3528 Marquette Street: A University Park Contemporary Crown Jewel Featured on HGTV and in D Magazine
Have you ever dreamed of owning a home so impeccably designed, so effortlessly stylish, that it earns a coveted spot on HGTV? Or perhaps, to be recognized in the pages of a prestigious publication like D Magazine? Your dream is now a tangible reality with the Monday Morning Millionaire feature: an exquisite University Park contemporary residence located at 3528 Marquette Street. This magnificent property has captivated the attention of design experts and now stands ready to captivate you.
The Hallmark of Camera-Ready Design: Meeting HGTV’s Exacting Standards
With over two decades of experience as a photography stylist and location scout in the luxury real estate sector, I can attest to the rigorous criteria that a home must meet to be considered “camera-ready” for high-profile clients like HGTV or any commercial photography project. The perfect setting demands more than just aesthetic appeal; it requires a blend of form and function designed to impress both the eye and the lens. A truly exceptional home for a photoshoot must, first and foremost, exude unparalleled style – a cohesive design narrative that speaks volumes. Crucially, it needs an abundance of natural light, which photographers cherish for its ability to enhance spaces and bring them to life. Moreover, the layout must facilitate ease of movement, allowing crews, makeup artists, and stylists to navigate freely, capture diverse angles, and sustain a full-scale production for the duration of a shoot.
This University Park contemporary home at 3528 Marquette Street doesn’t just meet these exacting requirements; it surpasses them with effortless grace. Spanning an expansive 6,833 square feet, this architectural marvel boasts six generously sized bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and two convenient powder baths. This vast and adaptable footprint provides ample space to create the perfect visual story, whether it’s for the discerning eye of HGTV producers or the sophisticated campaigns of luxury brands like Neiman Marcus. Every corner of this home is a testament to thoughtful design and functional elegance, promising an ideal backdrop for both daily living and high-gloss editorial spreads.
The Visionaries: Crafting a Home for Modern Family Life
The inspiring journey of transforming this University Park property into a camera-ready masterpiece begins with its creative owners, Nikki and Matt Stinson. Nikki, with her extensive background as a creative director in the advertising industry, now channels her artistic talents into her custom paper goods company, Tickled Designs. Matt, meanwhile, is deeply involved in the dynamic car industry. Together, they are the proud parents of four energetic children: Noah (11), Stella (9), Opal (7), and Hildie (5), along with their two cherished dogs, Baxter and Rebel. This vibrant family unit was the driving force behind the home’s practical yet stylish design.
“We knew we’d outgrown our home on Amherst when the only place we could put our youngest child’s crib was in the master closet,” Nikki humorously recounted. While acknowledging it was a spacious master closet, the reality of a growing family necessitated a more expansive and thoughtfully designed living environment. They envisioned a home where each child could have their own dedicated space, a stark contrast to the temporary, albeit charming, nursery in the closet.
Their quest led them to a perfect location, coincidentally owned by one of the most respected names in luxury home building: Robert Elliott Custom Homes, a firm frequently featured on Daltxrealestate.com’s Approved Builders list. The collaboration with Elliott was remarkably seamless, largely because the Stinsons were seasoned veterans in the home-building process. They approached the project with a wealth of experience, bringing forth not only a curated selection of tried-and-true materials but also a suite of innovative, non-traditional design concepts. These included the ingenious decision to strategically place the main staircase towards the rear of the house, optimizing the flow and aesthetics of the primary living areas. Furthermore, they opted to forgo a traditional formal living room, instead creating an inviting and highly functional library, reflecting a modern approach to family-centric living.
A Masterclass in Family-Friendly Luxury and Innovative Design
The Heart of the Home: A Welcoming Library and Open-Plan Living
“There are four cozy chairs in the library, and everyone gravitates there,” Nikki shared, highlighting the unexpected popularity of this design choice. “We play games and read, and my husband and I sit and chat in there. We never thought we would use it so much.” This dedicated space has become a cherished family hub, offering a serene alternative to the bustling main living areas.
“The open-plan family room is where we spend 95 percent of our time,” Nikki emphasized, underscoring the success of their design philosophy. The centerpiece of this vibrant space is the generously sized kitchen island, a true marvel of functionality and design. “I love our big kitchen island. We did two levels on purpose, one for cooking and a table level for the kids to do their homework.” This ingenious two-tiered design ensures that cooking, dining, and studying can coexist harmoniously without disruption.
Adding another layer of thoughtful convenience, the Stinsons ingeniously designed drawers within the island, assigning one to each child. This brilliant idea, worthy of emulation by any busy family, transforms potential clutter into organized simplicity. And for those inevitable childhood mishaps, worry not: permanent marker wipes right off the durable Caesarstone countertops, making this kitchen truly family-proof. The cabinetry, too, reflects their commitment to practicality without compromising on style.
“We installed Downsview cabinetry,” Nikki proudly stated. “It’s like melamine, easy to wipe down!” This choice perfectly encapsulates the home’s ethos: beautiful design that stands up to the demands of an active family.
Maximizing Every Inch: Smart Storage and Hidden Functionality
The Stinsons’ meticulous planning extended to every square inch of the home, a design philosophy Nikki described with a smile: “We took a bit of ribbing that we were building it like a ship. We looked at every bit of dead space and used it.” This commitment to efficiency transformed overlooked areas into highly functional spaces. A prime example is the ingenious home office nook cleverly tucked beneath the staircase, demonstrating how thoughtful design can maximize even the most unconventional spaces.
Personal Touches and Child-Friendly Customization
The family’s input was integral to the home’s character. “Everyone got a vote in the process,” Nikki shared. “The kids picked all their own paint colors. I take creative control, but they are like little mini clients that don’t pay and complain a lot!” This collaborative approach ensured that the home truly resonated with every member, fostering a sense of ownership and personal expression within its walls.
The Ultimate Retreat: A Glamorous Master Suite Sanctuary
While this home effortlessly blends practicality with chic, unfussy design, it also harbors a secluded pocket of pure glamour: the master bathroom. “I often find my husband hanging out on the couch in the bathroom,” Nikki revealed, painting a vivid picture of tranquility. “It’s a complete sanctuary in there. It’s the Calgon-take-me-away spot.” Indeed, this master oasis, complete with its own lounging couch, defies convention, offering an unparalleled escape from the daily grind and transforming a utilitarian space into a luxurious, spa-like retreat.
University Park Living: Location, Lifestyle, and Prestige
The Stinson family moved into their meticulously crafted University Park contemporary in 2015, immediately embracing the vibrant lifestyle the community offers. Strategically positioned, the house enjoys an ideal location, equidistant to the lush green spaces of Coffee Park and Caruth Park, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisurely strolls. Furthermore, it’s just minutes away from the prestigious NorthPark Center, renowned for its luxury shopping, fine dining, and cultural experiences. University Park itself is celebrated for its tree-lined streets, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community, making it one of Dallas’s most sought-after neighborhoods for discerning families.
From Private Residence to Media Sensation: A Featured Home
Upon the home’s completion, Robert Elliott Custom Homes commissioned acclaimed photographer Nathan Schroder to document the stunning results for their portfolio. It was during this process that the home’s destiny as a media darling began to unfold. “During the process, Nathan asked us if we had ever considered having our house published,” Nikki recalled. Schroder, impressed by the home’s photogenic qualities, connected with stylist Jenny O’Connor, who then presented the property to D Magazine. The publication immediately recognized its appeal and featured the house prominently.
Jenny O’Connor, leveraging her industry connections, also submitted the home for consideration by HGTV. Its unique blend of contemporary design, family functionality, and undeniable charm resonated deeply with the network. “They liked it, and it’s on their website right now!” Nikki exclaimed, highlighting the widespread admiration for their University Park gem. This journey from a private family residence to a publicly acclaimed design icon underscores its exceptional quality and broad appeal.
Your Opportunity: Own a Renowned Luxury Home
Given its impressive accolades—being featured in D Magazine, gracing HGTV’s website, and offering an abundance of space for an active family of six, plus two beloved dogs—you might be wondering: why would anyone choose to sell such a beloved and celebrated home? The answer, as shared by Nikki, speaks to a fundamental truth among creative minds: “We love this home, we truly love it, but there is this design itch you get. We have that bug, so it’s time for the next challenge.” This desire for new projects and fresh creative endeavors presents a unique and exciting opportunity for a discerning buyer to acquire a truly special residence.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal and family-friendly features, this property also offers practical luxuries, including a fantastic outdoor patio area perfect for entertaining or quiet relaxation. Imagine hosting gatherings in a space that has already passed the rigorous scrutiny of professional photographers and stylists. In fact, you can even leverage its proven photogenic qualities to potentially offset mortgage payments by offering this beautiful home to area location scouts for future photo shoots.
Seize This Exclusive Opportunity
Don’t miss the chance to experience this architectural gem firsthand. Contact Compass listing agent Amy Detwiler today to schedule a private viewing of this $3.495 million University Park contemporary masterpiece. Discover how this renowned home can become your next extraordinary address, offering a blend of celebrity status, impeccable design, and unparalleled comfort.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of dogs, international travel, history, white paint, champagne, artificial turf, and Tudor and Midcentury Modern homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com.