Let’s play a word association game.
“Designer’s Home.”
Or more ominous yet, “Completely Updated.”
Beginning to have that sinking feeling? Add into the mix a lovely vintage house in a pedigreed neighborhood and you are probably groaning “Dear Lord, what have they done to the place?”
Tour 300 Crestwood Dr. and experience the delightful redress of having your negative fantasies nullified. In fact, this four bedroom, four-full-and-one-half-bath, house is nearly picture perfect in every way. The 4,000-square-foot house is gracefully set back on a deep lot in quiet tree-lined Crestwood. Actually, “tree-lined” isn’t entirely accurate. An OIFW (Only in Fort Worth) feature of this low-key enclave is the occasional encounter of old growth oak trees, protected by dry stack planters, in the middle of the street.
Though built in 1957, the house recalls earlier classically proportioned and architecturally correct Art Deco style pavilions faithfully adhering to the rules — symmetrical, void over void, mass over mass — but bereft of superfluous ornament. The hardscape and landscape are modern chic, but thoroughly compatible.
Once inside it’s a thrill a minute with not one opportunity missed. A fire presented an opportunity for some thoughtful reworking and an undetectable addition by the ‘uber-talented’ designer and owner Julie Hayes. Also revealed was the distinctive lime green which was threaded throughout the interior and exterior like a leitmotif.
Sadly, Julie’s bold, sophisticated, color palette resists photography. The living room is wrapped in a deep aubergine, which sometimes reads as navy, gray, or purple. The home has not one dark corner and truly cheers and lifts the spirit.
The dining room is painted a light lavender, which is picked up in the chair upholstery. Hayes’ collection of antiques perfectly stages the space. An Art Deco Murano chandelier hangs above the table. The lack of crown molding here contributes to the modern open feel. Furniture throughout the house seems to float on the cerused oak floors.
A rather glam sitting room with bar behind lies off of the kitchen. The owner-designer has cleverly worked in storage, bookcases, and even a niche for a television.
The kitchen is nothing short of sensational. Again, the signature green is employed for cabinets and trim. A stunning stainless steel island echoes the massive stainless steel Thermador range and Sub Zero fridge/freezer. Though bold, the room’s colors are tightly controlled and limited to green, white (ceiling, marble and chairs), and steel.
Design at its best showcases a home’s potential. Another no-opportunity-missed moment is the bijou alcove off the kitchen and back entrance, reminiscent of the work of Billy Baldwin.
The airy master bedroom is oriented to take maximum advantage of the view of the symmetrically framed pool. Graceful curtains hang on a continuous rod while a London blind drapes a smaller window.
Opulent black marble surrounds the grand tub and shower and covers the two vanities. A marble basketweave, floor tile sustains a retro look. Fittings and fixtures here and throughout the house are of the highest quality.
A skylight drenches stairs and landing with abundant light. The light oak flooring is carried up to the second floor.
Upstairs bedrooms have a vintage (or is it timeless?) ambiance. Again, pictures don’t do justice to Julie Hayes’ inspired and accomplished use of color.
The pool is tailored to the house to maximize size and provide serene views indoors. Mature landscaping creates a lush private outdoor space.
John Zimmerman of Briggs Freeman Sothebys has listed 300 Crestwood at $1.869 million, and we’re sure you could negotiate in some of Hayes’ fabulous decor should you desire!
Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt.
