Preston Royal Transitional by Nolen Homes and Interiors

I had to pinch myself a few times when this Preston Royal transitional two-story at 6306 Royalton Drive popped up on Realtor.com, because it is all I could ask for in a home. Remember I’m a wee bit picky. This house is what I always tell you to look for when you’re in the market — a home built by a builder, for themselves. You see, builders think they are going to stay put when they build their dream home. They never do. There’s always another cool lot, and another clever design they are ready to tackle. So, if you can nab a builder’s own home, you are the one that will never move!

Nolen Homes and Interiors is a family business, and this Preston Royal transitional was destined to be the family home for Clint and Amy Nolen. In 2015 they began to build their 6,404-square-foot dream home. They wanted plenty of room to roam for their three active boys. By the fall of 2016, they had completed their two-story home with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and three powder baths.

“I wanted to design a house that was easy to come home to after a long day,” Amy said. “I wanted it organized and thoughtful. I also wanted everyone to have space, not just short term, but long-term. I visualized our boys hanging out here with their friends as they grew up and I wanted them to each have their own space.

“They build a gorgeous product,” Dave Perry-Miller listing agent Julie Provenzano said. Provenzano has this unique Preston Royal transitional listed for $ 2.45 million. “One of the reasons I love what they do so much is that they think about how people will live in a property. Their homes are remarkably functional, and people really respond to the floor plans.”

And of course, it goes without saying — but I will — the house is gorgeous. Remember they never thought they’d move, keep that in mind when you go through these photographs.

Dallas has a lot of beautiful homes, but I can tell you looking each week for something I think will knock your socks off, I see a lot of repetitive design. This house has so many details that set it apart.

Let’s start with the rectangular design on the staircase railing. Keep your eyes open because you’ll see that design used in subtle ways throughout this Preston Hollow transitional home. It creates a cohesive theme throughout the house. Wallpaper fans, you are going to love this house! Amy experiments with wallpaper the way the rest of us experiment with throw pillows because we are scared to make that much of a commitment. But she knows what she’s doing.

Amy’s favorite part of her Preston Royal transitional is the kitchen and breakfast area. “We spend a lot of time in there,” Amy said. “It’s been a great space for us, and I will do something similar in our next home.”

“I love wallpaper and textiles,” Amy said. “I could spend hours looking at them and am always figuring out new ways to use them. I wanted our guest room to be light and bright and fun, so I added Schumacher’s Ink Iconic Leopard to the ceiling.”

One of the more unique details of the home can be found in the garage. The Nolen’s added sliding glass doors as the back wall of the garage. So, imagine, as you pull in they are right in front of you, and they lead to the backyard. The garage becomes part of your backyard and part of your entertaining space. “We have a TV in there and a big counter,” Amy said. “You have the driveway, garage, and backyard. It incorporates all three things into one and becomes a great space to entertain. It served to expand the play area for the boys. The driveway is gated front and back, so it’s safe to ride bikes and scooters and I don’t have to worry.”

This Preston Royal transitional is a wonderful family home, and although Amy is a bit sad to leave, it’s the nature of the business. Builders and designers are not supposed to fall in love with a property, but they do.

“With every project, you think of something later that you want to incorporate,” Amy said, “so after you get over being sad that a new opportunity has come along, you get excited because you know you will put that idea into the new house.”

Amy designed a home that has not only space, but character, depth, and warmth. Her unique mix of vintage and modern is eclectic and refreshing, and she and Clint have built a home that is relatable. You won’t walk in and wonder how to live in this home, you’ll walk in and never want to leave.

Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager for more than 25 years and a professional writer for 20 years. Karen is the mother of a son who’s studying music at The University of Miami. An ardent animal lover, she doesn’t mind one bit if your fur baby jumps right into her lap. Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com