Maestri Studio will have two projects featured on area home tours in the next couple of weeks, both in the charming and historic neighborhood of Lakewood, Dallas, Texas. As we sort through photos and reflect over these projects in preparations for the frenzy of "stage ready" tour weekends, we cannot help but see the common tie that is architecture and design contributing to the fabric and story of a neighborhood.
7147 Alexander Drive will be featured on the 2019 AIA Dallas Tour of Homes - November 2-3, 2019 (Visit hometourdallas.com for tickets + info.) We were approached to design this project by a family who needed more space and wanted to grow roots in Lakewood. The house was designed as a "forever home" and it was important for us and for the homeowners that the house blend in, pay homage to its past, and contribute to a lot of great memories with friends, families, and neighbors.
The original single-story home was built in 1953. The architect was William Blessing and there is a fantastic Dallas Morning News article from August, 1953 showing the original owner, a glowing Mrs. Blessing, showing off her new digs. The article mentions design features such as the pink stone, the courtyard with its newly planted live oak (now a giant and gorgeous shade tree), but mostly it conveys that the home was a place for her family to plant roots...spread out, and grow.
We love that our clients have the same goals with this great house, and our visions aligned to keep the pink stone planter, the vaulted retro living room, and create an outdoor living space around the live oak. The project had its challenges. Designed as a second floor addition, we discovered that the original foundation was in terrible shape. What started as a reno soon became mostly a new construction from the ground up. We were careful to design the entire home as if it had originally been built in its current larger form. We replicated the essence of the original structure with updated details and a more open floor plan great for family living and entertaining. Even down to a new red Roman brick to give a nod to the original color and the 1950s era.
We got to see the house at its full-life at our clients' housewarming party. Furniture still on back order, punch list still not complete, the house was still homey and a great gathering spot full of joy. Custom details abound in this house, but one of our favorite features is still that pink stone planter from 1953.
(Maestri Studio provided full-service architecture and interior design for this project including interior selections, cabinetry design, and lighting throughout, and furniture, custom drapery, and space planning on the first floor.)
https://www.maestristudio.com/featured-projects/Alexander%20Drive%201
- 43rd Annual Lakewood Home Festival – November 9-10, 2019. Visit lakewoodhomefestival.com for tickets + info
3616 Vintage Place – the “Vintage Place Social Club” – will be featured on the 43rd Annual Lakewood Home Festival - November 9-10, 2019. ( Visit lakewoodhomefestival.com for tickets + info). The home was built in 2006 on a new cul-de-sac street that was designed to look like the architecture of "Old Lakewood". The Hutsell inspired new construction has a large basement room, and our clients had a vision on creating the perfect gathering spot to entertain and have cocktails with friends and neighbors...still in earshot of the baby monitor. Maestri Studio designed a full custom bar for the space. Equipped with tufted banquettes and bistro tables, the space has been transformed into an Art Deco inspired must-see basement speakeasy. Self-named the "Vintage Place Social Club," there is an every-changing custom craft cocktail menu that rivals any area lounge. We had a great time at a recent party night in the space. Best part, it is in a beautiful and comfortable neighborhood home.
https://www.maestristudio.com/specialty-projects/bar-lounge