Dallas Style & Design Winter 2023

Pirouette® window shadings

Read Design Window Fashions

2757 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100 Southlake, TX

2757 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100 Southlake, TX

M-F: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

M-F: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Sat: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

Sun: By Appointment Only (817) 416-7164 www.readdesignhome.com

Sat: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

Sun: By Appointment Only (817) 416-7164 www.readdesignhome.com

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Dulce offers the perfect blend of comfort with character, tempered with quality and style.

One of a kind pieces of art, furniture, lighting, and accessories.

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photos by Holger Obenaus

Photos by Holger Ovenaus

design a smart home for you.

Where Imagination meets Expectation

Photo by Holger Obenaus

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

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Your home is a reflection of your style and personality. Experience home decor that appeals to your intelligence, creativity, and individuality. Owner Monica Wilcox has created a unique shopping experience where you can discover upscale for less with top quality discounted modern, traditional and contemporary furniture, lighting, and accessories.

Call or stop by today and inquire about our full-service interior design service. 19008 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 designersconsignmentshop.com 469-298-2774

HOITSMA

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photos by Holger Obejaus

How do you say Pink in French?

The Pink Champagne from Pinot Noir. Chosen by the best.

champagnelaurentperrier www.laurent-perrier.com

Photographer Iris VelgheConception Luma

STYLE STARTS HERE

The new Floor & Decor Design Studio is your source for an unbeatable selection of tile, wood and stone at everyday low prices. In our Dallas showroom, you’ll discover a personalized design experience with the same top-quality products you’ll find in our warehouse locations. Explore unmatched inspiration and samples, and work one-on-one with expert design professionals.

1301 Oak Lawn Ave | Dallas, TX flooranddecor.com/dallas-design-studio

“Cypress Pond in Autumn” 30x40 palette knife oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Modern Mountain

Stephanie Kratz creates an organic haven with a clean, contemporary vibe

Building a Home

John Houston Homes brings modern family designs to two new South Dallas developments 132

Dream Maker

Passionate about creating spaces rich in personal style, Terri Becker specializes in making dream homes a reality

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Gifts From Mother Earth

Pierre

Fabulous Furnishings

Palette Delights

Room for Growth

Gilbert and Melanie — a husband and wife team with 20+ years of expertise making the dream of homeownership a reality for families in the DFW “L’ immobilier c’est nous”

BY HOLGER OBENAUS

OPPORTUNITY IN GROWTH

Homebuilder John Houston Homes sees the opportunity and is developing land and building new homes in Midlothian and Mansfield—both communities are undergoing development and revitalization. The company has completed or is under construction with six model homes and offers 30 floor plans that are designed for how families live today.

With a variety of house styles already in Dallas, the influx of new people is also bringing a fresh aesthetic to the city. For interior designer Stephanie Kratz, her latest clients wanted a Modern Mountain aesthetic based on a home they liked in Denver. Nestled into a wooded lot near Celina, the exterior of this home features wood, stone and exposed metal beams and is reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright design blended with Denver Mountain elements. Kratz expertly created an organic haven with a clean, contemporary vibe.

Sometimes opportunity presents itself while underway with a project. This was recently the case for interior designer Terri Becker. A project started out as a small remodel with interior design; it turned into a total gut job and a full home remodel, transforming it into a more contemporary space that the family will want to live in for years to come.

IN OCTOBER , a new report by a nonpartisan think tank affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported that Dallas is the fifth-fastest-growing city in the United States. When you look at the number of people who have relocated to the area—97,290 between June 2020 and July 2021—you can see the potential of that growth.

In addition to home projects, peruse the magazine to discover some amazing local businesses and talent—Carlyn Ray Designs, Pierre Verona, Designers Consignment Shop, Nomads Loom, Pella Windows, RENCollection, Southwest Gallery, Debra Ferrari Fine Art and Woodbine Interiors—as well as Charleston artist Brenda Orcutt.

The Dallas Style & Design team wishes you a happy holiday season! May next year be a year of growth for you and yours!

Debra Kronowitz Editor

PHOTO

Jesus Navarro

Phil Beck

George Kovach

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Christopher Martin Gallery 1533 Dragon St. 214.760.1775

Ginger Fox Studio 155 Oak Lawn Ave. 214.801.3211

Gary Riggs Home 1500 Dragon St. 214.547.1054

Pettigrew Luxury Furnishings 1805 Market Center Blvd. 214.747.2232

Floor & Decor Design Studio 1301 Oak Lawn Ave. 972.942.3440

Country French Interiors 1428 Slocum St. 214.747.4700

Dulce Interior Consignment Showplace 1208 Riverfront Blvd. 214.219.5656

ART GALLERIES SHOWROOMS

8 9

Le Louvre Antiques

1400 Slocum St. 214.742.2605

Pittet Architecturals 318 Cole St. 214.651.7999

RUGS ANTIQUES

10 11 12 13 14

Farzin Rugs, Inc. 1427 Slocum St. 214.747.1511

Interior Resources 1620 Oaklawn Ave. 214.744.5740

Nomads Loom 1525 Slocum St. 214.744.4448

Carlyn Ray Designs 1820 Irving Blvd. 214.741.1442

Pierre Verona 1025 N. Stemmons Freeway Suite 660 214.790.6303

15 16 22 26 27 28 30

TKO Associates, Inc. 1617 Hi Line Dr. Suite 230 214.741.6060

The Kitchen Source 1544 Slocum St. 214.741.1912

RenCollection Rugs 1007 Slocum St. 214.698.1000

R Groden Gallery 1167 Mississippi Ave. Suite 130 469.790-0460

Patrick Jones Gallery 1400 Hi Line Dr. Suite 122 972.863.8541

Reclaimed DesignWorks 1444 Oak Lawn Ave. Suite 410 800.243.4030

Woodbine Interiors 1022 N. Riverfront Blvd. 972.598.0300

DALLAS WORLD TRADE CENTER 2050 N. Stemmons Freeway

18 19 20

Designer’s Patio Suite 9009 214.217.9997

Summer Classic Suite 154 214.217.9997 J. Douglas Design 3301 Oak Lawn Ave. 214.522.8100

OAK LAWN SHOWROOMS

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DESIGN TRENDS

FABULOUS FINDS

CARLYN RAY DESIGNS

Bring the outside in with this custom Butterfly bowl. Measures 26" x 15" x 7". 214.741.1442 carlynraydesigns.com

DULCE INTERIOR CONSIGNMENT SHOWPLACE

Large, vintage folk art tribal mask from Guerrero, Mexico, on an acrylic base. 214.219.5656 mydulce.com

FARZIN RUGS

Antique Turkish Oushak rug, circa 1900, in yellow. Measures 11'3" x 13'. 214.747.1511 farzinrugs.com

COUNTRY FRENCH INTERIORS

This early 20th-century carved, bentwood, swivel “Perroquet” coat stand brings a retro yet practical touch to any entry or dressing area. Excellent condition with a rich walnut patina. Measures 26"W x 26"D x 77"H. 214.747.4700 countryfrenchinteriors.com

PHELAN’S INTERIORS

This ceramic table lamp has a unique texture and a pleasing blush color. 214.368.6455

THE JARRELL COMPANY

Hestan grills feature high-performance power, superior-grade construction and thoughtful, designearning VESTA awards for Best Gas Grill and Best In Show. Other features include 25,000-BTU burners, an infrared rotisserie and LED lighting. Twelve color options. 214.363.7211 jarrellco.com

THE LINEN BOUTIQUE

Astor Braid by Matouk is an embroidery style from Schumacher’s celebrated collection of tapes and trims. 214.352.5400 linen-boutique.com

RENCOLLECTION

The tribal pattern in this Moroccan rug is perfect for the individual looking for something different. Measures 9'5" x 12'4". 214.698.1000 rencollection.com

SOUTHWEST GALLERY

Using wildlife subject matter as a medium of expression, sculptor Raymond Gibby depicts aspects of human behavior to share lessons about humanity. Shown is Mourning Doves in bronze. Measures 19"H x 11"W x 8"D. 972.960.8935 swgallery.com

LE LOUVRE FRENCH ANTIQUES

Bleached oak deux corps with arbalete crown and graceful geometric carvings. Two knife drawers in the lower body. Hand-carved in Laval, France, circa 1730. 214.742.2605 lelouvre-antiques.com

FARZIN RUGS

Antique Persian Tabriz rug, circa 1930s. Measures 12'8" x 15'1". 214.747.1511 farzinrugs.com

DAVID GAPPA SIGNATURE FINE

ART GLASS

New from the studio, the Abalone Crest bowls by David Gappa make an elegant pop of color in a variety of spaces. Custom colors available. 817.251.1668 gappaglass.com

TOM HOITSMA

Visual artist Tom Hoitsma’s series The Heart of the Matter features heart-shaped metal wall sculptures created from the twisted remnants of a tornado that struck his neighborhood in 2019. 214.546.8473 tomhoitsma.com

PETTIGREW LUXURY FURNISHINGS

Carmen Menza’s hardwired lightbox Submerged, Pink and Yellow 1 in acrylic, mixed media, LED and transformer is 13"H x 13"W x 4"D. 214.747.2232 pettigrew-usa.com

DESIGNERS CONSIGNMENT SHOP

This sculptural modern/ transitional chair has an iron finish and webbing construction. Very durable, metals go with anything in your home and last forever. Mix and match with any furniture and color. 469.298.2774 designersconsignmentshop.com

RENCOLLECTION

Boring rugs make for boring design. The tribal pattern of this Old Persian Kord runner will add plenty of excitement to your home. Measures 3'5" x 12'2". 214.698.1000 rencollection.com

TKO ASSOCIATES

Premium, quality bronze hardware is handcrafted from mold to finish, resulting in exquisite, custom-crafted products that reflect timeless style and enduring beauty. 214.741.6060 tkoassoc.com

RENCOLLECTION

This modern rug blends shades of blue, gray and rust in a beautiful abstract artwork that just so happens to be for your floor. Measures 10'2" x 14'3". 214.698.1000 rencollection.com

DESIGNER’S PATIO

The Newport barrel chair by Summer Classics evokes the mid-century look of vintage rattan furniture that is as timeless and classic as it is beautiful. 214.217.9997 designerspatio.com

KITTRELL/RIFFKIND ART GLASS

Wes Hunting’s Colorfield series began in 1984. The title refers to the intense colors and patterns “drawn” onto the glass surface at high temperature. Shown is Colorfield Vessel 972.239.7957 kittrellriffkind.com

RENCOLLECTION

Contemporary and tribal elements come together to create a truly stunning piece with a silky soft texture you’re sure to love. Measures 13'5" x 17'10". 214.698.1000 rencollection.com

DESIGNERS CONSIGNMENT SHOP

Stained gold accents highlight the modern simplicity of this dining table. The cerused white finish offers a clean, fresh look. Its 50" diameter is perfect for smaller spaces like kitchen nooks. 469.298.2774 / designersconsignmentshop.com

THE JARRELL COMPANY

The Lugano collection three-light chandelier features clear round glassware complemented by vintage brass encasings on a black frame. Measures 17"W x 17"D. 214.363.7211 jarrellco.com

CARLYN RAY DESIGNS

The Aurora vase stands tall and beautiful on its own or with flowers. Custom colors and sizes available. 214.741.1442 carlynraydesigns.com

RADIANT SPACES

With a new flagship studio in Brook Hollow, artist Carlyn Ray is bringing the wonder of glass to a wider audience

by LESLIE J. THOMPSON / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

VERY PIECE OF ART IS MEANT TO EVOKE EMOTION . Whether created with paint on canvas or molded from metal or clay, art exists to engage the senses. Yet there is something uniquely captivating about glass. Even after a piece of glass art is finished, it is continually changing, reflecting shifting patterns of light and revealing hidden textures and prisms of color. Glasswork interacts not only with the viewer but with the environment in which it lives.

Carlyn Ray

“Glass as a material, to me, is spiritual. It’s scientific. It’s a wonder,” says artist Carlyn Ray, owner of Dallas Glass Art and Carlyn Ray Designs. Tall and slender, with brunette hair reaching to the middle of her back, Ray’s lean, athletic form mirrors the qualities of her preferred medium, at once delicate and strong, supple and sure. She fell in love with glasswork at a young age and later pursued a degree in art, honing her skill as a glassblower during a semester abroad at the University College of Learning in Wanganui, New Zealand. After graduation, she trained under master glass artists around the world and worked for renowned artist and entrepreneur Dale Chihuly, who became her mentor.

Following in his footsteps, Ray focused on designing large-scale projects for private collectors and public installations. In 2013, she opened her first gallery and public studio, Dallas Glass Art, in a 6,000-square-foot building in the Dallas Design District. The onetime welding warehouse became a vibrant creative space where Ray not only crafted custom pieces but assembled a talented team to create a community hub through classes and events.

Now, the accomplished artist is celebrating the launch of a new flagship location for Carlyn Ray Designs in the northwest Dallas neighborhood of Brook Hollow, a stone’s throw from Dallas Love Field Airport. “We’re able to work on larger projects here,” says Ray, standing in the airy reception area of the 12,000-square-foot

building she purchased last year. “This studio allows us to mockup and prep and install and work on multiple pieces,” Ray notes. It also provides space for VIP parties and community outreach events.

The Brook Hollow location was the fulfillment of a promise Ray made to herself after launching Art Reaching Out (ARO) in 2017. The nonprofit introduces students in underserved communities to the beauty and creativity of glass art through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) lessons and hands-on learning. As her business grew, Ray wanted to dedicate the Design District studio to community engagement through both ARO and Dallas Glass Art and open up more studio time by moving Carlyn Ray Designs elsewhere.

The new studio is a dream come true for Ray, with separate areas dedicated to the hot shop, cold shop, metalwork, design and assembly. Sketches of custom pieces adorn the walls next to long bands and ribbons of colored glass carefully arrayed on metal tables. In another area, the lid stands open on a sprawling tabletop oven, revealing molten glass fragments fused into iridescent panels that combine color, texture and light.

“I love doing weavings,” says Ray of her signature pieces, which she describes as having “organic order.” Her fusings and ribbon work were born out of the woven designs as she experimented

with the fluidity of glass, while the crystalline columns of her majestic chandeliers capture elements of nature. “They look like they’re dripping, like stalactites,” Ray says.

Ray engages clients in the design process, helping them choose colors, metals and lighting elements for their custom piece. “Not only are they creating energy that is fueling my vision, but they might send me in a direction I wouldn’t normally go,” she says. She likewise is mindful to build trust, so clients feel safe with the creative process. “I think glass is a metaphor for understanding the value of life and others,” muses Ray. “The transparency, the vulnerability—there’s a lot you can explore.”

In addition to private commissions, the artist is known for her large-scale public displays. Currently, her team is working on an outdoor installation for the Crescent Hotel in Downtown Dallas, to be unveiled before the end of the year. Illuminated glass spires emerging from the earth will traverse the landscape, bringing a little bit of magic to the outside space, Ray says.

She also recently completed a towering Tree of Life for the entryway of the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. Having lost her sister to cancer, the installation has deep personal significance for the artist. The masterpiece features long metal branches, shimmering glass leaves and sparkling butterflies.

As with all her installations, Ray hopes viewers will connect with the work both visually and experientially. “It’s a healing art, creating pieces and seeing how glass can transform an environment,” she says, adding, “We invite light and inspiration and happiness and joy into people’s lives.” *

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

CARLYN RAY DESIGNS

8510 CHANCELLOR ROW DALLAS, TX 75247 214.741.1442

CARLYNRAYDESIGNS.COM

DESIGN SEMIPRECIOUS MINERALS

GIFTS FROM MOTHER EARTH

Pierre Verona brings modern luxury to homes by crafting semiprecious minerals into functional art

by DANA W. TODD

FROM FASHION DESIGN TO LUXURY HOME DÉCOR DESIGN , Verona Disdier has been bringing exquisite taste and on-point concepts to her clients for more than two decades. She is the owner of Pierre Verona, which crafts semiprecious mineral works of art—vessels, bowls, and other lapidary accessories and furniture—that are coveted by interior designers and homeowners for their statement-making capability in the home.

A friend introduced Disdier to a property in Mexico near one of the country’s biggest volcanoes, whose heat and pressure over the millennia created a unique blend of quartz and onyx buried within the land. For generations, a group of native artisans used this quartz-onyx stone to fuel their artistic creation of lapidary pieces, such as small statues and bowls and holy water fountains. Disdier saw the potential of the unique mineral and gemstone blend to carve larger home décor accessories and even furniture such as dining room tables. She purchased the land and began quarrying 12 colors of this special quartz-onyx along with pockets of fluorite and calcite while simultaneously forging strong relationships with the local artisans who could bring her designs to life. The fluorite found there is unique to this part of Mexico; it grows in squares and pyramids, which Pierre Verona’s quarry extracts in green, purple and rainbow hues.

The dynasty of artistry in this part of Mexico continues to evolve, and Pierre Verona is introducing this modernized tradition of mineral art to U.S. homeowners. “The artisan-fathers who hand-carved lapidary art from huge boulders of quartz-onyx have passed down the tradition to their artisan-sons, who are helping Pierre Verona grow a new category of art for the home,” Disdier says. “I have an emotional connection with the artisans. I dream it and design it, and they are the hands that make it happen! Together, we are creating art from raw stone; it’s a magic that not everyone knows how to do. Pierre Verona is a pioneer in creating home accessories from these natural formations. No one has created such large vessels, bowls and furniture for interior designers throughout the world until now. Quartz-onyx is a rare find, and we would not have been able to access it if not for the movement, explosions, heat and pressure within the Earth’s core associated with volcanic activity that brings it closer to the surface.” Referencing the sleek white onyx coffee table in her living room, she adds: “Onyx is an incredible stone. I feel the fantastic energy every time I come home to enjoy my space.”

Although Pierre Verona’s luxury items have a heritage of artisanship that dates back many generations in Mexico, they also incorporate a modern flair honed through Disdier’s many years as a fashion designer. Regardless, she says the company’s quarrying methods are “not super high-tech” as it removes the best veins of minerals from one to two miles out of the Earth,

and she wants to keep the artisanal heritage intact from past generations. “The goal is not to let the art form die,” she says.

Pierre Verona sells to the trade, but homeowners get a chance to buy directly from the company two times per year at the Round Top Antiques & Design Show or from the 6,000 stores worldwide that carry some pieces of the company’s luxury mineral and gem wares. For designers, she has showrooms in many markets—in the Dallas Design Center; High Point, North Carolina; Atlanta; and Las Vegas. No matter where she takes her products, Disdier says she is on a mission to bring the beauty of minerals to her clients. “Minerals balance energy and are good for the soul. I’m not only selling vessels but providing energy for enjoyment in the home,” she says. *

PIERRE VERONA

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

DESIGN WINDOWS

PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS OF DALLAS–FORT WORTH

The

innovation leader opens your world

by STACEY MARCUS

HETHER YOU ARE BUILDING A NEW HOUSE or thinking about replacing the windows and/or doors in your current home, you want to work with a company that delivers the highest-quality products and impeccable service. “The average person makes a decision about doors and windows only once in their life,”

notes David Moore, vice president of strategy and innovation at Pella Windows & Doors of Dallas–Fort Worth, underscoring the importance of selecting a premier partner.

The Pella brand has been an innovation leader in the window and door industry for almost 100 years and pioneered over 125 patents. Lucky for homeowners and builders in the metroplex, Pella Windows & Doors of Dallas–Fort Worth is not only locally owned and operated but dedicated to providing customized solutions that work for their specific needs.

“We have a very consultative approach,” says Moore. The Pella brand is well-known for providing windows and doors of the highest quality with cutting-edge design. It employs two distinct teams to help trade customers building new homes and remodeling others, or homeowners replacing windows and doors in their homes. “Our primary objective is to find the best solution for each customer,” Moore adds.

The company offers products designed and built to be sound, impact and weather resistant, energy-efficient, and high performing. A plethora of window types are available—sliding, double hung, single hung, bay, custom—and customers have

three options in window selection: wood, fiberglass or vinyl.

Wood windows are an outstanding choice for both design flexibility and energy efficiency. You can add accessories such as grills into frames. They are also great for sound protection, and you can have three panes of glass. There is a great deal of flexibility in selecting screens for wood windows, and cladding can come in virtually any color you can imagine.

Fiberglass windows are strong and durable and offer a contemporary feel. According to the company, its proprietary fiberglass material is the strongest material for windows and patio doors and is engineered for lasting durability. The fiberglass will never rot or corrode and resists dents, bends and breaks; it also withstands extreme temperatures. And with a long-lasting powder-coat finish that resists chipping and fading, there is never a need to paint or refinish.

Vinyl windows are high quality, energy efficient and lowmaintenance. Pella’s 250 Series is made to last with its proprietary fade-resistant vinyl formula. The series offers optional security and privacy features at a great price point that can be the solution for many types of projects.

One of the pillars that differentiates Pella Windows & Doors of Dallas–Fort Worth from other brands is its commitment to quality control and customer service. The company employs its own dedicated sales consultants who are trained in measuring and installing windows and doors. The company also has its own service technicians. “We help people solve problems. We oversee the entire process,” says Moore.

One trend that has amazed Moore is the enormous appetite for black windows. The popular style goes with contemporary architecture and is available in wood or fiberglass.

Working with the Dallas team offers a custom experience. Windows and doors should fit exactly, which is why it is so important to have them professionally installed by experts. Whether the team is working with a builder, homeowner, interior designer or architect, Pella Windows & Doors of Dallas–Fort Worth is always focused on the client.

The company’s showrooms offer clients the opportunity to not only see the products and features but operate the windows and doors. Along with its showroom in Plano, a new showroom in Fort Worth is opening this winter.

Stacey Marcus is a Boston-based freelance lifestyle, luxury and travel writer. Her works have appeared in Art New England, Boston, Boston Common Magazine, Coastal Design Magazine, Charleston Style & Design, Modern Luxury Chicago, Ocean Home Magazine, Playboy.com, RD.com and many others. A lover of big words and little white dogs, Stacey’s biggest joys are found in life’s simple moments.

DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN SHOWROOM

FABULOUS FURNISHINGS

Interior

designer Monica Wilcox makes high-end furniture accessible to budget-conscious customers

by LESLIE J. THOMPSON / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

OME MIGHT ARGUE YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH of a good thing. But when interior designer Monica Wilcox found herself with four storage units full of high-end furnishings, she knew something had to give.

“Being in this business for 27 years, I have so many accounts with so many vendors, and most of them require you order multiples of items to get wholesale pricing,” she explains. Wilcox sometimes planned to incorporate the wares into design concepts for other clients, then would

forget what she had on hand and purchase new products instead. After amassing a bounty of beautiful inventory, opening a retail space only made sense, and she launched Designers Consignment Shop in October 2021.

Located on Preston Road in far north Dallas, the 6000-square-foot showroom features the same high-end furnishings Wilcox acquires for her affluent clients but at more affordable prices to serve a broader clientele. “I had a small boutique in the past,” notes the accomplished designer, whose talents are highly sought after by patrons wanting a modern, luxurious living space or work environment. With her newest venture, Wilcox not only offers retail customers substantial savings on luxury furnishings but also helps her full-service clients resell their furniture or accessories when reinventing their space.

Her design firm, Monica Wilcox Interiors, is based in Allen, but Wilcox was immediately drawn to the stand-alone building in a high-traffic area on Preston Road for the retail store. She signed a five-year lease and renovated the one-time framing shop into an inviting space that inspires creative ideas. “It’s not a traditional consignment shop with a hodgepodge of things. It’s curated in vignettes, like a design showroom, but at half the price,” she

explains. Designers Consignment Shop also only takes furnishings that follow Wilcox’s brand. “We’re not consigning antiques or more traditional furniture, so the store reflects me and my style,” she says.

Although the displays change frequently, Wilcox and her team try to cater vignettes toward the season, as well as what clients are asking for. Dining room sets and stylish seating are in high demand, she says, and Designers Consignment Shop also carries sleek occasional tables, eclectic accessories, artwork, rugs and light fixtures, many still new in the box. “If a client needs to go home to measure, they can pay $50 to hold the merchandise,” notes Wilcox, and the funds convert to store credit if it turns out the item won’t fit their space.

used to traditional consignment shops, but our space looks like

In addition to the varied selection of modern furnishings, Designers Consignment Shop offers budget-friendly interior design services through the DCS Studio, located inside the showroom.

Wilcox personally trained the two interior designers who work at the store full time, so they understand her brand and the types of pieces she would select for high-end customers. They can put together design concepts at a more comfortable price point, using pieces offered on consignment. “We’re happy to collaborate with people who are designing on a budget, because we have so many great options and great deals for them,” Wilcox says, adding that DCS Studio also can order new products. “Customers can get the Monica Wilcox look without having to hire Monica Wilcox with a hefty retainer,” she quips.

The consignment shop is also a boon for other interior designers, who receive an additional 10% trade discount on all purchases. They can even use the design studio for their own client meetings if they order from the store. “We have a big design conference room with a screen and all the fabrics

“They’re

a beautiful furniture store.”

they need to put together a look,” says Wilcox, adding, “We made it really designer friendly.”

Retail customers often are surprised at the quality of furnishings on display, she notes, particularly those who discover the shop unexpectedly while driving through the area. “They’re used to traditional consignment shops, but our space looks like a beautiful furniture store,” Wilcox says. Although the inventory reflects her talent for creating upscale spaces, she credits her team for the consignment shop’s success. “I have a really good manager and a good staff there, and a visual merchandiser whose only job is to design the store. It’s really pretty in there,” states Wilcox, happily. *

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

Store manager Erica Louis

DESIGN ORIENTAL RUGS

FLOOR ARTWORK

A deep passion for rugs is what sets Nomads Loom apart

by ELLEN URIBE / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

NAZARET SIRINOGLU AND HIS SON , SARVEN , are both rug experts—especially when it comes to fine, antique, silk and Oriental varieties. Both owners/ managers at Nomads Loom, the duo represents the third and fourth generations of a familyowned business. With a showroom on Slocum Street in the heart of the city’s Design District, Sirinoglu’s family has been bringing beautiful antique rugs to Big D for more than 50 years.

“Our extensive knowledge allows us to offer services that meet the exact needs of antique Oriental rug owners,” says Sarven Sirinoglu. “Whether they need consulting, appraisal, cleaning, repair or restoration, we will provide our customers with the best antique carpet services, so that they can enjoy their piece of art for many years to come.”

When Nomads Loom began selling in the Dallas area, it was truly breaking new ground. At the time, the company was the first Turkish rug importer in the country. There were two generations of the Sirinoglu family operating the business in Turkey, and now there are two generations in America. “My grandfather is the creator of the business; all the ideas are from him,” Sarven says.

Coming from a long line of Oriental rug traders, Nazaret took his business venture seriously, and from the outset, he seemed destined for success. His father’s teacher, Zareh Usta, was an

Armenian master weaver as well as a rug dealer in Caesarea, Turkey. Nazaret’s father, Haygaz Usta, designed Hereke silk rugs from a very young age, using skills taught to him by Zareh. Father and son worked together for several years until Nazaret moved to Paris and then to New York to complete and finish his studies, while still working with silk rugs on the side.

With a 7,000-square-foot showroom and a 5,000-square-foot warehouse, Nomads Loom boasts about 10,000 fine rugs that comprise antique, modern and vintage Oriental varieties. The company is a distinct favorite among interior designers in Dallas, many of whom come back time and time again on behalf of their clients. “Our bread and butter is the design industry,” Sarven says. “A person with money is going to use a designer, and a lot of our business is through a stable of loyal designers.”

The Sirinoglus see part of their role as educating the public about rugs—and they welcome the opportunity. As a case in point, the company’s website features a section that helps visitors learn how to choose decorative rugs for bedrooms as well as how to calculate the best size rug for the room. With a staff steeped in knowledge, Nomads Loom is equipped to offer the public a rundown of a rug’s history, manufacturing processes, materials, colors and appraisals, so the specialists can provide a fair price, either in the selling or trading process.

Since opening Nomads Loom, there have been many successes and delighted customers who are only too happy to spread the word. During the Reagan administration in the 1980s, Haygaz Usta was approached by the White House about procuring a customdesigned rug for the Green Room. To this day, the rug remains part of the White House’s inventory.

Now his son, Nazaret, and his grandson, Sarven, who is responsible for the buying end of the business, are still bringing a world of curated fine rugs to Dallas and beyond. Sarven travels the globe in search of a vast variety of rugs that will appeal to his clientele. “We look for color and quality—something a little different. I am always searching for something that is beautiful and unique. I often spend hours at a time looking at hundreds of rugs, but it might come down to four or five you think you can sell,” he says.

The Sirinoglus’ deep passion for rugs is what sets Nomads Loom apart from competitors. This passion has given them an eye for choosing only the most outstanding rugs, allowing the company to maintain a unique and exquisite collection. “We are proud to share this passion with our distinguished customers, and we feel privileged that some of our antique carpets have ended up in prestigious places,” says Sarven. “I feel like people understand that you can buy a rug from Home Depot, but

now they are starting to appreciate something you don’t see everywhere. I think rugs will always be in fashion, but at times the business has been very trendy. It’s one of my hopes to educate more people so there will be a real appreciation of rugs in America, in much the same way as there is in Europe.” *

Ellen Uribe is an award-winning journalist and a communications expert. She is a sought-after speaker, participating as a moderator and panelist at numerous industry events, conferences and broadcast outlets. She has contributed to Vanity Fair, Palm Beach Life, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Women’s Wear Daily and Time Magazine

DESIGN RUGS

ARTISTIC VIBE

by DANA W. TODD / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

WALKING INTO AN ART GALLERY IS AN IMMERSIVE experience that inspires creativity. Imagine a shopping experience based on the same concept. That’s the feeling store manager Bryce Smith had in mind when he was given free rein to redesign RenCollection’s to-the-trade showroom in the Dallas Design District.

“We removed all of the dividing walls of what was once a furniture showroom and opened up the space so that it has lots of good energy and light coming in. I was given full responsibility to implement what I saw in my head,” Smith says, referencing the three showrooms of rugs and furniture that stretch over two buildings. Relying on his background in theater set design and retail merchandising, Smith hung showpiece rugs on the walls to give the new spaces an artistic vibe and allow designers and their homeowner clients to easily see the different design styles. Stacks of similar rugs under each hanging display help customers navigate the showroom and know exactly where the type of rug in which they are interested can be found.

The new showroom-turned-gallery is meant to serve as a

catalyst for design ideas, with the rugs displayed to bring that concept into context. As designers walk in the door, they see the first showroom filled with modern, contemporary and transitional rugs. Walking through to the second showroom provides a look at the wide assortment of Turkish and tribal rugs in inventory, including Oushak rugs. “These are perfect for the designer and homeowner looking for a muted, vintage look,” Smith says.

The third showroom displays traditional and antique Persian rugs, which come in a range of jewel tones and complement homes with antique furniture. All furniture and accessories such as mirrors, tapestries and ceramics are showcased in one shoppable space at the front of the store in what Smith refers to as a “treasure hunt.”

“We have organized the showrooms into how people want to shop,” he says. “It is a faster, more enjoyable way to find the perfect rug that matches a particular décor or color scheme. Everything we carry in inventory is available off the floor. The supply chain may be slow these days, but we are not.” RenCollection’s 30 years in the rug business, developing relationships with both domestic and international suppliers,

ensures there is al ways a fresh inventory from the United States, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India. “Because of our deep connections, we can make a phone call and have a requested rug on a plane the same day,” Smith says.

He wants designers to think of RenCollection as their assistant who does all the heavy lifting—literally. “We transport rugs to homes, move furniture and install rugs so clients can try them out and don’t have to attempt to visualize a particular rug in their space. These aren’t add-on services; they are all part of the RenCollection experience,” he says. For designers searching for the perfect fit for their clients, Smith provides online links to inventory pieces or takes photos of rugs to send to designers that meet their color and style specifications. “Our goal is to do it right the first time, a value I learned from my father and one I try to replicate in the showroom,” Smith adds. Designers can source from 6,000 rugs in inventory, from the smallest size at 1 foot by 2 feet to the largest at 19 feet by 36 feet.

Smith focuses on providing exceptional customer service to designers. As part of that service, he helps designers choose the rug that will be the foundation of their design. “We want designers to start with the rug, which is one of the largest

components in a room’s visual experience. You can al ways find fabrics to match the colors in a rug, but it’s terribly difficult to find a rug to match five or six different fabrics,” Smith says. “If the process begins with the rug that a client loves, the possibilities are endless.” *

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

SOUTHWEST ROOTS

Southwest Gallery has brought art to Dallas homes for more than 50 years

by CHRISTIANA LILLY / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

THERE ’ S A LOT TO BE SAID ABOUT SOUTHWEST GALLERY It’s been a staple in the Dallas art world for more than 50 years, it represents more than 100 artists from around the world, and it offers everything from framing and restoration to home design consultations. And looking at the walls of this lauded gallery, it’s clear that it is not a southwestern art gallery. The name is a reference to the region, not the art style, after all.

DALLAS FRISCO FT WORTH LEWISVILLE MCKINNEY OKLAHOMA CITY

“We do the whole cross section, from contemporary to traditional, western, impressionism, antique paintings, Russian paintings—we cover pretty much every style of art,” says Bob Malenfant, the gallery’s president and owner. “People love the diversity when they come in.”

Filled with paintings and sculpture, the business is known for its expansive collection of traditional artwork. That and a knowledgeable staff with an eye for art. The staff—many of whom have worked here for more than 30 years—help customers narrow down selections of artwork, assist with

Igor Samsonov, The Child , oil on canvas, 46" x 37"

finding an ideal place in their home to display it, and then give the buyers a few days to decide if they love it. If not, they will take it back. Southwest Gallery will also trade any of its artwork for a new piece at the rate it was purchased for, no matter how many years later.

Malenfant’s foray into art started as he grew up around the world, moving from country to country for his father’s job with Chrysler. He spent his formative high school years in Paris, where he visited storied institutions like the Louvre and Jeu de Paume. He fell in love with art, studied art history at the University of Michigan and landed a job at Christie’s in London. “Once I started doing that, [art] was in my blood,” he says.

Later, Malenfant had the opportunity to work for another auction house in Dallas, a city he and his wife fell in love with. While the company didn’t last, it was through the liquidation sales that he met the owner of Southwest Gallery. Founded as a framing shop in 1967, it was a full-fledged art gallery by the ’80s, and it was in need of someone with Malenfant’s expertise. He started working there in 1983 and then bought it in 1995. Alongside its full custom framing department, Southwest Gallery also works on restorations and offers design consultations. Six years ago, the business acquired Kittrell/ Riffkind Art Glass.

When asked about longevity and making investments in art, Malenfant has a word of advice: Buy what you love. You can’t go wrong at Southwest Gallery, after all. The gallery represents more than 100 artists from around the world, including the United States, Russia, France, Germany and across Asia. Malenfant selects artists who are not only talented but are consistent in the quality of work they bring to him.

“I remember in the 1980s and early ’90s, people decorated very much to the style of the house. So, if they had a French cottage house, it was French artwork, French furniture,” Malenfant says. “But now everyone is much more eclectic and mixes contemporary with traditional and western. It’s always much more exciting than having you do the same style.”

Its values of customer service and a focus on fine art have made Southwest Gallery a go-to in the art world. And five decades after opening its doors, there’s little confusion about what art you’ll find inside: about 10% southwestern art and 100% quality art. *

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

SOUTHWEST GALLERY

4500 SIGMA ROAD DALLAS, TX 75244 972.960.8935 SWGALLERY.COM

DESIGN WALLCOVERINGS

Debra Ferrari introduces a new line of wallcoverings inspired by Mother Nature

by DANA W. TODD

The Shops on Slocum The Antiques Street of Dallas

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

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

FARZIN RUGS, INC.

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

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

PITTET ARCHITECTURALS

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

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

LE LOUVRE FRENCH ANTIQUES COUNTRY FRENCH INTERIORS

1428 Slocum St. | 214-747-4700 | countryfrenchinteriors.com For over 35 years Country French Interiors has been one of the finest sources of 18th and 19th Century French antiques and decorative accessories directly imported from France.

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Photo by Holger Obenaus

DEBRA FERRARI CREDITS HER MOTHER and an endless number of summer hikes in the national parks in her home state of Ohio for her love of nature. “Almost every weekend during summer breaks, my mother would pack up the station wagon with my sister, brother, me, our dog and any neighborhood kid willing to tag along to go hiking,” she says. It is this love and appreciation for nature that permeates all of her contemporary fine art paintings.

Continuing in the tradition of interpreting nature through her acrylic paintings, Ferrari recently launched a collection of wallcoverings inspired by her fine art. Initially containing 24 designs, Ferrari plans to increase the collection over time. Although each wallcovering design is a magnification of an interesting detail from one of her fine art paintings, they are not simply digitally repetitive patterns but more artistically styled. Ferrari created the wallcoverings for small spaces, such as a powder room, or as an accent on a wall or in an alcove.

“Humans have a deep connection with nature, and we spend the majority of our time indoors. Bringing the feeling of the outdoors in helps us to feel calm, centered and at ease,” she says. “The wallcoverings are created to add interest and design to a space or room. They are available in

ready-to-go rolls, or they can be customized to fit specific room dimensions. Some designs can be replicated on a larger scale and are marked on my website.”

Since all of Ferrari’s fine art and wallcoverings are focused on nature, it is important to her that the new wallcovering collection is printed in the United States on eco-friendly paper. “The wallcovering substrate brings the feeling of a traditional canvas to a space,” she says.

The fine artworks on which the wallcovering collection is based are large-format acrylic paintings with layer upon layer of brushwork and troweling. “I create depth and interest in my paintings by adding multiple layers of paint onto my canvases,” Ferrari says. While all of her collections have a connection to nature, the Adler Collection, which she paints outdoors, is truly inspired by Mother Nature.

Although recent hikes in Zion National Park this year and daily walks on the Katy Trail in Dallas fuel new subject matter, collectors and fans also send Ferrari snapshots of their sunsets and storms from all over the world, which inspire new paintings in her Forces of Nature Collection. These inspirations are integrated into both her fine art paintings and wallcoverings. “My original fine art paintings narrate my love for nature, depicting beautiful spaces and transporting my viewers to places in time and memories of their own experiences in the natural world,” she says.

Zion II , acrylic on canvas, 58" x 93.5";

PHOTO BY HOLGER OBENAUS

The wallcoverings are available through Ferrari’s designer program, which is celebrating 20 years since its creation. “The wallcoverings are available to both the public and trade in my showroom and online. I have worked with interior designers for over 20 years and made many new friends that way,” Ferrari says. “The wallcoverings actually were inspired by an interior designer friend, Lisa Hendrickson, who planted the seed of the idea in my head to create artful wallcoverings. Through the program, I give designers first access to new designs as well as special pricing. My goal is to make it a turnkey process for designers, making it easy for them to present and provide art to their clients.”

Custom wallcoverings are ready in just three weeks from order to installation. For designers and homeowners who would like to see the full wallcovering collection in person, Ferrari showcases samples in her gallery, Ferrari Gallery, located in the Dallas Design District and online. *

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

Beaker , palette knife oil on canvas, 12" x 16"

PALETTE DELIGHTS

A palette knife brings dimension and drama to Brenda Orcutt’s oil paintings

by DANA W. TODD

LL BRENDA ORCUTT NEEDS IS A BLANK CANVAS , a palette knife, her oil paints, a quiet space outdoors or a vase of fresh flowers, and a stretch of uninterrupted time to make her as happy as a clam at high tide. These ingredients comprise the perfect recipe for a productive, enjoyable day painting one of her many floral still lifes or Carolina landscapes.

Photo by Nathan Whitney

Photo by Nathan Whitney

Her technique of painting with a palette knife instead of a brush defines her work. “Like a lot of artists, I have classical training with oil paints,” says Orcutt, “but when I was introduced to the palette knife, it allowed me to loosen up and be more expressive in my artwork. Prior to my 2008 introduction to the palette knife, using small brushes and paying too much attention to detail took some of the fun out of painting. The palette knife adds joy back to the process. It is an unusual technique with popular results.”

Because of its difficulty to master, not as many artists choose to paint with a palette knife. Orcutt enjoys the “alla prima” or wet-on-wet style of applying multiple layers of paint without allowing time for the paint to dry between applications, a method that lends itself well to her loose, relaxed style of impressionistic painting. “I start with thinner layers and add the jewelry highlights on top, which ends up being a thick, multidimensional painting,” she says.

Orcutt has no limit of subject material in the Lowcountry. “We are blessed in this area of the country with beautiful terrain and a subtropical climate,” she says, while admitting that painting the tiny leaves of live oaks is an impossible feat so she suggests foliage with rhythmic strokes of the palette knife. In addition to wetlands habitats, she paints forest landscapes reminiscent of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, an area she also knows well. She met her husband years ago when they both attended Appalachian State University, where she earned a biology undergraduate degree, concentrating on naturalist studies. It is this biology background that informs most of her paintings’ subject matter today.

It is also her concern for environmentalism that spurs her to give back through natural conservancy groups, including the Coastal Conservation League and the South Carolina Aquarium. She enjoys that the local aquarium focuses on indigenous ecosystems and creatures, including extensive work with sea

Porte Rouge , palette knife oil on canvas, 16" x 20"

turtles, so she paints special pieces for the organization to auction off with proceeds benefiting the aquarium. For example, her Alabaster painting of the aquarium’s albino alligator was produced specifically for this type of auction project. The aquarium also inspires other works, including the Harbor series, with its views of the aquarium looking across the harbor.

Orcutt wants all of her paintings to speak to viewers with her message of environmental literacy. “I use my artwork to offer glimpses of the rapid changes in our climate, affecting seasons, crops, migratory patterns of birds and Lowcountry flooding issues. I’m offering information that I hope leads to a conversation,” she says.

Orcutt enjoys working with repeat collectors and paints many commissioned pieces, especially for the holiday season. Even though she paints full time, she is always experimenting with new ways to take her work in uncharted directions. Most of her current paintings are small to medium format. After all, working with the palette knife is a process that demands the entire piece be painted in one sitting. She plans to expand her repertoire in the coming months to larger canvases since she is getting requests for those sizes. She has no plans to change her palette knife technique, as it is unique and very well suited to oil painting where the drying process is slower.

Still on her easel when we talked is a contemporary, loose floral arrangement with bold red blooms using loose knife strokes, a signature characteristic of her paintings. Her palette knife creates thick layers painted to show spontaneity and movement. “I’ve always loved the drama of thickly applied paint and the sculptural quality and purity of the colors,” she says. *

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

ROOM FOR GROWTH

Already known for impeccable craftsmanship, Woodbine Interiors has more to share

by CHRISTIANA LILLY / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

UST THREE YEARS AFTER OPENING THE DOORS TO WOODBINE INTERIORS , the family-run business has expanded to include more local talent. New to the store are artists Leah Mazur and Blue Dragon Fine Art, and interior designers Jennifer Colby and Jackson Street Design. Now, visitors to Woodbine Interiors can not only admire the work produced and sourced by owner Michael Smith but also purchase pieces by other artists and get guidance from designers.

Here’s our fantastic group of volunteers and design professionals together at the ASID National Conference Gather2022 in Miami, Florida, dressed and ready to attend the En Blanc party at Nikki Beach.

Corey Allen Davey, ASID, RID

ASID National CST for Zone 8 FY22-23

Nichelle Hosley, Allied ASID ASID Texas Chapter Membership Director FY22-23

Annette K. Mallard, ASID, RID ASID Texas Chapter President FY21-22

Kathryn Nelson, Allied ASID ASID Texas Chapter President FY22-23

“We support local artists, and so all of our wall space is covered with art,” says Chadd Smith, who owns the business with his son Michael. “We couldn’t take anymore pieces in on consignment, so that’s when we thought we needed to build some rooms within the showroom so that we’ll have more walls to hang art. And then we thought, wouldn’t it be cool to have the artists have their own little gallery within Woodbine?”

New to the Dallas scene is Blue Dragon Fine Art. Opened in 2020 by Logan Renfrow, the gallery represents nine artists spanning a variety of genres. The goal, Renfrow says, is to elevate artists no matter where they are in their careers. On the walls of Mazur’s space is a series of nude women that explores trauma, mental health and identity over unstretched canvas. The painted bodies are cut off, and when framed, more of their figure is removed. “[It] requires the viewer to make a choice: to see the figure whole, as is, or to further reduce it for a more traditionally aesthetic presentation,” the artist says.

For design needs, Jackson Street Design is known for its California-chic home décor. The team, under the leadership of owner Andie Jackson, works to help clients tap into their style and bring it to life in their homes and offices. Jennifer Colby, the principal designer at Colby Interior Designs, has more than 30 years of experience and has been recognized for her portfolio of work, spanning from small makeovers to major renovations.

Woodbine Interiors, named for a quote from the 1939 movie On Borrowed Time, began with the talents of Michael, who builds custom furniture, reimagines vintage pieces and uses his expert restoration knowledge on others. He’s known for his knowledge of “the forgotten arts” in furniture making, including French polish and water gilding. With these skills, he’s able to take a 19th-century Spanish urn, a Broyhill credenza or an 18thcentury Lombardy commode and bring it back to life.

As Woodbine Interiors grew and expanded its reach, meeting others in the industry, the Smiths decided to bring in other people to provide a one-stop shop for their customers. Whether a visitor is looking for an experienced woodsmith to take a look

“We support local artists, and so all of our wall space is covered with art.”

at a piece purchased from a vintage market, wants to purchase art from a local artist or needs an expert to lead them through a home renovation, they can do it all at Woodbine.

Oh, and browse the shop’s new collection of home accessories, such as lamps, vases, home décor and candles.

“We’ve done really well since we’ve opened,” Chadd Smith says. “We just wanted to partner with other people so that we had a more secure future and to keep Woodbine flourishing and supporting everyone and all.” *

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

Logan Renfrow

AS far afield as clinical psychology may be from painting, Carolina native Brenda Orcutt has done both, exploring all the avenues of the mind, from the emotional to the logical to the creative. And creativity is where she shines brightest, having launched a career as a professional artist 25 years ago with hand-painted glassware for high-end local retailers before becoming a fine art painter of oils on canvas. Twelve years after establishing Orcutt Fine Art, she seems to have found her niche, painting landscapes and florals using high-quality oil paints straight from the tube. “I’m wary about using thinners or mediums,” she says. “I feel confident my work will last for generations.” Her subjects range from cloudscapes to waterways, from gardens in bloom to painting from a floral setup in her home studio in the Old Windermere area of West Ashley, not far from Avondale.

Orcutt comes by her talent naturally, having been raised by a mother who was into various types of crafts, including ceramic painting, decoupage and knitting. “I had such fun going to workshops with her to learn something new,” says Orcutt, whose father went to art school on the G.I. Bill. “It must have been in my blood, and the passion to create kept tugging at me throughout my adulthood. I honed my painting skills and began to realize, as sales increased, that collectors had a keen eye for my unique style.”

ORCUTT FINE ART

ORCUTT FINE ART

That “unique style” was created through time and, of course, trial and error. “I trained in oil painting with the familiar classical approach of using bristle brushes,” Orcutt explains. “At one point, I could see a shift in my style with bolder color, heavier paint and more use of the palette knife. By 2010, I realized I could create an entire painting using just the knife, which is a challenging skill to master. I’ve found the technique allows me to apply rich, bright colors in ways that accurately describe my subject but also express the free-spirited joy I feel when I’m ‘in the zone’ of creativity.”

Orcutt is a longtime member of Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society and American Women Artists, as well as the Charleston Artist Guild. Her work is represented by the Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan’s Island as well as Dare Gallery in Charleston. Her paintings can also be found online at her website.

JIMMY RICH ART COLLECTION

WHEN it comes to Phillip Muldrow’s art, there’s nothing typical. From the acrylics to the photography that he manipulates to suit his unique artistic vision, each is an explosion of color that leaves the mind reeling at the imagery. So bold is it in style that it captures attention, holding on and never letting go. “My life—and life in general—inspires me, and my thoughts and feelings drive me to create, surrounding my emotions with light and color,” says Muldrow.

A largely self-taught artist who realized that he had a love for the creative and the ability to take him far, Muldrow holds a background in painting, graphic design, graphic arts and digital art.

Utilizing his obvious natural talent and combining it with proficiency in Photoshop, Muldrow creates works in digital art, acrylic painting, mixed media and photography—all of which bear his particular brand of magic. “Within the last three years, I have been working on producing acrylic on acrylic pieces with the highest HD quality because clarity is extremely important to me, and I love color,” says Muldrow. “I believe that color makes people happy.” Mudrow creates a new series of eight works annually to be introduced on New Year’s Day; he released the Royal Collection in 2022. His work is available on his website, the Jimmy Rich Art Collection.

JIMMY RICH ART COLLECTION 469.777.2783 JIMMYRICH.ART

DAVID GAPPA SIGNATURE FINE ART GLASS

GAPPA Fine Art Glass specializes in working with homeowners, business owners and interior designers to create one-of-a-kind commission pieces for private residences and commercial properties. Combining architectural training with innovative artistry, founder David Gappa is a master at transforming glass into fine art sculptures, chandeliers, tabletops, pendant lights, decanters, wall sconces and displays. “I have found that the passion of my life is working with the shifting energies of molten glass into its final stages of artistic completion. Glassblowing, for me, is a magical act of translating the ethereal into solid form. The creation of each piece is a journey, as I strive to trust in the path that the glass chooses for me,” says Gappa.

Employing a turnkey process— concept, design, installation— each commission is original and customized for the client and the space. His pieces of art glass can be found and purchased at Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery in Grapevine, Texas. Gappa Fine Art Glass brings the ancient art of glassblowing to life with a modern twist.

ARTS

SOUTHWEST GALLERY

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

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

Also housed in the gallery is Kittrell Riffkind Art Glass Gallery, which offers an array of sculpture, platters, wall art and many other treasures, large and small. The ever-changing selection of outstanding and innovative work is created by more than 300 contemporary glass artists.

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

R GRODEN GALLERY

A LOVER and collector of fine art and beautiful objects, Jill Sertsoz’s passionate advocacy for the talents of gifted artists served as the impetus for establishing the R Groden Gallery in October 2021. Strictly dedicating the space to the works of artist Randy Groden, Sertsoz has created a gallery whose mission is to provide designers and collectors with a carefully curated selection of stunning abstract, hyperrealistic and figural paintings.

A well-established artist with deep roots in Dallas, Groden lived and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, returning home to create his finest works, primarily in oils and watercolors as well as mixedmedia pieces.

“The pieces offered represent the intersection of modern subjects executed using the timehonored techniques of the Old Masters, resulting in exquisitely rendered works of art with a modern and fresh eye,” Sertsoz says. “We have a fantastic studio on-site, which is integral to our mission of being an immersive experience for our visitors and nurturing our community. Currently, the gallery offers murals and special commissions. As the gallery progresses, we will seek out and represent emerging artists of exceptional skill, representing a diverse cross section of talent.”

PATRICK JONES GALLERY

FROM Banksy and Damien Hirst to Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol, the Patrick Jones Gallery has made a name for itself as a premier source for contemporary and modern art in the Dallas area. Open since June of 2021, the gallery’s owners, Patrick Jones and Reyne Hirsch, offer a variety of works by artists from around the world working in unique mediums, including fine prints for beginning collectors and commercial designers to one-ofa-kind museum-quality sculpture.

Boasting years of experience in the art world as private collectors, advisors and gallery owners, Jones and Hirsch have taken their years of collecting and created a gallery filled with many of the artists whose careers they have followed for years. “Our gallery offers works purchased privately as well as works by living artists we represent,” says Hirsch. “We host single artist and group shows every two months, which gives our artists a higher degree of visibility and greater exposure.”

With the type of work featured in the gallery, there’s a funkiness to the atmosphere, an appreciation for the unconventional. And while there might be something tongue-incheek about many of the pieces, there’s a reverence for the artistic integrity of the work that makes the gallery what it is.

KITTRELL/RIFFKIND ART GLASS

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

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

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

HOMES INTERIOR DESIGN

MODERN MOUNTAIN

Stephanie Kratz creates an organic haven with a clean, contemporary vibe

by ROBIN HOWARD photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

The built-in desk and shelving in the study are painted SherwinWilliams “Greenblack.” Kratz left the gumwood backing natural for warm contrast.

previous: Two kitchen islands provide space for casual meals and work space with dual prep sinks. The seating island is made of Neolith stone that matches the fireplace.

NESTLED INTO A WOODED LOT NEAR CELINA, TEXAS, this new-construction home is designed to embrace nature, family and life’s simple joys. Interior designer Stephanie Kratz is well known for having an endless supply of ideas, which came in handy when COVIDrelated supply change challenges required some problem-solving. Through a very thoughtful process, Kratz and her clients selected finishes and fine-tuned the home’s functionality to create a modern sanctuary that is warm and inviting instead of stark or cold.

At 6,500 square feet, this single-story home has three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a work studio, an exercise room and a media room. Coming from more traditional architecture, the clients asked Kratz to help them create a Modern Mountain aesthetic based on a home they liked in Denver. They wanted age-in-place features that would allow them to stay in their home in the future, a highly functional kitchen designed for someone who loves to cook, and guest rooms tailored for their regular visitors.

Regarding color palette and materials, the couple had a specific request. “My clients love autumn, so they wanted the colors of fall and for everything to feel natural and organic,” Kratz says. “They especially love warm oranges and rusts, so we repeated those throughout the house.” The designer painted the doors black and trim white throughout the home to enhance the modern aesthetic and expansive feel.

Besides her ability to adapt on the fly, another thing that sets Kratz apart as a designer is her 11,000-square-foot design studio. With more than 20 different upholstery lines and direct connections to manufacturers, Kratz and her clients don’t have to drive all over town from one specialty store to another to choose fixtures and furnishings. Instead, she can work with her clients in one place with one-stop browsing. “I have everything at my fingertips here,” Kratz says. “Having a design studio helps us target our clients’ investments; it’s a very efficient process, and nobody has to waste time running around. Plus, there’s nothing worse than having too many options. My job is to home in on what my clients want, then present options.”

The wine bar provides storage for glassware in top cabinets and bottle storage on the bottom. A black-and-white hexagonal tile backsplash adds visual energy.

right: In the entry, French oak flooring creates a beautiful and durable welcome to the home. The matching tongue-and-groove ceiling helps define the space.

A bright breakfast room off the kitchen has a custom built-in buffet and display shelves that frame a wide window overlooking the backyard.

Though the homeowners had a relatively clear picture of what they wanted, Kratz says many of her clients come to her with a limited view of what’s possible. Having only been exposed to their friends’ houses, magazines or home décor websites, they’re excited to consider new ideas that take their vision to a new level. The designer is prolifically creative, with so many ideas that she never gets stuck in a rut or creates the same house twice. “My clients had a lot of really great ideas, so it was a collaboration,” Kratz says of this project. “They brought ideas, and we would explore or expand on them. It was a very thoughtful process.”

At 6,500 square feet, this single-story home has three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a work studio, an exercise room and a media room.

The exterior of this home features wood, stone and exposed metal beams and is reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright design blended with Denver Mountain elements. Entering through the massive, custom metal pivot door feels special, like you’re transitioning to a safe haven. In the foyer, 100% French white oak flooring is an example of one of the subtle, elegant touches that make this home extraordinary. French oak is a timeless classic, and Kratz and her clients wanted to be selective about the wood so they worked with a Chicago company that allowed them to choose the batch of wood that would be custom made for them for sizing, finish and color for the flooring. Overhead, a tongue-and-groove ceiling helps define the space, while a copper-tone light fixture adds welcoming warmth and sparkle.

To the left of the entry, innovative sliding glass pocket doors lead to an expansive study with a built-in desk and shelving painted Sherwin-Williams “Greenblack.” Kratz left the gumwood shelf backing natural, exposing the beautiful wavy grain and warm contrast. Above, the wood detailing on the ceiling is a fresh take on a traditional coffered ceiling, making the room feel cozy and sophisticated at the same time. The next doorway down the hall leads to the guest bedrooms, laundry and powder room. Customized for a frequent visitor, one of the guest bedrooms is a smaller version of the primary bedroom. This comfortable room is soothing and restful with a wood tile feature wall, soft LED lighting and a serene pool view. Like all the bathrooms in the house, the

In this home, age-in-place features include anti-slip Porcelanosa tile floors, a wide glass shower door and a curbless wet room.

right: Kratz kept her client’s bedroom serene and organic with a neutral color palette grounded by black furnishings and accessories.

In the primary bath, a repurposed light fixture from the client’s former home brings drama and elegance to this luxurious room.

attached guest bath has age-in-place features, such as wide doors and a curbless shower.

This hallway also leads to secondary access to the laundry room in the client’s bedroom suite and a jewel box powder room with a floating vanity made of iridescent blue pearl granite. Overhead is a show-stopping black chain light fixture.

Back in the entry, we can see through the large picture windows in the open living room to the verdant backyard and pool. Floorto-ceiling slabs of Neolith stone surround the fireplace in the living room. A relatively new material, Neolith is an architectural surface made by firing raw minerals at high temperatures. The result is a low-maintenance, sustainable, sintered stone with virtually zero porosity.

In one of many examples of how Kratz and her clients carefully designed the home to fit the details of how the clients live, a custom, built-in bookcase in the living room rolls out to reveal a hidden closet where the homeowner stores her fully decorated Christmas tree out of season. Overhead, pine beams stained to match other wood elements in the home provide an earthy visual anchor for the light color palette.

In this house, the open kitchen may very well be the star of the show. The homeowner loves to cook, so having equipment storage and a generous, organized pantry was essential. There are two islands: one with a waterfall Neolith stone that matches the fireplace that’s devoted to comfortable seating for casual meals, and a second with two prep sinks designed to be dedicated work space. On the kitchen’s wall of cabinets, two reflective black glass doors retract into a cabinet to reveal a coffee bar, storage cubbies and a built-in microwave.

The wall of cabinets also conceals double refrigerators with double-stacked freezer drawers next to double ovens. As another example of the great attention paid to functionality, the client inventoried and measured her kitchen equipment, so when the cabinets were designed, drawer depths could be custom made to accommodate everything she has. The spacious pantry, as large as the study, is a true work of art and a chef’s dream. Here, floorto-ceiling shelving and sliding drawers allow the homeowner to organize her staples, so everything is within easy reach. Though this room is hardworking, it’s far from utilitarian. Kratz combined natural wood elements with floor-to-ceiling white shelving to create a pleasing, warm contrast.

Back in the kitchen, the dining area sits in front of an extensive built-in buffet and to the side of large picture windows that provide views of the lovely outdoor living area. Just outside the kitchen, Kratz installed a wine bar with storage for glassware on the top and bottles on the bottom. Facing the wine bar is a custom drop zone to catch jackets, keys and bags when the homeowners come in through the garage.

Behind the kitchen are a media room and a workout room with massive windows overlooking the wooded view. “We had some fun in here,” Kratz says. “We chose carpet with an energizing pattern and a bit of lime green. Then we pulled out the green and used it for pendants in the bathroom just off the room.”

Down the hall off the living room, the client’s bedroom is a

The home’s exterior features organic materials, such as wood, stone and exposed metal beams, bringing to mind Frank Lloyd Wright designs with a mountain aesthetic.

comfortable oasis with a fireplace and lighted, artful built-ins designed to display their collections and travel treasures. The attached bathroom manages to be both opulent and soothing at the same time, a quality that would give any luxury hotel a run for its money. Kratz continued the light color palette with dark wood tones and added floating vanities, a makeup vanity, framed mirrors and a grand, sparkling light fixture repurposed from the client’s former home. Age-in-place features include anti-slip Porcelanosa tile floors and an extra-wide glass door leading to a curbless wet room. In the wet room, two shower heads are placed at the perfect height for each homeowner. Above, natural light flows in through a high rectangular window.

This luxurious suite includes an expansive walk-in closet with custom shelving and a center island that’s handy for folding and packing. Outside the closet is a built-in linen closet with flat wood doors and drawers in the same warm wood tone carried throughout the house.

For convenience, the bathroom transitions to the laundry room. “This room has the best views in the house, and it was important to my client that it was fun and functional,” Kratz says. She designed large floor-to-ceiling cabinets with outlets to keep household and craft supplies, laundry and vacuums organized. Painted in a twotone finish, the three cabinets have a combination of sliding doors, hanging space and storage for rechargeable cleaning equipment.

Though this is a one-level house, there is an upstairs studio the client uses for work. The clients don’t need it now, but they added an elevator shaft during construction, so an elevator can easily be installed if required.

Outdoors, where the clients spend most of their time, Kratz designed a comfortable living space to be used as a main living area. Because it can be completely enclosed, they can enjoy the space in any weather. With a fireplace, television, hot tub, grilling station, and seating for dining and relaxing, this area dramatically extends the home’s living and entertaining space. Beyond the covered patio is a pool and cabana with a bathroom and storage space.

Though the trio had to get extra creative at times due to supply chain surprises, all were happy with the result. “They’re great people, and we got to be like family,” Kratz says. “What makes me happy is they love the house; they rarely need to leave it because they are really living in their home.” * Robin Howard is a full-time freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.

BUILDING A HOME

John Houston Homes brings modern family designs to two new South Dallas developments

by ROBIN HOWARD photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

In the Athens model and all other floor plans, homeowners can customize their cabinets, tile, countertops, hood and more in the builder’s spacious kitchens. A large island is the perfect spot for casual meals.

previous spread: John Houston Home’s Athens model in Brandi Ridge is a one-level, contemporary farmhousestyle home with four bedrooms, three baths, a study and a game room.

JUST 25 MILES FROM DALLAS , MIDLOTHIAN is a rapidly growing, not-so-well-kept secret. With an innovative and successful school district, traditions such as seasonal festivals and parades, a thriving downtown area, an arts festival, and a community that strives to bring people together, this small city has become a haven for busy families. That sense of community is one of the reasons John Houston Homes chose to develop land and build homes here and in nearby Mansfield.

There are six model homes completed or under construction in Midlothian and Mansfield, and the two we’re going to visit today are examples of how the builder has floor plans and customizations to suit every taste. Providing choices is something the company is proud of, and it’s an element that’s hardwired into its background. The company began as a custom homebuilder in 2005, only completing a handful of highly individualized homes per year. As it grew, it realized it could scale up and scale out its expertise to serve more families.

Today, John Houston Homes is recognized as one of the Top 100 Builders in the nation by Builder’s annual Builder 100 and builds between 600 to 700 dwellings annually. “We took the custom home experience and expanded it so we could provide quality homes to more people,” says Chelsi Frazier, the company’s marketing manager. “We always say we’re not in the real estate business; we’re in the people business. Building lifelong relationships is what makes us stand out. All builders use the same materials to construct a house, but how we use them to build a home is what sets us apart.”

In the Midlothian communities, there are more than 30 floor plans to choose from, and each has up to six different elevations and nearly infinite permutations for interior configurations and options. These homes are designed for the way we live now, with options for game and media rooms, flex spaces, home offices, studies, luxury bedroom suites and three-car garages.

The living room in the Providence model features soaring ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace surrounded by dramatic, vertically stacked tiles that extend from floor to ceiling.

The

Athens model’s living room features contrasting wood beams on the ceiling, a floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace and built-in bookcases.

The first home we’ll see is the Athens model in Midlothian’s Brandi Ridge community. This is a single-story, contemporary farmhouse-style home with four bedrooms, three baths, a study, a game room and powder room, and flex space. The builder’s homes come with high-end finishes such as 8-foot interior doors, 5.25-inch baseboards, 2-centimeter countertops in bathrooms and 3-centimeter island counters in kitchens.

While these models are just two of the 30 floor plans John Houston Homes offers, all are thoughtfully designed for real families.

As we enter, you’ll first notice the beautiful flooring. “When it comes to flooring, we’re hearing from buyers that they want it all,” Frazier says. “They want it to be beautiful, but it also has to be livable for kids, pets and busy families that are in and out all day—or staying in the house for work and school. From engineered wood, wood-look tile or luxury vinyl plank, our flooring options look great but are resistant to wear and tear, and they come in a wide range of contemporary colors.”

Immediately to the right of the entry is a bright, spacious room with French doors ideal for a home office or study. From the foyer, the open-concept plan unfolds into a spacious living room with a fireplace, built-in bookcases and exposed beams. One of the customization choices in this home is the fireplace and mantel; while the model home features stacked stone with a floating mantel and raised hearth, there are many other options.

In the kitchen, cabinets, backsplash tile, countertops and lighting are among the many elements that can be configured to fit your taste. Countertop options include quartz, granite and marble in a wide range of finishes. One thoughtful option is a top row of lighted display cabinets that convert the formerly awkward space between cabinets and ceiling into a design feature. “The top cabinets add more storage, but they can also be used to display heirloom pieces or large serving ware,” Frazier says. Other thoughtful touches include a pullout trash can, convenient pot and pan drawers under the cooktop, and undercabinet lighting.

The bathroom in the Athens model has a floating soaker tub, walkthrough shower and the option for two walk-in closets.

right: In the Athens model, the primary bedroom has exposed beams and wide windows that overlook the yard.

New homes have a dishwasher, built-in microwave and a 36-inch electric cooktop. This home has a painted shiplapstyle hood over the cooktop, but this is another element that can be customized. Here, an undermount sink puts the focus on the countertop, but you can choose from other sink options, including farmhouse style. Some floorplans even have walk-in pantries and the opportunity for a gas cooktop. While the kitchen island is perfect for breakfast or casual meals, there is a generous dining area to the right. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and a flood of natural light give this space a touch of cozy elegance.

Off the kitchen, the luxurious primary bedroom also has exposed beams and expansive windows overlooking the backyard. The stunning primary bathroom features generous double vanities, a floating soaker tub, and an innovative and practical walk-through shower with dual showerheads. If you’re not already in love with this design, wait until you see the massive walk-in closet with a pass-through to a laundry room and the optional second walk-in closet.

Back in the living room, to the right of the fireplace, a doorway leads to a bedroom suite and a flex space that can be used as another bedroom, office or game room. To the left of the fireplace, another doorway leads to two bedrooms that share a Jack-and-Jill bath.

Ready to see the next model? Just down the road in Mansfield, we’re at the Providence model (also available to build in Midlothian), a two-story home clad in brick and sawcut Austin stone. To the right of the foyer is a large flex room perfect for a home office or study. To the left are a compact mudroom with a drop zone and a secondary door to the laundry room.

From the foyer, we enter a living room with soaring ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace surrounded by dramatic, vertically stacked tiles that extend from floor to ceiling. Because it’s such a focal point, Frazier says a fireplace is a great place for homeowners to customize to suit their tastes.

In the kitchen, the spacious island is customizable; you can add posts so it looks more like furniture, a wood wrap, or even paint or stain it a different color than the perimeter cabinets. “You can really make your island a focal piece since you can see it from all angles,” Frazier says. The hood over the cooktop is also customizable, as are the cabinets (which are custom finished on-site) and countertops. The builder partners with Texas Counter Fitters, and depending on the level of countertops you choose, you may even be able to pick your slabs from their warehouse.

To the left of the kitchen is a breakfast nook that’s spacious enough to hold a large dining table. “We don’t really see formal dining anymore, but this space has room for a sixperson table with plenty of room to walk around it,” Frazier says. “Even though we’re all really busy, people still want to sit down as a family.”

Down the hall off the living room, the generous primary bedroom has space for a king bed, large bay windows that admit plenty of natural light and a beautiful tray ceiling. The

The Providence model is a two-story floor plan with customization options including a wide range of choices for the kitchen island style. To the left, a large, open dining area can accommodate a family-size table.

In the Providence model, the primary bedroom has room for a king bed, large bay windows overlooking the backyard and an optional tray ceiling.

en suite bathroom features dual vanities, an inset makeup counter, thick 3-centimeter countertops, a walk-in shower with 12-by-24-inch river marble, a separate water closet and a luxurious soaker tub.

The walk-in closet has a wealth of high-end touches, such as built-in drawers and shoe shelves, but the real scene-stealer in this bedroom suite is an embedded laundry room with secondary access from the mudroom. “This is a room where you can have some fun,” Frazier says. “You can add utility cabinets or open shelving above the washer and dryer and choose your tile. This is a great place to add a pop of color or pattern with your flooring in a smaller space.” Just outside the laundry room is a lovely and functional built-in linen closet.

Across the living room from the primary bedroom is a second bedroom with an attached bath that’s large enough to be a mother-in-law suite on the first floor. “You don’t have to have a huge lot to have all the space you need,” Frazier says. “You can still have an office, or a place for guests or media room without sacrificing square footage from the family bedrooms.”

A wood handrail accents the curving stairs with square metal balustrades, another element where homeowners have choices. Upstairs, two bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. An open walkway is a dramatic connection to a large, open game or media room and a fifth bedroom and bathroom. If you don’t want a television in your downstairs living room, this configuration makes a cozy nest for casual family activities and movies.

Outside, both homes have covered front porches, covered patios with options to extend and front gutters. While these models are just two of the 30 floor plans John Houston Homes offers, all are thoughtfully designed for real families. “Being able to fine-tune floor plans to the way people live contributes to our success,” Frazier says. “John Houston Homes is in 40 communities in four major markets in southern Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco and Temple. Even though we migrated away from being a custom builder, we’ve never lost sight of the relationship part of the business. With growth, we held onto the quality of the home and the communication between the building team and the homeowner. We’re not a custom homebuilder, but our homes feel custom because our clients can choose what their houses look like through our 6,000-plus-square foot Design Studio and numerous structural options.” *

HOMES INTERIOR DESIGN

DREAM MAKER

by JEANNE DE LATHOUDER / photography by HOLGER OBENAUS

Passionate about creating spaces rich in personal style, Terri Becker specializes in making dream homes a reality

TERRI BECKER IS A CREATOR OF INTOXICATING SPACES —a selfprofessed artist in constant pursuit of beautiful design. She is a specialist in both residential and commercial remodels who thrives on challenge, innovation and out-of-the-box creativity. A celebrated Dallas designer, Becker is also an ambitious self-starter whose inspiration to set out on her own began with a pink slip from a former employer that was downsizing. Undiscouraged, she charged forward full steam, energized to pursue what she loves. Launching Terri Becker Designs just four years ago, she has since received numerous accolades for her exceptional work, including two Dallas Ovation Awards, First Place for Outdoor Living in Celebrating Texas Design, Best of Houzz for 2019–2022, and several publication features. She also was voted Best Interior Design Firm by Dallas Morning News People’s Choice Awards.

Today, Becker’s impeccable reputation has put her in high demand and in the driver’s seat for doing what she does best—making clients’ dreams a reality by walking them through every step of the design and remodeling process. Her most recent undertaking, and one she affectionately named “The Savannah Project” for its location in the colorful, far north suburb of Dallas, demonstrates her deft transformation skills. The homeowners, a fun and vibrant family with two teen children, came to Becker through mutual friends to remodel and design their home. After all was said and done, their 3,200-square-foot project turned into a total gut job and full home remodel. Becker’s design philosophy? Going through a complete home remodel is a major undertaking that’s always worth it in the end. She firmly believes it is an instant return on your investment and some of the best money you can spend, especially in today’s economy.

Building on an alluring blue and white palette, designer Terri Becker created fluid continuity throughout this Dallas home. In the dining room, black accents anchor a vibrant abstract painting and a dazzling, multicolored area rug.

previous spread: To create dramatic contrast in the kitchen, Becker urged her clients to go with a mix of navy blue and white cabinetry. A waterfall island clad in white quartz amplifies the sleek contemporary style.

Luxury vinyl flooring, a newly tiled fireplace surround and a custom area rug from RenCollection take the living room from bland to beautiful. Becker added her signature black accents to give the room a modern edge.

“This house had a major glow up,” says the designer with a laugh. “My skilled tradesmen brought my design to life. We renovated the entire home and transformed it from a bland builder-grade into a sleek, contemporary space the homeowners are looking forward to living in for many years to come.”

From the project’s outset, Becker helped the clients take their home to a new era. They moved into the house 17 years ago and had entertained the idea of moving but felt they had missed the bubble for selling. So instead, they decided to make the house truly what they love. Becker inspired them to change every surface down to the paint, cabinets, doors, lighting and stairs. They refreshed everything—not a simple feat when dealing with a large home. The designer admits it was a war zone for a bit, but her clients could not be happier with the outcome.

“I love doing full home remodels—it gives you a magic wand to redo the entire home, the whole vibe of the space,” she says. “And, boy, did we ever. They are so proud of it all and made the push to finish the final steps to move back in and make it their dream space.”

Becker inspired them to change every surface down to the paint, cabinets, doors, lighting and stairs.

Going into the project from the beginning, Becker embraced that her clients had a clear idea of what they wanted.

Professionally, she uses this as her foundation—a building block that makes directing the project more fluent. However, the designer also relishes the proud moments she often has in client relationships when they trust her enough to edge them into a design feature or solution they wouldn’t have thought of themselves. A case in point? When her client initially wanted to go with all-white cabinets in the kitchen, she urged her to think of two-toned cabinets—white uppers and navy blue lowers with a waterfall quartz island to amp up the style of the room.

“I always urge clients to go for a bold impact in each space,” says Becker. “Giving contrast with color engages the eye and makes it more aesthetically pleasing. From there, you can layer texture to create a room that has dimension and impact. I love that the spaces flow with the cool and artistic vibe of the entire house.”

To ensure each room had unique characteristics yet echoed the house’s overall style, Becker selected unifying blues and whites throughout all the spaces. Her primary goal was to

left: Black furnishings and modern artwork bring a touch of contemporary elegance to the primary bedroom. The area rug’s bold, graphic pattern creates visual interest and complements the smaller prints on the drapery and pillow fabrics.

top: Celebrated Dallas designer Terri Becker has always believed in the fearless use of color to engage the eye and generate aesthetically pleasing spaces. “Pushing clients creatively is my sweet spot,” she says.

create a tailored, fun and vibrant style using the striking blue and white color palette and anchoring the rooms with black finishes. In addition, she added high-end luxury vinyl flooring and plush new carpet in some areas to ground the home. She also replaced an outdated bolster-style staircase with new stair risers and a sleek black metal railing to achieve a contemporary, cleanlined aesthetic. She finished the look with bold pendant lighting fixtures featuring black metal and new state-ofthe-art fans.

Bryce Smith at RenCollection was Becker’s rug artist. “He is not just a showroom manager but a master of rug design as well as customer service,” she says. He worked with her throughout the process, from narrowing down the options to white glove installation. “He feels your inspiration and expertly navigated me toward the rugs that would work best in the space within a budget,” she adds. “Bryce’s selections are perfection and tie in beautifully with this home. I believe having a great rug along with bold and unique art are the finishing touches to a room—the jewelry of your space.”

For this project, the kitchen and primary bath are the rooms Becker felt she transformed the most. Both rooms were builder-grade before the remodel, and through her redesign and choice of product, they now have an entirely new lease on life. The geometric shape of the glossy white backsplash tile echoes in an accent wall she added to the dining room. “The kitchen, dining room and living room are all connected, and after updating the kitchen, the fireplace looked sad and rejected,” notes Becker. “So, we gave it a fresh coat of paint and new tile that blends beautifully with the new spaces. Who wouldn’t want to step into these rooms and sit back, relax and unwind?”

For the primary bathroom, Becker removed all the dated tile and wood flooring and replaced it with glossy blue subway tile for the shower walls and a multitone, hexagonal porcelain tile for the shower floor and niche accent tiles. The custom shower niche spans from a shaving height for optimal foot placement to taller spacing up top to accommodate large shampoo bottles. The homeowners were adamant about using a state-ofthe-art shower fixture with a magnetic pull-down arm. A sculptural soaking tub replaced the outdated existing tub and offers a soothing spot for reading and relaxation. For the cabinetry, Becker incorporated a dark gray tone and added extra storage by installing a cabinet tower over the counter. Lustrous white quartz countertops counterbalance black matte hardware and light fixtures. “This bathroom is now wow-worthy,” Becker says with a laugh. “Upstairs is the kid zone, so we had fun incorporating whimsical accents into their rooms, bathroom and living room.”

At the request of the client’s daughter, Becker infused this preteen bedroom with a calming neutral palette and a chic, boho vibe. The elongated space by the window makes a cozy alcove for makeup sessions, hanging out and reading.

The primary bathroom emits a luxury spa feel with a custom shower and inviting soaking tub. To dramatize the look, Becker implemented glossy blue subway tile, hexagonal porcelain accent tile and white quartz countertops with black matte hardware.

Before finishing the project build-out, the designer visited Dallas artist Christopher Miller’s home and viewed some of his work firsthand. Becker says the experience was like “peeping into his creative genius, into his process—the dream and passion of it all. Chris’ art speaks to me, and his use of color is divine. It was then that I knew we had the finishing touches to finish this space. The bold and innovative feeling of his artwork is the expression that these rooms bask in.”

For the designer, walking into her own home feels much the same way. Filled with original art she and her daughter created, all the pieces work together to bring an effortless and smooth artistic flow to the spaces. “I composed a unique piece for these clients as well,” says Becker. “I am exploring a new medium with acrylic flow paint, so this work was created just for them and their newly remodeled space. My gift to them, my hope is they enjoy it for years to come.”

As with any project, the designer admits there were a few hiccups along the way—unforeseen situations with products, vendors and contractors. But this is where Becker excels, working quickly on her feet, solving problems and getting everyone over the finish line as painlessly as possible.

“Pushing clients creatively is my sweet spot,” Becker adds. “The trust is key. When you sit in the finished space at the end of your project, you all look around in awe, and they say, ‘I’m so glad I trusted you. I was nervous about it, but you were so right.’ That’s the good stuff!”

What’s next for Terri Becker Designs? In 2023, Becker will be taking over as Chair of the Texas Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for the Dallas Design Community. One of her key plans for the chapter is to align with Habitat for Humanity of Collin County and its new sustainable and eco-conscious shipping container development in McKinney, Texas, called The Cotton Groves. *

Jeanne de Lathouder currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama, where she works as a freelance writer for books and publications across the country. A former writer and editor for Southern Accents magazine, her work appears regularly in Florida Design, Southern Home, Charleston Style & Design and Dallas Style & Design. Contact her at jdelathouder@gmail.com.

Photo by Holger Obenaus