Midwest Values Come to Dallas: A Custom Office for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House
The fifth annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House is back, featuring 22 exceptional interior designers. MHM LIVING is proud to partner with Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio to create a custom-designed office space that harmoniously modernizes Midwestern charm. This innovative design will infuse every detail with Prospect Refuge Studio’s unique style, transforming how this space will be utilized.
Our goal at MHM LIVING is to construct a functional atmosphere that executes Sass’s vision of productivity. To achieve this, we’re implementing significant changes to the fundamentals of the space. Recently, our crews completed the drywall installation along the ceiling and removed a wall, setting the stage for an elevated design that enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of the existing space.
The removal of the existing floor and baseboards was also a quick success, paving the way for one of the standout features of this project: floor-to-wall carpet with built-in cabinetry. These custom-built cabinets are designed specifically to incorporate the carpet and maximize storage, while maintaining a symmetric and organized look.
Follow our progress as we continue to transform this office space. Each week, we’ll share updates and insights into the design choices and craftsmanship that will define this extraordinary room. We look forward to sharing this journey with you!
1. Painting of the Office
Crews are making remarkable strides on the custom space in the Turtle Creek Mansion. Each week brings new developments, and the intricate details are coming together beautifully. The custom-built cabinets have been expertly crafted and installed, and the first layer of paint has transformed the shelves, setting the stage for the room’s distinctive character.
Under the expert guidance of Prospect Refuge Studio, the design thoughtfully leverages the distance between the ceiling mold and the floor, creating an illusion that enhances the room’s depth. Our dedicated crews are currently finalizing the painting of the ceiling trims, which adds an element of sophistication and pays homage to the rich traditions and values of the Midwest, inspired by Victoria Sass’s childhood home.
In addition to the exquisite builtin bar and paintwork, there are a few exciting surprises in store for the office! Crews have successfully laid the foundation for these unique features, and they’re now preparing the area for staining and wallpaper that will elevate the overall design.
Stay tuned as we continue to document our progress in transforming this extraordinary office space.We’ll share updates and insights into the design choices and craftsmanship that will define this unique room. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!
2. Wallpaper and Kitchen
Crews are making remarkable strides in reimagining this office space, with each week unveiling new developments that bring the intricate details together beautifully. The paint has dried, and the ceiling features have just been completed, setting the stage for a transformation that is both thoughtful and elegant.
The ceiling boasts flocked wallpaper by Harlequin, a subtle nod to the often-controversial popcorn ceilings found in older Midwestern homes. Rather than discarding this familiar element, Victoria Sass embraces it, using texture to breathe new life into a historically overlooked feature. This choice reflects a commitment to celebrating design elements that others may overlook, infusing the space with fresh character.
Among the highlights is the charming cabinet sink, a delightful surprise that invites warmth and nostalgia. The tile beautifully ties the room together, directing the eye with its subtle yet inviting hues. The golden oak surrounding the sink pays tribute to the Midwest, evoking a sense of familiarity and comfort that makes this space feel like home.
As the project progresses, our dedicated crews are tapping into their expertise while racing against a tight deadline. Adjustments to the lighting and ceiling have been made to ensure a seamless transition from a commercial building to a cozy residence, reflecting a thoughtful approach to design that marries functionality with aesthetic appeal.
We’ll continue to share updates and insights into the design choices and craftsmanship that will define this unique room. From the selection of lighting fixtures to the curation of furniture that enhances the overall vibe, we are excited to take you along on this journey of transformation. Stay tuned as we document our progress in creating this extraordinary office space!
3. Final Arrangement
As construction winds down and the finishing touches are applied, the excitement in the air is unmistakable. Crews are diligently working to ensure everything is perfect before Prospect Refuge Studio steps in to tie the room together. The installation of the cabinet hardware is in full swing, with custom cast bronze hardware complementing natural wallcovering on oversized golden oak cabinet doors.
The choice of each of the unique features of the custom cast bronze hardware tells its own story, with shapes like trucks, wrenches, dinosaur heads, acorns, moons, golf balls and the like lending a modern twist that enhances the traditional oak cabinetry with a fresh and intriguing feel. This thoughtful selection reflects a commitment to marrying contemporary aesthetics with traditional elements, resulting in an office that feels both stylish and comfortable.
One of the standout features of the remodel is the iconic blue carpet, which has just been laid out across the office floor and up the wall. Its thoughtful hue beautifully compliments the oak cabinets, adding a subtle pop of color that is cohesive to the room. This intentional color palette not only tells Victoria Sass’ story, but also creates a harmonious balance between the various design elements.
MHM LIVING has collaborated closely with Prospect Refuge Studio to ensure that each element serves a purpose. The carefully considered dimensions of the cabinets and the interplay between the carpets and wallpaper work together to create the illusion of more space, making this office both functional and inviting. It’s a testament to MHM LIVING’s expertise in crafting environments that cater to the client’s needs while still adhering to stylish design principles.
The collaboration with Prospect Refuge Studio, led by the talented Victoria Sass, brings a distinctive Midwestern charm to the project. From the subtle blue carpet to the thoughtfully chosen wallpaper that wraps around the office, every detail has been selected to reflect a sense of Victoria’s childhood home with a modern twist. This attention to detail showcases not only design skill but also a deep understanding of the region’s style and character.
As we move closer to the completion of this transformative project, we look forward to sharing more insights. Soon, we’ll sit down with our President and Victoria Sass from Prospect Refuge Studio to delve into the overarching vision and design philosophy behind this remodel. Together, we will explore the creative process, the challenges overcome, and the ultimate goal of bringing the client’s dreams to life through a beautifully crafted office space.
Stay tuned for more updates as we wrap up this exciting project and reveal the final results!