DALLAS + FORT WORTH
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AT THE BECKY FREY REAL ESTATE GROUP, WE FIND OUR CLIENTS THEIR PERFECT HOME FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.
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AT THE BECKY FREY REAL ESTATE GROUP, WE FIND OUR CLIENTS THEIR PERFECT HOME FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.
(AND ALL THE ONES AFTER IT)
LET OUR MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FIND YOUR FOREVER HOME... AND ALL THE FOREVERS AFTER IT.
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Innovative product designs pair with gorgeous fabrics and control systems so advanced, shades can be scheduled to automatically adjust to their optimal position throughout the day. Creating a new world of beauty, convenience and energy efficiency — morning, noon, and night.
Your private showcase awaits at a Thermador Experience and Design Center. Explore luxury bespoke kitchens and discover how true craftsmanship, design, and innovation can bring your unique vision to life.
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INTERIOR DESIGN • NEW CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATION
60 DESIGN DISPATCH
The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.
78 FIRST PERSON
Stephanie Stokes’ new book is an ode to collected tabletop treasures from near and far.
80 INSPIRATION
Luxe traverses the globe to nd modern makers putting their spin on traditional craft.
88 LEGACY
At a bustling French mill, the centuries-old method of weaving horsehair still produces some of the nest textiles.
102 MATERIAL
Four companies tapping talents around the world—from Ireland and Colombia to India and Massachusetts—to fashion exceptional rugs.
112 TREND
Meet three oral designers creating beautiful arrangements in unconventional ways.
120 SPOTLIGHT
The newly reimagined Hispanic Society Museum & Library opens its doors to talented Latin American furniture and lighting makers.
140 KITCHEN + BATH
Elevated European in uences are the impetus for these charming kitchens, baths and debut tiles.
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Luxe Interiors + Design (ISSN 1949-2022), Arizona (ISSN 2163-9809), California (ISSN 2164-0122), Chicago (ISSN 2163-9981), Colorado (ISSN 21639949), Florida (ISSN 2163-9779), New York (ISSN 2163-9728), Pacific Northwest (ISSN 2167-9584), San Francisco (ISSN 2372-0220), Southeast (ISSN 2688-5735), Texas (ISSN 2163-9922), Vol. 21, No. 3, May/June, prints bimonthly and is published by SANDOW, 3651 NW 8th Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33431. Luxe Interiors + Design (“ Luxe ”) provides information on luxury homes and lifestyles. Luxe Interiors + Design SANDOW, its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editors, (Publisher) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The Publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed the companies and/or products that advertise within the publication or that are mentioned editorially. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective products or services advertised or promoted in Luxe Publisher neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser products, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein and strongly recommends that any purchaser or user investigate such products, services, methods and/or claims made thereto. Opinions expressed in the magazine and/or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher. Neither the Publisher nor its staff, associates or affiliates are responsible for any errors, omissions or information whatsoever that have been misrepresented to Publisher. The information on products and services as advertised in Luxe are shown by Publisher on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Publisher makes no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the information, services, contents, trademarks, patents, materials or products included in this magazine. All pictures reproduced in Luxe have been accepted by Publisher on the condition that such pictures are reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer and any homeowner concerned. As such, Publisher is not responsible for any infringement of the copyright or otherwise arising out of any publication in Luxe Luxe is a licensed trademark of SANDOW © 2011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without
Analyze the most enduring and interesting spaces, and you’ll discover that they are often composed of a layering of cultural influences and ideas...design that preserves heritage while also pushing it to be experimental and fresh. In this issue, we report on, and praise, the people, objects and spaces that revere craft and cultural artisanship as something to be respected and lived with; rooms that offer a conversation about what came before and where things are headed. May they have everlasting appeal.
“WE CREATE THE ART OF STYLISH LIVING FOR TODAY’S MARKET.”
Cat Carothers recently relocated to Dallas and opened The Selby House after living and working in the Big Apple, where she earned an MFA from the New York School of Interior Design. “I took time to think about what motivates and inspires me and kept coming back to my love of decor and 20th-century design,” she explains. Read on to learn more about what Carothers hopes to bring to Texas. theselbyhouse.com
What is The Selby House? A design studio focused on sourcing and restoring collectable vintage pieces for the home with a modern-day touch. We take a
Designer Traci Connell of Traci Connell Interiors enjoys integrating antiques and heirlooms in fresh and current ways. Recently, a Dallas couple came to her with a settee and two cabinets that once belonged to the wife’s grandparents. They escaped the Holocaust and had buried these beloved pieces underground in France before fleeing the country, eventually returning after the war to unearth and ship them back to the United States. To complement her clients’ desire for a moody aesthetic with jewel tones, Connell re-covered the settee in an exquisite blush velvet for the formal living room (right). Meanwhile, the two cabinets—one of which the designer lacquered in black and fitted with a new stone top and the other, a chinoiserie curio style, she left untouched—now sit in the dining and living room, respectively. “I loved being able to incorporate family history into this couple’s 1930s home,” Connell shares. traciconnellinteriors.com
fresh and forward-thinking approach by combining designs from different styles, periods and origins. We love historic objects and believe every item has a story; we give new life to the old.
What inspired this venture? Bringing the culture, energy and uniqueness of New York to Dallas. New York is a creative mecca at the forefront of change and collaboration. It taught me to push boundaries, question normalcy and embrace individuality. I want to modernize the outlook and feelings people have when buying and collecting furniture.
Describe your aesthetic. It’s a mindful mix. I’m not drawn to a particular style but like combining various objects. I believe less is more and letting the design of a piece in its purest form speak for itself. I gravitate toward a more neutral, earthy and textural palette with pops of color in art, sculpture and accessories.
When designer Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs set out to book a getaway, what she found was a void. “I would scroll for hours looking for a place to stay that was thoughtfully designed,” she recalls. In response, she founded Urbanology Properties to create intentionally designed vacation rentals conceived by her Dallas-area firm. Dubbed “The Cottage,” the inaugural property west of Fort Worth was renovated in 2022 in collaboration with Nuevo, Four Hands, Ann Sacks and more. The best part? Guests can visit the website to shop the space by room or category. “We plan to scale this nationally to destinations all over the country and partner with our favorite vendors and manufacturers to bring them to life,” she notes. “My goal is to elevate the world of short-term rentals to something luxurious and experiential.” urbanologyproperties.com/shop-the-cottage
Houston designer Paloma Contreras founded Paloma & Co in 2019 after years of dreaming about opening a storefront. She settled on a charming cottage as her first location, which quickly became a hotspot for acquiring original art, French antiques, one-of-a-kind finds, decor and tabletop items. Paloma & Co became so popular, in fact, that it outgrew that space and recently unveiled a larger showroom in River Oaks. Divided from its back offices by a wall clad in a beautiful Iksel wallpaper, the 2,100-square-foot shop showcases everything from fine antiques and large paintings to hostess gifts, all in a series of impeccably styled vignettes. “Our new space is ideal for gathering local customers and design friends,” Contreras says. “We are so excited to host more events this year.” shoppalomaandco.com
Stepping through the doors at Tillie’s, an American Nouveau restaurant located on the grounds of Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, feels like entering another time and place. It’s housed in a 200-year-old town hall structure from the Ninh Bình region of North Vietnam, which was purchased and transported to its current spot by owners Whit and Kim Hanks. “Finding pieces from so many different cultures and mixing them together is what gives the space soul,” Kim explains. Brought to life by Camp Lucy facilities designer Paul Smith, Deborah Kirk Interiors and Kimmell Builders, Inc., the restaurant and bar nod to their Southeast Asia roots while embracing the Hill Country locale. Notable acquisitions sourced from Vietnam include both tile flooring and marble on the front-facing side of the bar, which Smith had cut on a diagonal and accented with brass buttons. tilliesdrippingsprings.com
For their new Mala Sichuan Bistro in Houston Heights, restaurateurs Cori Xiong and Heng Chen tasked designer Gin Braverman of gin design group with creating an environment that reflects their home province of Sichuan, China. “Having lived in Asia, I was eager to introduce the more subtle, organic side of Chinese design rather than what I felt has been the stereotype of a Chinese restaurant for so long,” Braverman explains. With that in mind, the designer—with Course Construction, LH2 Architecture, LLC and KPK Lighting Design—aimed to celebrate the countryside’s natural beauty through various art installations and finish applications. A handmade, scaled-down replica of a traditional Chinese pagoda roof crowns the central seating area. In the rear, dozens of linen wish lanterns float against an illuminated deep-blue background as if just released into the night sky. Guests will also find wall plaster and decorative details by Republic Finishes, a custom screen depicting moon phases fabricated by Objektfab, and oversize architectural elements including the backdrop behind the bar made by Gunnells Concrete Inc. malasichuan.com
Erica Volkmer, principal and founder of Evensen Design, is a mover and shaker on the Austin design scene. With experience both in hospitality design and at a design-build firm, she ventured out on her own in 2015. Now, she says, “We specialize in high-end residential and hospitality projects, working closely with clients and investors throughout the process, from programming to design to implementation.” Here, Volkmer shares more with Luxe evensendesign.com
How would you describe your style? We love interiors that are collected and not contrived. Our work is layered with texture and interest, fusing high and low. We embrace fun moments and juxtapositions and aim to bring out our clients’ inner styles.
Tell us about your charming new office space. Culture is important to our boutique firm, so the main goal was for it to be inviting, warm and a bit idiosyncratic. We always have music on and collaborate over coffee. This is our happy place and a creative vortex to flesh out ideas and pull projects together. So the space is bright, engaging and a clean backdrop for our creativity. Our storage solutions are simple, versatile and useful. We also love the downtown location. It’s nice to escape midday and enjoy the energy of the city.
What sparked your vision for the space? There is a rotating inventory of antiques and art we love. I wanted a blend of styles. I was inspired by the idea of old bungalows receiving a bright refresh. It is curated and layered, yet edited and clean.
What’s on the horizon for your firm?
We look forward to several hospitality projects and working with new-to-us architects and builders. Travel is also on the docket, and we are excited to work on projects across the country. one to
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Inspiration Starts Here.
Go global with tabletop treasures from far-flung locales, artisans to watch from around the world and the last textile mill of its kind.
I am a self-confessed tabletop junkie and consummate hostess. On my travels through 86 countries, I have assembled a collection of things that have caught my eye so long as they’re useful for entertaining. These “toys for my table” are for special occasions, special friends or simply because it’s Saturday, and why not have a party.
In the words of Carl Jung, “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect, but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” And I love each of my treasures. My parties usually start with a verbal table tour instead of grace. I describe how the dishes are from Bali, the wine coasters are from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the tagine salt cellars are from Marrakesh, and so on.
Many of my favorite pieces come from Japan: contemporary sake cups, sonorous Bizen bowls and Oribe kitchenware, all of which are versatile. In France, I fell for Aptware pottery, simple cotton tablecloths from Provence’s outdoor markets and gray porcelain partridges from Nîmes. While exploring Budapest’s antiques district, I couldn’t resist traditional bright-red flowered plates and cross-stitched tablecloths. When I use them at home in New York City, they evoke the folk art quality of Hungarian craft in the same way the pink Fortuny tablecloth I bought in Venice recalls light reflecting off the city’s brick walls, turning its canals the soft-edged pink of Paolo Veronese’s murals.
My book, The World at Your Table, is a call to action. When something inspires you, whether across the globe or at a local consignment store, buy it. Then, set the table with your finds to transport guests into a magical atmosphere. rizzoliusa.com
PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN
Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth, co-founders of New Delhi’s Klove Studio, are upending the way modern lighting is produced in India with their larger than life pieces. While the dynamic duo are experimenting with size, scale and materials, their designs continue to pay homage to the artistic customs and practices that surround them at home.
What was the vision for your latest collection? Our Totems Over Time series celebrates an older way of living and, specifically, how civilizations have left their mark on society with references to ancient symbols and motifs. We wanted to achieve a harmonious balance between geometry and symmetry with bright totems devoted to abundance, vision, beauty and protection. Talk to us about the materials. These nearly 10-foot-tall pieces incorporate metal and handblown glass, a centuries-old technique that supports local artisans in India. We believe in slow design, conscious craftsmanship and dreaming up fantastical ideas that take shape by working with dedicated makers. Where do you find inspiration? From different cultures around the world, but especially in New Delhi where there is such a rich craft legacy. Good design makes life better on every level. klovestudio.com
Casablanca-based master woodworker Hamza Kadiri hails from a long line of makers who share a deep reverence for their materials, and he is no exception. Each piece of wood sourced for his new sculptural furniture collection was chosen for its singularity, essence and inherent beauty. Kadiri’s expertise of rare, precious varietals of wood honors natural grains and unique patterns for a one-of-a-kind result.
When did you begin working with wood? I’ll never forget the moment I entered my uncle’s workshop at the age of seven. He was one of the most respected woodworkers in the Medina of Fez. I still remember the smell, the dry air and watching each artisans’ slow movements. It was love at fir st sight. Tell us about your latest collection. As an artist, I listen to the wood—sometimes for months at a stretch. The unique forms of a plank and veins in the wood give o a particular emotion. These inspire me with original ideas, although some may be a little crazy. My six new pieces—side tables, credenzas, a bench and an armoire— are a testament to this, including the Royal Ebony credenza (shown). What’s next? Adding exciting new lighting designs to my collection with Les Ateliers Courbet. ateliercourbet.com
The iconic Venetian glassware company founded by the late Marie Brandolini is heralding in a second chapter under the leadership of her son, Marcantonio Brandolini d’Adda. As ceo and creative director, his vision includes investing in projects that support a range of initiatives, like the design community at large, the environment and the city of Venice.
community at large, the environment and the city of Venice.
How are you di at from Paris to was a way of her
Today, we are releasing more limited-edition pieces but still honoring her vision. is also top of mind for us with a new production that allows for more energy e cient in addition to a longstanding with Green Future to o set our emissions.
with the Pilchuck Glass School in to establish Autonoma, an international artist program in Murano. Face-to-face interaction is also important to me, so we have a multifunctional brick and mortar space in the works. recently introduced Vital, which aims to enhance the natural capital of the Venetian Without this our company and
How are you thinking di erently at LagunaB? When my mother moved from Paris to Venice, glassmaking was a way of expressing her creativity. Today, we are releasing more limited-edition pieces but still honoring her vision. Sustainability is also top of mind for us with a new high-energy production facility that allows for more energy e cient manufacturing, in addition to a longstanding partnership w ith Green Future Project to o set our CO2 emissions. What about the next generation? We have teamed up with the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington to establish Autonoma, an international glass artist exchange program in Murano. Face-to-face interaction is also important to me, so we have a multifunctional brick and mortar space in the works. Anything else? Alongside We Are Venice, we recently introduced Vital, which aims to enhance the natural capital of the Venetian Lagoon. Without this important waterway, our company and city would not exist. lagunab.com
Established in a Wales farmhouse more than 25 years ago, the clothing company Toast has grown its o ering to include exquisite homewares produced by artisans, weavers and mills around the world. Despite its evolution, the brand’s values remain steadfast: champion a slower pace and more thoughtful way of life. CEO Suzie de Rohan Willner elaborates on the brand’s mission.
What makers do you work with? We search around the world for artisans who demonstrate specialist skills and techniques. Our hope is to provide a platform for their work to be celebrated and their story to be told in an authentic way. We want to help preserve traditional techniques that otherwise may be in danger of dying out, like this glazed terra-cotta waterpot handmade in Bristol (shown) that is based on a 16th century design. Why does craft have an enduring appeal? There is a growing audience who wants a more emotional connection to the objects in their home and to the person behind their creation. An increased awareness of our environment and a rejection of “mass” has meant we are choosing to buy less and selecting long lasting and meaningful objects. The recently launched Toast Renewed provides an iteration of this idea. It’s a unique collection of creatively repaired, one-of-a-kind pieces that have been given a new lease on life, increasing their longevity and progressing our circular approach to reducing waste. Where do you find inspiration? In stillness. It’s abou t being with people and things that bring joy and make you slow down. us.toa.st
Founded by three childhood friends raised in Kuwait, lifestyle brand Ecru draws upon the ethos and cultures of Arab and Indian hospitality for inspiration. With a dazzling shopfront in Jaipur, Ecru collaborates with craftspeople in India, Syria, Lebanon and Sri Lanka who specialize in textiles, woodworking, glass, ceramics and metalwork. Creative Director Nur Kaouji discusses the company’s roots.
How did Ecru start? Growing up (with co-founders
Noor Al-Sabah and Hussah Al Tamimi) in Kuwait, we were surrounded by expats, particularly Arab and South Asian families. We were raised with an emphasis on the importance of hospitality and tradition, including sharing meals with loved ones. Our desire to carry on these rituals led us to launch Ecru, a br and that comprises beautiful handmade objects that elevate these interactions. Talk to us about your homewares. What excites us is the incredible legacy of craft around the world. We get to work with artists who keep traditions like block printing and metalwork alive. At Ecru, we are always looking to expand our artisan directory and I’m constantly on the hunt for inspiring people. How can design make a positive impact on our lives? Life has a way of throwing things at you, sometimes turning things upside down. One of our greatest salvages is nature and through nature, design. ecruonline.in
Brothers Enis and Amir Karavil helm the interdisciplinary design brand Sanayi313 in Istanbul, where they have their hands in a number of exciting initiatives: a retail store, design studio, canteen, bi-annual magazine, atelier for unique projects and a newly launched furniture line that promotes their mantra, “move forward to the future with respect to the past.”
Why is it important to champion craft today? I prefer working with local craftsmen because what they create is always unique, and in the era of non-stop production this is a di erentiator. That human touch is essential because it gives a soul and special language to the work. Talk to us about your new furniture pieces. The Oblong Collection consists of so lid
maple burl and burned oak wood designs defi ned by massive, bulky forms and rounded corners, which echoes our “maximalist expressions in minimalist details” approach. Comprising stools, consoles, low co ee tables, side tables, and a dining table, the collection is made by hand in Istanbul, adhering to the city’s artisanal traditions where woodworking dates back thousands of years. It must be inspiring to be surrounded by so much history. Turkey’s location is at the crossroads of East and West, the vast lands once dominated by the Ottomans and home to many di erent civilizations with a rich legacy of craft since ancient times. These age-old traditions and techniques are still being practiced and lauded in many areas, but I believe new ideas come from studying the past. The solutions are there, you just need to reinvent them to create something inspiring. sanayi313.com
Jomo Tariku, African culture has
for and the contemporary of American craft.
For Virginia-based, Ethiopian American industrial designer Jomo Tariku, African culture has always played a role in what he creates. As an advocate for change, Tariku co-founded BADG (Black Artists and Designers Guild) and continues to help move the needle forward for global design and the contemporary interpretation of American craft. The trailblazing talent’s work has even landed in major institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Where did you learn to love design? Our home in Ethiopia was fi lled with beautiful objects. My dad was an avid collector of interesting pieces from Africa and around the world. During summer break, I would sketch these objects not knowing it would eventually lead to a career in design. How do African traditions play into your work? I did my undergraduate thesis on creating a modern line of African furniture and I have never wavered from that even though it has not been easy. Design is supposed to be a global language but until recently you would be hard pressed to fi nd a contemporary African design by a Black designer. I am always referencing my heritage. Even the inspiration for my Nyala chair (shown) are the horns of shy, an elusive mountain antelope from the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia. jomofurniture.com
AT THE LE CRIN WORKSHOP IN THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE, MÉTAPHORES IS KEEPING THE SACRED ART OF HANDWEAVING HORSEHAIR ALIVE.
WRITTEN BY MARY JO BOWLINGIt seems as if a heartbeat courses through the Le Crin workshop in Challes, a village in Northwestern France. The rhythmic whooshing sound filling the space comes from the movement of looms that have been weaving horsehair into lustrous fabrics since 1814. Although this is the last outfit of its kind, the pulse isn’t slowing.
Inside, artisans sit at the looms creating textiles. Wearing earplugs to muffle the sound, their focus is total as their hands thread hairs one by one into a shuttle with seeming superhuman rapidity, turning out roughly eight feet of fabric per loom each day. After the raw material arrives from Mongolia, it undergoes a series of meticulous steps including brushing, dying and pressing. The job calls for fast-moving minds as well as dexterous fingers, since
counting and tracking the number and color of strands is essential to creating such complex patterns.
The result is a product with glossy texture and depth— qualities Le Crin executives say attracts designers worldwide. “Horsehair is as soft as silk, but extremely resistant, showing little wear after decades of use,” explains workshop manager Nicolas Pioger.
Métaphores, the fabric company producing Le Crin under Hermès’ textile division, sees new horizons for this traditional craft. “We are working with designers to create modern furniture and accessories—anything is possible,” Pioger notes. “What doesn’t change is the expertise and unique savoir faire that goes into producing the material.” metaphores.com
Page-turners are even better when read in inspired corners filled with natural light. At Marvin, we help make space for moments like these with thoughtfully designed windows and doors. Each is custom crafted with an eye toward beauty and performance for all of life’s chapters.
Explore the many ways we can help make space for what matters most to you.
marvin.com
With Trinity Floor Company, there are no limits to the customization of one’s flooring. The Trinity team will make any vision happen, as evidenced in this Sharif & Munir Custom Homes creation. trinityfloors.com
Discover the refined sophistication of Studio Piet Boon’s KEKKE chair at SMINK. The chair conveys Piet Boon’s love for rich and natural materials and generous proportions, and it can bring luxury to any room. sminkinc.com
This five-bedroom lake home in the North Shore enclave blurs the lines between indoors and out, with generous porches, windows for days and panoramic views. Completed in January 2023, dive right in and enjoy weekends with so many ways to play. longcovetx.com
Founded in 2001, Elliston Systems & Design blends sophisticated technology with elegant simplicity. Satisfaction is the team’s utmost priority, as they demonstrate a world of possibilities beyond one’s dreams. ellistonsystems.com
Working from home doesn’t have to be bland! The team at J Wiley Designs curated this colorful home office for a discerning client. Feel inspired again even in sweatpants!
jwileydesigns.com
A new era of lighting requires a different kind of showroom: part product showcase, part design studio, part ideas incubator. Lights Fantastic Pro’s open and inviting space spreads across 10,000 square feet and is equipped with artistic product displays that inspire designers to rethink possibilities. Experience lighting in a new light! lightsfantasticpro.com
The new Piedra rug is made to order in custom sizes and colors with beautiful Brazilian hides. Available only through Truett Fine Carpets & Rugs. truettfinecarpetsandrugsdallas.com
From Lilac Gallery, “Where Extraordinary Meets the Eye,” comes My Cotton Candy Heart by Cindy Shaoul. Executed with oil paint and mixed media on canvas, this dazzlingly elegant work brings effortless inspiration to any space. Measures 24" x 24". Priced at $2,000. lilacgallerynyc.com
Installation, cleaning, relocation, restoration and more.
Working with local and international artisans to build high quality fittings for a wide range of lighting applications.
Start with inspiration and work with our team to create something completely unique.
Join the industry pros on Las Vegas Market’s Ahead of the Curve panel as they share a peek into their trending revelations: color is back, new shapes are favored and dedicated rooms must function like never before.
Homes are now primary work spaces, not secondary. Therefore, we need to adjust for the increased use. They also require individual work spaces for all members of the household, so no longer is it one formal home study. As its use is more frequent, the office is also getting oriented to main views.
We are finally getting away from nude living spaces that are limited to a sea of shades of gray. Now, we’re introducing pops of color in blush, peach, mint, gold, black and white that are much more interesting and less monochromatic. While this trend was popular living through the pandemic, clients are embracing color again, which I believe serves as a gentle reminder that life is precious so we should live it out loud.
We always love a good neutral environment, but are embracing more color this year in rich and subtle tones. Wallpaper, fabrics, cabinetry and paint are going deeper than we have been using in the past. Committing to color is exciting and pairs well with mixing and matching patterns and textures.
VEGAS MARKET AT WORLD MARKET CENTER IS OPEN TO THE TRADE ONLY, JULY 30 – AUGUST 3, 2023. REGISTER ONLINE AT LVMKT.COM/LUXE.
Luxe explores innovative rug makers, unique floral designs and the next wave of Latin American creatives.
“The driving force was to tell a story of authentic Irish craftsmanship with an international, contemporary twist,” shares Claire McGovern of her studio. For the New Yorker by way of Dublin, the spark that led to her foray into the rug industry was hiding in plain sight: wool—a material indelibly linked with her home country—was a dying trade, accounting for just two percent of fibers sold or traded in the synthetics-dominated market. “Wool is extraordinary. It’s nature’s miracle fiber,” McGovern says. “Here is a material t hat you can bring into your home and it will literally purify the air and last you a lifetime.” With heritage and sustainability as founding principles, Rhyme Studio was born. Today, the atelier collaborates with historic Irish mills
to process native wool before it’s tufted by hand at their farmhouse workshop near Avoca in Wicklow. Ireland’s rich cultural tapestry imbues the brand in motif as well as material, with most designs offering modern riffs on tradition. Om, a collection defined by linear patterns, was inspired by a 1,600-year-old tree alphabet found on standing stones in the countryside. Works from the Báinín line feature pure Galway wool bedecked with motifs that evoke the stitching of an Aran sweater. And in M odernity, a series of minimalist geometrics in primary colors pays tribute to artist Kazimir Malevich and prolific Irish designer Eileen Gray. “I’ve always bemoaned the idea that a rug must be beige,” McGovern says. “Art should not be limited to any one media.” rhymestudio.com
Tomás Vera grew up idolizing his father Carlos Vera Dieppa, who wore his hair long, rode a motorcycle, enjoyed recreational aerobatics and didn’t start a traditional nineto-five until the age of 42 when inspiration struck to create a Japanese tatami-style mat from fibers found in his native Colombia. In time, the designs progressed to include latex backing, a leather border and later, pigments, patterns and ribbon-thin strands of metal. “It was the first rug of its kind and a revolutionary concept at the time,” shares Vera, who moved home to launch Verdi, a new business built upon his father’s vision after his passing. Verdi now employs an in-house team of 75 in addition to 30 families who harvest their marquee material, fique: a soft yet resilient vegetable fiber from
the Andean region. “We have a huge natural fiber catalogue because of the Amazon,” Vera says. “We’re always discovering new materials and exploring how to weave them for a contemporary ambiance.” Recent experiments at the Bogotá headquarters have seen Colombian fibers like plantain, cumare and worm silk woven with copper, stainless steel and silver-plated metals to mesmeric effect. “We consider our rugs to be art in their uniqueness and in the way they reflect light,” he adds. That the fastexpanding studio’s moniker pays homage to Vera Dieppa’s nickname underscores the next generation’s commitment to celebrating cultural and familial le gacies alike. “Verdi is not a brand, it is a story,” Vera says. “And this is just the beginning.” intl.verdi.com.co
No rug brand has its tentacles so deeply spread, linking master craftspeople all over the world with top designers and consumers alike. From artisans in Nepal trained in Tibetan knots to weavers in India working on looms, rug seekers have access to products made by mills specializing in authentic techniques unique to their region. “We have a handful of key vendors who each have their own flavor and aesthetic,” says Stephanie Muller, Stark’s vice president of product development and strategy. “They’re artists in their own right.” Not married to one look, Stark rather does it all: from their material inventory (silk, sisal, wool, and a new proprietary performance fiber, among others) to techniques both hand-crafted and mac hine-woven, to endless styles, like striking geometrics, painterly pastels, stripes, animal prints and traditional motifs.
“It’s always exciting to see their new technical developments and creativity,” Muller says. While the third-generation family-run operation recently marked 85 years in business, their commitment to artisanship remains at its core. Take the rug shown here: a recent collaboration with German company Rug Star is inspired by desert and urban landscapes and crafted in India using hand-knotted techniques. Think of them like a great connector—a connector of craftsman to consumer, a connector of inspiration to trends, and a connector of the past to the present. starkcarpet.com
In the mid-19 th century, Fall River, Massachusetts, was the Silicon Valley of America’s textile manufacturing industry. Fastforward through decades of shifting global economies, and few active mills remain today. But one self-described counterculture company decided to put down roots in the storied area as some of the last big mills were shuttering. “We’re not going to survive in the United States unless we’re doing something extraordinary,” admits Merida Rugs CEO Catherine Connolly. That something extraordinary, for starters, is that each of the company’s rugs is made of all-natural materials sans chemicals. Another revolutionary idea? Empower local craftsmen by creating a workplace where weavers find joy and pride in their craft. Merida R ugs HQ is part production lab and part innovation hub, where skills are honed and techniques tested. The goal is to create an environment where weavers push the bounds of their creativity in hopes it carries through to the finished product. Leading the charge is artistic director Sylvie Johnson who approaches design with the curiosity of an art student (she has been known to study out-of-print books on pigments to find fresh hues). The brand releases one new collection a year, each marking a new chapter in the Merida Rugs’ story. Their latest collection, Arte Povera, is inspired by the Postwar 1960s Italian arts movement, the story of which is as rich as the rugs themselves. “They have presence,” says Connolly. “The rugs contribute to the conversation in a sophisticated way.” meridastudio.com
Boulder, CO | $15,000,000
WK Real Estate
Well
Connected™ |
Boca Raton, FL | $36,500,000
Hampton’s farmhouse-inspired architectural jewel with 261+ ft direct Intracoastal.
Premier Estate Properties, Inc.
D’Angelo/Liguori — +1 866 281 2158
Search QENA on luxuryportfolio.com
Austin, TX | Price upon request
This luxurious estate merges modern art with contemporary architecture on +1.2 acre lot.
Moreland Properties
Eric Moreland — +1 512 480 0844
Search PASK on luxuryportfolio.com
Redding, CT | $8,500,000
Sun-filled 6-bedroom home with pool, tennis, and luxury apartment. Close to town amenities and train.
William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance
Stacy Young — +1 917 816 6733
Search FXFL on luxuryportfolio.com
Lake Toxaway, NC | $3,750,000
Luxury mountain home with panoramic views, European design, and modern amenities.
Silver Creek Real Estate Group
Bambi Kaine — +1 828 200 4040
Search CIKX on luxuryportfolio.com
©2023 Luxury Portfolio International.® Offering is subject to errors, omissions, change of price, or withdrawal without notice. All information has been supplied by third parties and should not be relied on as accurate or complete. Equal Opportunity Employer and pledged to the letter and spirit of Equal Housing Opportunities.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED SARAH SHELTON
Name: Anastasia Kolesnichenko @vaasialis.
Home base: Cyprus. Origin story: I always wanted to work with flowers and objects. I practiced everyday and posted to Instagram. Overtime, I got my first orders. Style notes: Dreamy, fun and playful. Known for: Creating something new and turning flowers into my own unique species. Ethos: Flowers are emotions. They are alive, agile and have the ability to be reborn. Pick a favorite: Poppies. In the works: A commission for a jewelry brand.
A commission for a brand.
Clockwise from top right: Akoya Pendant in Vermilion / From $781 / rbw.com Belmondo Fabric in Corallo / Price upon request / dedar.com Bardi’s Bowl Chair in Orange / Price upon request / arper.com Nama Sneaker in Green-Orange / $795 / chloe.com California Table by Elyse Graham / Price upon request / cultureobject.com Memphis Raku Mosaic Tile / Price upon request / newravenna.com Small Hooks Coat Rack by Nathalie du Pasquier / $375 / store.moma.orgID: Aiste Kuchta @aikufloral. Coordinates: Global nomad. Approach: Floral arranging inspired by the seasons. Something to reconsider: Dying flowers are beautiful; imperfect blooms are unique. Tip to try: Let flowers move in their natural direction. Memorable experience: Foraging for icicles and arranging them alongside flowers. Manifesting: The film industry is something I’d be happy to be a part of! In the works: Events and floral subscriptions. Remember to…Enjoy the process.
Moniker: Natasja Sadi @cakeatelieramsterdam.
Sadi @cakeatelieramsterdam. and
HQ: Amsterdam. Specialty: Arranging and photographing real flowers with sugar flowers in the Dutch still life tradition. Modus operandi: Romantic, lavish and classic with a twist—more is more. Currently inspired by: The Vermeer Exhibition in Amsterdam. I’m obsessed with his use of light. Rule to break: Let go of color charts. When it is created by nature, it’s always complementary. Proud moment: Writing my new book A Sweet Floral Life
The Cristol small double sconce by Aerin is shown here in hand-rubbed antique brass with white glass. Priced at $579. visualcomfort.com
Cosentino’s newest collaboration with designer and architect Daniel Germani decodes three timeless Italian stones: Vicenza, Travertine and Ceppo di Gré. The collection recasts them into versatile Dekton surfaces for today—indoors or out. cosentino.com
Christopher Peacock introduces The Hudson Collection. A clean aesthetic with special details, hardware and material selections, this more modern style is perfect for an urban apartment or a large contemporary, suburban home. Custom colors and hardware finishes available. peacockhome.com
The Koa ivory rug features lush texture matched with performance. Made of 100percent STARK performance acrylic, this beautiful rug can withstand any lifestyle. Braided soumak weaving combines with high-pile shag for coziness and character alike. starkcarpet.com
Paul Ferrante introduces a polished uces a twist on an old classic. With copper c. With copper banding, the timeless Eternity meless chandelier is elevated to a new height. to a new Item 2099-C, it can be customized. be customized. Price available upon request. e upon request. paulferrante.com ulferrante.com
As durable as it is beautiful, the Westport swivel chair by Weatherend is constructed for the outdoors and finished with Weatherend’s Yacht finish. Generouslyproportioned and topped with plush cushions for extra comfort, it is available in any color or natural woods.
weatherend.com
St. Moritz-G1 is a handcrafted, select-grade finish from the European Elegance collection. This is more than just a product; it is a passion that becomes “custom-designed furniture for your floor.”
legnobastone.com
This rug showcases a contemporary pattern of blue, ivory and black tones. Hand-knotted from the highest quality wool and silk, it provides an elegant foundation for any space. bokara.com
AT THE RENOVATED HISPANIC SOCIETY MUSEUM & LIBRARY, LATIN AMERICAN MAKERS SHOWCASE WORKS HONORING THEIR HERITAGES AND INSPIRATIONS.
PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND SARAH SHELTON
Founded in 1904, the Hispanic Society Museum & Library has emerged from a yearslong renovation at the hands of Selldorf Architects. The storied institution houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. The museum aims to amplify and uplift Hispanic heritage and creativity, including Latin American artists forging their own multicultural identities.
Nestled under an ornate terra-cotta archway in the Main Court, Juliana Lima Vasconcellos’ eucalyptus wood Giraffe chairs flaunt their angular silhouettes. The Brazilian architect and designer cites her home country’s rich cultural mix— specifically African and Portuguese colonial influences—as sources of inspiration. hispanicsociety.org, theinvisiblecollection.com
José Miguel Schnaider considers himself part designer and part explorer of the mineral world. As the founder of Mexico City’s Sten Studio, he leans into local lapidary traditions when conceiving his designs. “I am proud to be Mexican and Latino, but I do not necessarily need to follow a specific aesthetic,” Schnaider remarks. Rather, he offers
fresh interpretations of cultural heritage. His VSII.I and VSV.III stools—placed on a stairway adorned with 3rd-century Roman mosaics from Spain—are composed of dark lava stone and red travertine and blue calcite, respectively, acting as a visual metaphor for volcanos and a tribute to Mexico’s volcanic belt region. stenstudio.com
Rhode Island School of Design alumna Alexis Tingey spent her childhood summers in Mexico where she learned embroidery from her grandmother. Tingey’s Don’t Remind Me hammock—showcased in front of Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla’s Vision of Spain (1912-1919) in the Sorolla Gallery—speaks to the physicality of memory. The hand-welded
patinated steel base supports a hand-pleated linen fabric collage depicting “personal items intended to be forgotten.” Tingey, whose first studio collection launches this year, is eager to see more women of Latin American origin represented in design to usher in rich storytelling, new ideas and unheard voices. alexistingeydesign.com
Since founding Studio Galeón in 2017, Lula Galeano has watched the design landscape evolve to include more awareness around non-Eurocentric craft. A multidisciplinary designer who splits time between New York, London and her home country of Argentina, Galeano frequently collaborates with skilled artisans to enhance the beauty of natural materials used in her work. For Lampara 1 and Lampara 2, shown
here, Galeano joined forces with millworker Christopher Gatton to achieve the lamps’ perfectly unrefined shape. The bases are remnants of stone boulders sourced from Mexico which retain their jagged forms, save for polished edges. Each one-of-a-kind piece is outfitted with sleek brass hardware and a smooth blown glass opal bulb. studiogaleon.com
We understand the importance of a statement. Our extensive collection of marble, quartzite, granite, soapstone, and quartz are sourced through our trusted partners across the globe. Every material’s path to your project ensures more than a statement piece – it’s an entire story in itself.
Artist Lufti Janania’s childhood growing up on a rural bioreserve between the mountains and rainforests in Honduras continues to inform his eye today. Working out of a Brooklyn studio, he creates fantastical objects, sculptures and installations from botanicals and flora. His latest collection, a series of mirrors fitted on custom wood frames draped in woven
palm fiber, like the Tela, seen here, features hand-sewn, delicately pleated curled rosettes. Janania counts Latin America’s indigenous heritage and colonial history—specifically in Honduras where Mayan ruins and Baroque architecture meet—as additional sources of inspiration, taking in the visual romance and ornate decoration to inform his work. rosalila.co
“I adapt and take from wherever I go,” explains artist Giovanni Valdeavellano of where he pulls inspiration. For the New York–based talent, and founder of Studio Poa, that includes fashion street style, his childhood in Guatemala and the ways in which information is readily shared and consumed. The Santiago Chair 1 and Santiago Chair 2, shown here,
are made of solid ash, stained and then finished in hard wax oil. The design explores how a seat can make one feel transformed into a different character—like how a king feels on a throne or a defendant feels in a courtroom. This particular pair are shaped like guitars, intended to make the sitter feel like a rockstar. lovehouseny.com
Founder, Curated by Krysta Rodriguez
DRESS IN: TAMBOURINE TRAPS
Gary Riggs has always been an artist. But, his medium has morphed over the years, from brushstrokes on a canvas to furniture placement in a room. The transition began when one of Riggs’ clients stopped by his home to purchase a few paintings. She called the next day to ask if he would help design her own home, and the rest is history. Today, Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design boasts an 18,000- square-foot showroom and gallery in the Dallas Design District. Open to the trade and the public, Gary Riggs is a game-changing resource in the industry-no matter one’s style. “We carry art and interior pieces in a range of aesthetics,” Riggs says. That said on the design side of things, he notes that treasured heirlooms are also favorable. “I like to use pieces that mean something to the client; it helps the house feel more like a home. Up until this point, one of my greatest successes is having a business that has survived the ups and downs of the world. We have been blessed with clientele that appreciates and trust our design process.”
Gary Riggs host fundraisers for survivors of human trafficking. We have teamed up with Patriots of America, Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope this past year. We look forward to continuing to help others in our community.
Gary Riggs and his team have teamed up with local artists to showcase their talents. The goal is to promote local artist so they can share their talents for the world to enjoy.
Here at Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design we find it essential that we team up with local talent and designers to help our community thrive. Gary Riggs is always striving to become a place where designers can meet all their artistic and creative needs. At our showroom we provide the best environment for any custom touches to any home or business. You will find custom home furnishings, custom fabrics and our inclusive interior design services. Our showroom features the most unique and diverse selection of fine furniture, accessories, and gifts. Whether we have something currently in our inventory or if you’re looking for a piece that is specific to you, we will be able to meet and exceed any needs.
We are known for our unique talents and our ability to quickly transform large scale residential homes, apartment, or commercial projects in just days rather than months. We have a great relationship with a local architectural and design firm, Mae Reedy Home Design. We can render your concept, vision or dream and make it into reality.
Together, we strive to continue the culture of local family businesses, big or small. We continue that culture with continuing the growth of Gary Riggs Luxury Furniture and Design. We are actively searching to expand to other states with our luxury furnishings, fabric, wallpaper and more. So everyone can have the home of their dreams.
“At Gary Riggs Design, we incorporate luxury design furnishings into your home or office to make it alive”
KJ Custom Screens & Outdoor Living exists to provide you the same comfort outside that you feel inside your home. Our motorized screens drop down at the touch of a button, providing protection from bugs and/or sun. With many opacities to choose from, our screens can also create privacy and climate control, therefore designing a four-season outdoor living space. 972.670.3670
From Texas to the East Coast, revel in welcoming kitchens and baths that channel a sought-after joie de vivre spirit.
BEHOLD KITCHENS AND BATHS WHERE OLD-WORLD ELEGANCE IS ON FULL DISPLAY.
The homeowners of this Churchville, Maryland, residence couldn’t resist its Georgian-style architecture, but the dated 1980s kitchen was in need of a refresh. They called on Arianna Pannoni and Kasey Bedford of Baltimore-based firm Winsome Interior Design to reimagine the space. The result is strikingly elegant and in harmony with the structure’s traditional bones.
What were the project mandates?
Our clients wanted the kitchen to feel lived in, cozy and historic. They are casual people, but they also like a bit of formality.
Tell us about the major design elements. We kept the existing brick range niche but limewashed it and added more grout to give an ol der appearance. The cabinets are a simple, elevated shaker style that has been around for hundreds of years. We designed the island to look like a piece of furniture since kitchen islands weren’t a thing back in the day, and we also incorporated hand-distressed ceiling beams. The open shelving acts as a display area for the client’s collection of vintage china.
What other details lend to the charming feel? Hanging wood and copper pots adds warmth, while a new milk-glass fixture exudes a vintage ambiance. We also used finishes that will only get more beautiful with time: the unlacquered brass will develop a patina and the marble will gain character as it stains.
In keeping with the revamped kitchen, Pannoni and Bedford also turned their attention to the home’s mudroom and powder room, replacing dated elements to highlight the abode’s historic feel. “We wanted to have some fun in these spaces and bring out the drama,” Bedford says. They enveloped the mudroom—
including the walls, trim and ceiling—in a deep oxblood shade from Farrow & Ball and carried it through to the adjacent powder room trim. Meanwhile, a whimsical wallpaper from Osborne & Little featuring birds and lush foliage enhance the striking red tone. “The vintage-inspired console sink harkens back to
Georgian style, the classic floret penny tile is also a nod to old-world design, and the antiqued brass touches tie to the kitchen finishes,” Pannoni notes. “Our client allowed us the creativity to think outside the box,” Bedford adds. “Every space is dramatic in its own way.” winsomeinteriordesign.com
Whether you’re replacing, remodeling or building new, Andersen® 100 Series windows and patio doors offer many advantages over vinyl. They offer superior strength and performance because they’re made of innovative Fibrex® composite materiaI, which is 2X stronger and more durable than vinyl. They’re also available in a variety of rich dark colors with finishes that are made to last and they’re designed to retain their stability and rigidity in all climates. Plus, 100 Series windows and doors are environmentally responsible and energy efficient, making them a better choice for your home.
Locations in Dallas, Houston and Nashville. See your local BFS dealer for details. andersenwindows.com
Part Art Deco and part 1970s Milanese glam, the Lapidary collection from clé incorporates three di erent styles: rough-cut mosaics, smooth-cut ovals and sculpted curves (shown). Perfect for wall treatments, these concave and convex designs come in two sizes and a variety of stones, including travertine, Carrara, Calacatta and Verde marbles. cletile.com
House of Hackney teamed up with British tile manufacturer Craven Dunnill Jackfield to introduce a line of handmade ceramic tiles that evoke Victorian-era drama. The collection features 19 th -century reproductions of two Jacobeaninspired fl orals—in both monochromatic relief and vivid screen-printed versions—as well as an a rray of solid-colored square and brick tiles in addition to flat and raised dados. houseo ackney.com
The Helene porcelain tile collection from Ann Sacks—o ered in three oak-inspired shades and both three-inch-wide planks and 24-inch-square parquetry forms—can be used everywhere from floors and fireplace surrounds to walls and backsplashes (and even outdoors in certain climates). Better yet, this revival style synonymous with European allure is made of 40 percent recycled material. annsacks.com
When Dallas clients tapped local firm Maestri Studio | Gallery to rework the kitchen in their Tudor-style home, the design team kept the structure’s existing architecture top of mind. “The residence was built during the 1970s to look older than it is,” notes architect Eddie Maestri. “It’s inspired by old English estates, and there were already some nice details including arches, moldings and leaded-glass windows.” In addition to relocating the space from the back of the house to the front, Maestri’s team also added a dining nook that separates the main kitchen from a pantry and storage area. “The nook serves as a statement at that end of the room,” continues Maestri, whose team designed a custom banquette with a dramatic arch that mimics the nearby doorways. “We wanted to play up the original architecture and make the space feel cohesive. It’s like it has always been there.” maestristudio.com
It takes a special expertise and vision to understand the wants, needs and desires of today’s homeowners and their families, and then make them reality. Whether it’s a “from-the-ground-up” custom build, a blank-slate renovation or the simple redesign of a space or environment in an existing home, the keys to success are the talented architects, interior designers, builders, artisans, craftspeople and innovators who bring beauty, form and function to the work they do and projects they inspire. Luxe Interiors + Design is pleased to unveil Trends in Building, Design + Renovation, a unique special section that introduces the most gifted minds and creative spirits in design, construction and renewal to those looking to reinvigorate their homes, elevate their daily lives and enhance their lifestyles.
• Name a few exterior features homeowners want right now.
Our North Texas clients are requesting outdoor gourmet kitchens, fireplaces, fire pits, patios and heated living areas, which, when built right, allow them to enjoy their exterior spaces year-round.
• Share a unique client request.
Currently, we are building the first residential AKVO pool lift system in Texas. This will allow the floor to raise, creating a patio space, or lower, which will provide access to the spa.
• When it comes to new builds, what is the latest trend?
In our region, traditional forms with modern and/or transitional finishes are in high demand.
• Discuss a former trend that is now a must-have.
LED tape and track lighting along with color-changing LED pool lights, tree lights, etc. have changed outdoor evening environments, while Infratech heaters that allow patio spaces to be used throughout the Texas winter have redefined how we live, work and play outside.
• How are your clients’ varying lifestyles influencing your approach to design? The creative shift to open the indoors out and bring the outdoors in has inspired us to create designs that minimize interior and exterior boundaries, thus allowing our clients to relax, have fun and entertain with seamless ease.
214.387.8333 | aquaterraoutdoors.com | aquaterra_outdoors
Leading an exceptional outdoor lifestyle that complements the style and spirit of their interior lives is extremely important to today’s homeowners. With that in mind, Tal Thevenot and his award-winning design-build team at AquaTerra Outdoors create beautiful, functional, innovative exterior spaces that reflect their clients’ wants, needs and wishes. “Since our inception in 2007, AquaTerra has maintained a clear focus on offering uncompromising outdoor environments to our discerning clientele,” Thevenot says. From state-of-the-art swimming pools to cutting-edge outdoor kitchens to inviting fire features, elegant entertaining areas and more, the AquaTerra team has the skills, talent and vision to deliver. “We are dedicated to our design-build process, which takes its inspiration from the site, the surrounding architecture, the home’s interior design and, most importantly, the homeowner.”
Above The inviting outdoor bar features curved cedar veneer with a custom concrete counter while the tongue-and-groove ceiling, steel posts and Infratech heaters lend style and comfort. Top This elegant outdoor living space boasts a tongue-and-groove ceiling and Minka Aire fan, an outdoor chef’s kitchen, a sunken fire pit, putting green, raised infinity pool and spa, lush landscaping and LED lighting. Bottom A gravel driveway with cork banding welcomes visitors to admire this handsome manor home’s cut limestone wall and stairs, Zoysia lawn, Coral Bark Japanese maples and luminous landscape lighting.
Photography Above & Top by Jimi Smith; Bottom by Jeremiah Dearinger
We design, build & manage award winning outdoor environments. POOLS . LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN . OUTDOOR LIVING
972.757.1870 | hwhomes.com | hawkinswelwood
Any architect will tell you that scale is a core value of the trade—and sometimes one of the most challenging aspects to perfect. It may come as little surprise, then, to learn that Hawkins-Welwood Homes is beloved throughout Dallas and beyond. After all, not only does the firm combine architectural and home building services under one roof, keeping the process consistent and simple, but the HWH team is renowned for its mastery of scale. “We believe this is the foundation of great architecture that creates lasting value,” says partner and director of sales Kelly Ongena. “Our company is built around the three pillars of quality, service and integrity, and achieving architecture with longevity is a part of it all.” As is a love of the bespoke. “Everything we do is completely custom. Our clients vocalize their lifestyles and we then find a way to flow it all together.”
“The saying goes, ‘Everything is bigger in Texas,’ but the opposite is proving true for our clients as of late,” Ongena says. “We are seeing more interest in ‘right-size’ spaces and a move away from grand scale. This goes hand in hand with the desire for useful environments.” From a second “messy” study to accommodate more remote work, to rooms dedicated to Peloton bikes and large “back kitchens,” the North Dallas area is experiencing a shift toward form that accommodates ultimate function.
Ongena shares two requests HWH receives on repeat.
• Motorized screens that support indooroutdoor living used to be a luxury request. Now, it is a common must-have.
• Elements that make the house efficient and economically sound are popular. Energy-forward windows, AC, foam installation, etc. are standard.
“In business for more than 60 years, we are one of the oldest builders in Dallas.”Above A beautiful vent hood complements the high ceilings of this bright, open kitchen. Top Sky-high doors to the exterior invite ample natural light into this living space. Left Open, but complete with built-ins that add character, this bedroom is charming.
214.253.8203 | ludowici.com | ludowici
Quality, customization and old-world artistry are the keys to creating exceptional materials that provide beauty, function and durability. The Ludowici legacy started nearly 400 years ago in Rome, where the Ludovisi family was known for their expertlycrafted clay products. “Our U.S. journey began in 1888, and we’ve been domestic manufacturers of high-quality terra-cotta roof tile, floor tile and wall cladding ever since,” says Lauren Johnson, head of marketing at Ludowici. “Our mission is to craft uniquely-beautiful terra-cotta tiles that bring gorgeous color that never fades to any architectural style.” With over 50 designer color blends and the ability to custom match nearly any hue, the possibilities are endless. Johnson adds, “Plus, our color glazes are kiln fired at extreme temperatures, which ensures that the original tones and subtle shades will last for generations.”
“We attribute our products’ color retention to a kiln-firing technique perfected over the past 130 years,” Johnson shares. “Our tiles are fired at the extreme temperature of 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours to ensure the glaze has been properly fused onto the tile. This process guarantees that our colors will not fade over time, no matter the climate, and they are backed by our 75-year warranty.”
Offering all of the beauty of natural slate or shake with enhanced durability and longevity, terra-cotta roofing is all the rage right now. “Our elegant interlocking slate alternatives feature a pressed-quarried texture, come in a myriad of customizable colors and will never spall,” Johnson says. “And our stunning shake alternatives are made with the texture and appearance of hand-split wood without the maintenance issues or flammability.”
“Chosen to adorn historic and newly-built structures around the world, our clay tiles are of the highest quality imaginable.”
“Design is only good with a fully executable plan and a strong team who can carry it to completion with integrity and skill,” Laszlo shares. “The MHM LIVING team has the ability and the skills to design a space, plan the execution and build it with each client’s unique lifestyle in mind, while delivering a remarkable experience along the way.”
Botond Laszlo on a few of today’s most popular design elements.
• Open floor plans are still in demand and ever-evolving.
972.951.1932 | mhmliving.com | mhmliving
Transparency, expertise, vision and a collaborative spirit are the foundations of a great designbuild firm. For nearly two decades, Botond Laszlo and his award-winning team at MHM LIVING have been creating noteworthy family homes while building strong relationships with their partners and their clientele. “We established MHM LIVING in 2004 with the same values we practice today; integrity in all facets of our business and respect for our team, our partners and our clients,” Laszlo says. Known for clean, timeless sophistication, MHM LIVING’s designs also feature the latest technologies. “We incorporate innovative elements such as voice-activated steam showers and discreetly-placed custom lighting fixtures and outlets that blend seamlessly with the most beautiful design aesthetics, allowing our client to focus on what is personal to them and essential to their lives.”
Top An expansive island with honed Black Tempal quartz, custom white oak cabinets and a hidden pantry make this kitchen a tribute to outstanding quality craftsmanship. Right This luxurious primary bath features a stunning Arabescato Fantastico marble sink that was expertly mitered to give it an architectural feel. Center Calacatta Nuvo quartz countertops and a custom range hood textured with Portola Roman Clay brings beautiful form and function to this kitchen. Far right The beautiful, free-standing soaking tub contrasts perfectly with the richly-textured Portola Roman Clay walls and hand-pressed Belgian tiles. Project designed by Urbanology Design. Photography Aaron
• Kitchen and living spaces that open onto outdoor entertainment areas.
• Biophilic design to create seamless indoor-outdoor living.
• Two islands in the kitchen one for food prep and one for homework and entertaining.
• Butler’s pantries with a dishwasher, sink, oven and warming drawers.
Style, fashion, flair, design, it is all personal. It is all unique to you and your family and when we partner with you, it becomes personal to us. Every nail, tile, and coat of paint comes together to tell your story. I
281.728.4332 | ristudiodallas.com |
Perfecting the interior of one’s home is no small feat. It involves many moving parts, flexible solutions and, sometimes, competing goals. That is why having a dedicated, expert team on hand can prove such a value. And that’s where RI Studio comes in for Dallasites. “We believe in creating holistic designs by interweaving the architecture with its surroundings and bringing those elements into the home,” says Terra McNutt, the firm’s owner and principal designer. “We aim to provide all of our clients with creative and exclusive designs while exceeding their expectations and providing exceptional customer service.” That they do, working on a wide variety of projects and specializing in custom solutions. From zeroing in on the details of an architect’s drawings to managing budgets and sourcing unique materials, RI Studio walks alongside the client through the entire process.
Those three factors, according to McNutt, play a key role in guiding design within the Dallas area. “Texas is blessed with good weather and a lot of land, and we’re something of a melting pot with new transplants, all of which is influencing what we’re seeing in design,” she says. She shares a few of the resulting trends:
• Indoor-outdoor living, with bigger backyards
• Lake houses for the perfect getaway from the city
• Craft/hobby rooms, because more square footage allows for dedicated spaces
• Paint and wallpaper that gets creative, as our diverse community brings an exciting variety of preferences to design
“Open-concept floor plans are fading away,” McNutt says. “Clients are instead opting for more designated spaces that fit their lifestyles. We do a lot of custom rooms, like home offices that reflect the interest and personality of our clients, bunk rooms, etc. Then we also incorporate some larger family spaces for gathering and entertainment, but that whole-home openness is less relevant.”
Top Architectural elements add interest and separation to this open floor plan in Frisco. Left This bathroom had a built-in tub, large stone tub deck and a cave-like shower that was dark. Now, it is a bright, spa-like environment. Right Stain-resistant fabrics, durable surfaces and replaceable indoor-outdoor carpet tiles make this flex room the perfect teen hangout.
Photography Top & Right by True Homes Real Estate Media; Left by Aaron Dougherty Interiors PhotographyLayers of tactile warmth envelop the interiors of a sleek yet welcoming Houston abode.
ome homes introduce themselves with a sense of grandeur, engulfing guests in architectural awe as soon as they enter. This young couple’s new Houston residence could easily command such presence, with its tall windows and vast swaths of light. But when interior designer Julie Dodson Webster first stepped inside the abode, she was struck the most not by its structural scope but by her clients’ cheery Bernese mountain dog, Cabo. “She met us at the door on each and every one of our visits, wanting to show off her toys,” the designer recalls with a laugh.
That endearing greeting prefaced what these homeowners wanted most of all: spaces that encapsulate a welcoming and intimate atmosphere, with a dose of sophistication. As recent California transplants, they navigate hectic careers by day. So, for their next chapter of life in Texas, “This house needed to be a laid-back respite,” the designer explains. “The couple didn’t want anything over the top. They cared more about spending quality time together.”
With that in mind, Webster and her design assistant, Patty Henriquez, pivoted the home toward a warm, human-centered design. They introduced lounge-worthy gathering areas for visiting family and friends, serene corners of solitude and, of course, various plush surfaces where the couple’s beloved four-legged family member can sunbathe. Cultivating such comfort called for an aesthetic that feels as good as it looks. To that end, notes Webster, “It was all about creating a textural experience.”
The clients only brought a few pieces from their life on the West Coast, so Webster essentially had free rein to start from scratch— and she began by diffusing the home’s expansive envelope with layers of tactility. Wool rugs in every room carve out close-knit seating areas within the larger footprint, fostering conversation while adding softness underfoot. Custom pleated draperies adorned with a matching valance or patterned trim help to bring movement and color to the walls and windows. Finishes on wood furniture remain rich and varied in tone, from the ebonized dining table to the unvarnished natural grain of handmade accent stools.
New pieces overall lean transitional, featuring “clean, simple lines that mix in well with various textures,” Webster explains. “I wanted furnishings that have an ease about them.”
Think deep-set sectionals dotted with cushions, oversize armchairs covered in buttery leathers and plush upholstered headboards ready-made for reading in bed. The study’s languid chaise lounge is a particularly dreamy find covered in blue velvet. And because Cabo “is allowed on everything, choosing textiles that are petfriendly was also very important,” adds Webster, who incorporated hardy performance fabrics for stress-free lounging.
At first, the color scheme trended subdued. A procession of cream walls runs throughout the main living areas, taking advantage of the home’s light. In turn, deeper shades of gray conjure a cocoon-like atmosphere in the more private realms. Webster reserved the darkest gray for the wife’s study, creating “a little spot where she can read and relax,” the designer notes. This reserved palette continues through to the main furnishings with delicate stripes and windowpane patterns adding subtle dimension. However, as the couple’s personal art collection grew during the design process, “We began bringing in fabrics and pillows that pull shades from the pieces,” Webster says. A classic Hunt Slonem bird painting, for example, inspired the dining room’s notes of blue, while the signature abstract swirls of Texas artist Sydney Yeager spurred the guest bedroom’s eclectic blues and yellows.
Among the plethora of new art and furniture, the designer preserved personal touches to imbue cozy familiarity. The study is perhaps home to the owners’ most sentimental items, one being a framed blueprint of their first residence together in California. Enjoying pride of place, another is a portrait by artist Anke Schofield of their dear pup. The couple “fell in love with her whimsical animal paintings,” Webster says. “She custom made this piece incorporating their own dog.” With a squirrel perched on her back, the painted version proves as playful as her real-life counterpart.
In similar fashion, the designer sees her own creative process as a form of portraiture. Rooms should do more than impress; they should radiate with life, embodying the distinct character of their occupants. “When you truly capture the client in a space, that is design to me,” Webster explains. “We are the artists, and our clients are the muse.”
or Kim and Tom Chappell, a West Coast couple who relocated to Austin just weeks after welcoming their third child, finding a designer to feather their new nest was a critical need. “I wanted it to be finished and decorated by the time we moved in,” Kim recalls. To their rescue came designer Sara Malek Barney, whose local firm first caught the couple’s attention online. Together, they all set their sights on a house by architect Adam Steiner and Nalle Custom Homes. For this abode, which features ample square footage and a large yard for the young family, Barney instinctively knew the way forward: finding common ground in the couple’s stylistic tastes.
“My clients have different opinions, but they can see eye to eye,” Barney explains. Kim grew up in Georgia and favors traditional design, namely “monograms, pinstripes and tufted pieces,” the designer notes. On the other hand, British-born Tom, a former designer, skews more modern. With Venn diagram-like precision, Barney identified their area of overlap as a simplified spin on English-cottage style. It speaks to the husband’s roots in Northwest England and reminds the wife of her childhood in Atlanta. “My aesthetic and Southern really go hand in hand,” Tom says, “so we were able to make it work nicely.”
What none of them wanted, however, was anything that felt themed. Nary a chintz nor a ruffle is to be found in these contemporary rooms, and yet, they all have a decidedly charming feel. Barney and her project manager, Meghan Kardow, enhanced and added to already existing elements such as the ceiling beams and wood paneling while creating continuity between each room through the palette. “I always use color, but softer hues as opposed to a Crayola box,” Barney explains of her chosen buffs, blues, grays, greens and pinks. “The house initially featured a lot of white, which we updated with a more muted scheme,” she continues. “This involved adding layers of color for depth, and incorporating pattern through textiles, wallpapers and herringbone floors.”
The couple, meanwhile, focused on practiciality for the furnishings. “We wanted a balance of pieces that are polished but not precious,” Kim says. To that end, Barney imbued the rooms with a comfortable, walk-in-the-countryside spirit. Woven catch-all baskets tucked under the entryway’s ebonized-oak table create an immediate sense of ease, while repurposing the existing dining room table and chairs honors the owners’ past. In the kitchen (where an expanse of open floor space often doubles as a dance floor), the designer intensified the palette by painting the lower cabinets a light blue. “It worked well with the white oak; it’s English cottage, but not at all frilly,” she describes. That palette returns in the formal yet inviting living room, where new upholstered seating pairs with meaningful pieces. These include both an antique chest of drawers from the clients’ previous residence and a landscape painting of Spanish oaks in Sea Island, Georgia, by artist Ken Wallin—a sweet reminder of where the couple wed.
This home also provided the family a chance to truly personalize their spaces. “We wanted a real Mom-and-Dad area,” Tom explains, noting they had not prioritized their bedroom in previous homes. Now, however, these parents have the retreat they always envisioned, made all the more inviting by a fireplace. The children also had a say in their rooms, with the daughter helping select her own wallpaper. “They’re at an age where they have a lot of opinions, so we wanted them to be involved,” Tom says. And along with a polished office for Kim and an upstairs family hangout (complete with a big sectional and projector screen for cozy family gatherings), you’ll find a guest suite nicknamed “The Cottage” situated above the garage. “It gave us the opportunity to have some fun with the design,” says the husband, referencing the double queen-size beds and wallpapered ceiling. Adds the wife: “Tom’s family visits from England for long stretches, so we wanted them to have an escape, and it feels like their very own little bedand-breakfast.”
It’s safe to say this home came together with everyone in mind. “They live a real life here,” says Barney of her clients. “We put a lot of love and care into this house, and we all won.”
hallmark of this Austin artist’s work.
Unconventional techniques and materials are the
When abstract artist Tyler Guinn picks up a paintbrush (or, more likely, a palette knife), he’s never faced with the proverbial blank canvas. Before he begins painting, Guinn imbues his canvas with character by staining it with coffee, wine or Hill Country soil. In some cases, he even treats it with river water. “You can’t quite tell what it’s been through,” says Guinn of the washed, distressed quality. “It makes you wonder, ‘Is it old?’ or ‘Did it get rained on?’ You can see my fingerprints, too, so there are very human elements also at play.” It’s this organic underpainting that lends the artist’s abstracts their beguiling authenticity.
While Guinn didn’t formally study art, his mother was an artist, which helped make his leap five years ago into painting professionally feel more natural. The medium came to him easily, and one of his signature styles emerged early: Canvases featuring a broad, clean border with chaotic slash marks and heavy impasto at the center. Soon, the artist was fielding commission requests. “A friend would see one of my pieces and say, ‘I love that. Are you going to do anything that’s squarer or in these colors?’ ” recalls Guinn, who was always happy to accommodate. Accustomed to working with creative directors in his former professional life, Guinn enjoys the collaboration. “I want clients to feel as though they’re part of the work—not that they simply bought it,” he explains.
A visit to the artist’s Austin studio reveals his unique process. Brimming with furniture, ceramics and houseplants, the space feels like a home, with Guinn constantly rearranging its contents. “I like to shift things around and create in different spaces, different lights,” the artist notes. You’ll find materials he’s gathered from the natural world, including dried plants and gritty dirt that end up incorporated into his fine art pieces. In turn, his paintings—with their rich texture, subtle color and organic elements—are very much at home in interior environments.
Guinn is represented by several galleries— Tappan, Commerce Gallery and Mont Art House—but also, tellingly, by Rath, a home decor showroom. The artist believes the objects in our spaces influence how we feel, act and even think. “Art can completely affect your mood and response to your surroundings,” he says. “I want to create paintings that people want to live with for years to come.”
any of the houses in this new home’s Dallas neighborhood follow a scheme that situates a square dwelling in between front and rear yards of roughly equal size. But more than anything, these owners wanted to let in the light—which meant a side-yard design with more perimeter was in order. Years spent in a residence decorated in tones of gray and khaki had left the pair yearning for surroundings that felt “bright, cheerful and happy,” explains interior designer Kristen Woolery, a friend of the wife’s since grade school. And so, when the couple began working with Woolery, architect David Stocker and builder Robby Skinner on a custom home for themselves and their children, the first consideration was windows.
Rather than forming a traditional centerhall floor plan, Stocker worked with his project manager, Scott Nunn, to create a rectangular footprint with one short end facing the street and the long sides lined with tall windows. These overlook outdoor areas devised in collaboration with landscape designer Matthew Murrey, which include a courtyard and covered terrace. “Using a rectangle gave us the ability to pick up a ton of light and bring it deeper into the house, which helped us achieve bright and airy spaces,” Stocker explains.
A long gallery with handcrafted concrete paver floors and a high ceiling spanned by pecky cypress beams functions as the home’s main artery. Beginning in the two-story foyer, it passes a game room and adjacent lounge, and then a large family area, on its way to a formal dining room that awaits, like a perfectly framed picture, at the end of the passageway. Displaying traditional millwork alongside contemporary windows, the gallery offers a first glimpse of this abode’s unique mix of old and new elements— a signature for both Stocker and Woolery.
“I imagine I have a gauge with an extremely traditional house on one side and an extremely modern house on the other,” Stocker says. “Here, the traditional forms pull the needle to one side, but the number of windows and light patterns
bring it back to the middle; it’s always a matter of finding the right balance.”
Woolery also searched for a middle ground when marrying the traditional furniture style the homeowners love with lively bursts of color and pattern. “My passion is finding things that will stand the test of time without appearing dated,” she says. “I’m also not afraid to go for it with color. I grew up when chintz was popular and prints were bright and vibrant, and I still gravitate toward that.” The designer’s penchant for decorative motifs is evident in the dining room, which features a glossy white ceiling and custom, hand-painted wallpaper panels shimmering with tints of rose gold. These selections provide a fresh context for the 19th-century sideboard, mirror and chandelier, as well as a vintage pedestal table “that could have been in your grandmother’s house,” Woolery notes with a laugh.
From there, the combinations grow bolder. Turquoise millwork pairs with a tête-à-tête upholstered in an energetic orange Art Deco print in the game room. Spirited, red-striped swivel chairs and Technicolor embroidered stools appear in the family room. And, perhaps most daring of all, a classic bird-and-thistleprint wallpaper pairs with Jolly Rancher-green millwork in the wife’s office. “That move took some convincing,” Woolery recalls of the latter. “But I’ve found that pushing my clients beyond their comfort zones often leads to the most successful rooms.”
A few memorable design moments came from the couple’s short wish list, including the blue-lacquered walls and coffered ceiling of the Peacock Lounge, a room inspired by their visit to The Spectator Hotel’s bar in Charleston, South Carolina. However, most additions are a product of the faith they have in their friend and designer. “They didn’t come to me with a ton of inspiration photos,” Woolery shares, “but they trusted me enough to let me loose. I wanted the house to reflect them, and by knowing their personalities, I was able to achieve that without a lot of input on finishes, fabrics and furnishings.” The wife agrees: “It feels just as I imagined—but with brighter colors. And I love them. They make me happy, which is exactly what I wanted.”
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Trendsetters, tastemakers and style gurus—the women of design are changing the game. And while many of these creative leaders always dreamt of and planned for a career in the field, some of them took a more circuitous route to their current position. One simple thing that they all seem to have in common: these women love what they do. Read on to see what drives them, as well as who these visionaries and innovative creators consider to be the industry’s icons. In this special section, get to know—and be inspired by—the most influential women of design.
214.747.5252 | janshowers.com | janshowers
At the core of interior design, there is one overarching goal: to make the way one lives beautiful. The act of interpreting this through the lens of an individual’s preferences, habits and beliefs is the trade’s highest art form. And Jan Showers is beloved for her mastery of this “language.” For each of her clients, she conveys personality in the details and keeps thing livable, but she also achieves that high-end ambience sought by all. No wonder her full-service design firm, Jan Showers & Associates, is in demand throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, London, The Bahamas and beyond. Every project, she says, “is different and exceptional.” It’s the perfect way to sum up the unique yet unwaveringly elegant approach evident in her body of work. As for what she’ll do next, she says, “I’d be fortunate to do more of what I’m doing, but maybe also a small, exclusive hotel in a place I adore.”
Showers shares a peek into her top sources of inspiration.
• Mark Hampton, because his designs were not only extraordinary, but also comfortable and inviting.
• Frances Elkins, who was one of the first American designers to use and appreciate the wonderful furniture designers in Paris.
• Jean-Michel Frank, Jacques Adnet and André Arbus, for their execution of a truly timeless look.
“Women in design have the brightest future, as long as they understand the business side,” Showers says. “There are so many women with a great eye and good taste, but they must have the right instinct for running a business, too. I think that can be learned, but it helps to have a brain that is fairly balanced— analytical and creative.”
“I love what I do and the chance to be creative, but pleasing my clients is what it’s really all about.”Above A custom-tufted banquette in blue-green velvet by Kravet and heavy fringe by Samuel & Sons, and art by Leif Ritchey bring boldness to this high-ceiled space. Top Jan Showers & Associates collaborated with architect Marwan Al-Sayed on this 9,000-square-foot home located in a Phoenix suburb. Left A pair of Italian Zanuso chairs and a Warhol over the mantel with a Lucian Freud to the left wow in this Belgravia, London, reception room.
713.408.1709 | lewisandroseinteriors.com | lewisandroseinteriordesign
As the backdrop for the ups, downs and chaos of everyday life, design should be just as livable and practical as it is beautiful. That’s the philosophy of Lewis & Rose Interiors, which clients have lovingly dubbed, “not your grandmother’s interior design firm.” Indeed, principal owner Brett Nicole Seidl and her team are outside-the-box thinkers who reject formality for formality’s sake. “We specialize in residential projects that are modern and tailored with a dash of whimsy,” Seidl says. “We design at the intersection of sophisticated and fun, refined yet approachable. In the end, great design should be accessible, not intimidating. We want to create deep and meaningful experiences through design.” Seidl’s fervor for what she does also rests at a crossroads of sorts. “This work and this field perfectly pair my love of business, family and strategy with my creative passion,” she explains.
Alongside leading the firm, Seidl has big plans for this year. “We’re developing a product line and beginning to buy and renovate luxury short-term rentals, and we just finished filming a styling certification course to help women gain an advantage in this industry,” she shares. “It will all culminate in an exciting project that pairs the boom of the home industry with the boom of on-demand concierge services.”
Asked to talk about her greatest guides, Seidl points to her parents. “My dad taught me a lesson that is at the core of my personal and professional decisions: perseverance. Quitting is simply not an option. My mom taught me compassion and servant leadership, and we make sure to serve our clients with both. All of those qualities have become foundational to our success, and they’ll continue to be staples as we navigate exponential growth.”
Top This is the ultimate lake house lounging space, with a double-seat chaise for watching movies and napping. Right A sophisticated and plush primary bedroom at a lakeside retreat sets the tone for relaxation. Center A luxurious red rug anchors this space, while the use of white gives the room the illusion of floating. Phillip Jeffries wallpaper on the ceiling brings a touch of whimsy.
Far right Previously adorned with columns, browns and traditional elements, this bathroom is now bright and fresh.
“I love change and a challenge. My comfort zone is when I’m out of my comfort zone.”
214.707.7047 | pholioco.com | pholioco
A commitment to quality, an eye for detail and a collaborative approach are the building blocks of great design. As founder and owner of Pholio Co, Jessica Craig Pinzon has assembled an expert team that brings exceptional stocked and custom furnishings, flooring, wallcoverings and so much more to their residential, hospitality and commercial clients. “We work hand-in-hand with our professional clientele to help source, curate and create design stories,” Pinzon says. “We do this by tapping into our collective skills, talents and know-how, and our curated collection of architecturallyinspired luxury goods.” A key ingredient in this amazing mix is the Pholio Co studio itself. “I’m proud of the space we created with designer Lauren McGowan, and how comfortable and inspired it makes our clients feel,” Pinzon shares. “We look forward to welcoming more design lovers to Pholio Co in the year to come.”
• Who do you consider to be the leading icon in your industry? The late Marilyn Rolnick. She cared enough about me to give me some constructive criticism early in my career that I will never forget. Simply put, she said, “Jessica if you don’t have problems, you don’t have business.” It meant the world to me.
• What major goals do you have for your business? I’m excited for the launch of our e-commerce trade site, Pholio Co-Op, where we will introduce our branded candle, Heritage. I’m also very proud to have my sister, Jacqueline Keifer, on the team. She’s been helping me craft a strategic priorities guide that will support our team’s growth.
• Who i nspires you? My studio director, Emily McNeal, who is always at my side guiding the dialogue and refining our brand. And my family, whose support, courage and example gave me the courage to take this journey.
Above Pholio Co’s studio is the perfect showcase for Danao Living’s elegant outdoor furnishings and rugs by Erik Lindstrom and Kvadrat Home. Top This Lithos Design table is the ideal place to enjoy a cup of coffee while cozying up next to the fireplace by STRIKE. Photography Hauser Photography“We illuminate the stories that connect the material world with the culture of architecture and design.”
WE ILLUMINATE THE STORIES THAT CONNECT THE MATERIAL WORLD WITH THE CULTURE OF ARCHITECTURE.
214.707.7047 | pholioco | pholioco.com
214.871.9106 | sherryhayslip.com | sherryhayslipinteriors
How charming it is when stories of childhood antics reveal a lifelong passion in hindsight. For Sherry Hayslip, this is precisely what happened. “As a young teen, I would move the furniture around homes while I was babysitting—very much to the owners’ surprise when they returned,” she enthuses. Still, she didn’t immediately recognize how this would portend her career. After 11 years of undergraduate school, with multiple majors and two children arriving along the way, she awoke in the middle of sleep with an epiphany: she was supposed to be an interior designer. Back to school she went, and today, her employees and clients at Sherry Hayslip Interiors are certainly grateful for that fateful night. “We create individualistic, unique, livable and fresh spaces,” she says of the firm’s work. “We avoid being typecast and love to do each project thoughtfully and in expression of each client.”
Asked what the future holds for women in design, Hayslip says, “There are no limits for women or men in this industry. Talent rises like cream to the top. Women are respected and even expected in this field, and it is up to each one of us to seize the opportunities, which are in the multitudes. As for those, artificial intelligence may be one on which all designers should keep an eye.”
“My employees and clients have inspired me in every way,” Hayslip shares. “Perhaps unwisely, I started my business without working for someone else first. It might have been beneficial to have done so and learned the ropes, but I feel as though I have mastered the dos and don’ts of owning my own business now. That is why I am especially grateful for every employee, intern and my clients, all of whom have shaped and influenced me throughout these 40-plus years of design.”
“There has never been a more fabulous moment for design than today.”Above Rock crystal, Murano glass, glossy lacquered walls and rich textures create a recipe for elegance. Top Natural light and monochromatic whites create a sophisticated setting with multiple areas. Left A dramatic art collection captures the eye from room to room.
214.883.5473 | tiffanymckinzie.com | tiffanymckinzie
The decision of whether to build a home or update an existing one can prove confusing for some potential homeowners, because each has its unique challenges. Tiffany McKinzie could advise on it all. With 20 years of experience in the home-building industry, her pivot to open her namesake interior design firm was informed not only by her love for the aesthetic side of things, but also passion for what it takes to make those major projects happen. “Acting as a liaison between client and builder, we break down the full scope into manageable chunks and oversee everything from start to finish,” McKinzie says. “Long before the last coat of paint, a plan for the entire interior finish-out is done, from furnishings to artwork to window treatments and even full move-in services.” This client-centric approach has earned the firm a reputation for providing gorgeous homes alongside a seamless, smooth—even enjoyable—process.
“I would love to see more women-owned construction firms,” McKinzie shares. “It’s still a largely male-dominated industry, but having a woman’s input on how a home should flow, function and feel is both hugely valuable and important. Women view aesthetics and necessities from a different perspective than men. We visualize how a home could be best utilized for daily life, for families, for entertaining, so it brings a practicality aspect as well. We are also naturally more intuitive, which I have found to be a major advantage when capturing a client’s vision.”
McKinzie shares a few of her top Instagram follows.
• @sophiepatersoninteriors and @laurahammett.interiors for their international, bespoke and richly-appointed interiors
• @studiomcgee for the vast array of projects and brilliant integration of product marketing
Top Year-round entertaining is a breeze in this outdoor living space, with retractable motorized screens, in-ceiling heating elements and a kitchen and bar. Right Custom floating nightstands in fumed, black-stained oak are mounted on a rich, leather-upholstered wall—all encased in walnut wood paneling. Center Fornasetti wallpaper, a custom-stacked wood vanity and a faceted glass sink are just a few details that will leave one’s head in the clouds in this ethereal powder bath. Far right Whether one is enjoying a fireside chat or morning coffee, this serene primary bedroom’s neutral palette and velvety carpet invite relaxation.
Photography Costa Christ Media
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When grace and determination meet vision and talent, great design follows. Thus is the case with Ginger Curtis, who discovered her true calling in the face of adversity. “Although I’d always loved design and others could see my gift, I never believed I could really do this,” she shares. “At 33, I had a life-altering battle with cancer that changed my perspective and gave me a new point of view.” As the president of Urbanology Designs, Curtis has applied her passion, skills and collaborative spirit to build an outstanding team that creates elegant, livable environments with their clients. “We specialize in design that is elevated, yet approachable—beautiful and comfortable, without being fussy,” Curtis adds. “We call this vibe ‘relaxed modern.’ It’s not an easy aesthetic to achieve, but we’ve made it our mission to get there so that the entire process feels effortless for our clients.”
• How has your journey inspired you and your work? I am incredibly grateful for all that the Lord had trusted me with and allowed me to steward. The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is that those things worthy of perusing are going to be challenging. With that in mind, I embrace life’s challenges and pray that I grow to be a better wife, mom, employer, friend, mentor and leader with every step I take.
• Talk about a project that exemplifies your style. My guesthouse project is a great example of what Urbanology Designs does best. From its found and artisanal objects to its unique shapes, textures and layers, this luminous space tells a story that is both simple and bold.
• What’s new? We recently launched the Urbanology Cottage, our first luxury vacation rental that is not only beautiful and relaxing but is completely shoppable.
• What does the future hold for women in design? Our skill sets will be seen as more foundational to purposeful/intentional living rather than something that’s non-essential or simply “nice to have.”
20 YEARS OF AWARD WINNING INSPIRATIONAL DESIGNS
USING SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION SCIENCE AND ADVANCED COMFORT ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
CREATING THE BEST LUXURY BUILD TO SUIT LIVING IN NORTH TEXAS