Designer Bonnie J. Steves Balances Whimsy And Style With This Park Cities New Traditional

While not every home can be historic, the best new builds take notes from those that are.

When this Park Cities’ new traditional popped onto the market Thursday I did a double-take. At first, I thought it was a restoration, but no, it was completed in 2017.

I was intrigued because most new builds of this era are the big, boring, white boxes that require zero imagination. Paying homage to those remaining original Park Cities traditional homes is not the norm. I certainly hope this house inspires other builders to start thinking outside of the white box.

Jeffrey Arron and his wife, Laurie, purchased this new traditional home from a spec builder while it was in the finish-out stage. Jeff is a Realtor with Allie Beth Allman & Associates and Laurie is an executive coach with a flair for interior design.

Over the years, the pair have worked with award-winning, New York-based interior designer Bonnie J. Steves, owner of BJS-Assoc. Interior Design. So it’s not surprising why, with this talented trio involved, we have a Park Cities new traditional home that is, well, not so traditional.

That is down to collaboration. 

“… they trust you and the process.”

The great thing about working with an interior designer over the course of several homes is that they understand your lifestyle.

“I have worked with Jeff and Laurie before,” Steves said. “I’m familiar with their growth process, how they have evolved, and the risks they are willing to take with design. It always comes down to collaboration. The elements of surprise and interest can increase because they trust you and the process.

“Laurie and Jeff wanted something that felt different and reflected who they are, not a cookie-cutter white box,” Steves said. 

With two stories, 5,581 square feet, five bedrooms, and five bathrooms, this Park Cities new traditional was a blank canvas.

It was laid out with the dining room and library flanking the front door in a conventional, expected style. Then it opens to one ample space with family living, dining, and kitchen areas — which works with clients’ desires today. But how do you mix it up and create that space that allows the owners’ personality to come through?

Why so serious?

“My design philosophy is not every room has to be married to one another,” Steves said. “However, they have to be in a relationship with one another, and that relationship must build from room to room. You have to see a flow. Humor is also important in design. You don’t have to be so serious! My aesthetic is absolutely about the tradition with a touch of whimsy.”

You can see that whimsey in so many places and how this collaboration pushed the envelope in all the right ways, from the indigo paint in the library to the statement wall on the landing upstairs. 

The artwork is called “Never Hide Your Eyes.” The Arrons wanted a unique piece to draw you in and connect the downstairs to the upstairs.

“Area Environments works with artists and will scale their work to the proportions of your wall and turn it into wallpaper,” Steves said. 

After three years in this delicious space, the Arrons headed to Frisco. Now is your chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“This is such a great neighborhood,” Jeff said. “Everything you need is on Lovers Lane. Your kids can walk to Chips to meet their friends for a burger. It’s safe, and the neighbors are terrific. We have a dog, and I would walk him in different directions each day. The great thing is no matter which way you walk, you can get to a Starbucks! 

Arron has 4408 Amherst Avenue listed for $2.7 million. I’ll be surprised if it lasts the weekend, so get moving!