Places That Inspire Us: Dallas

The area is also home to several fine dining establishments and the revered Virgin Hotel. The hotel’s exterior façade alone will have architecture enthusiasts’ mouths agape. Designed by the Dallas-based 5G Studio Collaborative, the diamond-patterned aluminum structure was created with every bit of attention to detail. This geometric shape was chosen specifically for its association with the gemstone itself – which is a representation of beauty. Variations in the pattern are meant to invoke the sparkling effect of cut diamonds. If that doesn’t inspire you to stay at this stunning spot, you only need to step inside. The first-floor restaurant and bar, Commons Club, evokes the playful flair of a modern social hub. Think gilded bar with red leather bar stools and a mirrored lounge with infinity-esque, emerald green leather booth seating. The Funny Library Coffee Shop – also on the ground floor – serves as a flexible communal workspace outfitted with walnut paneling and a coffered ceiling with brass inlays.

While in the district, we encourage you to check out The Charles for an Italian dinner. Designed by brothers Corbin and Ross See of Sees Design, this renaissance-chic eatery boasts design details such as neon lighting around a custom wallpapered ceiling, an 18th-century marble fireplace from France and custom wallpaper in the bathroom hallway. We’re told the wallpaper print was designed by blotting imprints of the owners’ wives’ bodies onto papers, which were scanned to create the wallpaper.

The annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas always opens in tandem with Dallas Design Week in the fall. Design aficionados practically run to devour the top-level design inspiration provided by over 20 design firms (depending on the year) in the multi-room home. The 2023 showhouse was located in the heart of Old Preston Hollow neighborhood and had us swooning over a “windowpaned” dining room by Mark D. Sikes and a bedroom paying homage to Marrakech by Kristi Nelson of KMNelson Design.

Mere miles down the street from the most recent Kips Bay Show House, Frontgate is serving up style for the home in our Preston Royal Village store and is a must-visit on any Dallas itinerary. Our 9,443-square-foot retail space features a front vestibule reminiscent of a traditional home foyer, showcasing seasonal offerings; a unique central atrium to test and engage with the best-in-class outdoor furniture assortment; and an in-store Design Studio with dedicated expert staff. Did we mention that design appointments are complimentary? We also accept walk-ins. See you soon!

One doesn’t need to be a design lover to appreciate the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The finely manicured 66 acres are a sight to see no matter the time of year. Whether you’re taking in autumn’s extraordinary Pumpkin Village or touring the Dallas Blooms Festival in the spring, it’s clear that this spot is one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in all of Dallas.

Finally, since you’re in the Dallas area, you simply need to pay homage to the cowboy and his style – or, in this case, the cowgirl. Worth the over 30-mile drive to nearby Fort Worth, the Cowgirl Hall of Fame & Museum makes an enjoyable afternoon. While the museum is plentiful with rich history lessons in feminism and fringed rodeo costumes of the past, our design-trained eyes were mesmerized by the presence of 20-some framed Hermès silk scarves lining the walls of the museum’s grand staircase. A handful of the mostly western-themed motifs were designed by Kermit Oliver from Waco, Texas, the only American artist to design scarves for Hermès.

Since you’re already in Fort Worth, you should also tour the Kimbell Art Museum. The exquisite collection in this revered museum is comprised of over 350 works that epitomize their periods and movements. We’re certain all design enthusiasts will find inspiration within its walls.

For more places that inspire us, check out our design lovers’ guide to Atlanta.