Your home should be your castle. Not merely bricks and mortar or wood and stone, it should be more like a sanctuary, one with heart and soul as well as comforting elements. Perched on one of the highest points in suburban Dallas, Walker's Bluff is at a crossroads between formality and the adventurous spirit of the Southwest. The house, situated in the community of Castle Hills, takes full advantage of the style and resources of the area. A reflection of old and new, the contrast of materials makes a dramatic statement.
Mix of Materials
Residential designer Rick Gary's mission was to capture innovative architectural and design details. As a result, rooms are defined more by unusual elements and accents rather than by size.
For the facade, builder Michael Marlowe and his team incorporated a water table of stone. Above this, they added tumbled modular brick with rough mortar joints to create an aged appearance. The plan also called for an arched portico framed by Tuscan columns.
Upon entering the house, you see how designer Julie Palmacci successfully combined diverse styles, time periods, materials, and patterns to create a surprising harmony. "The house exudes comfort because of a multitude of natural textures and sophisticated fabrics," Julie says.
Come On In
Standing inside the house, there is a sense of casual comfort mixed with an air of formality. Many of the living areas can be seen from the foyer.
"We designed a strong entry axis with a view all the way through to the windows at the rear of the house," Rick says. "The clear line of sight really catches your eye."
"Stained trim and painted doors throughout, except in the library, are atypical," Julie notes. "The contrast gives a different look, and the dark finish hides scuff marks."
For the staircase, Julie created an artistic masterpiece with hand-painted risers (see photo on page 2). The look was inspired by a design from an old Scandinavian church. Even though this is an intricate pattern, you can use a simple stencil to create a look to coordinate with your decor.
