DESIGNING A SHOWROOM

BY PEGGY LEVINSON PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHEN KARLISCH

Chad Dorsey had a design dilemma. He was working on a renovation in Highland Park. It was a grand room, but with a fireplace that was seriously off center, and the room couldn’t work around it. The idea of an asymmetrical fireplace was born with the design of Malibu. Graceful, curved marble on only one side creates the appearance of the fireplace centered in the room as a focal point. Other fireplace designs followed, and soon Strike by Chad Dorsey was born. An array of styles that fit seamlessly with any architecture are constructed from some 13 different marbles, cantera stone, and limestone and combine polished, sandblasted, and honed finishes. Strike has representatives and sells all over the country. “The fireplace surround is an integral part of the space—it withstands the test of time and must go along with any subsequent remodels and redos,” says Dorsey.

Dorsey started his career in 2005 with More Design + Build, erecting homes from the ground up. He found that more and more of his clients then wanted him to choose furniture and fabric and design the interior of the home. So gradually Chad Dorsey Design became the biggest part of his work. Because of his architectural acumen, his projects always fully integrate the furniture, accessories, and lighting with the architecture of the house, whether classic or modern. He builds much of his furniture using local artisans and includes his clients’ antiques and works of art in his designs. His interiors are personal and playful and reflect the client’s own personality and lifestyle.

Laura Lee Clark Falconer has been a highly sought and recognized designer for more than 30 years. Fifteen years ago, wait time for high-end custom furniture was four to six months. Understandably, many clients just weren’t willing to wait that long. Clark Falconer was inspired to open her eponymous showroom by one of her best clients who said, “If there were a showroom that sold everything off the floor, I’d pay double for it.” The need was great and the success greater. Her to-the-trade showroom was an instant hit.

Most of her sources come from her travels and relationships with artists and antiques dealers. “Because of our relationships we are frequently approached by new lines. Of course, it is important to decide who is really a right fit for our brand.” As to the showroom’s appearance, she adds, “I want our look to be timeless but current, as we are always trying to be out in front of what designers are looking for,” she says. A perfect example is her collection of original Hermès scarves made into pillows. Old and new at the same time, they add to any décor.

In 2008, most high-end showrooms in the Design District featured floor samples in neutral colors of beige and gray. Laura Lee Clark opened with lots of color and style and brought in new design sources that had not been seen in the Dallas market. She was the first Dallas representative for Julian Chichester of London, who has exciting designs with unexpected finishes, like a four-poster bed wrapped in leather. Also, because floor samples are changing daily or weekly, the showroom always appears fresh and new.

Clark Falconer has found great sources for original art curated with her discerning eye, including many local artists. Fort Worth artist Heather Essian creates original art on canvas, fabric, and wallpaper. Megan Adams Brooks creates beautiful artwork as well as fabrics and wallcovering. In addition, venerable gallery owner Barry Whistler has consigned art to the showroom, which is another reason this is a must-see shop in the Dallas Design District. P