The year 2020 has taught us many things. Among them, home is our sanctuary and much more than a place to retreat at the end of a busy day. Home is now where many of us also work, teach, exercise—and decorate and redecorate. Soon enough, our homes will regain their role as a destination for entertaining and welcoming friends and family. Thanks to the Dallas Design District, you’ll be ready. There has never been a better time to elevate your space, whether to repurpose a few rooms or to create a refreshed and updated look. Whatever your design goals, the Dallas Design District has every resource available. In fact, the Dallas Design District has experienced a refresh itself and is open and ready for you to explore and safely shop.
Known worldwide as a leader in design resources, particularly the complex dubbed the Dallas Design Center which house some of the most notable local and national names in the industry, the Dallas Design District is where those in the know source coveted furnishings, antiques, art, textiles, hardware, lighting, rugs—everything required to transform a room…or an entire home.
“Now more than ever, our homes are our sanctuaries, and designers are working with clients to refresh their interiors. The District is a sourcing destination like no other.”
James Arsin, Arsin Rug Gallery
The Dallas Design District has carved out an identity all its own and has become a critical asset in the cultural fabric of Dallas. When you shop the Dallas Design District, you feel as if you have discovered your own little secret—a special place filled with endless treasures. It is one of Dallas’ most beloved, historical, and stylish enclaves, where you will find namesake interior design showrooms, art galleries, fine dining, luxury urban apartment homes, and the long-awaited Virgin Hotels Dallas.
Bill Hutchinson, founder and president of Dunhill Partners and general partner of the Dallas Design District, says one positive thing that emerged from the pandemic is a reminder of the importance of home. “We got the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with our immediate family members and our homes,” he says. “We have been living such fast-paced lives, especially here in Dallas, that we forgot to stop and smell the roses. We did not have time to sit in the various rooms in our homes and actually look at them—seriously look at them as if for the first time—and enjoy them. We now realize how much our homes make us happy—not only as in comfortable and cozy or as in the roof over our head clichés—but as the place we want to be. Our nest.”
For these reasons, Hutchinson says, Dallas is fortunate to have the Dallas Design District. “Just to reflect for a minute on the abundance of home furnishings, fabrics, fixtures, materials, lighting, art, and the presence of so many talented designers to bring it all together right here in our backyard is shocking,” he says. “With so much time spent thinking about our next room project, expansion, remodel, redecoration, or our next move, thank goodness the Dallas Design District is just minutes away!”
“The Dallas Design District is a great community of high-end brands and craftspeople. It is well developed, and convenient access allows homeowners to shop in an easy-to-navigate and safe environment.”
Christopher Peacock
The Dallas Design District still offers its longtime, go-to showrooms and entertainment destinations, with a few new surprises added to the mix. Right in the center of the Dallas Design District is the new Virgin Hotels Dallas, a beautiful, artistic creation of local architects, designers, builders, and artists. Hutchinson says it was designed to be an immersive experience with sensory overload, where you can go for a cocktail or meal at The Commons Club, or for a luxurious staycation. Not to be missed is the new Molteni&C showroom in the Decorative Center, specializing in contemporary Italian furniture and textiles, and Accessory Concierge, which relocated from its longtime spot on Lovers Lane. Brown Jordan recently completed its new 11,500-square-foot outdoor furniture showroom near the hotel, and co-working office, WorkLodge, is now open on Dragon Street and ready for entrepreneurs in search of a cool environment to do business. The Dallas Design District remains a coveted dining destination in Dallas and will soon claim Carbone, conceived by New York’s Major Food Group. Conveniently located in the Decorative Center, it has long been recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the Uinted States with longtime locations in New York and Las Vegas—and now Dallas.
“The Design District is one of the most significant and important neighborhoods in Dallas, because it consists of hundreds of furniture, fixture, material, and appliance showrooms that bring thousands of visitors and millions of dollars into the Dallas economy every year,” Hutchinson says. “The people who own the showrooms, galleries, and businesses have a true passion for the work and beauty they create and sell. The cool art galleries, trendy restaurants, and world-class museums have drawn thousands to the district, which is not duplicated anywhere else. Dallas is so fortunate to still have a thriving and successful design district, and it’s imperative we continue to support it.
Where to Shop
A quick-reference guide to some of the Design District’s most beloved shops. Click here to view these shops on a map.
Arsin Rug Gallery
Arsin Rug Gallery recently announced its inaugural Design Council. The Design Council includes six of the most talented and celebrated designers in the Dallas interior design community who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to serve as brand ambassadors. Pictured left to right: Shelly Rosenberg, Russ Peters, Sherry Hayslip, Bill Cates, Chelsea Hargrave, and Chad Dorsey.
Cantoni Trade
Cantoni Trade’s showroom offers the A&D community a collection of exclusive luxury home furnishing brands, including Henge, Gallotti&Radice, Meridiani, Rimadesio, and Exteta.
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors
For more than 50 years, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors has handcrafted the finest wood floors in America, each one reflecting the natural beauty of the highest-quality timbers grown in America. Each floor is custom-made by their skilled craftsmen to meet your specific design style and vision—one plank at a time.
Christopher Peacock
Christopher Peacock’s philosophy has always been to produce handcrafted cabinetry of the highest quality while using the finest materials and offering an unparalleled level of professional service to its clientele. Unique in its approach to the marketplace, the company is driven by a youthful enthusiasm and a fervent desire to create the most beautiful and lasting products.
Collage 20th Century Classics
“When Wlodek Malowanczyk opened Collage 20th Century Classics (his gallery of Scandinavian and vintage furniture) decades ago, he brought awareness of the best modern furniture designers to Dallas designers”- Emily Summers Collage 20th Century Classics has been in Dallas since 1990 and displays their range of curated collectable pieces in a 3,500-square-foot space in the Dallas Design District where clients come from around the world to add special items to their collections.
Dallas Luxury Beds
The third of your life you spend in bed fuels the other two thirds, yet we often compromise on the quality of our sleep. Visit Dallas Luxury Beds for the finest products combined with years of experience to help you find the right bed and sleep accessories for your needs.
Daltile Design Studio
The possibilities are endless when you make Daltile a part of your next design project. Visit one of Daltile’s many showrooms and select from an extensive range of countertops, tile, stone, and mosaics. Design consultants are available to help bring your vision to life, offering their expertise and design tips.
Feizy Rugs
Feizy has been bringing show-stopping, award-winning products to an extensive range of customers for more than 47 years. As this ever-changing world unfolds, Feizy evolves with it, bringing newer collections showcasing the best in style, craftsmanship, and innovation. It is visible in the finish of all of Feizy’s collections since 1973.
Glasshouse
Glasshouse is a full-service custom glass provider with offices in Dallas and Austin serving residential and commercial clients, architects, builders, and interior designers. Glasshouse’s creative team can handle every aspect of your custom glass design, fabrication, and installation.
The Kitchen Source
The Kitchen Source is a full turnkey design and remodel firm dedicated to providing the best client experience in Dallas-Fort Worth and throughout Texas. Whether remodeling your existing kitchen or designing your dream bathroom, the award-winning team of designers will bring your vision to life. A meticulous design process ensures the delivery of an exceptionally finished product.
Palecek
Inspired by the intrinsic beauty of natural materials, PALECEK is a wholesaler of handcrafted furniture, lighting, and accessories for both residential and hospitality environments. Founded by Allan H. Palecek in 1974, PALECEK is recognized worldwide for designing and crafting unexpected, unforgettable furnishings. Offering a wide range of domestic customization options, PALECEK is a trusted partner in curating beautiful environments.
TKO Associates Inc.
For 40 years, TKO Associates has set the standard in luxury European bath and kitchen products, industry knowledge, and customer service to the architecture and design trade. Tour TKO’s expansive showroom to experience the latest in smart technology, faucetry, vanities, personal spas, custom hardware, and home decor.
