Place des Vosges; Urban Hideaway in Dallas’ French Countryside

Retailer Merry Vose, known for her three clothing boutiques Cabana, Canary, and Clover, frequently travels to Paris for work, often accompanied by her close friend, interior designer Julie Hayes. While Vose focuses on fashion, Hayes explores flea markets and antique stores for design inspiration. Their shared experiences in Parisian Fashion Week, particularly the extraordinary apartments rented by designers, with their high ceilings, intricate moldings, and herringbone floors, significantly influenced Hayes. She envisioned creating a "Paris apartment in Dallas" for Vose. The friendship and professional collaboration between Vose and Hayes span two decades. Hayes initially designed Vose's home, and later, the interiors for her boutiques and vacation homes. In 2019, when Merry and Chad Vose purchased a new house in Preston Hollow, Hayes immediately recognized its potential. Despite being a contemporary one-story residence, the house featured fine millwork, well-proportioned rooms, and high ceilings, echoing the spaciousness and luxury (le luxe) that Hayes admired in Parisian architecture. The house, built in 2004 by architect Lewis Graeber III, is situated on two secluded acres. The interiors were envisioned as spaces for entertaining, given the couple's three grown sons. Architect Weldon Turner and builder Rusty Goff were engaged to undertake renovations, notably transforming the kitchen into a light and airy space reminiscent of a French patisserie. This involved raising and vaulting the ceiling, painting wood beams white, and installing parquet wood floors inspired by Parisian designs. A custom plaster range hood, crafted by Casci Ornamental Plaster, was designed to resemble a cupola from Printemps Haussmann, a famous Parisian department store. The gallery, a sunlit hallway connecting the entry to the main living areas, establishes the home's aesthetic. It features potted palm trees and vintage Louis XVI-style settees sourced from Casa Gusto in Palm Beach, drawing inspiration from a gallery at Le Bristol Paris. This elongated space also functions as an entertaining area, with tables set up for dining. Hayes notes a growing trend in home design to integrate dining spaces into various rooms, including living rooms and hallways, due to the absence of a dedicated dining room in many modern homes. The large living room, adorned with atmospheric Gracie wallpaper, boasts high ceilings and multiple seating arrangements, creating a glamorous ambiance. An intimate seating area is defined by a 1950s Italian rosewood banquette in its original white bouclé, discovered by Hayes at the Paul Bert Serpette antiques market in Paris. Vintage metal grotto chairs from Ceylon et Cie complement a mid-century brass table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, perfect for both dining and games. A tiger velvet sofa with blue pillows and Venetian glass lamps reflects the style of French designer Madeleine Castaing. On the opposite side, a formal dining setup features a sculptural table with a green marble top from Balsamo in New York City, paired with blue leather chairs, potentially by Maison Jansen. A custom rug, designed by Interior Resources, draws inspiration from Yves Saint Laurent’s home in Tangiers, adding to the decorative yet comfortable atmosphere. The design incorporates vibrant colors and patterns, reflecting Merry Vose's preferences, evident in her boutiques. The interiors feature sea-inspired blues and watery greens. Pink, a favored color, is prominently used in the main bedroom, with grasscloth walls, draperies, and a rug in varying shades, highlighting the Jim Thompson palm fabric on the bed. The library showcases a combination of green-lacquered walls and lavender accents. A set of 1950s Italian rosewood chairs, previously owned by Vose, with their original lavender leather upholstery, fit perfectly into this space. For Vose, the home serves as a sanctuary that evokes the feeling of a vacation, transporting her without requiring travel. Visitors have also noted this sense of being transported, especially when experiencing the living room with its Gracie wallpaper and lush greenery outside the windows. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DallasHomes #LuxuryInteriors #ParisianInfluence #Antiques #GracieWallpaper #CustomFurniture #DesignerCollaboration

This article highlights a French Country transitional home located at 4911 Heatherbrook Drive in Hyde Park Estates, Dallas, listed for $1.785 million by Vicki Foster with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International. The 6,228 square-foot residence features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and three half-bathrooms. The builder, who also owns GAL Custom Homes and is a busy mother, designed the house with a focus on practical living and intelligent use of space, incorporating features like dual laundry rooms (upstairs and downstairs) and a well-designed kitchen triangle. This attention to detail is evident throughout the home, from the strategic placement of appliances to ample entertainment areas, including a snack bar and ice makers. The home masterfully blends modern materials with reclaimed elements, creating a timeless aesthetic. Reclaimed pine and white oak from old Texas barns are prominently featured in the family room and study, while beams in the study were sourced from an old Mississippi bridge. Every part of the house is designed with clever, built-in storage solutions, maximizing functionality without compromising style. The kitchen serves as a central hub, anchored by an oversized island ideal for casual family gatherings. It incorporates unique design touches such as antique French windows used as upper cabinets. The breakfast area features seats constructed from old apple crates, which may be negotiable with the seller. The ceiling and the area behind the breakfast table are adorned with cypress wood from the Louisiana swamps, creating a striking focal point. Functionality in the kitchen is further enhanced by Energy Star appliances, including a commercial-grade range, convection oven, gas cooktop, double ovens, and two dishwashers. The first-floor master suite is generously proportioned, featuring reclaimed wood ceilings and abundant natural light, with French doors that open to the backyard. The reclaimed wood theme continues into the master bathroom, where it is used for the vanity and doors. The second floor accommodates additional bedrooms, each with thoughtful storage solutions, including concealed doors. A large game room on this level offers views of the treetops and provides access to an upstairs kitchenette and a second-floor laundry room. Three oversized antique doors in the game room conceal various amenities for entertainment. Outdoors, a spacious loggia boasts a beautiful fireplace, also reclaimed, imported from France. The property offers convenient access to the Dallas North Tollway and nearby shopping, including the Galleria, and is within walking distance of Jesuit. The overall design successfully achieves a blend of French Country charm with transitional modern comforts, making it a unique and practical luxury home. #FrenchCountryTransitional #LuxuryRealEstate #DallasHomes #CustomHomes #ReclaimedWood #HomeDesign #VickiFoster #BriggsFreemanSothebys #HydeParkEstates

The Museum Tower in the Dallas Arts District, an iconic 42-story residential skyscraper, is celebrating a decade since its construction. This landmark building is known for its luxurious residences, and one particular listing on the 21st floor, Apt. 2102 at 1918 Olive Street, stands out for its unique blend of opulence and a distinct old-world New York aesthetic. This property, listed by Scott Cook of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, is described as a "mansion in the sky," embodying a level of sophisticated elegance more commonly found in traditional Preston Hollow homes rather than typical high-rise condominiums. The condominium was created by combining two units, a project that took over two years to complete. The owners, transitioning from a large Preston Hollow estate, enlisted the same acclaimed architect, William S. Briggs, who designed their previous home. The result is a sprawling 6,200-square-foot residence that occupies most of the 21st floor, a design achievement that has garnered awards and was featured in 'Dallas Style & Design' magazine. The interior design of the condo departs from the common transitional or modern styles often seen in Dallas high-rises. Instead, it features a rich, traditional aesthetic characterized by grand furnishings and distinctive textures, reminiscent of classic New York City apartments. This interior design choice provides a compelling contrast to the contemporary glass and steel exterior of the Museum Tower itself. While the condo is situated within a city tower and offers external views, the architect emphasized that the design avoids being solely outwardly focused, prioritizing "interior joy." The residence includes three generously sized en-suite bedrooms, two extensive living areas, a formal dining room with a recessed elliptical ceiling, a fully equipped kitchen, and an executive office finished in walnut. An expansive 200-square-foot balcony complements the interior spaces. The attention to detail is evident throughout, with French Brown custom oak wood floors and a selection of premium materials such as limestone, onyx, marble, gem quartzite, and antique hand-hewn Italian tiles used in the bathrooms and primary suite. The property features exquisite chandeliers, including designs by Jan Showers, custom-built fireplaces by Metzger, and high-end drapery from brands like Fortuny, Schumacher, and Scalamandre. Top-tier hardware from Pierce Hardware and bath fixtures from Rohl and Toto, along with heated floors in the primary suite, further enhance the luxurious experience. The museum-finish walls are meticulously designed, creating distinct spatial experiences as one moves through the rooms. Residents of Museum Tower benefit from a comprehensive array of premium amenities. These include an 80-foot resort pool, a gym with fitness training coordination, sauna, spa with on-site massage services, valet parking, 24/7 concierge, a dedicated house manager, and building-sponsored residential events. Additional luxury perks encompass a house car service, dog walking and grooming services, home maintenance, and poolside butler service. The building ensures privacy and security with round-the-clock surveillance and secure access. Its prime location in the Dallas Arts District offers convenient access to cultural institutions and entertainment venues, along with stunning views of Klyde Warren Park and the Nasher Sculpture Garden, positioning it as a central point for experiencing art and city life in Dallas. The property is currently listed at $8.6 million. #MuseumTower #DallasArtsDistrict #LuxuryCondo #OldWorldNewYork #InteriorDesign #WilliamSBriggs #HighRiseLiving #DallasRealEstate #LuxuryAmenities

A custom-built French Colonial estate in Northwest Dallas, located on Cochran Chapel Road, embodies the architectural style of A. Hays Town, a prominent Southern architect known for his influence on modern Southern architecture. The homeowner, a tenth-generation Louisianan, built the 5,875-square-foot property in 2006, incorporating design elements that reflect her heritage and Town's signature aesthetic. The residence is currently listed for $3.195 million. The home prominently features reclaimed and recycled building materials, a hallmark of A. Hays Town's work. Beams, flooring, and doors were sourced from architectural salvage stores, with some structural elements, like curved doorways, custom-built to accommodate these unique materials. Other Louisiana-inspired design elements include gallery porches with deep overhangs for hot climates, long sight lines to promote air circulation, French doors that open to the outside, and a limewashed brick exterior for protection from the elements. These features combine both aesthetic appeal and practical considerations for the Southern climate. The interior of the home showcases NOLA-inspired jewel tones in its color-themed rooms. Unique decor items include a chandelier and marble mantel discovered at the Marché aux Puces in Paris, antique stained glass with a diamond pattern, and a guest bath designed in a festive Mardi Gras theme. The cook's kitchen maintains a Southern residential essence with arched entries, wood-beamed ceilings, brick floors, and a genuine 600-pound cast iron AGA stove, which required special supports during construction. An adjacent screened porch provides a serene view of the landscaped backyard. The first floor of the house also includes a dedicated wine room, a family area with a wood-burning brick fireplace, and a two-story library featuring a winding staircase. The upper level comprises four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a study nook, a den, and a versatile game/exercise area. Exterior stairs from the primary bath lead to the expansive backyard. The property spans two-and-a-half acres, characterized by rolling contours, shade trees, and a creek running its length, which is described as a "labor of love" by co-listing agent Bonnie Bauer. The outdoor amenities are extensive and family-friendly, catering to various interests. These include a greenhouse and vegetable garden for gardening enthusiasts, and a horse barn and corral for equestrians. Recreational features consist of a sport court, a synthetic ice rink, a bocce ball court, and a large treehouse complete with a zip line. The pool area continues the A. Hays Town aesthetic with antique brick decking, a fountain-like spa, and a vintage sugar vat repurposed as a Koi pond. A unique feature is a *pigeonnier*, historically a dovecote, which has been transformed into an outdoor bath. The homeowner notes that the highest compliment received is when visitors mistake the house for an original, century-old structure on the street, indicating the success of their goal to build a "new old house." #AHaysTown #FrenchColonial #DallasRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #LouisianaArchitecture #ArchitecturalSalvage #SouthernStyle #CustomBuilt #NewOrleansInfluence

Interior designer Olga Ashby transformed a 1911 Haussmann building pied-à-terre in Paris's 7th arrondissement into a sophisticated and welcoming space designed for both large gatherings and tranquil relaxation. Spanning 1,615 square feet on the Rive Gauche, the apartment features a spacious entertainment living-dining area, two studies, and two bedrooms, meticulously curated with refined art and design pieces. Ashby's vision was to create an "easy hedonistic experience" that embodies the effortless elegance of Parisian life with a modern twist. The design ethos centers around a livable cabinet of curiosities, incorporating hidden doors and charming architectural details. The apartment showcases a blend of contemporary and bespoke creations, with collaborations involving notable brands such as Dedar, Sacco Carpet, and Phillip Jeffries. A unifying element throughout the space is the consistent use of light travertine with gray stripes, which appears in the kitchen, as a bar support in the living room, on the fireplace in the second bedroom, and in the main bathroom's basin unit. The material palette is further enriched with sophisticated touches of red marble, wool, and silk, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the rooms. Circular movement was a key consideration in the design of each room, intended to foster flow and connection within the apartment. Ashby drew inspiration from the city's outdoor ambiance to inform her color scheme, opting for a serene palette of beige and gray in the living room. The rest of the apartment features earthy tones, punctuated by vibrant hues introduced through carefully selected art pieces. This thoughtful approach to color and texture contributes to the home's distinctly French feel, balancing classic elements with contemporary design principles, functionality, and artistic expression. Throughout the pied-à-terre, bespoke furnishings and fixtures are prominently featured. The living room includes wall coverings by Phillip Jeffries and a Trizo21 ceiling light. A curved sofa from Ashby's "River flow collection" is upholstered in Dedar (Lamberto), complemented by vintage armchairs upholstered in Dedar (Vuk). The main bedroom features a bed and a rug that are collaborations between TIH Joinery, Olga Ashby, and Sacco Carpet, respectively. The entrance hall is adorned with Nathalie Katwal's "Majorele" wall art. In a study area, a rug depicting sun rays is a joint design by Sacco Carpet and Olga Ashby, accompanied by foot stools from Liang and Eimil, upholstered in Dedar (Tiger Beat and A Soft Place). The dining area showcases an ovular wooden table designed by Olga Ashby and Three One Four studio, paired with vintage chairs upholstered in Dedar (A soft place). A dining bench is a custom piece by THI joinery, designed by Ashby and upholstered in Dedar (Alpakhan). The main bathroom features a Lusso Stone bath. The guest office includes a desk by TIH Joinery, designed by Olga Ashby, and an NV Gallery chair upholstered in Dedar (A soft place). The kitchen, with fronts designed by Olga Ashby and TIH joinery, is equipped with ArchiProMenager appliances and Hudson Valley wall lights. The main study features a TIH desk upholstered in Majilite fabric (Finesse Ivory) and bookshelves, both collaborative designs by Ashby and TIH joinery, which include Vellum Faux Books. These details collectively underscore the apartment’s blend of Parisian elegance with modern design and artistic flair. #ParisianPiedATerre #InteriorDesign #OlgaAshby #HaussmannBuilding #LuxuryApartment #BespokeFurniture #FrenchElegance #ContemporaryDesign #HomeDecor

This article highlights a meticulously designed and historically significant Dallas pied-à-terre, originally built by T. L. “Buster” Morehead, owner of Mister Buster’s Studio Furniture Company, in the Turtle Creek Park neighborhood in 1938. The property, located at 4111 Rock Creek Drive, is presented as an ideal solution for luxury buyers seeking a primary residence, a second home, or a convenient, low-maintenance asset for business travelers. Morehead, known for his European imports, custom furniture, antique refinishing, and stylish interior decor, constructed a custom home that has retained its elegance and functionality for over eight decades. The residence offers a unique journey through its distinct levels, starting with an awe-inspiring basement level added in 2006. This subterranean space, fortified with 54 tons of concrete, features a sophisticated cigar room with a barrel-vaulted Venetian plaster ceiling and a remote-controlled smoke evacuator, alongside a 15-foot tall wine room capable of storing 2,000 bottles. The wine room is adorned with custom Art Deco glass, bronze, and marble doors, hand-blown Venetian glass light fixtures, and a stone figure of Bacchus, complete with a library ladder for upper storage access. Additionally, the basement includes a hidden steel-encased safe room, strategically located near the wine collection. The main floor of the 4,601-square-foot home boasts a grand entry and formal living room that seamlessly transition into a dining room. The dining room offers views of a side garden through an oversized window, a design choice by Mister Buster that was avant-garde for the 1930s. The living room features a Honduras mahogany fireplace with Breccia Vendome marble, while the dining room ceiling is also crafted from Honduras mahogany. The family room is situated a few steps down from the main floor, and the kitchen is characterized by custom cherry wood and Kane leaded art glass in its windows, cabinets, and doors. French doors and windows overlooking the pool subtly pay homage to the Art Nouveau period. Interior designer Louise Moore contributed to the home's aesthetic, ensuring it met the seller's needs and taste. The main floor home office, for instance, features cobalt blue WP Stroheim wallpaper and an art-nouveau-inspired floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the pool. The upper levels house five bedrooms, including a principal suite with solid mahogany closets in its dressing room, and a game room. A winding metal staircase from the game room leads to a bunkroom, described as a perfect respite. Beyond the interior, the property offers an extensive outdoor living experience. This includes a pool, spa, covered patio with a kitchen and fireplace, and a cabana equipped with a full bath, dry sauna, and guest quarters. The pergola, enhanced with a new roof, drapery, and lights, and preserved wisteria vines, creates an ideal entertaining space. Custom nickel balcony railings and a dog run extending the width of the property further enhance the outdoor amenities. The home's location in the private Turtle Creek Park neighborhood, chosen by notable figures like restaurateur Alberto Lombardi and the Trammel S. Crow family, ensures privacy and security. The property is currently listed for $3.285 million by Ebby Halliday agents Nicole Womack O’Neill and Kay Weeks. #DallasRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #PiedATerre #TurtleCreekPark #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #CustomHomes #WineCellar #OutdoorLiving