Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1137964
Michele Lafield's favorite color is purple, so almost every room is punctuated with a version of the hue, including a Lorin Marsh ottoman in the entry, upholstered in lavender Coraggio mohair. Even the house's beautiful Vermont- clay roof tiles were chosen for their naturally purple hue, Duesing notes. Much of the Lafields' collection of contemporary art was purchased for the house while it was being constructed, which gave the team an opportunity to design appropriate walls to showcase the largest pieces. Dallas art advisor Cindy Schwartz of CCS Fine Art helped the couple acquire a strong collection, including sculpture by leading contemporary artists Anish Kapoor, Maya Lin, Tracey Emin, and Teresita Fernández. They also own paintings, photography, and mixed-media works by Floris Neusüss, James Hoff, and Goldschmied & Chiari. In April, the Lafields hosted a garden party at their home for members of the Texas chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, with a talk by Jed Morse, chief curator of the Nasher Sculpture Center. In his discussion, Morse explored the significant influence Frank had on modern design. Just looking around, there couldn't have been a better place to do it. "I was curious how Frank's work had been expressed in the house," Morse says. "And right away, I could see those connections in terms of perfect proportion, the layout of rooms, the sparseness, the subtle richness of materials and texture and color. The design certainly resonates with what Frank was doing in the 1930s, and speaks to his ongoing influence over design well into the 21st century." For the Lafields, who also have houses in Mexico and Colorado, their new Dallas home far exceeds their initial vision. "Ralph and Joe gave us a modern version of a villa on the French Riviera, which I never expected," Michele says. "Our Dallas house is our true favorite. It was all so much fun. I would do it again in a minute — with all of them." Architecture Ralph Duesing. Landscaping M.M. Moore Construction Company. Lighting design Stephanie Turner King. From left, Ralph Duesing and Joseph Minton 68