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JULY | PAGE 22 | 2014 Favorite places for terrific decorative finds. There are so many. Nest for the perfect finishing touches and accessories — Donald Fowler, the manager, is so on point. Gallerie Noir for unusual pieces that pull rooms together and Nick Brock for antiques. Tell us about your history in Dallas. I was born in Dallas and grew up here, although I have lived in several other cities post-college. In high school, I was voted "Least Likely to Live in Dallas," and yet here I am, and I absolutely love living in Dallas. Family is very important to me, and my family is here. My roots are here. I also think that Dallas has really transformed into an interesting and dynamic city, specifically over the past 10 years. Dallas has an amazing social scene, and it's easy for me to be private or to be involved at my own discretion. I like that ability to ebb and flow without the pressure to always be present at every social event. Ideal project. Right now, a modern Parisian flat. I am very into French design as of late. It is so effortlessly chic and luxurious and still timeless all at once. On balancing work and home life with a husband and children. It's a constant give and take. I work really hard at trying to be present in the moment. When I am with my family, I strive to focus on spending that precious time with them and enjoying every moment. I apply the same mindset to my work and personal life. When I am installing a project or spending time with clients or friends, I want to be fully engaged. It is a continual struggle, and I am always trying to improve upon it. Is there a place you go to in the city for inspiration? My living room with a glass of red wine, some good music and a huge stack of art books. Travels that have impacted your sense of design. Several come to mind. But London and New York have probably been the most influential. I have lived in both places and loved them equally, but for different reasons. I love the rock 'n' roll vibe and the edginess that they both evoke; it's fresh and chic and always progressing. I also recently visited Morocco and fell in love with all of the textures and the energy of the country; it is rich and visceral on so many levels. Favorite pieces in your home. My vintage black-and-brass Mastercraft credenza, a large black-and-white photograph by Tatiana Gerusova and a pair of Cleo Renault vintage Lucite lamps from Leslie Pritchard at Again & Again. Artwork closest to your heart. Probably a piece by Henry Whiddon that my mother gave me. She purchased it in the '70s from the DMA. It used to hang in my grandmother's house, and it always feels like home to me. It is a beautiful modern abstract collage, and I will have it for the rest of my life. First choice you make when designing a room. When my business partner, Julie Lloyd, and I are designing for a client, there is always a jumping-off point, a plan. It varies dependent on the space, but we are always very precise and organized. It can be a rug, a color, a chair or a chandelier. It's never the same for any room. When I am designing for my own home, I purchase out of sheer passion for a piece. There is a feeling I get if I see something that I want in my home; it is often sporadic and illogical, but somehow it all works. I have