Hollywood Regency Bungalow Hits the Market in Perry Heights

Cards on the table, I had a hand in the decoration of this unique house in Perry Heights, one of the few examples of neighborhood preservation in Dallas and, arguably the only relic of old Oak Lawn. Located on the most desirable street in the prime neighborhood at 4330 Rawlins Street, I have to confess that the house baffled me with its dentil moldings of elongated proportion and other details until I considered its 1948 build date.

The 2900-square-foot, three-bedroom, and two-and-one-half-bath house was built at the end of the “Hollywood Regency” period made famous by decorating giants Dorothy Draper and Tony Duquette. The genre has enjoyed heightened interest in recent years with the publication of multiple books celebrating the sumptuous style which might be described as the progeny of Classicism meets Art Deco.

The style is characterized by opulent jewel tone colors and a mix of antique and modern furnishings. The living room and dining room walls and moldings were painted a semi-gloss, emerald green to simulate paneling. Furnishings are a mix of period Rococo chairs and contemporary upholstery and accessories. The spacious room centers on a travertine framed gas fireplace.

A Room With a View

The long dining room, one of the loveliest rooms in the residence, is furnished with period Louis XVI fauteuils covered in Hermès orange, kid leather, and a modern CB2 marble-topped table. An 18th-century baroque table was cut in two to create a pair of consoles. A black Murano chandelier hangs above. The house benefits from generous fenestration, flooding interior spaces with abundant light.

The kitchen features generous cabinetry with modern gnurled pulls, black granite countertops, large double ovens, and a gas cooktop. A pair of skylights pull light into the room.

Beyond the kitchen is an informal dining area and sitting room. Floors are square travertine.

There is a bedroom on ground level with a private bath which could function as the primary suite. Also on the ground level is a bonus room now used for laundry and gym.

Go Bold or Go Home

I chose the banana leaf paper for the stairwell and foyer, inspired by the Beverly Hills Hotel wallpaper used by couturier/decorator Don Loper, when he redecorated the hotel in the 1940s. Banister and marble base mold are bold black, another mainstay of the Hollywood Regency style.

There are two bedrooms and one full bath upstairs floors are travertine with square, black marble insets. The bath features pink marble floors and black granite countertops. A large skylight draws in soft white light.

The second bedroom is currently being used as an office/media room. An attached balcony perch gives views of the street.

Out back is an elegant enclosed patio. The central feature of the lush back yard is a whimsical soaker pool and fountain. A tower is being used for storage but would make a charming children’s play house.

The house has a one-car garage at front. The HVAC system has just been replaced. Listings in Perry Heights are few and far between and 4330 Rawlins presents an excellent opportunity to buy into the choice enclave at below the neighborhood average price.

Alexander Hirschberg with Hirschberg Real Estate Group has priced 4330 Rawlins Street at $1,199,000.00.