Searching for a fresh start, this Dallas couple set their sights on a patio-style property with a casita, perfect for generational living.
A sleek sitting area in the backyard
This Dallas couple had been planning to move in time for their youngest child’s college graduation, explaining, “It was time to clear out 21 years of clutter and start over!” The pair searched for a lot to build a low-maintenance home that could be left while traveling for long periods of time, eventually deciding on a Midway Hollow single-family, patio-style home with an attached casita and large, open-concept living area.
The well-appointed commercial kitchen boasts a 60-inch vent hood, wood-burning grill and BlueStar appliances.
The couple quickly fell in love with the design, citing the ability to house their aging parents close by in the casita. To start, they wanted the main living spaces to have views of and also open onto an enclosed courtyard. Inside, they opted for a muted base palette of greige, taupe, cream, gray and off-white with added moments of black and deep charcoal. Their incredible interior designer, Kristen Stratton, says, “I believe in the power of showing off light tones by carefully infusing the design with touches of contrast.”
The primary bedroom’s large custom bed features a special staircase and bench for their beloved pooches.
Of course, the project did not come without challenges. Midway through the project, the couple decided they needed to hire another contractor to finish their dream home, eventually reaching out to Alair Homes. Alair faced a long list of items that had to be corrected, including foundation and draining issues as well as underlicensed electrical work. Says Alair partner Chad Hatfield, “Initially we were hesitant to take over a project like this, but we knew it was the right thing to do to help these homeowners finish their forever home.”
A patterned accent wall with rivets and bar shelving in the great room
When it came to furnishings, the couple opted for bespoke items and personal touches. A custom bed set acts as the central focus of the primary suite, with an oversize bed consisting of two mattresses on adjustable Custom Comfort Mattress frames, a William & Wesley Co. frame with a built-in bench, linens by Eastern Accents and matching custom nightstands with marble tops. In the kitchen, an indoor wood-burning pizza oven is complete with a surprising family heirloom. Stratton’s clients explain, “It features a mantel made from our family’s homestead in Oklahoma circa 1892!” A powder bath covered in Hunt Slonem’s famous bunny designs is a cute nod to the wife’s nickname, “Bunny,” given to her by her grandson.
The Hunt Slonem bunny-inspired powder bathroom
From the BlueStar Commercial kitchen appliances to a decked-out accessories closet, it’s safe to say this home was a major achievement. The clients admit that there isn’t anything they would change and Stratton agrees, adding, “From the beginning the owners were very decisive and consistent with their choices and selections. They were open to taking risks, which is evident in the trust they placed in their designer and architect to carefully craft a home that is a reflection of them.” But perhaps Hatfield says it best: “Any project where you can achieve what the client wants and have a great relationship with them when it’s complete is a success.”
No mudroom is complete without a “dog wash,” dog door and built-in dog beds.
LOCATION
Midway Hollow
ARCHITECTURE
Sarah Harper, h design
harperdesignprojects.com
INTERIORS
Kristen Stratton,
Smith & Stratton
smithandstratton.com
BUILDER
Alair Homes
Dallas-Fort Worth
alairdfw.com
Arteriors
Primary bedroom pendants
arteriorshome.com
Christy’s Draperies
Window coverings
christysdraperies.com
Hunt Slonem
Art in powder bath
huntslonem.com
Phillip Jeffries
Great room wallpaper
phillipjeffries.com
Rebel Walls
Media room ceiling wallpaper
rebelwalls.com
Restoration Hardware
Main room sofa and chaises
rh.com
Suite 22
Dining chairs
suite22.com
Williams Sonoma
Main room coffee table, leather chairs and ottoman
williams-sonoma.com
Photography by: BY BLAKE VERDOORN
