Artful and Open Dallas Townhome
Art comes first for Ken Maxwell. When some homeowners pick their artwork to match their inside, Maxwell followed his instincts and made his home about his love for art. “I seriously considered going crude,” says Maxwell. “That’s a frequent design tendency for a great deal of people in contemporary structures, but it does not need to be the only option.”
A fervent supporter of young and upcoming artists, Maxwell acquired some locally produced large and bold pieces to function as the most important design inspiration for the remainder of the home. The result is a gritty yet luxe, soiree-ready space full of comfort, colour and intrigue.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Ken Maxwell
Location: Exposition Park, Dallas
Size: 3,000 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
That’s interesting: An art installation of 400 miniature white ceramic pistols hangs in the fourth-floor stairwell.
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
This vibrant painting in the living room functioned as Maxwell’s chief inspiration — all those bold colors in the home were pulled from this piece. The coffee table is a giant working mystery; this practical piece of art rests in an oversized 100-year-old kilim rug.
Oil painting and sculpture: Ricardo Paniagua; coffee table: Phillips Collection; couch: Donghia; chairs: Fusion Home Fashion
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
The huge living area is split into four areas. Maxwell’s curated selection of oversize art distinguishes each space for a unique yet cohesive aesthetic. To attain the desirable museum effect, horizontal white ceiling paint was used on all noncolor ceilings and walls.
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
The entryway, featuring artwork by John Spriggins, sets the creative tone of the home. Maxwell commissioned the first oil-on-newsprint bit after seeing similar creations from the artist. “I suppose it found me in a sense,” says Maxwell. “I had been taking my dog, Oswald, for a walk. He ran into 500X, a nearby gallery, and laid down right in front of a bit by Spriggins.”
Table: property sale
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
Maxwell cites Frank Lloyd Wright as one of his greatest inspirations. “I think in bringing the outside in,” says Maxwell. “The exterior plays a major role in the interior layout, stream and colour choices. I consider it all an integrated visual encounter.”
Coffee table: classic Knoll; artwork: Sandra Leveson; chairs: High Camp Home; cubes and stenciled bench: Fusion Home Fashion
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
While the kitchen space isn’t too large as Maxwell would prefer, he gets the most of the space. “It transforms into a great bar for celebrations, and the long, narrow area helps reduce loitering behind the scenes,” says Maxwell.
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
This Italian étagère is a modern spin on the china hutch. It serves double duty as a pragmatic piece and artful display, due to strategic lighting and an available arrangement of serveware, novels and sound gear.
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
The geometric dining table consists of edged glass in addition to a bit of solid carved stone. Maxwell frequently utilizes the evergreen planter as a foundation for custom celebration florals. “It’s a great vase choice,” says Maxwell. “Keeps it low and interesting.”
Table: custom artisan bit; chairs: Donghia; fabric: de Le Cuona; planter: Dirt
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
A fan of alternative perspective, Maxwell pays homage to the average can with this tasteful display atop a custom-designed credenza.
Can photography: Ben Cornford; can vases: The Wooden House
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
Another bit by Ricardo Paniagua, “Red Wings,” appears to soar in a landing of Maxwell’s dramatic multilevel stairwell. “The first floor is visible from the landing,” says Maxwell. “Apart from being a great work of art, this piece offers continuity.”
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
A red accent wall appears in four locations throughout the home. It started with the artwork that initially motivated the house’s bold scheme; here it enlivens the guest bedroom.
Accent wall paint: Chinese Red, Sherwin Williams; photography: Michael Maurer; bedding: Neiman Marcus (no more available); architectural console: High Camp Home
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
An otherwise sparse office contains several open shelves showing industry awards and souvenir that inspire Maxwell, such as a painting from his youth home that sparked his love of art. There was A glass table repurposed as a desk that was slick.
Accent wall color: Freedom Blue, Glidden; Barcelona chair set and table/desk: Design Within Reach; cowhide mirror: High Camp Home
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
The master suite is far much more subdued compared to the remainder of the home. “It is just a relaxing area with good light,” says Maxwell. “If I needed to, I could figure out how to live just within this 400-square-foot location.”
Wall colour: Hearth, Sherwin Williams; painting, David McCullogh; couch: Crate and Barrel; chair: Fusion Home Fashion; tables: Brueton
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
Strong, solid lines and understated decor maintain the masculine Japanese-style master bath simple.
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
Maxwell commissioned youthful artist Alfredo Salazar-Caro to make a new bit for its fourth-level stairwell. Called “Happiness Is a Warm Gun,” it’s the artist’s first installation and is a comment on commonplace gun imagery. Ironically, it appears serene and beautiful — like a swarm of butterflies — by the bottom of the stairwell.
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
The fourth-floor stairwell leads to Maxwell’s rooftop entertaining area, where he hosts an annual Fourth of July fete.
Frank Gehry Left Twist Cubes: Design Within Reach; all additional furniture: eBay
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
Maxwell’s rooftop proves that urban dwellings can be pet friendly. Maxwell installed this rooftop relief region for Oswald with K9 Grass by Forever Lawn.
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
Maxwell installed a tiny kitchen adjacent to his rooftop deck, where he and guests frequently dine al fresco. “I tired of the four-flight marathon if something was needed from the kitchen,” he states. “I have everything at Ikea. It was cost effective and that makes a world of difference.”
Valerie McCaskill Dickman
Dallas architect Ron Wommack made the ultimate urban oasis for Maxwell, an open area with lots of mild, all without sacrificing privacy or suppress appeal.