My Houzz: Creatively Cohesive Studio in Dallas
Vintage, contemporary and eclectic elements blend to make the most of an intimate space in a historic downtown building
Modeled after the Paris Opera House, outfitted with 1940s office doors and brimming with architectural history — The Wilson building is full of elegant contradictions. Photographer and designer Lindsay von Hagel looked at nearly 20 buildings before selecting this historic studio apartment in downtown Dallas.
Over the past three years, von Hagel has filled her small, open-concept home with an eclectic and thoughtful mix of old and new, industrial and organic, humorous and dramatic. The result is a highly functional, harmonious space full of purpose and originality.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lindsay von Hagel and cats Ruca and Lola
Location: Dallas
Size: 670 square feet studio
That's interesting: The Wilson building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Over the past three years, von Hagel has filled her small, open-concept home with an eclectic and thoughtful mix of old and new, industrial and organic, humorous and dramatic. The result is a highly functional, harmonious space full of purpose and originality.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lindsay von Hagel and cats Ruca and Lola
Location: Dallas
Size: 670 square feet studio
That's interesting: The Wilson building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In the main living space, von Hagel displays the prized cello that she's been playing since age 12. The floor under the midcentury sideboard is used as storage space for stylish books. The wood console blends with the hardwood flooring for visual continuity.
Von Hagel chose this leather Ikea sofa for its minimalist style and small scale. The sleek design exaggerates the artwork that hangs behind: two framed and signed illustrations by artist Shepard Fairey.
Pillow: Crate & Barrel
Pillow: Crate & Barrel
A wall above the bed is the one place in the studio where von Hagel displays her own photography. Frames propped on a floating shelf add depth and are easy to update with new work.
Bed: Malm, Ikea; rug: West Elm; graphic pillow: Gypsy Wagon; foldable bike: Dahon; photographs: Lindsay von Hagel
Bed: Malm, Ikea; rug: West Elm; graphic pillow: Gypsy Wagon; foldable bike: Dahon; photographs: Lindsay von Hagel
Von Hagel's mini work area is set next to her bed. "I used as much vertical space as possible," she says. "I went all white and minimal so it would recede into the wall and take up less visual volume."
Parson's desk: West Elm; storage: Ikea; art: Cody Hudson
Parson's desk: West Elm; storage: Ikea; art: Cody Hudson
On the other side of the bed is a small metal table that von Hagel discovered at local antiques mall, Lula B's. The weathered leather photo album is also a Lula B's find, which she filled with her favorite images. A clear lamp base helps keep the space feeling open.
Lamp base: Target; lamp shade: West Elm
Lamp base: Target; lamp shade: West Elm
This antique gardening table is an unexpected way to bring the outside in. She uses it to display and rotate succulents, grass and candles.
Table: White Elephant Antiques; art: Mark Ryden
Table: White Elephant Antiques; art: Mark Ryden
A fan of the mirror-on-mirror concept, von Hagel is experimenting with a dangling wreath as a renter-friendly option for her bathroom. A monogrammed towel personalizes the space.
Ruca and Lola enjoy high style in their designated, personalized space with fun bowls, decorative cat grass and a framed print by Dallas artist Taro-Kun.
Part of the building's charm stems from the historic office doors that remain intact throughout the entire building. The original brass hardware is a nod to the character of the historic building and its attention to detail.
Although this looks like a front door, it's actually in von Hagle's entry next to her front door. It would lead to the apartment on the other side if it weren't sealed shut.
Art: Alicia Ross
Although this looks like a front door, it's actually in von Hagle's entry next to her front door. It would lead to the apartment on the other side if it weren't sealed shut.
Art: Alicia Ross
The Wilson, located in the heart of downtown Dallas, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It's across the street from the city's historic Neiman Marcus flagship store.
Von Hagel, shown here, has high demands for her small space. "I want it to say something about who I am and also serve as an ongoing springboard for creativity," she says.
Houzz call: Do you have a creative, eclectic studio? Share it with us!
More: Dallas Style
Houzz call: Do you have a creative, eclectic studio? Share it with us!
More: Dallas Style
The apartment's main living area is a great example of von Hagel's love of midcentury design and art deco. She loves adding a little splash of whimsy and showcasing storied items. "I like to interject a sense of humor into clean lines surrounded by conversation starters," she says.