Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/112443
It���s a design-obsessed world. National and regional shelter publications have been joined by literally dozens of Web sites and TV shows in the search for see-worthy interiors ��� so many gorgeous homes and, increasingly, so little to differentiate them. So when you stumble across a truly singular dwelling, it���s with a mix of surprise, delight and much relief. The kind of place with a Saarinen table in the entry, a work-in-progress puzzle on the dining table, an aerial silk rigging in the upstairs recording studio and two funky tents in the back garden. That, in a very small nutshell, is the very large but completely comfortable home of Jenny and John Kirtland. Built just two years ago on a spacious corner lot in one of Dallas��� most prestigious but least intimidating neighborhoods, it���s both lush and livable, with a full measure of quirkiness ��� interior design that doesn���t hold its breath waiting for someone else���s approval. The couple met onstage when Jenny, now with Polyphonic Spree, opened for John���s band Deep Blue Something. You might expect the home of two musicians to have a Laurel Canyon vibe, and there are touches of that aesthetic in natural wood finishes and graphic-patterned wallpapers ��� not to mention the music room and that recording studio. But there are also sleek mid-century pieces, luxurious leathers and extraordinary custom lighting, all embraced by the architecture of an elegant but relaxed English country home, complete with pale stone fa��ade and soaring cathedral ceilings laced with glowing wood beams. ���We love modern,��� Jenny explains, ���but we didn���t want a white box. The English-style architecture gave us a casual feel without that antique-y feeling.��� Although they had loved the process of gutting and remodeling their first home in a Lower Greenville neighborhood, the Kirtlands decided to build as their family grew. ���We had just had our daughter when we bought the property,��� Jenny says. They worked with architect Robbie Fusch and builder Tom Kindred to realize their vision. That point/counterpoint of traditional and modern informs every room. They had purchased much of the furniture and rugs before moving in, then partnered with Dallas designer Brant McFarlain ���to finish out the rooms. His taste is similar to mine,��� says Jenny, ���so we worked well together.��� The interior evolved at a relaxed pace, with pieces relocated several times ���before they found their MARCH| PAGE 41 | 2013 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Jenny Kirtland designed the chandelier with John Gregory, using salvaged pieces from an Italian Venini-glass chandelier. The massive wood farmhouse table is surrounded by silk velvet armchairs from the French modern line Promemoria. Ebonized mahogany ledge beneath an Art of Old India mirror. Eskayel wallpaper by Shanan Campanaro. Tom Dixon three-piece ebonized oak coffee table from Scott + Cooner centers the family room���s sitting area. Mid-century modern chairs from John Kirtland���s family home were reupholstered in mohair. The Boyd floor lamp is a MoMA classic. Brant McFarlain designed the built-in shelving and populated it with ���gypsy finds.��� The window coverings have evolved from the original olive-green wool, first with a band of caramel velvet, most recently with a border of blue taffeta. An inveterate collector, Jenny Kirtland shops local boutiques and scours the Internet for finds such as this mid-century wood hutch and sleek double-light lamp.