The Dallas Showhouse: Designer Hit or Miss?
Where do designers try out the newest trends with abandon? Showhouses! Recently, Traditional Home and Donna Moss presented the Dallas Decorators Showhouse, where 24 top designers went to town (Southlake, specifically) and created magazine worthy designs to show off their talents and benefit the Alzheimer's Association.
Although I wasn't able to attend, I have the next best thing--photos from my good friend, realtor, photographer, and decorator, Marsela Green! She recently moved to Dallas and decided to check out the fuss. She generously allowed me to use her photos. All photos are Marsela's unless otherwise indicated.
This almost 8,000 square foot Mediterranean home boasts five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a grand entry, large loggia, kitchen, prep kitchen, dining room, wine room, safe room, game room, and utility room.
The exterior is tastefully done in a neutral stucco with traditional terra-cotta tile roof.
Below is a beautiful evening shot from the Dallas Showhouse website.
I love the landscaping and uplighting! Note how window styles are consistent and, unlike many newer homes, there aren't multiple exterior finishes competing with one another.
Look at that pool!
This is where I'd sit, sipping my unsweetened iced-tea with lemon and chatting with friends while Gypsy Kings plays in the background. Check out the Lucite drapery rods.
As you admire the rooms, you can observe the High Point Furniture Market trends I mentioned in my last blog post used in abundance. Black and gold are repeated liberally in this home.
A more subdued room (below) by designer, Amy Berry. A nice mix of traditional with some hits of modern.
Blush, gold, and fancy chair backs, with a touch of black to ground it all.
Black and gold are repeated in the family room. Design tip: Notice how, despite the soaring ceilings, the furniture is human scale. You do not need oversized furniture for large rooms. Human scale furniture will help make your room livable and comfortable. If you need to fill your room, create multiple seating areas.
Jewel-toned velvet, metallics, and a wallpapered ceiling add drama and color. Large, oversized statement art pieces are slowly replacing the beloved gallery wall.
A detail shot of the fabulous ceiling.
More statement art!
Lucite and pink grace the entry to one of the bedrooms.
Just so you see that anything goes in a showhouse, check out the ceiling. Hey Hallway, the '80s called and wants its neon lights back!
A fabulous spot for entertaining! I'm still not sure what I think of cowhide speckled with metallic but it's getting a lot of play.
This pretty powder room is accented with an understated wallpaper.
Kitchen by Donna Moss, the "Queen of Bling," boldly announcing that the black cabinet trend is here!
If you don't need quite so much glam in your kitchen, breaking up the black cabinets with white uppers, matching backsplash, and light countertops will give you a more classic look.
Love the elegant decor in this master bath.
Do you see a pattern here (with the trends, that is)?
Room by Shay Geyer
I adore this beautiful bedroom (below) by Traci Zeller. While she incorporates some trends, like the matte black table lamps and green velvet, it's done in a subtle way, allowing the design to have more longevity.
And lastly, a room fit for a queen. Classic chinoiserie wallpaper and decadent fabrics add richness to this bedroom.
Hope you enjoyed your (abbreviated) tour of the Dallas Decorators Showhouse! Tell me your thoughts? What did you like? What would you use in your home? What was your favorite room?
Thanks again to Marsela Green for the use of her fantastic photos!
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