Highland Park Modern Mediterranean Hits a Style Home Run

Why do you think people read Architectural Digest and Elle Décor? Because we all love a good dose of glamour, that’s why! We’ve been immersed in the safe, gray-walled, open-floor-plan world for quite some time now, and I think we’re all craving a bit of drama and character. I know I am. And boy, have I found some! Our Inwood Home of the Week at 4325 Fairfax Avenue is a glamorous, classic, Highland Park modern Mediterranean, and it has hit a style home run, inside and out.
Gazing at the façade, you’d be hard pressed to offer up a construction date on this modern Mediterranean. With the attention to detail and the exceptional craftsmanship, it could have been built in the 1920s. However, Gage Homes can take credit for the construction of this 6,644-square-foot home with five bedrooms, five bathrooms, two powder baths, a billiards room, a paneled study, and a game room. It was completed in 2006 and completely renovated by the current owners, who certainly brought their glamour A-game to the project.

The detail on this home is incredible. It’s a great lesson on how ceiling treatments alone can turn a home from simply pretty, to drop-dead gorgeous. And let’s talk about risk-taking. Go big or go home, I say. Take that hot pink wallpaper in one of the powder bathrooms for instance. Talk about a happy space!

I had to know more, so I sought out the sellers and emailed a few of my burning questions, such as, “What was the inspiration for the renovations and design?”

“Having young children, I wanted a forgiving atmosphere but desired a cool and chic look.  My husband played Major League Baseball for 20 years, so of course he wants TVs everywhere, but I don’t want to see them.  The idea was simplicity, with all the bells and whistles. Behind every door is a surprise! The style is French contemporary with some Swedish influence.  Our friends at AT Dwellings LLC helped with the remodel.”

Those surprises behind every door include a cleverly disguised bar. An old Swedish hutch was used to create a piece of furniture with a hidden refrigerator, wine fridge, pebble ice machine, and freezers.

This Modern Mediterranean has to have the most beautiful kitchen in Dallas. If yours is more glamorous than this one, please email us a photo, we may have a contest!I had to do a double take because finding the refrigerator was a bit like playing a game of Where’s Waldo. It’s behind old windows from a church in France. The glass was replaced with mirrors, and they blend right into the décor. I mean, seriously, try and top that!

Of course, there is the requisite wonderful outdoor living area with a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and fireplace. You can tick off the box for location as well, because this modern Mediterranean is within walking distance of Bradfield Elementary and Highland Park Village.

Despite all this gorgeousness, the house is home to three children, and it is a testament to the fact you can have nice things and kids! The sellers told me what they will miss most is the livability of their home. I’d miss that hidden bar. I’m stealing that idea!

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Caroline Summers has this glamorous modern Mediterranean listed for $3.49 million. If you buy it, please invite us all over. We are dreaming of drinking champagne in ball gowns in that kitchen.

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