frequent travels together. At the 1928 Kessler Park Tudor Cross shares with her husband, Scott, Queen Anne’s lace and bluebonnets frame a flagstone walkway, and newly blossomed jasmine climbs a fence. Her interiors are equally tranquil, with a gentle breeze and the pitter-patter of a water feature filtering through an open window. Cross and Taylor know how to set a scene—they are a rare mother-daughter combination, sharing both an aesthetic and the wisdom of the women before them. “We have a very special bond,” Taylor says.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 83 >>
clockwise from top: Cross, seen here in her kitchen, has been collecting antiques for decades. She remembers of when she was young, “I would see something I wanted at an antiques shop, and my grandmother would buy it for me, and I would pay her back,” Cross says. “She was my loan officer for my first antiques.” Her favorite finds take up residence throughout the house, including in the dining space (right) and breakfast area (below).
Collect Calling
Don’t let acquiring antiques intimidate you.
Natalie Cross and Cathy Taylor teach you how to get started.
READ THE FINE PRINT.
Taylor and Cross are avid readers of all hobbyist books, including antiques guidebooks. “They are excellent resources for verifying the authenticity of pieces,” Taylor says.
TALK TO THE EXPERTS.
Vendors and store owners have done the research and “are passionate about what they do,” says Taylor, who notes that they can point out signs of a true antique, like numbers or markings.
ACQUIRE PROGRESSIVELY.
“The great thing about antiques is that you don’t have to go into debt for them,” Cross says. “Get them as you go along.”
SHOP SMART.
The duo’s top shops include Antique Company Mall in McKinney; Lots of Furniture Antiques Warehouse, Benny Jack Antiques, and Country Garden Antiques in Dallas; Main Street Antiques in Farmersville; and Round Top.
<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 81
Taylor’s own mother cultivated the women’s deep love of organic gardening, teaching them everything from composting to growing heirloom roses. Cross’ late paternal grandmother, an antiques dealer, instilled an appreciation for age-old favorites and taught Cross and Taylor the foundations of design. “She had such a good mix of things in her house,” Cross says. “She didn’t fall into trends; she just liked what she liked. She would say, ‘Stick with what you love; then you aren’t constantly redoing things—you add layers to your aesthetic.’ ”
Today, Taylor’s and Cross’ bungalows both brim with antiques and vintage finds sourced over decades, beckoning guests to browse extensive collections of table linens, antique cabinetry, stoneware, baskets, and cheerfully reupholstered furnishings. The pair also share an affinity for cookbooks, gardening tomes, design books, oil paintings (including those painted by Cross’ late father, Mike), and vases teeming with fresh-cut bouquets.
“All of our collections have stories attached to them of a place or a person or a trip, which makes it fun and interesting,” Cross says.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 85 >>
top: The living area contains armchairs Cross found at Benny Jack Antiques and then had reupholstered in Robert Kime fabric. Cross says the weathered blue coffee table from Antique Company Mall is “an ode to Bunny Mellon, the iconic self-taught gardener.” bottom: Cross transformed her primary bath into a serene respite.
In 1994, when Taylor and her husband built their Farmersville home, a replica of a Texas farmhouse, “there wasn’t one blade of grass,” she says. Taylor encased her 1.5 acres in evergreens and native trees—including an oak grown from an acorn given to her by her mother—and at the advice of a wise gardener friend and neighbor, planted roses at her home’s foundation.
“I drive a vintage truck—everything I love is old. These things give satisfaction and character.”
—CATHY TAYLOR
left: Taylor’s late husband, Mike, collected discarded glass bottles and filled them with wildflowers to surprise her. “He made life really special for everyone around him,” she says.
right: Bottles are now often filled with flowers and greenery snipped straight from Taylor’s garden.
Turn Over A New Leaf
Sage gardening advice from mother-daughter gardeners Cathy Taylor and Natalie Cross.
START SMALL AND WITH GOOD SOIL.
“Our clay soil in North Texas has to be amended,” Cross says. “Mix it with green sand and compost.”
SET THE FRAMEWORK.
Incorporate evergreens for yearlong interest, and add iris at the back of your border. “They will multiply and fill in quickly,” Cross says.
PLANT WISELY.
“Buy seedlings for your first season; then try seeds,” advises Cross, who says zinnias and cosmos grow well from seed and thrive in our climate, as do roses. Adds Taylor:
“Native purple coneflower, Shasta daisies, and native coreopsis return no matter the weather we’ve had.”
GO NATIVE.
“Redenta’s is a favorite of mine for seeds, seedlings, herbs, and native plants—they are the OGs for selling natives in Dallas,” Cross says.
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The women tend to collect hobbies as effortlessly as bottles and bud vases. Cross enrolled in pottery classes in 2016, and at the nudging of a classmate, began selling her small-batch, hand-built spoons, platters, bowls, lamps, and vases at local pop-up shops and boutiques through her company, Your House Or Mine.
Taylor—a 40-year hairdresser who operated a salon in her home for more than two decades—is a seamstress who is always on the hunt for vintage quilting pieces. She is also revered for her cooking, making from-scratch recipes she draws from oncefamed Farmersville restaurant The Red Chimney, which she owned with her mother and sister. (She is known to distribute her coveted homemade chocolate-chip cookies while shopping in Round Top.)
“So many in our family have a love of working with our hands, and I think we can credit that to the long history of artisans we have had,” she says.
The duo’s knack for making everything special is a gift that extends to gatherings. Taylor remembers an especially poignant lunch Cross served for her father just before he passed last August.
“We had a blue-and-white table theme. His favorite flowers were marigolds, so we put those on the table. The pottery, the colors of the flowers, and the linens—you remember those things. They impact us,” Taylor says. “We enjoy making things beautiful. We have had a fun life.”
clockwise from left: Taylor collects serveware and pottery, including pieces handmade by Cross. Shelves are artfully layered and stacked with her favorites. Taylor is an expert host who sets beautiful scenes, no matter the occasion.
KNOW WHEN TO HOLD ’EM: RENOVATION
If you’re weighing your options, chances are there are some things about your current abode that aren’t suiting your lifestyle as best as they could. But if your list of grievances (an inefficient kitchen, a too-petite primary, dated decor) is dwarfed by the things you’ll never be able to replicate (family memories, authentic period charm, and a low interest rate), it’s likely time for a major update rather than an uprooting.
KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ’EM: BUILD
In the words of Kenny Rogers, the secret to surviving is knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep. If you find you don’t want to keep a darn thing and have difficulty imagining any future highs beneath ridiculously low ceilings, you’re not likely to have the stomach for the escalating costs and unpleasant surprises that inevitably come with opening walls, shoring up an old foundation, and adding on. Your best bet: Walk away and start fresh.
The House Always Wins
Getting the home of your dreams can be a gamble. Here’s how to play your cards right.
Forget to be or not to be—to renovate or build, that is the question going through many Dallas homeowners’ minds today. To that end, we’ve asked Dallas’ top builders (and a few of their clients) to put their cards on the table and lay out the case for keeping the old or going bold with new construction. Our hope? When it’s time for you to make the big decision, you’ll come to the table with an ace up your sleeve.
text by LAURA KOSTELNY
illustrations by LANCE TRACHIER
Hedge Your Bets
A few things to consider before rolling the dice.
1
The BANKROLL
Money always plays a major role in life-changing decisions, and this one’s no di erent. Before focusing on the future, take stock of the present, advises Taylor Stark of Stark Homes. “Consider how much you owe on your current home, what your current debt structure looks like, and the annual real estate property-tax di erence between a new home and an older home,” he says.
Next, nd people who will be candid about the true costs of what you’re trying to achieve. “Creating a functionally appropriate home may require substantial disruption of an existing oor plan and present a need for added square footage,” says Taylor McCabe of Mosaic Building Co. “These robust structural adjustments, coupled with desired nish-out, can often push a budget to a point where the value of the delta must be considered.”
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Heather Lee of Endurance Homes concurs: “Renovations can be unexpectedly pricey. Sometimes starting fresh is more cost-e ective in the long run.” Especially when it comes to the No. 1 consideration: return on investment. “That’s especially important in this economy,” notes Avandon’s Bob Tabesh. “On average, for every dollar invested in new construction, the lot value should increase by $1.10. However, when it comes to spending on the house itself, value added is limited—the increase in value is typically around $0.33, due to factors like the age of the house, which a ects depreciation on elements like the foundation, plumbing, mechanical systems, and electrical components.”
The HOUSE EDGE
If all that sounds a bit cold, take heart: There’s room for a little sentiment here, too. Stacy Brotemarkle of Bella Custom Homes argues that if you’re planning to make your fixer-upper your xed address for years to come, that’s a big plus for making a big investment. Think hard about the factors that aren’t easily replicated, like a good street, family history, incredible neighbors, retail relationships, and stellar schools and churches. “Buying a new home in another area essentially means starting over,” explains Stephan Sardone of Sardone|McLain.
in a home currently not meeting their needs. When it becomes clear that moving isn’t an option, she collaborates with them to gure out how they can get all the updates and personalized elements while preserving all the good stu —namely the original character and avor.
As do many of her colleagues, HRS Build’s Harriet Reisman-Snyder has clients who come to her for thoughtful solutions that will allow them to stay
Location can’t be everything though. “I love a remodel if the house deserves it. Many times there are amazing details worth saving,” says Kurt Bielawski of MORE Design + Build. “I like to ask my clients what they like about the house, and if the answer is, ‘I love the neighborhood,’ or, ‘I love the property,’ but they don’t say anything about the house? They’re probably good candidates for new construction.”
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T he DOUBLE DOWN
Sure, the prospect of everything being new and under warranty is exciting, but new construction comes with its own headaches. Our panel says you don’t know the meaning of overload until virtually anything is possible. “You have more latitude on designing floor plans and addressing elevation changes,” says builder Charles A. Barnett III of building new. “But you’re probably going to spend more money overall, and building comes with more decisions than anyone can possibly imagine.”
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remodel, you may have to hit the bricks. “We highly recommend
That leads to the whole “time is money” thing. Prepare to spend a whole lot of both. “The level of commitment and personal time that is needed during architectural design, interior design, and budgeting is substantial—and that’s before the build even begins,” says Nam Phan of Beechwood Custom Homes. “There are so many design features and options to navigate that it can be overwhelming. Often, clients experience FOMO, so they put a lot of pressure on themselves to not make the wrong decision, and then they start to second-guess themselves.”
commitment and personal
T he SHUFFLE
Does confusion make it difficult to control costs? Sure. Is time precious? Of course. Is holding on to your sanity important? You bet. Still, Mickey Munir of Sharif & Munir Custom Homes Inc. says the pain will be worth it. “You’ll get what you want down to every last detail, and your money is spent in the areas most important to you. It’s pretty rewarding.”
Whether you decide to stay or go, know that hiring a moving van is most likely in the cards. That’s right. Depending on the scope of the remodel, you may have to hit the bricks. “We highly recommend moving out of the home while construction is underway,” says Ferrier Custom Homes’ Heather Laminack. “Although it’s a hassle and expensive to temporarily move out, it signi cantly reduces the stress that comes with living in the middle of a work zone.”
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That can mean nding a rental in close enough proximity that site visits and school drop-o s aren’t a chore, making do in greatly reduced square footage, and putting your surplus stu into storage—not to mention the added expenses associated with all that. But take heart, once you’re done with either process, you can lose the moving company’s number and stop worrying about storage fees for decades. “No matter what, once the work is nished, it should look amazing for at least another 20 years,” says builder Bob Bobbitt of Bob Bobbitt Company Inc.
T he WILD CARDS
The only certainty that comes with construction is that nothing is certain. The timeline will go awry; the budget will need adjustment; materials will become hard to nd. One undisputed pro of new construction? Surprises won’t include asbestos, black mold, or corroded pipes. “Once older homes are gutted to the studs, we nd poor and outdated building standards that must be corrected, hidden mold issues, and outdated electrical and plumbing issues that must be brought to code,” says David Goettsche of Desco Fine Homes. “That can throw major wrenches
in budgets, timelines, and emotions. It’s our opinion that remodel work is best suited for interior and exterior work with as little change to the foundation footprint as possible.”
But many builders stress that with high risk comes significant return. “Refurbishing an older home to meet contemporary standards can present greater challenges and costs compared to new construction,” says Peter Scott of Jim Scott and Sons Builders. “But the transformation of a historic dwelling into a modern, functional space that retains its character and narrative is akin to crafting a masterpiece.”
The Best Builders in Dallas 2024
Best of Both Worlds
ONE UNIVERSITY PARK RESIDENT has been making changes on her circa-1930s home since she bought it more than three decades ago. “It’s the oldest house on this block, and we’ve done a lot of things to it through the years,” she says. But by 2022, she and her husband wondered if it was time to nd a new spot to begin a new phase of life. “We looked at houses throughout the Park Cities, but we couldn’t nd anything. The o erings were scarce, and we had to have a downstairs [primary] bedroom, which is hard to nd,” she says. The solution? Make some de nitive changes to their current home so it would work forever. ”We wanted to open up the house without losing the integrity of outside lines and hang on to some of the wonderful features inside and out,” the homeowner says. They worked with
Boerder-Snyder Architects and builder McKinley Built Homes on a new design that includes a 1,200-square-foot upstairs addition while maintaining the impossible-to-replicate details of the original structure.
After 10 months of renovation, the homeowner couldn’t be happier with the results. “It turned out a lot better than I expected. We were able to keep a lot of the character in the front rooms, like barrel ceilings and original stained glass, but still get everything new,” she enthuses.
“It smells like a new house! Now the electrical is up to code, and we have insulation for the rst time in some of the walls. It’s really been life-changing!”
The Winners’ Circle Real-life stories of risk and reward.
Reno 911
STEVE ROSE HAS TACKLED both new construction and renovations and lived to tell the tales.
He has Desco Fine Homes and its owner, David Goettsche, to thank for that. Rose rst enlisted
Goettsche to build his Preston Hollow home in 1999. “David did everything he said he would do,” Rose remembers. “The most important thing to me is that communication is accurate and timely. You need regular updates on scheduling and what’s going on,” he says. “They’re always very helpful when it comes to putting together a schedule we could live with—especially when we had to move into a condo. The execution was as planned, the quality was there, and the specs were followed.”
Rose brought Goettsche and his team back in 2012 for a tothe-studs renovation. “I wouldn’t have gone back if I hadn’t had a good experience the rst time,” he says.
At that point, Rose thought he was done with construction. He was wrong—the momentous freeze of 2021 badly damaged his home. But because he had developed such a strong working relationship with Goettsche, he
didn’t totally panic. “As water poured out of a pipe, I called David and said, ‘I have an issue; I need someone who can x this place, and I need an answer now,’ ” says Rose. “It was a lot of pressure—getting subcontractors, materials, and everything else I needed—but David answered, ‘I’m in.’ He was there the next day and every day for the next six months after that.”
Feminine Fixer-Upper
AS RETIREMENT LOOMED, Steve Leonard and his wife began discussing where they wanted to spend the rest of their lives. “We went around and around before coming to the realization that we wanted to stay right where we were in Plano,” Leonard says. Unfortunately, many elements of their 1970s home—sunken rooms, narrow doorways, outdated nishes—were going to make it hard to grow old there gracefully.
With that in mind, the couple decided to embark on a major renovation, with a focus on the feminine. “My wife had raised three boys in our home—our two sons and me. It was dominated by males. We even had a huge photograph of John Wayne over the replace,” he says. “It was her turn to have a home with everything she wants.” Still, Leonard worried about what a renovation might entail. “I initially thought it might be smarter to tear down the whole thing and start over. Our builder, Stephan Sardone [of Sardone|McLain], explained that we had a good, well-built house. It just needed to be updated.”
About two-thirds of the home is currently under construction, and Leonard makes weekly visits to the site. “We went
with Sardone|McLain for their integrity and high standards. I’m in daily contact with the project manager, and we have a speci c website where he posts daily update photos,” he says. “When you’re spending a lot of money, it’s easy to second-guess. There are a million reasons not to do anything, so when you make a decision, stick to your guns and nd a company that values communication.”
New Shelter, Same Place
AS A PARK CITIES FAMILY APPROACHED THE SEVEN-YEAR ITCH in their 1930s-era home, they initially leaned toward renovation. “We thought it was going to be the most cost-e ective solution, and
we wanted to maintain our 2.9 percent interest rate,” says the homeowner. But then they got bad news: The cost of what they wanted to accomplish was three times more than what they had anticipated. Then there were the concerns about what was going on behind those 100-year-old walls. “And at the end, we were still going to have choppy rooms and 8.5-foot ceilings. We were never going to be able to address that,” she says.
After a six-month pause and more meetings with the architect, the family opted to tear down the existing structure and rebuild a home that has everything they could ever want in its place. “Blake Byrd [of Knox Built Construction] followed up with us throughout the entire
process. We visited with him initially on the remodel, and then throughout the time gap, he’d check in,” she says. ”He was also in the middle of a project with friends of ours, and when asked if they’d use Knox Built again, they said absolutely. That spoke volumes.”
While the project is in the beginning stages, the homeowner feels good about her decision to start over. “We have a smaller lot, and we’re getting a lot more out of the investment, based on where real estate prices have gone,” she says. “When it comes to resale, people really appreciate having higher ceilings and modern amenities. This wasn’t a historic home. It didn’t make sense to spend the money to preserve it.”
The Jackpot The 148 Best Builders in Dallas 2024
Scott and Carmen McArrons’ Bluffview house isn’t quite modern, and it’s not totally traditional—and that’s exactly the idea.
A Winning
text by JESSICA OTTE photography by NATHAN SCHRODER architecture by SHM ARCHITECTS built by SUSTAINABLE STRUCTURES OF TEXAS interiors by JENKINS INTERIORS
landscape architecture by MESA DESIGN GROUP styling by JENNY O’CONNOR florals by HAILE WOSSEN
Lounge
In the evening, the entire family gathers in the wood-wrapped Mad Men–esque lounge to read books or watch television.
upholstered
Combination
sofa:
in Holland & Sherry fabric; art: by Kate Rivers via Blue Print Gallery; drapery trim: Holland & Sherry Embroidery
design notes
A high-gloss paint is only as good as the finish of the wall it’s applied to. “We do things differently when we know it’s going to be a high gloss,” says builder Sam Hall. “Every imperfection shows up.”
Dining Room
Blue is a favorite of both homeowners, so the Jenkins Interiors team went all in with the shade in the dining room, covering the walls and ceiling in a high-gloss custom paint color and choosing drapery fabric to match. “It’s just a really beautiful palette,” says lead designer and owner Leslie Jenkins of the space. “Nothing necessarily steals the show—everything complements each other.”
dining table: custom, made from walnut; dining chairs: re-creations of a vintage rosewood chair, upholstered in Holland & Sherry fabric; pendants: vintage; sideboard: vintage; vessel with floral: Sputnik Modern; bowl on sideboard: Blue Print
Client referrals are often deal-sealers for custom home builders, providing a level of certainty to a notoriously unpredictable process.
But in the case of Scott and Carmen McArron’s Bluffview home, eventual builder Sam Hall of Sustainable Structures of Texas (SSOTX) recalls of his personal connection to the client: “It’s why I almost didn’t get the job.”
The McArrons’ doubt had nothing to do with Hall’s quality of work or professionalism. Rather, it was a question of style. Four years prior, an acquaintance of Scott’s had hired SSOTX to build a “Hill Country modern” house in Preston Hollow. Scott and Carmen, meanwhile, were seeking a house that defied definition or era. “We wanted something that wouldn’t be typecast for a certain time period in Dallas, Texas,” Scott says.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 97 >>
EntryScott had a specific vision for the front door, even accompanying his builder to The Wood Gallery to choose his walnut veneer.
sideboard:
vintage through Blue Print; art: by Robert Jessup through Conduit Gallery; flooring: limestone; vessels: Matt Mazur
Kitchen
The kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful, with ample storage, lots of natural light, and workhorse appliances. Carmen, the chef of the family, says, “I’m still loving it as much as I loved it the day we moved in.”
pendants: The Urban Electric Company; plumbing fixtures: Newport Brass; stool upholstery: Voutsa fabric
<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 95
Having long been fans of SHM Architects, the McArrons enlisted Mark Hoesterey, one of the firm’s founding design principals and studio heads, without hesitation. “We knew we wanted the clean, modern SHM lines. We wanted the natural light; we wanted their windows,” Scott says. Carmen, whose tastes lean more traditional, steered the team clear of anything overly stark. “I didn’t want it to be cold; I wanted it to be cozy,” she says.
Nailing down the look of their timeless, modernbut-not-too-modern home required some research— and a few field trips. “The McArrons were unique in that they wanted to study and understand much of the Texas vernacular modernism movement in residential architecture,” says Hoesterey. “We traveled to Houston and around Dallas to be inspired by the great timeless residences of Scott Lyons, O’Neil Ford, Arch Swank, John Staub, and E.G. Hamilton—all true pioneers of their day.”
Together, they zeroed in on a streamlined structure with strong midcentury influences and little in the way of ornamentation. Given that his friend’s house was quite different in style, Scott worried Hall wasn’t the right builder for the job—until Hall invited the McArrons to tour a modern project they were building in University Park. The fact that the house would be built to sustainable standards was, Scott says, “a bonus.”
Great
Room
The sofa upholstery is textured to disguise stains that come with three kids and a dog. “We didn’t want the house to be a museum,” says Scott. “We wanted everything to be warm, to have texture to it, to be livable.” Two walls of 12-by-35-foot sliding glass doors open the room on both sides to the outdoor spaces, which were designed by MESA Design Group to highlight the natural Bluffview terrain that the McArrons love.
parchment-wrapped coffee table: Blue Print; armchairs: Blue Print; lamps and shades: Blue Print
Breakfast Room
To help bring a touch of Carmen’s traditional taste, the couple hired Jenkins Interiors. “They’re very family minded, so many of the choices were about the needs of their kids,” says owner and lead designer Leslie Jenkins. “The task was taking that type of architecture and making it very livable. There is a lot of glass in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 101 >>
Covered in a laminated fabric, the banquette and matching chairs provide kid-friendly perches for meals and homework.
banquette: Kravet; white oak table: custom; chairs: Holly Hunt; pendant: The Urban Electric Company; pedestal bowls: Blue Print
design notes
The wood-lined entry presented numerous challenges, starting with the precise sizing and scale of the picture frame molds. The team had to consider the interplay of the rift-cut white oak on the walls, white oak on the exterior soffit, and walnut front door—as well as the wood flooring seen elsewhere in the home. “All of those elements have to relate,” says Jenkins.
Bar Seating
The women in the family use the bar most often for games of mahjong. Architect Mark Hoesterey describes the cozy spot, which was created in lieu of a formal living space, as “uniquely comfortable and intimately conversational.”
table: custom; sconces:
The Urban Electric Company; chair: Kimberly Denman; vessel: Matt Mazur
It’s Easy Being Green
Sustainable Structures of Texas’ Sam Hall says half of his clients hire his firm for their environmentally friendly practices, whereas the other 50 percent consider that secondary to their skill as a builder. He shares his top tips—and dispels a few myths—for building green.
LET GO OF ANY PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS .
Hall says one of the biggest misconceptions is that green homes have to look a certain way or cost more. Though that may have been the case 10 years ago, these days more and more manufacturers are coming on board, allowing him to “build beautiful things that are also sustainable.”
FLEXIBILITY IS ESSENTIAL.
Be prepared to hear things like, “I can’t buy this door because they don’t use the right kind of glue; are you OK with using this other kind of door?” cites Hall as an example. Depending on your level of commitment to the cause, you may not always get your first choice.
GET YOUR BUILDER INVOLVED EARLY.
Hall weighed in early and often on choices made for the McArron project. Having your builder onboard from the get-go will allow them to offer sustainable input on selections before it’s too late.
ENLIST A GREEN CONSULTANT.
To meet the City of Dallas’ Green Building Program requirements, a project must utilize a third-party green consultant. Hall says hiring one helps but also warns that their recommendations can quickly balloon the bottom line. He’s partial to TexEnergy Solutions, whom he touts as “really reasonable.”
Bar
The McArrons had a substantial art collection prior to working with the Jenkins team, who advised the couple in the purchase of additional pieces for the home.
design notes The glass shelves had to be installed prior to the wood trim that frames the bar. “That was one area that was tricky,” says Jenkins.
“We wanted something that wouldn’t be typecast for a certain time period in Dallas, Texas.”
The house is free of any crown molding in order to achieve an ultraclean look, which requires near perfection from tradesmen. “When you have a lot of trims and moldings, it hides a lot,” Jenkins says. “When you go with these more minimal types of millwork and architecture, there’s not a lot of room for inconsistency and mistakes.”
Morning Room
Counterbalancing the moodier, more neutral living and lounge spaces, the morning room—located off the kitchen—has punches of lime green. The family congregates here often before or after meals. “There’s not a single space in the house that we don’t use on a regular basis,” says Scott. “There’s absolutely no wasted room.”
coffee table: Blue Print Collection; rug: Interior Resources; lamp: Blue Print
Primary Bedroom
Even the primary bedroom boasts views of the backyard, thanks to impressive floor-toceiling windows. At the foot of the upholstered bed, a sleek, midcentury-leaning bench is topped with a more traditional fabric.
bedding: Matouk; wallpaper: Innovations; drapery fabric: Matthew Williamson; bench: custom, upholstered in Fortuny fabric; vessels on nightstand: Carrie White and Matthew Gilley
<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 97 home, which makes it beautiful, but we also had to think about how to give them privacy and warm it up.”
The Jenkins, SHM, and SSOTX teams worked together to marry the varied aesthetic approaches. Elements typically seen in more traditional interiors were employed but given a modern treatment—like the stain-grade, rift-cut white oak and simple profile of the picture frame molding in the entry. The dining room walls and ceiling were coated in high-gloss blue paint, a finish not commonly seen in modern homes.
The strength of the professional team meant that even spontaneous changes were handled with aplomb. The original plan to use brick on the first-floor exterior and stucco on the second got scrapped once the McArrons fell in love with a brick from Old Texas Brick after months of fruitless searching. “Once Scott saw it, he said, ‘I want the second floor to be this brick as well,’ ” remembers Hall. “We had to go back to the structural engineer and make sure the foundation could handle that, and we had to do a couple of things to change it.” But Hall agrees it was well worth the effort. “People would stop and say, ‘What is that brick?’ It’s not too rustic, and it’s not too modern. It was the win of the project.”
Primary Bathroom
The main goal of the house, which was completed in 2021, was to create a place their three children—Mia (20), John (18), and Mary Scott (9)—could enjoy before the older two flew the coop. Indeed, in the last few years, the house has played host for many a school gathering and pre-graduation event.
But even on quieter occasions, the house facilitates special shared moments, with family time spent in the morning room and evenings spent watching TV together in the lounge or, more recently, enjoying some friendly competition in the bar. “All three girls in the family have taken over the bar as their mahjong room,” says Scott. “It’s fun to see my wife, my 20-year-old, and my 9-year-old being able to share something like that.”
A branch-laden wallpaper nods to nature in the primary bathroom, while the soaker tub provides a place to relax.
counters/tub: Calacatta marble; art: by David Bates; plumbing fixtures: Newport Brass; flooring: Calacatta Bluette marble with white Thassos tile; sconce: Vaughan Designs; vessel with branch: Blue Print
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Tony McClung’s expertise extends the typical offerings of a builder. His customized design-build approach perfectly tailors homes to meet his clients needs.
BUILDER TONY MCCLUNG
is a Dallas mainstay in an everevolving industry and often volatile market. When you meet him, it’s easy to see why: Decades of experience back his in-depth perspective, confidence, and expansive knowledge, while his problemsolving skills convince clients that his solutions were the best-laid plans all along. One of the secrets of McClung’s success is his approach: He executes the architectural designs of each project down to the last detail before the building phase even begins. The result is a product innately understood from the ground up. McClung’s passion, humility, and in-depth commitment to quality reveal his dedication to craftsmanship designed to stand the test of time.
Why execute the design & build process with a single implementer?
Tony McClung: The additional knowledge of the project gained by personally developing the house plans is invaluable. I am a realistic perfectionist: When I build a home, I want it done right the first time. My 3D design allows my clients to walk through every inch of the house before we start construction, a process that reduces my client’s changes. I draw on the computer every element of the home — every stud, ceiling joist, beam, and rafter. For example, this 3D approach allows me to see where the plumbing and air conditioning lines should be placed for maximum efficiency. This method allows the clients and me to experience a practice run, and, at the end of the day, when the plans are complete, my clients save on the bottom line because we avoid unnecessary costs. I’d always rather troubleshoot on the front end.
Tell us about your background.
TM: Construction and homebuilding have been part of my entire life. I grew up on the job, and I put myself through college doing carpentry and cabinetry. I learned first-hand what quality construction is and what it’s not (and I can spot the difference quickly). After earning my business degree, I started over in the architecture school at Texas A&M University, learning techniques necessary for my design-build approach. I switched to the engineering department and earned a master’s degree in civil engineering. I went on to own and operate Knox Keating Architects for many years, as well as running the homebuilding company. I’ve studied, bid, and built houses alongside some of our city’s most prominent architects, in addition to the homes I’ve personally designed.
The most exciting part of the process.
TM: At the beginning (and end) of each project, my goal is to serve the interests and desires my clients have for their home. I’m so honored to help turn their dreams into a reality. Since I’ve designed and built several houses for my own family, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the results of specific designs, ideas, and construction materials. This lends credibility to the recommendations I make to my client. However, my recommendations are only my educated opinions — my clients have all the votes.
Best Builders
The following special section showcases some of the Best Builders in Dallas who have shown their interest in serving D Home readers by sharing more information about their expertise, homebuilding philosophies, and career accomplishments. Use this guide as a resource to discover what’s new in homebuilding and who is behind the creation of the Dallas area’s most beautiful custom homes. For the full list of Best Builders, see page 91.
in Dallas
1.Platinum Homes by Mark Molthan
Named a D Home Best Builder every year since 2006, Platinum Homes by Mark Molthan is the very definition of cool innovation. Think underground garages, car elevators, and indoor slides for the kids. He frequently builds custom masterpieces for Dallas notables, such as professional athletes, and is often the builder others look to for inspiration.
“There’s nothing we won’t try, and nothing we don’t do,” Molthan says. For example, Molthan is now incorporating the technology from airplane hangar doors into indoor/ outdoor living spaces in his customers’ homes for a seamless, climate-controlled environment. One day it’s a patio; the next a game room.
Ranked among the top 2 percent of homebuilders in North Texas, Molthan gets more than 90 percent of his business from customer referrals—a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and trendsetting functionality in his homes.
214.363.6244
markmolthan.com
@platinumserieshomes
David Lewis Builder
David Lewis Builder has earned a reputation for building unique custom homes that evoke timeless architectural aesthetic and elegant simplicity. Founder David Lewis is a legacy builder who builds homes that last and is often called upon by several generations of the same family through the years to build their own masterpiece. “Our clients become lifelong friends,” Lewis says. “We take our role as their builder seriously; they trust us to build the dwellings where they will share memories with family and friends. Our most important accolades come from happy clients.”
Lewis, a Fort Worth native, has been in the homebuilding industry for nearly 40 years and is sought after by notable clients requesting his expertise on period restoration projects, contemporary estates, and expansive Texas modern ranch homes. His design-build projects draw inspiration from the open Mediterranean layouts of Addison Mizner to the modern, environmentally integrated works of Lake-Flato. He and his team collaborate with architects, engineers, craftsmen to construct homes that reflect the design, workmanship, and unique vision of each contributor. “We remain honored by the trust our clients place in us to build their home— their most treasured possession,” Lewis says.
817.735.1122
davidlewisbuilder.com
@davidlewisbuilder
RANGE BUILDS
RANGE BUILDS materializes paradigmshifting architectural designs with a reverence for craft, a deep commitment to clients, and an eye toward the future.
RANGE BUILDS homes serve as enduring platforms for generations of owners, combining timeless progressive design with lasting, high-quality construction and the implementation of passive and active sustainability strategies.
A shift is underway as connected technologies and sustainable building materials align with client desire to live beautifully while treading softly on the earth, and RANGE BUILDS is positioned to be at the forefront of supporting these goals. Working side-by-side with designers, craftspeople, and clients, RANGE BUILDS executes every detail with care in order to bring the unique vision for each home to life.
214.213.1924 rangebuilds.com
Barringer Custom Homes
The team at Barringer Homes believes building your perfect home should be exciting— even fun! Homebuilding is a collaborative process, so it is important that you spend this time with a builder you trust and with whom you enjoy working alongside.
Barringer Homes has earned a stellar reputation for building beautiful homes and for providing the best possible experience. The heart that goes into every project results in lasting relationships between the Barringer team and their valued clients. For more than 20 years, Barringer Homes has had the privilege of working with the finest architects and designers in Dallas, which results in exquisite custom homes that are as unique as the families who call them home.
“Our goal is to bring the client’s vision of their dream home to life, while working together to make it an enjoyable, rewarding experience,” says principal Raegan Barringer. “That means listening, guiding, and serving, from concept to completion.”
From architects and designers to vendors and contractors, the Barringer Homes team strives to build relationships, while also building the perfect home for you.
214.729.8809
barringercustomhomes.com
@barringercustomhomes
Bean Co. Homes
Brad and Megan Bean, the married duo behind Bean Co. Homes, have been building a legacy with their new homes and extensive remodels in both East Dallas and the Park Cities. With Brad’s experience in commercial and residential construction and her decade of design and build expertise, Bean Co. homes is a dream realized. The duo has looked forward to their career together since they met at SMU 22 years ago.
Bean Co. recognizes that a family’s home is often their most important asset. Every client has a dedicated project manager, superintendent, and full support staff to make the building process as stress free as possible. Bean Co. is committed to building with a process-oriented approach, producing a home in an efficient way, without compromising quality. Brad and Megan pride themselves on the amount of careful thought and consideration that goes into each and every step of the build process and they can’t wait to start work on your home and your legacy.
214.677.7146
beancohomes.com
@beancohomes
Beechwood Custom Homes
While many would say contemporary designs are not usually synonymous with timeless, Beechwood Custom Homes would say otherwise. Since day one, the company has been passionate about building homes rooted in traditional architecture alongside stunning contemporary presentation. Nam
Phan, founder and principal of Beechwood Custom Homes, believes in a collaborative approach to design and development.
“When you take advantage of the versatile skill sets of your partnering architects, interior designers, and tradesmen, you create synergies and work cohesively toward a collective vision,” Phan says.
Beechwood’s customer-centric approach is anchored on building authentic relationships and operating with the highest level of transparency and trust. This means open communication, knowledge exchange, and uninhibited information sharing with no strings attached. Phan and his team are invested in every detail from initial planning to final completion, treating each project as if it were their own personal home. For Phan, completing each build with new homeowners who treat you like a friend and trusted partner is what makes the job most rewarding.
Bob Thompson Homes
Bob Thompson Homes has proudly held the title of D Home Best Builder for 18 consecutive years and was named a D Home Visionary Award winner for Prestige Builder in 2023. A Texas Christian University graduate deeply rooted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Thompson brings more than 40 years of expertise to the homebuilding industry. “We recognize that a home represents more than just a structure; it embodies the character of its owners—a place where memories are etched, and traditions honored.”
Specializing in upscale technical construction and meticulously crafted luxury homes across Dallas and the surrounding areas, Bob Thompson Homes sets itself apart. With proficiency in cutting-edge technologies and intricate modeling systems, the award-winning team navigates complexities that surpass those of other builders. Yet, they consistently deliver original architectural design, unmatched craftsmanship, and stellar customer service. Thompson says, “While our commitment to excellence has garnered numerous industry accolades, such as the Prestige Builder Award, it’s the loyalty of our repeat clients and their enthusiastic referrals, that we are most proud of.”
972.931.9595
bobthompsonhomes.com
@bob_thompson_homes
Calais Custom Homes
Calais Custom Homes has been the name to know in the Dallas area for 38 years when it comes to building timeless custom homes with impeccable craftsmanship.
“Our clients’ tastes and preferences have evolved through the years, and today, many are leaning toward more contemporary design styles,” says Paul Rostron, co-owner and managing member. “Our clients appreciate the attention to detail we provide. We provide high quality, and high value. Our long history in the marketplace sets us apart, and clients know they can trust us with one of the largest investments they’ll ever make and to deliver a unique custom home.”
Calais Custom Homes, currently led by Rostron and Sean Coghlan, also co-owner and managing member, has enjoyed the opportunity to build on large, scenic, premium lots in new developments in Southlake, Westlake, Keller, and Colleyville. The Calais team’s proudest moments come when they see the excitement of each client when handed the keys to their new home.
Since 1977, David Goettsche has upheld his commitment to quality and integrity. Operating under the Desco Fine Homes name since 1992, Goettsche is known for his indepth construction knowledge and superior customer service on new construction and remodeling projects. Desco builds in the area’s most distinguished neighborhoods, including Preston Hollow, Lakewood, and North Dallas. Desco creates functional, beautiful spaces that are designed to bring the family together, resulting in open floorplans with spacious kitchens, large family rooms, guest quarters, energy efficiency, and relaxing outdoor living areas. Clients appreciates that Goettsche captures the details in Mediterranean, traditional, transitional, and modern–style homes. When someone hires Desco, they work with Goettsche himself. “Our clients can always reach me,” he says. “I check jobs every other day, if not daily, because I know how important this investment is to my customers.”
Goettsche’s dedication to detail, combined with his decades of experience, set Desco apart. “There is no substitute for experience, and when you pay for quality, you only have to cry once! Our success starts with doing things right the first time and a commitment to keep our customers happy.”
972.381.8995
descohomes.com
@descofinehomes
When you hire Ellen Grasso & Sons to build your home, you will experience the very definition of custom homebuilder.
214.559.4580
ellengrasso.com
@ellengrassoandsons
“We designed our company around this concept, working with clients from the beginning to help them find the perfect lot and putting them in touch with the right architect and design team,” Clay Grasso says.
Founded by Ellen Grasso and joined by Clay and Rob Grasso in 2009, Grasso & Sons primarily builds in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. There is no home size or style that characterizes a Grasso home—they are as unique as the families
who live there.
“We take a team approach and put a lot of thought into matching customers with the right project manager, architect, and designer,” Clay says. This dynamic, knowledgeable team takes pride in delivering wonderful homes that are the basis for long-lasting relationships with their clients. Each team member at Ellen Grasso & Sons collaborates with homeowners to make construction fun and easy and fast as possible. They don’t just like building houses, they thoroughly enjoy working with clients to turn their vision into a house that feels like home.
Ellen Grasso & Sons
Endurance Homes
Endurance Homes is a testament to the time-honored adage that the strongest foundations are built on family. Under the leadership of the Hunt siblings, Brian, Heather (Lee), and Matt, this family-first firm is redefining luxury homebuilding. For 20 years, they've been translating family values into every home they build, and it shows—not just in the walls they raise but in the relationships they nurture. Their approach is straightforward—build homes with the same care and attention as if building for their own family.
“We have never been tied to a particular style of home,” Lee says. “We believe in creating homes that are uniquely designed for the families who inhabit them. It’s why we’re so invested in our clients—and in the quality of homes we build for them.” With a building philosophy rooted in connection, the Hunt siblings stand at the helm of Endurance Homes, not just as business partners, but as a family, promising transparency, ingenuity, and a commitment to excellence in every home they build.
469.287.1865 endurancehomes.com @endurancehomes
Custom homebuilder and owner of Greenwell Homes
214.995.3855 greenwellhomes.com @greenwellhomes
Steve Greenwell approaches each home project with intentionality and integrity. He takes pride in his build-outside-the-box mindset that results in custom work for clients that hasn’t been nailed down to common floorplans seen in North Texas.
“Building a home is one of the most important and special things one’s family will ever do,”
Greenwell says. “We work intimately with each customer to earn their trust, which results in a process that we strive to be seamless and stress-free.”
As a father of five, Greenwell understands that building a new home is a major milestone in a family’s journey, and he looks forward to working together to get them home.
Joseph Paul Homes
Joseph Paul Homes, a D Home Best Builder for 10 consecutive years and member of the prestigious Southern Living Custom Builder group, operates more like two businesses in one—an architectural design firm and a custom homebuilding company. Owner Joe Vastano designs and consults on projects locally and throughout the U.S., meeting with clients to create homes that reflect their individual style. Vastano earned his B.S. in environmental design from Texas A&M and an M.A. in architecture from UCLA, credentials that help him execute his clients’ vision for their homes. “We want clients to understand we are partners in the building of their home,” Vastano says. “We are involved in every aspect of the project from the time the pencil hits the paper to move-in day.”
Vastano builds homes that are an extension of the homeowner and that reflect their dreams and aspirations. He designs each custom home after an extensive interview with the client and practices the traditional owner-architect relationship, balancing their design, specifications, and budget objectives. He then executes the project as the client’s homebuilder. This two-tiered, hands-on approach results in tailormade homes that are as inspiring as they are timeless and beautiful.
214.991.0301
josephpaulhomes.com
@josephpaulhomes
Luxury Homes Designed & Built by Tony McClung
Tony McClung’s first construction project was at the “ripe old age” of 12. His father was seeking a contractor to add a storage room to their home’s existing garage. Amazingly, McClung was able to convince his father to allow him to build it. He spent days at the library researching foundations, framing, and roofing—every “how to” construction book he could find, he read. When he finished the project, his father was pleased with the work. McClung’s summer jobs were construction related. His undergraduate business, architectural, and graduate engineering studies were all pursued with the intention of building homes.
Today, McClung still loves designing and building homes as well as remodeling work. He has built some of the finest homes in the Dallas area. For the past 25 years, he has limited the number of jobs he takes on at one time so that he can give his clients the attention they deserve.
214.668.7802 tonymcclung.com tony@tonymcclung.com
Malone Custom Builders
Malone Custom Builders offers clients a pleasant building experience, from conception to completion. As always, only the highest-quality materials are used in every Malone custom home, and there is an emphasis on attention to detail at every turn. Malone is known for offering the luxury you desire at the quality you demand.
Owner Shelley Malone, Graduate Master Builder, has been building exquisite homes since 1986 in prestigious neighborhoods throughout North Dallas.
Malone graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio with a degree in construction management. Upon graduating, Malone worked for two of Texas’ largest builder groups in the San Antonio and Houston areas. Out of a love for design and building, Malone decided to start his own company in North Texas in 1986, and earned the designation of Graduate Master Builder, a national designation comprised of elite builders throughout the U.S. for professionalism, knowledge, and integrity in the construction industry.
Malone Custom Builders, LLC, builds custom homes throughout North Texas and Oklahoma.
214.676.7907
McKinley Built Homes
McKinley Built Homes is a father/daughter team and boutique custom builder building and remodeling in the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, Bluffview, and the surrounding areas for 40 years. They are known for closely collaborating with homeowners throughout the build process. Says Heidi McKinley, “Our adage has always been, ‘We don’t build an exceptional number of homes, we build a number of exceptional ones.’”
McKinley Built Homes combines triedand-true best practices with today’s modern technology and custom finishes for a superior product. “We believe the client-focused building experience and detailed construction management we offer qualifies us as one of the best homebuilders in the area,” Heidi says. “The relationship with our clients always has been, and will continue to be, the acme of everything we do. This includes transparency in our processes and pricing. The trust, collaboration, and fun throughout the build process we share with our clients bring us to our mutual goal, which is a home of finest quality with style, comfort, and custom finishes and a place our clients are proud to call home.”
214.789.9332
mckinleybuilt.com
Montgomery Custom Homes
Montgomery Custom Homes has been a premier builder for Dallas since 2008. Matthew Montgomery, founder of MCH, is a third-generation homebuilder and Certified Green Professional.
“Working with homeowners who are passionate about building is so rewarding. Customer service and transparency are our top priorities,” Montgomery says. “We take care to ensure every detail meets our high standards and that the customers reap the benefits of an energy efficient home for years to come.”
MCH specializes in sustainable new home construction. Effective sustainable design is reflected in building materials, construction technology, energy efficiency, and water conservation. Whether you already have plans in hand or are looking for a lot, MCH will work with you to make your dreams a reality. Says Montgomery, “When a client is in their new dream home and we have become friends through the process, that’s what it’s all about.”
214.846.1356
montgomerycustomhomes.com @montgomerycustomhomes
New Leaf Custom Homes
Building homes. Building relationships.
New Leaf Custom Homes is a designerled company, where sophisticated design and creative ideas are always a priority. “We are building more than homes; we’re building relationships,” says Scott Powell. “We’re creating a new way of building.”
Since founding New Leaf Custom Homes in 2006, Scott and Melissa Powell have continued to redefine the design-to-build experience, focusing on high-end custom residential construction. By launching their sister company, The Design Shop, they brought the complete design process inhouse, and they recently added a second sister company, Pools by Design.
“We’re all artists at heart, and we love to create amazing spaces,” Melissa says. “Having designers lead is just the natural way to realize the creative vision. The level of creative detail we work through is considered at every stage, so all the ideas can be implemented in the best possible way.”
Clients benefit from the in-house design team integrating with construction from beginning to end. Having a highly creative team with hands-on involvement from the first sketches, all the way through to final construction details, is the new way to build.
214.553.2550
newleafcustom.com
@newleafcustomhomesdallas
Patten Custom Homes
PCH specializes in luxury custom homes within the most sought-after neighborhoods of Dallas, including University Park, Highland Park, Lakewood, and Preston Hollow. PCH strives to deliver a unique product on the cutting edge of design and build quality that will stand out from other spec developments. Principal Natalie Patten personally curates each selection in her builds and treats each build as if it was her own personal home. This approach applies to the high-end spec homes in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow to multifamily infill developments. Each project is an actual project of love, and she strives for it to be a one of one.
Natalie and Feild Patten, principal, pride themselves on being born and raised in Dallas-Fort Worth, which means they are in tune with the local market, and they are proud residents of the Park Cities community. Natalie and Feild, along with the entire PCH team, will take on any investor-driven, single-family spec development, commercial development, or multifamily development so they can offer their design expertise to bring the highest profit margins.
214.930.4401
214.629.1515
pattencustomhomes.com
@pattencustomhomes
RICHLAND Builds
RICHLAND began nearly two decades ago when Derek Kellogg, principal, started his own custom homebuilding business with one goal in mind…evolve an industry that has seen limited change. With over 400 transformations now, RICHLAND is raising the bar in residential construction from custom new construction homes and additions to full rebuilds. The company today is a full-scale design/build firm in Dallas and now building at Cedar Creek Lake.
“Our mission is simple—provide the best way to build or renovate a home, period! Building is a very complicated process, but with an experienced team, proven processes, and an innovative pricing system, what is complex becomes simple and more importantly, duplicatable,” Kellogg says.
He adds, “We have coined what we do as ‘The Richland Way.’ Our processes and fixed-cost structure place us in a very unique position in the custom homebuilding industry. This level of accountability attracts clients to RICHLAND, but also keeps them with us as we build together.”
214.272.7845
richlandbuilds.com @richlandbuilds
S&R Development
S&R Development has redefined the luxury home construction landscape with its unique approach, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Since 2002, S&R has built prestigious custom homes by blending unparalleled craftsmanship with innovative design.
Founder Saad Chehabi, an SMU graduate, brings a unique background to construction. Prior to S&R, he spent 15 years as a designer, having worked on high-profile projects that include the Venetian and Bellagio hotels in Las Vegas, Atlantis Bahamas, and the homes of Oprah Winfrey and Sylvester Stallone.
S&R approaches each new build as a design project and a collaborative experience. The team continuously refines and redraws designs, providing clients with numerous options. A commitment to customization ensures that each home is distinct and tailored to reflect the owner’s individuality and vision. Meticulous attention is paid to every facet of the home. With Chehabi’s daily presence on job sites, clients can trust their dream home will be executed to the highest standards, and that their unique visions will be brought to life.
214.499.9499
srdevelopmentinc.com @srdevelopment
Shaddock Homes
Shaddock Homes, a name synonymous with quality and integrity, has been creating a luxury lifestyle for families for more than 55 years.
Shaddock Homes not only delivers breathtaking home designs but exceeds expectations in building homes that are energy efficient and environmentally conscious.
With the leadership of Peter Shaddock, Peter Shaddock Jr., and Beth Shaddock, Shaddock Homes continues to flourish throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area with communities located in Allen, Carrollton, Celina, Dallas, Fate, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Lewisville, McKinney, Parker, Plano, Prosper, St. Paul, and Wylie. Their homes are not only leading in design, but are also built for families who want a taste of luxury and fine craftsmanship. Shaddock Homes is a local homebuilder, family owned and operated.
972.526.7700
shaddockhomes.com
@shaddockhomestx
Starr Construction
Gary and Jennifer Starr, owners of Starr Construction, understand that a custom home requires custom service, and this is what their team has provided since 2007. They treat each project as a partnership with their clients, and no detail is overlooked. In fact, Gary Starr routinely visits each job site to ensure quality control, carefully inspecting every project himself.
Starr Construction has more than tripled in size and recently added subdivision development to its list of services. Customers appreciate Gary’s strict attention to detail and his genuine customer service. “My wife, and I work together, and people love our team approach,” Starr says. “They know we stand by our work, which is evident by having our last name as the company name.”
Starr Construction builds in upscale, sought-after neighborhoods in and around Dallas, including the Park Cities, Colleyville, Southlake, and Westlake, as well as nearby lake homes. Gary and his experienced team of craftsmen, architects, and interior designers take a collaborative approach to create dream homes for their clients and ensure the process is seamless from the first meeting to the final, finishing touch.
214.600.2282
g2starr.com
@starrconstructiondallas
Sustainable Structures of Texas
Sustainable building is not just a method; it is a comprehensive philosophy ingrained into every home that Sustainable Structures of Texas (SSOTX) builds. Utilizing both passive and active green building techniques to seamlessly enhance indoor environmental quality and the durability of each home, SSOTX can continually produce homes that are built for living, and built for life.
“Every decision we make during construction, whether it concerns an elaborate architectural assembly, or creating a clean indoor environment, is informed by sustainable building practices,” says Sam Hall, president. “One of the most exciting things happening in homebuilding is that continual advancements to the quality and availability of ‘green’ building materials have made it easier than ever to build sustainably without compromising character, comfort, or craftsmanship.”
Whether you’re in the market for building a high-performance home, constructing a home to an architect’s exacting specifications, or planning a project to minimize a home’s impact on natural ecosystems, the SSOTX team will meet your goals without compromising value, safety, health, or beauty.
469.877.6338
ssotx.com
@sustainablestructuresoftexas
C. Bowen Homes
Chase Bowen founded C. Bowen Homes in 2018. His passion for timeless architecture and craftsmanship, combined with his excitement for seeing his clients’ ideas become reality, continue to drive him in this ever-evolving industry. He finds great joy and satisfaction in the execution and organizational efforts required of him to expertly execute each project. Bowen believes a home is more than just a dwelling; it is a deep, personal reflection of you and your family.
In addition to building exquisite custom homes, Bowen and his team have earned a reputation for transparency and collaboration, which their clients appreciate. This approach to homebuilding results in homes that meet the needs and desires of each homeowner and reflect the company’s unmatched expertise and experience.
214.507.1837 | cbowenhomes.com | @cbowenhomes
Hawkins-Welwood Homes
Integrity. Service. Quality. These are the values of Hawkins-Welwood Homes. For more than 60 years, Hawkins-Welwood has been a name synonymous with luxury, superior construction, and exceptional customer service. Owner John Hawkins often says, “We serve people and, incidentally, we also build homes.”
Hawkins-Welwood stands the test of time in all areas. “We love what we do, and it’s evident in the homes and relationships we build,” Hawkins says.
Hawkins-Welwood takes pride in offering a wide selection of architecturally timeless homes throughout the area’s most notable neighborhoods. Attention to detail is evident at every turn, as HawkinsWelwood understands each home is not just an investment, but also a form of personal expression. “Our job is to ensure the homes we build live up to our clients’ expectations,” Hawkins says.
972.931.1006 | hwhomes.com | @hawkinswelwood
Mosaic Building Co.
Mosaic Building Co. is a boutique builder specializing in custom homes and large scale renovation projects, driven by an unwavering commitment to fine craftsmanship and superior client care.
Building a home is a significant investment of time and resources, energy, and emotion; Mosaic’s process is designed to steward those resources with integrity and elevate the process of designing, building, or renovating your home while eliminating unnecessary stress. Through proactive management, detailed communication, and peerless transparency, their aim is to earn your trust and create an unmatched product and build experience.
“Our highest priority is to establish a trustworthy relationship with each homeowner and be the experienced voice you can rely on during construction and beyond. We aim to be the same people for our clients and trade partners as we are to our families and communities,” says Taylor McCabe, principal. “Get to know us and what drives our team.”
Reside Builders is a full-service residential construction firm specializing in custom homes and high-quality renovations. Since 2004, owner Rob Cothern has been building thoughtfully constructed homes with lasting quality and beauty in Dallas’ great neighborhoods. For Cothern, building is not just a service, but a true passion. He founded Reside Builders on the simple guiding philosophy that the building process should be enjoyed, not endured. By minimizing the number of concurrent projects, the team at Reside provides the personal presence and involvement each project deserves. Reside’s client-centered approach, coupled with its strong project management, careful planning, and commitment to quality without compromise, ensure a positive experience for clients and an exceptional product in the end.
Scott Mitchell, owner of Scott Mitchell Custom Homes, is a custom homebuilder in Dallas-Fort Worth specializing in high-end, uniquely curated homes. His 25 years of multifaceted building experience has led to astute local insight and enduring connections with industry experts, trades, and vendors. When coupled with his intuitive, caring, and responsive relationships with clients, the results are homes that are at once unique yet timeless and of lasting value.
Scott Mitchell Custom Homes is a name synonymous with the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction. It is paramount to Mitchell that his small-team model provides clients with a direct line of communication throughout the build process to ensure all aspects, from budget to design and construction, are considered while bringing a vision to life. Says Mitchell, “Information, communication, and transparency are keys to a successful build and clients who are happy for years to come in their new home.”
With more than 40 years of experience, Dave R. Williams Homes prides itself on delivering an exceptional custom homebuilding experience. The company’s location in Celina affords this team of talented professionals the opportunity to primarily serve Collin, Grayson, and surrounding counties where homebuyers can choose from the company’s extensive inventory or build on their own lot or land. “Our company is small enough for me to be involved with clients during the planning phase, yet large enough for us to deliver a consistently superior product at a competitive price,” says owner Cyndee Herrin.
972.346.2015 | drwhomes.com | @drwhomes
Marable Homes
Marable Homes is a custom homebuilder creating timeless, classic homes in Lake Highlands, East Dallas, Park Cities, Preston Hollow, and Cedar Creek Lake. Marable Homes has projects ranging from traditional to modern and everything in between.
Blake Marable and his team want their clients to know that relationships are the most important aspect of every project. Their goal is for clients to always feel heard, valued, and appreciated. Says Marable, “Beyond the quality craftmanship and custom approach, most importantly, we want every client to feel at home.”
214.669.2561 | marablehomes.com | @marablehomes
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SPROSS
COSTA CHRIST
Noble Classic Homes, Inc.
Noble Classic Homes' legacy of crafting dream homes spans more than 25 years, designing timeless and efficient homes tailored to each client's lifestyles. Located in Argyle, Noble Classic Homes has made a name for itself in Denton County. Being recognized a D Home Best of the Best and a Best Builder in the Best of Denton County for nine consecutive years is a testament to Noble Classic Homes' commitment to quality and craftsmanship. With professional project managers and designers to supervise all stages of the construction process, Noble Classic Homes can assure customers a consistent level of excellence.
Dallas-based Sardone | McLain Construction is the leader in Renovate | Design | Build practices. Sardone | McCLain Construction’s team of professionals are creative problem solvers who focus on ROI (return on investment) and ROE (return on enjoyment). Reinvesting in your property should make fiscal sense, but also provide an ROE that creates lasting memories. Sardone | McLain Construction is known for building trust through honesty and by providing total transparency. Meet with the trusted management team at Sardone | McLain Construction and see ROE in action.
Your trusted guide through this process and seasoned veteran of 20 years, Richard Miller is one of only 10 builders in Dallas to earn designation as an NAHB Graduate Master Builder. His grasp of the latest in building science, passion for fine craftsmanship, ability to execute high-end finishes, and obsession with leveraging the newest technology leave his architect partners and homeowner clients with an experience they are happy to brag to their friends about. Experience homebuilding without the headache, where the details matter.
Experience kitchen design excellence at SieMatic Dallas with the debut of the first MONDIAL in North America. Renowned for sleek style, MONDIAL redefines modern elegance, elevating any kitchen. With showrooms in 60+ countries, SieMatic continues its legacy of bespoke designs. Join us in Dallas, opening April-end, to create your vision. 214.577.4700; DALLASshowroom@siematic.com
IBB Design
Fine furnishings make living in style easy! IBB Design Fine Furnishings is an award-winning interior design powerhouse and 90,000-sq-ft store in Frisco, Texas. Winner of Best of D Home 2024 and 5-time winner of “Best Furniture Store in the Country,” IBB creates interiors that best fit your lifestyle. Shop designer furnishings, luxury home décor, and accessories, available for immediate delivery. IBB Design, 5798 Genesis Court Frisco, TX 75034; 214.618.6600; ibbdesign.com; @ibbdesign
All About the Mix
Beautiful, classic furniture pieces are given the credit they are due. By mixing them with cleaner lines, mix of materials, and vintage pieces. Creating a curated look is what Kathy Adams designers specialize in, working with your existing items. kathyadams.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
Clockwise from top left: SieMatic Kitchens, IBB Design Fine Furnishings; Kathy Adams; Brown Jordan
The One Thing I’d Save in a Fire...
MY GRANDMOTHER’S HANDWRITTEN COOKBOOK
We asked Joshua Rice of Joshua Rice
Design: Aside from people and pictures, what’s the one thing you’d save in a fire?
“My MeMaw was the textbook definition of a Southern grandmother—sweet and hospitable. I was incredibly close with her and spent a significant portion of my childhood with her, due to the fact that my parents were young and divorced when I was a baby. She was a very interesting lady—obsessed with square dancing and round dancing, and taught classes. I spent an absurd amount of time at dance halls when I was young. I have vivid memories of petticoats scratching me on the face when I was only a few feet tall. She was also an amateur pilot and used to pick me up in her and my grandfather’s Cessna and fly me around to wherever I needed to be.
timeworn treasure: The warped and waterstained pages of Joshua Rice’s late grandmother’s recipe book contain memories of family meals and his beloved MeMaw.
When she passed away in 2005, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s, I asked to keep her cookbook, because I remember helping her prep meals when I was a kid, and it was something tangible that reminded me so much of her. Her most popular dish was fried crappie, cheese grits, and liver and onions. Country cooking! Many of the recipes she came up with herself, and most all are handwritten. I don’t cook that often, but it’s fun as a family to sit down and look through the book and come up with recipes to cook together. Every once in a while, we will make something from her recipe book for a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It brings back special memories for sure.”
