When you think of the Lakewood Home Festival’s annual tour, what comes to mind? For me, I envision stately Tudors, charming Austin stone cottages, and maybe a classic Colonial. But a modern treehouse never crossed my mind — until today.
Hang on to your Stetsons, y’all. This is a modern treehouse that will blow your mind.
In 2011, Clair and David Tompkins were happily residing in a funky Midcentury Modern in Little Forest Hills. Then Clair got pregnant. Well, we all know that means more room is a necessity.
“We knew we wanted a new build in Lakewood,” Clair said. “My mom lives there, and I wanted to be close to her with the new baby coming. I was a little afraid to take on a project from scratch at that time. We found this house in the framing stage, so it seemed a perfect place to jump in.”
“I did not know the builder,” Clair said. “But ironically, my husband had been friends with him after college.”
That sounds like kismet! Randy Kienast of Kienast Homes not only built this modern treehouse, but he also added on an additional 2,500 square feet when Clair and David had their second child.
In that first phase of this modern treehouse, the footprint had been established. The critical decisions were design choices. Clair used to have an interior design company, Thompkins Lloyd Interiors, with Julie Lloyd, so this was second nature to her.
“I love a white wall, but a modern house can become sterile and cold with white walls everywhere and nothing to break that up,” Clair said. When they did the addition, Clair introduced a bit of drama with black paint. “I was going for a warm, dramatic effect,” she said.
Mission accomplished, I’d say.
To keep that warm look in their modern treehouse, Clair had book-matched walnut cabinets installed in the kitchen, dining room, and master bath. Animal prints are an essential part of the design, on chairs, rugs, and of course, there’s that peacock in the dining room!
Clair saw a white peacock in Elle Décor years ago and was determined to find one someday. On a trip to Round Top (possibly the best antique show in the country) with her pal and partner at the time, Julie, the two hit pay dirt.
“There was a vendor with two peacocks,” Clair said. “I bought the white one, and Julie purchased the colorful one.” Those peacocks rode back to Dallas with their heads between Clair and Julie. The white peacock holds court on the graphic lacquer screen in the dining room.
Clair’s favorite thing about the house is the openness and the entertainment value of the bar, living room, and kitchen, which overlook the pool.
“It’s a great party house,” she said. “I think David’s favorite part is the family room above our garage,” Clair said. “It was part of the addition, and it really gives you that modern treehouse effect.”
There is so much to love here. I’m only giving you a sneak peek but trust me, do not miss this modern treehouse at 7102 Pasadena on the upcoming Lakewood Home Festival’s annual tour.
IF YOU GO:
The Lakewood Home Festival’s home tour takes place on Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A candlelight evening tour is available Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.lakewoodhomefestival.com, in person at Comerica Bank®, Talulah & HESS, and Snowbaby, as well as at each of the homes during tour hours. The school will only be open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of all dogs, international travel, good chocolate, great champagne, and historic homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well!
