MAKING HOME
October 2026
SAVE OR SPLURGE
LETTING GO
Volume 4, Issue 19
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RICHARDSON LIFE MAGAZINE
• BEST DESIGN/BUILD • BEST ARCHITECT • BEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
MCDOUGAL CLOUSE Your life is the blueprint. McDougal Clouse exists to create homes shaped entirely around the people who will live in them, designing and building as one continuous act of care from the first conversation to the last detail. A home isn’t created from a design rendering or Pinterest board; it’s born from the rhythm of your days. It’s the quiet path morning light takes across your floors. It’s the natural gravity that pulls your family together at the end of the day. It is found in the vibrant gatherings you long to host, the secluded spaces you need to
retreat, and the subtle, unmistakable details that tell your story.
hands-on execution that keeps the original design uncompromised.
Every one of these fleeting, beautiful moments should shape every single detail – from the very first sketch to the final layer of finish.
Our collaborative effort and boutique size ensure you have support throughout the entire process, from concept to construction.
This is where design meets diligence. At McDougal Clouse, we operate as a boutique, Dallas-based design build team that takes your vision for a house, and transforms it into a home that is uniquely yours. Kendra McDougal is our lead architectural designer, channeling a vast range of experience and style to create homes where every line has a reason and every room holds a purpose. Scott Clouse is our Foreman, who works 1:1 with you every step of the way to translate the vision and bring it to life with the master craftsmanship, inventive problem-solving and
What truly sets us apart, however, is our discovery process. Instead of looking at your home as a structure to be built, we look at it as a story to be told. Instead of showing you a few inspirational photos before proceeding right into sketches, we take the time to get to know you and your family personally – so we can make choices that align with your lifestyle and personalities. The result is an elevated home design entirely for the people that live within it, built precisely for your style and crafted by the very same people who took the time to learn how you live. Your life is the blueprint.
214.417.9933 I www.mcdougalclouse.com I 2105 Kidwell St
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CONTENTS 14
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FEATURES
24 YOUR HOME IS
TALKING TO YOUR BRAIN By Kendra McDougal
31 READY RICHARDSON: ARE YOU PREPARED?
34 WHERE TO SAVE AND SPLURGE IN YOUR HOME By Elizabeth Ryan
DEPARTMENTS
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THE RICHARDSON SCENE By Rebecca Deragon
10 RISD EDUCATORS’ CORNER
Submitted by Richardson ISD
14 HEALTHY LIVING By Deborah Dobbs
18 BEST OF RICHARDSON 22 SENIOR LIVING By Jill Murawski
30 WHAT WE’RE LOVING LATELY
32 TRAVEL By Mollie Romness
38 OUT AND ABOUT IN RICHARDSON
34 RICHARDSONLIFEMAGAZINE.COM
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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
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here’s a reason we call this our Home Issue and not our House Issue. A house is a physical structure, but a home is where we feel safe, connected, and like we belong. In this issue, we’re looking beyond the houses that make up Richardson and exploring the things that make those spaces feel like home. The places you look forward to returning to at the end of the day, where you welcome your
family home from school and activities, celebrate holidays, gather with friends, and maybe even create a Mahjong space of your own. Whatever makes your house feel like home, we hope you feel that same warmth of home here in Richardson that we do. We’re exploring all facets of home, from building a new one to making the difficult decision to leave one we’ve loved for many years. Deborah Dobbs of The Counseling Place shares thoughtful advice on letting go of the things in our homes that may be weighing us down, and could eventually become a burden for our children. We also take a look at how our homes affect our brains, our lives, and our overall well-being. If you’re dreaming of building, considering a new build, or already in the planning stages, Kendra McDougal of McDougalClouse shares why designing a home that positively impacts our brains is so important, along with how their team incorporates this science-backed approach into their homes. As we head into fall and the winter months, we’ve also included helpful information from the City of Richardson on preparing for emergencies. None of us likes to think about the unexpected, but a little preparation can provide peace of mind when we need it most. Be sure to scan the QR code to visit the City’s website and start planning now. And, of course, we saved room for some fun. Elizabeth Ryan Interiors gives us a peek at the things designers believe are worth saving on, and where it’s worth splurging. Plus, Mollie Romness of Cheers Travel shares ideas for the treasures worth bringing home from your travels. As always, thank you for picking up another issue of Richardson Life Magazine and spending a little time with us. We’re so glad you call Richardson home.
Kyla Obert
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A LIFETIME OF HOME: WATCHING RICHARDSON GROW
When people learn I've called Richardson home for over 50 yearss, the first question is almost always the same: "What was it like back then?" The honest answer is, it was different — in ways that make the city I know today almost unrecognizable. The neighborhoods were a mix of brick ranch homes and newer twostories on streets that were half-finished. The open fields between developments were playgrounds, and families stayed for decades — the same faces on the same streets, year after year. Central Expressway was a cramped two lanes each way—so narrow you could stick your arm out the window and high-five your neighbor. Our main streets only went so far. Greenville Avenue and Plano Road dead-ended into open fields and farmland. Home was simple: a place where neighbors knew your name, and you knew theirs. Then Richardson grew — the arrival of the Telecom Corridor brought thousands of jobs and turned a quiet suburb into a technology hub. DART rail threaded its way through town. The University of Texas at Dallas, barely a decade old when I was a kid, had a single soccer field where our team practiced. Today that same university has rows of soccer fields and is a nationally recognized research institution drawing students from around the world! Homes here have grown right alongside the city. The modest starter houses of the 1960s and 1970s, now sit beside new construction. Some families have remodeled and stayed; others have passed the torch to a new generation ready to make their own memories. What Photo shared by clients who grew up in Canyon I love most is that through every transition, the bones of our Creek–Prairie Creek during the 1960s. neighborhoods have held: the tree-lined streets, the parks, and that sense that Richardson is a place where people put down roots and stay. Of course, not everything stayed the same. Traffic is real, and the green fields are mostly gone. But the thing that mattered most back then, community, is the thing that never left. I still see it in many neighborhoods where neighbors look out for one another. Years later, I get to experience this city from a second angle: through the eyes of buyers and sellers I work with every day. It’s a joy to walk a first-time buyer through a home on a street I remember from childhood — or to help a family downsize after thirty years in the same house and I absolutely love hearing the stories! This town gave me a childhood full of open fields and close neighbors, and then it did the same for my son. Along the way, it gave me a career helping others plant their own roots here. That's the whole story, really: it's still a great place to call home, and it only gets better with time!
AGSellsDFW.com
The Angela Green Team
angela.green@kw.com
As Richardson residents, we don’t just sell houses—we live the local lifestyle. We're proud to support the culture that makes our community one of a kind! Whether you're moving in or moving on, trust the team that knows every corner of the city we call home.
Each office is independently owned & operated.
Local Business RICHARDSONLIFEMAGAZINE.COM
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Finally, answers. Psychological & Educational Testing for Children & Adolescents
Publisher Kyla Obert Ad Sales Mike Obert Designer 032 Outsourcing
Special Thanks Rebecca Deragon, Deborah Dobbs, Richardson ISD, Jill Murawski, Mollie Romness, Elizabeth Ryan, Sarah Linden Photography McDougal Clouse
Cover Photography Credit: Costa Christ
Clarity. Confidence. A Path Forward.
Publisher’s Letter Photography Credit: Chelsea Green, The Joyful Green Photography (TheJoyfulGreen.com) For Advertising Request, please email: mobert@hylogroup.com For Editoral Requests, please email kobert@hylogroup.com
At In Focus, we evaluate children for ADHD, autism spectrum differences, learning disabilities, anxiety, and mood disorders — starting as early as 18 months. Our team provides thorough, personalized evaluations so families get clear answers and a real path forward.
972.366.0919 | infocusdallas.com
Katherine Sulak
M.Ed. & Certified Diagnostician
HyperLocal Media 224 W Campbell Rd, STE 428 Richardson, TX 75080
Dr. Jacquelyn Pack PhD, LP, LSSP
Managing Partners Mike and Kyla Obert
Dallas: 16135 Preston Rd, #111, TX 75254 Frisco: 5300 Town & Country Blvd, Suite 111, TX 75034
INA U GURAL CA NY ON C RE EK HOME TOUR PRES E NT ED B Y K O BS, MARTI N & M c DA NIE L BENEFITS: CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, PRAIRIE CREEK ELEMENTARY & NORTH JR. HIGH SCHOOL Saturd a y, N o ve mb e r 14 f ro m 6: 00 -9 : 00P M
Tic ke ts av ail able s oon , sc an to l ear n m or e
ko b s ma rti nm cdani el. c om RICHARDSONLIFEMAGAZINE.COM
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THE RICHARDSON SCENE Photographs taken by Rebecca Deragon, RD Images
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THE RICHARDSON SCENE
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RISD EDUCATORS CORNER
Photography courtesy of RISD
RISD IS THE ONE: Turning Classroom Learning Into Real-World Experiences at JA Biztown
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n any given morning inside the Greenwood Hills facility, fifth graders aren’t just sitting behind desks reading about economics—they are running a city.
In an era where abstract textbook lessons can feel distant from daily life, Richardson ISD is reimagining how young learners engage with their future. As part of the RISD is the ONE Experience, the district is creating hands-on opportunities that introduce students to careers, financial literacy and
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civic responsibility long before they walk across a high school graduation stage. The new JA BizTown space brings that vision to life through an immersive environment where students can see, touch and navigate the concepts they are learning for themselves. At the heart of this experience is a partnership with Junior Achievement of Dallas, bringing a nationally recognized curriculum and experiential learning directly into the RISD
Students placing shipment orders at the FedEx storefront
Through interaction with local landmarks and municipal centers like City Hall, they practice civic engagement and discover how individual responsibilities shape a thriving city. By connecting standard academic curriculum directly to familiar local institutions, students quickly realize that what they practice in the classroom has immediate, tangible value in the real world. Providing students with early exposure to real life does more than just build academic knowledge, it also builds foundational confidence. When lessons are tactile, interactive, and memorable, the learning sticks for a lifetime. “We have taken a space and transformed it into one that will host a whole new generation of dreams,” says Superintendent Tabitha Branum. “Without experiences like these, our students may not have the action steps and skills they need to see that their dream is really possible.” While fifth graders are currently blazing the trail in JA BizTown, the momentum is only building. Looking ahead to the community. The new center will serve more than 5,000 RISD students each year, giving them opportunities to apply what they learn, explore different career pathways and develop skills they can carry with them well beyond elementary school. This fall semester, every fifth-grade student in the district is stepping into JA BizTown, a vibrant, miniature metropolis complete with storefronts, banks, a post office, and a local City Hall modeled after Richardson’s own Main Street. BizTown isn’t a passive field trip; it is a full-scale simulation of community life where students take on real roles. During their workday in BizTown, RISD students manage local businesses as storefront owners and store team members, navigating the fast-paced dynamics of entrepreneurship. They handle financial stewardship firsthand, including writing checks, opening and balancing bank accounts, and making real consumer choices about how money flows through a community.
Students working in the Toyota storefront RICHARDSONLIFEMAGAZINE.COM
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Students in uniform posing in front of the StateFarm storefront
spring semester, RISD will expand the program’s footprint to include every seventh-grade student through JA Finance Park. This natural progression ensures that as students mature, their practical skills evolve with them. While BizTown introduces community economic structure, Finance Park challenges seventh graders to navigate complex personal budgets, explore diverse career paths based on education levels, manage household expenses, and understand how today’s financial decisions directly shape tomorrow’s choices. For long-time district families, this approach brings a nostalgic nod to RISD’s history. The new programming honors a rich legacy that began in 1985 with the beloved Enterprise City program at Canyon Creek Elementary, an experience fondly remembered by generations of RISD alumni. Today, JA BizTown at Greenwood Hills is the newly renovated home of that Enterprise City legacy, bringing the spirit of the original program into a new, immersive experience for a new generation of RISD students. Today’s modernized setup builds on
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Police officer and sheriff for the day at the JA BizTown City Hall
that foundation, embedding core competencies from the RISD Graduate Profile into every activity: •
Financial Literacy: Balancing physical and digital accounts, earning paychecks, and managing budgets in real time.
•
Critical Thinking: Solving real-time operational challenges, handling workplace situations, and adjusting to supply and demand.
•
Effective Communication: Pitching ideas, serving customers, and collaborating across workplace teams.
•
Emotional Intelligence: Practicing accountability, teamwork, and practical decision-making under real-world conditions.
CORE Construction and Glenn Partners architecture firm storefronts
For prospective and current families alike, the message is clear: RISD is dedicated to preparing students not just for the next grade level or a standardized test, but for the real world waiting just outside the classroom door. If your family isn’t part of RISD yet, there’s a place for you here. Discover the opportunities, experiences and community that make RISD the ONE for your family at www.risd.org/theone. Want to get your business involved? Storefront sponsorship opportunities are available at JA BizTown, offering local businesses a chance to support handson, real-world learning for students. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jasmine Seldon, Chief Development Officer at Junior Achievement of Dallas, at jseldon@jadallas.org.
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HEALTHY LIVING
LETTING GO By Deborah Dobbs, MA Executive Director at The Counseling Place
W
hen I was a young girl, I had a ridiculous number of stuffed animals. At some point, my mom told me it was time to lighten the load. Instantly, little fuzzy things I hadn’t noticed in months meant the world to me. These things had no story. They weren’t attached to any special occasions. Nevertheless, the thought of letting them go brought me sadness. Attachment to Material Things Causes Suffering There’s a term for what I experienced: Loss Aversion. It’s the emotional pain of
Photo: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com
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losing or giving up something. The pain of letting it go is actually higher than the pleasure experienced when acquiring the item.
The value we assign our worldly goods is a bit of a trap, though. The subsequent attachment to things can cause a lot of suffering.
Our possessions can represent security, possibility, identity, or a connection to the past. Sometimes we aren't really attached to the object. We're attached to what it represents.
Addressing Loss Aversion Head-On It's not necessarily sentimental value that makes it difficult. People hold on to takeout menus from restaurants that closed decades ago and greeting cards from people they barely knew.
That Fleetwood Mac CD takes you back to your first kiss. The bike you no longer ride represents freedom.
That’s when a house can feel less like a home and more like a storage facility for
Photo: Ruslan Ivantsov/Shutterstock.com
the life you've lived. The volume of “stuff” you slowly accumulate year after year, decade after decade, can go unnoticed until you run out of space, or you find yourself wondering when and how the junk drawer took over the spare bedroom. If you’re embracing or acquiescing to the idea of downsizing, the sheer magnitude of stuff can easily overwhelm you. How to Begin Letting Go Don’t Wait. Ideally, start letting go of things before you're facing a move or a major life transition. Start Small. Focus on one small space at a time, like a shelf in the guestroom closet. Conquer small spaces before tackling the attic or garage. Approach things with curiosity. Find something you haven't used in years and, if you’re hesitant to let it go, don't immediately force yourself to throw it away. Ask yourself questions. Is it sentimental? Do you think you might need it someday? Does throwing it away feel wasteful? Understanding the attachment is often
the first step toward releasing it. Give yourself permission to let go of the ordinary. A receipt from your favorite restaurant might remind you of a wonderful evening, but it isn't the memory. A stack of outdated menus isn't a family heirloom. And you don't have to preserve every greeting card you've ever received to prove that you were loved (or that you loved the person who gave it to you). Your memories aren't stored in your possessions. They're stored in you. Stop Buying Stuff. Do you really need another hammer or garden gnome? Are you sure you don't already have what you're tempted to buy? And perhaps most importantly, before you bring another item into your house, consider who will eventually have to deal with it. That’s likely your children. Your kids probably don't want your nutcracker collection. Don't leave the job for your children. Some parents believe that because they raised their kids, they can deal with
all the parents’ stuff. That's a pretty hefty repayment plan for being a parent. Your adult children may already be helping you move, preparing your house for sale, or taking on other responsibilities while managing their own. A moving company will pack and transport your belongings, but they're not going to decide what to do with 60 years of paperwork, drawers full of miscellaneous objects, or collections nobody else wants. Your children will probably handle it because they love you, but the task is nonetheless burdensome. It eats up time and distracts from the relationship you want to have with them. It can also cause palpable resentment. You Aren’t Your Possessions Letting go isn't about erasing your history. It's about deciding what deserves to come with you into the next chapter, and by letting go now, you’re respecting and protecting the relationships you have with your loved ones.
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Build Skills. Build Confidence. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Learn more at WestCoastUniversity.edu
As real as it gets
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
The Wolfe Team
Your Home, Your Future, Our Commitment
NeighborhoodNetwork Network Services Services 2026 Neighborhood 2026Directory Directory ACCOUNTING / CPA ACCOUNTING / CPA Ronald J. J. Poff, 972.690.6023 Ronald PoffPC PC - Brian A. Poff, CPA 972.690.6023 Brian Poff, CPA Ste. 220, Richardson, TX 75081 Fax Fax 972.680.1166 972.680.1166 833A. East Arapaho, 833 East Arapaho, Ste. 220, Richardson, TX 75081 brian@poffcpafirm.com brian@poffcpafirm.com ADVERTISING, PRINTING & SHIPPING ADVERTISING, PRINTING & SHIPPING The UPS Store Canyon Creek 469.677.6678 The UPS Store Canyon Creek – The Casaday Family 469.677.6678 The Casaday Family Full-Service Printing, 224 W. Campbell Rd., 224 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080 Notary,&Shredding, Richardson, TX 75080 Full-Service Printing, Notary, Shredding, Packing Shipping Packing & Shipping
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING Luxe 214.364.7885 Luxe AirAir - Sami Sharif 214.364.7885 HVAC Repairs • Maintenance sami@lueairtexas.com Sami Sharif sami@lueairtexas.com • Installation Residential/Commercial HVAC Repairs •• Maintenance • Installation • Residential/Commercial ATTORNEY ATTORNEY Brown Fox PLLC L.L.P. - Chris S. Quillin 214.396.9287 Scheef & Stone, 214.706.4221 Chris S. Quillin cquillin@brownfoxlaw.com Full Service Law Firm chris.quillin@solidcounsel.com Full Service Law Firm AUTO REPAIR
AUTO REPAIR Northrich Automotive - Rochelle Gotsdiner 972.669.9990 Northrich Automotive 972.669.9990 All Makes - All Models • Routine Maintenance, rochelle@northrichauto.com Rochelle Gotsdiner rochelle@northrichauto.com Repair AllService Makes & - All Models • Routine Maintenance, Service & Repair Texas Bank Trust Texas Bank & &Trust Cynthia Jackson Cynthia Jackson
BANKING BANKING
972.470.1562 972.470.1562 cjackson@texasbankandtrust.com cjackson@texasbankandtrust.com
BUSINESS CONSULTING BUSINESS CONSULTING RWB Consulting CFO 214.724.7507 RWBW. Consulting 214.724.7507 Roger Burns CFO roger@rwbconsultingCFO.com roger@rwbconsultingCFO.com Roger W. Burns Consultant • Interim CFO and “as needed” CFO services Consultant • Interim CFO and “as needed” CFO services COUNSELING FOR WOMEN Holding Hope Counseling Dallas DENTIST 214.477.1306 Tiffany Amerson, MA,LPC info@holdinghopecounselingdallas.com Watson Family Dentistry J. Mathew Watson, Jr. DDS
972.234.0626
DENTIST
Watson Family Dentistry 972.234.0626 J. Mathew Watson, Jr. DDS DESIGN SERVICES Serendipity Designs - Sandra Taylor Moore 214.232.2276 DESIGN SERVICESserendipityds.317@gmail.com Serendipityds.com Serendipity Designs Window Coverings • Bedding • Pillows • Upholstery 214.232.2276 Sandra Taylor Moore serendipityds.317@gmail.com Window Coverings • Bedding • Pillows • Upholstery ELECTRICAL SERVICES Serendipityds.com Regions Electric, Inc Jaime Pineda
972.272.7220 contact@regionselectric.com
ELECTRICAL SERVICES HEALTH INSURANCE Regions Electric, Inc 972.272.7220 Ann Headlee 469.915.5962 Jaime Pineda contact@regionselectric.com Enrollment Store ann@enrollmentstore.com www.enrollmentstore.com HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE Canyon Creek Allstate 972.810.4149 HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE 291 Renner Pkwy., Ste. 104, Richardson, TX 75080 wilsonallen@allstate.com CanyonAllen Creek Allstate 972.810.4149 Wilson 291 Renner Pkwy., Ste. 104, Richardson, TX 75080 wilsonallen@allstate.com Wilson Allen HOME ENERGY SAVINGS Energy Attic 972.548.0088 HOME SERVICESryamerson@energyattic.com Ryan Amerson Paneless Home Services - Ryan Harrington 214.662.2300 admin@panelesshomeservices.com Window Cleaning • Soft Washing HOME SERVICES • All FloorHome Cleaning Paneless Services 214.662.2300 Ryan Harrington admin@panelesshomeservices.com ICE CREAM/SPECIAL EVENTS Window Cleaning • Soft Washing • All Floor Cleaning Sweet Firefly 972.635.5635 2701 Custer Pkwy., Ste.ICE 810,CREAM/SPECIAL Richardson, TX 75080 EVENTSinfo@sweetfirefly.com Angie Firefly Conard Sweet 972.635.5635 2701 Custer Pkwy., Ste. 810, Richardson, TX 75080 info@sweetfirefly.com Angie Conard INTERIOR REMODEL / HANDYMAN V.I.P Services, Inc. Blake Vincent 972-839-9920 JEWELRY MANUFACTURER blake@vipservices4u.com Premier Diamonds, Inc. By Appointment 1011 Hampshire Ln., Ste. 100, Richardson, TX 75080 972.994.9292 JEWELRY MANUFACTURER Andy Feist By Appointment Premier Diamonds, Inc. 972.994.9292 1011 Hampshire Ln., Ste. 100, LANDSCAPE DESIGN afeist@premierdiamonds.net Richardson, TX 75080 – Andy Feist Blooming Vistas 972.897.0326 Noemi Quillin noemi@bloomingvistas.com LANDSCAPE DESIGN Landscape Design & Installation MARKETING STRATEGIES Blooming Vistas 972.897.0326 Streetlight 281.750.2829 LandscapeStrategies Design & Installation – Noemi Quillin noemi@bloomingvistas.com Shelbie Overstreet shelbie@streetlightstrategies.com
MARKETING STRATEGIES
Seidel Mortgage Group Streetlight Strategies Carter Seidel Shelbie Overstreet
MORTGAGE LOANS
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POOLS RESTAURANT Hobert Pools 972.690.8118 Ten50Fimbres BBQ 855.783.1050 Victor vfimbres@hobertpools.com Melissa Waters catering@ten50bbq.com New Construction • Remodel of Swimming Pools ROOFING / EXTERIOR REMODEL RESTAURANT Platform Construction 817.559.9669 Ryan Jones ryan@platformconstructionusa.com Ten50 BBQ 855.783.1050 RoofingWaters Restoration Melissa catering@ten50bbq.com LIVING ROOFING /SENIOR EXTERIOR REMODEL 214.693.4895 Senior Living Specialists Jill Murawski Jill@seniorlivingspecialists.com Platform Construction 817.559.9669 Community Liaison ryan@platformconstructionusa.com Roofing Restoration - Ryan Jones TITLE INSURANCE SENIOR LIVING Chicago Title 972.931.1552 18111 Preston Rd., Ste. 170, Dallas, TX 75252 hamidc@ctt.com Celeste Hamid Ext. 103 Senior Living Specialists 214.693.4895 Jill@seniorlivingspecialists.com Jill Murawski - Community Liaison TREE SERVICE S & S Tree Service 972.276.2503 TITLE INSURANCE Kevin Sides s.streeservice@yahoo.com Chicago Title 972.931.1552 Tree Trimming • Tree • Stump Grinding hamidc@ctt.com 18111 Preston Rd., Ste.Removal 170, Dallas, TX 75252
MOVING COMPANY MORTGAGE LOANS Full House Moving 972.699.7411 Seidel Mortgage Group 469.263.4796 Joe Laudbacher cs@fullhousemoving.com Carter Seidel Household Moving & Packing • Local & Long Distance, cseidel@brazosbank.com • 7 days/week
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Best of Richardson
Celebration2026
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Photography by Rebecca Deragon, RD Images
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SENIOR LIVING
HELPING AGING PARENTS NAVIGATE THEIR NEXT CHAPTER By Jill Murawski
Photo: Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.com
S
tarting the conversation with aging parents requires careful planning, patience, and empathy to navigate sensitive topics like finances and independence. Knowing when to start matters just as much as how. It rarely comes as one big moment. More often, it’s a slow accumulation of small signs that eventually can’t be ignored. That moment often arrives subtle: a passing comment about tiring stairs, or a lawn that no longer gets mowed like clockwork. The Signs It May Be Time
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A few patterns tend to show up again and again when a home has stopped serving the person living in it: •Home maintenance becomes overwhelming. Small repairs pile up, and upkeep that was once manageable starts to feel like a second job. •Stairs become a daily obstacle. Climbing to a second-floor bedroom or navigating a split-level home can quietly limit mobility and independence. •The yard is too much. What once
brought joy can become a source of stress and physical strain. •The house feels too big. Empty bedrooms and unused space are common signs a home has outgrown its purpose. No single sign means it’s time to move. A home once perfectly suited to a family’s needs no longer fits the life being lived in it now. How to Start the Conversation This is often the hardest part, in many cases, harder than a move itself. Adult
children walk a fine line between genuine concern and unintentionally making a parent feel like their independence is being questioned. Compassion is key! The goal isn’t to convince a parent overnight. It’s to open a door that stays open, so that when they’re ready, they know they won’t be navigating the decision alone. It helps to frame the next step with them not for them. Asking open -ended questions “How are you feeling about the stairs lately” rather than making pronouncement. Raising the topic more than once, in smaller conversations, rather than one big sit-down that can feel like an ambush There’s a wide spectrum of options depending on a person’s needs, budget, and desired lifestyle.
•More freedom — no more weekends spent on repairs or yard work •New friendships — many communities offer built-in social connection that can be hard to find living alone in a large, quiet house
comes from outdated ideas — pictures in our heads formed decades ago that don’t match what these communities look like today. The truth is, most people wait longer than they need to, missing out on years of connection and community along the way.
•Walkability and amenities — dining, fitness, and activities often just steps away The transition takes courage and support, but on the other side of it is frequently a life that feels lighter, fuller, and more connected than the one left behind. So many times, families tell us the same thing after moving: they wish they’d done it sooner. So much of the hesitation
Jill Murawski - Office Manager Senior Living Specialists www.seniorlivingspecialists.com Cell: 214-693-4895
•55+Apartments or condos — a simpler, often more walkable lifestyle with far less upkeep than a single-family home •Independent living or active-adult communities — for those who want less maintenance and more social connection, without needing daily support •Assisted living — for those who could use additional support with daily activities •Moving closer to family — sometimes the best “downsize” isn’t a smaller home, but a shorter distance to the people who matter most Choosing among these options takes more than a quick search. It’s a deeply personal decision shaped by health, finances, social needs, and the kind of daily life a person actually wants — which is why many families find it valuable to consult professionals who specialize in senior living transitions, rather than navigating the landscape alone. The Surprising Upside Leading up to a move can feel daunting but what follows takes families by surprise. Photo: pikselstock/Shutterstock.com
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Your Home Is Talking to Your Brain by Kendra McDougal
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ell me if this sounds familiar: You walk into one room in your house and immediately feel relaxed. You walk into another and think, I can’t be in here.
Maybe it’s the pile of shoes you have to step over. The overhead light that feels a little too bright. Or maybe there’s another room you always gravitate toward … you know, the one with a view of the trees and the chair you’ve kept ten years too long that, for whatever reason, just makes you feel good.
Photography courtesy of McDougal Clouse
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Turns out, there may be a reason for that. Our surroundings affect us physically, emotionally and physiologically, often without consciously realizing it. And a growing body of research is exploring exactly that relationship. At McDougal Clouse, we think about this from the beginning. How will natural light move through the house? How does the home connect to the landscape and neighborhood? These aren’t just aesthetic decisions. Welcome to neuroarchitecture and neuroaesthetics. The terminology may sound new, but the idea really isn’t. Neuroaesthetics was formally named in 1999 by neuroscientist Semir Zeki as a field exploring how the brain experiences art and beauty. Today, researchers continue to study how we experience
Photography courtesy of McDougal Clouse
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Photography courtesy of McDougal Clouse
the world around us, and architects and designers are translating that research into the built environment. In other words, design isn’t only about what we see. It’s about what we experience. I was introduced to many of these concepts in the 1990s while studying psychophysiology under Dr. Mardelle Shepley at Texas A&M University (whoop!). At the time, much of the research connecting our physical environments with human responses was focused on healthcare. Researchers were asking questions such as: What difference does natural light make? What happens when a patient can see nature? How do noise, privacy, color and the physical environment affect the human experience? Photography courtesy of McDougal Clouse
Today, that thinking is increasingly
making its way into our homes … and we’re excited about it! Because if there is anywhere we should be thinking about well-being, shouldn’t it start at home? For years, residential design has been heavily influenced by what we see. We save the beautiful kitchen. We pin the perfect living room. But good residential design should begin with a different question: How do you want to live? Everyone answers that differently. Do you need your home to help you slow down at the end of the day? Do you love having ten people gathered around your kitchen island? Does your home create moments that tell your brain you RICHARDSONLIFEMAGAZINE.COM
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Photography courtesy of McDougal Clouse
are transitioning from one activity or environment to another?
Maybe your house should look a little more like you.
Those answers should influence design long before we start talking about the perfect paint color.
One of the things I hope we see more of in residential design is a move away from perfection.
There is research behind this more human-centered approach. The 2019 GoodHome Report surveyed 13,489 people across ten European countries and found that 73% of people who were happy with their homes were also happy with their lives.
A home doesn’t need to look like a showroom or your neighbor’s house. It should support your well-being, tell your story and respond to its surroundings.
Perhaps even more interesting was what contributed to that happiness. The size of the home mattered less than many might assume. Feelings of pride, comfort, identity, safety and control were much more closely connected to happiness at home.
Researchers in neuroaesthetics are studying how our brains and bodies respond to light, sound, color, nature, sensory experiences and spatial complexity—not simply spaces, but places with boundaries. Changes in location, direction or scale can signal that one event has ended and another is beginning. A hallway becomes meaningful, not a waste of space.
In other words, bigger isn’t necessarily better.
But there isn’t one universal recipe for the perfect home. Our responses are also
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shaped by culture, memory, personal experience and preference. That’s where a design professional comes in. We’re seeing this play out in our homes . Increasingly, clients are asking us to incorporate wellness from the beginning. Filtered water systems, steam showers, saunas, cold plunges and dedicated spaces for exercise are becoming part of the program. But wellness-centered design is bigger than adding a sauna. It’s all connected. It can be morning light that helps establish the rhythm of your day. Better acoustics in a house full of people. Materials that feel good to touch. Or a floor plan that eliminates small frustrations you encounter over and over again. The growing interest in residential wellness and the emerging science
around neuroarchitecture point toward the same larger idea: Our homes aren’t passive backdrops to our lives. They quite literally shape how we live. And sometimes the most meaningful wellness feature isn’t something you buy at all. When we meet with a client, what may look like a casual conversation is actually observation and discovery. We’re learning how they live, what frustrates them, what they value and how they want their home to feel.
Photography courtesy of McDougal Clouse
are rooted in shared biology. Others are deeply personal. Good design considers both. It connects us to one another and to the surrounding environment. Good design starts by noticing.
From there, those very human needs begin to inform proportion, scale, natural light, views, circulation, acoustics, color, texture, materials and the relationship between the house and the landscape. Some responses to our environment
When we have the opportunity to design a home from the ground up, the goal isn’t simply to create something beautiful. It is to create something memorable. Something that reflects the people who live there while responding
thoughtfully to the streetscape, natural surroundings, patterns of light and views. Trends will change. But the homes that support the way we live and connect us to the people and things we love are the homes we remember. They aren’t perfect. They’re the ones that feel personal. We call them “homes with a soul.” And they are impossible to replicate.
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WHAT WE’RE LOVING LATELY
Things We’d Buy from Amazon if We Wanted a Mahjong Room
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SPECIAL INTEREST
READY RICHARDSON: ARE YOU PREPARED?
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mergencies rarely happen at a convenient time, but a little preparation now can make a big difference when one does. Richardson’s Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to take a few simple steps to prepare their families, homes and neighborhoods for the unexpected. Start with three basics: Get informed, make a plan, and build a kit. One of the easiest things Richardson residents can do is sign up for the City’s Emergency Notification System, which can send important alerts by phone call, text, and email. Notifications may include tornado warnings, severe weather, missing persons, evacuations, water or utility emergencies and other threats affecting your area. Residents can also opt in to additional weather alerts. It’s also important to have more than one way to receive emergency information. Richardson’s warning system includes 22 outdoor warning sirens, but sirens are designed primarily to alert people outdoors and may not be heard inside a home. The
City recommends using multiple sources, including emergency notifications, local media, weather apps and a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio. Build a Family Plan Talk with your family about where you will go and how you will communicate during an emergency. Identify a meeting place, keep important contact information accessible, and make sure children know their full name, address, and phone number. Richardson also recommends creating a support network of at least two people who can check in with one another during an emergency. If someone in your household has medical, mobility or other access needs, incorporate those needs into your plan, including medications, medical equipment, dietary requirements, and backup power for essential equipment. Build an Emergency Kit Richardson recommends keeping at least 72 hours of supplies on hand, including one gallon of water per person per day.
For a family of four, that means at least 12 gallons of water. Your kit should also include nonperishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, important documents, medications, and other necessities your family may need. It’s a good idea to check your supplies periodically and replace expired items. And remember: preparedness isn’t just about tornadoes. Richardson takes an all-hazards approach, preparing residents for severe weather as well as power outages, hazardous-material incidents, health emergencies, and other situations that could affect the community. The best time to prepare is before you need to. Take a few minutes this week to sign up for Richardson emergency notifications, talk through your family’s plan and check your emergency kit. A little preparation today can provide a lot of peace of mind tomorrow. Ready to get started? Visit the City of Richardson’s “Get Ready Richardson” resources for emergency planning information, notification registration, and preparedness tips. Information in this article was sourced from the City of Richardson. Scan the QR code for more in-depth information on emergency preparedness here in Richardson. Office of Emergency Management Call 911 for Emergencies Office hours: 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Phone: 972-744-0900 Fax: 972-907-1603 AskRichardsonEmergencyManagement@cor.gov Information provided by the City of Richardson RICHARDSONLIFEMAGAZINE.COM
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TRAVEL
BRING IT HOME The souvenirs worth making room in your suitcase for By Mollie Romness, Owner & Founder of Cheers Travel Co.
Photo: Makhh/Shutterstock.com
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he best souvenirs are things that become part of your home and everyday life, quietly taking you back to a favorite place. In honor of our Home Issue, we’re skipping the keychains and souvenir shops for four things worth leaving room for in your suitcase.
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Leather from Florence Florence has been synonymous with leather craftsmanship for centuries, and a beautiful Florentine leather piece is one of those purchases that only gets better with age. Skip the mass produced bags and seek out a small leather workshop for beautifully made handbags, belts, wallets and travel pieces. For a true splurge, consider a custom jacket or bag.
Photo: WINDCOLORS/Shutterstock.com
Knives from Japan Some souvenirs are destined for a shelf, but a Japanese knife may be something you use every day. Specialty shops in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka can help you find the right blade for your cooking style—and many will even engrave it for a personal touch. When it’s time to head home, securely wrap the knife in its original box or protective sheath and pack it in your checked luggage, never your carry on. Check your airline and destination rules before traveling. Photo: Poommipat T/Shutterstock.com
Butter from Paris Yes, butter. The last time I was in Paris, everyone was talking about where to buy it, which was best and, most importantly, how to get it home. Look for artisanal beurre de baratte or varieties dotted with crunchy sea salt crystals. La Grande Épicerie de Paris has a wonderful selection and can package it for the journey home. Make it a final purchase, then tuck it into an insulated bag with cold packs. French butter is permitted into the U.S.; keep it in its original packaging and declare it upon arrival. A baguette spread with butter from Paris makes coming home a little easier! Photo: itor/Shutterstock.com
A Rug from Morocco A handwoven Moroccan rug is more than a souvenir. It can transform a room. Shopping for one is part of the fun, with stacks of rugs, glasses of mint tea and endless patterns, textures and colors. How do you get it home? Smaller rugs can often be folded, wrapped and checked as luggage, while reputable shops can arrange international shipping for larger pieces. Before buying, ask about dimensions, weight, shipping costs and any potential import fees. Then enjoy one last mint tea and let someone else worry about the logistics.
Photo: iwciagr/Shutterstock.com
Bring home what you love. The best souvenirs are the ones that take you back long after the journey ends. mollie@cheerstravelco.com RICHARDSONLIFEMAGAZINE.COM
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Photography by Sarah Linden Photography
WHERE TO SAVE AND SPLURGE IN YOUR HOME by Elizabeth Ryan “Pricing reveals priorities.”
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t’s a phrase we often use with our interior design clients when we begin talking about a project budget. Every homeowner has a different idea of what deserves an extra investment. But whether you’re renovating, building, or refreshing a room, not every selection needs to be the most expensive one. The goal is to spend where it
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will make the greatest difference to the way you live and enjoy your home. After more than a decade designing homes, I’ve learned to look for three things: the spaces a family uses most, the moments that bring them joy, and the skilled hands that bring the design to life. Splurge in the spaces you use most Think about where your family gathers. The pair of sofas that will host movie nights, football afternoons, and teenagers flopping down after school should be made to last. For a family that cooks and entertains often, thoughtfully built kitchen cabinets and reliable appliances are worth the investment. These practical choices shape everyday life long after the excitement of a renovation has passed. There’s room for beauty in those hardworking spaces, too. A kitchen island with a double bullnose edge or stone carried up the backsplash can create a special moment you enjoy every day. Well-fitting drapery that controls the light
Photography by Sarah Linden photography
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Photography by Sarah Linden photography
can make a favorite gathering room feel finished and calm. And a powder room full of personality—one of my favorite spaces to design—can make both you and your guests smile. Save where simpler choices still have character Even in your favorite rooms, there are opportunities to spend less. Living room accessories are best when they are estate sale finds with charm but without a high price tag. In the kitchen, I’m happy to celebrate a great-looking $75 runner found online. Spaghetti sauce is a real thing.
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Secondary bathrooms are another smart place to save, particularly on tile. Our team often uses simple, affordable wall tile in an interesting pattern so the room feels considered without driving up material costs. We may also use the same countertop material selected for another room, making good use of a durable surface without choosing something extravagant for every bath. Splurge on craftsmanship Paint, art, and wallpaper can all personalize a home at a
Photography by Sarah Linden photography
wide range of prices. What matters just as much is the skill of the people installing them. A painter who takes the time to prepare a surface, a wallpaper installer who handles the pattern beautifully, and a framer with a good eye for scale can make even a modest material feel special. The same is true of tile installers, art and drapery hangers, and electricians. Their work is part of the finished design, so it’s worth investing in people who pay attention to the details. You have great taste and a sense of what feels right for your home. A thoughtful budget helps bring that vision to life. Invest in the spaces you use most, the details you’ll love seeing every day, and the craftspeople who make them shine. Then enjoy finding simpler, creative choices elsewhere. We all want to spend our money wisely, and a home can be both beautifully personal and thoughtfully planned.
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OUT AND ABOUT IN RICHARDSON
OCT-DEC 2026 OCTOBER 16-30
CityLine LIVE Fall Music Series
Fridays & Saturdays | Evening
Enjoy free outdoor live music on CityLine Plaza on select Friday and Saturday evenings through October 30. Location: CityLine Plaza
OCTOBER 17-18
Huffhines Harvest Fest & Pawtoberfest
Saturday-Sunday | Various Times
Celebrate fall in Richardson with shopping, food, live entertainment, family activities and the popular Pawtoberfest celebration. Location: Huffhines Park
OCTOBER 17-18
JJ Pearce Pacesetter Annual Holiday Bazaar
Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
OCTOBER 23
Shop the annual Pacesetter Holiday Bazaar featuring vendors, gifts and seasonal finds. Admission and parking are free. Location: J.J. Pearce High School
Pearce vs. Richardson Homecoming Football
Friday | Evening
Two Richardson high schools meet under the Friday night lights as the Mustangs take on the Eagles on Homecoming night. Location: Eagle-Mustang Stadium
OCTOBER 24
Fusion 2026
Saturday | Community Event
NOVEMBER 7 Saturday | 7:30 PM
NOVEMBER 14
A community celebration featuring food, family games and music while celebrating the many cultures represented in Richardson. Location: Woodcreek Church
Grand Canyon Country - Richardson Symphony Orchestra Experience an evening of music and panoramic imagery highlighted by Grofe’s sweeping Grand Canyon Suite. Location: Eisemann Center
Christ Child Market & Brunch
Saturday | Various Times
Kick off holiday shopping with a local market and community brunch supporting the GEMS ministry. Location: St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
NOVEMBER 21
21st Annual Gobble Hobble 5K & 10K
Saturday | 8:00 AM
NOVEMBER 27-29 Friday-Sunday | Various Times
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Run, walk and celebrate Thanksgiving season at this Richardson tradition benefiting the Boys & Girls Club. Location: Galatyn Park Area
Holmes for the Holidays Add a little mystery to Thanksgiving weekend with Ken Ludwig’s holiday whodunit and a festive local theater experience. Location: Repertory Company Theatre
OUT AND ABOUT IN RICHARDSON
DECEMBER 4-13 Saturday | Various Times
DECEMBER 5-6 & 11-13
Annual Holiday Radio Show Richardson Theatre Centre brings back its annual holiday radio show with seasonal music, comedy and old-fashioned entertainment. Location: Richardson Theatre Centre
Santa’s Village One of Richardson’s favorite holiday traditions returns with festive activities, seasonal displays and plenty of Christmas cheer. Location: Huffhines Park
Friday-Sunday | Various Times
DECEMBER 6
Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Saturday | Various Times
Celebrate Chanukah with a community menorah lighting and holiday festivities presented at CityLine Plaza. Location: CityLine Plaza
DECEMBER 11-12
Merry Market at CityLine
Saturday | Various Times
Shop holiday vendors and enjoy live music, festive photo opportunities and dining throughout CityLine. Location: CityLine Plaza
OCTOBER 17-18, 2026 Huffhines Park Richardson, TX huffhinesharvestfest.com
Free Fall Festival for the Whole Family! RICHARDSONLIFEMAGAZINE.COM
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MARKET PLACE
Local Realtor. Trusted Guidance.
Voted Best Real Estate Agent.
Buying or selling in Richardson or DFW?
CALL CRIS
MADALYN BEGLEY REALTOR®
CRIS RODRIGUEZ
(214)476-4489 mbegleyrealtor@gmail.com
972-489-7862
CELEBRATING OUR 15TH YEAR!
Landscape Design & Installation Shrub/Tree Trimming & Removal Sod & Mulch Application Flower Beautification
Jason Smith 214-801-9361
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Cris Rodriguez helps families make confident real estate moves with hands‑on support every step of the way.
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Free Estimates
Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors License #0639558 RealtyinDFW.com
MAKE ART THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY
Opening soon on the UT Dallas campus
Photo: © Kathy Tran LLC
Unseen Worlds: Southeast Asian Textiles from the Spancake Collection August 22, 2026–June 20, 2027
CROWMUSEUM.ORG
The Hedge of Halomancy
Scan QR code for all current exhibitions at the UT Dallas campus.
August 29, 2026–February 7, 2027
New Deal Texas and the West September 12, 2026–July 18, 2027