What Makes a House a Home?

Agents, builders, interior design professionals talk favorite spaces

Personal touches make a house a home. We asked real estate agents, builders, and interior design professionals who live and work in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow neighborhoods about the details that make their favorite spaces in their homes.

Javier Burkle

Owner and principal designer, Burkle Creative
Favorite Space: Dining Room

​​“I love my whole home, but for me, nothing compares to the dining room. We love to entertain friends and family, and we always set the table for a seated dinner in the dining room following cocktails. Our friends love our “golden egg” dinner parties — where the Christofle signature gold cutlery is the theme and centerpiece. I was inspired by intimate, cozy conversations, and evenings when I designed the room. From the mix of furniture, art, and vintage and antique pieces to my favorite Ralph Lauren chandelier, the room is very atmospheric — down to the hand-drawn ceiling by local artist Ashley Braithwaite. The room is versatile, functional, and above all, a beautiful, cozy spot to gather our favorite people for memorable meals and evenings together.”

Les Owens

Founder, LRO Residential
Favorite Spaces: Loggia

“My favorite room in my house is not a room at all but open space. I love our loggia/pool and yard. We spend so much time outside year-round, and this area was a major focus when designing the home. I wanted a very large living space; chairs and couch, with room for a large dining table and another space to cook and have dinner/drinks by the grill. We have heaters, (a) fireplace, and (air conditioner) on the loggia, so it’s truly a year-round space.” 

• 

• 

• 

Lisa Henderson

Founder, Lisa Henderson Interiors
Favorite Space: Children’s Bathroom

“This may not be a traditional or typical response, but my favorite space in my home is my kids’ bathroom. This space was really tricky to conceptualize because it is a jack-and-jill bathroom that my son and daughter share, and I wanted it to be a unique space that they both loved. In the beginning stages of the design process, I knew I wanted a classic tile that would stand the test of time paired with a fun wallpaper. After tirelessly looking, I wasn’t finding the right print that jumped out at me, but once I found this wallpaper by artist Carly Beck for the Wallshoppe, I didn’t hesitate to purchase it. Not only does it have endless character and detail throughout, but my kids are big animal lovers, and I knew it would add that special touch for the end result I was searching for.”

Nora Clark

Agent, Allie Beth Allman and Associates
Favorite Space: Kitchen

“The kitchen will forever remain the anchor in any house. It is where people naturally gather. The space needs to be both functional and presentational. When looking at changes to increase your home value, the kitchen will almost always have the largest return on investment. In my home, the kitchen island functions as our family dining table, homework desk, buffet, and even bar when guests come over. Different trending spaces may come and go, but the kitchen is the classic staple in any home.”