Bianca Watson was destined to renovate this historic Lakewood Dines and Kraft home.
“I’ve lived in a Victorian, a Colonial, a Georgian, you name it,” Watson said. “Every time my mom found a house, my dad would tell her it had to be perfect as-is. She’d assure him it was perfect. Then, when we were moved in, she’d say, ‘Oh, let’s just crash down this one wall and redo this one bathroom.’ So, I’ve always gone into every house I’ve owned anticipating that I’d at least redo the kitchen and bathrooms.”
There was no better time to take on a historic home renovation than during a pandemic.
“I was so sick of looking at our walls,” Watson said. “Moving and taking on a project seemed like a great idea!”
This historic Lakewood Dines and Kraft was originally owned, from 1931 to 1978, by Joe Stephens, a Vice President of Magnolia Petroleum, and his wife Gertrude. The Stephens were very active in Dallas society, and there are endless articles in The Dallas Morning News archives on social gatherings at the home. The owners, prior to the Watson family, had lived here for over 25 years. This tells you all you need to know because any home that keeps families happy for decades is exactly what we all want.
Unsurprisingly, D Magazine named this Lakewood Dines and Kraft one of their 10 Most Beautiful Homes in 2014. With its red clay tile roof, barley twist columns, and stained glass windows, it was flawless on the outside.
Inside was another story.
“It was dark and had a bit of a wonky layout,” Bianca said. She brought in Bryan Wetz, the founder and designer of Council & Craft and now of Sabado Homes, to help reinvent this home.
They lightened the wood floors, restored plaster, added a window in the office, and built-ins and bookshelves to the family area. The kitchen was completely rebuilt and is now filled with light, and features custom cabinetry, quartzite countertops, and commercial-grade appliances.
All four bedrooms were configured to ensure each had an ensuite bathroom and, believe it or not, that red, white, and blue tile is original to the home and in perfect condition. Don’t miss the tile fish design on the floor of the shower!
“The principal bathroom was the trickiest part of the remodel,” Watson said. “We spent weeks trying to maximize the space without incurring plumbing issues.” Now, it’s a serene escape with a large fired-clay aqua tile shower with double shower heads, a separate tub, and custom cabinetry. She and Wetz also captured space to create an enormous closet.
Watson now designs fabric and wallpaper with Megan Adams Brooks at AM Studio. With new fall designs on the drawing board, three kids with separate schedules, and a new rescue puppy, she’s moving the family to a house that’s already been renovated. That doesn’t mean she’s leaving the game, though, because she’s already busy working on a friend’s home!
Compass agent Lauren Valek Farris has this picture-perfect Lakewood Dines and Kraft at 6657 Lakewood Blvd. listed for $3.2 million.
