For anyone who still believes a historic home must conform to conservative aesthetics, prepare to have your preconceptions shattered. Step inside this magnificent Westlake Tudor in Lakewood, and witness a masterclass in design where heritage meets audacious modernity. Renowned interior design icon Michelle Nussbaumer has elevated this classic residence to an entirely new echelon, proving conclusively that a historic home can indeed be unequivocally hip and vibrantly current.
For those new to the world of high-end interior design, Michelle Nussbaumer is a name that resonates with legendary status across the global design community. Here in Dallas, we proudly claim her as one of our own, a Texas native whose influence extends far beyond state lines. With a Swiss husband, her life is a tapestry woven with international travel, including a cherished home in Gstaad. This rich, multicultural background deeply informs her distinctive design aesthetic, allowing her to draw inspiration from diverse cultures and historical periods.
Nussbaumer’s global wanderlust is not merely for personal enjoyment; it is a fundamental pillar of her design process. She scours the world, meticulously curating unique, one-of-a-kind items for her discerning clientele, each piece telling a story, adding layers of history and intrigue to the spaces she creates. Beyond sourcing, she is also a prolific designer in her own right, crafting everything from luxurious textiles to bespoke hardware, each creation a testament to her exquisite taste and unparalleled craftsmanship. A visit to her iconic shop, Ceylon et Cie, nestled on Dragon Street within the vibrant Dallas Design District, is an experience in itself—a veritable global adventure that transports you through a kaleidoscope of exotic treasures and breathtaking design inspirations, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about home decor and international style.
“What Is A House If Not A Stage For Living?”
The interiors we design are not only inspired by the unique clients we have the pleasure of serving but are also inspired by life. We’re passionate about setting the stage for adventurous lives to be lived.
Michelle Nussbaumer
This powerful philosophy underpins every project Nussbaumer undertakes, and it finds its magnificent expression within the walls of this 1925 Westlake Tudor. Her design approach transforms a house from a mere structure into an immersive environment, a vibrant backdrop where daily life unfolds with richness and character. Here, she masterfully deployed the elements that define her signature style: a bold and intriguing application of color, an artful layering of unique wallpapers, a sophisticated interplay of textures, and an almost boundless wellspring of creativity. Crucially, while pushing aesthetic boundaries, Nussbaumer never compromises on comfort, ensuring that these captivating spaces remain inviting and functional for everyday living. Every room is carefully orchestrated to evoke a sense of discovery and delight, creating a home that is both visually stunning and deeply welcoming.
Nussbaumer candidly shares her approach to client collaboration, emphasizing that not everyone is prepared to embrace such a vibrant and spirited design palette. “Not everyone is ready to accept color and fun,” she noted. However, this particular project presented a rare and exciting opportunity. “I knew this client would go all out, and that is what drew me into the project,” she explained, highlighting the synergy between her vision and the homeowner’s adventurous spirit. Beyond aesthetics, Nussbaumer holds a profound respect for architectural preservation, a principle that guides many of her international endeavors. “I also respect preservation and work on a lot of restorations around the world. In Dallas, so much is torn down, and that does not happen in Europe. I love being a part of keeping something original.” This commitment to preserving the integrity and history of a structure, while infusing it with contemporary flair, is a hallmark of her work and a testament to her unique contribution to the design landscape.
Her work in this Westlake Tudor is a fascinating dialogue between past and present. Nussbaumer thoughtfully reminds us that homes from the Victorian era were not the staid, muted spaces often imagined today. On the contrary, they were frequently overflowing with an abundance of bold colors, elaborate wallpapers, rich tapestries, and cherished collectibles. To truly grasp this historical design sensibility, one need only recall examples like the Sullivan House at Old City Park, a living testament to how exciting and audacious historic decor could be, filled with artifacts that evoke a bygone era of decorative exuberance. It’s a powerful reminder that vibrancy in home design is not a modern invention but a revival of historical roots.
This vibrant sensibility continued well into the early 1920s, a crucial context for understanding this Westlake Tudor. While it might not have featured a purple kitchen, it could very plausibly have been originally filled with a rich array of colors and patterns. In many profound ways, Nussbaumer has not merely renovated this house; she has orchestrated a sensitive and sophisticated return to its historical origins, reintroducing a depth of color and character that aligns with its architectural heritage. For those curious about the extent of this remarkable transformation, I previously documented the house’s original state in 2018, offering a dramatic “before” perspective on its journey to becoming the stunning masterpiece it is today: I wrote about it in 2018. The contrast between then and now underscores the genius of Nussbaumer’s vision and her profound understanding of historical continuity in design.
Delving deeper into the meticulous details, Nussbaumer highlights the specific choices that anchor the home in its rich past while propelling it forward. “The wallpaper, for example, is a historic print from Adelphi,” she shared, pointing to a carefully selected pattern that speaks volumes about the house’s era. Her design philosophy also extends to often-overlooked elements. “People forget about the ceiling, and it’s the fifth wall,” she emphasized, advocating for its crucial role in defining a room’s character. This conviction leads her to treat each space as a precious entity. “I think that you want to make each room like a jewel box. That’s what they were historically, with leaded and stained glass, so we are bringing it back to that.” This thoughtful approach ensures that every surface and corner contributes to an overarching sense of luxury and historical authenticity, transforming the home into a truly multifaceted gem.
The kitchen, without a doubt, is a central topic of conversation, designed to captivate and inspire. We are confident that its innovative and exhilarating use of color will be discussed for years to come, standing as perhaps the most fun and inspiring kitchen transformation we have ever witnessed. It defies convention, yet feels utterly right within this historic setting. Nussbaumer meticulously considered every detail to honor the home’s past while embracing a vibrant present. “The farm sink would have been the kind of sink used originally, and so would the glass-front cabinets,” she explained, showcasing her commitment to historical accuracy while refreshing key elements. “We refreshed everything we could in the house,” she added, indicating a comprehensive and thoughtful restoration effort.
Beyond these thoughtful restorations, Nussbaumer injected her unique brand of creativity into the space. She personally designed the custom hardware, ensuring every detail was perfectly aligned with her vision. The true showstopper, however, is the delicious purple lacquer chosen for the cabinetry—a daring and utterly brilliant hue that saturates the space with personality. The final stroke of genius, she noted, lies in the perfect chromatic harmony: “I think the juxtaposition of the pale blue oven made it so pretty,” she mused. This unexpected pairing creates a dynamic, playful, yet sophisticated atmosphere, making the kitchen not just a functional space, but a true work of art.
Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, this Westlake Tudor offers substantial practicality and an enviable lifestyle. Spanning a generous 3,060 square feet, the residence features four well-appointed bedrooms and three modern bathrooms, providing ample space and comfort for a family. Its location is particularly coveted, falling within the highly desirable Lakewood Elementary attendance area, known for its excellent educational standards. This means children can easily enjoy a short and safe walk to Lakewood Elementary School, fostering a sense of community and independence. Furthermore, the home’s proximity to White Rock Lake offers unparalleled access to outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Residents can readily walk or bike to the lake, enjoying its extensive trails, scenic views, and various activities, enhancing the overall quality of life in this vibrant Dallas neighborhood.
The esteemed location of this property is further highlighted by leading real estate professionals. “This is a true deep Lakewood block,” remarked Richard Graziano, the distinguished listing agent with Allie Beth Allman & Associates. His assessment underscores the prestige and desirability of the specific street and its integration within the tightly-knit Lakewood community. Graziano eloquently captures the essence of this home’s unique charm: “The essence of traditional sophistication and modern elegance has truly been captured here, and it’s an immaculate house with a great deal of flexibility.” This statement perfectly encapsulates Michelle Nussbaumer’s achievement—a seamless fusion of historical grandeur with contemporary living, all within a meticulously maintained property. The flexibility Graziano mentions speaks to the thoughtful design that allows for various living arrangements and personalized decor, ensuring the home can adapt to the evolving needs and tastes of its future owners.
Given the exceptional nature of this meticulously designed and historically significant Westlake Tudor, I am absolutely certain that it will not remain on the market for an extended period. This is not just a house; it is a meticulously crafted living experience, a vibrant testament to the enduring appeal of classic architecture infused with daring, contemporary design. It offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Lakewood history, reimagined for the modern era.
If you are yearning to experience the unparalleled joy of living in a stunning historic home that brims with distinctive character, undeniable style, and an abundance of personality—a home that tells a story while inviting you to write your own—then this extraordinary property demands your immediate attention. Located at 6934 Westlake Ave., this architectural masterpiece is currently available on the market for $1.79 million, representing an incredible value for a residence of such unique distinction and designer pedigree in one of Dallas’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Don’t miss the chance to make this extraordinary Westlake Tudor your own.